A table of sleeping heights is the clearest way to see why a plan is safe or aggressive. This is the profile for the 12-day plan, with the gain for each night.
The profile
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.
- Night 1, Phakding: about 2,610 m.
- Nights 2 and 3, Namche: about 3,440 m (+830 m, then rest).
- Night 4, Tengboche: about 3,860 m (+420 m).
- Nights 5 and 6, Dingboche: about 4,410 m (+550 m, then rest).
- Night 7, Lobuche: about 4,910 m (+500 m).
- Night 8, Gorak Shep: about 5,164 m (+254 m).
- Night 9, Pheriche: about 4,371 m (down).
- Night 10, Namche: about 3,440 m.
Reading the numbers
The first night gain of 830 m is high, but it starts below 3,000 m, where the usual limit does not apply. From Namche on, every night sits at or under the 500 m guideline, and two rest days punctuate the climb.
Where problems tend to show up
- Namche: mild headaches and poor sleep on the first night.
- Dingboche: cold and thin air, with the first real breathlessness.
- Gorak Shep: restless sleep for nearly everyone, even those who feel fine in the day.
Why the descent is quick
Sleeping at Pheriche, about 800 m below Gorak Shep, usually brings fast relief. Read the Pheriche guide.
If you feel unwell
Stay at the same altitude or go down. Do not climb with a worsening headache. See continue or stop.
How the profile compares with other plans
The 10-day plan removes a night at Dingboche. The Gokyo-first plan raises your sleeping height earlier but gives you more days at altitude before base camp. For a comparison, see the 10-day trade-offs and the Gokyo route.
Signals that the plan needs changing
- Two nights of poor sleep in a row at the same altitude.
- A headache that returns every evening.
- Loss of appetite lasting more than a day.
In these cases the sensible change is to add a rest night at the same altitude rather than carry on up.
Common questions
What is the highest sleeping altitude?
Gorak Shep, at about 5,164 m. Lobuche sits at about 4,910 m.
Is the 830 m gain to Namche dangerous?
It is large, but it starts below 3,000 m and is followed by a rest day.
Where do I sleep best?
Usually lower. Pheriche or Namche on the descent.
