The short answer
The trail climbs from about 2,860 m at Lukla to about 5,360 m at Everest Base Camp, with the Kala Patthar viewpoint at about 5,550 m. The chart below shows every stop on one scale, so you can see where the big jumps are: Phakding to Namche, Tengboche to Dingboche, and the last stretch to Gorak Shep.
Read the figures as rounded: maps, GPS devices and lodge signboards differ by tens of metres. What matters is the height where you sleep, not the highest point you reach in the day. Most itineraries add rest days at Namche and Dingboche so your body can catch up before each big step.
Key facts
- Start
- Lukla, about 2,860 m
- Highest night
- Gorak Shep, about 5,160 m
- Highest point
- Kala Patthar, about 5,550 m
- Typical length
- 12 to 14 days, with rest days
The altitude ladder, stop by stop
- LuklaFlight arrival2,860 m
- PhakdingFirst night, low2,610 m
- Namche BazaarRest day here3,440 m
- TengbocheMonastery, views3,870 m
- DingbocheSecond rest day4,410 m
- LobucheCold, thin air4,910 m
- Gorak ShepLast night up5,160 m
- Everest Base CampDay visit5,360 m
- Kala PattharSunrise viewpoint, day visit5,550 m
Rounded figures, drawn to scale from 2,000 m. Sleeping heights are what matter for acclimatisation.
How it works
- Lukla to PhakdingA short, easy first day that loses a little height, so your body starts gently.
- Phakding to NamcheA long climb with the big suspension bridges; the first real altitude gain.
- Namche to Tengboche and DingbocheModerate days with views of Ama Dablam; the Dingboche rest day is the key acclimatisation stop.
- Dingboche to Gorak ShepShort days but very high; sleep low, climb high is the rule.
- Return in two to four daysDescent is fast because the body recovers as oxygen rises.
Reading the ladder wisely
The numbers are approximate and vary by source, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise. What matters is the pattern: gentle gains early, then slower progress as sleeping altitude passes about 3,500 metres.
Itineraries add rest days around Namche and Dingboche for a reason. Your guide may adjust the plan to your health, weather and trail conditions.
Insider tip
The rule of thumb is to sleep no more than about 300 to 500 m higher each night above 3,000 m.
Avoid this
Do not skip the Namche and Dingboche rest days to save time, and do not push on with a worsening headache just to reach the next lodge. Tell your guide early, and go down if symptoms get worse.
Related questions
How many days does the trek take?
Most itineraries run 12 to 14 days up and down from Lukla, plus rest days.
Are these altitudes exact?
No. Guidebooks and GPS readings differ slightly; use them as a guide.
Where do trekkers sleep highest?
Usually at Gorak Shep, about 5,160 m, then walk to Base Camp and back the same day.
Which days gain the most height?
Phakding to Namche and the stretch from Dingboche up to Lobuche. Take them slowly and drink plenty of water.
Is Kala Patthar higher than Base Camp?
Yes, by roughly 200 m, which is why it is usually a sunrise or afternoon day trip from Gorak Shep.
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