Everest Base Camp Trek

At Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu, you will be met by a Trek Nepal representative and drop you at your hotel. There will be a full tour briefing in the evening.

An early morning mountain flight to Lukla (2,840m) with spectacular views of Gauri Shankar (7,135m), Melungtse (7,181m), and Numbur (6,959m), takes us to our gateway to Everest Base Camp and the land of Sherpas. Our trek heads northwards through the village of Lukla, descending to Ghat along the east bank of the Dudh Kosi, followed by a gentle climb and level meandering walk to Phakding. Awaiting us are great views of Kusum Kanguru (6,367m) and Sherpa hospitality.

Continuing along the bank of Dudh Kosi, the trail climbs through forests of rhododendrons and giant pines to Jorsale. Shortly after completing check post formalities, we cross the Dudh Kosi via a suspension bridge to start a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. During this ascend, weather conditions permitting, we encounter our first sight of Everest and Lhotse on foot. Namche Bazaar, ‘Sherpa Capital’, is situated in a crescent amphitheater that towers above two great valleys – Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi, and offers a stunning view of the mountains across the valley.

Today is an acclimatization day to allow us to adjust to the high altitude. Explore the local market, observe the local culture, walk up to the Everest viewpoint, or simply relax.
Time is available to make an excursion to either the village of Thamo or Syangboche. At Thamo there is the Thamo Nunnery; in the northeast looms the majestic Khumbi Yul Lha – a black rocky mountain, that is sacred to the Buddhists, to the west waterfalls crash down the cliff face to the Bhote Kosi. The trail here is on the traditional trade route to Tibet, so you may come across caravans of yaks led by Tibetan merchants. Syangboche is where the world's highest airstrip is located and to the west stands Mount Kawande. The trail here is a steep ascent along small pine trees and juniper shrubs, en route looms Khumbi Yul Lha.

From the village, the trail to Sanasa is a series of ascents and descents with stunning views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse coming into view. To reach Dudh Kosi we climb the less populated trail to Mongdada followed by a steep descent through a rhododendron forest towards a small bridge. After crossing the river the trail continues through the forest ascending to Phortse. In the forest, on either side of the river, we may encounter both musk deer and wild colorful peacocks. Phortse is one of the small villages framing the stunning Khumbu Valley. From here we get our first view of Cho Oyu, one of the great eight-thousanders, whilst behind the village the peaks of Taboche (6,367m) and Cholatse (6,335m) are present. The village itself is watched over by the magnificent Ama Dablam.

The day commences with a steep descent through meadows and a pine forest towards a small bridge over the Imja Khola (river), and then a steady climb to Dingboche with spectacular views of Ama Dablam. En route we pass through Pangboche the home of the most ancient monastery in the region and the Gompa which houses the famous Yeti scalp.

On our second acclimatization day, you can explore the village and surrounding area or simply relax and watch the world go by. There is a guided excursion to explore the Imaj Khola valley with a walk to Nagarjun Ri. Within half an hour of leaving the village along a black rocky trail, there are magnificent views of Makalu and Borangche. Whilst looking down towards Namche Bazaar there are spectacular views of Khumbu Valley. At the end of the trail, it opens up into a boulder field where there are magnificent close-up views of Ama Dabam and Island Peak. Retracing our steps we return to the village.

Heading up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse (6,335m) and Taboche (6,367m), but well above the tree line, we reach Dughla. As we approach the foot of the Khumbu Glacier the climb becomes steeper. We take the zigzag path up through the boulders of the moraine to reach Labuche. En route, we have superb views of Nuptse, Kala Pathar, and Pomo Ri.

An early start to a challenging day to accomplish our dream is Everest Base Camp (5,364m). The route commences with a gentle ascent as we continue along the side of the Khumbu Glacier, which becomes steep, rocky, and awkward for a short time. Rewarded with breathtaking views, the sugar loaf dome of Pomo Ri (7,165m) lies directly ahead, on the right Nuptse (7,861m) raises in a sheer spire and behind it an elusive sight of Everest (8,848m). A descent brings us to Gorakshep (5,140m) where we lunch and rest before taking the trail to Everest Base Camp. At Base Camp Everest is not visible but we live the dream. After exploring Base Camp and soaking up all it has to offer we return to Gorakshep for a well-deserved rest.

In terms of incredible, breathtaking scenery today is the highlight. It is another early morning start to see dawn break and capture this magnificent daily event as Everest and surrounding peaks reveal themselves. An intricate ascending route threads its way through crevasses and over moraine ridges. At Kala Pathar’s summit (5,554m) there is an unforgettable panorama: Ama Dablam, Makalu, Nuptse, Lhotse, and the impressive black pyramid of Everest. When it is time to leave with our indelible memory of all that is before us we retrace our steps to Gorakshep and trek down to Pheriche.

The trail is mainly downhill as we travel back to Pangboche, followed by a gradual ascent to Tyangboche through a forest. There is time to visit Tyangboche’s legendary monastery, which is the largest in Khumbu, and the museum. From Tyangboche we are able to view Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku from another aspect. Continuing uphill towards the large Khumjung valley, which foots the Khumbu Yul Lha – a sacred mountain for the Sherpas, we come to rest at Khumjung. En route, there are excellent views of Taboche, Thamserku, and Kangtega.

The trail continues to descend, taking us through Namche Bazaar and passing under the imposing Kongde ridge (6,186m). We continue along the banks of Dudh Koshi to Phakding.

We retrace our steps to Lukla along the east bank of the Dudh Kosi. Time to relax, reflect on the truly amazing days since arriving in Lukla, and enjoy Sherpa's hospitality.

Flight back to Kathmandu, departure time is subject to weather conditions. Your time is free to further explore Kathmandu and its shops, or simply chill out.