Nepal: Everest Base Camp Trek

:Level: Challenging

Activity: Trekking, Backpacking, Camping

Duration: 18 days

Route: Kathmandu- Lukla- Phakding – Namche Bazaar – Tengboche – Dingboche –Lobuche- Gorakshep – Kala Pattar & finally Everest Base Camp

• Distance covered: 95 km

• Elevation gain: 2,450 Meters

• Maximum altitude 5,555 meters in Kalapathar

• The locals of the Kumbu and the high Himalayan passes are the Sherpas. Sherpa people are an ethnic group from the most mountainous region of Nepal. It is said that they have migrated from the Eastern Tibet to Nepal as Nomads through the Naga Pala pass within the last 400 – 600 years. The Sherpas are famous for their hardiness, expertise, and experience in high altitude.

Today is your arrival day. Your local guide welcomes you upon your arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers to your hotel in Kathmandu. After hotel check in, a short briefing will follow about your tour and trek program ahead. Depending upon your arrival time you may spend free time visiting nearby historic/countryside areas or resting.

Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu World Heritage sites wherein your guide will accompany you on a tour of UNESCO enlisted temples and palaces, which are a unique fusion of Newari architecture, Hinduism and Buddhism. There is enough time to explore the city’s major places of interest with your guide and at your own pace. Your Trek Leader/Guide meets you in the afternoon for trek briefing and for the final trek preparation. In the evening sample a delicious traditional Nepali welcome dinner in an authentic Nepali Restaurant with cultural dances. Private vehicle is there for you to pick up from and drop in your Hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Flight to Lukla / Start Trek to Phakding(2650 m) (B, L, D)

You will be picked up in the morning by your Local Leader/guide to the Domestic airport for the incomparable first scenic flight. You fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m). The flight itself is exciting. We fly parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibetan side of China. Flight time is about 40 minutes and you land at an airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing you meet your porters who will carry your equipment during your trek. You also have time to explore the village before hitting the trail. The trek starts with a descent towards the Dudh Kosi River, passing through the many lucky prayers stones and prayer flags where you join the main trail to Namche Bazaar and to the great areas of the Adventure destinations. (Dudh means ‘milk’ – the waters of the river are a strong milky white from glacial melt.) The walk is easy and after passing through the small village of Chheplung (2650),Ghat (2550m), you soon reach our lodge at Phakding. Your guides and porters will be happy to accompany you for the sidewalks and visiting local people around or rest reading books and exchanging new card games. (3 hrs)

 

You start the day from Phakding and cross the river to walk through tracts of blue pine and rhododendron forest that is very spectacular in the spring, when the flowers are in bloom. You cross the Dudh Kosi river at the end of Phakdingma staying on the east and west bank of the river, enjoy great views of the snow-capped peaks of Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2835m), where you arrive in time for lunch. Then the walking gets a little tougher and includes a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. It is a short walk to the entrance of the national park, where your permits are checked before you descend quite steeply to again cross the Dudh Kosi to Jorsale (2805m). The trek continues upstream on generally flat terrain, crossing back to the right bank, to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi rivers. After crossing a large and stable suspension bridge high above the river you climb steeply to the village of Namche Bazaar. A slow and steady pace is recommended on this section of the climb and you are encouraged to make the most of the fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Taweche come into view for the first time. You may notice you are travelling a little more slowly as the effects of altitude start to become apparent. Take your time on this path which is used by the local peoples as a ‘foot highway’ on this important trading route. At Namche we stay in a lodge in the heart of the village. (6:30 hrs)

You stay at Namche for a second night to allow you proper acclimatization to the high altitude and to enable full exploration of the town and its surrounds. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large, protected hollow. It gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. Today quite an amount of trade continues at Namche and Tibetans are sometimes seen in the village trading rugs and Chinese-made goods, clothing, salt and dried meat. It is recommended that you take the opportunity to see both the sunrise and sunset views from the national park headquarters above the village. The panorama can be stunning at both times of the day with a superb view of the Khumbu peaks, including great sightings of Everest. After breakfast your guides will be on hand to offer advice and to escort you on the walks. The option is the steep climb out of the village bowl to the flatter areas around and above Shyangboche Airstrip, Everest View Hotel where beautiful views of Everest, Amadablam, Lhotse, Tawoche, Peak 38, and Thamsherku abound. There are various options, including a walk with a series of great peaks rearing to well over 6,000 meters just to the west. Alternatively you can visit the national park headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture.

Your route of today to Tengboche weaves in and out of side valleys, making small ups and downs, to the teashops of Kenjoma, and joins the trail from Khumjung just before a collection of mani stones. The views of Everest and Ama Dablam are excellent from this part of the trek. You pass the small settlement of Sanasa from where the trail drops towards Phunki Thanga (3250m). From here the trail climbs steeply through forests and around mani stones as it follows the side of a hill to the saddle on which the monestary of Tengboche sits at 3870m. The view from here is rightly deemed to be one of the world’s most magnificent. Kwangde (6187m), Tawachee (6542m), Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse (8501m), Ama Dablan, Kantega and Thamserku provide an inspiring panorama of Himalayan giants. You will spend the night in Tengboche village (5 hrs).

From Tengboche you start your day by descending through forests of birches, conifers and rhododendrons to the village of Dibuche. From here the level trail passes many mani walls in a deep rhododendron forest. After crossing the Imja Khola river the route climbs past some magnificently carved mani stones to Pangboche (3901m). This is the highest year-round settlement in the valley, and the Pangboche gompa is the oldest in Khumbu once contained relics that were said to be the skull and hand of a yeti. Beyond Pangboche the route enters alpine meadows above the tree line, mostly consisting of scrub juniper and tundra. We will cross Imjatse river and arrive in Dingboche, which is a labyrinth of walls and pastures. Dingboche is the valley made by Imjatse river that flows down from the Island peak.This is the best valley to be to feel just in the lap of the beautiful Mountain Amadablam, Kantega and other peaks.

The most important thing to acclimatize in high altitudes is a slow ascent. Therefore it is imperative that you spend an additional night at Dingboche to aid the acclimatization process. A good way to spend the day is to hike to the Nzagazong Parbat to the hight of 5000m from where the views are just marvelous. From here we have majestic views of Island Peak (6189m), the rehearsal trekking peak, south face of Lothse and the giant of Ama Dablam, Mt. Makalu(8030m). After enjoying the views here you return back to Dingboche (4 hrs)

It is a tough walk today up the valley to Lobuche, so do take your time and ensure you are well hydrated. From Dingboche you ascend the small ridge behind the village above Pheriche Valley. From the chorten at the top, the peaks of Taweche and Cholatse (6440m) dramatically line the valley to the west. To the north, Lobuje Peak (6119m) and the snowfields of the Cho La can be seen. At Dughla (4620m) you take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of Khumbu Glacier, which has flowed off Everest, and in the afternoon you climb steadily to reach a ridge with a line of memorial cairns, built in memory of Sherpas and other climbers who have died on various Everest expeditions over the last 50 years. From here the view is spectacular; Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), and, across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550m) are seen at the head of the valley, whilst Everest is hidden behind the towering walls of Nuptse and Lhotse. You then follow the valley stream to our lodge, arriving early afternoon. (5 hrs)

The first section of today’s trail follows the western side of the broad Khumbu valley and ascents gently through meadows besides the glacial moraine. The ascent becomes steeper and rougher as it crosses several side moraines. After rounding a bend in the trail, the conical peak of Pumori comes into view. On the lower slopes of this mountain a ridge extending to the south terminates in a small peak, known as Kala Pattar (5545m), meaning ‘black rock’. The trail then makes a short descent onto the sandy, flat expanse of Gorak Shep. From here you will continue to the current Everest base camp, which is about a 4 hours return walk from Gorak Shep. You will return to this small settlement after your visit to the base camp (6 hrs).

To go to Pheriche you retrace your steps back to Dughla, and then go straight downhill from the bridge to reach a lower trail, staying high above the valley floor. The views from here are great valley, meadow. You can easily recognize Lobuche Peak and the Cholatse is visible in the distance to the left of Ngazong Parbat.It is amazing how quickly we retrace the trail that was a challenge to ascend en route to Everest Base Camp. You should be well acclimatised and you head quickly back downhill to Dughla and then taking a different route following the wide alpine valley to Pheriche for a long tea break. There is a trekkers’ aid post here, supported by the Himalayan Rescue Association which although not manned year round is well worth a visit if open. (7 hrs)

From Pheriche you ascend a short steep trail to the top of a small ridge for great views of Imja Valley, Ama Dablam and Kantega, before taking lunch at Orsho. In the afternoon  you again descend to Shomare and later pass through Lower Pangboche to reach the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River and re-trace your steps to Debuche and on to Tengboche. (6hrs)

From Tengboche you descend steeply to the suspension bridge at Phunkitenga and after a break and a cup of tea you cross the Dudh Kosi and ascend to Tashinga. From here the trail contours high above the valley through Shanasa before returning to Namche Bazaar, where you stay and enjoy a final opportunity to visit the shops in the bazaar. ( 5 hours)

 

Today you slowly head back to Phakdingma through the busy Namche. You descend down to Jorsale bridge through the jungle and rough trail down and then walk to the Monjo through river bank, cross long suspension bridge and then gradual up and down to Phakdingma. This is a short and sweet walk to have rest on your  way back before getting to the Lukla next day.(3hrs)

There is no rush today as you retrace your steps back to Lukla. You head forward from Phakding after the breakfast and, although the final ascent up to Lukla is a surprise for most trekkers, reach the airport in the early afternoon. Lukla is famous for its end of trek celebrations, although  you should not overdo it, as the plane ride back to Kathmandu is not best enjoyed with a hangover! (3 hours)

You rise early in the morning to be ready for the arrival of your aircraft for the flight back to Kathmandu. You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, located in Kathmandu(have choice the Hotel). You do not miss to clean yourself , laundry and rest to feel low altitude. In the Evening have a party night .Your guide can recommend you the best and memorable restaurant to experience party time and place.

Leisure Time in Kathmandu. It’s indeed time for the souvenir hunting around Kathmandu’s noted places having optional trip to tranquil historic Heritages in your own or with us or with our versatile guide. We provide extra drive and drop services anywhere.

Your tour guide meets you in the hotel for the Departure Transfer to Kathmandu’s International Airport.

 

• All airport transfers

• Pre and Post Trek 3 to 4 Star Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu

• Half Day Guided Cultural Sightseeing and the entrance fees in Kathmandu

• Comprehensive Trekking Map and Trekking Permit

• Authentic Nepali Welcome Dinner

• All the accommodation and full board meals and hot beverages on the trek

• Our Extensive Knowledgeable Licensed Guide and porters services for the group gear

• Domestic Airport Taxes

• Extensive First aid medical kit

• Satellite phone/Communication services in case of Emergency

• Applicable government Taxes

• International airfare Dubai – Kathmandu- Dubai
• All the personal expenses like Alcoholic beverages, Bottled drinks, Mineral water etc.

• Medical and Travel Insurances

• Gratuities/Tips

• Emergency Helicopter Rescue charges

• Main Meals in Kathmandu

• International airport taxes

• Excess baggage charges

Note: All services stipulated above are subject to availability at the time of booking / reservation. All prices are subject to change.