Everest Base Camp Trekking

A cordial Namaste!! Celebrated widely as one of the foremost travel destination in the lap of formidable Himalayas, Nepal possesses bottomless natural beauty, classic culture and traditions along with remarkable heritages. Upon your arrival at the Kathmandu Airport, we’ll make contact with each other and greetings will be exchanged. Thereupon, you’ll be guided to your hotel where you can recharge your batteries after a long and exhausting trip. Later in the afternoon, you’ll be requested to visit our office. Here, you’ll be introduced with your trekking guide and have an exchange of views regarding forthcoming travel venture while we process your mandatory trekking permits. The evening is available for your personal activities. We suggest you take an evening stroll around the surrounding areas of your accommodation.

Early in the morning, we’ll take a pre-scheduled flight to Lukla. This spectacular flight lasts about 30 minutes progressing above the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan Range. Breathtaking aerial vistas can be observed from aerosphere. As soon as the flight lands, we’ll commence our trekking journey on the trail, which advances beyond the scenic terrain to the Sherpa village of Chheplung (nearly 30 minutes below Lukla). Now, the trail continues across a side valley beneath Kusum Kanguru, a trekking peak soaring 6,369m asl. Accompanied by this splendid sight, the trekking trail then passes through Ghat (2,550m), a village famed for the cluster of boulders inscribed with Buddhist mantra: Om Mani Padme Hum for over a hundred times. At the end of the day, we arrive at Phakding (2,610m).

Today, we tighten our shoe laces up and proceed on the trail along the western bank of Dudh Koshi to Benkar (2,700m). This particular village features hot springs contained in a shed and a neat waterfall. Afterward, the trail traverses to the eastern bank of Dudh Koshi River and makes its way through the woodland of rhododendron and Blue pine to Chumoa and Mondzo, situated on the edge of Sagarmatha National Park. Here, we are required to show our permit or obtain one if we don’t have any. We’ll now advance to Monjo village (2,800m) and pursue an abrupt trail that abruptly descends across Monjo Khola. Afterward, the trail drops to Jhorsalle (2,804m) after navigating past the Dudh Koshi River again. Eventually, we arrive at the conflux of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi Rivers. From here, we’ll make a precipitous climb to a suspension bridge across the Dudh Koshi River. Subsequent to a brief steady ascent through the forest, we reach Namche Bazaar (3,340m) that extends alluring mountain vistas.

Well renowned as the Sherpa ‘capital’ and administrative centre of the Khumbu region; Namche Bazaar is home to an army camp and the headquarters of Sagarmatha National Park. It is a market town that hosts weekly market every Saturday morning where traders from other places put their goods for sale. Note that this market operates till mid-day. Furthermore, Namche flaunts internet cafes, an ATM, a bank, a German bakery, Medical and Tibetan souvenir shops alongside dozen of shops.  Namche is an excellent place to acclimatize as it boasts numerous trails to surrounding villages and vintage points to aid in accommodating in higher elevations with low oxygen levels.  On top of that, this very Sherpa village presents the delightful panorama of gigantic peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Taweche on a clear day. You can also get familiar with ethnic Sherpa customs and traditions succeeding a tour of Village.

This very day, we’ll trek on the trail, which initially advances through the Khumjung region then progress to prime route to Everest Base Camp at Shanasa. Afterwards, the trail makes headway to Trashinga then Phunkitenga (3,250m) where it traverses the Dudh Koshi River. Phunkitenga harbours an army checkpoint that examines trekker’s permit. Further, a broad and vertical climb uphill across the woodland composed of Juniper, Fir, Pine and Rhododendron leads to Tengboche (3,870m). The village flaunts the vistas encompassing peaks like Everest, Ama Dablam, Kantega etc. Moreover, it harbours Tengboche Monastery aka Dawa Choling Gompa, the largest of its kind in the Khumbu region. Tengboche also functions as a lookout point displaying sublime sunset vista over Mt. Everest and Mt. Ama Dablam.

This morning, we will make our way down across the woodland at Debouche, chiefly occupied by rhododendron, birch, fir and juniper. Continuing the journey, we steadily head uphill on the trail that passes over the rushing Imja Khola and progresses to Pangboche (3,985m). You can explore the beautiful Pangboche Monastery, located within this very village. In addition, you can observe the elegant Mt. Ama Dablam here. Subsequently, the trail traverses Imja Khola again after ascending past the alpine hillside then come to Dingboche (4,360m).

The day seven of our adventure is allocated for second acclimatization. As the elevation keeps on increasing, we are required to get adapt with the surrounding in order to avoid difficulties like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If sitting ideal does not match your preference, you can hike in magnificent Chhukung Valley. Also, you can trek to Nangkartshang Hill (5,090m), which showcases admirable vistas of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Island peak, Makalu and an incredible view of the valley. This trek utilizes about 4-5 hours. But we strongly urge you to provide acclimatizing time to your body so that it can prepare itself for the upcoming arduous journey. 

Accompanied by the majestic outlook of Tawache and Cholatse peaks; today, we ascend on a ridge. Thereupon, we advance beyond the pasturelands and walk across a wooden bridge to Dughla (4,620m).  From here, the trail ascends precipitously to the crest of a glacial moraine then continues past the memorial dedicated to the fallen climbers and Sherpa during numerous Everest expeditions. We also get to observe the astonishing sight encompassing Lingtren (6,697), Pumori (7,145 m), Lingtren (6,697), and Mahalangur Himal. You are deprived of the Everest view here as the world’s highest mountain is concealed behind the lofty wall of Lhotse and Nuptse. After a short hike, we’ll reach Lobuche (4,960m).

From Lobuche, we’ll begin our trek on a rock-strewn trail through the Khumbu Glacier to set foot in Gorak shep (5,170m). We’ll then make our climb to Everest Base Camp (EBC). The Base camp is a wonderful place where you can reach via trekking only (without use of mountaineering equipment). Here, you can get a sight of colorful camps set up by the mountaineers during their Everest expedition. Don’t expect a warm welcome from the climbers there, respect their privacy and concentrate to fulfill your Everest dream i.e. sightseeing and snapping pictures. You may be disappointed as you don’t observe the full picture of colossal Mt. Everest from bottom to top as expected because you are too near to the mountain itself.  But, you can contemplate striking Khumbu Icefall. On top of that, you can also get the awe-inspiring glimpses of snowy mountaintops including Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, and many more. In the end, we’ll return back to Gorak Shep (5,170m).

Today, early in the morning, we will make our way to Kalapatthar. At the elevation of 5,545m; Kalapatthar is the highest point of our trek and also widely celebrated viewpoint in the Khumbu region, located further and at a higher elevation than Everest Base Camp. Therefore, this view tends to turn your Everest dream into reality by showcasing the full view of the world’s highest peak in close proximity. This spot also flaunts sight of the mesmerizing sunrise above the Mt. Everest aka Chomolungma or Mother Goddess of the Universe in Tibetan and Sagarmatha in Nepali respectively. Furthermore, it is the ultimate location to enjoy the panoramic outlook encompassing snow-capped mountaintops of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse, and many more. Else, just above the Lho La pass, we can discover the colossal face of Changtse (7,750m). Since there are no accommodation facilities available here; we’ll trek back to Pheriche (4,288m).

On the break of the dawn, we pursue the trail, which progresses back to Pangboche through the green woodlands. Subsequently, the trail advances across Tengboche. En route, we’ll probably confront exquisite Himalayan wildlife, Himalayan Tahr, Pheasants, Musk deer and much more. The trail now descends along the Dudh Koshi River to Phunki Tenga then ascends to the Khumjung region past Sanasa Village. Eventually, the trail leads the way to Namche Bazaar (3,340m).

The trail makes a downhill descent beyond the suspension bridges to the village of Monjo. Following the progress across the villages of Chumoa and Mondzo; the trail passes to the other side of rhododendron and fir woodland. Complemented by lush greenery with snowy mountaintops as the backdrop; the trail now traverses suspension bridges, numerous Sherpa settlements.  Without any obstacles to break off, the trail finally reaches the village of Phakding (2,610m). From this point onwards, the trail ultimately ends up at Lukla (2,840m).

Today, you’ll head to Kathmandu from Lukla via a scenic flight that will take about 30 minutes. The flight delivers the lovely aerial outlooks comprising snow-capped mountains of the formidable Himalayan Range.

The 14th day of escapade is devoted to your rest. This day, you may rest and relax, enjoying the facilities offered by your hotel. The sound rest is essential to loosen up your worn-out muscles. You can also use your remaining time in the country via some last-minute shopping of souvenirs to take back home.

Today is the last day of your escapade in Nepal. Following farewells, one of our representatives will guide you to the Kathmandu Airport, 3 hours before your flight’s actual time of departure. We wish you a safe flight back home!!