For many adventurers, trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a bucket-list experience. But one of the biggest questions is: How long does it take to trek to Everest Base Camp? The answer depends on your pace, itinerary, and acclimatization stops. Let's break it down so you know exactly what to expect!
How Many Days Does the EBC Trek Take?
Most standard Everest Base Camp treks take 12 to 14 days round-trip from Kathmandu. Here's a general breakdown:
- Trekking Days: 8-10 days of actual hiking
- Acclimatization Days: 2-3 days to adjust to the altitude
- Travel Days: 1-2 days for flights to and from Lukla
- But wait—if you're short on time, there are faster options too! Keep reading.
Standard 14-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Here's what a typical EBC trek looks like:
Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla & Trek to Phakding
- Flight Duration: 30–40 minutes
- Trek Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Trek Time: 3–4 hours
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Trek Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Tip: Take it slow! This is where you start feeling the altitude.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
- Short hike to Everest View Hotel for amazing panoramas.
Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
- Trek Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
- Trek Time: 5–6 hours
- Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery.
Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche
- Trek Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
- Hike to Nagarjun Hill for stunning Everest views.
Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche
- Trek Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Day 8: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp & Back to Gorak Shep
- Trek Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
- Trek Time: 7–8 hours
- Finally, you’ve made it to Everest Base Camp!
Day 9: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar & Back to Pheriche
- Trek Distance: 13 km (8 miles)
- Trek Time: 6–7 hours
- Sunrise hike to Kala Patthar for the best Everest view!
Day 10: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
- Trek Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Trek Time: 6–7 hours
Day 11: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Trek Distance: 19 km (11.8 miles)
- Trek Time: 6–7 hours
Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu
- Time to celebrate your achievement!
➡️ Check out Everest Base Camp Trek Map
Shorter & Faster EBC Trek Options
If you're tight on time, here are some alternatives:
1. Everest Base Camp Short Trek (12 Days)
- Cuts some acclimatization days
- Faster descent
- Requires strong fitness level
Check out our Everest Base Camp Short Trek package
2. Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return (7-9 Days)
- Trek up, then fly back by helicopter from Gorak Shep!
- Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter (1 Day!)
- Fly directly to Base Camp and back to Kathmandu in one day.
So, How Long is the EBC Trek, Really?
If you're trekking the classic route, expect 12-14 days for the round trip. If you’re in a rush, you can do it in 7-10 days. And if you're feeling fancy, you can take a 1-day heli tour and skip the walking altogether!
No matter how long you take, the journey to Everest Base Camp is an adventure of a lifetime—totally worth every step!
Ready to plan your trek? Let's make it happen with Tidy Himalaya! 🚀