How Far is Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu ?

The trip to Everest Base Camp (EBC), one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, starts from the capital city of Kathmandu. Everest Base Camp is about 200 km northeast from Kathmandu, but getting there is not as easy as it seems due to the rugged topography. Hence, various alternatives can be taken to reach there via domestic flight and trek, helicopter flights alone, or other trek and peak climbing combinations. The article below covers information on how far Everest Base Camp (EBC) is from Kathmandu and the different alternatives for getting there.

The best alternative is perhaps the standard Everest base camp trek itinerary that combines domestic flight and trekking. It begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway of the Everest region covering 138 km aerial distance. Then, Everest Base Camp is a further 65 km trekking distance from Lukla which takes eight days including 2 days of acclimatization and day hike.

Kathmandu to Lukla flight and Lukla to Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp visit begins with your travel from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. There are other ways to get to Lukla via expensive and easy helicopter flight or the long and tedious trek. However, the best way to get from Kathmandu to Lukla is through a domestic flight, which is very practical and easier. The Everest Base Camp trek standard itinerary suggests a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.

From the domestic terminal of Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport to Lukla's Tenzing Hillary Airport, the flight takes around 35 minutes. It is very adventurous and gives an insight into the majestic Khumbu region from a bird's eye view. Although the landing at the 'world's most dangerous airport' in Lukla is nerve-wracking, it is fascinating.

After reaching Lukla, as per the standard itinerary, most trekkers start their trek immediately. You will reach Everest Base Camp in eight days including two acclimatization days as the trekking progresses to higher altitudes over 4000m before reaching the base camp of the tallest mountain.

How many days does it take to walk from Lukla to Everest Base Camp?

Everest Base Camp is about 200 km far from Kathmandu at a flying distance. However, the standard Everest Base Camp Trekking itinerary suggests flying from Kathmandu to Lukla and then trekking from Lukla to Everest Base Camp. Kathmandu is 138 km from Lukla and takes 35 to 40 minutes to reach via domestic flight.

After landing at Lukla, the walking distance to the Everest Base Camp is another 65 km, approximately taking eight days. On average, one needs to walk 7 hours daily in rugged terrain. At a maximum, you would have to trek for 8 hours a day and at a minimum of 3 hours some days.

Day to Day trekking itinerary from Lukla to EBC and Lukla

The standard itinerary of 14 days Everest Base Camp trek begins with a 35 minutes scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, from where the trek begins to Phakding village on the same day. From there, the trek progresses to the commercialized Namche Bazaar. After a day of acclimatization there, you head to Tengboche village and visit the famous ancient monastery of the same name.

On the next day, from Tengboche to Dingboche, there is a significant elevation gain, so the very next day sees a second acclimatization/rest stay. Then there is a day's trek to Lobuche settlement before heading to Gorak shep and the Everest Base Camp on the 9th day.

After enjoying the much-awaited destination, you can hike over to Kala Patthar viewpoint for a clearer view of the top of Mt. Everest before descending to Pheriche village, then Namche, and on the 12 days to Lukla. The next day you take a flight back from Lukla to Kathmandu and complete the entire trip in 14 days.

Everest Base Camp Trek Elevation and Acclimatization

Everest Base Camp trek begins from the lowest elevation of 2840m/9316ft. While Everest Base Camp sits at an altitude of 5364m/17,598 ft, the hike to vantage point Kala Patthar at the altitude of 5550m/18,204ft is the highest point of this trip. There is an average elevation gain of 400m to 600m each day during the trek.

The standard 14-day itinerary has set out two days for acclimatization, one at Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,284ft) and the other at Dingboche (4,410m/14,465ft), making this trip slightly longer. During this trip, you will be trekking over 3500m for six days straight; hence having two acclimatization days is ideal. It should be noted that above 3500m, there is a possibility of falling victim to Altitude sickness when your body might show mild to intense symptoms due to depleting oxygen levels at higher altitudes.

These acclimatization days have been perfectly suggested by our professional guides so that your body can adjust to the rising elevation and so that you can take a proper day's rest in between if needed. Hence, this trek can be taken by both experienced and non-experienced trekkers.

Accommodation En Route to EBC - Teahouse and Luxury Lodge

During the Everest Base Camp trek, an accommodation facility is available either in teahouses or luxury lodges. Suppose you wish to travel luxuriously, spending a higher than average budget on quality meals and rooms with better beds and furnishing. In that case, the Luxury Lodge is the best option for you.

However, if you want to go on an affordable standard trek, you can stay in tea houses which cost significantly less, the rooms are mainly on a sharing basis, and local food is mostly popular.

It should be noted that Gorakshep is the last accommodation before reaching EBC. As there isn’t any tea house located in EBC, Third Rock Adventures can make the camping arrangements by setting up tents on special request from the client.

How to Get to Everest Base Camp

Getting to Everest Base Camp is best possible via the standard 14 days trekking itinerary where you have to take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, then begin the trek towards the Dudh Koshi river valley villages. On the 9th day of the trip, you will reach Everest Base Camp.

Apart from the above, there are other ways to get to EBC. The shortest and most luxurious is via a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to EBC and back. Another way is to combine helicopter flight tours with shorter trekking. You can also get to EBC by taking classing tours via Jiri or Phaplu. Also, there are lengthier routes that combine the EBC trek and different destination treks like Gokyo, three high passes, or even peak climbing.

Conclusion

There are different alternatives for getting from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp; via trek, flight, or a combination of both. Based on how far EBC is from Kathmandu and based on your preference, you can select the alternative. IF you wish to have an experience of both a scenic flight and trek, then the standard trekking itinerary is the best.

If you have made up your mind to visit EBC or are looking at the possibility, it is best to reach out to a local travel agency like Third Rock Adventures to plan and organize the trip successfully. With our years of experience and professional service, we ensure fun, safety and adventure.