Times, conditions and route variants can change. Check current local guidance before you set your itinerary.
OVERVIEW
Into the high Khumbu
Everest Base Camp doesn’t start at Base Camp. It starts in Lukla — and every day after that asks a little more of you. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi through Phakding, climbs into Namche Bazaar, then keeps rising through Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep until you finally reach Base Camp at around 5,364 m. Along the way, acclimatisation days become part of the journey, the air gets thinner, recovery gets harder, and the mountains feel bigger with every step. Kala Patthar is a separate optional climb from Gorak Shep, and the return still has to be earned. Allow roughly two weeks on the trail, with extra buffer for travel and mountain weather.
Everest Base Camp doesn’t start at Base Camp. It starts in Lukla — and every day after that asks a little more of you. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi through Phakding, climbs into Namche Bazaar, then keeps rising through Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep until you finally reach Base Camp at around 5,364 m. Along the way, acclimatisation days become part of the journey, the air gets thinner, recovery gets harder, and the mountains feel bigger with every step. Kala Patthar is a separate optional climb from Gorak Shep, and the return still has to be earned. Allow roughly two weeks on the trail, with extra buffer for travel and mountain weather.
Everest Base Camp doesn’t start at Base Camp. It starts in Lukla — and every day after that asks a little more of you. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi through Phakding, climbs into Namche Bazaar, then keeps rising through Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep until you finally reach Base Camp at around 5,364 m. Along the way, acclimatisation days become part of the journey, the air gets thinner, recovery gets harder, and the mountains feel bigger with every step. Kala Patthar is a separate optional climb from Gorak Shep, and the return still has to be earned. Allow roughly two weeks on the trail, with extra buffer for travel and mountain weather.
NEPAL · KHUMBU
Free readiness check
How ready are you for Everest Base Camp?
Twelve questions, about three minutes. See your score against what Everest Base Camp asks of you, and the one gap worth fixing first.
Three quick taps show where to start. It is not your full score.
03 / YOUR PLAN
Which Peaksted plan fits your Everest preparation?
Everest Base Camp rewards uphill capacity, downhill control, pack resilience and the ability to repeat days. Pick the support that fits your timeline.
Answer both questions to see the plan that fits your EBC preparation.
04 / PROOF
Who is coaching you, and what clients say
Nathan GeeBSc Sports Science · 8 years coaching strength and conditioning · mountain guide
Lauren JonesStudying towards NASM Sports Nutrition Qualification · co-founder and content lead
★★★★★
“Before Trek Ready I was doing plenty of cardio, but my training had no real structure. The programme gave me a clear plan and I felt noticeably stronger and more capable on longer hikes.”
“Having the training built around my actual trek made a massive difference. I knew exactly what I was training for each week instead of just trying to get generally fitter.”
It is non-technical, but altitude, long days and accumulated fatigue make it demanding. The standard route is about 12 to 14 trekking days and tops out at roughly 5,364 m. The gap between what the trek demands and what you can repeat day after day decides how it feels.
How fit do I need to be for Everest Base Camp?+
Well prepared, not elite. Aerobic base, time on your feet, uphill capacity, downhill durability, strength, pack capacity and multi-day durability matter more than a single running time. The fitness guide lets you rate each one.
How long should I train for Everest Base Camp?+
Many people do well with about 16 weeks on top of an existing routine. If you have less, a shorter plan still helps: Trek Ready is built around 8 weeks.
Can a beginner do Everest Base Camp?+
Yes, if beginner does not mean unprepared. Allow 16 weeks or more, build gradually and talk to a doctor before you start.
What should I train most for Everest Base Camp?+
Sustained climbing, controlled descents, a loaded daypack and back-to-back long days. Strength training and easy aerobic work support all four.
Does training prevent altitude sickness?+
No. Fitness gives you reserve for the walking, but altitude illness depends mostly on how fast you ascend and how you adapt. Healthy, fit people can get it, so talk to a doctor or travel clinic about altitude.
Peaksted does not book treks. Your operator handles flights, permits and lodges, so confirm current requirements with them and with official sources. What we cover is arriving prepared. Nepal Tourism Board: trekking requirements.
Written by Nathan Gee · Reviewed 6 Oct 2026 · General education, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, talk to a doctor before you train or book.
Ama Dablam · the mountain you walk beside
Namche Bazaar · the first big climb
Tengboche · the mountains open up
Prayer flags on the ridge
Lower Khumbu · bridges and forest
High Khumbu · rock, cairns and cold
Everest, framed by prayer flags
Base Camp · glacial moraine at 5,364 m
Towards Gorak Shep · porters on the moraine
Gorak Shep · the last lodges below Base Camp
Start here
