Lukla to Khumjung on the Everest Base Camp trek covers 4 stages, via Phakding, Monjo and Namche Bazaar. It goes from about 2,860 m to about 3,790 m, a net gain of roughly 930 m. Total walking time is about 11 to 15 hours.
Quick facts
- Start: Lukla, about 2,860 m
- End: Khumjung, about 3,790 m
- Change: a net gain of roughly 930 m
- Stages: 4
- Total time: about 11 to 15 hours of walking
- Hardest stage: moderate
Stage by stage
- Lukla to Phakding: 3 to 4 hours (easy)
- Phakding to Monjo: 3 to 4 hours (easy to moderate)
- Monjo to Namche Bazaar: 3 to 4 hours (moderate)
- Namche Bazaar to Khumjung: 2 to 3 hours (moderate)
How to split it
This is more than a day of walking, so trekkers usually break it into stages and sleep along the way. The route passes through Phakding, Monjo and Namche Bazaar. Lodge availability changes by season, so confirm night stops with your operator.
Altitude and health
This route reaches about 3,790 m. Altitude sickness is possible above 3,000 m, so walk slowly, drink water and tell your guide about headaches, nausea or poor sleep. Altitudes vary by a few tens of metres between maps and guidebooks.
Reverse direction
Walking Khumjung to Lukla is the same route in reverse. It is mostly downhill and usually quicker, but a long descent is hard on the knees, so poles help.
Common questions
- How long is Lukla to Khumjung? Total walking time is about 11 to 15 hours, depending on pace and stops.
- Which places are on the way from Lukla to Khumjung? The route passes Phakding, Monjo and Namche Bazaar.
Plan it
Back to all route information or see the Everest Base Camp trek guides.
