How long is the trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp?

As Everest Base Camp Trek is getting popular day by day, MMT has customized numerous EBC Packages to satisfy the appetite of the keen trekkers. The itinerary of the Everest Base Camp trek depends upon the package you prefer; so we can’t tell exactly how long is the trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp or how many days does it take to complete the EBC Trek. Normally, EBC Trek is of 11 – 22 days trek from/to Kathmandu – Lukla – EBC – Lukla – Kathmandu.

The most preferred Classic Everest Base Camp Trek is 15 days trek in which the 1^st day is arrival plus trek briefing day, and the second day is Kathmandu city excursion day. Our trek from Lukla usually commences on the 3^rd day after landing at Lukla from scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu.

The approximate one-way distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is 60 – 65 km. With an average walk of 8-9 hours a day, physically fit trekkers can accomplish the single way distance in 7-8 days including 2 days of acclimatization. The duration of the trek may vary from one trek to another depending upon the inclusion of acclimatization days in itinerary or not.

The Short Everest Base Camp Trek has only one day of acclimatization so we can reach at EBC in 6-7 days with an average walk of 9-10 hours a day. In total 11 days of the trek, we reach at EBC on day 7 and return back to Kathmandu on day 10.

The distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp can be easily covered by any physically fit trekkers with proper acclimatization and healthy habits.

Classic Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary: Lukla to Everest Base Camp

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu:
Day 2: City Excursion and Trek Preparation:
Day 3: Kathmandu to Lukla (30-40 min) and trek to Phakding (3-4hrs):
Day 4: Phakding to Namche: 10-12 km (6-7 hours):
Day 5: Acclimatization and exploration day at Namche:
Day 6: Namche to Tengboche:8-9 km (5-6 hours)
Day 7: Tengboche to Dingboche: 10 km (6-7 hours)
Day 8: Acclimatization day at Dingboche:
Day 9: Dingboche to Lobuche: 7km (5-6 hours)
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorakshep to EBC to Gorakshep: 15km (8-10 hours)
Day 11: Gorakshep to Kala Patthar to Gorakshep to Pheriche: 15km (8-10 hours)
Day 12: Pheriche to Namche: 14-15km (7-8 hours)
Day 13: Namche to Lukla: 15-16km (7-8 hours)
Day 14: Lukla to Kathmandu on flight: (30-40 minutes)
Day 15: Departure day:

Is the trail from Lukla to EBC difficult?

There are numerous trails from Lukla to Everest Base Camp; so the difficulty level of the trail depends upon which trail we prefer. From Lukla to Everest Base Camp, the trails are uphill-downhill and straight; we also need to cross the suspension bridges, icy glaciers; walk through the ridges, narrow cliffs, and moraine boulder to reach at EBC.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is moderate to strenuous in which trekkers have to walk for 8-9 hours per day on an average. To adjust the thin air and to make the trek even easier, agencies add few days of acclimatization in their itinerary. With proper precautions and guides’ guidance, the trails can be easily traced by the trekkers with average physical fitness. Especially, we suggest the trekkers follow the main trekking trail as marked in the map or preferred by the guides.

Is there any alternative route to EBC than Lukla?

One of the easiest, fastest and widely used routes is flying to lukla from Kathmandu and then trek to EBC. The Kathmandu to Lukla flight expensive as well as thrilling; therefore few trekkers prefer the alternative route to reach at EBC.

Jiri – Everest Base Camp Trek is the only alternative route to avoid expensive and turbulent mountain flights. In this trek, we drive for 6-7 hours from Kathmandu to Jiri/Phaplu from where the normal trek begins. In this trek also, we have to walk through Lukla to trek in Khumjung Valley.

Lukla is the gateway to Everest. Almost every trekking trail of Everest Base Camp including Gokyo Lake Trek traces through Lukla; therefore Lukla is the transit point from where every EBC Trek.

How easy or difficult is EBC Trek?

Everest Base Camp Trek is well managed and well inspected by TAAN and NTB. Trekking in the Everest Region is always awe-inspiring, easy and safe; but due to negligence of the trekkers, AMS can be the major threat in EBC Trek.

In Everest Three Pass Trek, the trekkers need to cross the three highest passes of the Everest region which can make the trek risky and tough. The trekkers need to be more careful while ascending or descending through the rocky path, icy glacier, cliff, and ridges.

The weather in the higher elevation is unpredictable; even the best trekking seasons like autumn and spring couldn’t be reliable. In the off seasons like summer and winter, the continuous heavy rainfall and snowfall make the trail slippery which makes the trek difficult.

The misty weather condition can sometimes delay or cancel the flight; if trekkers have a tight schedule then there will be a problem to accomplish the trek and to return back home on departure date.

Final say:

Almost every EBC Trek commences from Lukla after short and scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu. The distance of 120-130 km from Lukla – EBC – Lukla can easily be trekked by the trekkers of average physical stamina. While trekking in the higher altitude, trekkers must walk in pace and stay in lower region to avoid any risk of AMS.

The trail from Lukla to EBC is also moderate to strenuous. Except for some trek, most of the treks have moderate trails which can be traced without any use of gears. In Gokyo – Cho La – Everest Base Camp Trek trekkers need to cross high pass as well as icy boulder trail; therefore some alertness is required throughout the trek.

The Everest Region Trek is an amalgamation of pain and pleasure which remains in the memory of every trekker. Trail from Lukla to EBC is short, easy and comfy yet some preventive measures must be taken on time; otherwise, the awful experience always haunts you in life.

Please, feel free and contact us for any queries and confusions regarding trekking and touring in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. MMT is always at your service. We wish you have a happy life!