Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary: A Complete Guide to Your Himalayan Adventure

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most iconic high-altitude trekking experiences in the world. And, the way you structure your itinerary makes all the difference. Following this route isn’t just walking in the mountains; it is a gradual and calculated ascent to the Himalayan foothills, where your success depends on how well each day is planned.

This Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary is widely recognized as the optimal standard route for making the most out of this eastern Himalayan journey. You will be able to reach the base camp safely and enjoy a truly balanced, well-paced adventure with sufficient rest days.

The structure of the trek to Everest Base Camp itinerary has been refined over the decades to provide a perfect stability of progressive elevation gain, an essential rest day and sufficient walking hours, making it an ideal experience for trekkers with varying fitness levels. 

Our carefully curated itinerary plan also ensures that trekkers experience not just the high points of the Khumbu region but the cultural and spiritual essence of the mountain as well. This day-by-day breakdown of the EBC itinerary gives you a clear picture of what you can expect: the distances, elevation changes, walking hours and major villages along the way.

The itinerary plan is not just a schedule; it is the backbone of your entire trekking experience. 

Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days Itinerary Overview

Before diving into details, here is a quick overview of the key facts that every trekker should know. This segment outlines the essential information of this eastern Himalayan journey to help you understand what you should expect on one of the world’s most iconic trekking adventures. 

Short Everest Base Camp Hike Itinerary Outline

• Day 01: Flight to Lukla (2,860m/ 9,383ft) and trekking to Phakding (2,610m/ 8,562ft)

• Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/ 11,286ft)

• Day 03: Acclimatization and exploration day at Namche 

• Day 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,867m/ 12,687ft)

• Day 05: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m/ 14,468ft)

• Day 06: Rest day at Dingboche 

• Day 07: Trekking from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m/ 16,108ft)

• Day 08: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,164m/ 16,942ft) to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/ 17,598ft)

• Day 09: Morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m/ 18,208ft) and trek to Pheriche (4,230m/ 13,877ft)

• Day 10: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/ 11,286ft)

• Day 11: Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m/ 9,383ft)

• Day 12: Flight back to Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,593ft)

Day by Day Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary

This day-by-day Everest Base Camp Trek detailed itinerary breaks down your full journey from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back. The itinerary plan also includes all major villages, elevation gains, trek duration, distance, rest stops and scenic highlights along the trekking trail.

This section will help you clearly visualize the adventure ahead and make necessary preparations. In this mainstream trekking region, the heart of the Himalayas, every day brings something new and enchanting. 

Day 01: Flight to Lukla (2,860m/ 9,383ft) and trekking to Phakding (2,610m/ 8,562ft)

Elevation Gain: 1,460m/ 4,790ft

Flight Duration: 35 minutes

Flight Distance: 138km/ 85 miles

Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Trek Distance: 8km/ 4.9 miles

The first day of your Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary begins with a thrilling scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Enjoying the aerial views of lush valleys and shimmering peaks on the northern side, you will land on the narrow airstrip of Lukla perched on a hillside.

After a brief rest and gear check at Lukla, you will begin your trek. Walking on the descending route, you will first from Chheplung Village and head toward Thado Koshi Gaon. After crossing a suspension bridge up ahead, you will arrive at Dudh Koshi Ghat. 

From Ghat, a gentle walk will lead you to Phakding Village, your overnight destination on this day. 

Flight Rerouting 

During the high trekking periods (spring and autumn), there is a high probability of the Kathmandu to Lukla flight getting rerouted from Manthali Airport, Ramechhap, due to heavy traffic congestion.

The drive to Manthali Airport takes about 4 to 5 hours and you will have to wake up at around 2:00 to 3:00 AM in Kathmandu to catch the morning flight. Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is the best way to avoid this hassle and enjoy a seamless experience.

As we will refund the cost of your airplane flight, which will be approximately US$ 200, you will just need to add US$ 300 for this helicopter flight. The cost of a Kathmandu to Lukla helicopter flight generally costs about US$ 500 per person during peak seasons. 

**Note: During the off seasons, when there is a low number of trekkers, the cost for the helicopter flight will depend on the number of passengers. You can also book a private charter in this route, which will cost you around US$ 2,500 to US$ 3,000**

Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/ 11,286ft)

Elevation Gain: 830m/ 2,723ft

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Trek Distance: 12.3km/ 7.64 miles

After eating breakfast at Phakding, you will follow the roaring Dudh Koshi River heading north. After crossing a suspension bridge, Tok Tok Village awaits your arrival. This peaceful village offers stunning views of Mount Thamserku.

Then, the trail continues toward Benkar Village and finally enters Sagarmatha National Park through Monjo Village. Your permits are checked here before you make a descent toward Jorsalle Village, the last village before you climb to Namche.

During the final stretch Everest Base Camp hike itinerary on this day, you will cross the iconic Hillary Bridge over Dudh Koshi River and follow a steep ascent on Namche Ukalo. Moving along the zigzag road through thick rhododendron and pine forest, you will enter the vibrant trade hub of Khumbu. 

Day 03: Acclimatization and exploration day at Namche 

After ascending to a major elevation point, this day of your Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary is all about adjusting your body to the high Himalayan altitude. In the morning, you can hike to Everest View Hotel in Syangboche, which rewards you with jaw-dropping vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Khumbila and Taboche.

Along the way, you can also explore Khumjung Village and Khunde Village, which are authentic cultural hubs of Khumbu. During this part, you can visit Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery (believed to house a yeti scalp).

You can descend back and explore the vibrant Sherpa capital, checking out local cafes and restaurants, or just leisurely observing the mountain lifestyle after completing your acclimatization hike. 

Day 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,867m/ 12,687ft)

Elevation Gain: 427m/ 1,400ft

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Trek Distance: 10.7km/ 6.65 miles

Leaving Namche, the trail climbs gradually toward a ridge that leads to Kyangjuma Village. Along this stretch, the panorama of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam is simply breathtaking. The path further ahead drops to the Dudh Koshi River gorge.

After crossing the river, you will arrive at Phunki Tenga. You take a lunch break here before starting the climb across rhododendron and pine forest that eventually emerges at Tengboche. This village is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, where you can take part in prayers before moving further with your journey. 

Day 05: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m/ 14,468ft)

Elevation Gain: 543m/ 1,781ft

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Trek Distance: 9.8km/ 6.09 miles

After eating a hearty breakfast at Tengboche, you will make your descent through a forested trail toward Debuche Village. Then, the path moves across the Imja Khola, where you will cross a wooden bridge to reach Pangboche Village. 

The trail continues toward the seasonal village of Shomare, used by yak herders and then arrives at Orsho Village. As you close in on the proximity of Dingboche, the terrain becomes wide and windswept.

Finally, you will arrive at Dingboche Village, which is surrounded by stone-walled fields. The arid landscape stark against the stunning view of Island Peak, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. 

Day 06: Rest day at Dingboche 

A second acclimatization day is vital here before you climb even higher. Like Namche, you will do a short acclimatization hike to adjust your body to the rising altitude. Nangkartsang Hill is a popular hiking prospect here. 

Your morning hike here will unveil the surreal vistas of Makalu, Lhotse and Imja Valley down below. After the hike, you will return to Dignboche and spend the rest of the day there. You can explore the nearby seasonal yak shelters and take your time to soak in high Himalayan culture and lifestyle. 

Day 07: Trekking from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m/ 16,108ft)

Elevation Gain: 500m/ 1,640ft

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Trek Distance: 8.8 km/ 5.47 miles

From Dingboche, the trek gently climbs to Dusa Kharka, which offers a broad view of the valley. You will then continue to walk toward Dughla Village (Thukla). It is a good rest spot before ascending steeply to the Everest Memorial, also known as Thukla Pass. 

At the top of the pass, you will find stone memorials dedicated to the climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives during the Everest expedition. Moving further from the memorial, the path levels out and clings to the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier.

You will keep walking along the rugged moraine debris to Lobuche Village. Lobuche is a rugged village that is surrounded by glacial terrain and towering walls of Nuptse and Pumori. 

Day 08: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,164m/ 16,942ft) to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/ 17,598ft)

Elevation Gain: 454m/ 1,489ft

Trek Duration: 8 to 9 hours

Trek Distance: 11.5km/ 7.15 miles

This is the day you have been eagerly waiting for in your Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary. Today, you will traverse to the heart of the eastern Himalayas and to the basin of the tallest peak on the planet.

From Lobuche, the trail weaves across the glacial moraine and rocky terrain to Gorakshep. This is the last human outpost before Everest Base Camp. You will check in at your lodge and drop your luggage. Then, you will trek across Khumbu Glacier to reach the legendary Everest Base Camp.

Although the Everest summit isn’t visible from the base camp itself, standing beneath the towering peak and sense of achievement is quite immense. You will stand beside the iconic Base Camp rock marker, soaking in the tranquil Himalayan atmosphere.

After photography and your heart full of memories, you will retrace your steps on the same route to Gorakshep for an overnight stay. 

Day 09: Morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m/ 18,208ft) and trek to Pheriche (4,230m/ 13,877ft)

Elevation Gain: 386m/ 1,266ft

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Trek Distance: 9.8km/ 6.08 miles

It is said that a hike to base camp is not complete without climbing Kala Patthar. Thus, before dawn, you will climb to this viewpoint following a steep and rocky ascent. When the golden morning light hits Pumori, Lhotse, Changtse and Nuptse, it unveils a heavenly dimension.

The views of Khumbu Icefall, glacier and valleys from here feel surreal. After relishing the magical sunrise views and Himalaya panoramas in full swing, you will then descend back to Gorakshep.

You will eat your breakfast here and prepare for your return trek. You will descend past Lobuche and Dughla. Then, following a lower trail, you will walk toward Pheriche. It is a windswept village that houses a medical post that is operated by the Himalayan Rescue Association. 

Return to Kathmandu via Helicopter Flight 

After completing the hike to Kala Patthar, you also have the option to take a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu. With the helicopter flight, you don’t need to descend on the same route and comfortably leave for Kathmandu, enjoying stunning aerial views of the eastern Himalayan range.

During the peak seasons (spring and autumn), this helicopter return flight costs around US$ 1,350 to US$ 1,400. As for the low trekking seasons, the cost depends on the number of trekkers. For a private charter, the cost range is around US$ 5,200 for 2-pax. 

If there are 3 to 4 members, the cost can range up to US$ 7,200. There is a need for 2 two-person shuttle to Lukla from Gorakshep or Kalapatthar as per the rule of the Nepali aviation.  

So, we will have to fly back 2 people per flight to Lukla. And, after collecting all members, we will leave for Kathmandu. 

Day 10: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/ 11,286ft)

Elevation Loss: 790m/ 2,591ft

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Trek Distance: 14.2km/ 8.8 miles

After a restful night at the windswept village of Pheriche, you will begin your descent journey back to the lower valleys. Leave Pheriche, the trail seems familiar, but you will enjoy different perspectives as you walk below.

You will cross the familiar path that rolls gently toward the yak pastures of Shomare. Next comes Pangboche and you will re-enter the forested zone heading toward Debuche Village.

After briefly climbing toward Tengboche, the zigzag trail leads toward Phunki Tenga. During the final part, the path climbs gradually across Kyangjuma Village to return to the vibrant amphitheatre of Namche Bazaar. 

Day 11: Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m/ 9,383ft)

Elevation Loss: 580m/ 1,902ft

Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Trek Distance: 17.9km/ 11.1 miles

This is the final day of the trek in your Everest Base Camp hike itinerary plan. Following a steep ascent from Namche, you will reach Jorsalle Village and re-enter Sagarmatha National Park. After checking out of the Monjo checkpoint, you will walk through Benkar and Tok Tok Villages. 

A brief climb will bring you back to Phakding. Then, after moving along the stretch through Ghat and Chheplung Village, a small ascent takes you back to Lukla. 

Day 12: Flight back to Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,593ft)

Elevation Loss: 1,460m/ 4,790ft

Flight Duration: 35 minutes

Flight Distance: 138km/ 85 miles

You will wake up early on this day to catch the morning flight back to Kathmandu. Soaring above the Himalayan foothills, terraced fields and forested ridges, you will head back to the bowl of the capital valley. Once, you land in Kathmandu, busy streets, warm temperatures and urban chaos may feel little overwhelming, but the Himalayas will never leave your heart. 

**Note: This standard 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp itinerary with Eco Holidays Nepal that just takes care of your activities for the adventure part. In case if you are looking for a completely guided experience with arrival and departure, you can check out our Everest Base Camp Trek 14 Days itinerary plan**

Optional Itinerary Extension

The classic Everest Base Camp Trek is a spectacular experience on its own. However, there are also several other alluring aspects in the region that you can explore along with this base camp adventure. Each of these side trips adds unique landscape challenges and rewards. 

Everest Base Camp Trek With Gokyo Lake

If you want to soak in the magical atmosphere of turquoise alpine lakes of Gokyo and cross one of the most stunning high-altitude passes in the Himalayas, Everest Base Camp Trek With Gokyo Lake is the route you should take. 

After exploring the chain of six glacier-fed lakes and hiking to Gokyo Ri, the trail veers toward Cho La Pass (5,420m/ 17,782ft). This Himalayan pass is a dramatic ice-covered crossing that like the classic Everest Base Camp Trek route with Gokyo Valley.

This extension is perfect for those trekkers who want to experience both iconic destinations in the Khumbu region without repeating the same trail on the return journey. Although this trek adds both altitude and distance, it is not on a level that will be overwhelming for moderately fit trekkers. 

Everest Three Passes Trek

The Everest Three Passes Trek is an unforgettable journey for seasoned trekkers who are looking for the ultimate Himalayan challenge. This extension of the Everest Base Camp hike itinerary is not just about adding a few days to your trip.

But it is about committing to the most complete and extreme version of trekking in the Everest region. All while giving you an unmatched variety of perspectives. Each of the passes in this trek: Renjo La Pass (5,362m/ 17,591ft), Cho La Pass (5,420m/ 17,782ft) and Kongma La Pass (5,535m/ 18,159ft). 

Due to elevation and extended trekking period, this trek demands a strong acclimatization, serious stamina and a high level of mental resilience. But if you are prepared for the journey, this three-pass extension is a spiritual, physical and visual masterpiece which truly defines what the high-altitude trekking is all about.

Island Peak Climbing with EBC

For those who don’t want to just walk among the foothills of the Himalayas but want to stand on top of one as well, the Island Peak Climbing With EBC is a logical and exhilarating extension. Also popular as Imja Tse, the Island Peak is 6,189 meters (20,305 feet) tall mountain that offers you a chance to transition from high-altitude trek routes to alpine snow.

What makes this extension so special is the balance it offers. You will get a chance to get the full Everest Base Camp Trek experience and then venture deeper into the Chhukung Valley for the climb. Island Peak is also considered a suitable climbing peak for beginners with prior trekking experience and good physical fitness.

Thus, Island Peak with Everest Base Camp is most suited for adventurous trekkers who are ready to take their journey beyond the trekking trails and into the realm of Himalayan icy slopes. This extension is also perfect for those training for bigger mountains or seeking a personal summit story.