.st0{fill:#FFFFFF;}

How Difficult Is The Everest Base Camp Trek? 

As daunting as the name may sound, the Everest Base Camp Trek is not a difficult most the trek one can undertake.

While only a few brave (and crazy) men and women will summit Everest each year, around 30,000 people will make the trek through the Khumbu Valley to Everest Base Camp to catch a glimpse of tallest mountain in the world.

People of all ages, shapes and sizes have completed the trek over the years – with a little bit of preparation and determination you will find that almost anyone can conquer the trek and tick it off their bucket list.

[adinserter block=”2″]

The Everest Base Camp Trek requires no technical expertise or mountaineering skills as it is basically a long hike at altitude.

Generally, the most off-putting aspect of the trek is its duration – around 12 days (14 if your include a pre and post night stay in Kathmandu).

The reason for this is because most of the trekking is at a slow pace and days for acclimatization have to be factored in – the trek would be much harder if you tried to complete it in under 12 days!

Despite being non-technical and entirely achievable for anyone with some basic fitness, there are still some considerations that need to be taken into account before you set out on your own Everest Base Camp Trek.

[adinserter block=”3″]

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Length

At 130km (round trip) the trek seems quite long, but if you consider that on a typical guided trek you will only be walking for 9 out of the 12 days, you’ll see that you will be covering about 15km per day.

If you keep in mind that the average walking pace is about 5km/hour the figure doesn’t seem all that high!

That being said, the 15km per day will not be on a paved path that is flat. Rather you will be trekking on quite rocky and sometimes snowy terrain (depending on season and altitude) that is sure to slow down your pace.

When you combine the terrain with the fact that you are generally hiking upwards, gaining altitude, you can see how the trek becomes a bit tougher.

Luckily, most tour operators will use porters or mules to carry your bags so you just have to focus on getting yourself up the trail!

[adinserter block=”4″]

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Altitude

Altitude is by far the most challenging aspect of the trek and is what makes it more difficult than your average trek of the same length.

Acute Mountain Sickness and other altitude related illnesses are a serious risk at the sort of altitudes encountered on the trek.

The trek starts after the gut-wrenching flight to Lukla, which stands at just below 3,000m and then makes its way up to Everest Base Camp at around 5,400m. At the highest point, Kala Pathar, you will be at just over 5,500m – a height that allows to you experience breathtaking views of the whole region.

how-difficult-is-the-everest-base-camp-trek-1
View of Everest, EBC and Khumbu Glacier from Kala Pathar

Most guided tours will have 2 days factored in to allow for acclimatization. These days allow your body to get used to the higher than normal altitude but also provide an opportunity to explore some of the surrounding areas while not trekking.

As a result of the acclimatization days and the slow approach to increases in altitude, the outward leg of the trek should take 9 days while the inward leg should take only 3 days.

https://www.mountainiq.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/everest-base-camp-trek-altitude-map1.jpg

Be sure to read up a bit on the symptoms of altitude sickness and on proper acclimatization techniques before embarking on the trek. We advise seeking the advice of your doctor as high altitudes can sometimes bring underlying illnesses to the fore.

[adinserter block=”5″]

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Training

While you don’t need to hire a personal trainer or quit your day job to get fit for the trek, some time spent in the gym and some longer hikes will definitely help prepare you for the hilly trek up to Everest Base Camp.

We recommend doing a few 4-6 hour treks at home so that your body gets used to that sort of duration of workout. Start around 6-8 weeks before you leave and build up the time and distance slowly so that by the end of it your body is comfortable with trekking for a solid 6 hours.

Spend some time in the gym focussing on strength training for your legs. While you may not be carrying your bags around (unless you are trekking unsupported), you still have to carry yourself! Squats are a great exercise as you will be utilising your quads a lot on the trek.

Finally, some aerobic exercise such as jogging, sprinting and swimming will help your endurance and increase the ability of your body to circulate oxygen, which becomes harder at higher altitudes.

Find a detailed EBC training programme here.

The aim of this article was to give you an idea of how difficult the Everest Base Camp Trek is, and you should see that the trek is a very attainable achievement.

Put in a little bit of training and determination on the trek and you will be set for the trek of your lifetime!

Tags: Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty, How Difficult Is The Everest Base Camp Trek

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!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

  1. Hi Mark,
    You are definitely a man of experience by what I have just read. I would really appreciate some advice from you. You may think I am mad… I have never done anything like this in my life. I will be 60 next September I have always tried to keep fit and active, I have participated in things like Zumba, aerobics, boot camp etc. .over the years but in boot camp I am one of the slower ones.
    I have knowledge of people who have done so many different challenges and would love to challenge myself . I do understand that if I were able to do this challenge I would definitely have to put a lot more training in. I would love to have advice on how to achieve this please ??
    Thank you
    Debbie

    1. Hi Debbie, you sound like just the type of person that can do the EBC trek. The challenge is a big one but with the right training and determination I remain convinced that almost anyone can trek to EBC. Here is some useful training information to get you started: https://ebctrekguide.com/best-training-program-everest-base-camp-trek. Getting into the right frame of mind for EBC is equally important. It is a long expedition – the cold nights, relatively basic food and accomodation and high altitude – take it’s toll on the body and one’s mental state. Having a strong mind can get you through tough times – and it will get tough. All the best!

  2. Hi. I am interested in trekking with my 17-year old daughter in November 2019. We have never trekked before, however I’ve completed 7 marathons (5 BQ) and run average 5 miles a Day regularly. My daughter does sports at school and played mud-field striker for our local travel soccer team. We are not completely out of shape, per se, but we are not trekkers or mountaineers (yet). I read some articles which made me think EBC could be an option as a graduation gift for my daughter. However, I also read Ian Taylor’s advice on EBC which basically makes me think this is not for us, at least this year. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you gave recommendations for trekking companies (if you think it’s feasible), thank you.

    Sincerely,

    AM

  3. Not quite an accurate assessment of the trek as far as I’m concerned. Granted I am 50 yrs old, but nonetheless, I am in reasonable condition. I have also just complited Kilimanjaro, and found both to be tough, or at least, not easy! As you have discribed. Perhaps I will experience another level of easy or tough when I complete Mt Elbrus, but up to now, I have to stay with the opinion that EBC and Kili (summit night at least) are tough. I’m sure your reply will be informative, and perhaps give me a different perspective and idea of what a difficult hike is! All the best, thanks

  4. I completed this trek in October 2019. This is a far more difficult trek than organizations make it out to be. I’ve seen numerous people break down and lots taking helicopters down. While it is not easy, it’s not impossible. The organization you choose and the guide you will have will play a big role in your succes, but if you do not become physically prepared and complete some hikes beforehand, this is going to be very hard.

  5. I enjoyed reading your experiences about trekking to the Mt. Everest Base Camp. I have also been to Mt. Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side. I did it by driving to the base camp( a bit less strenuous than yours). I started driving from Kumming In the Yunan Province in China and slowly going into Tibet and slowly acclimatising myself in the process.

  6. Hi Aimee, Not sure we ever spoke. There is no one size that fits all for trekking to Everest Base Camp. That is why we do not have specific training plans. I have climbed Everest to the top and led over 35 treks to Everest and always happy to chat. There is very specific training required for this trek which a lot of people are not doing. Acclimatization is also being over looked by a lot of people.

  7. Hi Mark,
    Very interesting and informative read.
    I am planning to do the EBC solo or with my father in mid March 2021 (corona permitting travel!)
    We have done several long distance hikes, my father doing Annapurna trek last year.
    I think we should do it without a guide and he thinks we need one.
    My question is; do we need a guide to go ahead and book tea houses or will they have availability in Mid March?
    In terms of altitude sickness; I don’t think it is the role of the guide to ‘keep an eye on you’, rather you make the call if it’s too severe and turn around.
    Basically I’m trying to convince my Dad that a guide can support with carrying loads but we are very used to carrying a large 50L bag for a few weeks trekking (GR10; Alps Haute Route etc.)

    Thanks in advance for your advice!
    Howard

    1. Hi Howard, if you guys are comfortable carrying your packs and experienced hikers, then I don’t think using a guide is necessary. Way-finding on the EBC route is easy. In terms of accommodation, you should be fine, although you might not get your pick of the best teahouses / rooms etc. And may need to split into different rooms, although this is unlikely. All the best!

  8. Hi Mark,

    Good input to the beginners. I will try base camp next year in April but from China side as there are less people. Looking forward to it. Could you please share what gears needed for the journey?

    I have already started prep. training and go for 10km walk, gym training 3-4 times per week and swimming once per week.
    Thanks
    Shahid Ikram

  9. Hi 🙂
    Have just read the article and find it very useful.
    I am now 50 and have started hiking in the mountains of Egypt a year ago.
    I am far from being fit and have a good overweight, but thus didn't stop me from summiting Mt. Catherine, the highest mountain in Egypt.
    I have Everest base camp in my bucket list and after reading your article I believe that it is doable.
    Thanks again!
    Eman

  10. Hi Mark,

    I'm a fit 69 year old in good health and did 1/2 the Annapurna Circuit in 2015. I long have wanted to hike to EBC and regret I succumbed to my hiking partner's preference to do another trek in 2015. What are your thoughts about someone my age doing the EBC in the next 12-18 months? Any feedback you can share will be very much appreciated.

    Thank you,

    1. Hi my self and my father did this trek in 2019, he was 69 and had no problems doing it. In my view add a extra to acclimatise and this will make it easier and more enjoyable

  11. Hi Mark

    Gary here.

    Everest has been a dream of mine that I cannot let go since I was a young boy of around 8 years old.I am now 58.
    Arthritis has attacked my knees as a result of injuries and wear tear from past exciting escapades.I guess this has put paid to an Everest summit,however,I cannot rule out a trek to base camp.I must and I have to see that mountain.

    My question is what does the descent look like?My knees are not in the greatest shape but I am still fit.I practice yoga almost daily,I walk,I scuba dive and I have a love for the outdoors.

    My only worry that prevents me or makes me hesitant from embarking on this trip is the constant descent.

    Perhaps you could advise me.

    I am not incapacitated in anyway and I don't require any walking assistance. As mentioned, I am fit.

    1. Hi Gary, the good news is the descent on the classic trail is very gradual. In fact, the route in and out is very gradual with sections of incline and decline, but nothing very steep and prolonged (like Kilimanjaro for example).

  12. I want to do EBC however age and other health issues make it difficult .
    Do you know if there is a helicopter that can take people to EBC, stop there for a little bit, allow the person to get out of the helicopter to take pictures and then take them back

    1. Hi, there are companies that offer this, but I’m not familiar with any. I would recommend you spend some time at altitude before flying directly to EBC though.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Get a quote from the best local trek operator in Nepal! 

Get my recommendations on the Best EBC trek operators