The Everest Base Camp trek itinerary runs 12 days from Lukla. Two acclimatisation days are built in, two nights sit above 5,000m, and the Khumbu’s most iconic stops are woven into a schedule that gives your body the time it actually needs at altitude. Every day in this guide has a purpose — the acclimatisation days aren’t padding, and the pacing isn’t conservative for comfort, it’s conservative because it works. This guide covers every day in full detail: altitude, walking hours, the trail itself, what you’ll see, and what your body experiences at each stop. By the time you land in Lukla, you’ll know exactly what the next 12 days involve — not just the highlights, but the honest picture of each stage from first step to last.
What’s Inside This Guide
- 12-Day Itinerary at a Glance
- Day-by-Day Detailed Guide
- Acclimatisation Days Explained
- Buffer Days and Contingency
- Extensions — Adding a Trekking Peak
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Planning Guides
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary — 12 Days at a Glance
| Day | Route | Altitude | Hours | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fly Kathmandu → Lukla. Trek to Phakding | 2,610m | 3–4 hrs | Phakding |
| Day 2 | Phakding → Namche Bazaar | 3,440m | 5–6 hrs | Namche Bazaar |
| Day 3 | Acclimatisation — Namche viewpoint hike | ~3,900m high point | 3–4 hrs hike | Namche Bazaar |
| Day 4 | Namche → Tengboche | 3,870m | 5–6 hrs | Tengboche |
| Day 5 | Tengboche → Dingboche | 4,410m | 5–6 hrs | Dingboche |
| Day 6 | Acclimatisation — Nagarjun Hill hike | ~5,100m high point | 4–5 hrs hike | Dingboche |
| Day 7 | Dingboche → Lobuche | 4,940m | 4–5 hrs | Lobuche |
| Day 8 | Lobuche → Gorakshep → Everest Base Camp → Gorakshep | 5,160m / 5,364m | 7–8 hrs | Gorakshep |
| Day 9 | Kala Patthar → Pheriche | 5,545m / 4,240m | 6–7 hrs | Pheriche |
| Day 10 | Pheriche → Namche Bazaar | 3,440m | 6–7 hrs | Namche Bazaar |
| Day 11 | Namche Bazaar → Lukla | 2,860m | 6–7 hrs | Lukla |
| Day 12 | Fly Lukla → Kathmandu | — | 30 min flight | Kathmandu |
Curious what all this actually costs day to day? Our EBC cost breakdown covers every expense, from permits to tips.
How this Everest Base Camp trek itinerary is structured
Two acclimatisation days — Namche on Day 3 and Dingboche on Day 6 — are the foundation of this itinerary. Neither is ever compressed or skipped, regardless of group request or schedule pressure. The total altitude gain from Lukla to Kala Patthar is 2,685m spread across nine trekking days, one of the most gradual altitude profiles of any major Himalayan trek. Trekkers who follow this schedule and respect the acclimatisation days have the highest success rates and the lowest AMS incidence of any EBC itinerary structure. Want to see this route laid out visually? Check our EBC trail map. Curious what the teahouses at each stop are actually like? See our teahouse accommodation guide.
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary — Day by Day
Day 01 — Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Flight: 30 min | Trek: 3–4 hrs | Meals: L, D | Stay: Phakding
The day begins before dawn in Kathmandu — a shared bus to the airport, the early chaos of the domestic terminal, and then one of the most spectacular 30-minute flights in commercial aviation. The approach to Lukla threads between Himalayan ridges and drops onto a 527m runway that ends at a rock wall. Most trekkers land in silence. The walk from Lukla (2,860m) down to Phakding (2,610m) is a short, gentle introduction to the Khumbu — rhododendron forest, the Dudh Koshi river, and the first mani walls and prayer flags on the trail. Day 1 stays deliberately short: your altitude already jumped from 1,400m in Kathmandu to 2,860m at Lukla on the flight alone, and your body needs an easy first day, not a long one.
Day 02 — Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude gain: +830m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Namche Bazaar
The trail crosses the Dudh Koshi on suspension bridges, passes the national park entrance at Jorsale where permits get checked, and then starts the infamous final climb into Namche. The last two hours are a steep 600m ascent on a zigzag trail — the hardest stretch of the whole approach below Lobuche. This is usually where trekkers first feel what altitude actually does: the same effort that would be a brisk walk at home turns into slow, deliberate steps at 3,300m. The right response is simple — slow down, don’t stop, keep drinking water, and stick to your guide’s pace instead of trying to match faster trekkers going past.
Day 03 — Acclimatisation Day: Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Hike: 3–4 hrs | High point: ~3,900m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Namche Bazaar
The Day 3 acclimatisation hike above Namche delivers one of the finest viewpoints on the whole route. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam are all visible at once from the ridge above the Everest View Hotel. The hike gains roughly 450m from Namche as a day trip, then you come back down to sleep at 3,440m — the “climb high, sleep low” principle in action. Reaching a higher altitude during the day while sleeping lower triggers measurable red blood cell production. Trekkers who skip or shorten this hike consistently report more difficulty at Tengboche and Dingboche — not because of that day itself, but because of what the skipped hike failed to build.
Day 04 — Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m)
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Tengboche
The trail from Namche climbs through forest to a high ridge, where you get the finest views of Ama Dablam (6,812m) on the entire route — the mountain that shows up in almost every EBC photo. It then drops to the Imja Khola before the final climb into Tengboche. Tengboche Monastery at 3,870m is one of the most atmospheric stops on any Himalayan trek — the largest monastery in the Khumbu, with an evening puja ceremony trekkers can attend. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam are all visible from the monastery courtyard. Aim to arrive before 4:00pm if you can, to catch Tengboche in good afternoon light.
Day 05 — Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude gain: +540m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Dingboche
The trail descends from Tengboche through Deboche and across the Imja Khola, then climbs into the Khumbu’s characteristic upper valley — open, windswept, yak herds and stone walls replacing the forested lower trail. Dingboche at 4,410m is the last properly vegetated settlement on the route; above here the landscape turns increasingly stark and altitude effects increasingly noticeable. This is usually the day trekkers realise the route is genuinely different above 4,000m. The goal for the day is simple: arrive at Dingboche with energy to spare, not exhausted.
Day 06 — Acclimatisation Day: Nagarjun Hill (5,100m)
Hike: 4–5 hrs | High point: ~5,100m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Dingboche
The second acclimatisation day is the most important one in the whole itinerary. The hike from Dingboche to the top of Nagarjun Hill, around 5,100m, actually reaches higher than Everest Base Camp itself — as a day trip, while you sleep back down at 4,410m. This is the physiological groundwork that makes the two nights above 5,000m at Gorakshep survivable instead of miserable. We treat Day 6 as non-negotiable — never shortened, never skipped, never swapped for a rest day, no matter how tired the group feels the morning after arriving in Dingboche.
Day 07 — Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m)
Trek: 4–5 hrs | Altitude gain: +530m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Lobuche
The trail from Dingboche passes the Thukla memorial chortens — a stone terrace of monuments to climbers who’ve died on Everest, including colleagues of Hillary and Tenzing and dozens of Sherpa guides. It’s a genuinely moving stop, and it sets the tone for the high-altitude days ahead. The climb from Thukla up to Lobuche, above the memorial at 4,830m, is the first stretch where every step feels measurably harder than at sea level — not distressing, just unmistakable. Lobuche’s teahouses are the last fully-serviced overnight before Gorakshep, so eat well here and get to bed early.
Day 08 — Lobuche to Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp, and Back (5,364m)
Trek: 7–8 hrs | High point: 5,364m (EBC) | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Gorakshep
Day 8 is the day you’ve been walking toward since Lukla. The morning walk from Lobuche to Gorakshep crosses the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier — a boulder-field approach that’s slow and absorbing at 5,100m. From Gorakshep, the trail to Everest Base Camp follows the glacier edge through a landscape that looks more lunar than Himalayan. EBC at 5,364m isn’t a dramatic viewpoint — Everest is actually hidden behind Nuptse from base camp. What you see is the Khumbu Icefall right above you, the sprawl of expedition tents in climbing season, and the full weight of where you’re standing. The emotion at EBC doesn’t come from the view. It comes from one simple fact: you walked there, from Lukla, 5,364m up, over eight days.
Day 09 — Kala Patthar (5,545m) to Pheriche (4,240m)
Trek: 6–7 hrs | High point: 5,545m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Pheriche
The 4:00–5:00am alarm for Kala Patthar is the most rewarding one you’ll ever regret. The pre-dawn climb from Gorakshep to the summit at 5,545m takes 1.5–2 hours in darkness and cold — -15°C to -20°C in October, colder in November. The view from Kala Patthar is the finest of the whole trek: Everest fully visible from base to summit, the Khumbu Icefall falling away below, Nuptse and Lhotse framing it in early morning light. Trekkers who’ve followed the acclimatisation schedule properly usually feel strong enough to stay and watch the sunrise fully light up Everest’s south face. After Kala Patthar, the descent to Pheriche begins — the long journey home has officially started.
Day 10 — Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Trek: 6–7 hrs | Altitude descent: -800m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Namche Bazaar
The descent from Pheriche to Namche covers the same ground as the approach, in reverse — but it feels completely different. Every step is easier on the lungs and harder on the knees. The valley opens up below you, Ama Dablam appears in profile across the valley, and forest returns as you drop through Tengboche. Namche on the way back feels like a real town after Gorakshep and Lobuche — hot showers, wifi, bakeries, and the realisation that the hardest part is genuinely behind you. Most trekkers call the Namche return evening the most relaxed night of the whole trip.
Day 11 — Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m)
Trek: 6–7 hrs | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Lukla
The final trekking day retraces the approach from Namche through Phakding and the Dudh Koshi valley back to Lukla. The trail feels familiar — same bridges, same forests — but walking it on the last day has a completely different feel. Lukla the evening before your flight is a celebration town: every teahouse has groups comparing notes, sharing photos, and tipping guides and porters over dinner. Keep cash accessible specifically for tonight — USD notes for guide and porter tips, NPR for the final dinner and any last purchases.
Day 12 — Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Flight: 30 min | Meals: Breakfast
The flight home to Kathmandu — the same 30-minute spectacle in reverse, Himalayan ridges giving way to the Kathmandu valley below, and a landing that marks the official end of the trip. Twelve days. 130km. Kala Patthar at 5,545m with Everest fully visible at sunrise. Done.
Acclimatisation Days — Why They’re Non-Negotiable
Every experienced EBC operator schedules two acclimatisation days. We treat both as non-negotiable — never compressed, never converted to rest days, never skipped regardless of group fitness or schedule pressure. Here’s specifically why.
Day 3 at Namche (3,440m)
Your body needs about 48 hours to start meaningful acclimatisation above 3,000m, and two nights at Namche provide that. The Day 3 hike to 3,900m then puts the “climb high, sleep low” principle to work — stimulating red blood cell production while keeping your sleeping altitude stable. Skip this, and Tengboche at 3,870m on Day 4 becomes your first real acclimatisation test instead of a comfortable progression.
Day 6 at Dingboche (4,410m)
The hike to Nagarjun Hill at 5,100m — higher than EBC itself — prepares your body for the two nights above 5,000m at Gorakshep. This is physiologically the most important day of the whole trip. Trekkers who complete this hike at a conservative pace and come back well-hydrated consistently find Gorakshep and Kala Patthar manageable rather than overwhelming.
Buffer Days and Contingency Planning
Always build 2–3 buffer days into your Kathmandu schedule after the Day 12 return, before any international connection. Lukla flights are entirely weather-dependent, and cancellations during poor visibility are common in October, November, and May — a one to two day delay happens most seasons. Never book a same-day international connection off your Lukla return day. Helicopter evacuation from Gorakshep is available if you need it, and your travel insurance covers it. The buffer days aren’t pessimism — they’re the single most important logistical decision of the whole trip.
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary Extensions
| Extension | Extra Days | What It Adds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lobuche Peak Climbing (6,119m) | +4 days | Technical summit above 6,000m from Gorakshep | Trekkers wanting a genuine high-altitude climb |
| Island Peak Climbing (6,189m) | +5 days | Fixed-rope summit via Chhukung Valley from Dingboche | First-time technical climbers |
| Everest Three Passes Trek | +6 days | Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La — the full Khumbu circuit | Experienced trekkers wanting the complete Khumbu |
| Gokyo Lakes side trip | +2 days | Turquoise glacial lakes and Gokyo Ri viewpoint | Any trekker with time and energy at Dingboche |
Contact us before booking to talk through any extension — all of these can be built into the standard 12-day itinerary with adjusted pricing and logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our standard Everest Base Camp trek itinerary runs 12 days from Lukla, including two acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche. Always add 2–3 buffer days in Kathmandu for possible Lukla flight delays, so the realistic total for the Nepal side of the trip is 14–16 days including Kathmandu on each end.
Technically, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Cutting an acclimatisation day raises AMS risk significantly and lowers summit success rates. We don’t offer compressed itineraries that remove the Namche or Dingboche acclimatisation days — both are structurally essential. Twelve days is the minimum we’d call a responsible EBC itinerary, and any operator selling a 9 or 10-day package is cutting the acclimatisation that keeps trekkers safe above 5,000m.
Most trekkers say Day 9 — the pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar at 5,545m with Everest fully visible at sunrise. It combines the highest point of the trek, the most dramatic view of the whole expedition, and the knowledge that you reached EBC the day before, which makes it the emotional peak of the 12 days. It’s also the day most trekkers wish they’d packed a spare camera battery.
Related Planning Guides
- EBC Trek Package — Full 12-day guided expedition with group pricing from USD 1,039
- How Much Does EBC Cost in 2026? — Package prices, budget breakdown, and what’s included
- How Hard Is the EBC Trek? — Section-by-section difficulty with daily walking hours
- Altitude and Elevation Guide — Complete altitude profile and acclimatisation explained
- Altitude Sickness Guide — AMS symptoms, prevention, and treatment
- What to Pack for EBC — Complete gear checklist with buy vs rent guide
- Best Time to Trek EBC — Month-by-month season guide
- Permits Guide 2026 — Where to get permits, costs, and checkpoint locations
Walk the Khumbu. Stand at the Base of Everest.
This itinerary rewards trekkers who respect the schedule — the acclimatisation days, the pacing, the early alarms. Every day has a purpose, and every stop builds toward Kala Patthar at 5,545m with Everest filling the sky at sunrise. There’s no shortcut to that moment and no way to rush the altitude. Walk the trail properly, and it delivers everything it promises.
We’ve guided EBC since 2018 as a licensed local operator in Kathmandu — not a booking platform. When you contact us, you’re talking directly to the team that walks this itinerary every season, so any question about a specific day, the acclimatisation schedule, the Lukla logistics, or the contingency plan gets a real answer from people who were last on this trail recently.
The full package starts at USD 1,039 per person for groups of 8–12, USD 1,089 for 5–7, USD 1,259 for 2–4, and USD 1,379 solo. Lukla flights and all permits included, with a helicopter upgrade available on request.
View the full Everest Base Camp Trek package →
Questions about any specific day, the acclimatisation schedule, adding a trekking peak, or the Lukla contingency plan? We respond within 12 hours and give straight answers.