The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. It is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that attracts trekkers from all over the world. The trek takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in the world, providing stunning views of the Himalayas and an opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Everest up close.

However, it’s not an easy feat, and one of the most significant factors to consider on this trek is the distance. Hence, in this article, we will provide you with detailed information on Everest Base Camp Trek Distance and other essential aspects that you need to know before embarking on this journey.

What is the Everest Base Camp Trek Distance?

The Everest Base Camp Trek distance is approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) each way. This means that the total distance you’ll cover during the trek is around 130 kilometers (80 miles). However, this distance can vary depending on the specific route you take.

This is the standard trekking distance everyone trekkers have to walk to finish the trek. It can be a physically demanding trek however, the stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and sense of achievement make it a worthwhile adventure for anyone who loves the outdoors and adventure.

Trek Duration: How long is Everest Base Camp Trek?

The trek to Everest Base Camp typically takes between 12 and 14 days to complete including acclimatization days and depending on your pace, your fitness level, and the route you take. The trekking days can range from 4 to 8 hours of walking per day, depending on the terrain, altitude, and weather conditions. The following is a breakdown of the standard 12 days trek itinerary starting from Lukla to Everest Base Camp:

Day 01: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2610m)

Day 02: Trek to Phakding to Namche Bazar (3440m)

Day 03: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazar (3440m)

Day 04: Trek to Tengboche (3867m)

Day 05: Trek to Dingboche (4410m)

Day 06: Acclimatization day at Dingboche and day excursion around the place (4410m)

Day 07: Trek to Lobuche (4940m)

Day 08: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m) via Gorekshep and trek back to Gorekshep (5164m)

Day 09: Hike to Kalapatthar (5545m) and trek to Pheriche (4220m)

Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazar (3440m)

Day 11: Trek to Lukla (2860m)

Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu (1400m)

This is the most popular and classical route that starts from Lukla and passes through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, and finally reaches Everest Base Camp. You can return back either by helicopter from Gorakshep to Lukla or via the same route.

Note: It’s essential to acclimatize well during the trek to prevent altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening if taken lightly. Hence, the Everest Base Camp trek itinerary includes two days of acclimatization.

 How far is Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu?

The distance from Kathmandu to Lukla is approximately 138 kilometers (86 miles) by air. The flight takes around 30-35 minutes, but the journey time can vary depending on weather conditions. From here (Lukla) the distance to Everest Base Camp is 65km one way.

The Route to Everest Base Camp

The route to Everest Base Camp is a challenging and exciting adventure that begins in Kathmandu, Nepal. From there, you will take a short flight to Lukla, where the trek begins.

The trail winds through beautiful mountain villages, and lush forests, and across raging rivers, eventually leading you to the famous Namche Bazaar, where you can rest and acclimate to the high altitude.

From Namche, the trek continues through the stunning Khumbu Valley, passing by monasteries, glaciers, and breathtaking views of towering peaks like Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtenga, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Finally, after several days of trekking, passing through several Sherpa villages, you will reach the base camp of Mount Everest, a place of great significance for climbers and adventurers alike.

Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

If you want to take a longer and more challenging route to reach Everest Base Camp, you can start your trek from Jiri, which is approximately 188 kilometers (117 miles) from Kathmandu. The distance from Jiri to Everest Base Camp is around 170 kilometers (106 miles), and it can take you around 18-21 days to complete the trek. This route allows you to experience the natural beauty of the lower Solu region before you reach the Khumbu region.

Here is the 17 days itinerary from Jiri to Everest Base Camp:

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Bhandar via Jiri

Day 02: Bhandar to Sete (2,575m) – 6/7 hrs

Day 03: Sete trek to Junbesi (2,670m) – 6/7 hrs

Day 04: Junbesi trek to Nunthala (2,220m) – 6 hrs

Day 05: Nunthala to Bupsa (2,360m) – 5/6 hrs

Day 06: Bupsa to Chheplung (2,700m) – 5/6 hrs

Day 07: Chheplung to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 5/6 hrs

Day 08: Acclimatization Day – Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Day 09: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m) – 5/6 hrs

Day 10: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m) – 5/6 hrs

Day 11: Acclimatization Day – Dingboche

Day 12: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m) – 2/4 hrs

Day 13: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170m) to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and back to Gorak Shep – 7/8 hrs

Day 14: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) and to Pheriche (4,280m) – 7/8 hrs

Day 15: Pheriche to Tengboche to Khumjung (3,780m) – 5/6 hrs

Day 16: Khumjung to Lukla (2,800m) – 7/8 hrs

Day 17: Lukla to Kathmandu

What is the distance of Everest Base Camp by helicopter?

The distance from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by helicopter is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles). However, the helicopter will not land directly at the base camp, as there is no suitable landing spot. Instead, it will land at a nearby helipad, at Gorak Shep, which is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the base camp.

From there, you can trek the remaining distance to reach the base camp. Recently, helicopter tours to Everest Base Camp are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a quicker and more comfortable way to experience the stunning scenery of the Khumbu region. However, they are also more expensive than trekking, and some people prefer the physical and mental challenges of the traditional trekking route.

Conclusion

The Everest Base Camp trek is a challenging but rewarding adventure that takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in the world. Whether you choose the classic route from Lukla or the longer route from Jiri or the Helicopter ride, the Everest Base Camp trek will surely leave you with a sense of accomplishment and wonder. A moment to cherish forever.

If you have any further questions or queries regarding the Everest Base Camp Trek distance please feel free to contact us.