The short version
The classic 14-day Everest Base Camp itinerary, day by day — from the Lukla flight to Kala Patthar sunrise — with altitudes, walking hours, acclimatisation days, and exactly what to expect each day.
- The classic Everest Base Camp itinerary is 14 days including two non-negotiable acclimatisation days at Namche (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m).
- You reach Base Camp (5,364m) on day 8 and climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) for the iconic Everest sunrise on day 9.
- Always add 1–2 buffer days — Lukla flights cancel frequently for weather.
- Acclimatise slowly: most people who fail to reach Base Camp ascended too fast, not because they were unfit.
The classic 14-day EBC itinerary
This is the standard, well-acclimatised Everest Base Camp itinerary. The two acclimatisation days are non-negotiable — they are what keep you safe and get you to Base Camp.
Day by day
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu → Lukla (2,840m), trek to Phakding (2,610m). 3–4 hrs.
Day 2: Phakding → Namche Bazaar (3,440m). 6 hrs.
Day 3: Acclimatisation in Namche. Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m), sleep low.
Day 4: Namche → Tengboche (3,860m). 5 hrs. Famous monastery, Ama Dablam views.
Day 5: Tengboche → Dingboche (4,410m). 5–6 hrs.
Day 6: Acclimatisation in Dingboche. Hike to Nangkartshang (5,083m).
Day 7: Dingboche → Lobuche (4,940m). 5 hrs.
Day 8: Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp (5,364m) → Gorak Shep. 7–8 hrs.
Day 9: Pre-dawn Kala Patthar (5,545m) for sunrise, descend to Pheriche. 7 hrs.
Day 10: Pheriche → Namche. 6–7 hrs.
Day 11: Namche → Lukla. 7 hrs.
Day 12: Fly Lukla → Kathmandu.
Days 13–14: Buffer days for weather + Kathmandu.
Lukla flights cancel frequently for weather. Never book your international flight home for the day after you're due back in Kathmandu — build in 1–2 buffer days, or risk missing it.
Do not skip the acclimatisation days to save time. Most people who fail to reach Base Camp ascended too fast. Climb high, sleep low, go slow — bistari, bistari.
Plan it properly
For the full cost breakdown see our Nepal trekking cost guide, pack with the EBC packing list, and read the complete Everest Base Camp trek guide. When you're ready, tell us your dates — we've guided EBC since 1998.
How many days do I need for Everest Base Camp?
The standard EBC trek is 12–14 days round trip from Lukla including two acclimatisation days. Add 1–2 buffer days for possible Lukla flight delays, making 14–16 days the safe total to plan.
Can you see Everest from Base Camp?
Everest's summit is largely hidden from Base Camp itself by Nuptse and Lhotse — the view there is of the Khumbu Icefall. The classic Everest view comes from Kala Patthar (5,545m), climbed at dawn on day 9.
Written by
Travel Himalaya Nepal
Pokhara-based, NMA-certified trekking guides. We’ve led 5,000+ treks across the Annapurna and Everest regions since 1998 — every word here comes from the trail. Meet the team →
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