EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK ROUTES

By Glorious Himalaya on May 14, 2020 in Travel Tips, Trekking

There are a variety of alternate routes that lead to Everest Base Camp and many visitors wanting to trek to the Everest Base Camp Trek Route remain in the dilemma of which trekking route to choose, and where to start the trek? Either Nepal or China? From Lukla or Jiri? Or, with or without the Lukla Flights? Trekking to the foothills of Mt. Everest is every trekker’s fantasy. No wonder Everest Base Camp Trek routes are the world-class hiking routes and among the best trekking routes in the Himalayas.

Let us go into detail to help in clearing your confusion and help you decide which route is the best for you.

Everest Base Camp Trek Route Map

Where is Everest Base Camp Trek Route Located?

The North Base Camp route lies on the Northern side of Everest in Northern Tibet of China.

While the popular South Everest Base Camp Trek Routes are located in the Eastern region of Nepal amid the Great Himalayas. The overall south route lies in the Khumbu Region of the Solukhumbu district of Nepal.

Your journey to the top of the world initiates upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, also known as the Valley of Temples and Historical Palaces. You can also access Nepal by any bordering roads in India or China.

Generally, the trekking route starts from Lukla (2,860m/ 9383 ft) following a 30 minutes flight from Kathmandu, or from Salleri (2309 m/ 7578 ft ), reachable after an 8-hour drive from Kathmandu. And our journey to Mt. Everest begins.

Table of Contents

  • North Vs South Everest Base Camp Route
  • About South EBC Trekking Route (Nepal)
  • What do Everest Base Camp Trek Routes Offer?
  • EBC Route altitude Chart
  • Typical EBC Trek Route (Lukla-Lukla)
  • Everest Base Camp Trek Route Via Jiri
  • Everest Gokyo Trek Route
  • Everest Chola Pass Trek Route
  • Everest Three High Passes Trek Route
  • Everest Panorama Trek Route
  • Suggestions
  • Best time to trek to EBC Trek
  • Related Trips
  • Related Articles
  • Final Say

North vs South Everest Base Camp Trek Route

Road access is possible to the North base camp of Everest. Therefore, so you can drive to Base Camp from Tibet. Receiving a permit for Everest from the northern side of China is a bit tedious than taking a permit from Nepal.

However, North Base Camp offers a better view of Everest. The radiant Sunrise view over Mount Everest is one of the highlights of the China side.

The Base Camp looks like a U-shaped valley. There is also ample stunning landscape to relish and Tibetan culture to explore.

But if you are a trekking lover, then South Base Camp will offer you a remarkable trekking experience in the Himalayas in the Sagarmatha National Park, a world heritage property listed by UNESCO in 1979.

Embedded with exceptional natural beauty in the vivid mountains, glaciers, deep valleys, and majestic peaks including the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest. Namche Bazaar, Sherpa culture, Tengboche monastery, and the magnificent view from Kalapatthar are some of the major highlights of the South Everest Base Camp route.

And, the Thrilling flight to Lukla is an amazing experience in itself.

Moreover, as most of the Everest trekking and climbing expeditions take place from the South Col, you will also get a chance to meet other trekkers and climbers from different nations and hear their interesting stories.

But if you just want to see Mt. Everest and escape long hiking days, you either choose North Base Camp in Tibet or take 4-5 hours of Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu.

About South Everest Base Camp Trek Routes

A classical EBC trekking route is 130 kilometers( 80 miles) round trip and completes within a timeframe of 12-14 days, roughly translating to 65 Kilometers( 40 miles) distance from Lukla to EBC and the other way round.

This includes 2 days of acclimatization each at Namche ( 3,440 m/11286 ft) and Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,470 ft), left with the remaining 9 trekking days.

If you have adequate time and aspire to add Gokyo Lake, Chola-pass, or Three-high passes to your EBC experience, this certainly will add you an extra number of distance and days.

Regardless of the trekking route you pick, the total perpendicular climb to the Base camp is 2500m. On average, each day requires 6-8 hours of hike and climbing a 400-500m of vertical gain and covering of 15km of horizontal distance.

The figure doesn’t seem all that large when you understand that the normal human walking speed is 5 kilometers/ per hour. However, the occasional snow and weather circumstances may play a factor in your walking speed.

Having said that, you should not assume 15 Kilometers a day will be on a paved flat route and as easy as running around the park. Somewhat it will be a hike with several ups and downs on a rugged trail.

Hiking uphill can be tedious and you ought to be sure that you don’t over-exhaust yourself, which is one of the main reasons why some trekkers do not complete the trek.

Is that a worry?

Absolutely not! A 5-6 hours hike is something anyone can engage in with proper preparations, precautions, appropriate training. Favorably, most trekking operatives offer porters and mules to help carry your luggage items, so you just have to focus on getting yourself up the way!

What do Everest Base Camp Trekking routes offer?

Commanding the exciting views of Nuptse (7855 m/ 25770 ft), Lhotse (8516 m/ 27939 ft), Thamserku (6,623 m/ 21729 ft), Amadablam (6,812 m/ 22349 ft),  and the mighty Mt. Everest (8848 m/ 29028 ft), the EBC Routes offers you the world-class trekking experience amid the Great Himalayas of Nepal and a lifetime experience that will remain for the rest of your life.

It is not just about the mountain views, but also the thrilling mountain flight, the mountain lifestyle, mountain culture and religion, monasteries, mountain glaciers, colorful prayer wheels, mani stones, swinging bridges, vibrant forests, and the memorials of the brave souls who dared to live their dreams.

No wonder, it is one of the best trekking routes in the world which makes it among the best places to be in nature.

The typical EBC trekking route starts from Lukla which takes you through Namche Bazar (market) the gateway to Everest and a visit to the famous Tengboche Monastery, which is the head monastery of Tibetan Buddhism.

There is also another monastery in Pangboche to observe the mountain religion. Further, the trails traverse through Lobuche and  Gorakshep.

Finally, after a visit to the Kalapatthar (5555m/ 18225 ft) in the early morning, we will finally reach Mount Everest Base Camp (5364 m/ 17552 ft) where we will have some time to celebrate our victory by taking some pictures with Mt. Everest on the background.

EBC Route Altitude Chart

Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Chart

Typical EBC Trek Route (Lukla- Lukla)

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu- (1360m)

Day 2: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing

Day 3: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding – (2,652m) 3/4 hrs walk

Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar – (3,440m) 6 hrs walk

Day 5: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar – (3440m):

Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche – (3,860m) 5 hrs walk

Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Pheriche – (4,410m) 5 hrs walk

Day 8: A day to rest and chill out – (4,410m)

Day 9: Trek to Lobuche – (4,910m) 5 hrs walk

Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep for the night – (5400m) 8 hrs walk

Day 11: Trek to Pheriche. via Kala Patthar – (4210m) 7 hrs walk

Day 12: Trek back to Namche – (3440m) 6 hrs walk

Day 13: Trek to Lukla – (2800m) 7 hrs walk

Day 14: Flight back to Kathmandu

Day 15: Departure to your destination

More Details

Everest Base Camp Trek Route Via Jiri

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel (1,335m)

Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing

Day 03: Kathmandu to Jiri (1,950m) – drive 9/10 hrs

Day 04: Jiri to Deurali (2,710m) – 6 hrs walk

Day 05: Deurali to Sete (2,520m) – 7 hrs walk

Day 06: Sete to Juni-Benshi (2,675m) – 7 hrs

Day 07: Juni-Benshi to Nunthala (2,220m) – 7 hrs walk

Day 08: Nunthala to Kharikhola 2075m, Gomba Danda (2,190m) 6/7 hrs walk

Day 09: Kharikhola/Gomba Danda to Surke (2,290m/Chheplung 2,800m) – 7/8 hrs walk:

Day 10: Surkhe/Chablung to Jor-salle (2740m) – 6 hrs walk

Day11: Jor-salle to Namche (3,440m) – 4 hrs walk

Day 12: Acclimatization Day (3,440m)

Day 13: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m) – 5 hrs walk

Day 14: Tengboche to Pheriche (4,410m) – 5 hrs walk

Day 15: Rest Day (Optional climb to Kailash Danda or hike to Chhukung valley)

Day 16: Trek to Lobuche (4,990m) – 5 hrs walk

Day 17: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and back to Gorakshep (5,140m) – 7/8 hrs walk

Day 18: Trek to Pheriche (4,410m) – 7 hrs walk – Optional hike to Kalapathar (5,550m) for a majestic view of Mt Everest

Day 19: Trek to Namche (3,440m) – 6 hrs walk

Day 20: Trek to Lukla (2,800m) – 7 hrs walk

Day 21: Flight back to Kathmandu

Day 22: Departure Day

More details

Everest Gokyo Trek Route

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,335m) and transfer to the hotel

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Day 3: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,652m) – 3 hrs walk

Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 6 hrs walk

Day 5: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,086m) – 6 hrs walk

Day 7: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,400m) 5 hrs walk

Day 8: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,750m) – 5 hrs walk

Day 9: A day for some well-earned rest…explore Gokyo

Day 10: Trek from Gokyo to Phortse (3,810m) – 6 hrs walk

Day 11: Trek from Phortse to Tengboche (3,860m) – 2 hrs walk

Day 12: Trek from Tengboche to Namche bazaar – 5 hrs walk

Day 13: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla – (2800m) 7 hrs walk

Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel

Day 15: Departure to your own destination

More Details

Everest Chola Pass Trek Route

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport(1360m) and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Flight to Lukla(2840m) and trek to Phakding(2,652m) – 4 Hrs Trek

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazar(3,440m) – 6 Hrs Trek

Day 4: Acclimatization Day

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche(3,860m) – 6 Hrs Trek

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche(4,360m) – 6 Hrs Trek

Day 7: Trek to Chhukung(4,750m) – 4 Hrs Trek

Day 8: Rest Day

Day 9: Trek to Lobuche(4,940m) via Kongma La Pass(5,535m) – 7 Hrs Trek

Day 10: Trek to Everest Base camp(5,364) – Gorakshep(5,170m) – 9 Hrs Trek

Day 11: Trek to Lobuche(4,940m) via Kalapather(5,545m) – 9 Hrs Trek

Day 12: Trek to Dzongla(4,830m) – 4 Hrs Trek

Day 13: Trek to Gokyo(4,800m) via Chola pass(5,368m) – 8 Hrs Trek

Day 14: Rest Day

Day 15: Trek to Marlung(4,210m) via Renjo La(5,360m) – 8 Hrs Trek

Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazar(3600m) – 6 Hrs Trek

Day 17: Trek to Lukla – 8 Hrs Trek

Day 18: Fly Back to Kathmandu

Day 19: Departure Day

More details

Everest Three High Passes Trek Route

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport(1360m) and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Flight to Lukla(2840m) and trek to Phakding(2,652m) – 4 Hrs Trek

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazar(3,440m) – 6 Hrs Trek

Day 4: Acclimatization Day

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche(3,860m) – 6 Hrs Trek

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche(4,360m) – 6 Hrs Trek

Day 7: Trek to Chhukung(4,750m) – 4 Hrs Trek

Day 8: Rest Day

Day 9: Trek to Lobuche(4,940m) via Kongma La Pass(5,535m) – 7 Hrs Trek

Day 10: Trek to Everest Base camp(5,364) – Gorakshep(5,170m) – 9 Hrs Trek

Day 11: Trek to Lobuche(4,940m) via Kalapather(5,545m) – 9 Hrs Trek

Day 12: Trek to Dzongla(4,830m) – 4 Hrs Trek

Day 13: Trek to Gokyo(4,800m) via Chola pass(5,368m) – 8 Hrs Trek

Day 14: Rest Day

Day 15: Trek to Marlung(4,210m) via Renjo La(5,360m) – 8 Hrs Trek

Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazar(3600m) – 6 Hrs Trek

Day 17: Trek to Lukla – 8 Hrs Trek

Day 18: Fly Back to Kathmandu

Day 19: Departure Day

More Details

Everest Panorama Trek Route

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Sightseeing in world heritage sites

Day 3: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding

Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Day 5: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar. (Optional hike to Thame Valley or Everest View Hotel)

Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (Visit Tyangboche Monastery)

Day 7: Trek back to Namche Bazaar

Day 8: Trek back to Lukla

Day 9: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 10: Departure to your destination

More Details

Suggestions

  • It is suggested that trekkers do the trek with the experienced government registered trekking agency of Nepal.
  • Hire a licensed and experienced trekking guide or a porter.
  • Make sure you have read about altitude sickness.
  • Take first aid medicines for normal medication.
  • Trekking permit and the required document is a must.
  • Get travel insurance.
  • Make sure you bring the right items of clothing and necessary equipment that should include warm sleeping bags and down Jackets.
  • Avoid alcohol, smoking, and meat.
  • Follow the rule of slow and steady, take enough and frequent rest on your hike.
  • Drink at least 4-liters of water a day to stay hydrated
  • Bring a solar charger and power banks, extra batteries, water purifier, or life straw.
  • Keep safety your foremost priority.
  • Take more pictures to catch your every single adventure moments!

Best Time to Trek Everest Base Camp Trek Routes

Generally, the season of autumn( Sep, Nov, Dec) and spring(March, April, May) is the ideal and high trekking season for Everest base camp trek and all of Nepal.

Monsoon(June, July, August) is the lesser trekked season and low months to visit Everest Base Camp as a result of frequent downpours that leaves the trails muddy and slippery, making unfavorable conditions for the trekkers.

Winter (December, January, and February) provides the best view of all year round. However, provided with the extreme cold temperatures during the mornings and nights.

For further details, please visit our trekking season information section. 

Related Trips

Everest Heli-Return Trek
Mini Everest Trek

Related Articles

Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek Training Program
Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Everest Base Camp Weather

Final Say

We hope this valuable piece of information will help you in deciding and planning on your upcoming EBC Trek.

You can measure the total time taken for the trip and therefore plan the program. Moreover, you can also estimate the maximum altitude, the duration of the trek, and the total distance covered from the EBC map.

Should you have any questions or confusion with your EBC Trek, please leave us a message/ mail or give us a call. We’re always happy to help with your lifetime experience.

Thank you for reading this post! Best wishes for your EBC Trek!

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