Mt. Everest expedition is definitely the pinnacle of all adventure; however trekking to its base camp is no less adventure!
Very few of us will ever get opportunity to stand on a summit of Mt. Everest – expedition to the Everest (8,848m) takes around 70 days, costs more than US$ 50k and demands high level of fitness, skill and insanity.
However, the trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) is much more easy and achievable task and almost as rewarding.
Many trekkers dubbed EBC trail as a step to heaven: every twist and turn brings new sets of surprise and magic.
Enjoy the magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and myriad of other peaks along with the magic of Khumbu region. Experience the authentic Sherpa culture and lifestyle with the off chance of witnessing exotic Himalayan wildlife.
This exotic Everest Base Camp Trek begins with an exhilarating flight to Lukla. Follow the trail through Sherpa village, monasteries and forest and trek past soaring peaks towards Everest.
The 16 Days Everest Base Camp Trek is devised carefully to minimize the AMS risk by limiting the daily gain in altitude. Two rest days are scheduled for acclimatization. The first is at Namche: explore the surrounding areas and hike up to nearby Khumung village for traditional view of Sherpa culture and lifestyle.
Walk past the hilltop village of Tengboche and continue towards Dingboche for second acclimatization day. Climb nearby hill for impressive views of Nuptse glacier, Ama Damblam and Makalu.
Forest line and farmland gradually give way to dwarf scrub; then arid rock and ice. A desolate trail from Gorakshep leads you to the Everest Base Camp (5,364m). From Everest Base Camp, you can have up-close view of daunting Nuptse - Lhote ridge, Khumbu glacier and Icefall (the most dreadful section on Everest expedition).
A pre-dawn hike from Gorakshep up Kala Patthar unveils the astounding views of Everest, the South Col, Nuptse and the lower glacier.
With more than 35k visitors a year, Everest Base Camp Trek is the most sought trekking destination in Nepal. The name itself demonstrates the symbol of daunting peaks and whopping heights.
With on road connections, the only way to conquer Everest Base Camp is via foot through vast Khumbu valley (unless you can afford helicopter!). Before going through its difficulties, it is important to know that Everest Base Camp hike does not require technical skills and prior experience.
Having said that, there are some important aspect that you need to consider before starting a trip to Everest base Camp:
Probably the most challenging part of Everest Base Camp Trek is its elevation. The walk starts from Lukla (2,680m) which already high enough for mountain sickness. You will walk via rough semi-mountain terrain to the base camp at 5,364m and Kala Patthar at 5,545m. You need to walk 6 – 7 hours and gain 400 – 500m a day, which is quite a tedious task.
We suggest you to walk slow and never force your body unless it is fully prepared for next adventure. Always ensure to schedule at least 2 acclimatization days on a trail. Acclimatization days are usually used to explore the surrounding areas.
Also take a medical counsel before the trek and research the altitude sickness to ensure that you are well-learned about the symptoms and cure.
Always remember (regardless), you are fit, young and smart – if you don’t follow the rules of height, you are at risk!
Starting from Lukla, the Everest Base Camp Trek route follow 65km approx. mountain trail which is 130km on a round trip. You need to cover 15 – 20 km walking 5 – 8 hours a day.
If you are veteran, 15 – 20 km a day won’t ‘bother but it’s not the distance that brings challenge – it’s uneven and rough terrain.
Like other mountain treks, there are plenty of steep ups and downs; so you need to prepare your body and mind to brave the challenge.
Hiking itself is the best training for hiking. So carry your backpack with some load on it (5 – 7 kg) and walk up to the nearby hill. Also engage yourself on cardiovascular exercise – swimming, running & HITT. These trainings enhance your strength and endurance.
Everest Base Camp Trek is possible to conduct all year round; however spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) are the best time for the trek. These temperature during these seasons are moderate and skies are clear with outstanding views. The entire trails are in state of blooms changing it into earthy paradise.
Monsoon brings heavy downpour in Everest region; which as a result invites the threat of landslides and floods. So we recommend you not to for trekking to Everest region in Monsoon. But this season can be real boon for keen botanist as the entire landscapes are covered with lush vegetation.
Winter is extremely cold in Everest region. There is high chance of snowfall in higher elevation and teahouses often remain close due to sever cold and snows. Please check the availability of teahouse if you intend to trek Everest Base Camp in winter.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft) and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek preparation day
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,7ft): minutes flight, 8km, 3 – 4 hours trek
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,270ft): 11km, 5 – 6 hours
Day 05: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,284ft)
Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 10km, 5 – 6 hours
Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m/14,300ft): 9km, 5 – 6 hours
Day 08: Acclimatization day at Dingboche
Day 09: Dingboche to Duglha (4,600m/15,090ft): 4km, 3 – 4 hours
Day 10: Duglha to Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft): 4km, 2 – 4 hours
Day 11: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170m/16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft): 13km, 6 – 7 hours
Day 12: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) to Pheriche (4,288m/14,070ft): 16km, 7 – 8 hours
Day 13: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280ft): 20km, 6 – 7 hours
Day 14: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m/9,186ft): 19km, 6 – 7 hours
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 16: Final Departure
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport representative will receive you outside the airport terminal hall and transfer you to the hotel. Look for your name on display or placard. We then check-in to the hotel and take a well-deserved rest. In the evening, we will stroll around the busting street of Thamel to get acquainted with local environment and lifestyle.
Accomodation: Over night at Star Hotel
Meals: D
After breakfast at 8:00 AM, our representative will meet you at hotel lobby and brief you about the programs. At 9:00 AM, after meeting, we will proceed for Kathmandu city sightseeing tour. A private car with a city guide will be at your disposal. Today we will visit following USESCO world heritage sites of Kathmandu valley: Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to almighty god Shiva. It is located about 3km west of Kathmandu valley along the bank of holy river Bagmati. Though non-Hindus are prohibited to enter inside the main gate of Temple, the entire temple and premises can be seen from the vantage point nearby the temple. Boudhanath: Boudhanath is the largest Tibetan stupa located along the way of Nepal-Tibet ancient trade route. The stupa has four eyes painted in four cordial direction which keep watch on the wrong doings of the people. Here we can see many Tibetan Buddhist making a religious kora around the stupa. Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath, also known as the monkey temple, is the symbol of peace and prayers on the small hillock of Swayambhunath. This magnificent Swayambhunath is located 3 km west of Kathmandu. The stupa is known as a hallmark of faith and harmony for centuries with Hindu temples and deities incorporated in this Buddhist site. Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu Durbar Square served as the ancient royal seat of Nepal’s Kingdom. This significant landmark is surrounded by ancient Newari architecture, high temple and popular shrine. After exploration, we drive back to the hotel and make necessary preparation for next day’s trip.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
Today we drive to Tribhuvan Domestic Airport to catch an early morning flight to Lukla: the gateway to Everest. We meet the rest of our crew and begin our discovery trekking. We walk on a trail that gently drops down to Cheplung village; here we can get the first glimpse of Mt. Khumbua – a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From here, we descend down gradually until Phakding.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
Today the trail passes through a pine forest and continues north up the Benkar valley. We then cross the Dudh Khosi River and walk across the village of Chumoa and Monjo before reaching the entrance point of Everest National Park. Next we cross a suspension bridge and pass Jorsale to follow the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi River. We then climb on a steep trail for 3 – 4 hours to reach the prosperous town in the Everest region – Namche Bazaar.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
Today is first scheduled acclimatization day on Everest Base Camp Trek. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) expert suggest at least 24 hours rest period after every 1,500 – 2,000m gain in altitude. We stay active throughout the day: climb high and sleep low. Only Namche Bazaar in entire Khumbu region offers ATMs, cyber cafes, restaurants and bakeries. The Sagarmatha Visitor Center displays variety of flora & fauna and Sherpa culture. We can hike to the village of Khumjung (3,780m) which presents more clear view of Sherpa lifestyle than Namche. We can spend morning hike up to the village and visit Khumjung monastery which houses the scalp of Yeti! Then we can make a circular trail, exploring the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) on the way. If time permits, we can trek for five more hours west to Thame village (3,820m) below the impressive Kongde Ri Ridge (6,187m): offering impressive view of Himalayan vistas.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
Today we hike up to the edge of Namche and contour on a hillside to Sansa. Here the trail forks: NW to Gokyo and NE to Everest. On the way, keep your eyes out for Himalayan Tahrs on the high ground, shy spotted deer and birds including Danphe – the national bird of Nepal. We then follow an easy downhill trail to water operated prayer wheel at Phunki Thenga (3,250m), the lowest point beyond Namche. Net we cross the Dudh Khosi River near its juncture with the Imja Khola and climb steeply for 2 hours through dense rhododendron forest to the hilltop village of Tengboche. Tengboche offers dramatic views of Everest range. Here we can Tengboche monastery – the largest monastery of entire Khumbu region.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
Today we drop down to the small scattered village of Debuche: which houses a nunnery. Then we cross the Imja Khola to the north before rising gently towards Pangboche (3,860m). We follow the river to its juncture with the Lobuche Khola and continue towards Dingboche: the last permanent settlement in the region. Dingboche is a small with fields bounded by walls to protect the crops from icy winds and grazing animals.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
Today we spend entire day acclimatizing our body. To acclimatize: we climb north to Nangkartshang Gompa ridge (4,800m) which commands superb view of Nuptse Glaceir, Chhukung Ri (4,230m), Imja Tse (6,189m), Makalu (8,463m), Ampu Lapcha ridge (5,845m). After some moments, we descend back to the teahouse in Dingboche.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
After breakfast, we climb gently to a ridge and reach the village of Duse (4,500m). Here we can see the western face of Taboche and Cholatse. Then we continue through Kharkas to Duglha (4,620m) before ascending steeply to the Khumbu Glacier stony terminal moraine.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
The stone landmarks are built here in the memory of lost climbers during their Everest conquest. The Himalayan views include border peaks along the Mahalangur Himal: Khumbutse, Lingtren and Pumori. Everest hides behind the huge wall of Nuptse – Lhotse ridge. We further continue towards Lobuche.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
The trail to the Everest Base Camp is not very strenuous. However, we walk on a glacier path and make series ups and downs on a rough terrain which can be quite tedious. A desolate tail along the moraine leads us to the temporary village of Gorak Shep below Mt. Pumori. After early lunch, we take to the cold and dry Everest Base Camp; nestled on a Khumbu glacier beneath the dreadful icefall. Everest Base Camp showcases the up-close view of Mt. Nuptse, Khumbutse and Pumori mountains, while Everest still hides behind the wall of rocks and ices. After enjoying the beauty, we trek back to Gorak Shep where we spend the night.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
Today we start early for the hike up to the Kala Patthar. We begin our journey amidst of cold temperature and chilly winds on a fairly steep trail at a comfortable pace. On the way, we can admire the superb view of Lingtren, Khumbutse and Changtse mountains. As we reach the summit, we can admire the incredible view of world’s tallest mountain – Mt. Everest along with other mighty Himalayan peaks. After some moments, we walk back to the Gorak Shep via same route. After breakfast, we retrace our steps back to Lobuche (4,940m) and the stony terminal moraine. Further we drop down to the moraine and follow the western trail to lower and warmer Pheriche.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
Today we drop down approximately 2,000 ft altitude and walk on a trail with lots of ascends and descends. We climb down through the rhododendron and juniper forest and cross the Dudh Koshi River via bridge. We further descend through pine forest where we can encounter mountain goats, pheasants and other wild animals and birds. We eventually reach the Sansa with the rearing view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse peaks. We contour on hillside and walk through the dense forest before reaching Namche Bazaar.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
Today is the last day of our walking adventure. Today’s walk is mostly downhill via stony terrain and Dudh Koshi River. We cross Dudh Koshi River via suspension bridge multiple times and pass by several Gompas and village before reaching Lukla. At Lukla, we relax our shore legs and recall the moments we spend amidst of the mountains.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
Today we catch the early morning possible flight back to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, we drive back to the hotel and take a well-deserved rest. We can either take rest or spend our day exploring the landmarks that we have missed in Day02. In the evening; we will attend a farewell dinner at typical Nepali restaurant to celebrate the successful completion of the trip.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
our adventure holiday in Nepal comes to end today. Our airport representative will drive you back to Tribhuvan International Airport right on scheduled time (3 hours prior the flight). Farewell!!!
Accomodation:
Meals: B
accommodation: | Lodge / Hotel |
Height: | 5,545m |
Best Season: | Spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) |
Grade: | Strenuous |
Duration: | 16 Days |
Activity: | Sightseeing & Trekking |
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