Day 01: Kathmandu City tour
Today, after breakfast in your hotel, we will meet you and escort you on a city tour of Kathmandu giving you the opportunity to explore its rich historical and cultural heritage, which though damaged in the Great Earthquake of 2015 is still amazing in its diversity and vibrancy. In a guided tour that will reflect the rich diversity of this nation, you will visit the Buddhist holy places of Swayambhunath (also known as the Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath Stupa, both important religious and cultural sites. Next stop, is the revered Hindu holy place of Pashupatinath Temple located at the bank of the holy Bagmati River. We will also have time to explore the rich heritage of Patan’s Durbar Square, the heart of one of the three great cities of the Kathmandu Valley, a complex of ancient royal palaces, temples, museums and monuments. And so our thoughts turn to the great trekking adventure ahead….your guide will provide a briefing and ensure that you are fully prepared for the trek, addressing any questions that you may have.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m) by Air and trek to Phakding. 2610m (2/3 hrs)
Today we will take an early morning flight to Lukla, gateway to the Everest Region and starting point of our trek. It’s a short but unforgettable, scenic flight crossing Nepal’s diverse landscape – the terraced hills and valleys, the great rivers and forests and the majestic Himalayas. In Lukla you will meet the rest of the trekking team, have some lunch and prepare baggage before heading off along the trail to colourful Phakding village. On the way you will pass huge boulders inscribed with Buddhist prayer mantras, prayer wheels and Mani walls see life in the traditional villages and later, near the village of Thado Koshigaon, follow the great Dudh Koshi River. The trail continues past terraced hillsides, along stone fences, across suspension bridges festooned with prayer flags and through small settlements to Phakding village.
Stay overnight in Phakding.
Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazzar. 3440m (5/6 hrs)
We will set off early from Phakding and continue with our trek to Namche Bazaar. The trail crosses a rolling terrain of dense pine and cedar forests, traditional settlements, several suspension bridges. The trail gradually ascends, surrounded by the peaks of the Himalaya Range, towards Monjo village, gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. After passing through Jorsale village we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers at Larja Dobhan. From here the trail rises steeply and in an hour we will reach the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. On the way you will get your first glimpses of the mighty Mount Everest. Namche Bazaar is famous for lively weekend markets, beautiful scenery and long history of trade, culture and friendships.
Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 04: Rest Day
This day is set aside for rest and acclimatization before heading further up the valley. You may wish to kick back and enjoy the coffee shops and relaxed atmosphere or if you are feeling more energetic there are a number of day-hike destinations for trekkers. A popular day hike is to the Everest View hotel from where you will have marvellous views of the peaks of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku and many others peaks. Other day hike destinations are the twin villages of Khumjung and Khunde. Khumjung is popular for the ancient monastery believed to have a Yeti scalp and a school built by Sir Edmund Hillary. Khunde hosts the Edmund Hillary Hospital. Thame is another option, a longer day hike from Namche. Namche also has the Sherpa cultural museum that displays the history of mountaineering, flora, fauna and culture of the surrounding areas and other historical photographs. A stay in Namche is a great opportunity to explore the town and local area and most of all acclimatize your body before continuing the ascent to Everest Base Camp.
Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche. 3860m (5/6 hrs)
After a day of acclimatization in Namche Bazaar we return, refreshed and reinvigorated to the trekking trail. Descending from Namche Bazaar on a twisting and turning trail, we will traverse through the dense pine forest catching glimpses of Everest and other peaks including Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Taboche, pass through the settlements of Sanasa and Kenjoma to reach the junction of the trail leading to Gokyo valley and Base Camp. We then trek along the stone steps and descend to the riverbed of Dudh Koshi. Crossing over the river on a suspension bridge, we now climb steeply through the forest, past the water driven prayer wheels to reach the cultural hub of Tengboche. After lunch we shall explore the ancient monastery and watch the rituals by Lamas, hopefully catch a breathtaking sunset over the Himalayan mountain range, identifying Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam and, in season, admire the beautiful rhododendrons in bloom.
Overnight stay in Tengboche.
Day 06: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche. 4410m (5/6 hrs)
After an early breakfast in the teahouse we will head for Dingboche. The trek starts with a descent to the settlement of Deboche, past great boulders and prayer stones, crossing over suspension bridges and skirting several chortens to reach another ancient cultural settlement – Pangboche. After trekking the Musk Deer trail, where if you are lucky you may catch a sight of musk deer, monal and blue sheep, we shall explore the monastery of Pangboche which is the oldest monastery in Khumbu region. Crossing over some suspension bridges, we shall trek to Somare village. As the trail ascends we will pass smaller hamlets and an increasingly alpine vegetation.
Stay overnight in Dingboche.
Day 07: Rest Day
This is another acclimatization day to ensure that your body has fully adapted to the altitude and thinner air. There are many options for day hikes including to the base of gorgeous Ama Dablam Peak and the Chhukung valley. Trekkers can also hike to the base of Nangkartshang Peak, or climb to a reasonable altitude for breathtaking views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Ama Dablam and Tawoche Peaks. The Nangkartshang Monastery, another atmospheric monastery of the region is also a popular day hike destination. Hiking up the Imja River to the small summer settlement of Chhukung gives us great views of Island Peak, Lhotse and Ama Dablam Peaks and fluted ice walls flanking the Amphu Lapcha Pass. Your trekking guide will be happy to discuss the best option for you dependent upon your fitness, interests and time available.
Stay overnight in Dingboche.
Day 08: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche. 4910m (4/5 hrs)
The next couple of days will be more challenging in terms of altitude and terrain but the effort will be rewarded by increasingly breathtaking landscape and scenery.
We start our trek with a gentle climb out of Dingboche, and contour along the trail through yak grazing lands and alpine vegetation to reach Dughla. En route, we shall have a wonderful panoramic view of the mountains including the Tawoche, Cholatse and the unique and beautiful Ama Dablam. Further along the trail there is a short yet steep hike to Thokla Pass (4830m) passing the line of memorials at the summit of the pass, clad with prayer flags, dedicated to the mountaineers who have lost their lives during expeditions to Everest. The trail now is on lateral moraines of the Khumbu glacier offering unforgettable views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar and several other snowy peaks. Beyond the Thokla Pass, we will reach Lobuche, surrounded by verdant alpine scenery. Don’t miss the breathtaking sunset from Lobuche as you spend a night here before your final destination.
Overnight stay in Lobuche.
Day 09: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5140m) (2/3 hrs) and hike to EBC 5364m (2.5 hrs)
Today is the day! Today you will achieve your goal of reaching Everest Base Camp and getting fantastic views of the highest mountain in the world from Kala Patthar peak. From Lobuche, the trail crosses rocky terrain and boulder fields, the ever present, mighty Himalayas overlooking the trail. The tremendous Khumbu Glacier and other glaciers snake down from the world’s highest peaks, creaking and cracking as they move imperceptibly down the valleys creating deep mountain gorges as the ice grinds at the bedrock. We reach Gorakshep which is the final accommodation and food stop at the foothill of KalaPatthar. After lunch we will trek along the glacial moraines and sometimes over the glacier itself to reach Everest Base Camp. In peak climbing season the area is dotted with the colourful camps of the mountaineers. You cannot fail to be awe struck by the beauty, majesty and vastness of this mountain wilderness. You have reached your ultimate destination, your dream has been realized today! We return to Gorakshep.
Overnight stay in Gorakshep.
Day 10: Early morning hike to Kalapatthar for sunrise then trek back to Pheriche. 4240m (5/6 hrs)
Today we ascend Kalapatthar peak to see the sunrise over world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest and its equally impressive neighbouring mountains. To ensure that never – to – be forgotten view we will set off before day break and trek to the summit of Kalapatthar, an iconic vantage point dwarfed by the giant Pumori Peak, which provides the most stunning views of the great Mount Everest. From this ‘Black Rock’ at 5545m, whose summit is decorated with prayer flags, we shall have magnificent views of the Khumbu Glacier and close up views of the sun rising over Everest. After a short time capturing one of the highlights of this trek we will return to Gorakshep for some refreshment before heading back to Lobuche The trail undulates over rocky terrain, towards Dughla from where we will descend to the Khumbu valley finally reaching Pheriche. Here you may wish to visit the permanent clinic set up by Himalayan Rescue Association and staffed by western doctors. Or simply explore and soak up the beautiful surroundings.
Overnight stay in Pheriche.
Day 11: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazzar. 3440m (5/6 hrs)
Day 12: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazzar. 3440m (5/6 hrs)
We are now heading back down to the oxygen-rich air, where any effects of the higher altitudes will disappear. We start our trek out of Pheriche by a short climb and then descent to Imja River before joining the classical Everest Base Camp Trail. The trail passes through rhododendron forests, smaller settlements such as Somare, crossing over several suspension bridges to Pangboche. We rejoin the Musk Deer trail to reach Tengboche then continue and to Phunke Tenga, crossing the Dudh Koshi River, and on to Namche Bazaar. Once again you will get great views of the mountains and lush hills, ancient monasteries and prayer wheels, and occasional glimpses of rare wildlife and the everyday lives of the local people.
Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazzar to Lukla. 2840m (6/7 hrs)
Today we shall have a longer descent to Lukla, the endpoint of our trek. A last chance to view the world’s greatest peaks – Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and others. Starting with a steep descent to Larja Dobhan, we leave Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and contour through the dense forests, culturally rich villages, lush hills and valleys, over several suspension bridges, past ancient chortens, monasteries and Mani walls, and other natural wonders to reach Lukla. Time to pack our bags, shop for any souvenirs and celebrate our successful adventure in the Everest region.
Stay overnight in Lukla.
Day 13: Lukla to Kathmandu by Air and transfer to hotel.
Today we take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, once again flying across the Himalayan foothills and marvelling at the amazing mountain scenery. After landing at domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel for a well- deserved rest. After refreshment you have the chance to stroll around the streets of Kathmandu and observe the blend of modernity and tradition in the lifestyle of locals. You may wish to explore roadside markets, and taste authentic local dishes in a myriad of restaurants or shop for souvenirs or outdoor clothing and equipment in the many shops of Thamel. The day is free for you to rest, explore, dine or absorb the sights, sounds and smells of Nepali life.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
