Everest Base Camp altitude facts
The classic EBC trek from Lukla (2,860m) to Base Camp (5,364m) gains over 2,500m of altitude over 12–14 days. The route is specifically designed around acclimatisation — with rest days at Namche Bazaar (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m) built into the itinerary. This staged ascent is why most healthy trekkers complete the trek safely. The danger comes when trekkers rush, skip rest days, or ignore early symptoms.
Altitude levels on the EBC trek
| Waypoint | Altitude | AMS Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lukla | 2,860m · 9,383ft | Low–Moderate | Starting point. Risk begins here for some. |
| Namche Bazaar | 3,440m · 11,286ft | Moderate | Key acclimatisation stop — 2 nights minimum. |
| Tengboche | 3,867m · 12,687ft | Moderate–High | Famous monastery. Headaches common here. |
| Dingboche | 4,410m · 14,469ft | High | Second key acclimatisation stop — 2 nights. |
| Lobuche | 4,940m · 16,207ft | High | AMS symptoms intensify here for many. |
| Gorak Shep | 5,164m · 16,942ft | Very High | Final village. Sleep poorly expected. |
| Everest Base Camp | 5,364m · 17,598ft | Very High | The goal. Visit, don't sleep here if possible. |
| Kala Patthar | 5,545m · 18,192ft | Very High | Optional viewpoint — the best Everest view. |
Altitude sickness symptoms on the EBC trek
At EBC altitudes, AMS can progress to life-threatening HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) or HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) rapidly. Knowing the signs and acting quickly is critical.
- Headache on waking
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea or poor appetite
- Dizziness
- Disturbed sleep
- Worsening headache
- Vomiting
- Severe fatigue
- Shortness of breath at rest
- Confusion beginning
- Severe confusion or ataxia
- Cannot walk straight line
- Persistent wet cough
- Pink or frothy sputum
- Gurgling breathing
If a trekker cannot walk a straight line or shows confusion — this is HACE. Descend immediately. Do not wait for morning. Helicopters operate from Base Camp in good weather. Your guide and teahouse owner will know the protocol.
The standard acclimatisation schedule
The classic EBC itinerary is engineered for safe acclimatisation. Stick to it. The trekkers who get evacuated are almost always those who rushed a day.
Two nights in Namche is non-negotiable. Take an acclimatisation day hike to higher elevation (Everest View Hotel at 3,880m) and return to sleep low. This is the most important acclimatisation stop on the trek.
Two nights in Dingboche with an acclimatisation hike to Chhukung (4,730m). By this point your body is producing significantly more red blood cells. Headaches are normal — a worsening headache is not. Monitor carefully.
The atmosphere above 5,000m has approximately half the oxygen of sea level. Walk slowly. Stop frequently. Drink water constantly. If your guide says stay — listen to your guide.
Most trekkers feel the effects of 5,000m+ altitude acutely at Gorak Shep. Sleep is poor. The walk to Base Camp is genuinely difficult. Kala Patthar (5,545m) at sunrise is one of the great experiences in trekking — but only attempt it if you're feeling well.
Dropping 1,000m of altitude in a day produces a dramatic improvement in how you feel. Most trekkers are surprised by how quickly the body recovers on descent.
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6 essential preparations for EBC
- 1Book at least 14 days for the full trek. The 12-day "express" EBC itineraries exist but they dramatically increase your AMS risk. The extra two days of acclimatisation time are not a luxury — they're the primary safety mechanism on this trek.
- 2Get Diamox — and take it. For the EBC trek specifically, acetazolamide is strongly recommended for most trekkers. It halves your AMS risk. Talk to a travel medicine doctor at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Take it from Namche Bazaar onwards.
- 3Hire a licensed guide. Your guide is trained to recognise AMS symptoms — often before you do. A licensed TIMS guide is not optional on EBC; it's both legally required and potentially life-saving.
- 4Get comprehensive travel insurance — specifically for helicopter evacuation. Helicopter rescue from the Khumbu costs AUD $8,000–$25,000 without insurance. Most standard travel insurance doesn't cover high-altitude trekking without a specific adventure sports rider. Read the policy carefully.
- 5Learn the golden rule — "climb high, sleep low." Every acclimatisation day on the EBC itinerary is built around this principle. Hike to a higher elevation during the day, return to sleep at a lower altitude. Never ascend to a higher sleeping altitude with AMS symptoms.
- 6Drink 4–5 litres of water daily at altitude. The Khumbu is high and dry. Dehydration significantly worsens AMS and is extremely easy to achieve when you're working hard in cold, dry air. Your urine should be pale yellow at all times.