How long is the hike to Everest Base Camp?

How long is the hike to Everest Base Camp?

The Everest Base Camp Trek is the most iconic and popular trek among the outdoor adventure lovers. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp is an everlasting journey enjoying with the sublime ecosystem, unravished natural beauty, cerulean landscape, and the mighty Himalayas. Besides, the trek offers an opportunity to trace the legendary Tenzing-Hillary trails, experience turbulence mountain flight, explore the rich Buddhist culture, typical lifestyle, and witness the close up view of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,029ft) including many snow-capped peaks like: Mt Khumbila, Mt. Thamserku, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama-Dablam, etc. So, it is the dream of every keen trekker to venture the world’s highest base camp once in a lifetime. Group photo taken after successful completion of EBC trek 

Trekking in the mystical land of the Himalayas and experience the real heaven on earth is a true blessing. But, it needs perfect plans and execution along with the detail information about the Khumbu region. Most of the trekkers seem confused about trekking in Nepal and they frequently ask queries regarding the distance, duration, and trek difficulty. So, MMT has shared this post to help the avid trekkers who want to know how long is the hike to Everest Base Camp.

EBC Trek Distance: How long is the hike to Everest Base Camp?

The distance and duration of the Everest Base Camp Trek depends on the trekking route, trekkers’ physical fitness, and EBC itineraries. Trekkers flying from Kathmandu to Lukla need to cover the distance of 130-140 km round trip from Lukla-EBC-Lukla. It takes 12 to 14 days of total time required to trek Everest Base Camp with 7-8 hours of average walk per day. It means, trekkers will cover the approximate distance of 10-15 km a day. Most of the trekkers complete the classical short Everest Base Camp Trek in 12 days with 8 days of hike from Lukla to Base camp and 4 days of return back trek to Lukla then after Kathmandu. Trekkers heading towards the destination in EBC trek

If you are an experienced trekker and are physically fit, then you can accomplish the Everest Trek in less than 12 days too. It can also be possible to shorten the trekking duration by booking the Everest helicopter tour or on one way helicopter flight from Kalapatthar to Lukla. For the adventurous lovers, who want the longer day treks can join the package like Jiri-Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek, and Gokyo-Cho La Pass Trek. The trekkers who join the Jiri-Everest Base Camp Trek drive from Kathmandu to Bhadar (Jiri) and then cover the distance of 180-200 km of round trip from Bhadar-EBC-Lukla. With 3 added days of acclimatization, the trekkers accomplish the Jiri-Everest Trek in 22 days with 8-9 hours of average walk per day. You can also re-customize the itinerary by excluding the city excursion and an extra acclimatization day at Junbesi if you want budget and time friendly trek. The itinerary of the trek is customized in such a way that an average trekkers can also trek the distance in scheduled date. Happy Mood : Taking rest at Sagarmatha National Park

Short Classical Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary:

• Day 01: Flying from Kathmandu (1,300m/4,265ft) to Lukla (2,845m/9,333ft) and trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,562ft): 8km, 3-4hrs.
• Day 02: Phakding (2,610m/8,562ft) - Namche (3440 m/11,285ft): 11km, 6-7hrs.
• Day 03: Acclimatization and Exploration day
• Day 04: Namche (3,440m/11,285ft) to Tengboche (3,870m/12,696ft): 9km, 6-7hrs.
• Day 05: Tengboche (3,870m/12,696ft) – Dengboche (4,410m/14,467ft): 8km, 6-7hrs.
• Day 06: Acclimatization and Exploration day at Dingboche
• Day 07: Dingboche (4,410m/14,467ft) to Lobuche (4,910m/16,108ft): 7km, 5-6hrs.
• Day 08: Lobuche (4,910m/16,108ft) – Gorakshep (5,160m/16,928ft) - Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,597ft) – Gorakshep: 14km, 8-9hrs.
• Day 09: Trek from Gorakshep - Kalapatthar (5,550m/18,207ft) and Gorakshep to Pheriche (4,230m/13,877ft): 15km, 6-7hrs.
• Day 10: Pheriche (4,230m/13,877ft) to Namche Bazar: 17km, 7-8hrs.
• Day 11: Namche to Lukla: 19km, 8-9hrs.
• Day 12: Lukla to Kathmandu ~ flight.

Way to EBC trek

EBC Trek difficulty:

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the highest base camp treks in the world. However, the trek is moderate to strenuous and is technically easy that the trekkers with average fitness and no prior experience can also easily accomplish it. The EBC Trek itinerary is specially customized for the beginners, backpackers, students, female, young, and senior trekkers who can walk minimum of 7-8 hours per day. The combination of the well customized itinerary, experienced local guides, hygienic food, and cozy accommodation makes the trek safe, success, and pleasant. Domestic Yak: The Himalayan cow 

It is true that every EBC trekker can trek to the base camp following the itinerary tailored by authorized trekking company like MMT. However, the Everest Trekking is somehow risky too due to the Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in the higher elevation. Above 4,500m/14,764ft, some trekkers may experience low thin air and feel the symptoms of AMS like headache, nausea, vomiting, etc. So, EBC trek can sometime be strenuous and hazardous too. But, to minimize the risk and guarantee the trekkers’ safety, you need trekking insurance policy which covers the medical evacuation. Climate has been the other main factor that may cause difficulty in trekking. Most of the trekkers complain about the unpredictable climate change resulting flight delay or cancellation for hours to few days. In this case, the trekkers either have to wait for the clear weather on the next day if they have spare vacation days. Otherwise, they need to book a helicopter flight on the same date paying the higher price. Therefore, we always request our valued clients to add some buffer days in the vacation date to experience the beauty of the Himalayas in hassle free manner.  Lodge in the EBC trek

Conclusion:

Trekkers who wants to know How long is the hike to Everest Base Camp? For the keen trekkers MMT provides the short guide about this. All in all, the duration to complete EBC can be shorter 12 days to longer 22 days trek depending on trekking packages, trekking routes, and itinerary. It is one of the elegant treks we offer to average fit trekkers who have a tight schedule and limited budget but want to explore the mysterious sparkling Himalayas. Simply, the trek is even customized as per your demand, stamina and preference so that you can trek to the world’s highest base camp without any risk. If you are an average fit trekker and dream to trek in the Himalayas, Everest Base Camp Trek worth to be in your bucket list. The EBC trek offers you adventure and excitement that can be your life-changing experience in Nepal. If you need any further detail information about Everest Base Camp Trek Guide, Contact us, we are 24X7 available at your service.