Route planning

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary: A Well-Paced 15-Day Plan

A safe first-time Everest Base Camp itinerary should allow 15 days in Nepal, include acclimatization stops in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, and avoid gaining sleeping altitude too quickly. The plan below reaches Base Camp on Day 9 and keeps the return journey realistic.

15 daysArrival to departure
11 trek daysLukla to Lukla
2 daysAcclimatization
5,364 mBase Camp altitude

Written by Dinesh BhusalEditorial lead, Amigo Treks & Expedition
Nepal-based trek planner focused on practical Everest-region logistics, pacing and traveller preparation.
Reviewed by Niti SharmaContent reviewer
Editorial policy · Corrections policy · Data methodology

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At a glance

Keep Namche and Dingboche as two-night acclimatization bases, reach Base Camp as a day visit from Gorak Shep, and protect Day 14 as a weather buffer.

Detailed day-by-day plan

Base Camp on Day 9, Kala Patthar on Day 10

The plan below reaches Everest Base Camp on Day 9 and uses Day 10 for an optional Kala Patthar climb and descent to Pheriche. Distances and walking times are approximate planning values.

15-day Everest Base Camp itinerary overview
DayRouteOvernightAltitudeDistanceWalkingDay type
01Arrival in KathmanduKathmandu1,400 mArrival
02Kathmandu / Ramechhap → Lukla → PhakdingPhakding2,610 m7–8 km3–4 hFlight
03Phakding → Monjo → Namche BazaarNamche Bazaar3,440 m10–11 km6–7 hTrekking
04Namche acclimatization hikeNamche Bazaar3,440 m3–6 km4–5 hAcclimatization
05Namche → Kyangjuma → Tengboche / DebocheTengboche or Deboche3,820–3,860 m9–10 km5–6 hTrekking
06Tengboche / Deboche → Pangboche → DingbocheDingboche4,410 m10–11 km5–6 hTrekking
07Dingboche acclimatization hikeDingboche4,410 m4–6 km4–5 hAcclimatization
08Dingboche → Thukla → LobucheLobuche4,910 m8–9 km5–6 hTrekking
09Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp → Gorak ShepGorak Shep5,164 m sleeping; 5,364 m Base CampAbout 10 km7–8 hBase Camp
10Gorak Shep → Kala Patthar → PherichePheriche4,240 m; Kala Patthar about 5,545 mAbout 11–12 km7–8 hKala Patthar
11Pheriche → Pangboche → Tengboche → Namche BazaarNamche Bazaar3,440 m17–18 km7–8 hTrekking
12Namche Bazaar → Monjo → Phakding → LuklaLukla2,860 m17–18 km6–7 hTrekking
13Lukla → Kathmandu / Ramechhap → KathmanduKathmanduAbout 1,400 mFlight and road transfer if requiredFlight
14Weather contingency or Kathmandu free dayKathmanduAbout 1,400 mContingency
15Departure from NepalDeparture
01Arrival in KathmanduArrival
Overnight
Kathmandu
Altitude
1,400 m
Distance
Walking

Meet the Amigo Treks team at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your Kathmandu hotel. Keep the afternoon light: recover from the international journey, check your baggage and attend the trek briefing when scheduled.

HighlightsPermit and document check; equipment review; neighbourhood orientation
StayHotel in Kathmandu
02Kathmandu / Ramechhap → Lukla → PhakdingFlight
Overnight
Phakding
Altitude
2,610 m
Distance
7–8 km
Walking
3–4 h

Take the early flight to Lukla when visibility and airport operations allow. After meeting the porters, walk through the first Sherpa settlements beside the Dudh Koshi River. The route is intentionally short so your body can settle after the flight.

HighlightsLukla airstrip; prayer wheels; pine forest; Dudh Koshi bridges
StayTeahouse in Phakding
03Phakding → Monjo → Namche BazaarTrekking
Overnight
Namche Bazaar
Altitude
3,440 m
Distance
10–11 km
Walking
6–7 h

Follow the river through pine forest and villages, pass the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint near Monjo and cross suspension bridges before the sustained climb to Namche. The final ascent is steady; use a conversational pace and take regular water breaks.

HighlightsMonjo checkpoint; Hillary suspension bridge; first Namche viewpoint
StayTeahouse in Namche Bazaar
04Namche acclimatization hikeAcclimatization
Overnight
Namche Bazaar
Altitude
3,440 m
Distance
3–6 km
Walking
4–5 h

Walk above Namche and return to the same lodge. Depending on weather and health, the group may visit the Everest View Hotel, Khumjung or another nearby viewpoint. The purpose is to gain daytime elevation without adding a higher sleeping altitude.

HighlightsEverest and Ama Dablam viewpoints; Sherpa museum; Khumjung valley
StaySecond night in the Namche lodge
05Namche → Kyangjuma → Tengboche / DebocheTrekking
Overnight
Tengboche or Deboche
Altitude
3,820–3,860 m
Distance
9–10 km
Walking
5–6 h

The high trail leaves Namche with broad views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, then descends toward the Dudh Koshi before climbing through rhododendron and pine forest to the monastery ridge. Some groups sleep at Tengboche; others continue downhill to Deboche for a slightly lower night.

HighlightsEverest-view balcony trail; river crossing; Tengboche Monastery
StayTeahouse at Tengboche or Deboche
06Tengboche / Deboche → Pangboche → DingbocheTrekking
Overnight
Dingboche
Altitude
4,410 m
Distance
10–11 km
Walking
5–6 h

Descend through Deboche woodland, cross the Imja Khola and continue through Pangboche toward the broad upper valley. Trees thin out as the trail reaches Dingboche, where stone walls protect fields from wind and grazing animals.

HighlightsDeboche forest; Pangboche village; Ama Dablam and Imja Valley views
StayTeahouse in Dingboche
07Dingboche acclimatization hikeAcclimatization
Overnight
Dingboche
Altitude
4,410 m
Distance
4–6 km
Walking
4–5 h

Take an active acclimatization walk toward Nagarjun Hill, the Imja Valley or another route chosen by your guide. Return to Dingboche for a second night. The correct effort is steady and controlled, with time to eat, hydrate and recover.

HighlightsNangkartshang viewpoints; Island Peak and Ama Dablam panoramas; stone-walled fields
StaySecond night in the Dingboche lodge
08Dingboche → Thukla → LobucheTrekking
Overnight
Lobuche
Altitude
4,910 m
Distance
8–9 km
Walking
5–6 h

Walk through the open high valley toward Thukla, then climb gradually to the memorial ridge dedicated to climbers and mountain workers. From the ridge, continue along the moraine landscape toward Lobuche and settle in early for the highest section ahead.

HighlightsPheriche valley; Thukla memorials; Nuptse and Lobuche views
StayBasic teahouse in Lobuche
09Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp → Gorak ShepBase Camp
Overnight
Gorak Shep
Altitude
5,164 m sleeping; 5,364 m Base Camp
Distance
About 10 km
Walking
7–8 h

Leave Lobuche early and follow the rough moraine trail to Gorak Shep. After checking into the lodge, continue toward the Nepal-side Everest Base Camp marker beside the Khumbu Glacier, then return to Gorak Shep to sleep. The route includes short climbs and loose rock rather than technical climbing.

HighlightsKhumbu Glacier; Base Camp marker; Pumori, Nuptse and icefall viewpoints
StayBasic teahouse in Gorak Shep
10Gorak Shep → Kala Patthar → PhericheKala Patthar
Overnight
Pheriche
Altitude
4,240 m; Kala Patthar about 5,545 m
Distance
About 11–12 km
Walking
7–8 h

If weather, footing and health allow, start before dawn for Kala Patthar. The steep rocky climb is optional but provides the classic close panorama of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and the Khumbu Glacier. Return to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then descend through the high valley toward Pheriche and a lower sleeping altitude.

HighlightsSunrise from Kala Patthar; Everest panorama; Thukla and Pheriche valley
StayTeahouse in Pheriche
11Pheriche → Pangboche → Tengboche → Namche BazaarTrekking
Overnight
Namche Bazaar
Altitude
3,440 m
Distance
17–18 km
Walking
7–8 h

Retrace the trail through Pangboche and the Tengboche area, then continue toward the Dudh Koshi and the climb back to Namche. Although the general direction is downhill, the repeated ups and downs make this a full walking day.

HighlightsChanging views of Ama Dablam; monastery ridge; return to Namche facilities
StayTeahouse in Namche Bazaar
12Namche Bazaar → Monjo → Phakding → LuklaTrekking
Overnight
Lukla
Altitude
2,860 m
Distance
17–18 km
Walking
6–7 h

Descend through the national-park checkpoint, cross the lower suspension bridges and follow the Dudh Koshi toward Phakding. The final approach to Lukla climbs again, so keep enough energy for the last uphill section and arrive with time to confirm baggage and flights.

HighlightsLower valley forests; bridges and riverside villages; final trail celebration
StayTeahouse or lodge in Lukla
13Lukla → Kathmandu / Ramechhap → KathmanduFlight
Overnight
Kathmandu
Altitude
About 1,400 m
Distance
Flight and road transfer if required
Walking

Fly when conditions and aircraft operations allow. Depending on the season and airport plan, the flight may connect with Kathmandu or Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, followed by a road transfer to Kathmandu. Keep the day flexible and avoid booking an international departure immediately afterward.

HighlightsMountain flight; baggage handover; return to city comforts
StayHotel in Kathmandu
14Weather contingency or Kathmandu free dayContingency
Overnight
Kathmandu
Altitude
About 1,400 m
Distance
Walking

Use this protected day if the Lukla flight was delayed or cancelled. If the trek returned on schedule, rest, do laundry, visit a cultural site or prepare for the international journey without rushing.

HighlightsFlight recovery; rest; laundry; flexible Kathmandu time
StayHotel in Kathmandu
15Departure from NepalDeparture
Overnight
Altitude
Distance
Walking

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport or continue with another Nepal journey. Allow extra time for traffic and complete any final equipment return or document check with the team.

HighlightsAirport transfer; onward travel
Stay
01Arrival in KathmanduArrival

Meet the Amigo Treks team at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your Kathmandu hotel. Keep the afternoon light: recover from the international journey, check your baggage and attend the trek briefing when scheduled.

Altitude and elevation
1,400 m · Arrival day
Distance and time
·
Highlights
Permit and document check; equipment review; neighbourhood orientation
Stay
Hotel in Kathmandu
02Kathmandu / Ramechhap → Lukla → PhakdingFlight

Take the early flight to Lukla when visibility and airport operations allow. After meeting the porters, walk through the first Sherpa settlements beside the Dudh Koshi River. The route is intentionally short so your body can settle after the flight.

Altitude and elevation
2,610 m · Short descent from Lukla
Distance and time
7–8 km · 3–4 h
Highlights
Lukla airstrip; prayer wheels; pine forest; Dudh Koshi bridges
Stay
Teahouse in Phakding
03Phakding → Monjo → Namche BazaarTrekking

Follow the river through pine forest and villages, pass the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint near Monjo and cross suspension bridges before the sustained climb to Namche. The final ascent is steady; use a conversational pace and take regular water breaks.

Altitude and elevation
3,440 m · Approx. +830 m sleeping gain
Distance and time
10–11 km · 6–7 h
Highlights
Monjo checkpoint; Hillary suspension bridge; first Namche viewpoint
Stay
Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
04Namche acclimatization hikeAcclimatization

Walk above Namche and return to the same lodge. Depending on weather and health, the group may visit the Everest View Hotel, Khumjung or another nearby viewpoint. The purpose is to gain daytime elevation without adding a higher sleeping altitude.

Altitude and elevation
3,440 m · Sleep at the same altitude
Distance and time
3–6 km · 4–5 h
Highlights
Everest and Ama Dablam viewpoints; Sherpa museum; Khumjung valley
Stay
Second night in the Namche lodge
05Namche → Kyangjuma → Tengboche / DebocheTrekking

The high trail leaves Namche with broad views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, then descends toward the Dudh Koshi before climbing through rhododendron and pine forest to the monastery ridge. Some groups sleep at Tengboche; others continue downhill to Deboche for a slightly lower night.

Altitude and elevation
3,820–3,860 m · Undulating trail; approx. +380–420 m sleeping gain
Distance and time
9–10 km · 5–6 h
Highlights
Everest-view balcony trail; river crossing; Tengboche Monastery
Stay
Teahouse at Tengboche or Deboche
06Tengboche / Deboche → Pangboche → DingbocheTrekking

Descend through Deboche woodland, cross the Imja Khola and continue through Pangboche toward the broad upper valley. Trees thin out as the trail reaches Dingboche, where stone walls protect fields from wind and grazing animals.

Altitude and elevation
4,410 m · Approx. +550 m sleeping gain
Distance and time
10–11 km · 5–6 h
Highlights
Deboche forest; Pangboche village; Ama Dablam and Imja Valley views
Stay
Teahouse in Dingboche
07Dingboche acclimatization hikeAcclimatization

Take an active acclimatization walk toward Nagarjun Hill, the Imja Valley or another route chosen by your guide. Return to Dingboche for a second night. The correct effort is steady and controlled, with time to eat, hydrate and recover.

Altitude and elevation
4,410 m · Sleep at the same altitude
Distance and time
4–6 km · 4–5 h
Highlights
Nangkartshang viewpoints; Island Peak and Ama Dablam panoramas; stone-walled fields
Stay
Second night in the Dingboche lodge
08Dingboche → Thukla → LobucheTrekking

Walk through the open high valley toward Thukla, then climb gradually to the memorial ridge dedicated to climbers and mountain workers. From the ridge, continue along the moraine landscape toward Lobuche and settle in early for the highest section ahead.

Altitude and elevation
4,910 m · Approx. +500 m sleeping gain
Distance and time
8–9 km · 5–6 h
Highlights
Pheriche valley; Thukla memorials; Nuptse and Lobuche views
Stay
Basic teahouse in Lobuche
09Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp → Gorak ShepBase Camp

Leave Lobuche early and follow the rough moraine trail to Gorak Shep. After checking into the lodge, continue toward the Nepal-side Everest Base Camp marker beside the Khumbu Glacier, then return to Gorak Shep to sleep. The route includes short climbs and loose rock rather than technical climbing.

Altitude and elevation
5,164 m sleeping; 5,364 m Base Camp · Highest sleeping section; Base Camp is a day visit
Distance and time
About 10 km · 7–8 h
Highlights
Khumbu Glacier; Base Camp marker; Pumori, Nuptse and icefall viewpoints
Stay
Basic teahouse in Gorak Shep
10Gorak Shep → Kala Patthar → PhericheKala Patthar

If weather, footing and health allow, start before dawn for Kala Patthar. The steep rocky climb is optional but provides the classic close panorama of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and the Khumbu Glacier. Return to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then descend through the high valley toward Pheriche and a lower sleeping altitude.

Altitude and elevation
4,240 m; Kala Patthar about 5,545 m · Optional high point, then major descent
Distance and time
About 11–12 km · 7–8 h
Highlights
Sunrise from Kala Patthar; Everest panorama; Thukla and Pheriche valley
Stay
Teahouse in Pheriche
11Pheriche → Pangboche → Tengboche → Namche BazaarTrekking

Retrace the trail through Pangboche and the Tengboche area, then continue toward the Dudh Koshi and the climb back to Namche. Although the general direction is downhill, the repeated ups and downs make this a full walking day.

Altitude and elevation
3,440 m · Long descent with repeated climbs
Distance and time
17–18 km · 7–8 h
Highlights
Changing views of Ama Dablam; monastery ridge; return to Namche facilities
Stay
Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
12Namche Bazaar → Monjo → Phakding → LuklaTrekking

Descend through the national-park checkpoint, cross the lower suspension bridges and follow the Dudh Koshi toward Phakding. The final approach to Lukla climbs again, so keep enough energy for the last uphill section and arrive with time to confirm baggage and flights.

Altitude and elevation
2,860 m · Net descent; final uphill into Lukla
Distance and time
17–18 km · 6–7 h
Highlights
Lower valley forests; bridges and riverside villages; final trail celebration
Stay
Teahouse or lodge in Lukla
13Lukla → Kathmandu / Ramechhap → KathmanduFlight

Fly when conditions and aircraft operations allow. Depending on the season and airport plan, the flight may connect with Kathmandu or Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, followed by a road transfer to Kathmandu. Keep the day flexible and avoid booking an international departure immediately afterward.

Altitude and elevation
About 1,400 m · Rapid descent to low altitude
Distance and time
Flight and road transfer if required ·
Highlights
Mountain flight; baggage handover; return to city comforts
Stay
Hotel in Kathmandu
14Weather contingency or Kathmandu free dayContingency

Use this protected day if the Lukla flight was delayed or cancelled. If the trek returned on schedule, rest, do laundry, visit a cultural site or prepare for the international journey without rushing.

Altitude and elevation
About 1,400 m · No planned altitude gain
Distance and time
·
Highlights
Flight recovery; rest; laundry; flexible Kathmandu time
Stay
Hotel in Kathmandu
15Departure from NepalDeparture

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport or continue with another Nepal journey. Allow extra time for traffic and complete any final equipment return or document check with the team.

Altitude and elevation
·
Distance and time
·
Highlights
Airport transfer; onward travel
Stay

Recommended day-by-day itinerary

The plan below reaches Everest Base Camp on Day 9 and uses Day 10 for an optional Kala Patthar climb and descent to Pheriche.

Why the two acclimatization days matter

Namche and Dingboche are not rest days in the usual sense. Short hikes to a higher elevation encourage acclimatization, while returning to the same lodge keeps the sleeping-altitude gain controlled.

A rushed itinerary may look efficient, but it gives the body less time to adapt. Fitness does not prevent altitude illness, so strong walkers should still follow the planned pace.

Where to keep flexibility

  • Keep at least one spare day after the Lukla flight rather than scheduling an international departure immediately afterward.
  • Choose Tengboche or lower Deboche according to lodge availability and how the group feels.
  • Kala Patthar is optional. Skip it if weather, fatigue or altitude symptoms make an early ascent unwise.
  • Helicopter return should be treated as a separately priced option, not as a guaranteed solution to poor weather.
Field note

This itinerary is a planning framework. Your guide may adjust the walking plan for weather, trail conditions, health or flight operations.

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Can the EBC trek be completed in 12 days?

Some itineraries do, but they usually leave less room for arrival logistics, Lukla delays and recovery. First-time high-altitude trekkers are generally better served by a slower plan.

Is Everest Base Camp visited before Kala Patthar?

In this plan, yes. Trekkers visit Base Camp after reaching Gorak Shep, then attempt Kala Patthar early the next morning if conditions and health allow.

Where is the hardest day?

The Gorak Shep and Base Camp day is usually the most demanding because of the altitude, cold, rough moraine and seven to eight hours of movement.

Sources and fact-checking

Changing prices, fees, aviation arrangements, local procedures, weather and lodge availability should be reconfirmed before travel. Altitudes, distances and walking times are approximate planning values.

Nepal Tourism BoardOfficial visitor information

Supports: general destination and visitor-planning context. Period: current guidance. Accessed: August 4, 2026.

Personalised planning

Need help adapting this itinerary?

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