Everest Base Camp Trek

Kathmandu is a historic city, adorned with brilliant Durbar mansions and throngs of temples. Each of these edifices has a story behind its construction: while some may sound credible, others are full of myths. But the real beauty lies in the artifacts and architectures of these mansions.

Among others, Patan Durbar Square is the legendary composition. The intricately carved window designs and delicate décor of interior and exterior make this historical palace a charm of Kathmandu. On the other hand, the most revered shrine of Pashupati is equally commendable-both in terms of art and faith. Thousands of devotees dwelling around the premises of the temple shows the real importance of Pashupatinath in the hearts of Nepalese (Hindu followers).

Similarly, Boudhanath, with its massive mandala, stands proud dominating the eastern skyline. And, the excellent views from the viewpoint of Swayambhunath (overlooking the Kathmandu valley) enhances the beauty of the city.

On this day, you will go to these sites (listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites). If you wish to visit any other sites, you may ask for customizing your itinerary.

A flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is in itself an adventure, because you will be landing on one of the world’s dangerous airports-Lukla Airport. The runway is short, and the milieu is full of mountains. So, if anything goes wrong, there is no chance of escape. For that reason, only the highly experienced pilots are allowed to operate the flight to Lukla.

As soon as your flight reaches Lukla, you will get your backpack ready, hand it to the porter and kick-off on an expedition to Everest Base Camp (EBC). For that particular day, your target is to reach Phakding. But, as you leave Lukla, don’t expect a silent trail, full of sceneries, as the way until Namche are often crowded by the trekkers (especially in the peak seasons) and the sceneries are blocked by the dense forests.

At the end of the day, you will arrive in Phakding, and your guide will arrange accommodation for you. Have a good night sleep!

Flight Duration: 25 – 35 minutes

Trek Duration:3 – 4 hours

Elevation loss: 230 m

The trek begins early in the morning as there is a long way to go today.

Soon after leaving Phakding, you will meander on the west side of the Dudh Koshi (river) through a beautiful pine woodland and numerous settlements. A pleasant waterfall at Toktok may be your first encounter with the beauty of Himalayas. Then, after crossing a series of ups and downs arrives another spectacular waterfall at Bengkar, which is also the best stopover to taste good apple pies (Price fluctuates around Rs. 400).

As you leave Bengkar, the trail winds around the terraced farmland and climbs towards Monjo (2835 m). Many trekkers stop at Monjo for the launch-so do you. Within a couple of distance arrives a checkpost for the Sagarmatha National Park; spending a few minutes around the entrance to read about the park is worthwhile.

Then, the trail descends quite steeply, and crossing a suspension bridge over Dudhkoshi, leads you to Jorsalle. After a while, the trail again crosses another bridge above the Dudhkoshi that takes you to the eastern bank of the river. Then onwards, the path is snaky and accompanies frequent switchbacks. From somewhere in the middle of the Sagarmatha National park, you can get the brilliant views of Mt. Everest (first Everest view), which, indeed, becomes the source of encouragement to proceed further.

Before stepping into Namche, there is another checkpost named Rural Municipality Ticket (RMT). After checking-in, you will arrive at a large Kani Gate, whose glamour is endorsed by several gompas as well as the beautiful paintings of late Manjushri, and Vajrapani. For the night, you will stay in Namche.

Trek Duration: 6 – 8 hours

Elevation gain: 830 m.

For a great expedition at such a high altitude, acclimatization is unavoidable, which, otherwise, if neglected may pose a severe threat to your health. And, by all means, no place is better than Namche for acclimatization.

‘Hike high, sleep low’ is a simple, yet effective, technique to better adjust in a high elevation. So, you may go anywhere higher and come back to Namche late during the day. Khumjung and Khunde are the best-known hiking destinations from Namche, which provides ample opportunity for you to gaze upon some of the peculiar monasteries and all-loving people. As an alternative, you may as well hike to Thame, which is a perfect spot to witness the splendors of Mt. Ama Dablam, Everest and other ranges.

While nearby destinations are beautiful, Namche is no less pleasant to stroll around. Being the trading hub of Tibetans and Sherpas for centuries, Namche can be an ideal market place to shop for artistic souvenirs and handicrafts. Almost every modern-day service, such as Wifi, satellite tv, cyber, etc. are available here at Namche. Also, the museums with its excellent displays of historical monuments and its background information enhance the real glamour of the Namche.

Sleep well for the next day arduous walk.

Trek Duration: 5 – 6 hours

Early in the morning, with your backpacks ready, you will set off from Namche and proceed towards the Tengboche (next destination).

Within a short interval, the Himalayas quietly reveals some of its mind-boggling sceneries, hinting on what is about to come next. After crossing a Memorial Stupa of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, few of the mountains – Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Kangtega & Thamserku – appear shining with the rays of sunlight. Further ahead, you will come across two junctions – the first one leads to Khumjung, while the other one to Phortse Thanga. But, ignoring these both alternatives, you go through the right track that leads you towards Phunke Thanga.

On the way, you will see many water-driven prayer-wheels on your right. As you move along, the sceneries get more attractive until Tengboche. Visiting the Tengboche monastery is worthwhile if you want to spend a few moments in the peaceful ambiance. Also, this monastery is the largest one among all others in the Khumbu Region.

Take rest for the next day trip.

Trek Duration: 7 – 8 hours

Elevation gain: 420 m

A path to Dingboche is one of the most scenic routes in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The Himalayas peek at you throughout the trail.

As you leave Tengboche, the trail advances through a series of switchbacks and climbs steeply at some points. To reach Debuche, you need to climb up the stone stairs. A suspension bridge hanging across the river paves your way to a junction between Pangboche, Tabuche, and Dingboche. Then, you will go along the latter trail that contours several times after Somare. Meanwhile, you will cross a suspension bridge at the confluence of Imja Khola and head on towards Dingboche parallel to the Imja river.

Within an hour from the suspension bridge, you will arrive at Dingboche for the overnight stay.

Trek Duration: 6 – 7 hours

Elevation gain: 550 m

After climbing so high (above 4200 m), acclimatization becomes a necessary ingredient to spice your adventure, and for that purpose, Dingboche is a perfect spot. You may undertake numerous hikes from Dingboche. One goes towards Chhukung Ri, while other to Nangkar Tshang hill; both are incredibly awesome.

For a short-day hike, Nangkar Tshang hill would be the best option as it is less demanding (physically), alongside offering marvelous sceneries. On the way to it, you will encounter an old but beautiful gompa named Nangkar Tshang. It is quite confusing, whether the name of the hill comes from the gompa or vice-versa. Anyway, what all matters is the magnificence that the mountain has to offer. Within about 2-3 hours, you will reach the hilltop of Nangkar Tshang, overlooking the realms of Makalu, Chhopulu, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, and Island Peak. The view is as if you are a bird flying over these pinnacles: A Virtual Paradise.

Later in the day, you will return to Dingboche and prepare for the next day trip.

Trek Duration: 2- 3 hours

Dingboche to Lobuche is a short trip, that takes you one step closer to the Mt. Everest. The trail is less demanding as a sort of preparation for the upcoming strenuous trek to EBC.

As you leave Dingboche, the trail progresses along the ridge in Northern direction until Dughla. Trekkers, who have enough time, take a side trip to Tshola Lake, which is underneath the shadow of a great Cholatse peak. Rest of the trekkers progress further 2-3 hours to Lobuche.

The trail from Dughla is pretty steep. As you arrive at Tokla Pass (4830 m), you will notice several memorials of the people, killed in the Khumbu. Later on, as you reach Lobuche, it is advisable to lay down and take rest, instead of rambling around.

Nothing is so good about Lobuche, except the brilliant views of Nuptse peak.

Trek Duration: 6 – 8 hours

Elevation gain: 500 m

It is recommended to leave Lobuche before the sun rises above the horizon. While going so early, a torchlight is necessary for continuing the trek.

Once you progress towards Gorakshep, the trail gradually climbs for about an hour and then, follows a short sheer height, which is quite strenuous to pass through. After crossing it, you will step in some large moraines overlooking the brilliant peaks all around. The path is very tricky to pass through because of icy winds swirling around your face all the times. After about 2 and a half hours, you will arrive at your lodges at Gorakshep.

Without any delay, you head on towards Everest Base Camp (EBC). As you reach there, a feeling of victory is sure to shed your eyes with tears. Gaze upon the snowscape on top of the world and descend back to Gorakshep.

If you have time, you may as well hike to Kalapattar. But this is highly unrecommended. For the night, stay at one of the lodges at Gorakshep.

Trek Duration: 6 – 8 hours

Elevation gain: 230 m.

Like that of a day before, today is going to be a special day. You are about to encounter some of the outstanding views of Himalayan peaks from the vantage point of Kalapatthar.

Early in the morning, before the sun turns everything around into gold, hike to Kalapatthar to witness the outstanding sunrise view from the hilltop. The chain of mountains visible from the hilltop is just incredible. Pumori peak is one of the closest views that can be witnessed from the Kalapatthar.

After spending quality time there, you will descend towards Dingboche for a comfortable stay for the night. The trail follows the same as mentioned before.

Trek Duration: 5 – 6 hours

Elevation loss: 1140 m

Dingboche is a beautiful city to stroll around. There is a mani wall, whose mythical origin sounds very much credible. Locals say that while plowing the field, the farmers placed the stone found on the soil at the edges of the plot, which ended up being piled up one over the other. After a long time (perhaps, centuries), these stones held one another tightly and became concrete as walls. These became the mani walls.

Afterward, head on towards Tengboche along the same trail, you have been through several days before. During the night, stay on one of the lodges at Tengboche.

Trek Duration: 4 – 5 hours

Elevation loss: 550 m.

Unlike Dingboche, Tengboche shines with its century-old monastery. Spend some time there and descend to Namche for the overnight stay.

If you wanted to purchase something from the markets to take home, this is the day. Namche is a fascinating hub for shopping, especially souvenirs.

Trek Duration: 4 – 5 hours

Elevation loss: 420 m

Early in the morning, leave Namche and head on towards Lukla.

Lukla is filled with tiny houses as if stacked one above the other. There are narrow alleys that take you deep into the hidden treasures of the Khumbu region. So, make sure you explore some of the secrets of Khumbu before boarding on the plane.

Trek Duration: 7 – 9 hours

Elevation loss: 600 m

Finally, the day has come to get back to Kathmandu. Remember, that the flight might delay if the weather gets bad.

Once you reach Kathmandu, your guide will accompany you towards your hotel. Recall on the memories you have created so far during the trek.

This is time to say goodbye officially. However, if you wish, you may extend your stay and attempt other adventures as well.