Choosing a Khumbu Trek by Days and Altitude

October 31, 2026

Start with days and experience

The Khumbu offers three standard multi-day treks, and the right one depends on two things: how many days you can spare and whether you have been high before. Everything is on foot from Lukla, since no road enters Sagarmatha National Park. Add 2 or 3 spare days to any plan, because the flights to Lukla are often delayed by weather.

If you have 11 to 13 days: Gokyo

The Gokyo Lakes trek commonly runs 11 to 13 days. Its destination is a set of lakes protected as a Ramsar wetland and holy to Hindus and Buddhists. There is no boating or paddling, and the water is near freezing at about 4,700 m. The reward is the climb of Gokyo Ri (about 5,357 m), where Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, all over 8,000 m, stand above the Ngozumpa Glacier. For wetland background, see the Ramsar information sheet .

If you have 12 to 14 days: Everest Base Camp

The classic trek is commonly 12 to 14 days. It climbs from Lukla (about 2,840 m) to Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m), Tengboche, Dingboche (about 4,410 m), Lobuche (about 4,940 m) and Gorak Shep (about 5,164 m). Base Camp lies at about 5,364 m, and Kala Patthar (about 5,644 m) gives the sunrise view. Both are far too high and far away to reach quickly from Lukla.

If you have close to three weeks: Three Passes

Allow roughly 18 to 21 days for the route over Renjo La (about 5,360 m), Cho La (about 5,420 m) and Kongma La (about 5,535 m). It is a trek for people who are experienced and well adjusted to height, travelling with a guide.

If you want a summit

Island Peak (6,189 m) and Mera Peak (6,476 m) are climbs added after a trek by people with experience. Each needs a permit and a guide. Island Peak is a technical glaciated climb, so it is not a beginner choice. Permit fees should be confirmed with the agency.

The altitude test for every choice

A trek is only a good choice if you can acclimatise on it. Build in rest days, usually at Namche and Dingboche. Above 3,000 m, keep the gain in sleeping height to about 300 to 500 m a day. Turn back down if a headache gets worse, if you are sick, or if you are confused or unsteady. Pulmonary and cerebral oedema do occur. Hiring a licensed guide is wise, and walking alone is not.

Rules and costs in brief

National rules expect independent trekkers in parks to use a guide or porter, and enforcement in Khumbu is uneven, so rules may change. The municipal permit is about NPR 3,000 and park entry roughly NPR 3,000 to 3,400. The Nepal police have charged people in a large alleged helicopter-rescue insurance fraud case, and the UK government warns of guides taking trekkers up too fast and then calling a costly evacuation. Use a reputable agency, buy cover for trekking at your top altitude and helicopter rescue, and refuse an evacuation with no medical reason. Check current US and UK advice before booking at the UK government’s Nepal page .

Search organised departures on GetYourGuide .