Lukla to Namche Bazaar on the Everest Base Camp trek covers 3 stages, via Phakding and Monjo. It goes from about 2,860 m to about 3,440 m, a net gain of roughly 580 m. Total walking time is about 9 to 12 hours.
Quick facts
- Start: Lukla, about 2,860 m
- End: Namche Bazaar, about 3,440 m
- Change: a net gain of roughly 580 m
- Stages: 3
- Total time: about 9 to 12 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)
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 and Monjo. Lodge availability changes by season, so confirm night stops with your operator.
Altitude and health
This route reaches about 3,440 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 Namche Bazaar 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 Namche Bazaar? Total walking time is about 9 to 12 hours, depending on pace and stops.
- Which places are on the way from Lukla to Namche Bazaar? The route passes Phakding and Monjo.
Plan it
Back to all route information or see the Everest Base Camp trek guides.
