A good itinerary is the difference between enjoying the Everest region and struggling through it. The classic 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek balances steady progress with two acclimatisation days, giving your body time to adapt before you reach 5,364 m. Below is our day-by-day plan with altitudes and walking times, followed by the best alternative routes for different schedules and fitness levels.

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14-Day Everest Base Camp Itinerary at a Glance

Day-by-Day: Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar (Days 1–4)

Day 1 is for arrival, a gear check and a briefing with your guide. On day 2 an early flight lands on Lukla’s famous sloping airstrip; the first afternoon is a gentle downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi river to Phakding.

Day 3 is the first big test: you enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, cross the high Hillary Suspension Bridge and climb steadily to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital. On clear days you get your first glimpse of Everest on the ascent. Day 4 is an acclimatisation day – a hike to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village, then back to Namche to sleep.

Day-by-Day: Tengboche to Dingboche (Days 5–7)

A beautiful balcony trail with Ama Dablam ahead leads to Tengboche, home to the Khumbu’s most important monastery. Try to attend the afternoon prayers. On day 6 you cross into the Imja Valley to Dingboche, a village of stone-walled fields. Day 7 is your second acclimatisation day, usually with a climb of Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m) for views of Makalu and Lhotse.

Day-by-Day: Lobuche, Base Camp and Kala Patthar (Days 8–10)

The trail climbs past the climbers’ memorials at Thukla Pass to Lobuche. On day 9 you reach Gorak Shep by late morning, then walk along the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp, where expeditions camp beneath the Khumbu Icefall in spring. Day 10 starts before dawn with the climb to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for Everest itself, before a long descent to Pheriche.

Day-by-Day: Return to Lukla and Kathmandu (Days 11–14)

The descent is fast as the air thickens: Pheriche to Namche on day 11, Namche to Lukla on day 12, and a morning flight to Kathmandu on day 13. Tip: keep at least one spare day before your international flight, as Lukla flights are often delayed by weather.

Alternative Everest Base Camp Itineraries

How to Choose the Right Itinerary

• First time at altitude? Choose 14 days or longer.
• Short on holiday? A 10-day trek or helicopter return saves time, but only if you are fit and have been high before.
• Want fewer crowds? Add the Gokyo Lakes or cross Cho La.
• Travelling with family? Add a third acclimatisation day and shorter walking stages.

Not sure how hard it will feel? Read How Difficult Is the Everest Base Camp Trek? and check the full Everest Base Camp cost breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need for the Everest Base Camp trek?

Plan 14 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu for the standard route, including two acclimatisation days. Fit, experienced trekkers can do it in 10–12 days, and a helicopter return shortens it further.

Where does the Everest Base Camp trek start?

It starts in Lukla (2,860 m), reached by a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu or, in peak season, from Ramechhap airport.

Do you sleep at Everest Base Camp?

Trekkers normally visit base camp and sleep at Gorak Shep (5,164 m). Camping at base camp is reserved for climbing expeditions.

Why is Kala Patthar included?

You cannot see the summit of Everest well from base camp itself. Kala Patthar (5,545 m) offers the classic close-up view of Everest, especially at sunrise.

Can I customise the Everest Base Camp itinerary?

Yes. We run private departures on any date and can add rest days, the Gokyo Lakes, Island Peak or a helicopter return.