Last updated on December 21st, 2024 at 11:10 pm
Retrace the footsteps of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, enjoy the hospitality of Sherpa village life and brush against the majesty of Mt. Everest in Solukhumbu region of Nepal. The trek to Everest Base Camp, in the heart of Sagarmatha National Park, has become a rite of passage for many world travelers. The obvious goal is a close-up view of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (8848m), from where we may well be able to follow the progress of Everest ascent expedition teams, especially during the prime climbing seasons of Spring and Fall.
Namche, the most prosperous and largest Sherpa village in Khumbu, offers you an epic view of Everest panorama, unique experience of the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and unparalleled beauty. Afterwards, we will traverse beautiful fir, juniper and rhododendron forests in Sagarmatha National Park on our way to the camping site near Tyangboche, the most important Tibetan Monastery in Nepal. While gradually gaining altitude we will arrive at Dingboche (14295ft/4358m), possibly the highest altitude in the world where barley is grown. We will hike up to Kalapathar (18368ft/5600m) through trekking along the lateral moraine of the Pumori Glacier as well as Khumbu Glacier. The view will open up and provide us with a 360 degree panorama and breathtaking views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and countless other spectacular Himalayan peaks. From Gorak Shep we will continue to the actual Base Camp of Mt. Everest, home to all expeditions climbing the South Col route to the highest summit on Earth.
ARRIVE TO KATHMANDU
Airport representative of Mountain Climbers Treks & Adventure will receive you and transfer by private vehicle to the hotel. Leisure day to adjust with altitude, weather and time difference as well as to take rest from jetlag. In the evening, you can either eat in your place or venture out to one of the many restaurants in Thamel. Overnight at hotel.
FLY TO LUKLA, TREK TO JORSALLE VIA PHAKDING (2610M) 5-6 HRS
An early departure from the Kathmandu domestic airport will see us landing in Lukla a mere 35 minutes later, at the start of our journey to the Mount Everest Base Camp. This is one of the most spectacular and one of the 10th extreme flights in the world. As you fly east, the snow line of the Himalayan range to the north, will be on your left, with the rugged foothills of Nepal immediately below and stretching away to the south on our right. Lukla is situated high above the river on a shelf at 2800m, and arriving there is a one off experience because the runway is on a slope and there is a difference of almost 60 metres between its lower and upper ends which all makes for an interesting landing! On arrival, you can have a cup of tea to warm yourself up while your staffs sort our your baggage. Following cup of tea at Lukla, our trek will commence with a moderate walk to the junction of the Jiri trail at Chablung and from here we shall follow the Dudh Koshi River through the village of Ghat, and eventually to Phakding (2610m), three hours to the north. The path leads upstream along the valley, through areas of conifer trees and several more smaller villages. Another 2-3 hours walking will bring you to Chuma, Monjo and filanny to Jorsalle, a picturesque village with several options of lodges, groceries and located below Thamerku Mountain (6608m) at an altitude of 2805m. We are trekking inside Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, the UNESCO listed Natural World Heritage Site already.
TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440M) 5-6 HRS
A principal benefit of walking as far as Jorsalle on the first day is that you can walk up the steep hill to Namche. Shortly after leaving Jorsalle, we walk on alongside the river to arrive at the confluence of the Imja Drangka and the Nangpo Drangpo, which combine to form the Dudh Koshi. Crossing the river on a high bridge you start the steep climb to Namche. Near the halgway point up the hill, we catch our first glimpse of the mighty Mount Everest and Lhotse, away to the northeast. Namche is the largest and most prosperous village in the Khumbu. Thamserku (6608m) and Kwangde (6224m) loom to the east and west and the sacred mountain Khumbila (5707m) dominates the skyline to the north behind the village. The narrow streets at its centre are a mixture of traditional and modern, with Sherpa homes mingled with cafes, handicraft shops and shops selling or renting trekking and climbing equipment, foodstuffs and vegetables, tennis shoes and Tibetan boots. Don’t be surprised if, after the exertion of the climb and the rise in elevation, you feel a little tired and headache. You will feel better after a cup of tea and a rest. Overnight lodge.
TREK TO KHUMJUNG VILLAGE (3790M) 3-4 HRS
Wake up in the morning to have breakfast as well as stroll around the Namche Bazaar. In the late morning or early afternoon, we start our three to four hours hike to the Khumjung Village. On the way, we’ll pass the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarter, Syangboche Airport and Everest View Hotel, an ideal place to overview some of the outstanding mountains such as Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, Khongde and Khumbi Yu La.
TREK TO TYANGBOCHE (3867M) 5-6 HRS
The trail descends from Khumjung with chortens forming a dramatic frame to a view of Ama Dablam (6696m) and Kangtaiga (6779m), flanked by the towering heights of Sagarmatha (the Nepalese name for Everest), Lhotse and Nuptse. As you descend from the village first through walled fields and then through moss-covered rhododendron forest, watch out for blood pheasant and Impeyan Pheasant scratching in the undergrowth. You then descend through forests of rhododendron and blue pine to the village of Trashinga -watch out here for the Tibetan traders selling their wares alongside the trail – they are very jolly ladies! You descend further to cross the Dudh Koshi at Phungithanga and then climb through beautiful forests to reach Tyangboche (Thyangboche), the main monastery of the Khumbu area, sited on a saddle of the forested ridge. Tyangboche lies on the ridge at the base of Kangtaiga and this position affords panoramic views of the main peaks of Khumbu including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. There should be time this afternoon to visit the monastery – it is interesting to visit at the time of evening prayers. Remember that a small donation is normally expected when you visit monasteries. Overnight lodge
TREK TO DINGBOCHE (4358M) 5-6 HRS
Moving forward, the trail gravitates down and across the Imja Khola and on the village of Pangboche (3985m). You will probably be woken in the early hours, while it is still dark, by the sound of horns and cymbals as the monks have their first prayers of the day. You will have time to visit the monastery in the morning if you didn’t go yesterday. Then, leaving Thyangboche, your path descends through trees to Deboche hwere the small and atmospheric nunnery is well worth a visit. You pass further houses and ‘mani’ walls as the path continues along the river valley amongst the trees. After crossing a bridge over a picturesque gorge, the path gradually climbs, with stunning views of Ama Dablam ahead. There are numerous fantastic photo opportunities in both directions, and frequent chortens and mani walls to pass, as height is gained to reach the village of Pangboche. This is a very picturesque village with stone walled fields and there is very interesting monastery set in trees at the top of the village. This is probably the oldest monastery of the Khumbu region, possibly dating back as far as the first introduction of Buddhism into the Khumbu. There used to be a ‘yeti’ scalp and claw kept here but they were stolen some ears ago. From Pangboche the path ascends above the village, the sparse landscape now reflecting the height. You pass some yak herders’ cottages and walled fields at Orsho before crossing a stream and making a final steep ascent to Dingboche. The village of Dingboche is set in a stunning position, surrounded by high peaks. In summer months they grow barely here – possibly the highest altitude in the world at which this crop is grown. For acclimatization you need to spend two nights around the 4000m level and Dingboche, lying in a sheltered spot above the Imja Khola is generally more attractive for this than Pheriche, another settlement situated on the other side of the ridge. Overnight lodge
REST, EXPLORATION AND ACCLIMATIZATION
There are several oportunities for interesting acclimatization walks i this region. It is possible to walk up the ridge behind the village to make an energetic ascent of Naga Dzong Ri. This is a steep but not technically difficult ascent to a summit at 5083 meters, from where there are stunning views of Makalu and Amphu Labtse. You can take in the small temple of Nagartsang Gompa on the way down – there is a nice sheltered terrace here from where you can enjoy the views. You will descend in time for lunch in the village. It is possible to walk up the valley to the yak grazing pastures at Chhukung (4730m) -a 4-5 hour round trip. Overnight lodge.
TREK TO LOBUCHE (4910M) 5-6 HRS
You ascend the ridge to a large chorten above Dingboche village and then it is an easy walk up a wide, grassy plateau. The peaks of Tawoche and Cholatse tower above and it is possible to see Pheriche in the valley below to your left. At the tiny hamlet of Duglha you reach a jumble of rocks which marks the terminal moraine at the base of the Khumbu glacier. Proceeding higher up on the moraine towards a leveled area, we encounter commemorative shrines to the mountaineers who have lost their lives in the Khumbu region. The landscape is now wild and rocky and there is a real feeling of being high in the mountains. Following the often frozen stream at one side of the moraine you soon reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche. This rather bleak spot was once a yak grazing settlement and was then inhabited only during the summer months but now it is open throughout the winter serving trekkers and climbers and is the jumping off point for Everest Base Camp and Kala Pathar. The massive peak of Nuptse (7879m) arrogantly announces itself from a distance, foolishly convinced that she dominates the Himalayan skyline and sunset over Nuptse is impressive. It is worth walking over to the moraine to view the glacier behind it. Overnight lodge.
ASCEND KALAPATHAR (5600M), BACK TO GORAKSHEP (5110M) 8-9 HRS
From Lobuche you head north-east, along the side of the Khumbu Glacier through jumbled moraine and shattered rock. There is almost no vegetation here. Even so, small coveys of the delightful Tibetan Snow Cock can often be seen along the way or heard calling from the hillsides. You make several energetic ups and downs across the moraine and descend to Gorak Shep. Gorakshep is our base to attempt Kalapathar and Everest Base Camp both of places don’t have lodge settlement. After three hours of tough moraine walk, we have lunch and hap for a while. If the skies clear, we ascend another 500m to Kalapathar to observe 360-degree magnificent views across to Everest, looking down over the Base Camp area. An early start is essential to get there before any cloud comes down and it will probably be very cold where you set off. You are at high altitude so take some snacks to keep you going along the way and be sure to have your water bottle filled when you set off. From Gorakshep to Kalapathar (4 hours return trek) although not far this next stage is tough ascent of approximately 3 hours until you finally reach the rocky summit of Kalapathar -quite literally the high point of your trek! From here, there are great views of the summit of Everest as well as other Himalayan giants -Pumori (7145m), the Tibetan peak Changtse, Nuptse, Lhotse and countless other needles and snow fluted ridges. You can also look down on the Khumbu Glacier where Base Camp is located during the climbing season in late spring. Overnight lodge
ASCEND KALA PATTAR (5,600M) OR TREK TO EVEREST BASE CAMP (5,364M), DESCEND TO PHERICHE (4243M) 8-9 HRS
Another busy day to wake up early in the morning to catch sunrise view from Kalapathar if we couldn’t do sunset view from Kalapathar last evening. Otherwise, heading to Everest Base Camp for close-up views of Khumbu & Nuptse Icefall, Khumbu & Nuptse Glacier and most importantly, tick on your checklist that you made base of the top of the world. Make sure to have something for breakfast even if you don’t feel like it as you will need the energy! You are at high altitude so take some snacks to keep you going along the way and be sure to have your water bottle filled when you set off. From Gorak Shep it is a long, fairly arduous trek to base camp, initially following the top of the moraine and then descending onto the boulder-strewn glacier. In the climbing season you may follow mountaineering groups, or yaks carrying supplies, but at other times there are just a series of small cairns along the route. There are no views of apex of Everest from Base Camp, just close-up views of the terrifying Khumbu ice-fall since the Khumbu Icefall obstructs the summit of Everest. After taking some photos and spending some half an hour, we head back to Gorakshep for lunch and descend continue down to Pheriche. Overnight lodge.
TREK TO NAMCHE (3440M) 6-7 HRS
After breakfast at Phortse, we descend half hour through the forest down to the Dudhkoshi river and reach to Phortse Tenga from where the trail leads us to Mong La for an hour steep climb.
Again you have fabulous views of the mountains across the valley – principally Thamserkhu and Kang Taiga. From Mong La, the trail starts to descends down to Sanasa and Kyanjuma from where Namche is an hour and half away. Overnight lodge.
TREK TO LUKLA (2840M) 7-8 HRS
Most people head towards Lukla with a heavy heart. The trail to Lukla descends down to Jorsalle, follows the upward route as far as Chablung, and then turns off above the village of Chaunrikharka towards Lukla. The trail, leading uphill to the left, climbs steadily past a few Bhattis (small restaurant and local liquor shop) and the school. After a final steep climb there is a collection of houses and Bhattis in Tamang Tole, a new settlement near to Lukla. As you approach the airstrip the houses and hotels rapidly proliferate. On arrival you can finally relax and enjoy a last night in Himalaya with plenty of celebratory beers at one of the several Irish/Scottish pubs in Lukla at the same place at where you had enjoyed cups of Starbucks and/or illy coffe. Overnight Lodge
FLY TO KATHMANDU
Another chance to enjoy this adrenaline flight. Please note that flights into Lukla are sometimes delayed due to weather conditions either in fog-bound Kathmandu or Lukla; be reassured that our staff in Lukla and in Kathmandu will be doing everything possible to minimize the inconvenience caused if this happens. Your patience in the trying circumstances, which can occur, will be greatly appreciated. On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
FLIGHT RESERVATION DAY. LEISURE IN KATHMANDU ON YOUR OWN. OPTIONAL SIGHTSEEIN IN KATHMANDU
A day has been kept if the itinerary doesn’t happen as per our plan due to the Kathmandu –Lukla –Kathmandu flight delays and/or cancellation. If everything goes well, it can be used for exploring the Thamel for souvenirs shopping. You also can use this day for the sightseeing in Kathmandu as we haven’t spent any days in Kathmanud before the trek. After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s cultural heritage sites listed by UNESCO including Pashupati temple, Boudha Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey Temple & local markets towards South of Thamel. Overnight at the hotel.
DEPARTURE
Breakfast and airport transfer will be provided as per your onward departure flight. Service ends!
Tour Reviews
Damn, I left my heart at the Base Camp 🙂 Everybody’s bucket list, once in a lifetime experience.
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