Every adventurer dreams of Everest, but every journey isn't the same. The most commonly asked question on the Everest Base Camp trek is, How long does it really take to trek to the Everest Base Camp? The answer isn't simple. From the classical 12-day hike to the extended 20-day Three Passes route, we reveal the factors that determine your ideal trekking timeline. The beautiful landscapes, towering peaks, vibrant Sherpa Cultures, and a glimpse of Mount Everest make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In this blog, we are excited to dive into some of the most prominent itineraries that have developed since the early days.
14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
Experience the world's most famous trek as it was meant to be. Excluding the Arrival (Day 1) and departure (Day 14) from the itinerary, we present you with the 12 Days to complete the Everest Base Camp. Our 12-day classic itinerary is the gold standard for a reason, as it perfectly balances essential acclimatization with the steady rhythm of the trek.
Here is the quick 12-day outline itinerary for EBC:
- Fly to Lukla & start the trek to Phakding
- Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar
- Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazar
- Trek from Namche Bazar to Tyangboche
- Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche
- Second Acclimatization at Dingboche
- Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
- Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep and hike to the Everest Base Camp, and again head back to Gorakshep for an overnight
- Gorekshep to Kalapatther & Hike to Pheriche
- Pheriche to Namche Bazar
- Back to Lukla from Namche Bazar
- Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla
This itinerary includes 2 Days specially dedicated to acclimatization, which is crucial to prevent severe altitude sickness. Acclimatization is a gradual, natural process that allows your body to adapt to high altitudes with a low-oxygen atmosphere.
Similarly, the itinerary consists of a flight to Lukla, a visit to Kalapatthar summit, & a return to Kathmandu, which are the main features of this package.
This itinerary is designed to accommodate beginner trekkers or intermediate-level trekkers to facilitate the safe completion of the trek and contribute to its recognition as a reputable route. However, unpredictable weather in Lukla may result in prolonged delays, potentially stranding trekkers in Ramechhap or Kathmandu for several days. In such circumstances, it may be advisable to consider an extended Everest Base Camp itinerary via Jiri.
20-Day Everest Base Camp Via Jiri (Jeep Drive)
Escape the crowds and forget about the airport queue and multiple flight delays. Your Everest adventure begins on the open road, offering the most effective natural acclimatization process. The Everest Base Camp via Jiri route is a classic and historic route, aka "Swiss Trail", the original route used by the earliest expeditions. This voyage begins with a jeep ride, allowing travellers to embark on a deeper and more authentic Himalayan journey in Nepal. The 20-Day route ensures you trade the crowded Lukla flight for a truly authentic approach, allowing your body to acclimatise naturally. Here is the itinerary of EBC via Jiri, excluding the arrival and departure dates:
- Drive to Shivalaya (1,770 m) by jeep, 7-8 hours
- Trek to Bhandar (2,195m), 5 hours
- Bhandar to Sete (2,575m), 5-6 hours
- Sete to Junbesi (2,700m) via Lamjura-la pass (3,530m),6 hours
- Junbesi to Nunthala (2,220m),6 hours
- Nunthala to Bupsa (2,450m),5-6 hours
- Bupsa to Surkhe (2,300m), 6 hours
- Surkhe to Phakding (2,640m), 6 hours
- Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), 6 hours
- Namche Acclimatization Day
- Namche to Tengboche (3,867m), 5 hours
- Tengboche to Dingboche (4,350m), 6 hours
- Dingboche to Lobuche (4,931m) 6 hours
- Trek to Everest base camp (5,364m), 6-7 hours to Gorak Shep
- Climb up Kala Patthar (5,545m) and trek back to Pheriche, 6 hours
- Trek to Namche Bazaar, 6 hours
- Trek to Lukla, 6 hours
- Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
This itinerary features an extensive drive to Shivalaya following the historic path taken by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Along the journey, travelers have the opportunity to explore tranquil lowland valleys, and timeless villages such as Bhandar, Sete, Junbesi, Nunthala, Bupsa & Surkhe. On reaching Surkhe, the itinerary continues along the well-established trail to Pkahding and beyond, maintaining the standard trekking route familiar to many adventurers.
With this itinerary, beginner trekkers or intermediate-level trekkers will have 2 acclimatization days, a Lukla to Kathmandu flight, and a Drive via Jiri in this package. Veteran trekkers like this kind of challenging trek. Furthermore, if you want to challenge yourself and discover additional routes beyond the crowds, with three high passes, you are in!!
21 Days EBC Three Passes Trek ( Gokyo Lake)
Go beyond the classic trail and immerse yourself in the complete Everest experience. This isn't just a trek to base camp; it's the journey through the heart of Khumbu via the legendary Three Passes or Gokyo Lakes route. Cross high-altitude passes, witness turquoise glacial lakes, and explore valleys untouched by the main crowds. This 21-day program is tailored for those individuals who are seeking to create a remarkable story of their lifetime. Here we present you with 17 days of the Khumbu experience, keeping out the 4 days of arrival and departure:
- Fly to Lukla/ Drive to Ramechhap, Flight to Lukla, and trek to Phakding (2,640m) 4hr
- Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 6 hours
- Acclimatization, Hike to Everest View Hotel (3880 m)
- Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3,867m) 6hrs
- Trek to Dingboche (4,410) 6hrs
- Acclimatization Day, Hike to Nangkartshang
- Trek to Lobuche via Cross Kongma-La (5,535) 7hrs
- Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,360m) 7hrs
- Climb up Kala Patthar (5,545m), Trek to Dzongla 6hrs
- Trek to Thanknak via crossing Cho La Pass (5,368m) 6hrs
- Trek from Thankank to Gokyo Lake (4,790m) 4hrs
- Explore Gokyo Lake, Climb Gokyo Ri (5360m)
- Trek to Lunde (4,310 m) via Renjo La Pass (5,360 m)
- Lunde to Thame (3,800m) 4hrs
- Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
- Trek to Lukla (2,840m) 5hrs
- Fly back to Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel
Through this provided itinerary, we go far beyond the standard trail, tackling the legendary Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La passes, each offering heart-stopping views few ever witness. If you are short of time but still want to conquer the Himalayas, particularly the Everest Base Camp, don't worry!! The 10-Day Everest Express in FLASH on Modern Adventure is specially crafted for you.
10 Days Short EBC trek with Helicopter Return
Conquer the Khumbu trail with a strategic itinerary that leverages a helicopter return from Gorakshep, trading days of descent for an unforgettable aerial scene of the Khumbu Valley in Nepal. This isn't a cut-down version; it's a high-efficiency adventure for the modern explorer who has a time-pressing schedule. Excluding the Arrival Date and the Departure Date from the itinerary, this package is a 9-day trek to Everest Base Camp. Here is the quick outline itinerary for you to understand better:
- Flight to Lukla, trek to Phakding, 4 hours
- From Phakding to Namche Bazaar, 6 hours
- Acclimatization day
- Trek to Tengboche, 5 hours
- Trek to Dingboche, 5 hours
- Acclimatization day
- Trek to Lobuche, 6 hours
- Trek to EBC, 7 hours overnight at Gorakshep
- Climb up Kalapatthar, Helicopter, and fly to Lukla & air flight to Kathmandu
According to the itinerary, after completing the ascent of Kalapatthar, you will be transported to Lukla via Helicopter. Following this, you will have a flight back to Kathmandu, eliminating the need to trek back to Namche or Lukla. This streamlined process allows for a quicker return while still enjoying the stunning views of the Khmubu region.
Which is the Best Itinerary to Choose for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The best choice for an itinerary largely depends on your personal planning, budget, and the number of days you can allocate for your stay in Nepal. Each trekker's needs and preferences will highly influence which itinerary will be most suitable for their adventure.
For individuals with limited vacation time in Nepal who seek a spiritually enriching experience along with a thrilling heli ride, we recommend participating in the 10-Day Everest Base Camp Trek.
On the other hand, for those who identify as a beginner and purist, the 14-Day classic itinerary to Everest Base Camp represents a refined and exemplary choice.
Conversely, the 21-Day Everest Base Camp trek, which includes traversing the Three Passes, is highly recommended for experienced connoisseurs looking for a challenging yet rewarding adventure. This trek allows participants to fully embrace the alluring beauty of the Everest Sanctuary.
For those facing potential flight delays and having enough time, the traditional 20-day EBC via the Jiri Package is an excellent alternative. This option not only offers stunning natural beauty but also provides adequate acclimatization. However, it's important to ensure you have enough time, a determined mindset, the necessary budget, and trekking experience to embark on this journey.
Hopefully, this could be your helping hand to decide the best itinerary for your holiday as per your choices. You've researched the days, the routes, the itinerary; now it's time to make the most important decision about selecting a trusted partner for your adventure. At Nepal Spirit Adventure, we are proud to have been a part of over 6,000 trekkers' dreams and journeys to the Everest region in Nepal. With 25 years in the field of tourism, you gain not just a guide but a dedicated guardian for your journey.
Your Spot in the Himalayas is WAITING...
