Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary: 12, 14 & 16-Day Plans

Which Itinerary Is Right for You?

Unlike Annapurna Base Camp, the EBC itinerary is shaped by two fixed constraints: the weather-dependent Lukla flight and the need for acclimatisation days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. You cannot safely shorten the acclimatisation, so the real choice is how much buffer you add for flight delays and whether you extend via Gokyo.

All versions start and finish at Lukla (2,840 m), reached by the dramatic mountain flight from Kathmandu or Manthali (Ramechhap).

The Classic 12-Day Itinerary

This is the route most trekkers walk, with two essential acclimatisation days built in. Walking times are rough guides for an average trekker.

Day 1: Fly to Lukla (2,840 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

An early mountain flight drops you onto the Lukla airstrip. An easy 3–4 hour descent along the Dudh Koshi to Phakding, crossing your first prayer-flag suspension bridges.

Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

A big day of 5–6 hours. Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, cross the high Hillary Suspension Bridge, then grind up a long forested climb to Namche, the largest Sherpa town.

Day 3: Acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Your first essential rest day, but rest means hiking high and sleeping low. Walk up to the Everest View Hotel for a famous panorama, or visit Khumjung village. Drink plenty of water.

Day 4: Namche to Tengboche (3,860 m)

About 5 hours. A scenic contouring trail drops to Phunki Tenga, then climbs through rhododendron forest to Tengboche, home to the Khumbu's most important monastery, framed by Ama Dablam.

Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m)

Around 5–6 hours through Pangboche into increasingly barren, treeless high country. The air noticeably thins.

Day 6: Acclimatisation day at Dingboche (4,410 m)

The second crucial rest day. Hike up Nagarjun Hill (around 5,100 m) for views of Makalu and Lhotse, then descend to sleep. This day does more than any other to protect you on the final push.

Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940 m)

About 5 hours, past the poignant memorial chortens at Thukla, then beside the Khumbu Glacier to the cold settlement of Lobuche. Slow and steady now.

Day 8: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164 m), then Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

The biggest day, 7–8 hours. Reach Gorak Shep, then push on across the glacier to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m, returning to sleep at Gorak Shep.

Day 9: Kala Patthar (5,545 m) sunrise, descend to Pheriche (4,240 m)

A pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar at 5,545 m, the highest point of the trek and the finest view of Everest's summit at first light, then a long descent to sleep far lower.

Day 10: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

A 6–7 hour descent back through Tengboche into the trees. Every step feels easier with more oxygen.

Day 11: Namche to Lukla (2,840 m)

The final 6–7 hour walking day down the Dudh Koshi, crossing the suspension bridges one last time.

Day 12: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

An early flight back to Kathmandu, weather permitting. This is the single most common scheduling problem on the trek, so plan for delays.

The Safer 14-Day Itinerary

The version most agencies actually sell, and the one we recommend for most people. It is the classic 12-day walking plan with 1–2 buffer days added in Kathmandu around the Lukla flights.

• Day 0: Arrive Kathmandu, briefing and gear check, one spare day.
• Days 1–12: The classic Lukla-to-Lukla route above, with acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche.
• Spare day: One held in reserve for a grounded Lukla flight on either end.

The Lukla flight is weather-dependent and frequently delayed, sometimes for a day or more. Without a buffer day, a single delay can cost you your onward flight home. The 14-day plan is the safe default, see why in the best time guide.

The 16-Day Itinerary (via Gokyo)

The most rewarding version for photographers and anyone who has time. It reaches Everest Base Camp by the classic route, then adds the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the high Cho La pass (5,420 m) for a loop instead of an out-and-back.

• Days 1–6: Lukla to Dingboche with acclimatisation at Namche, as in the classic plan.
• Days 7–9: Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and the Kala Patthar sunrise.
• Days 10–13: Cross the Cho La pass to the Gokyo valley; climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) over the lakes.
• Days 14–16: Descend the Gokyo valley back to Namche and Lukla, then fly to Kathmandu.

The extra days mean better acclimatisation, two of the Khumbu's finest viewpoints, and a far more varied walk. It is more demanding and crosses a high pass, so it suits fitter or returning trekkers.