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The thought of the Everest Base Camp hike seems like a lengthy, arduous affair—the one that goes on for weeks on end. While there are plenty of trekking itineraries that last over 14 days, you can also do short Everest Base Camp treks. Here are our guides on accomplishing the coveted trek that will take you all the way to the foothill of the world’s highest peak within 8 to 10 days.

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1. Explore Tibetan Highlights: Everest Base Camp Trek in 8 days

Get this view during a short Everest Base Camp trek from Tibet.
Lhasa is an easier alternative to trekking Everest Base Camp from the north.
Day 1 Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Day 2 Enjoy the sights in Lhasa
Day 3 Visit the Potala Palace
Day 4 Drive along the Friendship Highway to Shigatse
Day 5 Continue driving towards Rongbuk
Day 6 Trek up to Everest Base Camp and return to Shigatse
Day 7 Drive back to Lhasa
Day 8 Return to either Kathmandu or China by air or rail

If you have only 8 days to complete an Everest Base Camp trek, then we recommend cutting the journey time by driving along the Tibetan side. This 8-day Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary allows you to learn more about Tibetan culture and see the beautiful Buddhist palaces and temples before heading into the mountains. If you do not want to spend multiple days hiking through the Himalayas but still want to visit the Everest Base Camp, this itinerary is for you.

2. Get Panoramic Views of Everest: Everest Base Camp Trek in 9 days

Visit Khumjung valley on your short Everest Base Camp trek.
Head to Khumjung valley and learn about Sherpa culture.
Day 1 Fly to Lukla and head to Phakding
Day 2 Hike to Namche Bazaar
Day 3 Acclimatize to the high altitude and hike to the Everest View Hotel
Day 4 Hike to the Thame Monastery
Day 5 Trek to Khumjung
Day 6 Continue trek to Tengboche
Day 7 See the sunrise over Mount Everest and return to Namche Bazaar
Day 8 Trek back to Lukla
Day 9 Fly back to Kathmandu

Want to see the glorious views of Mount Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam in a 9-day short Everest Base Camp trek? This itinerary will offer you just that. This Everest Base Camp trek follows the most popular route, with stopovers at Sherpa villages and sightseeing tours of local monasteries. Along the way, you will also see panoramic views of the Himalayas.

3. Everest Base Camp on a Chopper Return: Everest Base Camp Trek in 10 days

Hop on a chopper for a shorter Everest Base Camp trek.
If you are short on time, a chopper return is ideal for an Everest Base Camp trek.
Day 1 Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Day 2 Continue trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 3 Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Day 4 Hike to Tyangboche
Day 5 Trek through the forest to Dingboche
Day 6 Acclimatize by taking a day’s hike to Nangkartshang Peak or Chhukung
Day 7 Begin your trek to Lobuche
Day 8 Trek to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep
Day 9 Hike to Kala Patthar and take a chopper ride back to Lukla
Day 10 Fly back to Kathmandu

If you have got only 10 days to reach Everest Base Camp, you are going to want to reduce the time that you spend returning to Lukla. The easiest way to do this is to take a chopper ride back from the beautiful Everest viewpoint at Kalapatthar. Once at Lukla you can catch a flight back to Kathmandu. Check out our helicopter tours to Everest Base Camp.

It is possible to complete a short Everest Base Camp trek within 8 to 10 days, without missing out on the experience of journeying through the Himalayas’ most iconic routes and immersing yourself in local culture. Wondering what your budget for the trek will be? Here is our guide on how much it will cost to trek to Everest Base Camp. Check out our guide if you are not sure how long the Everest Base Camp trek takes or reach out to our travel experts for the most up-to-date conditions. 

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Published by Tim Green, updated on September 14, 2023

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