Express Everest Base Camp Trek -12 Days

Last updated on January 6th, 2024 at 07:04 am

Shortest possible trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp (5364m) and Kalapathar (5600m) by human effort in 12 days with Kathmandu -Lukla -Kathmandu flights and 11 days trek from Lukla back to Lukla. Balcony view of Mount Everest from Kalapathar, play hide-and-sick in Khumbu glacier, Khumbu-Nuptse ice-fall’s cracking sounds.

Express Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights Include

Most spectacular and adrenaline Kathmandu -Lukla -Kathmandu flights
360-degree’s panoramic views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and countless other spectacular Himalayan peaks from Kalapathar view point.
Experience the warmth of the Sherpa culture, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and unparalleled beauty.
Tyangboche, the most famous and important Buddhist Monastery in Nepal.
Dingboche (14,295 ft.), possibly the highest altitude in the world where barley is grown.
Trek would appeal to anyone who is looking for a challenging trek in Everest region of Nepal.
Staggering and versatile mountains, glaciers, beautiful fir, juniper and rhododendron forests in Sagarmatha National Park

Express Everest Base Camp Program

Day 1: 35 min flight to Lukla (2840m), trek to Jorsalle (2805m), 5-6 Hrs

Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazar (3440m), 5-6 Hrs

Day 3: Visit Everest View Point. Explore twin villages of Khumjung and Khunde

Day 4: Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3867m), 5-6 Hrs

Day 5: Trek to Dingboche Village (4358m), 5-6 Hrs

Day 6: Explore Chhukung Village(4730m), 4-5 Hrs

Day 7: Trek to Lobuche (4910m), 5-6 Hrs

Day 8: Trek to Gorakshep (5180m). Sunset from Kalapathar View Point (5600m), 8-9 Hrs

Day 9: Hike to Everest Base Camp (5364m), trek back to Pheriche (4243m), 8-9 Hrs

Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m), 7-8 Hrs

Day 11: Trek to Lukla town (2840m), 7-8 Hrs

Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu (1300m), 35 min

Express Everest Base Camp Price: US$1155 Per Person

(Kathmandu -Lukla -Kathmandu flights, required trekking permissions and national park permit fee, domestic airport transfers, meals and accommodation during the trek, trek guide)

Express Everest Base Camp Price Includes

All necessary trekking paper works such as trekking permit (TIMS), national park entry permit & conservation permit
Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park Permit fee
Trekking Permit (TIMS) fee
Everest region experienced government licensed and trained local English speaking guide
Local people operated room in lodges
All hot meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner with cup of tea on each meals) on trek as per itinerary
Treated drinking water to fill in your bottle
Camp/dine fire/warm up charge where available
Guide staff/porter foods, insurance, salary, equipment, transportation & local taxes
All road transport by public/private vehicle as per itinerary
KTM-LUA-KTM round way internal flights with domestic airport taxes
Applicable government taxes
Hotel Domestic airport/bus park-hotel transfers service
Travel and rescue arrangement support
Trip crew medical supplies (first aid kit)
Trip success certificate (case of trip success)
Airport transfer to KTM Airport by vehicle after trip

Express Everest Base Camp Price Excludes

International flight, Nepal visa fee, insurance and personal expenses, single supplements
Accommodation, lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
Bar bills and laundry
Porter: US$198 for one porter who carries 20-24 kilo baggage
All except explained in “Price Includes” section above

NOTE: On adventure trek on this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary, it is however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary your guide will decide what is the best alternative consulting with you, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Last updated on January 6th, 2024 at 07:04 am

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 Kala Patthar (5,600M/18368FT) through trekking along the lateral moraine of the Pumroi Glacier as well as Khumbu glacier. From GorakShep 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.

Fly to Lukla (2840m), Trek to Jorsalle (2805m) Via Phakding (2610m), 5-6 Hrs

An early departure from the Kathmandu domestic airport will bring us in Lukla a mere 35 minutes later. 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 your right. Lukla is situated high above the river on a shelf at 2,800m, 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! You acclimatize and warm yourselves up with cup of tea while our staffs sort out your baggage. Our trek will commence with a moderate walk to the junction of the Jiri trail at Chablung and from here we shall follow the DudhKoshi 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 small villages. Jorsalle, a picturesque village with several options of lodges, groceries and located below Thamserku Mountain (6,608m) 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 Khosi. Crossing the river on a high bridge you start the steep climb to Namche. Near the halfway 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 (6,608m) and Kwangde (6,224m) loom to the east and west and the sacred mountain Khumbila (5,707m) 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 head-ache. You will feel better after a cup of tea and a rest. Overnight lodge.

Trek to Khumjung (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, Nupste, Ama Dablam, Kangtegha, Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, khongde and Khumbi yu La. Overnight lodge.

Trek to Tengboche (3867m), 5-6 Hrs

The trail descends from Khumjung with chortens forming a dramatic frame to a view of Ama Dablam (6,696m) and Kangtaiga (6,779m), 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 Kosi 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 to the village of Pangboche (3,985m). 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 did not go yesterday. Then, leaving Thyangboche, your path descends through trees to Deboche where 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 a very interesting monastery set in trees at the top of the village. This is probably the oldest monastery of the Khumbu region, possibility 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 years 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 barley here – possibly the highest altitude in the world at which this crop is grown. For acclimatization you need to spend two nights around the 4,000m 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. Chhukung Village (4730m), 5-6 Hrs

There are several opportunities for interesting acclimatization walks in 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 Laptse. 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 Chukhung (4,730m) – 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 Kalar Patar. 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 moraine covered glacier behind it. Overnight Lodge.

Ascend Kala Pathar (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 since both of places doesn’t have lodge settlement. After three hours of tough moraine walk, we have lunch and nap for a while. Your head guide make right decision after observing the movement of cloud. If the skies clear, we ascend another five hundreds metre to Kalapathar from where we have 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 when you set off. 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 to Kala Patar (4 hours return trek) Although not far this next stage is a tough ascent of approximately 3 hours until you finally reach the rocky summit of Kalar Pattar at 5,600m – 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 (7,145m), the Tibetan peak Changtse (4,501m), 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.

Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m), 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), 7-8 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.