Mount Everest Base Camp has been a popular destination for trekkers since the very first expeditions to the Nepalese side of Everest in the 1953. To reach this part of the Himalaya within a limited time, we have devised this two week trek to Everest Base Camp which runs directly to and from Lukla.
The Everest Base Camp trek, a very well known mountain trek, starts at the upper Phakding and follows the Dudh Kosi valley which climbs up to the Sherpa capital of Namche, a bustling bazaar that’s a junction for trekkers, the local Sherpa and expeditions en route to the mighty Mt. Everest. All along this part of the trail, villages are interspersed with magnificent forests of rhododendron, magnolia and giant firs. In both the early autumn and late spring, the flowers on this portion of the trek make it the kind of walk you will remember for a long, long time.
From Namche, we trek along a high traversing path where we have our first good views of Everest and then head towards Thyangboche Monastery, which is a 2 hour climb. The monastery sits at 3867m in a clearing surrounded by dwarf firs and rhododendrons. The monastery is structurally located on a ridge top with commanding views of the Everest landscape. The view from this spot, seen to best advantage in the morning, is absolutely mesmerizing and stunning and is rightly deemed to be one of the most magnificent in the world.
We then descend to the Imja Khola and continue to the villages of Pangboche and Pheriche before finally approaching the Khumbu Glacier. We then follow the glacier, first to Lobuche, a vantage point for some spectacular views of the Ama Dablam, Taweche and other peaks and then hike to Gorak Shep for a breather.
We also have the opportunity to ascend Kala Pattar [5554m] from where we can get some awesome views of the Himalayan giants which literally numb your senses with breathless admiration that beholds the eye; and makes up for the lung-bursting climb that took you up there. You soon realize it was absolutely worth it. This also includes fantastic views of the south west face of the colossal Mt. Everest. We then trek down to Everest Base Camp at the foot of the Khumbu ice fall before finally making our way back down to Lukla.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)
After landing at the Tribhuwan International Airport, we will be greeted by a representative of Himalayan Guides who will drop us off at our hotel. We then check-in at the hotel, freshen up and take a rest. In the evening a welcome dinner will be hosted by Himalayan Guides. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: - Lukla (2,800m)
An early morning flight into Lukla, from where we begin our trek into the Khumbu region. The views from the plane are amazing, providing dramatic scenes of terraced hills and the distant Himalayan giants. After landing we meet our ground crew and begin a 3-4 hour trek to Monju (2,835m), our night's resting place.
Day 03: - Namche Bazaar (3,400m)
We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this roaring river on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu region.
Day 04: - Namche Bazaar
Today is a rest and acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar. Namche is the Sherpa capital and a bustling village cramped with markets and traditional Sherpa houses. We will leave on an early morning hike to the Sherpa museum from where we can see views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse (the 4th highest peak in the world) and the beautiful Ama Dablam. The Sherpa Museum houses an exhibit on traditional Sherpa lifestyles and a fabulous photography display. The rest of the day is for private exploration of this enchanting place.
Day 05: Tengboche (3,870m):
The trek until Phunki is an easy walk. From here we ascend towards Tengboche village which houses the very famous Tengboche monastery which is the biggest monastery of the Everest region. It is located within the Sagarmatha National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery is blessed with panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The Tengboche Monastery opens at 3:00pm, so if we reach there by 3 o’clock we can observe a Buddhist religious ceremony. Overnight in Tengboche.
Day 06: Dingboche (4,360)
Our trail descends and passes through lush forests of birch, confer and rhododendron trees. While trekking we can admire good views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. We walk downhill to Debuche and cross the Imja River to reach Pangboche. We choose the upper Pangboche trail and admire the Himalayan vista and the Pangboche Monastery. We continue our walk to the Imja Valley and Lobuche River before ascending to Dingboche. It is a picturesque village with beautiful barley, potato and buckwheat fields complete with grazing animals dotted along those fields.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 07: Dingboche: Acclimatization
Spending a day in Dingboche will help us to acclimate to the high altitude. Instead of staying idle, we climb a ridge located behind the village and see six of the world’s tallest peaks including Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Furthermore, we can also admire Cholatse and Taboche peaks. On our north-west we see more Himalayan peaks rising above the Khumbu Khola Valley. Among those peaks, Lobuche West, Lobuche East and Lhotse are the most dominant. From another location on the ridge we can also admire the picturesque Imja Khola Valley and the beautiful Dingboche village. Overnight at Dingboche.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 08: - Lobuche (4,900m)
From Dingboche the trail traverses through farmlands and meadows. We will stop in Dzugla, (4,570m) for lunch before continuing along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Today we pass by the stone memorials to climbers who have died on the mountains around us. Look carefully to find touching memorials to famous mountaineers. We follow the trail to Lobuche and camp just below the terminal moraine of the tributary glacier.
Day 09 - Gorak Shep (5,410m) and Kala Pattar (5,550m)
An early morning start brings us closer to our two objectives.
We wind our way through the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier to our accommodation at Gorak Shep, situated at the base of Kala Patthar. This was the original Base Camp used by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on their successful ascent of Everest, before the Base Camp moved closer to the mountain on the edge of the Khumbu Icefall.
From Gorak Shep we ascend the non-technical Kala Patthar (5,550m) and are rewarded for our efforts by unbeatable views. From this lofty perch we can clearly see the summit of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. This is simply an amazing panorama and we'll allow ample time to savour the rewards of our efforts.
Day 10: - Everest Base Camp (5,346m)
Today we will journey towards our goal, the Base Camp of Mount Everest, located at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. This can be a long day but the satisfaction of having achieved our objective will make this all the more worthwhile. We'll spend the day at Everest/Lhotse Base Camp, giving you a chance to thoroughly explore this historic area, before returning back to Gorak Shep.
Day 11: Descent to Pheriche (4,410m)
Today we follow the route back down the Khumbu valley to Pheriche in readiness for the next phase of our expedition. 6 to 7 hours
Day 12: Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Back down to what will seem after all our time in the hill the booming city of Namche. Get ready for all those luxuries you may have missed. 6 to 7 hours
Day 13: Lukla (2,840m)
Our last day on the trail, we hike from Namche to Lukla. We stay overnight in Lukla and enjoy a very welcome beer. 6 to 7 hours
Day 14: - Fly to Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu on the earliest flight. Spend the day recovering and getting some fascinating souvenirs before your journey home.
City tour followed by celebration dinner.
Day 15: Fly Home
