Everest Base Camp Trek

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal.

You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Altitude above sea level:  493 m Mulkot

Tour Duration:  Approx. 4 hrs. approx.

Driving duration: 3 hrs. approx. (KTM-Mulkot)

Accommodation: Hotel

9:00 AM: Today you start a guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You will take a short drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and centre of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: You take a drive to Mulkot in the afternoon. Mulkot is a small settlement, from where Manthali Airport is just 37 km away (1 hour’s drive).

Altitude above sea level: Lukla (2,840 m), Phakding (2,610 m)

Driving duration: 1 hr. approx. (Mulkot-Ramechhap)

Flight Duration: Approx. 25 minutes

Hiking Duration: 4–5 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the Ramechhap airport for a spectacular flight to the mountain airstrip at Lukla. Lukla is Nepal’s busiest domestic airport and, for the trekker intent on seeing Mt. Everest, flying here is an essential part of the adventure.

During the flight, you get to see the world’s soaring mountains including  Cho Oyu (8,153 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Gauri Shankar (7,145 m), Menlungtse (7,181 m).

After an exhilarating landing at Lukla, you will set off on the hike to Phakding. You follow the ridge on the bank of milky Dudh Koshi River to the village of Phakding. Dudh Koshi, or Milk River, is named for its chalky color that emerges from all the glaciers up above.

You will follow this river the rest of the day, passing through picturesque hamlets filled with tea houses, suspension bridges, shops, carved Mani stones, prayer wheels, and packed animals.

After passing through the small villages like Chaurikharka and Ghat you arrive at the Phakding which is located right next to the Dudh Koshi River.

Altitude above sea level: (3,445 m)

Hiking time: 6-7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, after a hearty breakfast, you will cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named “Dudh” (milk) Koshi (river) due to its color. Sections of today’s walk are through pine forests and cleared areas to reveal cultivated fields, traditional houses, and a variety of crops.  You also cross suspension bridges by following the crystal blue-white water river Dudh Koshi.

About halfway up the hill, you can see the first glimpse of Mount Everest and Lhotse. A few hours of walking will lead you to the Namche Bazaar, crossing a path surrounded by pines. Namche Bazaar is also known as the ‘gateway to Everest ‘and a town of Sherpa ethnicity. This vibrant village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here. Also, it is the main trading village in the Khumbu region, and is the historic meeting point for Hindu traders from the lowlands and Tibetan yak caravans.

It is the largest town in the Khumbu region, surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges, and opens out only where it faces the Dudh Koshi. In addition, you can see yaks roaming around the streets with the magical sounds of their bells. You can enjoy the splendid views of Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse from the top of the hillside town.

Altitude above sea level: 3,962 m

Hiking duration: 2-3 hrs. Approx. (Hotel Everest View)

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Namche is an ideal place for acclimatization. The places of interest around Namche are remarkable and beautiful. There is plenty to do in and around Namche.  You can take a short walk above the town to get a view of Everest. The trail leading to the hotel is a pleasant walk across a hill. You might spot yaks grazing nearby, or a Himalayan Tahr (wild goat) balancing perfectly on the cliffs.

Hidden on a ridge overlooking the Everest range, Hotel Everest View is an incredible establishment that blends gracefully with its remarkable surrounding. Appreciate the panoramic view of the Everest Region from the iconic Hotel Everest View.

There is also an interesting Sherpa Culture Museum which is well worth a visit.  After exploring, you take a downhill trail back to Namche. Spend the afternoon at leisure.  You can either relax or visit the colorful Namche Bazaar.

Altitude above sea level:  (3,790 m) Khumjung

Hiking duration:  5- 6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you set off to walk to the Sherpa village of Khumjung for acclimatization. You will hike to the Everest View Hotel, followed by the typical Sherpa village of Khumjung, via Syangboche airstrip. Nestled at the foot of the sacred mountain Khumbi la, Khumjung is known as the “Valley inside the Clouds”.

You will visit Khumjung Monastery, a historical monument built around 400 years back. It’s a monastery where a preserved skull which the locals believe to be that of a Yeti can be witnessed upon request.  Then you visit Khumjung School, a historic school built back in 1960 by one of the first Mount Everest climbers, Sir Edmund Hilary. On the trail, you get to encounter the Sherpa people and their unique culture, get a chance to be close to these charming mountain people, and experience their hospitality.

Next, you walk slightly uphill to Khunde through potato fields and visit Khunde Hospital, then hiked up to the Khunde Monastery. From here, you can enjoy the spectacular backdrops of Khunde Khumjung and Khumbiyela Mountain.

Altitude above sea level: 3,810 m (Phortse)

Hiking duration: 5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you start our walk with superb views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and a close-up view of Thamserku on the way to Phortse. The trail with a few ups and downs overlooking amazing views of the great Himalayas along the way. You may spot pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar.

The trail goes gradually down, up to Kayangjuma and the path eventually reaches Sanasa. Further, the steep walk takes you to the Mong La pass (3,975 m) with spectacular views of Ama Dablam and Khumbila mountains. We stop for lunch at Mong La Pass.

After lunch, we descend to Phortse Tanga River and traverse the small bridge. After that, we trek up through the rhododendron forest. Finally, we arrive at the very traditional Sherpa village of Phortse where you may encounter mountain goats or Lophophorus, the national bird of Nepal. We stay overnight in Phortse.

Altitude above sea level: (4,350 m) Dingboche

Hiking duration: 5 – 6 hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Leaving Phortse behind, we take the high trail, considered to be one of the most beautiful trails with an outstanding view of an enormous mountain and deep valley. Walking on a dry hill along the rock-strewn trail we gradually slide up crossing through the typical Sherpa villages like Pangboche with its ancient monastery constructed around a rock where a legendary lama once meditated, the dim interior is filled with ancient sculptures, crumbling remains, wrathful idols behind sealed doors, and the exaggerated appearances of carved masks used in ritual summer dances.

Then you hike towards Shomare, at 4,120 m, which would be our lunch stop.  On the way, you might spot the musk deer, mountain goats, and different birds. All this day you are treated to magnificent views of the Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and the world-class Mount Everest.

Further, continue up the glacial valley to Dingboche passing some of Khumbu’s beautifully carved prayer stones. Entering the outskirts of Dingboche, you are welcomed by the Buddhist Stupa. Dingboche is situated at the foot of soaring Amadablam Mountain and myriad other mountains which are hidden from Namche views.

Altitude above sea level: Nangkartshang ((5,080 m),  Chukung village (4,730 m), Samso Chopo Ridge (5,140 m)

Hiking duration: Optional 3 hours hike to Nangkartshang (View Point), Chukung village approx. 5-6 hours,  Samso Chopo Ridge  6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You spend the acclimatization day of your Everest Base Camp trek in Dingboche today, utilized by short hikes to a higher elevation to adapt yourselves to the heights.

Hike to the Nagerjun Hill would be a great option to spend time at Dingboche. Nangkartshang nestled above Dingboche on a hill at the edges of the Chukkung valley. The hike provide the  panoramic views of Lobuche East (6,119 m), Lobuche West (6,145 m), Kangtega (6,685 m), Taboche Peak (6,367 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), and the Ama Dablam (6,856 m).

Alternatively, you can also embark on a couple of hours hike towards Chukkung, a way to Island peak and superb views of Amadablam, Makalu, and accompanying the Himalayas.

Also, you have the option to take a day hike to Samso Chopo Ridge. This hike is one of the least crowded and most picturesque of the trip. The hike provides a chance to witness 360-degree views in addition to the Mahalangur Himal range of the Himalayas. Though it is a steep, 2,700-foot climb, you will be rewarded with stellar views once you get to the summit, and well worth the effort.

Altitude above sea level: (4,931 m) Lobuche

Hiking duration:  5 hours approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After having early breakfast, you start trekking uphill gradually along a plateau of yak herder shelters. The trail offers superb views of mountains like Everest, Cholatse, Lobuche, and Pumari spread out before us in a contrasting and spectacular landscape.

After two and half hours of gradual walk, we will reach Thugla nestled below the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier-the the highest glacier in the world.  From Thugla, the trail goes directly up the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier before turning left just past the climber and Sherpa memorial. The memorial park is for all the people that had lost their lives climbing Everest, some with inscriptions detailing their accomplishments, and others with no more than a simple pile of rocks.

You are now away from the tree line area and into glacial moraine. From here, you caught the first sight of Kala Patthar. The trail now descends slowly and flows to the western side until you reach the valley of Lobuche.

Altitude above sea level: Gorak Shep (5,288 m), Everest base camp (5,360 m)

Hiking duration: (Lobuche – Gorak Shep) 3hrs  approx. (Everest base camp)   4–5 hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is the main day as you summit Everest Base Camp (EBC). After breakfast, get prepared and hike along the rocky terrain alongside the Khumbu glacier to EBC. Leaving Lobuche, the trail to Gorak Shep is extraordinary through the rocky moraine undulating trail.

After a light lunch at Gorakshep,  continue to hike to Everest base camp. You trek across the rocks towards the several colorful prayer flags that mark the spot.  Celebrations and screams fill the air as you reach the spot that marks where base camp is. Once you step into base camp, you will be encircled by massive snow-capped mountains. Spectacular views of the notorious Khumbu icefall were revealed in proximity.

After spending a remarkable time in the base camp, you take a descent back to Gorakshep.

Altitude above sea level: Kalapathar (5,545 m); Pheriche (4,240 m) 

Hiking duration: (Gorak Shep – Kalapathar) 3 hrs. approx. (Pheriche)  5 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

In the early morning, you set off for Kala Patthar, the big hill located next to Gorak Shep. ‘Kala’ means black and ‘Pathar’ rock, together with being ‘Kalapathar’ or black rock. The hike to the summit of Kala Patthar, altitude of 5,545 meters / 18,192 feet, is tough but well rewarded. Kalapathar is a popular vantage point for panoramic vistas of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and several other peaks. Like sunrise and sunset, the views are more vibrant. Kalapattar is one of the prime highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek.

After soaking up the captivating views from Kala Patthar, you will begin descending back down to Gorakshep for the breakfast. Thereafter, you continue to trek down to Pheriche.

Altitude above sea level: (3,445 m) Namche

Hiking duration: 8 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you get back to the tree line area and retrace our steps back to Pangboche. We walk downhill with a short ascend to Pangboche and after two hours climb will take you to Tengboche where you can visit Tengboche monastery. It is perched on a hill, at the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola rivers, with Majestic Mountain forming a captivating backdrop to the location. You will observe the giant vultures dominate the skies above. Yellow-billed choughs and black ravens play on the breeze. The trail is a domain of native animals like Tahr and Goral, both endangered species of wild goat antelope, along with the musk deer. In the spring, the soaring rhododendron forests of various types and colors decorate the landscape.

From Tengboche, continue to take the descent trail all the way to Namche. If you are trekking during the month of October-November, you get an opportunity to see the delightful Mani Rimdu Festival celebrated in Tengboche monastery.

Altitude above sea level: (2,840 m) Lukla

Hiking duration: 7 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you take a descent to Monjo. Further, continue to descend to the Dudh Koshi valley through the villages of Phakding, Ghat, and Cheplung. The roar of the fast-rolling Dudh Koshi River is always in the background. We cross numerous suspension bridges, and pass by several monasteries and villages before reaching Lukla. As you trek, you are below the tree line and the landscape became filled with farm terraces and charming villages. Once you reach Chaurikharka, start climbing the final hill of the trek to reach Lukla.

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m) Kathmandu

Flight Time: 25 minutes approx.

Driving duration: 4 hrs. approx. (Ramechhap-KTM)

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

You will have an early breakfast and fly back to Ramechhap from Lukla airport. Once you land at Ramechap airport, you will take a drive back to Kathmandu.

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m), Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

It’s also a spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla if we could not fly on the scheduled date and time, or we can organize a guided day tour in or around Kathmandu. You can spend your leisure time shopping for souvenirs for your beloved ones or simply relax after an exhausting but momentous adventure.

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the wonderful experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.