Mount Everest Base Camp has been a popular destination for trekkers since the very first expeditions to the Nepalese side of Everest in the 1953. To reach this part of the Himalaya within a limited time, we have devised this two week trek to Everest Base Camp which runs directly to and from Lukla.
The Everest Base Camp trek, a very well known mountain trek, starts at the upper Phakding and follows the Dudh Kosi valley which climbs up to the Sherpa capital of Namche, a bustling bazaar that’s a junction for trekkers, the local Sherpa and expeditions en route to the mighty Mt. Everest. All along this part of the trail, villages are interspersed with magnificent forests of rhododendron, magnolia and giant firs. In both the early autumn and late spring, the flowers on this portion of the trek make it the kind of walk you will remember for a long, long time.
From Namche, we trek along a high traversing path where we have our first good views of Everest and then head towards Thyangboche Monastery, which is a 2 hour climb. The monastery sits at 3867m in a clearing surrounded by dwarf firs and rhododendrons. The monastery is structurally located on a ridge top with commanding views of the Everest landscape. The view from this spot, seen to best advantage in the morning, is absolutely mesmerizing and stunning and is rightly deemed to be one of the most magnificent in the world.
We then descend to the Imja Khola and continue to the villages of Pangboche and Pheriche before finally approaching the Khumbu Glacier. We then follow the glacier, first to Lobuche, a vantage point for some spectacular views of the Ama Dablam, Taweche and other peaks and then hike to Gorak Shep for a breather.
We also have the opportunity to ascend Kala Pattar [5554m] from where we can get some awesome views of the Himalayan giants which literally numb your senses with breathless admiration that beholds the eye; and makes up for the lung-bursting climb that took you up there. You soon realize it was absolutely worth it. This also includes fantastic views of the south west face of the colossal Mt. Everest. We then trek down to Everest Base Camp at the foot of the Khumbu ice fall before finally making our way back down to Lukla.
Day 01 Kathmandu:
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, we will officially greet and meet you at Airport &
transfer you to Hotel . You will have leisure time, followed by an evening welcome dinner at
a typical Nepalese Restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu (1,000m/3,280ft).
Day 02 Katmandu-Lukla-Phakding:
35 min flight; 3-4 hour trek (Trekking times only; stops not included) Early morning flight by small twin
otter to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft). After final preparations, the trekking starts passing Chaurikharka village,
and makes a descent towards the Dudhkosi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the precise bank
of the Dudhkosi River until camp at Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) is reached. This first day is short for
acclimatization reasons.
Day 03 Phakding-Namche Bazaar: 5-6 hour
The trail cross Dudhkoshi River through a long suspension bridge then trail leads you crossing side by
side along the river to Hilary's Suspension Bridge.The trail further climbs from here to Namche Bazaar.
Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3400m/11286ft).
Day 04Namche Bazaar: Rest Day
This is the first of the two specific “acclimatization” days. You can spend the day taking a day walk
hike to Thame, by visiting Khunde or by relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar; the main centre in
the Khumbu region and has shops, restaurants, a bakery, hotel with hot showers and electric power.
There is a colorful market each Saturday.
Day 05 Namche Bazaar- Khumjung: 4 hour
The route starts by climbing up to the Shyangboche airstrip. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View
Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth.
Overnight in Khumjung (3,810m/12,500ft).
Day 06 Khumjung –Tengboche: 4-5 hour
The slightly descending trail to Dudhkoshi at 3250m. Then a steep ascent brings you to the Tengboche,
the famous Tengboche Gompa with its back ground of Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest and other peaks.
Overnight in Tengboche (3,870m/12,697ft).
Day 07 Tengboche-Dingboche: 5-6 hour
A slight decent early today through lush forest, before the gradual climb up to the valleys highest
year round settlement of Pangboche (3,860m/12,664ft). Continue ascending in the afternoon through
alpine meadows and yak herds, eventually reaching Dingboche (4,360m/14,304ft) for overnight.
Day 08 Dingboche: Rest Day
Another acclimatization day should be spent at Dingboche. As at Namche Bazaar; a day walk to
further high altitude is planned rather then just rest. Take a side trip hike up the valley to Chhukungfor sensational views. Overnight in Dingboche.
Day 09 Dingboche-Duglha: 3-4 hour
The trail can climbs to Lubuche, however the high altitude doctor urges every trekker to spend a
night at Duglha to aid complete acclimatization. You will have ideal views of the Tawachee and
Cholatse (64440m).Overnight in Duglha (4,620m/15,158ft).
Day 10 Duglha - Lubuche: 2-4 hour
The trail goes from Duglha directly up to the Khumbu Glacier for an hour, then left into the memorial
area before reaching the village of Lubuche. The altitude and colder weather can ensure less then
restful nights. Overnight in Lubuche (4,930m/12,894ft).
Day 11 Lubuche-Gorak Shep: 2-4 hour
The trail continues climb to Gorak Shep. It takes a couple of hours walking up to Kala
Pathar (Black Rock) 5,545m/18,192ft; this small peak offers the best views of Mt. Everest,
Pumori and Ama Dablam without climbing. Overnight in Gorak Shep (5,160m/16,929ft).
Day 12 Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp- Lubuche: 6-7 hour
This day leads you to the Base Camp of Everest (5,357m/17,575ft) walking through rocky
and glacial trails where climbers gather for summiting Everest. Continue trek return to
Lobuje (4930m/12894ft) for overnight.
Day 13Lubuche-Pangboche: 5-6 hour
The trek retraces halfway back and lunch at Pheriche. Finally the trek ends at Pangboche,
which lies on the bank of Imja Khola. Overnight in Pangboche (3,860m/12,664ft).
Day 14 Pangboche- Namche Bazaar: 5-6 hour
Now the trail retraces the same way back and stops at Tengboche. During the November-
December full moon the colorful Mani Rimdu festival is held here with much singing and
dancing. Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3,400m/11,286ft).
Day 15 Namche Bazaar- Phakding: 5-6 hour
Today the trail steeply descends to the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then continues on
an easy natural trail. Overnight in Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft).
Day 16 Phakding-Lukla: 3-4 hour
You trek back to Lukla along the same trail, although it always looks different coming from the opposite direction on arrival in Lukla you will have time to relax and celebrate
the completion of your trek. Overnight in Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft).
Day 17Lukla- Kathmandu:
Early morning fly to Kathmandu .Transfer to your hotel; the day at leisure to rest, perhaps
catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first
day in Kathmandu and evening celebration dinner together. Overnight in Kathmandu.