Most of the trekking destinations in Nepal offer a range of itineraries, some are short and fast-paced for people who want a challenging trek or simply have less time while some are lengthy routes that take you to a bunch of places for an extensive exploration. The Everest Base Camp Trek Duration is one such variable that can be shortened or extended as per your restrictions and preferences.
The standard Everest Base Camp Trek duration is 14 days long, starting from and ending at Kathmandu. There are many alternatives that you can choose from if this standard itinerary does not fit your preferences. Let’s take a look at all the different options starting from the standard itinerary.
Standard Everest Base Camp Trek Duration
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel (1300m)
Day 02: Trip preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Day 03: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 05: Rest day at Namche Bazaar
Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 07: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 08: Rest in Dingboche and hike to Nangkartshang hill
Day 09: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep
Day 11: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar viewpoint and back to Gorakshep, trek to Pheriche
Day 12: Trek back to Namche Bazaar
Day 13: Trek back to Phakding
Day 14: Trek to Lukla
Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu
This is the most-followed itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Spanning 2 weeks, this itinerary is the best option for most people as it follows the recommended elevation gain per day, effectively minimizing the chances of altitude sickness. The acclimatization days not only save you from altitude sickness but also offer you much-needed rest and a chance to explore the Himalayan villages.
This is the perfect itinerary for most people who do not want anything fancy to go with their EBC trek.
Short Everest Base Camp Trek
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your Hotel. (1300m)
Day 02: Drive to the airport and Fly to Lukla (2780m) and trek to Phakding (2610m) for 3 – 4 hours.
Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3410m),5 -6 hours
Day 04: Rest and acclimatization day at Namche (3410m)
Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche Monastery, 5- 6 hours, (3860m)
Day 06: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche, 5 – 6 hours, (4410m)
Day 07: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche , 4 – 5 hours , (4900m)
Day 08: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5120m), Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m) and Return to the Gorekshep, 7-8 hours minimum.
Day 09: Early Morning Hike from Gorek Shep to Kalapatther viewpoint (5550m), 3 hours and Return to Pheriche (4371m), 7 – 8 hours.
Day 10: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar, 6 -7 hours, (3410m) through the Tengboche monastery.
Day 11: Trek Back from Namche to Lukla through Phakding, 6-7 hours, (2870m)
Day 12: Fly Back to Kathmandu (30 minutes) and transfer to your Hotel. (1300m
Day 13: Fly back to your wonderful next destination.
Compared to the standard itinerary, this short Everest Base Camp Trek is 2 days shorter. This itinerary skips a preparation day at Kathmandu and a rest day at Dingboche which drastically shortens the length of the journey. However, since this is somewhat rushed, beginner trekkers with limited trekking experience might feel physical setbacks such as not making it to the destination on time and having a hard time adjusting to the highland atmosphere.
In addition to that, this rushed itinerary skips the recommended accommodation which calls for altitude sickness if your body is not able to handle the sudden change in altitude. This is why ample trekking experience is needed for short Everest Base Camp Trek.
This short EBC trek is the perfect option for people with less time to spare but having keen interest on reaching the Everest Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
This is one of the shortest Everest Base Camp Trek duration. You follow the same standard trek itinerary, with a flight to Lukla and, a trek to Phakding, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche. Following that, on the 6th day of the trek, you will reach the Everest Base Camp and get back to Gorakshep. From there, you will get on a helicopter ride to Lukla instead of trekking down to Pheriche. Here’s the itinerary:
Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche
Day 3: Trek from Namche to Tengboche
Day 4: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 5: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 6: Trek to Gorakshep (visit the EBC) | Helicopter ride to Lukla
Day 7: Lukla to Kathmandu
The helicopter ride is the main attraction of this itinerary along with the visit to Everest Base Camp. The flight lasts for only 20 minutes but it is something that you will not forget easily.
Alternatively, you can also opt for a helicopter ride on the way up. For this you will first have to arrive at the Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, then you will get on a helicopter that takes you to Gorakshep. Following your trek to the Everest Base Camp, you will have an hour or so to explore the base camp before heading back to Gorakshep for a helicopter ride back to Lukla. This is the shortest Everest Base Camp Trek duration.
Extended Everest Base Camp Trek Duration
The Khumbu region of Nepal offers a couple more trekking destinations that are often overshadowed by the internationally famous EBC trek. The Gokyo Lake Trek and Three Passes Trek are the ones that are not as popular as the EBC trek but they are equally thrilling or maybe even more so. Fun fact, you can combine these treks with the standard EBC itinerary to form an extended Everest Base Camp Trek duration.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
Gokyo Lakes are absolutely heavenly water bodies located at an elevation of 4745 meter above sea level. These lakes are brightly stunning, to say the least; we are sure that you will spend a healthy amount of time capturing photos. This 17-day trek is one of the most scenic and extended Everest Base Camp Trek duration; here’s the itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Trip preparation day
Day 03: Fly to Lukla, and then trek to Phakding
Day 04: from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 05: Rest day at Namche Bazaar
Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 07: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 08: Rest at Dingboche
Day 09: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 10: Lobuche to Everest base camp then back to Gorakshep
Day 11: Early morning hike to Kala Pattar then trek to Dzongla
Day 12: Trek over Cho-la Pass and down to Thangnag
Day 13: Trek to Gokyo Lakes
Day 14: Trek from Gokyo Lake to Dole
Day 15: Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar
Day 16: Trek back to Lukla
Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu
Everest Three Passes with Three Peaks Trek
As the name suggests, Everest Three Passes trek takes you through three different mountain passes, namely the Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass. These mountains passes are not a walk in the park, making the trek a challenging one; definitely not for beginners. If you are someone who wants a challenging highland trekking experience and has enough time to spend in the mountains of Nepal, this is the perfect match for you.
This trek starts with a fight to Lukla and follows the standard EBC trail but with a couple of detours to mountain passes and mountain climbing activities. You will climb the Island Peak, Pokalde Peak, and the Lobuche Peak all in a span of 10 days. Having to cross three mountain passes and climb three peaks, takes a lot of physical preparation prior to setting off for the trek.
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu Pick up / transfer to Hotel
Day 02 : Kathmandu to Lukla flight and trek Phakding
Day 03 : Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 04 : Acclimatization hike to Hotel Everest view
Day 05 : Trek to Phortse
Day 06 : Trek to Dingboche
Day 07 : Acclimatization Hike to Nagarjung Viewpoint
Day 08 : Trek to Chhukung
Day 09 : Trek to Imja Peak Base camp
Day 10 : Climb to island peak (imja)
Day 11 : Trek to Chhukung
Day 12 : Trek return to Chhukung
Day 13 : Climb Pokalde Peak and return trek to Lobuche
Day 14 : Trek to Pokalde Base camp
Day 15 : Trek to Gorakshep / Everest Base Camp and return to Gorakshep
Day 16 : Early morning Hike To Kalapather and Trek To Lobuche
Day 17 : Trek to High camp
Day 18 : Climb to Lobuche Peak and return to Zongla
Day 19 : Trek To Gokyo Lake Via Chola Pass
Day 20 : Trek To Lungden Village via Renjo-La Pass
Day 21 : Trek To Namche Bazar
Day 22 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 23 : Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
As you can tell, this is the longest Everest Base Camp Trek Duration lasting for than 3 weeks. It incorporates three mountain passes, three lakes, and a visit to the stunning Gokyo Lakes, which makes it a complete package.
How To Choose The Right Option?
We have outlined a bunch of itineraries for you to choose from. The one you should choose is the one that suits you the best after considering your physical fitness level, your time constraint, and your general preference.
For example, you may want to trek the Everest Three Passes with Three Peaks Trek but if you are not physically capable or do not have sufficient prior trekking and mountaineering experience, its for the best that you do not attempt this trek. Another case could be when you are physically capable of trekking the toughest trek but do not prefer the long ones.
When choosing the right one, consider these variables but in general, choose the one that you would really like to experience.
What to Pack For Your EBC Trek during Winter
Winter is not the optimal time for EBC Trek but some adventurous trekkers prefer the extra challenges the snow offers. Here are the essentials that you should pack for your EBC Trek during winter:
- Trekking T-shirts: For the standard Everest Base Camp Trek Duration, you should pack at least 3 moisture-soaking T-shirts. We know, that 3 T-shirts for 10 days of continuous trekking seems like insufficient but remember that everything you bring along with you is accounted for. The weight of your luggage is an important factor that you should be wary of.
- Thermal Vests: Thermal vests are your lifesaver in the mountains, they keep the heat of your body from escaping easily. Without thermal vests, you will definitely feel the cold much more than your fellow trekkers. You might even have to cancel the trek if it gets too cold and you do not have thermal vests to keep warm.
- Trekking Trousers: Wearing lightweight flexible trousers is not a need but a requirement for trekking in the highlands of Nepal.
- Thermal Leggings: Thick moisture-soaking thermal trousers will save you from the extreme cold brought by the winter season.
- Long-sleeve mid-layer wear: Over your thermal inner, you should wear a long-sleeved mid-layer to keep in the warmth of your body.
- Waterproof outer coat: Waterproof jackets are not only made to save you from rain but also heavy snowfall.
- Waterproof trousers and boots: Waterproof trekking pants and boots are a must as the weather conditions can not be accurately predicted in the Himalayas.
Other essentials include:
- Gloves
- Warm beanie
- Sunglasses
- Warm socks
- Gaiters
- Flip flops
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Sanitizer
