Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude

Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude is one of the most important things to understand before planning the journey to the base of the world’s highest mountain.

Understanding the altitude profile helps you prepare mentally and physically. It also helps you know when to walk slowly, when to hydrate more, when to expect tougher breathing, and why acclimatization days are so important.

This complete Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude guide explains the day-by-day elevation gain, sleeping altitude, highest altitude, altitude loss, and acclimatization points.

Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Table

The following table gives a day-by-day overview of the Everest Base Camp trek altitude profile.

Everest Base Camp Trek Starting Altitude

The Everest Base Camp Trek usually starts from Lukla, which is already set in a high mountain environment.

From the very first day, trekkers enter a higher altitude zone where the air feels thinner, and the body immediately begins adjusting.

The flight from Kathmandu or Manthali to Lukla is short, but the elevation difference is large. This is why the first trekking day is intentionally short and mostly downhill to Phakding.

Day 1 Altitude: Kathmandu/Manthali to Lukla to Phakding

Day 1 begins with a flight from Kathmandu at approximately 1,400 m (4,593 ft), or from Manthali at around 474 m (1,555 ft) during peak trekking seasons, to Lukla at about 2,845 m (9,334 ft).

This Lukla flight gains roughly 1,445 m (4,741 ft) in altitude from Kathmandu, or about 2,371 m (7,780 ft) from Manthali.

From Lukla, the route begins with a gentle downhill walk toward Chheplung at around 2,700 m (8,858 ft), creating an altitude loss of about 145 m (476 ft).

After reaching Chheplung, the trail continues along the Dudh Koshi River valley toward Phakding at about 2,610 m (8,563 ft), losing another estimated 90 m (295 ft).

The route passes Sherpa villages, prayer wheels, mani stones, forested paths, and suspension bridges, giving you a calm introduction to the Khumbu region.

Overall, this first day brings you down from Lukla to a slightly lower sleeping altitude in Phakding. This helps the body settle into the mountain environment before the gradual ascent begins over the following days.

Everest Base Camp Trek Low-Altitude Zone

This section mainly serves as a gentle introduction to trekking life. The trail gives your body time to warm up, adjust slowly, and prepare for the higher elevations that come later.

It is also where trekkers begin to understand the daily rhythm of the route: walking after breakfast, stopping for tea or lunch, and gradually gaining height.

Day 2 Altitude: Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Day 2 begins in Phakding at around 2,650 m (8,690 ft) and follows the Dudh Koshi River valley toward Monjo at approximately 2,835 m (9,301 ft).

This first section adds around 185 m (607 ft) of elevation gain, but the ascent is gradual and mixed with small ups and downs.

From Monjo, you will enter the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint area and then descend slightly toward Jorsalle at around 2,740 m (8,990 ft).

There is an altitude loss of about 95 m (312 ft). Jorsalle is often used as a lunch stop before the more demanding ascent toward Namche Bazaar begins.

After Jorsalle, the route crosses suspension bridges and then rises sharply toward Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m (11,285 ft). This final section gains about 700 m (2,297 ft).

Overall, Day 2 is the first real altitude-gain day of the trek. The total gain from Phakding to Namche is around 790 m (2,592 ft), and you will begin to feel the thinner air as they approach Namche Hill.

Day 3 Altitude: Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

Day 3 begins and ends in Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m (11,285 ft) for acclimatization. However, the purpose of the day is not complete rest. Trekkers usually hike higher during the day and return to Namche.

There are various options you can choose for hiking for the day.

From Namche Bazaar, you can walk to the Sherpa Museum area at around 3,550 m (11,647 ft), gaining about 110 m (361 ft).

You can also hike to Syangboche Airport at about 3,780 m (12,402 ft), adding roughly 340 m (1,115 ft) from Namche.

You can also ascend to the Everest View Hotel at around 3,880 m (12,730 ft), gaining about 440 m (1,444 ft) from Namche.

Overall, Day 3 helps you follow the important rule of hiking higher and sleeping lower, which supports safer acclimatization before moving toward Tengboche.

Everest Base Camp Trek Mid-Altitude Zone

This is the point where many trekkers begin to notice altitude more clearly.

The trek may not always be extremely steep, but the body needs more effort to maintain the same walking pace. Small hills can feel harder than expected, and recovery after uphill sections may take longer.

Day 4 Altitude: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Day 4 begins in Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m (11,285 ft) and follows a scenic trail toward Kyangjuma at around 3,550 m (11,647 ft). This first part adds roughly 110 m (361 ft) of elevation gain, but the walking is gradual and scenic.

The route then descends toward Phunki Thenga at about 3,250 m (10,663 ft). You will lose altitude of around 300 m (984 ft). This descent feels comfortable, but you should remember that most of the lost altitude must be regained after lunch.

After reaching Phunki Thenga, the trail rises steeply through pine and rhododendron forest toward Tengboche at around 3,855 m (12,850 ft). This uphill section gains about 605 m (1,985 ft) from Phunki Thenga and is the main challenge of the day.

If the overnight stay is in Deboche at around 3,820 m (12,533 ft), you will descend slightly after visiting Tengboche Monastery.

Everest Base Camp Trek High-Altitude Zone

The high-altitude zone of the Everest Base Camp trek begins to feel more serious from Dingboche onward.

The air grows thinner, and every step starts to require more energy. Even short walks can feel slow and heavy. This is why trekkers are encouraged to move at a steady pace, stay well hydrated, eat properly, and listen carefully to their bodies.

Day 5 Altitude: Tengboche/Deboche to Dingboche

Day 5 begins around Tengboche at 3,855 m (12,850 ft), or slightly lower from Deboche, depending on the overnight lodge.

The route crosses the Imja Khola area and then rises gradually toward Pangboche at around 3,930 m (12,894 ft), adding about 75 m (246 ft).

After Pangboche, the trail continues through a wider alpine valley toward Shomare at approximately 4,010 m (13,156 ft), gaining around 80 m (262 ft). The landscape becomes more open, the trees become fewer, and the mountain air feels drier and colder.

From Shomare, you will continue toward Dingboche at 4,360 m (14,290 ft), gaining another estimated 350 m (1,148 ft).

Overall, Day 5 adds around 505 m (1,657 ft) of altitude from Tengboche to Dingboche.

Day 6 Altitude: Acclimatization at Dingboche

Day 6 begins and ends in Dingboche at 4,360 m (14,290 ft). However, the day is designed to expose the body to a higher elevation through an acclimatization hike.

From Dingboche, you will ascend toward Nangkartshang Peak, which reaches around 5,083 m (16,676 ft). This hike can add up to about 723 m (2,372 ft) of elevation gain from Dingboche, depending on how high the group goes.

After reaching the selected viewpoint or the higher ridge area, you will descend back to Dingboche, losing the same elevation.

Day 7 Altitude: Dingboche to Lobuche

Day 7 begins in Dingboche at 4,360 m (14,290 ft) and gradually rises toward Thukla at around 4,620 m (15,157 ft). This first ascent gains about 260 m (853 ft).

From Thukla, you will begin the steep ascent to Thukla Pass at approximately 4,830 m (15,846 ft), adding another 210 m (689 ft) of elevation gain. This section is one of the most demanding parts of the trek because it is steep, exposed, and already above 4,500 m (14,764 ft).

After reaching Thukla Pass, the trail becomes more gradual as it follows the moraine area toward Lobuche at about 4,930 m (16,175 ft), gaining around 100 m (328 ft) more.

Overall, Day 7 gains around 570 m (1,870 ft) from Dingboche to Lobuche.

Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Before Base Camp

The final and highest part of the trek begins after Lobuche and continues through Gorak Shep, the last settlement on the route. From Gorak Shep, the trail leads toward Everest Base Camp across rocky moraine and glacial terrain.

Day 8 Altitude: Lobuche to EBC to Gorak Shep

Day 8 begins in Lobuche at around 4,930 m (16,175 ft) and rises gradually toward Gorak Shep at approximately 5,185 m (17,010 ft). This first section gains about 255 m (837 ft).

After reaching Gorak Shep, you will stop for lunch and leave your larger backpacks at the teahouse. From Gorak Shep, the route continues toward Everest Base Camp at around 5,364 m (17,598 ft), adding another 179 m (587 ft) of elevation gain.

The walk from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp crosses moraine and glacial terrain near the Khumbu Glacier.

After reaching Everest Base Camp, you will return to Gorak Shep, descending around 179 m (587 ft) from Base Camp.

Everest Base Camp Trek: Highest Altitude

The highest altitude on the standard Everest Base Camp trek is usually Kala Patthar at approximately 5,555 m (18,208 ft). Although Everest Base Camp is the main destination, Kala Patthar is higher and is often considered the best viewpoint for seeing Mount Everest.

Day 9 Altitude: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar to Pheriche

Day 9 begins in Gorak Shep at around 5,185 m (17,010 ft), usually before sunrise. You will hike toward Kala Patthar at approximately 5,555 m (18,208 ft), gaining about 370 m (1,214 ft).

After reaching Kala Patthar, you will descend back to Gorak Shep, losing the same 370 m (1,214 ft).

From Gorak Shep, the trail continues downhill toward Lobuche at around 4,930 m (16,175 ft), creating a further altitude loss of about 255 m (837 ft). The route then descends toward Thukla at around 4,620 m (15,157 ft), losing another estimated 310 m (1,017 ft).

After Thukla, you will continue down to Pheriche at approximately 4,250 m (13,945 ft), losing about 370 m (1,214 ft) more.

Everest Base Camp Trek Descent Altitude

After reaching Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, trekkers start losing elevation quickly. This usually brings relief because the body receives more oxygen at lower altitudes.

Day 10 Altitude: Pheriche to Tengboche

Day 10 begins in Pheriche at around 4,250 m (13,945 ft) and descends toward Shomare at approximately 4,010 m (13,156 ft), an altitude loss of about 240 m (787 ft).

From Shomare, you will continue down toward Pangboche at around 3,930 m (12,894 ft), losing another 80 m (262 ft). The landscape begins to feel greener again, and the trail passes traditional stone-built lodges, prayer walls, and familiar villages.

After Pangboche, the route descends toward Deboche at approximately 3,820 m (12,533 ft), adding another altitude loss of about 110 m (361 ft).

From Deboche, the trail rises slightly to Tengboche at around 3,855 m (12,850 ft), gaining about 35 m (115 ft).

Day 11 Altitude: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar

Day 11 begins in Tengboche at about 3,855 m (12,850 ft) and descends steeply toward Phunki Thenga at around 3,250 m (10,663 ft). This creates an altitude loss of approximately 605 m (1,985 ft).

From Phunki Thenga, the trail rises again toward Kyangjuma at around 3,550 m (11,647 ft), gaining about 300 m (984 ft).

After Kyangjuma, the route becomes gentler and descends slightly toward Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m (11,285 ft), losing around 110 m (361 ft).

Day 12 Altitude: Namche Bazaar to Phakding

Day 12 begins in Namche Bazaar at around 3,440 m (11,285 ft) and descends toward Monjo at approximately 2,835 m (9,301 ft). This creates a large altitude loss of about 605 m (1,985 ft).

From Monjo, the route continues toward Phakding at around 2,650 m (8,690 ft), losing another estimated 185 m (607 ft). The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River valley and passes through villages, pine forests, and familiar checkpoints.

Overall, Day 12 descends around 790 m (2,592 ft) from Namche Bazaar to Phakding.

Day 13 Altitude: Phakding to Tok Tok to Chheplung to Lukla

Day 13 begins in Phakding at around 2,650 m (8,690 ft) and follows the Dudh Koshi River trail toward Tok Tok at approximately 2,760 m (9,055 ft). This section gains around 110 m (361 ft).

From Tok Tok, you will continue toward Chheplung at around 2,700 m (8,858 ft), creating a small altitude loss of about 60 m (197 ft). The route passes prayer flags, mani stones, bridges, and familiar villages from the first trekking day.

After Chheplung, the trail rises toward Lukla at about 2,850 m (9,350 ft), gaining around 150 m (492 ft).

Overall, Day 13 has a net altitude gain of about 200 m (656 ft) from Phakding to Lukla.

Day 14 Altitude: Lukla to Kathmandu / Manthali

Day 14 begins in Lukla at around 2,850 m (9,350 ft). During off-season months, you will fly directly from Lukla to Kathmandu at 1,400 m (4,593 ft), creating an altitude descent of about 1,450 m (4,757 ft).

During peak trekking seasons, flights often operate from Lukla to Manthali at around 474 m (1,555 ft). This creates a larger descent of about 2,376 m (7,795 ft) by flight, followed by a 5-hour road journey from Manthali to Kathmandu.

The final flight also gives one last view of the Himalayan landscape. Once back in Kathmandu, the Everest Base Camp trek officially comes to an end.

Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Gain and Loss

The key altitude changes on the Everest Base Camp Trek:

• Total trekking altitude gain: around 5,200 m to 5,400 m (17,060 ft. to 17,716 ft.) including acclimatization hikes
• Total trekking altitude loss: around 5,200 m to 5,500 m (17,060 ft. to 18,045 ft.), including return descents and acclimatization descents
• Largest single-day sleeping altitude gain: Phakding 2,650 m (8,690 ft.) to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m (11,285 ft.) on Day 2, gaining about 790 m (2,592 ft.)
• Largest high-altitude day ascent: Gorak Shep 5,185 m (17,010 ft.) to Kala Patthar 5,555 m (18,208 ft.) on Day 9, gaining about 370 m (1,214 ft.) above 5,000 m (16,404 ft.)
• Largest single-day altitude loss: Kala Patthar 5,555 m (18,208 ft.) to Pheriche 4,250 m (13,945 ft.) on Day 9, descending about 1,305 m (4,281 ft.) after the morning viewpoint hike
• Highest sleeping altitude: Gorak Shep 5,185 m (17,010 ft.) on Day 8
• Highest point of the trek: Kala Patthar 5,555 m (18,208 ft.) on Day 9

Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is one of the main concerns on the Everest Base Camp trek. It can affect anyone, even fit and experienced trekkers, because the body gets less oxygen as the altitude increases.

The risk becomes more noticeable above 3,500 m (11,483 ft.) and more serious above 4,500 m (14,764 ft.). This is why acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m (11,285 ft.) and Dingboche at 4,360 m (14,290 ft.) are important.

Common symptoms of altitude sickness include:

• Headache
• Tiredness or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Poor sleep
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath while walking
• Unusual difficulty continuing the trek

Trekkers may first feel mild symptoms around Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, Lobuche at 4,930 m (16,175 ft.), or Gorak Shep at 5,185 m (17,010 ft.).

A mild headache may improve with rest, food, water, and time. However, worsening symptoms should never be ignored. You should always tell their guide if they feel unwell, because continuing higher with serious symptoms can be dangerous.

The safest approach is to walk slowly, acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, eat well, and descend if symptoms become worse.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness?

To reduce the risk of altitude sickness on the Everest Base Camp trek:

• Follow a gradual itinerary: Choose a route with proper acclimatization days, especially in Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m (11,285 ft.) and Dingboche at 4,360 m (14,290 ft.).
• Walk slowly: Keep a steady pace from the beginning, even if you feel strong. Walking too fast can make you tired before reaching a higher altitude.
• Drink enough water: Stay hydrated throughout the day because dehydration can make altitude symptoms worse.
• Eat properly: Choose energy-rich meals such as rice, potatoes, noodles, soup, porridge, and warm drinks to keep your body strong.
• Use acclimatization hikes: Follow the “hike higher, sleep lower” rule during rest days in Namche and Dingboche.
• Avoid alcohol during ascent: Alcohol can cause dehydration, disturb sleep, and increase altitude problems.
• Stay warm: Wear proper layers and keep warm at night, especially in Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep.
• Listen to your guide: Follow your guide’s advice on pacing, rest, symptoms, and descent.
• Do not ignore symptoms: Report headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, extreme tiredness, or breathlessness immediately.
• Use medicine only with medical advice: Some trekkers take altitude medication, but it should only be used after consulting a doctor.

The best prevention is simple: walk slowly, acclimatize well, drink enough water, eat properly, stay warm, and descend if symptoms become serious.

FAQs

What is the highest altitude on the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The highest altitude on the Everest Base Camp Trek is Kala Patthar at around 5,555 m (18,208 ft.). Everest Base Camp itself is slightly lower at 5,364 m (17,598 ft.).

What is the sleeping altitude at Everest Base Camp Trek?

The highest sleeping altitude on the Everest Base Camp Trek is usually Gorak Shep at 5,185 m (17,010 ft.). Trekkers visit Everest Base Camp during the day and return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Why are acclimatization days important on the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Acclimatization days help the body adjust to thinner air before sleeping higher. Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m (11,285 ft.) and Dingboche at 4,360 m (14,290 ft.) are the two main acclimatization stops on the trek.

How can trekkers reduce altitude sickness risk during the trek?

Trekkers can reduce altitude sickness risk by walking slowly, drinking enough water, eating properly, avoiding alcohol during ascent, using acclimatization days well, and telling the guide immediately if symptoms appear.