Everest Base Camp Trek Elevation and Length

Length of the Base Camp to Everest Trek

The Everest Base Camp journey typically takes 12 days or less to accomplish. There are lengthier iterations of the conventional route, like the trek to Gokyo Lakes and Jiri to Everest Base Camp. To allow for adequate acclimatization and reduce the dangers of Acute Mountain Sickness and related ailments, the outbound route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is noticeably longer than the return route in terms of time. You can reach the base camp within 9 days of trekking, and the way back to Lukla should take around 3 days.

The trek begins in Lukla at 2600 meters. The highest point you'll get to is Kala Patthar, a viewing point at 5554 meters, from where you can take in some of the most breathtaking Everest and neighbouring peak vistas. You won't stay there for very long, though, since the journey eventually descends to Pheriche and returns you to Lukla Airport.

There are also the options of getting a direct helicopter flight to Namche Bazaar and starting your trek from there. Or, maybe getting a helicopter flight to the base camp without having to lay a finger down. In such cases, your length of hiking will be massively reduced. But, if you want to go on the trek to EBC the classic way, then trekking the conventional EBC trail is something most people look out for!

This is what a typical Everest Base Camp itinerary looks like:

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel

Day 2: Kathmandu - Lukla – Phakding (Your trek begins here)

Day 3: Phakding - Namche Bazaar

Day 4: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization

Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche

Day 6: Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche

Day 7: Rest day at Dingboche for acclimatization

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche

Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep and return to Gorekshep

Day 10: Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar and trek to Pheriche

Day 11: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (You depart from Everest Region here)

Day 13: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel (Your journey ends here)

Day 14: Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure

Elevations in the Everest Base Camp

The elevation is most likely the most challenging part of the trek. When you finally reach Lukla via flight, you land at an elevation of around 2600 metres above sea level. Walking in that elevation might be uncommon for you! The world is rarely a place with high-altitude gains. You might not be accustomed to that range of elevation gains. Therefore, your body needs to adapt! Thus, acclimatization days are set in your itinerary.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is practising the proverb, slow and steady wins the race. You walk at a slower pace than usual to promote acclimatization and assure safety. The typical daily elevation rise will be between 400 and 800 meters. An acclimatization day that also serves as a time for some sightseeing and local exploration is frequently employed after days when the gain is great and the elevation is significantly high.

The Kala Patthar viewing point is often the highest point on most Everest Base Camp Treks, from where you can enjoy some of the best views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Although Kala Patthar is just over 5500 meters above sea level, there isn't much time spent there because the journey eventually descends to Pheriche and returns to Lukla Airport.

In the end…

Reaching Everest Base Camp can be achieved in many different ways. Depending on the path you decide to take, there are variations in distance, length, and elevation. And also how much time you've set aside.

You gain a lot of elevation during your EBC trek. The wisest course of action is to move forward gradually. Acclimatization is important. Thus, make sure to add as many acclimatization days as you can. Do not mistake the day of acclimatization for a day of rest. You hike to a hill at a greater height on these acclimatization days and then you return to where you started.

By now, you might have realised that your trek to Everest Base Camp, at the end of the day, ultimately depends upon you. If you target the base camp with Kala Patthar, the elevation gain will be the same. However, adding more side trails to the itinerary can increase your distance, length and elevation during the trek. Before beginning the journey, it is always a good idea to conduct adequate research. In this way, you can plan ahead of time knowing what to expect.

Hopefully, these statistics have persuaded you to embark on your adventure to Everest Base Camp; and we wish you happy trekking.