Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek

Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery and panoramic views of the Himalayan range on one of the world's classic high altitude treks to reach the Base Camp of the highest mountain in the world.

Starting from Lukla, you'll trek through Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park and journey through stunning landscapes. Experience traditional Sherpa culture and follow trails across rolling meadows, verdant valleys, rich forestland and across glacial moraines. Enjoy unsurpassed views of Everest, Lhotse, the Khumbu Valley and Ama Dablam.

Reaching Everest Base Camp, located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), is a memorable achievement. Stand in the shadow of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest (8,848 meters/29,029 feet).

A moderate level of fitness and preparation is required for this trek, as the trail involves steep ascents and descents, including at high altitude. 

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrive Kathmandu (1300m) and transfer to hotel.

  Welcome to Nepal. Once through immigration and baggage collection, head to the meeting area outside the airport where you'll be met by one of our local team for the transfer drive to your hotel. After time to rest and get refreshed, you'll have an informal briefing and overview about the local area and your trek plus a chance to ask any questions. This evening we invite you to enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu. Overnight Kathmandu.

• Day 2

  Transfer drive Kathmandu to Ramechhap

  This morning you'll meet your trekking guide who'll brief you on your trek and answer any questions you may have and there's time for any last minute trek preparations or local purchases. Then it's time for the drive to Ramechhap where you'll stay overnight before your flight to Lukla tomorrow morning. It's around a 4-5 hour fairly scenic drive. After arrival the rest of your day is free to rest and relax, ready for your trek starting tomorrow. Overnight Ramechhap.

• Day 3

  Fly to Lukla (2840m) and trek to Phakding (2610m) 04 hrs trek.

  This morning it's a short transfer drive to the domestic airport for your short flight to Lukla, the spectacular mountain airstrip from where treks and expeditions to the Everest region begin. The flight itself is awe-inspiring, as you fly parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibet.  
  

  
  

  On arrival to Lukla, there's some time  to explore the village while your Sherpa crew sort and load the equipment. Lukla lies at an altitude of 2840m and means “Place of Sheep.”  From Lukla, we descend northwest on a wide trail to the village of Choblung in the Dudh Koshi Valley. The valley is covered with beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. The walking is easy as we follow the river’s course, passing through the village of Ghat. Our destination for today is the small village of Phakding. Evening at leisure. Overnight at a local teahouse lodge.

• Day 4

  Trek to Namche (3440m) 05 hrs trek.

  After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi, the walk is pleasant, with a few short ascents and descents, until we re-cross the Dudh Koshi river from the village of Benkar, taking in the magnificent views of Thermasarkhu peak (6608 m). We then cross the long suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi river to reach Monjo village, situated below the spectacular peak of Thermasherkhu and a few minutes' walk from the entrance to Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. At the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, your trekking permit will be checked, as the National Park keeps a record of all trekkers in the area. From here, a short descent brings us to another suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi river, after which we reach a bridge to Jorsalle village, the last village and the only place to shop until we reach Namche Bazaar, so a good place to get any additional snacks if needed. The walk from Jorsalle village is pleasant, following the river until coming to the last bridge over the Imjatse river. The walk to Namche Bazaar traces a winding, uphill path, with a magnificent view of Kwangde Peak and its other sister peaks towards the east and Kusum Kangru to our back. As we climb higher, we'll be able to see the Mount Everest- Nuptse wall, Lhotse, and Taweche Peak, all the way up to Thop Danda, where there is a stone wall for porters and trekkers to rest on. From here, another 1-2 hour trek takes us to famed Namche Bazaar, where the colorful houses are situated in an amphitheatre style. Evening at leisure. Overnight at a local teahouse lodge.

• Day 5

  Rest and acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar (3440m).

  This is a day to rest and acclimatise before we trek to higher altitudes tomorrow. Relax at the teahouse or explore the local area. Suggested activities include taking the short walk uphill to the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters, a magnificent spot perched on top of Namche Bazaar, with breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped giants and the deep valleys below. There is also an interesting museum telling of the history of the Himalayas, the geographic information of the area and local cultural practices, mountaineering history, and the flora and fauna of the region. Full day at leisure and overnight at the teahouse lodge.

• Day 6

  Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867m) 05 hrs trek.

  After breakfast, the trail leads down a good, winding path with spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse to the north east, Ama Dablam to the east, Kangtenga and Thermasarkhu to the southeast and Kwangde to the south. After a few hours trek, the path descends towards Fungi Thenga, where we'll stop for lunch. After lunch, we ascend through a beautiful forest of pine and rhododendron trees before reaching Tengboche after around two hours. Here we'll take time to visit Tengboche Monastery with your guide. Thyangboche (also spelt Tengboche) is one of the most beautiful places in the Himalayas. The first thing we'll see is the monastery (also known as a gompa), then a large field with the campsites, teahouses, and lodges beneath the towering, majestic peak of Ama Dablam, with Everest looming above, the Nuptse wall to the north, and Mount Lhotse and Lhotse Shar to the northeast. Enjoy your evening at leisure, surrounded by amazing peaks. Overnight at local teahouse lodge.

• Day 7

  Tengboche to Dingboche (4358m) 5 to 6 hours trek.

  Leaving Tengboche (also known as Thyangboche), the trail descends through a forest of birch, fir, juniper, and rhododendron, before it finally reaches Debouche, a lovely spot situated at 3650 m, with magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. From Debouche, the trail meanders past a long prayer Mani wall. The path is gradual until we reach a small bridge over the narrow gorge of the Imja-Tse river. From here, it is a gradual ascent most of the way to Pangboche village. Lush vegetation vanishes as we gain altitude. After Pangboche, it is a short climb to Shomare where we stop for lunch. Shomare is a small settlement with a fantastic view of Ama-Dablam. From here, we can see the northern face of Kangtenga peak. After lunch our journey continues gradually towards the east. After around an hour's trek, just before a small wooden bridge, the road splits in two directions, going towards Pheriche or towards the east, where we'll head. From here, we'll be able to see a totally different view of Ama Dablam, its towering north face. From the bridge, the trail climbs slowly, winding above the Imjatse river, until we arrive at a big Mani stupa. From here onwards the route is fairly moderate as it enters the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse with a view of the eastern snow-capped mountains, including Island peak or Imjatse (6189 m). Dingboche is situated amongst a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls, which protect the crops of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Dingboche has about ten teahouses and it is also the gateway to Chukung. Evening at leisure and overnight at a local teahouse lodge.

• Day 8

  Rest and acclimatisation day at Dingboche (4358m).

  Today is a full day to rest, acclimatise and take time to explore this part of the Khumbu region. If you are feeling energetic, you can take an optional trek towards Chhukung and back, or simply hike to the top of the hill for the views of Makalu and other surrounding peaks. Explore the hidden Imjatse Valley with its awesome views. This afternoon we'll have a briefing from the Himalayan Rescue Association about high altitude sickness and what to look out for. Overnight at a local teahouse lodge.

• Day 9

  Dingboche to Loboche (4928m) via Dugla (4595m) 05 hrs trek.

  From Dingboche, the trail now heads towards the north. The path is gradual for about 40 -50 minutes before we reach the Mani prayer stupa. From here the trail is gentle, overlooking Pheriche village. Today's trek offers beautiful views of Mount Taweche and Ama Dablam and, to the north, Pokalde (5741 m), Kongma-tse (5820 m), and the great wall of Nuptse. After a pleasant trek of around 1 1/2 to 2 hours, the trail from Pheriche joins Dugla right before a small wooden bridge over the rushing river of Khumbu glacier. Dugla is the only place with tea houses before Loboche. From Dugla, a steep one-hour ascent brings us to the top, where we can view Mount Pumori, as well as the other peaks west of Everest. This is an ideal spot for a short break after the strenuous climb. Close to here we will also see a number of memorials for the climbers who sadly perished in expeditions in the mountains of this region. From here, it’s a 1 1/2 to 2 hours gradual ascent before we arrive at Loboche. Loboche comes as a surprise, as it's situated in a corner well-hidden and sheltered from the wind, with just a handful of teahouses. Overnight in a local teahouse lodge.

• Day 10

  Trek to Gorakshep (5288m), Everest Base Camp (5364m) and back to Gorakshep

  It's a good easy trail from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp as the trail ascends and descends along glacial paths. We follow the trail as it meanders past huge rock boulders until we reach historic Everest Base Camp. Here, standing at the foot of mighty Everest, we can also enjoy magnificent views of Nuptse, Khumbutse, Pumori and the other Everest range of mountains visible from Base Camp. After a short sightseeing at Base Camp we return back to Gorakshep where we rest for the night. Overnight at local teahouse lodge.

• Day 11

  Gorakshep to Kalapathar (5664m) to Pheriche 06 hours trek.

  This morning it's an early start as we hike up to the Kalapathar viewpoint for more magnificent views of Everest. A fairly easy trail leads us to the top of Kalapathar, which translates as 'Rocky Mountain' in Nepalese. Enjoy the close up views of the world’s tallest mountain along with the other mighty Himalayan peaks that surround Everest. After spending some time at the summit of Kalapathar, we trek back to Gorakshep before making our way towards Pheriche where we'll rest tonight. Overnight local teahouse lodge.

• Day 12

  Pheriche to Namche (3446m) 06 hrs trek.

  The trail from Pheriche descends towards the Imja Khola river, crossing a bridge. We follow the gradual trail to Debouche for around an hour, then from Debouche the trail climbs for around forty minutes to reach Tengboche. From Tengboche the route then steeply descends to Phunki Thangka through the pine and rhododendron forest before ascending to the ridge, passing some small villages and joining at Shanasha and Kyanjuma. Around another two hours trek brings us to Namche Bazaar. Overnight at a local teahouse lodge.

• Day 13

  Namche to Lukla (2840m) 04 hrs trek.

  This is our last day on trek and we'll take it leisurely to make the most of the beautiful scenic views and surrounding landscape. Apart from a few short uphill sections, the only long climb today will be just before Lukla, when the trail climbs for around 45 minutes from a place called Choplung. Reaching Lukla, there's time to rest, relax and explore the local area before a final dinner with your Sherpa crew and porters. Overnight at a local teahouse lodge.
  

• Day 14

  Fly Lukla to Ramechhap, drive to Kathmandu

  This morning it's time for the short flight, around 20 minutes, back to Ramechhap. Flights from Lukla are usually scheduled in the morning as in the afternoon the wind usually picks up and can cause delays. Enjoy the panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks during your flight. Arriving at Ramechhap, it's time for the scenic transfer drive of around 4-5 hours back to Kathmandu. After checking in to your hotel, the rest of your day and evening is at leisure to rest, relax, explore the local area and celebrate your achievement of reaching iconic Everest Base Camp! Overnight at your hotel.
  

• Day 15

  Full day guided sightseeing Kathmandu

  Today is a chance to explore some of the key cultural and heritage sites of Kathmandu. After your breakfast, you'll be met by your guide before heading to nearby Kathmandu Durbar Square, an impressive World Heritage Site and hugely important place in Nepalese history and culture. You'll be able to visit the ancient palace complex and the temple of the Living Goddess of Nepal , the Kumari. You'll also visit Hanuman Dhoka and Kasthamandap Temple. From here, we'll drive to Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River and an important cremation site. We'll also visit Boudhnath Stupa, an important Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site and the centre of Tibetan pilgrimage in Nepal. The huge stupa is one of the largest dome stupas in the world and is surrounded by many small monasteries, shops and cafes. We'll also visit Patan, also known as the City of Fine Arts, just outside Kathmandu City where you'll be able to explore the spectacular Durbar Square and beautiful temples and palaces. After time to explore, we'll return to your hotel where the rest of your evening is at leisure to rest and relax, explore locally and do any last minute shopping before your departure tomorrow.

  
  

  There are also various options if you'd like to add a short one or several days extension to your trip - perhaps a few days wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park or try some activities such as white-water rafting, zip lining or paragliding. Speak to one of our team and we'll be happy to help. Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.

• Day 16

  Depart Kathmandu.

  This morning is free until time to check out and your transfer to the International Airport for your departure flight home or onward to your next destination. If you'd like to extend your trip there are plenty of options including wildlife safaris, white water rafting, mountain biking or perhaps a visit to the neighbouring regions of India, Bhutan or Tibet - ask us for details and we'll be happy to help.