Everest Base Camp Trek

Kathmandu arrival (1300m)

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel; here you will be formally introduced to your Guide and the activities to be enjoyed over the next few days. We will also ask for your passport photographs and any other details required for your trek permits, at this stage.

Kathmandu sightseeing.

After breakfast, you start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. We will arrange a guide of your chosen language to give you a tour and introduction to our rich culture amongst our ancient and fascinating history and religion. In our sightseeing tour you go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar square. Durbar Square: -This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. There is an intriguing 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar square, protected as an UNESCO world Heritage site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also museums inside the palace building. There is an entrance fee of Rs.250 for foreign visitors. Your ticket to the Square entitles you to visit all the museums. Swayambhunath, situated on a hillock 6.5 kilometres west of Kathmandu, this 2000 years old Stupa is the world’s most glorious Buddhist shrine and is surrounded by several small pagodas. The main temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and is painted on the four sides with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Pashupatinath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the holiest and most famous Nepalese temple. Situated 5 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, it is an impressive pagoda style structure with gilt roof and richly carved silver doors. It has bathing and cremation ghats, which are of absorbing interest to the tourist, particularly in the mornings and on festival days.

Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m) Trek to Phakding (2652m)

Your early flight to Lukla today will take approximately 30 minutes; from here you will trek to Phakding, descending 200m over 3 hours. You will catch a glimpse of some great mountains such as Nupla (5885m) above Kongde Ridge, Kusum Kang (6367m appears on the right a little later. All along you will be following the northern (left) bank of the Dudh Kosi River. It is important to take these first few days slowly to enable your body to acclimatise and to enjoy the passing scenery and culture.

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Today begins on level ground, relative to the environment in which you are! You will cross the river on a high suspension bridge and begin to climb up to Monjo (2800m) and on to the gateway to the Sagamartha National Park Entrance in place to protect and preserve this beautiful environment. There is a good rest stop on the way up where you will see people gathered, admiring the first real chance to see Everest in the distance. On the way up today you will be rewarded with views of Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache Peak before eventually arriving at Namche after about 5 hours.

Rest day in and around Namche Bazaar

The main aim today is to allow your body to acclimatise, it is important to drink lots of water and take some gentle exercise. Namche is a growing town tucked into a neat little valley, there is lots going on in the centre with market days on Friday and Saturday. There are some interesting museums and shops. There is also internet and a sauna! You could venture further afield, take a visit to Khumjung where the Hillary school sits and Khunde nearby, on the way back to Namche you could visit the Shyangboche airstrip, (3790m) the highest in the world nearby is the Everest View Hotel for stunning views.

Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867m)

There are various trails leading out of the village of Namche, your guide will show you the most appropriate, you are most likely to enjoy excellent views of Ama Dablam and Everest amongst others along the way though. From Sanasa trail descends to Phunki Thanga from where you have a 2 hour climb to Tengboche steeply at first but soon levels out. You will come to a stone gate which marks the entrance to Tengboche, the religious centre of the Khumbu region. Overall today will take approximately 5 hours.

Tengboche to Dingboche (4260m)

Another 5 hour day today as you first descend through rhododendron forests to pastures below and Deboche. You begin to climb from the Imja Khola river with great views of Ama Dablam and Kantaga (6779m), your route is lined by chortens to Pengboche the highest year round settlement in the valley and the gompa here is the oldest in the Khumbu, home to what is believed to be the hand skull of a yeti. You soon find yourself above the tree line you will pass a few tea shops and yak herders before you reach Dingboche a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls.

Rest day at Dingboche (4260m)

Here you will enjoy outstanding mountain views, particularly the north face of Ama Dablam and Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. There are several walk options enabling your body to acclimatise better. Remember to drink plenty of water.

Dingboche to Lobuche (4930m)

A little more than five hours today and you will travel through Periche, Dugla and enjoy fantastic views. Lobuche is well protected from the elements.

Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep (5160m)

You will ascend gently to begin with today through lovely pasture lands; you will then follow the rocky moraine path with views of the Khumbu Glacier. Gorakshep is on a flat field below Kala Pattar (5545m) and My Pumori (7145m), it is the original Everest Base Camp. A good spot for lunch after 2/3 hours walk, following lunch you can continue up to the present Base Camp.

Gorakshep to Kala Pattar (5545m) and return to Pheriche (4243m)

Sunrise from the top of Kala Pattar is quite spectacular, it is a hard climb of one or two hours but you can see the West face of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and more. Returning to Periche, the windy town, there is a Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post should anybody need assistance staffed by International volunteer doctors.

Periche to Tengboche (3867m)

This morning you may be interested to visit the Nagkartshang gompa before descending to Tengboche a journey of around 4 hours.

Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Mostly down hill today it will take you 4 to 5 hours, there is a steep climb for about an hour before you encounter the scenic walk back into Namche. From Khumjung you can pass through Khunde where you may enjoy a visit to the little monastery if you haven’t already.

Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.)

A four hour walk today descending steeply for the first half then on to Phakding, where you will spend the night.This is your final day trekking; it will take you around 3 hours more to Lukla from Phakding. This evening you will have a farewell ceremony with your guides and porters where you will be able to sample some Chang and try some Sherpa dancing.

Lukla to Kathmandu fly

You will be on an early flight back this morning, on arrival in Kathmandu you will be met and taken to your hotel.

Kathmandu free day of your own.

Enjoy a day exploring some of the quieter streets of Kathmandu, stocking up on souvenirs and presents for those back home. This evening you have a farewell dinner, you will be picked up in good time.

Final Departure.

You will be met at your hotel and taken to the airport in good time to meet your flight home.