How Long Does an Everest Base Camp Trek Take?
A trek to Everest Base Camp has long been a ‘must-do’ for adventurers from around the world with its jaw-dropping vistas and diverse terrain including forests, mountain passes and gorgeous valleys. The harsh conditions and altitude make it a physically and mentally challenging expedition, but it is also one that’s rewarded with spectacular views, friendly locals and an appreciation of Nepali mountain culture.
How long is the Everest Base Camp trek?
The Everest Base Camp lies at an altitude of 5,364 meters. The duration of an Everest Base Camp trek varies but on the whole, you’ll need around two weeks. There are a wide range of Everest Base Camp trek itineraries that vary by duration and intensity, depending on your preferences. You also need a day or two in Kathmandu to adjust to jet lag and get gear sorted. And you should account for flight delays or cancellations to Lukla as well. On average, it takes around 10–14 days to complete an Everest Base Camp trek. If you’re short on time, there are Everest Base Camp trek itineraries as short as 8 days. If you’re looking for a detailed itinerary, you can spend as long as 30 days combining Everest Base Camp with the Annapurna Circuit.
Everest Base Camp trek in 14 days
14 days is the optimal time to complete the Everest Base Camp trek, with enough time to experience the best of the landscape and culture. Start and finish in Kathmandu, traveling together with your trekking group to the high-altitude airport of Lukla, from where the trek begins.
The most popular route is via Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. From Lukla, trek to the mountain town of Namche Bazaar, where you can rest, acclimatize and experience traditional Tibetan crafts and culture. Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum as well.
From here, continue onwards through lush forests that give way to expansive, awe-inspiring views of Lhotse. After acclimatizing, you’ll continue on a slow incline through meadows and past glaciers, arriving at Everest Base Camp and witnessing the Khumbu Glacier. From here, you can begin a shorter descent back to Lukla, from where we fly back to Kathmandu.
Alternatively, you can return to Namche Bazaar via the Cho La Pass, experiencing the stunning high-altitude Gokyo Lakes along the way. This is normally a 15-day trek, but that does include returning to Kathmandu, so if you want a more picturesque decline to Lukla, consider including that extra day.
Everest Base Camp trek in 10 days or less
If you’re a bit short on time, you can opt for a 10-day short Everest Base Camp trek. You’ll spend less time at the village of Namche Bazaar, but you won’t completely miss out on Sherpa culture. The shorter 10-day route doesn’t give as much opportunity for acclimatization, so this is something to consider.
You can also complete an Everest Base Camp trek that includes a chopper return to Lukla, rather than heading back through Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. This cuts your trip time down by a few days and makes it possible to complete an Everest Base Camp trek in 8 days.
Alternatively, you can drive to the Tibetan Everest Base Camp from Lhasa, get as far as Rongbuk, then hike the 8-9 hours to Everest Base Camp and back down to Shigatse. This is obviously much less strenuous than a multi-day trek, but great if you’re short on time.
If you are up for some adventure on your next trip to Nepal, check out our Everest Base Camp treks. Get in touch with one of our travel experts for a customized trip to Nepal.
