Everest Base Camp route
You can trek to and from Everest Base Camp via the classic route or an alternate route. You can also catch a helicopter ride back from base camp. We describe the different Everest Base Camp routes (and the pros of each) to help you decide which is for you.
What is the trek's total distance?
The shortest possible Everest Base Camp route is 65 km (40 miles) each way. So that's 130 km (80 miles) in total.
A 13-day trek that includes a detour via Gokyo Lakes on the return journey so is longer than the traditional trek. An eight-day trek where you're fetched by helicopter the day after reaching base camp and flown back to the start. So it's just 65 km in total length.
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Everest Base Camp classic trek
The route starts in a lush, forested and beautiful area and then ascends into a dry and unforgiving rain shadow area.

Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes
Firstly, it creates a loop in the trail, meaning for most of your return hike you walk through fresh territory. There’s so much cultural and natural richness in Khumbu, we feel it would be a pity to tramp the same path when you can divert just a little and enjoy more of it. Secondly, this alternate route gives us the chance to cross Cho La Pass, summit Gokyo Peak (5,357 m), see the magnificent Ngozumpa Glacier, and visit the beautiful Gokyo Lakes. And finally, this slightly longer route is quieter than the main one, allowing us to experience an even more remote part of the Himalayas.

Everest Base Camp with a helicopter return
You don't need to find as many days to have the adventure of a lifetime! You avoid the possibility of trekker fatigue by shortening the time on the trail, whilst still reaching a famous landmark. You got to view Everest, other famous peaks, renowned glaciers and the incredible scenery from the truly memorable vantage point of up in the sky!
How many days is the trek?
Deciding on acclimatisation days

Why we need acclimatisation days
Everest Base Camp requires at least one acclimatisation day
Please allow yourself at least one day's rest for acclimatisation on the ascent to Everest Base Camp. Your body needs it!

How hard is the trek?
If you’re relatively healthy, you can most definitely set your sights on hiking the Everest Base Camp trek.
Where is Everest Base Camp?
Nepal's Everest Base Camp – not to be confused with Tibet's Everest Base Camp – is on the south side of Mt Everest, and within Sagarmatha National Park in northeast Nepal.
Sagarmatha National Park

How do you get to the trailhead?
How do I get from Kathmandu to Lukla?
Fly from Kathmandu to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. Hike in from a nearby town, which will take at least three days. Take a helicopter ride to Sangboche, a town inside Sagarmatha National Park.

Tips for flying from Kathmandu to Lukla
pack snacks and reading material in case there’s a delay pick a seat on the left of the plane for better views bring something to suck on to prevent your ears from hurting pack rescue drops if you’re a nervous flyer, as this flight isn’t for sissies!

How high is Everest Base Camp?
Where on Mt Everest is base camp?
Everest is a whopping 8,848 m (29,029 ft) above sea level.

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Day 2: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Everest Base Camp animals
Phakding

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar

Rest day
Ama Dablam

Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
Khumjung

Khumjung Monastery
Mt Khumbila
Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Tengboche
Tengboche Monastery
Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

Dingboche
Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Lobuche

Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp, then Gorakshep
Everest Base Camp

Gorakshep
Day 9: Hike up Kala Patthar, then trek to Dzongla

Kala Patthar
Dzongla

Day 10: Summit Cho La Pass, then head to Thagna
Cho La Pass
Day 11: Trek from Thagna to Gokyo
Gokyo Lakes

Gokyo

Day 12: Summit Gokyo Peak, then trek to Machhermo
Gokyo Ri and Ngozumpa Glacier
Everest, which at 8,848 m is 237 m taller than the next highest mountain, K2 Lhotse, which at 8,516 m is the fourth highest mountain Makalu, which at 8,485 m is the fifth highest mountain Cho Oyu, which at 8,188 m is the sixth highest mountain
Standing on Gokyo Peak, you really won’t know which way to look first. Happy problems.
Machhermo and the Dudh Khosi
Day 13: Trek from Machhermo to Namche Bazaar

Day 14: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 15: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

Day 16: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport
Everest Base Camp and helicopter itinerary
