Kathmandu to Mount Everest Distance : How Far?
The Everest base camp isn’t far away from Kathmandu. With an elevation of 5,364m from sea level, Everest Base Camp in Khumbu Region is 200-300 km away from Kathmandu (1300m). To cover the Kathmandu to Mount Everest distance, we can either fly to Lukla or drive to Jiri/Phaplu and then trek to EBC through Tenzing-Hillary trekking trails.
If you want to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (135 – 140 Km) and trek to EBC (60 –65km) then you need to cover the distance of 400 – 410 km in 11-22 days round trip; whereas in the longest Jiri – Everest Base Camp Trek; you drive to Jiri/Phaplu (130 – 140km) and trek to EBC (120 –125km) and vice versa, covering the distance of 520-530 km.
If you want to accomplish the EBC Trek in very short time then you have option to choose Everest Helicopter Trekking Tour and fly over the Himalayas. The exact distance from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp depends upon which route we prefer; so prefer which route is suitable and convenient for you.
Kathmandu to Mount Everest Distance - How long do we need to walk in EBC Trek?
The walking hour may depend upon which trekking package we choose; but approximately we need to cover 130-140 km round trip from Lukla-EBC-Lukla in 10-12 days. As already mentioned, Everest Base Camp is 200-300 Km away from Kathmandu. It takes 35-40 minutes on plane to land at Lukla; and then from Lukla, we need to cover 65 km to EBC with an average of 7-8 hours walk per day.
Which is the shortest route to reach at Everest Base Camp?
To reach at the Everest Base Camp, there are several routes from Nepal side and Tibet (China) side. The shortest way to reach at EBC is first fly to Lukla and from Kathmandu and trek to EBC.
Kathmandu to Lukla (130-140 km):
Almost every EBC Trek commences from the capital city: Kathmandu. In the early morning, we take delicate breakfast at hotel or pack the breakfast and then head towards TIA (Kathmandu) for our flight to Lukla.
With the thrilling scenic mountain for 30-40 minutes, we land at one of the world’s dangerous airstrips: Lukla airport. Lukla is the gateway to Everest region from where the Everest Base Camp Trek including Classic Everest Base Camp Trek commences.
Lukla to Namche:
The trail from Lukla traces Tenzing-Hillary route in Khumbu region. There are numerous trekking routes from Lukla to EBC; but we follow the easiest trekking trail.
Crossing suspension bridges over Dudh-Koshi River; following downhill-uphill route, we trace through the villages Cheplung, Ghat, Phakding and the main tourist hub: Namche. The day at Namche will be the acclimatization and exploration day to adjust the climate and enjoy the rustic lifestyle. The main highlight of Namche is Everest view from comfortable elevation : one of the world’s highest hotels; Khumjung School and Khumjung hospital.
Namche to EBC:
From Namche, we ascend to Pangboche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp. Dingboche is the first village above 4,000m where we acclimatize to adjust the thin air. Few trekkers may feel unusual changes in themselves due to low level of oxygen in higher elevation. The trail from Dingboche to EBC is arid, off-the beaten path and moraine boulder. After 8-10 days of normal walk from Lukla, we reach at EBC.
If trekkers have limited vacation and the motive of trekking is just to witness a glimpse of Mt. Everest; then Everest View Trek is the best package for limited time travelers.
Can anyone Trek to EBC?
Everest Base Camp Trek is moderate to strenuous trek; therefore EBC Trek can be accomplished by the enthusiastic trekkers who are physically and mentally fit. The EBC Trek may be difficult for trekkers due to low level of oxygen in the higher elevation. If trekkers become wise and take some prior idea of: trail record, weather update and AMS training then EBC Trek will be easy and comfortable for anyone.
EBC Trek has been successfully accomplished by the trekkers of 17-70 years old; so we can simply predict that EBC Trek can be acclaimed by anyone if they have dedication. Some trekkers may feel it difficult while some trekkers may find it moderate or easy. MMT has tailored AMS friendly EBC Trekking Packages so that the trekkers with average physical fitness can also complete the trek. Short Everest Base Camp Trek is the easiest as well as budget friendly EBC Trek.
Conclusion:
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most renowned treks which is challenging and adventurous. Normally, the duration to complete EBC varies from package to package. From Kathmandu, the EBC is 200-300 km away in the Khumbu Region which is an average distance to trek for any sort of trekkers. Trekkers have option to fly or to drive from Kathmandu. If you want easy and comfortable trek then you can fly to Lukla and then trek to EBC; or if you want to control your expenses then you can prefer long EBC Trek by driving to Jiri/Phaplu.
Almost EBC Trek is successfully accomplished by the trekkers of average physical fitness; yet Trekking in the higher elevation is challenging due to bad weather condition and Acute Mountain Sickness and we need to be precautious while trekking.
