Everest Base Camp Trek Distance
The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is a popular trekking route in the Himalayas of Nepal. The Everest Base Camp trek distance can vary depending on the route and starting point, but the most common length for the hike is around 130 kilometers (80 miles) round-trip.
This renowned trekking route takes you to the pedestal of the world’s tallest mountain, Mt. Everest standing at an elevation of 8,848 meters above sea level. It is a journey like no other, some call it a path to paradise, where each day is filled with new opportunities to experience the magical wonders of Mother Nature. Here, you get to not only encounter the strong and brave Sherpa but also will get to experience their unique culture and warm hospitality.
The trek usually takes about 12-14 days to complete, with daily distances ranging from 8 to 16 kilometers (5 to 10 miles), depending on the terrain and altitude gain. The EBC trek starts from Lukla, which lies at an elevation of 2,860 meters, and the trail gradually gains altitude as it progresses toward the Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). You will pass through several villages along the way, including Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep, before finally reaching the base camp.
In this article, you will get detailed information about the Everest base camp trek distance, map route, altitude profile, alternative routes, and daily distances traveled on the trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek Map
Infographics
Here is a rough map of the EBC trek route;
- The trek begins at Lukla, a small town in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal.
- From Lukla, the trek follows the Dudh Koshi River northwards, passing through villages such as Phakding and Monjo.
- .The trail then ascends steeply through the Sagarmatha National Park, crossing the famous Hillary suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and climbing up to Namche Bazaar, the largest town in the Khumbu region.
- After Namche, the trail continues along the Imja Khola River, passing through Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche villages.
- From Lobuche, the trail heads up to Gorak Shep, a small village just below the base camp of Mt. Everest.
- From Gorak Shep, you can hike up to the Everest Base Camp, which lies at 5,364 meters.
- The trail also leads to Kala Patthar, a peak with an elevation of 5,545 meters, which offers stunning views of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks.
- The trek then retraces its steps back to Lukla, passing through the same villages and landmarks.
Important Note: This map is just a rough guide, and the route may vary depending on the specific itinerary chosen by the trekking company or individual. It's important to consult with experienced guides and trekking companies to plan a safe and enjoyable trip. Contact us for more detailed guidelines and an itinerary.
Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Profile
The Daily Altitude Chart of Everest Base Camp Trek
The altitude profile of the Everest Base Camp trek can vary depending on the specific route taken, but here is a general overview of the altitude changes along the most common trail:
•Lukla- (2,860m/9,383ft)
•Phakding- (2,610m/8,563ft)
•Namche Bazaar- (3,440m/11,286ft)
•Hotel Everest View- (3,962m/13,000ft)
•Tengboche- (3,870m/12,694ft)
•Dingboche- (4,410m / 14,469ft)
•Lobuche- (4,930m/16,175ft)
•Gorak Shep- (5,140m/16,864ft)
•Everest Base Camp- (5,364m/17,598ft)
•Kala Patthar- (5,545m/18,192ft)
Different Trekking Routes to Everest Base Camp with Trekking Distances
Here are several trekking routes to Everest Base Camp with their respective trekking distances:
Classic Route via Lukla
This is the most popular route to EBC. The trekking distance is around 130 km (80 miles) round trip. The trek usually takes 12-14 days to complete.
Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek
This is a longer and more challenging route that starts from Jiri. The trekking distance is around 210 km (130 miles) round trip. The trek usually takes about 18 to 21 days to complete.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
This is an alternative route to the classic EBC route. The trekking distance is around 136 km (85 miles) round trip. The trek usually takes approximately 14-16 days to complete.
Three Passes Trek
This challenging and less crowded route passes through three high mountain passes- Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. The trekking distance is around 160 km (100 miles) round trip. It generally takes 19-21 days to complete the three passes trek.
Important Note: All these mentioned distances are approximate. They can vary depending on the exact route taken. Also, these distances do not include side trips, casual days, or any diversions that may be taken along the way.
Daily Distances Traveled During the Everest Base Camp Trek
The typical length in terms of the only time of the EBC trek is around 11 days. It takes around 7 or 8 days to arrive at base camp and just 3 days to return to Lukla.
This is because it is important to properly acclimatize while ascending during the trek, but the travelers will get used to the altitude while gradually ascending so it will be much easier while descending. You will get a better idea about EBC trek distances with day by day breaks down of the standard Everest Base Camp Trek;
Day 1: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Flight Duration: 35 minutes
Trek Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Starting Elevation: 2,860m / 9,383ft
Ending Elevation: 2,610m / 8,563 ft
Elevation Gain: 277m / 909ft
Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft)
Trek Distance: 11 km / 6.9 miles
Trek Duration: 7 hours
Starting Elevation: 2,610m / 8,563ft
Ending Elevation: 3,440m / 11,286ft
Elevation Gain: 1,125m / 3,986ft
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar- Hike to Hotel Everest View
Trek Distance: 6 km / 3.7miles
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Starting Elevation: 3,440m / 11,286ft
Ending Elevation: 3,962m / 13,000ft
Elevation Gain: 440m / 1,444ft
Day 4: Trek from Namche to Tengboche
Trek Distance: 9.5 km / 6 miles
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Starting Elevation: 3,440 m / 11,286ft
Ending Elevation: 3,870m / 12,694ft
Elevation Gain: 878m / 2,881ft
Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Trek Distance: 10.5 km / 6.5 miles
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Starting Elevation: 3,870m/12,694ft
Ending Elevation: 4,410m / 14,469ft
Elevation Gain: 697m / 2,287ft
Day 6: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Trek Distance: 7.9 km/ 4.9 miles
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Starting Elevation: 4,410m / 14,469ft
Ending Elevation: 4,930m/16,175ft
Elevation Gain: 612m / 2,008ft
Day 7: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp & Gorak Shep
Trekking Distance: 12 km/ 7.5 miles
Duration: 7 hours
Starting Elevation: 4,930m/16,175ft
Everest Base Camp’s Elevation: 5,364m / 17,598ft
Ending Elevation: 5,140m/16,864ft
Elevation Gain: 502m / 1,647ft
Day 8: Hike to Kala Patthar and Trek to Pheriche
Trek Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Trek Duration: 8 hours
Starting Elevation: 5,140m/16,864ft
Kala Patthar’s Elevation: (5,545m/18,192ft)
Ending Elevation: 4,240m / 13,911ft
Elevation Gain: 450 m / 1,480ft
Day 9: Trek from Pheriche to Tengboche
Trekking Distance: 8.9 km / 5.5 miles
Duration: 6 hours
Starting Elevation: 4,240 m / 13,911ft
Ending Elevation: 3,870m / 12,694ft
Elevation Gain: 680 m / 2,234ft
Day 10: Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar
Trekking Distance: 9 km / 5.7 miles
Duration: 8 hours
Starting Elevation: 5,125m / 16,814ft
Ending Elevation: 3,440m / 11,286ft
Elevation Gain: 450 m / 1,480ft
Day 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Trekking Distance: 19 km / 11.8 miles
Duration: 7 hours
Starting Elevation: 3,440m / 11,286ft
Ending Elevation: 2,840m / 9,318ft
Elevation Gain: 885m / 2,904ft
Important Note: Here mentioned elevation gain is the total/actual elevation gain, not the net gain. Since the trail consists of several ups and downs throughout, so real elevation gain differs from net elevation gain. You could calculate the net elevation gain by taking the differences between starting and ending points.
FAQs
1. How is challenging the trek route of Everest Base Camp?
The trek route to Everest Base Camp is a little demanding that requires moderate fitness and stamina. The EBC trail includes several steep uphill and downhill sections and rocky terrain. The trek involves walking for several hours a day at high altitudes. The maximum elevation on the trek is 5,545 meters at Kala Patthar, which could be challenging due to thin air and lower oxygen levels.
However, the trek can be completed by anyone with moderate physical fitness and determination. Trekking with an experienced tour operator who provides you with licensed and experienced guides can also help to make your trek safer and more enjoyable.
2. When is the best season for the Everest Base Camp trek?
The best season for the EBC trek is during the pre-monsoon season (March to May) and the post-monsoon season (September to December). These times are considered peak trekking seasons in Nepal. Generally, the weather is clear and stable, and the views of the Himalayas are spectacular.
The pre-monsoon is the spring season in Nepal, with warm and dry weather. The trails are also covered in colorful blooms, making it a beautiful time for trekking. However, the courses are crowded, and flights to and from Lukla can be affected by occasional rain.
The post-monsoon season is the autumn season in Nepal, with calm and dry weather. The skies are clear, and the mountain views are awesome. This season is also busy, but flights to and from Lukla are more reliable.
Likewise, although we suggest spring and autumn more, it is not that this trek cannot be done during summer and winter. With proper guidance from a professional guide and proper trekking gear, it is possible to hike to EBC in summer and winter as well.
These seasons are for adventure seekers who wish to experience challenging treks. We do not recommend it to novice trekkers. Another benefit of trekking in the off-season is that the trial is less crowded providing you the opportunity to relish in the tranquil environment.
3.How much does the Everest Base Camp Trek cost?
The EBC Trek cost depends on the duration, group size, route, mode of transportation, and services chosen. However, it could cost USD1400 per person on a full-board basis that includes transportation, all meals and accommodation during the trek, guide, porter, and other service crew, and all permits, entrance fees, and taxes included.
4.Can I skip acclimatization days in Everest Base Camp Trek?
It is mandatory to acclimatize properly during EBC Trek, especially for novice trekkers. The elevation of the Everest region is very high so it is crucial to properly acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.
Final Say,
The Everest Base Camp trek distance can vary depending on the route and where the trek starts and ends. The elevation of the EBC trek varies throughout the journey as it covers different altitude points. So, researching before embarking on the trekking journey is always a good idea. We hope the above facts and figures about distance, altitude, and length helped you with your doubts. However, if you still want more information on the Everest Base Camp trek, please feel free to contact us.
