How High is Everest Base Camp

  • Ram Khadka
  • Jun 2, 2023

Table of Contents

Trek to the Everest Base Camp 5,364m is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the adventure in the high Himalayas. It’s a perfect journey for travel enthusiasts like you whose dreams soar high as the clouds. Likewise, the Everest Base Camp trek is a wonderful trip to saturate your soul and mind in the Himalayas of the Everest region.

However, it comes with a price to pay as the most challenging element of the expedition is probably its elevation. YourEverest Base Camp trek starts from the elevation of over 2,600m at Lukla.

So, most of you the travellers will feel the early effects of the altitude during the early start of the trek. Hence, the Everest Base Camp trek features acclimatization days to ensure your physical fitness during the trek.

As you will gain an elevation ranging from 400-800m per day, you will maintain a slow hike to prevent altitude sickness. There will be days with significantly high altitude gains on the Everest Base Camp trek. So, you will lengthen the time period for the acclimatization process and explore the surrounding areas.

Furthermore, you will reach the highest point on the Everest Base Camp treks at Kala Patthar 5,545m viewpoint. It is a serene feeling to witness the magnificent views of Everest and the nearby peaks. After you observe the breathtaking views of the majestic mountains, you will slowly descend back down to Pheriche 4,320m and eventually back to Lukla Airport 2,600m. People also prefer to do Everest base camp helicopter tours if they are not used to staying at high altitudes for long.


Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary (Altitude Profile)

DAY 1 - Kathmandu

Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft

You will arrive in Kathmandu at an altitude of 1,350m for your Everest Base Camp trek. The representative will transfer you from the airport via a private vehicle to your respective Hotel.  
 

DAY 2 - Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and Trek to Phakding

Altitude: 2,800m/9184 ft (Lukla)

2,652m/8,698ft  (Phakding)

Distance: 8km

Hike Duration: 3-4 hours

Flight time: 35 min

You will board a scenic mountain flight to the thrilling airport at Lukla. The trek eventually starts in Chaurikharka village and towards Dudh Kashi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). You will follow the Dudh Koshi river bank to your destination at Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft).
 

DAY 3 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft (Namche Bazaar)

Distance: 10-12 km

Hike Duration: 5-6 hours

Your trek today starts as you cross the Dudh Koshi River via a long suspension bridge. Shortly, you will hike through the beautiful pine forest towards Monjo 2,835m. After the 2 hours hike along the riverbank, you will reach the Hillary Suspension Bridge.  From here on, you will start a tough 788m ascend climb towards Namche Bazaar 3,440m.
 

DAY 4 - Namche Bazaar Acclimatization 

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft (Namche Bazaar) , 3,962m/12,998 ft (Everest View Hotel)

Hike Duration: 2 hours

Distance: 2km

Today is the first acclimatization day on your Everest Base Camp trek. The rest will allow your body to adapt to the lofty altitude during the trek. In addition, you will also have the option to commence a 2-hour hike to Everest View Point at 3,962m.
 

DAY 5 - Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Altitude: 3,870m/12,684ft (Tengboche)

Distance: 10km

Hike Duration: 6 hours

The journey ahead rewards you with the Breathtaking views of Everest 8,848m, Nuptse 7,861m, Lhotse 8,516m, Ama Dablam 6,812m, and Kwangde 6,011m, and Thamserku 6,623m. Your destination for today is the beautiful village of Tengboche.

Moreover, you will have the opportunity to explore the ancient Tengboche monastery, one of the largest in Khumbu. On the 5th day of the Everest Base Camp trek, your hike for today ends at the elevation of 3,870 m at Tengboche.
 

DAY 6 - Tengboche to Dingboche

Altitude: 4,400m/14,435ft ( Dingboche)

Distance: 11km

Hike Duration: 6 hours

Today, your hike begins with a peaceful walk through the dense rhododendron forest towards Dingboche. The trail ahead leads you towards the raging Imja Khola River. Shortly after, you will take a break at the Pangboche monastery as the hike after is strenuous. After your hike through the dry and deserted mountains, the hike ends at Dingboche at an elevation of  4,400m.
 

DAY 7  Dingboche Acclimatization Rest

Altitude: 4,400m/14,435ft (Dingboche)

Today, you will spend the entire day to rest your body for the coming adventures ahead. You can also explore the Dingboche village 4,400m and the surrounding valley. The rest today is important to prepare you for the steep ascent tomorrow.
 

DAY 8 - Dingboche to Lobuche

Altitude: 4,900m/16,076ft (Lobuche)

Distance: 11-12 km

Hike Duration: 6-7 hours)

From here on, the hike gradually becomes more challenging, as the trails ahead will lead to a  higher altitude. Further ahead, the route passes craggy mountain terrain towards a small village settlement at Lobuche. You will enjoy the views of Mt. Pumori 7,161m and the Nuptse 7,861m from the heights of 4,900 m at Lobuche.
 

DAY 9 - Lobuche -  Gorakshep - Everest Base Camp - Gorakshep

Altitude: 5180m/16,994 ft (Gorak Shep,  5364m/17598 (EBC)

Distance: 15km

Hike Duration: 6-8 hours

The trail from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp is relatively harder. To reach the destination, you will have to hike through rocky dunes, moraine, and glacial debris. Furthermore, you will pass the Khumbu Glacier lying towards Everest Base Camp at the height of 5,364m.

After the magnificent views of the surrounding peaks and Mount Everest, you will head back to Gorak Shep at 5,180m for an overnight stay.
 

DAY 10 - Gorakshep to Kalapatthar and Pheriche

Altitude: 5,545m/18,192ft (Kalapathar) , 4,173ft (Pheriche)

Distance: 12-13 km

Hike Duration: 5-6 hours

Today, you will enjoy the amazing hike to the highest point of the trek at Kalapathar 5,545m. The viewpoint at Kalapathar offers glorious views of Nuptse 7,861m, Changtse 7,543m, and Lhotse 8,516m. Eventually, you will make your way down to a lower altitude at Pheriche.
 

DAY 11 - Pheriche to Namche

Altitude: 3,440m/11,284ft (Namche)

Walking Distance: 13-15 km

Hike Duration: 7-8 hours

The walk is relatively easy from Pheriche to Tengboche as you will hike downhill for most of the part of the trek. So, your hiking pace will also significantly increase on the comfortable trails towards Namche 3,440m.
 

DAY 12 - Namche to Lukla

Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft (Lukla)

Walking Distance: 16km

Hike Duration: 6-7 hours

Your trek begins after having breakfast toward the Hillary Suspension Bridge You will descend towards Phakding at an elevation of 2,652m. Eventually, you will arrive at Lukla after a comfortable walk from the village of Phakding.
 

DAY 13 - Lukla to Kathmandu

Altitude: 1,350m/4,428 ft  (Kathmandu)

Flight time: 35 min

You will board an early morning flight from Lukla to the capital city at Kathmandu 1,350m. You will enjoy the scenic 35 min flight over the mountains as you cherish the moments you spend on the same Himalayas.

After your arrival at the Hotel, a representative will transfer you to the Hotel. You will spend rest of the time resting and enjoying a farewell dinner with your trek members
 

DAY 14 - Kathmandu Departure Day 

Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft (Kathmandu)

You will check out from the hotel prior to your belongings and necessary travel documents. You will arrive at the airport an hour before your flight departure from the Airport. The representative from the travel agency will bid you farewell and wish you a safe flight to your destination.
 

Conclusion

Everest Base Camp trek is simply one of the best treks in the Everest region of Nepal. You will cherish the moments you spent in the high Himalayas for a lifetime. However, you must be aware of the factors affecting the Everest Base Camp trek.

Elevation of the Everest Base Camp will pose some challenges but it's also part of the thrilling adventure. You will hike terrains over 3000 meters on most of the parts of the Everest Base Camp trek. So, you will have to maintain a slow and gradual hike to aid your body to acclimatize.

In addition, you must prepare yourself physically to undertake the challenges ahead on the trek. This will allow you to enjoy the experience of the Everest Base Camp trek despite the climatic conditions and altitude.

Note: If you scare to trek at this high altitude and still want to be at Everest base camp and get a view of Mount Everest,  find our exclusive Everest base camp helicopter tour package. 

Ram Khadka

Ram Khadka

15 years of experience in Nepal Himalaya and worked as a trekking guide for 10 years. Managing Director at Sublime Trails Pvt. Ltd.