Day 2 of the Everest Base Camp trek — Phakding to Namche Bazaar — is the most important day of the entire 14-day trek. In just 13 km, you climb 830 m to reach Namche (3,440 m), and how you handle this day sets the tone for the rest of your trek. Walk too fast and you risk altitude sickness. Walk slowly and steadily, and you arrive in Namche tired but well. Here is the honest, hour-by-hour guide to Day 2 of the EBC trek.
Phakding to Namche Bazaar — Route Overview
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start | Phakding (2,610 m) |
| End | Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) |
| Distance | 13 km |
| Altitude gain | +830 m |
| Walking time | 6–7 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate-hard (the final climb) |
| Highlights | First view of Everest, suspension bridges, Sagarmatha NP entry |
Hour-by-Hour Itinerary
Hour 1: Phakding to Toktok (2,705 m)
Leave Phakding at 7 am after breakfast (Tibetan bread, eggs, tea). Cross the Dudh Koshi on the first of many suspension bridges. The trail undulates through pine forest, with views of Kusum Kanguru (6,367 m) to the north. Easy walking, 1 hour, +95 m.
Hour 2: Toktok to Benkar (2,710 m)
Continue along the river, crossing back to the east bank on another suspension bridge. Benkar has a few tea houses — a good place for a quick tea break. 1 hour, +5 m.
Hour 3: Benkar to Monjo (2,835 m)
Cross the river again, then climb gradually through forest to Monjo. Enter Sagarmatha National Park here — show your permits at the checkpost. The park entry fee ($30) is paid here if you have not already paid it in Kathmandu. 1 hour, +125 m.
Hour 4: Monjo to Jorsale (2,740 m)
Descend slightly to Jorsale, the last village before the long climb to Namche. This is a good lunch stop — most groups eat here at 11 am–12 pm. 30 minutes, −95 m.
Hour 5: Jorsale to Larja Dobhan (2,810 m)
Cross the Dudh Koshi on the famous double suspension bridge (recently rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake). The confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers is dramatic — the bridges here are some of the highest in Nepal. 1 hour, +70 m.
Hour 6: Larja Dobhan to Top of Namche Hill (3,300 m)
The big climb. 500 m of altitude gain over 2.5 km — steep switchbacks through pine and rhododendron forest. This is where the day gets hard. Walk slowly — 20 steps, rest, 20 more steps, rest. About halfway up, on a clear day, you get your FIRST VIEW OF EVEREST through the trees — a moment every trekker remembers. 2 hours, +490 m.
Pro tip: Take this climb at a pace where you can hold a conversation. If you cannot talk, you are going too fast. This is critical for acclimatization — going too fast on Day 2 is the most common cause of altitude sickness on the EBC trek. See our how to acclimatize properly guide.
Hour 7: Top of Namche Hill to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
A final 30-minute descent into the natural amphitheater of Namche Bazaar. The town appears dramatically below you — a colorful cluster of tin-roofed buildings clinging to the hillside. Arrive at your tea house by 3–4 pm. Hot shower, tea, dinner. 30 minutes, +140 m.
What to Expect on the Trail
Suspension Bridges
You will cross 5 suspension bridges on Day 2. The highest is the Hillary Suspension Bridge near Larja Dobhan — 130 m above the river. These bridges are safe (rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake) but swing significantly in the wind. If you have a fear of heights, walk slowly and do not look down. Yaks have right of way — always wait at the bridge entrance for yaks to pass.
Yak Traffic
Day 2 is the busiest day of the EBC trek for yak trains — porters of supplies to Namche and beyond. Always give yaks right of way. Stand on the uphill side of the trail (yaks occasionally bump trekkers off the downhill side). Never get between a yak and a drop — they can be unpredictable.
First View of Everest
About 90% up the long Namche climb, the trail emerges from the forest onto an open ridge. On a clear day, you get your first view of Everest — the summit peeking over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, with the distinctive snow plume blowing off the top. Your guide will tell you when to look. It is one of the great trekking moments.
Where to Eat Lunch
Most groups stop for lunch at Jorsale (2,740 m) — the last tea houses before the long climb. The Everest View Lodge and the Snow Lion Lodge both serve good dal bhat, fried rice and momos. Budget $5–$8 for lunch.
What to Pack for Day 2
- Day pack with water (2 L minimum), snacks, sunscreen, camera
- Light fleece (for morning chill)
- Rain jacket (always carry, even in dry season)
- Sagarmatha NP permit and TIMS card
- Passport (for the Sagarmatha checkpost)
- Cash (NPR 5,000 minimum, for tea house and any emergency)
Common Mistakes on Day 2
- Walking too fast. The 830 m altitude gain is more than the recommended 500 m/day. Slow down.
- Not drinking enough water. Drink 3–4 L during the day. Dehydration makes altitude sickness worse.
- Skipping lunch. Eat a proper meal at Jorsale. You will need the energy for the climb.
- Carrying too much in your day pack. Only water, snacks and layers. Leave the rest for the porter.
- Not stopping for the Everest viewpoint. Do not miss this — it is one of the great trekking moments.
Day 2 Acclimatization Tips
- Walk at conversational pace — if you cannot talk, you are going too fast
- Drink 1 L of water per hour of climbing
- Take 10-minute breaks every hour — sit, eat a snack, drink water
- Eat carbs at lunch — dal bhat is perfect
- On arrival in Namche, rest for 30 minutes before exploring
- Do not drink alcohol on arrival — save it for tomorrow evening
- Sleep with your head elevated — use clothes as a pillow boost
Day 2 of the EBC trek is the most important day for acclimatization. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and arrive in Namche feeling tired but not exhausted. Tomorrow is your acclimatization day in Namche — see our Namche Bazaar guide for what to do with it. For the full EBC itinerary, see our day-by-day guide.
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