Everest Base Camp Trek

We’ll get on a domestic flight to Lukla early in the morning. Flying above the spectacular landscapes, you can have a look at some of Nepal’s most renowned summits. After 30 minutes in the air followed by a thrilling landing, we’ll come to Lukla (2,860m). From this point onwards, we’ll commence our trekking venture. We’ll forge ahead on a well-marked trail along the riverbanks the Dudh Koshi Valley. With the views of snow-capped mountains like Kusum Kanguru (6,367m) on the way, we’ll leave behind farmlands, Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, Mani walls, and villages of Chheplung (2,660m), Thado Koshigoan (2,580m) and Nuring (2,492m) for our very first overnight stay in Phakding (2,610m).

Resuming our trek, we’ll follow the windy path that crosses and re-crosses the Dudh Koshi River via high suspension bridges. Past pinewoods and Sherpa settlements including Zapute, Toktok, Benkar and Chhamuwa, we’ll reach Monjo (2,835m). Succeeding an inspection of our permits in a check post, we’ll have a short climb to Jorsalle (2,740m), the last village prior to Namche Bazaar. Revel in the beautiful outlook of Kongde Ri (6,187m) during the journey. Beyond the tumbling waterfalls, we’ll advance through the territory of Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO natural world heritage site since 1979) to make a final but steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. If the weather conditions are appropriate, you may just catch a joyful sight of Mt. Everest in the distance, tugged in between Nuptse and Lhotse.

The day four is allocated for Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar. Adjustment of the body at higher altitudes with the atmosphere containing lower oxygen level bears utmost significance; if ignored, individuals suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which may result in death. Flaunting several modern amenities such as shops, medical outlets, banks, ATM, a bakery, numerous restaurants and lodges at the elevation of 3,440m asl; Namche Bazaar is preferred by the majority of trekkers and climbers in Everest Region. Explore this magnificent Sherpa village culture and traditions of the native communities. On top of that, we’ll go for a short hike to Khumjung in order to speed up the process of adaptation to extreme climate. Surrounded with breathtaking mountain panoramas, this traditional village renders a detailed insight into the legendary Sherpa hospitality. The Monastery here is interesting and showcases purported yeti scalp.

While moving outside the Namche today, we’ll witness clear outlooks of the majestic Himalayas.  The trail now heads to the high valley over Dudh Koshi River and continues across many Sherpa settlements. Greatly inspired by heavenly mountain vistas, we’ll move down to a suspension bridge and cross it to get as far as Phunki Tenga. Find your delight in the amazing scenery. Following an encounter with a steep ascent, we’ll stay with the pathway through rhododendron woodland to Tengboche (3,870m). Overlooked by the snowy peaks, the sublime Tengboche Monastery is the largest in the region. Pay a visit to the monastery and immerse yourself in its spiritual ambience.

Today, we’ll make a climb initially then descend on an abrupt trail progressing across dense rhododendron woodland to Debuche. Subsequently, we’ll traverse raging Imja Khola to reach Pangboche (3,900m). Thanks to its unique geographic position, this village bestows unequalled views of Ama Dablam and other adjacent summits. Additionally, you can also explore the Pangboche Monastery that is famous for possessing purported yeti scalp and hand. We’ll now move forward to Imja Valley and ascend on the path to Dingboche (4,360m).

Dingboche is another place greatly admired by trekkers and climbers for acclimatization purposes. Beautiful Himalayan vistas can be observed from here. Nevertheless, we’ll head out for a short hike to Chhukhung Valley. The very morning, we’ll proceed on the trail beyond the farmlands encircled with man-made stone walls to Bibre. Charmed by the spectacular views of Ama Dablam and adjacent mountains, we’ll cross a freezing stream and set our feet at Chhukung (4,750m). Behold to get amazed by the stupendous and close-up vistas of Ama Dablam, Chhukhung Ri, Island Peak, and Amphu Labsa. We’ll return to Dingboche at the end of the day.

The journey has just begun to get more adventurous.  We’ll pursue the main trekking trail and continue to ascend the colossal valley. As we traverse the frigid and lonely snowscapes, we’ll find the Cholatse and Tawache visible on our left. Afterwards, we’ll climb steeply at the base of the Khumbu Glacier. Marching past the glacial moraines and ice formations, we’ll make it to the stone cairns at the apex of the trail. These are the monuments erected to honour the mountaineers and Sherpas who passed away in the course of their expedition to the top of the planet.  With the gradual movement down the glaciers’ slope, we’ll arrive at Lobuche (4,910m).

At first light of the day, you’ll witness sun rays kissing the snow-covered mountains from Lobuche. Extremely motivated, we’ll progress to Gorakshep (5,170m) through the hostile terrain of Khumbu Glacier. Gorakshep translates into Graveyard of Crows. You can see the few rudimentary lodges scattered on arid grounds. This rustic neighbourhood simply reflects its name. Maintaining a slow yet steady pace, we’ll overcome a wide array of obstacles such as moraines, high altitude and severe climate to get as far as the base of Mt. Everest. Find your delight in the mind-boggling panoramas embracing the mighty Himalayan mountaintops and marvellous overview of Khumbu Glacier. Also, the colourful tents Everest expedition teams may attract your attention during the climbing season. Spending some quality time here, we’ll trek back to Gorakshep.

Earlier than the crack of dawn, we’ll move uphill to Kalapatthar, the highest elevation we can get in the course of this trek. Kalapatthar is comparatively a small hillock with a viewpoint located at the top. From here, we’ll gaze at the awe-inspiring panoramas, which include Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Changtse. Observe the glorious side of the mountain that you have never seen before. This is as far as you can go near the earth’s highest peak. We’ll then proceed downhill to Gorakshep. After some rest, we’ll take our steps toward a lower position and show up at Pheriche (4,371m). This village is home to a basic hospital operated by the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA). Seek some medical advice if you are in need.

Negotiating the same route that led us up; we’ll get below the treeline and traverse the alpine forest to Pangboche. Thereafter, we’ll descend to Tengboche. Look out for a glimpse of Himalayan wildlife including Himalayan Tahr, Pheasants, and Musk deer. Alongside Dudh Koshi River, the trail descends all the way down to Namche Bazaar beyond the settlements of Phunki Tenga and Sanasa.

We’ll navigate along the primary route and trace back our steps past suspension bridges, rhododendron forest, villages, mani walls, fluttering prayer flags and monasteries to end up at Lukla. We’ll provide the much-needed rest to our exhausted body and recall the memories of our extraordinary escapade.

In the day thirteen, we’ll fly back to Kathmandu. Please keep in mind that the schedule of the flights from Lukla is subjected to change in accordance with the weather conditions. So your patience is highly appreciated.  Once at Kathmandu, you can stop by remaining landmarks of the capital city and shop for some souvenirs to take back home.