On foot (2 days) 3–4 h + 5–6 h
This is how nearly every trek begins. Day one leaves Lukla through the Pasang Lhamu gate and descends past Chaurikharka, Cheplung and Ghat to Phakding, about 8 km in 3–4 hours. Day two follows the Dudh Koshi north via Benkar, enters Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, crosses the high suspension bridge above Jorsalle and climbs the steep zigzag trail to Namche in 5–6 hours.
On foot (1 day) 7–9 h
Strong trekkers who are short of time sometimes walk from Lukla to Namche in one day. It is a long day with a net gain of about 600 m and roughly 1,000 m of climbing in total, and it skips the lower night that helps the body adjust. We only suggest it for people already acclimatised from another trek, and never for a group with children or older members.
Helicopter ≈ 10 min
Helicopters can fly from Lukla to Syangboche, the airstrip above Namche at about 3,750 m, in around 10 minutes, usually as part of a charter or a luxury lodge itinerary. Flying straight to this height without a lower night raises the risk of altitude sickness, so plan a quiet first day. Landing permissions above Lukla change from time to time; check current status before you travel.
Stops on the way
- Chaurikharka
- Cheplung
- Ghat
- Phakding
- Benkar
- Monjo park gate
- Jorsalle
- Hillary Bridge
Look back from the bend about halfway up the Namche hill on a clear day, because it gives the first view of Everest's summit behind the Nuptse–Lhotse ridge.
Questions travellers ask
How long does it take to walk from Lukla to Namche Bazaar?
Most trekkers take two days: 3–4 hours from Lukla to Phakding, then 5–6 hours from Phakding to Namche. The total distance is about 19 km. The second day is the harder one, ending with a climb of about 600 m in 2–3 hours from the Hillary Bridge to Namche at 3,440 m.
Where do I show my permits between Lukla and Namche?
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee is checked or collected at Lukla, near the start of the trail, and the Sagarmatha National Park permit at the park entrance at Monjo on the second day. Your guide handles both if you trek with us. Keep your passport handy, because the park office records passport details. Check current status before you travel.
Is the Lukla to Namche trail difficult?
The first day to Phakding is easy, mostly downhill on a wide stone trail. The second day is moderate to hard because of the steep final climb to Namche, made harder by the altitude above 3,000 m. Walk slowly, drink often and rest at the viewpoint halfway up. Yaks and porters share the trail, so step to the hillside when they pass.
Can I take a helicopter from Lukla to Namche?
Yes, a helicopter can fly to Syangboche above Namche in about 10 minutes, usually as a charter or within a luxury itinerary. It saves two days of walking but means arriving at about 3,750 m without a lower night, so headaches are more likely. Landing rules in the national park change, so check current status before you travel.
