How many days are required for the Everest Base Camp trek?
Table of Contents
The standard Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek takes around 12 to 14 days round-trip from Kathmandu. This includes:
-
2 days for travel to and from Lukla by flight
-
8 days trekking to EBC
-
4 to 5 days for return
-
1 to 2 acclimatization/rest days (usually in Namche and Dingboche)
🔹 Typical itinerary duration:
👉 12 Days – Kathmandu to EBC and back to Lukla
👉 14 Days – Including arrival, departure, and contingency days
If you're adding side trips (e.g., Gokyo Lakes, Three Passes, or Island Peak), it can extend to 18–21 days.
🧗♂️ What is the hardest day of the Everest Base Camp trek?
Most trekkers agree the hardest day is:
🔥 Day: Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp → Back to Gorak Shep
-
Altitude: 5,170m (Gorak Shep) to 5,364m (EBC)
-
Difficulty: You're walking at very high altitude with low oxygen levels
-
Trail: Rocky moraine and glacier paths—long and tiring
-
Time: 6–7 hours round trip
Another challenging day is the sunrise hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) the next morning—it’s steep, cold, and high, but the views of Everest at dawn make it all worth it.
