Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
Everest Base Camp
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparation
After morning breakfast, we will start our sightseeing trip at around 8:30 AM. A private vehicle with professional tour guide will be at your disposal.
We will visit the following landmarks which are listed on UNESCO world heritage sites:
Pashupatinath:
Pashupatinath Temple is the most sacred Hindu Temple dedicated to lord Shiva. It is located about 5km east of central Kathmandu along the bank of Bagmati River. Non-Hindus are strictly prohibited to enter the main gate of temple but the ongoing rituals can be observed from the vantage point next to Bagmati River. You will also observe the cremation process of dead Hindu bodies.
Boudhanath:
Boudhanath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu valley. Built in 5th century, this mystical stupa has four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their wrong deeds. Here you will encounter many Tibetan Buddhist making a holy Kora around the stupa; spinning the prayer wheels.
Swayambhunath:
Find peace and prayer on the small ridge of Swayambhunath located in the northwest of the Kathmandu valley. The stupa overs most parts of the valley; offering visitors panoramic views of city and lush hills around it. The stupa has stood as a hallmark of faith and harmony for centuries with Hindu and Buddhist. Also known as “Monkey Temple”, it is believed that the stupa was evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago.
The rest of time in Kathmandu is free for checking the trip necessities and catching some last-minute shopping in Thamel area near your hotel.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 03: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
An early morning flight from Kathmandu takes us small airstrip at Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla. Upon arrival at the airport, our trek guide will introduce you to the local porter before we begin the 3 hours trek to Phakding (2,610m).
We start our trek dropping through rhododendron forest towards the Dudh Koshi River where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar. The walk is relatively easy and we pass a beautiful settlement of Ghat (2,550m) before reaching the village of Phakding.
Overnight at guesthouse.
Day 04: Phakding – Namche Bazaar
Today we walk through pine forests along the Dudh Koshi and cross the tributaries to the Sherpa villages of Benkar (2,710m), Chumoa (2,820m), Monjo (2,840m) and Jorsale (2,830m). Jorsale is the major gateway and permit checkpoint to the Sagarmatha National Park. Mt. Thamserku (6,618m) towers to the right of trail.
Next we follow the river to its juncture with the Bhote Koshi River and climb steeply, cross the high Tenzing-Hilary Bridge with views of Nuptse-Lhotse Ridge. Further 3 hours forested climb takes us to the region’s administrative and trade center at Namche Bazaar.
Overnight at guest house
Day 05: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day
Today is set aside for acclimatization. Mountain expert suggests at least a 24 hours rest period. Stay active: climb and sleep low is the best acclimatization advice.
Today we can walk to Sagarmatha National Park Visitor’s Center which offers informative displays on Sherpa culture and local flora and fauna.
Likewise, a short hike to the village of Khumjung (3,780m) will offers the close view of Sherpa culture than in Namche. We spend a morning walk to the Khumjung village and make a circular trek back to Namche; exploring Everest View Hotel on the way.
At Khumjung, we can visit Hillary school and Khumjung museum which houses the scalp of Yeti!
If you want more adventure, we can hike for five hours west to the Thame village (3,820m). It is nestled beneath the impressive Kongde Ri Ridge and offers dramatic Himalayan views which are not visible from Gokyo and Everest trails.
Day 06: Namche Bazaar – Tengboche Monastery
Today we walk along the gushing glacial waters of Dudh Koshi River with tantalizing views of the mountains. First we make a short descend to the riverside and then climb upwards through the forest pass. Stretch your legs for continual uphill climb to Tengboche – alternating between a gradual grade and some seriously steep ground! We will stop in on the Tengboche Monastery which is the largest one in Khumbu.
Day 07: Tengboche Monastery – Dingboche
The trek from the Tengboche to Dingboche begins after crossing the suspension bridge over Imja Khola River. Walking on a long trail, we first reach Pangboche – a small village with plenty of Mani walls. Then we follow the river to its juncture before continuing towards the small village of Dingboche: the last permanent settlement of Everest region. Walled terraced fields protect the crops from icy winds and marauding animals during the short growing seasons.
Day 08: Dingboche Rest, Acclimatization and Exploration
Today is second scheduled acclimatization day in Dingboche. We climb north to the Nangkartshang Gompa ridge (4,800m) to enjoy the incredible Nuptse Glacier, Chhukung Ri and Imja Tse (6,189m). Further to the east is towering Makalu (8,463m). To the south is imposing Amphu Lapcha’s fluted ridge and rare view of Ama Dablam’s north face and glacier. Descend back to the teahouse in Dingboche village.
Day 09: Dingboche – Lobuche
After breakfast, we walk gradually to the village of Duse with views of Taboche and Cholatse peaks. We further continue walking through Kharkas to Duglha (4,620m) and then climb up to the Khumbu glacier terminal moraine (1 hour). Here we will discover a stone memorials built in memory of climbers who have been perished in course of their Everest expedition. Continue to and overnight in Lobuche.
Day 10: Lobuche – Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp & back to Gorak Shep
An isolated trail along the moraine leads us to the last seasonal village of Gorkshep below Pumori. After early lunch, we walk to the dry and cold EBC; nestled on the Khumbu Glacier opposite the dreaded icefall.
In high climbing season, we can see many climber’s tent perched on the dirty ice. Off the season, it is bleak and silent, bar birds wind and avalanches. Hike back to Gorak Shep for overnight.
Day 11: Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar
A pre-dawn climb ( 2 – 3 hours) up to Kalapatthar offers amazing sunrise view over Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Changtse. Mt. Pumori, Lingtren and Khumbtse among numerous named and un-named crowd your sight. Cho Oyu (8,201m) stands to the west.
Retrace your step back to Gorakhsep for breakfast. After breakfast, walk back to Lobuche and then landmark memorials on the glacier’s snout. Drop down to the moraine and follow the western trail to the warmer and comfortable Pheriche.
Day 12: Pheriche – Phortse
Today we rise gradually via alternative trail to Pangboche (4,280m). A tranquil and off-beat trail through game country leads us to Phortse.
Day 13: Phortse – Monjo
After breakfast, we continue south tourough Mong La (3,975m) to Sanasa (3,600m). From here, we take the main stream trail and walk back to Namche. After lunch, we descend down to more greener and warmer villages. We exit Sagarmatha National Park via Jorsale (2,830m) and drop down to Monjo.
Day 14: Monjo – Lukla
After breakfast, we continue through terraced fields to Phakding (2,610m) and cross the suspension bridge at Thado Koshi to Cheplung (2,700m). Drop down before climbing steeply back to Lukla. Here we will celebrate with our porter as they will not be accompanying us back to Kathmandu.
Day 15: Lukla – Kathmandu
After breakfast, we take a fight back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Evening: attend farewell dinner on typical Nepali restaurant with cultural shows.
Day 16: Final Departure
Your adventure holiday in Nepal comes to an end today. Our airport representative will drive you back to Tribhuvan International Airport (3-hours prior flight) for your final departure.