Everest Base Camp is one of the highest trekking routes in the world. It begins at Lukla Airport with a height of 2,600m / 8,530 ft and goes to a height of 5,500m / 18,044 ft at Kalapatthar.
That is not to say that you will be trekking at over 5,000m daily. The route to EBC takes you to different altitudes daily. To enable you to trek for 12-plus days at these heights, we ensure you are well-acclimatized as necessary. We also guarantee our guides are well-trained in spotting altitude-related illnesses and know what to do in such cases.
Breakdown of Altitude Changes: A Day-by-Day Guide to the Everest Base Camp Trek
The key to great trekking is to take it slowly. Allow your body to adjust to the altitude, climate, and daily cardio workout. And enjoy yourself! It is not a trail running a marathon (if that is your thing, it is held annually in the Everest Region).
To give you an idea of the heights you will reach on the EBC Trek, here are the daily changes in altitude. You should keep in mind that, on average, humans can and do begin to feel the effects of altitude at 3,000 – 3,500m / 9,842 – 11,482 ft.
- Day 1 Kathmandu to Lukla – 2,600m (8,530 ft)
- Day 2 Lukla to Phakding – 2,610m (7,086 ft)
- Day 3 Phakding to Namche Bazar – 3,440m (11,286 ft)
- Day 4 Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
- Day 5 Namche Bazar to Tengboche – 3,860m (12,664 ft)
- Day 6 Tengboche to Dingboche – 4,410m (14,468 ft)
- Day 7 Acclimatization Day at Dingboche
- Day 8 Dingboche to Lobuche – 4,940m (16,207 ft)
- Day 9 Lobuche to Gorakshep – 5,368m (17,611 ft) & Kalapattar 5,500m (18,044 ft)
- Day 10 Gorakshep to Pheriche – 4,371m (14,340 ft) & hike to EBC 5,364m (17,598 ft)
- Day 11 Pheriche to Namche – 3,440 m (11,286 ft)
- Day 12 Namche to Lukla – 2,600 m (8,530 ft)
- Day 13 Lukla to Kathmandu – 1,324m (4,344 ft)
As you can see, you steadily increase your altitude over a period of several days, including acclimatization days. This mediates the health problems associated with high altitude. Going up too fast and/or without acclimatization is extremely risky. You can know more about Everest Base Camp Trek Distance and total average time you have to walk in a day.