Twelve days is the plan that most healthy first-time high-altitude trekkers can follow without rushing. It has two rest days, one for Namche and one for Dingboche, and a spare day near the end. Here day 1 is the flight to Lukla.
Day by day
Altitudes and walking times on this page are approximate and differ a little between maps, GPS devices and lodges. Treat them as planning figures, not survey data.
- Lukla to Phakding (about 2,610 m). Easy first walk.
- Phakding to Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m).
- Namche rest day. Hike toward Everest View or Khumjung, return to sleep.
- Namche to Tengboche (about 3,860 m).
- Tengboche to Dingboche (about 4,410 m).
- Dingboche rest day. Climb to about 4,800 m on the ridge, return to sleep.
- Dingboche to Lobuche (about 4,910 m).
- Gorak Shep and base camp (about 5,164 m and 5,364 m).
- Kala Patthar (about 5,545 m), then down to Pheriche (about 4,371 m) or Pangboche.
- To Namche Bazaar.
- Namche to Lukla and the flight out.
- Spare day for weather or a Kathmandu connection.
Why two rest days
The first, at Namche, helps you adjust to about 3,400 m. The second, at Dingboche, comes before the most demanding stretch. See how acclimatisation days work.
What a day feels like
Starts are usually at 6 to 7 a.m., with a tea stop mid-morning, lunch by midday and arrival at your lodge by mid-afternoon. Afternoons bring cloud and wind; mornings are clearest.
Using the spare day
Keep it near the end of the trip as a weather buffer. If flights run on time, spend the day in Kathmandu or Pokhara. See Kathmandu before and after the trek.
Compare with the 10-day plan
The 10-day plan removes the Dingboche rest and the spare. See the 10-day itinerary.
Who the 12-day plan is best for
- First-time high-altitude trekkers who are generally healthy.
- Anyone who has not slept above 3,500 m in the last year.
- Trekkers who want time for photographs and village visits.
- People travelling with a mixed-fitness group.
What to do on the two rest days
Keep the hike short and the sleep long. A slow walk to a viewpoint in the morning, a long lunch, laundry and a quiet afternoon is a good pattern. Eat three proper meals even if you are not hungry. Avoid alcohol and heavy sleep medicines on these nights.
Common questions
Is 12 days the standard Everest Base Camp trek?
It is the common balanced plan: two rest days and a spare day. Some operators count Kathmandu days differently.
When do I rest?
At Namche and at Dingboche.
Why keep a spare day?
Flights in and out of Lukla are often delayed.
