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Best Training Program For The Everest Base Camp Trek 

As one of the most popular mountain treks in the world, the Everest Base Camp Trek is accessible to most people with a good fitness level and a decent drive to last two weeks hiking at altitude!

As a non-technical trek that requires no mountaineering experience, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a great challenge for all people of all ages, shapes and sizes.

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Despite being a very achievable trek, there are still some challenges that come along with hiking 130km and climbing 3000m in altitude. Depending on your individual fitness level, a few weeks to a few months of prior training should be enough to get you into shape for the Everest Base Camp Trek. If you want to know more about the difficulty of the trek, check out our detailed article here.

This article will give overview of the broad methods of training that you should implement in your own time before embarking on your trip to the Everest region. A key point to remember throughout the article is that all the training involves building up your level of fitness gradually, until you are comfortable with the lengths and distances you will be encountering daily on the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Finding your own level of comfort when doing an exercise and then aiming to push that level further and further is the basic pillar of endurance training.

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EBC Trek Training Guide

Hiking Practice

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As you will be hiking for 9 out of the 14 days on the hike, doing some practice hikes would make sense! A typical day will involve around 15km of hiking over the course of 6 hours – not a crazy amount considering it amounts to just under 3km per hour. The challenging part is that this will be mainly uphill and on rocky, unstable terrain. You also need to be able to hike comfortably on back-to-back days, which is why endurance is key.

Practice hikes are important so that you can get used to the slow pace and rhythm that hiking uphill for long distances involves. You will get a feeling for which joints hurt and which muscles need strengthening. Starting as soon as possible, you should go on hikes starting at one or two hours, working your way up to 5/6 hour hikes. Ideally, these should be done in the hiking boots you will be using in Everest so that you can break them in, as there’s nothing worse than a big red blister after day 1 of 14!

Aim to replicate the conditions you will be hiking in – uphill, 5/6 hours and with your boots and a backpack. If you do 3 of these long hikes before your trip and you feel comfortable then you should be fine for the actual trek.

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EBC Trek Training Guide

Cardiovascular Endurance

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If you regularly go on hour long jogs and still feel good afterwards then your fitness level is already pretty good and you shouldn’t struggle at all. For most of us, however, some aerobic training is necessary so that we can cope with the high altitude/low oxygen conditions on the Everest Base Camp Trek.

While the trek is done at an accommodating pace, the high altitude makes breathing slightly harder and will result in you tiring out much faster. Getting used to exercising under low oxygen conditions and training your body to optimise its oxygen intake per breath when exerting is a great way to make the trek more pleasant.

While activities such as rowing, swimming and cycling will all build up your cardiovascular endurance, it is best to mimic the type of activity you will be doing on the trek. Start with 30-minute sessions of jogging up hill, or at an incline on the treadmill, and slowly work your way up to 60-minute sessions over a few weeks to months. This will increase your endurance while simultaneously working on the muscles that you will be using on the trek.

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EBC Trek Training Guide

Strength Training

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While not as important as the abovementioned training, strength training on areas of your body that will be put under strain on the trek will help make the trek more enjoyable and will definitely result in less aches and pains.

Aim to do 2 free weight, full-body strength training sessions per week. Using free weights will replicate the conditions of the trek and ensure your balancing muscles are put into use. Squats, lunges, step-ups and deadlifts are great for building lower body strength. Your legs will be worked extensively on the incline you will be facing on the Everest Base Camp Trek>, so these compound exercises are a great start.

Bench press, pull ups and press-ups will help work out the upper body. While not used as much as the lower body, your upper body will still be tested as you carry backpacks for long distances. With all strength training, it is important to maintain proper form and to start at a comfortable level for 10-12 repetitions, then slowly work your way up in weight.

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EBC Trek Training Guide

Mental Strength

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While mental stamina is hard to actively train, it is still a very important part of any endurance trek. There will be days on the trek when it is cold and you are tired and sore from the previous day’s hiking, but you will have to push through and find the strength to hike even more!

A lot of the mental strength will be built by training your strength and cardiovascular endurance as you will feel more comfortable on the mountain. You will not tire so easily and you will feel more ready to trek the next day as you will be less stiff. As you train, try and push yourself through the metaphorical ‘wall’ when you reach your limit. This is a great way to build mental stamina through showing yourself that you can achieve more.

Luckily, you will be surrounded by a team of individuals on the trek who all have the same goal as you and who will encourage you to keep on pushing. Trekking in a group also provides a much more social and enjoyable atmosphere on the trek. You are sure to make some friends on a 14-day hike!

EBC Trek Training Guide

Our Advice

With a little bit of preparation, the Everest Base Camp Trek is achievable for all. Follow the training plan listed above as soon as possible and you will definitely be in shape in time for the trek. Finally, keep a positive attitude – it goes a long way in making the trek an enjoyable experience!

While it is hard to train for the high altitude of the region, you can read up on acclimatization and how it will affect the trek here.

Mark Whitman


Hi, I'm Mark! Welcome to EBC Trek Guide - the Web's No.1 Trekking Guide to Everest Base Camp. I have trekked all over Nepal, but the Everest region remains my favourite. I hope you find all the answers you are looking for on this site. If you have any questions don't hesitate to drop a comment below! Happy Trekking!

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  1. Thank you. I booked for september this year. Tommorow the sport gym will help me with a program to train. I will take this advise with me. And apply it to my training I also bought a training mask to get used to the altitude.

  2. Hi there…
    My wife and I did EBC a couple years ago and loved it… would love to go back…

    Just wondering about a different trek that would be similar in difficulty but less people… maybe more wildlife…
    Also I would like to try and get above 20000 feet
    Thanks for your help
    Kent

  3. Fab set of training info I’m booked in to walk March 2019 so I’ve got plenty of time to put this guide into practice

  4. Having done the Everest trek (from Jiri) many years ago, I can attest that the fitness regimen recommended is realistic, especially the attention to mental fitness. I would also emphasize the FACT that high altitude will bring challenges to both your mental and physical stamina, rarely encountered when backpacking at lower elevations. Good preparation will help ensure a memorable trip.

  5. Hi I know your blog is about base camp, we have no moutaineering experience and we’re thinking of adding on the labouche east summit, is this a realistic option without climbing experience?

    1. Hi Julia, I would not recommend doing Lobuche East if you have no mountaineering experience. Many inexperienced trekkers do attempt to climb Lobuche but I would say this is way too risky. The climb goes to very high altitude (well over 6,000m) and involves steep sections that require fixed rope jumar skills, the use of crampons and an ice axe. If you are looking for a high altitude trekking peak that is more accessible then Mera Peak may work, but again it is a big ask and a very high summit trek. If you do decide to climb any of the trekking peaks I would make sure you employ the services of a reputable company with qualified guides. Cheers!

      1. Thanks Mark, that’s really helpful, we are thinking of going with Icicles adventures, based in Kathmandu have you heard of these? They have 2 years trip advisor certificate of excellence but I cannot find any other reviews. Where is the best place to find reviews on the different company’s thanks julia

        1. Hi Julia, I haven’t heard of Icicles Adventures so can’t comment, but in general for trekking peaks like Lobuche East, Island Peak and Mera Peak you want to find a company that employs qualified guides. You should look for IFGMA qualifications or equivalent.

  6. Hello,

    Does anyone know of a free download for an Everest Base camp trek plan?
    We’d like to begin our training ASAP and we know what to train just not sure how or for how long at a time.

    Thank you.

  7. Hi Mark, I’m 59 but planning to do the trek in 2020. I’ll be 61 then. Have played soccer most of my life but that stopped about 10 years ago. Now, I’m mostly leading a sedentary life. Computer work. I do walk about 2 miles a day during my commute and avoid elevators as much as possible. But that’s it.

    Based on recommendations in this article, I should plan to hit the gym for a few months before the trip. Do you see any major impediments for me doing this successfully? Or is it perhaps out of my league?

    I did manage to climb Angel’s Landing last year (Zion National Park in Utah, do you know it?), although I finished spent. About 5800 feet with over 100º weather. Not to be compared to the Himalayans, but a bit challenging all the same.

    Please let me know.
    Appreciate your reply.
    Ricardo

    1. Hey Ricardo, with a good exercise regime setup I’m sure you can trek to EBC. Last year I trekked with a few people, all of which were in their late fifties / early sixties, and all managed to make base camp without a problem. All the best!

  8. Hi Mark!

    Thanks so much.

    Do you have any recommendations for a trekking company for EBC?

    Thanks,

    Bernadette

  9. Tks so much, not only is your article very informative for a lay man, it’s also Plain Simple and Easy. I hope my trek goes the same way as you have explained.

  10. Thanks so much for that!! I am planning on doing the trek in a years time and I was starting to panic a bit that I would not have enough time to train. I am already doing a lot of the things recommended so I feel that if I keep going the way I am going the trip will be really enjoyable for me and I wont need to stress about my fitness.
    One thing I wanted to know about is the altitude fitness masks I have heard about, do you think these are a necessary training tool? Or should the above exercises/training be enough?
    Thanks again!!

  11. Hi there
    I am coming over from NZ to trek hopefully starting Dec 15 from Lukla (if I can get a flight from KTM). I have queried a bus from KTM to Salleri then walking to Lukla. Can you tell me, is it approx 3 days from Salleri to Lukla. Also should I get a trekking permit in KTM before I leave or pick one up when I get into Lukla? What is easiest/cheapest? Also, is it necessary to book accommodation in Phakding in Decemeber or would I be ok? I was thinking of hiking Lukla to Phakding when I land. Also, considering trekking to Gokyo region first, then up to EBC area. I read somewhere I could get a guide from some parts of this region just to guide me over the Cho La (I understand that this pass may not be possible in December and certainly I would want an experienced guide for this). I have also heard its goregous along the other side of the valley down the middle from Gokyo (through Chhamtyang)? I had thought up to Gokyo down the other side of the valley (if Cho La impassable), then up to EBC through Periche. Is any accommodation necessary to book anywhere along this trail in Mid Dec-early Jan?
    Thanks!

  12. Hi Mark,

    We plan to do EBC April 2019. Would this be the right time? My husband is 59 and I am 55. We both are pretty active. Have done a couple of treks in India (uttrakhand) , US, Europe . Recently did Pun Hill in Nepal. I have a feeling that I do suffer from AMS as I had to cut short one of the treks last year. What would you recommend so that I do not suffer from AMS? We are planning to take longer time for the EBC trek. We do 6 km walk every day and one hour morning session of Yoga for 5 times a week. We will soon start training as per guidance given by you in the article. Any other recommendation?
    Thanks in anticipation
    Regards

    1. If you are fit and healthy then I would say yes, but if in doubt about your weight then I would first check with a doctor.

  13. Hi, I’m trekking to EBC via the Gokyo Lakes next May. I’m 65 and have had half knee replacements to both knees, the latest of which was 15 months ago…..my surgeon says I’ll be fine mechanically to do the trek. My question is around the training regime…..I can’t jog due to my knee situation. I’ve just got back from a week of Alpine trekking doing 12 – 18 km on 3 consecutive days uphill to 2000m altitude in quite snowy conditions. I struggled a little aerobically on the longer uphill sections and had to stop for 15/20 secs every 10/15 mins or so which I won’t be able to do at EBC. So I know I have quite a long way to go with my training. I’m now looking to do 45-90 minutes on my exercise bike 4-5 times a week with gym weight sessions maybe twice a week, and a tough up/down 12 – 16 km walk in the S Downs at least once a week. Is there anything else I should be doing as well as or instead of that?

    1. Hi Alan, super impressed with your drive and determination to get out hiking after knee surgery. My father had a full knee replacement last year and I wouldn’t back him to go hiking in the Alps, let alone Nepal. It sounds like you are made of sterner stuff though. Your exercise regime looks good. You may want to try do some HIT training too (high intensity interval training too). You can do this on a bike or treadmill – where you go very hard and fast for 1-2 minutes and then rest for 30-40 seconds. Rinse and repeat a few times. Otherwise just frequent long walks in the S Downs are a great way to get time on feet. The biggest challenge of EBC is the altitude so make sure to take a slow ascend with acclimatisation days. Cho La pass is quite challenging, especially if there is heavy snow (unlikely in May). Hope you have a blast!

  14. Hi Mark,
    Great and very informative write up. Doing the EBC tops my bucket list. I really really want to do it. A few hitches though – while I’m rather active with regular workouts, I’ve recently developed asthma. My husband is asthmatic too. I want to do it with him and my daughter. She’s 9. I’m 50. My husband 52. Well, not the ideal situation. But I so want to do this. Any suggestions or advice will be welcome.
    Thanks and happy trekking!

      1. Also which would be the best time to be there, in terms of being least cold and hopefully avoid the rains as well.
        Thanks!

        1. Hi Neha, March through May and September through mid November are the best periods to hike to EBC. June, July and August are the the monsoon season and best avoided.

  15. Thanks for the reply Mark. Read the article on trekking with asthma. Very informative. With some extra acclimatization for the EBC, how many days would you recommend in our itinerary?

    1. Hi Rebecca, that’s a tough one to answer. Both treks are very unique and equally spectacular. EBC is admittedly more busy, so you the teahouses and trail will have many more trekkers than those on the Annapurna trails. However, you get to trek through the amazing Khumbu valley, visit the famous Everest Base Camp, see the highest mountain in the World from Kala Patthar and get panoramic vistas of the Eastern Himalayas that include 4 of the 14 8000er peaks. Annapurna on the other hand is a circuit trek so the trail and scenery is super varied from the Eastern side to the Western side. You get to cross a major Pass (Cho La), and see the impressive Annapurna massif. All told, I would probably go for EBC first and then return one day to complete the AC!

  16. Great article. Can you please clarify training regimen on a treadmill – what degree incline should I be using? Or should I start at a particular degree and work my way up to a particular more challenging degree over time? A friend of mine did EBC trek last year and she said she was surprised about taking slower motions and smaller steps so wondering if I have access to a treadmill, stepper, and elliptical which would you recommend specifically. Thanks for your support.

    1. Hi Laura, trying to simulate the hiking experience on a treadmill won’t help too much with training. Instead you want to build your cardiovascular system and endurance via aerobic training. On the treadmill I recommend doing a combination of HIT (high intensity training – Google HIT for ideas) along with some varied incline hogs that last 20-30 minutes each each session. Hope this helps!

  17. Thanks for info. Is there any where I can get training I want to do another trek to Nepal. I’m really out of shape. The next trip is in February. Could use all the help I can get.

  18. I want to do EBC in 2021 May. I did treks earlier but not since 2015. I need guidance on choosing a camp and most importantly, how to train myself.

  19. Hi Mark.
    I am thinking abt going to Everest base camp in 2021. Prior to that, I want to go to Nepal for a hike. I am a hiker since February 2020 and most of the weekends I hike esp mountains in our state. The latest hike was 910 mdpl. Can you suggest a place in Nepal that I should out. Your suggestion would be appreciated. Thanks. Jane

    1. Hi Jeniffer, teh two main trekking regions in Nepal are the Khumbu region (where EBC trek is situated) and the Annapurna region (where the Annapurna Circuit is situated). If this will be your first time in Nepal I recommend doing the EBC trek.

  20. Hey, nice to read a good information and pro as well.
    Any recommendations for couple of trekking companies in Kathmandu?
    Planning Gokyo-EBC.
    Cheers.

  21. Hey, mark! Thank you for this guide it makes planning so much easier. I want to do the EBC trek later this year in June or July which essentially leaves around 4 months for training. I have some fitness, but I would describe my life as quite sedentary. I do not have much hiking experience either. Do you think with regular training within these months EBC trek will be achievable or would I need longer to train for a trek like this one?

    1. Hi Zahra, thanks for getting in touch. Yes, you should be more than fit enough if you are already in reasonable shape and do some decent training over the next three months. I hope you have a blast!

  22. Hi Mark! Thank you for this article. I am planning to go to EBC in the first week of October.So i still have around 5 months to prepare.
    Can you help me create a training plan?I prefer working out at home.With lockdown conditions,gyms won't be open here.
    How should i divide my week into cardio,strength training and so on.Please guide me.
    TIA

    1. Hi Ruchi, I recommend doing 2 days of high-intensity training (Youtube Tabata workouts, these are great to build cardiovascular strength), and then I recommend running twice a week for 5-10kms (this will improve your endurance). Hope this helps.

  23. Hi this is swapnika .. I have a Everest base camp in my bucket list .. and I am deciding to go in the month of may 2021.. and I don’t have any high altitude experience other than kedarkanta trek.. so can I join in may batch or should I take time for it ?

    1. Hi Swapnika, thanks for getting in touch. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can hike to Everest base camp. The key thing is to choose a 12 day or more hike as shorter hikes go high too fast and the risk of altitude sickness increases the faster you ascend. I recommend taking the classic rout on a 12-day itinerary. All the best!

  24. Is there a place you would suggest to acclimatize for a week or so of preparation before doing the Everest base camp trek?
    And to chill and recover post hike?

    1. Hi Mark, the EBC hike has a very gradual hike ascent profile so the key is not so much pre-acclimatization but going slowing up the trail and building in rest days. After the hike I can assure you that you’ll want to get back to KTM and enjoy the comforts of a real hotel with running hot water and proper toilets. All the best!

  25. Hi Mark,

    Very informative article. I am planning to do the EBC in next 1 year to 1.5 years depending upon my preparedness for it. As of now my fitness level is low. As of now I am a bit unsure where t o start from. Do you provide training as well. If yes let me know the details.

    1. Hi Durga, we don’t provide training, but my advice is to follow the guidance in this article and try do as many hikes before you depart. All the best!

  26. Very informative, thanks Mark! Any recommendations for good trekking poles? Will there be good ones available in Kathmandu or Lukla? I’m doing EBC next month. Thanks again!

  27. Hi Mark, First of all thank you so much as its so informative . I will be doing Base camp for 1st time next month and since past 2 months, I am training in my gym like walking on incline plane for 60mins, eliptical stair climber. What exercise you recommend for last month?

    1. Nothing beats long-distance hiking as the best training for EBC. Failing that, just keep dong what you’re doing. All the best!

  28. Hi Mark, I am based in Chennai , India. Will you be able to guide me on how to get fit for EBC – I plan to do this in Apr 2024.

  29. Hi, I am 65 years old. would like to go for the base camp trekking. I live in New Jersey(close to Princeton). Do you know any guide or trekking institute will help me go through the discipline training before my Everest trip.

    1. Hi Priya, unfortunately I don’t know any, but a good personal trainer should be able to get you in shape. You just need a decent level of fitness with a focus on endurance.

  30. Mark you said 6 to 8 weeks is a good timeframe to train. How about for someone that leaves in Florida with sea level or below sea level altitude, wanting to do the trek around March 2025. Is it too early to start training now?

    1. Hi Nilda, never too early to start training. Start light and build up your strength and stamina. All the best!

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