How Long Is the Everest Base Camp Trek? 10, 12, 14 and 15 Days Compared (2027)

Last updated 11 November 2026.

Short answer: the classic Everest Base Camp trek takes 12 days from Lukla and back, which is how we run our 12-day Everest Base Camp trek: 8 days up, including 2 rest days for acclimatisation, and 3 days down, then the flight to Kathmandu. That is about 115 km of walking, 5 to 7 hours a day. Plan 14 to 15 days in Nepal in total, because Lukla flights are often delayed by weather. If you want more time to adjust to the altitude, our 14-day and 15-day versions add spare days. If you have less time, the 10-day trek with a helicopter return cuts out the walk down.

I am Shreejan. "How many days do I really need?" is the question I answer most after "how much does it cost?". The honest answer depends on two things: how your body handles altitude, and how much slack you leave for the Lukla flight. This page shows every length we run, what each one gives you, and the price.

Tell me on WhatsApp how many days you have, and I will tell you which version fits.

How long is the Everest Base Camp trek? Every option compared

Prices are Budget tier per person for 2 to 4 people, with permits, guide and government taxes included. Standard and Luxury prices are below.

Why does the Everest Base Camp trek take 12 days?

Because of the altitude, not the distance. Base camp is at 5,364 m and Kala Patthar, where you get the best view of Everest, is 5,645 m. Above about 3,000 m, the safe rule is to sleep no more than 300 to 500 m higher each night, with a rest day every few days. That is what sets the pace.

Here is how our 12-day trek is laid out.

Going up takes 8 days. Coming down takes 3, because you lose altitude fast and your body no longer needs time to adjust. The full day-by-day plan is on the Everest Base Camp trek 12 days page.

How many days should I plan in Nepal in total?

For the 12-day trek, I tell people to plan 14 to 15 days in Nepal:

• 1 day to arrive in Kathmandu. International flights land at all hours, and you need a night's sleep before an early Lukla flight.
• 12 days for the trek.
• 1 or 2 spare days at the end. Lukla is a mountain airstrip and flights stop when cloud comes in. Delays of a day are common in spring and autumn, and longer ones happen in bad weather. In busy months the flight sometimes runs from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu, which adds a long drive. Our Ramechhap and Lukla flight guide explains how that works.

Never book your international flight home for the day after the trek ends. If the spare day is not needed, you get a free day in Kathmandu. If it is, you do not miss your flight. Kathmandu hotel nights are not included in our trek prices, so we quote them separately.

Can I do the Everest Base Camp trek in fewer days?

Yes, but only in two safe ways. The first is the 10-day trek with a helicopter return: you walk up at the normal pace and fly from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu instead of walking down. You save 2 to 3 days, not acclimatisation time. Our helicopter return cost guide shows when it is worth paying for.

The second is not going to base camp at all. The Everest View trek goes to Namche and Tengboche in 7 days and gives you Everest from 3,860 m. Our guide to short Everest trek options has more on what fits in a week.

What I will not do is cut the rest days. I have seen too many people turn back at Lobuche because they rushed the first week. A rest day costs you one day. Altitude sickness can cost you the whole trek.

Is the 14-day Everest Base Camp trek better than 12 days?

For some people, yes. Our 14-day trek follows the same route up, then comes down more slowly through Pheriche and Tengboche, with a spare day at Lukla for the flight. It suits anyone over 60, families with teenagers, people who have struggled with altitude before, and anyone who would rather not race the flight. Our 14-day route guide goes through it day by day.

The 15-day version adds a second flexible day, either an extra night higher up if someone needs it, or a rest day in Namche. If you can spare the days, it is the most comfortable way to do it.

How much does each length cost?

Our live 2027 prices per person in US dollars for 2 to 4 people. Solo prices in brackets.

Budget has no porter and no meals. Standard has one porter for every two trekkers and three meals a day. Luxury has your own porter, private rooms with a bathroom where the lodge has one, and a helicopter to and from Lukla. The full breakdown is in our Everest Base Camp trek cost guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many days is the Everest Base Camp trek? The standard trek is 12 days from Lukla and back, including 2 acclimatisation days. With arrival and a spare day for the Lukla flight, plan 14 to 15 days in Nepal.

How long does it take to walk to Everest Base Camp? 8 days from Lukla, including 2 rest days. The walk back down to Lukla takes 3 days.

How many km is the Everest Base Camp trek? About 115 km there and back from Lukla on our 12-day route, plus short acclimatisation hikes.

How many hours a day do you walk on the EBC trek? Usually 5 to 7 hours. The base camp day and the Kala Patthar day are the longest, at 7 to 8 hours.

Can you do the Everest Base Camp trek in 10 days? Yes, if you fly back by helicopter from Gorak Shep. Walking both ways in 10 days means cutting rest days, and I do not recommend that.

Is 14 days enough for Everest Base Camp? Yes. 14 days is enough for the trek itself with a slower descent and a spare day. If you also need arrival and departure days, 16 days in Nepal is comfortable.

What is the best month for the Everest Base Camp trek? October and November, then late March to May. Our best time for Everest Base Camp guide goes month by month.

Do the trek days include the Kathmandu hotel? No. Our trek prices include the flights between Kathmandu and Lukla, but not hotel nights in Kathmandu. We quote those separately.

What are the booking terms?

The 10 per cent deposit is non-refundable and there is no refund if you cancel, but you can move your trip free of charge to any date within one year with at least 72 hours notice. A balance paid by card carries 3.5 per cent; cash in Nepal carries nothing. Full details are on our deposit and rescheduling page.

How do I book?

Write to me on WhatsApp, +977 9810351300. Tell me how many days you have in Nepal, your dates and how many of you are coming. I will suggest the length that fits and send you the exact quote. Or book straight from the Everest Base Camp trek 12 days page.

Written by Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday and a third-generation Himalayan guide. TAAN Member #1586. WhatsApp +977 9810351300.