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Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
The Everest Base Camp is a 12-day journey starting from Lukla, peaking on Day 8 at the highest camp.
Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.
Duration
12 Days
Total Distance
—
Max Altitude
16,942 FT
Trek Type
Standard
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
Kathmandu Tourism BoardLukla Checkpost
Documents
Aadhar/Passport Copy, 2 Passport Photos, Medical Certificate, Disclaimer Form
Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals require standard valid visa and passport copies for logging at forest checkposts.
Foreigner Process
Requires Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and local Khumbu municipality permit.
Nearest Embassy Hub
Kathmandu
Day by Day Breakdown
Camp Alt
8,560 ft
Day Gain
+3,960 ft
Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding
Scenic flight followed by a gentle downhill walk.
Key Landmarks
Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
11,286 ft
Day Gain
+2,726 ft
Reach Namche Bazaar
A long, steep climb up to the bustling Sherpa capital.
Key Landmarks
The river gorge broadens into a steep forested ascent toward the Namche Bazaar settlement.
Camp Alt
11,286 ft
Day Gain
0 ft
Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
Hike high, sleep low to adjust to the thin air.
Key Landmarks
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Camp Alt
12,664 ft
Day Gain
+1,378 ft
Reach Tengboche
Stunning forest walks followed by a steep afternoon climb.
Key Landmarks
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Camp Alt
14,470 ft
Day Gain
+1,806 ft
Reach Dingboche
Acclimatization day at 11,280ft. Steep hike to the Everest View Hotel. Return to Namche for overnight stay.
Key Landmarks
The Tengboche forest leads into the open alpine pastures of the Imja Khola valley.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
14,470 ft
Day Gain
0 ft
Acclimatization at Dingboche
Important day for advanced altitude adaptation.
Key Landmarks
Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.
Camp Alt
16,210 ft
Day Gain
+1,740 ft
Reach Lobuche
Steady climb past the moving memorials of Everest climbers.
Key Landmarks
Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.
Field Notes
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
16,942 ft
Day Gain
+732 ft
Today's Objective
🏕 Establish Everest Base Camp
Rest day at 14,400ft. The team hikes the steep ridges above Dingboche towards Nangkartshang Peak to gain altitude.
Key Landmarks
The route navigates the barren glacial debris of the Khumbu icefall basin.
Field Notes
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
13,910 ft
Day Gain
-3,032 ft
Climb Kala Patthar & Descend to Pheriche
Climb early morning for iconic sunrise views over Mount Everest.
Key Landmarks
The Kala Patthar summit ridge descends back into the Pheriche valley basin.
Field Notes
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
11,286 ft
Day Gain
-2,624 ft
Reach Namche Bazaar
Enjoy the rich oxygen returning as you descend.
Key Landmarks
The Pheriche valley returns down down into the forested Khumbu gorge at Namche.
Camp Alt
9,380 ft
Day Gain
-1,906 ft
Reach Lukla
Final long walk back to the airstrip.
Key Landmarks
Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
4,600 ft
Day Gain
-4,780 ft
Fly to Kathmandu
Morning mountain flight back to capital.
Key Landmarks
The motorable road navigates deeper into the mountain river corridor, where the landscape transitions from lower foothills into the steep, dense forested valleys.
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Explore local culture in Lukla
+1 DayAdd a buffer day to explore local temples, cultural spots, and try signature local dishes like local breads and chutneys.
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