You’ll hear about guys like Kilian Jornet who run up in 26 hours. That’s like hearing someone drove from New York to Los Angeles in 6 hours—it’s not normal, and they have superhuman lungs. For us mere mortals, stick with the two-month plan.
And don’t forget the return trip. After you summit, you still have to hike two weeks back to Lukla to catch a tiny plane. Your knees will be screaming. Your toenails will probably fall off. Worth it? Most people say yes, but they’re also high on adrenaline and oxygen debt.
The Unofficial Timeline (In Bullet Points Without Bullets)
4 days in Kathmandu getting permits and gear. 2 weeks trekking to Base Camp. 3-4 weeks of acclimatization rotations. 1 week for the summit push (including waiting for weather). 2 weeks hiking out. Total: ~60 days.
So if you’re planning a two-week vacation… maybe choose a beach. But if you have two months and a death wish (kidding!), you now know the answer. Just don’t ask me about the bathroom situation at 27,000 feet. That’s a whole other article.
Anyway, cheers. And maybe stick to a nice hike. Your couch is very satisfying. True story.
