Max-Elevation: 5,545m, Kalapatthar
Best Seasons: Autumn & Spring
Group Size: 1-12 people
Arrival On: Kathmandu, Nepal
Departure From: Kathmandu, Nepal
Accommodation: Star hotel at Kathmandu on B & B basis and teahouse during the trek
Meals: Breakfast at Kathmandu and all meals during the trek
Trekking to the base camp of world’s highest peak comes to the bucket list of every adventure enthusiast and trekking lover. Everest Base Camp Trek is the most famous and once in life-time trekking destination in Himalayas. EBC trek can be great introduction or expedition bid for the climber. The scenery during the trek is simply inspiring with series of glistering peaks, stunning glaciers, ornate monastery and Sherpa culture and traditions.
After getting all the trekking gears checked, we take a scenic Trans-Himalayan flight to Lukla to begin our guided trip to Everest Base Camp. Waking alongside the bank of Dudh Koshi River, we ascend high up to the prosperous town of Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar. We spend two nights at Namche to ensure proper acclimatization with exploration hike around. Further, we walk through enchanting Sherpa high country and un-spoilt Buddhist monastery to Gorakshep, the last settlement and finally to Everest Base Camp via rough trail. The hike to Everest Base Camp is quite arduous but very rewarding for the sense of incredible achievement.
We make pre-dawn hike to Kalapatthar (5,545m), the highest point of entire trek, which exhibits the surreal view of mighty Everest and wonderful Himalayan vistas. We hike down to Pheriche and Tengboche monastery staying at different villages.
16 days Everest Base Camp Trekking itinerary allows trekkers to explore the un-spoilt corner of Khumbu region which many trekkers have been missing. This trek is perfect for those who are in good health conditions with moderate fitness. The gradual gain of altitude, enough resting period and proper gears with experienced guide ensures your safe and successful trip to Everest Base Camp.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft), Tribhuvan International Airport
Day 02: Kathmandu: Exploration and trek preparation day
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,700ft) – 8km/3-4 hours trek
Day 04: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280ft) – 11 km/5-6 hours trek
Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization and Exploration day
Day 06: Namche Bazaar – Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft) – 5-6 hours trek
Day 07: Tengboche – Dingboche (4,360m/14,300ft) – 5-6 hours trek
Day 08: Dingboche: Acclimatization & Exploration day
Day 09: Dingboche – Duglha (4,600m/15,090 ft) – 4km/3-4 hours trek
Day 10: Dingboche – Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft) – 5-6 hours trek
Day 11: Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5,170m/16,961ft) – Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Day 12: Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) – Pheriche (4,288m/14,070ft) – 7-8 hours trek
Day 13: Pheriche – Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Day 14: Namche Bazaar – Lukla (2,860m/9,186ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Day 15: Lukla – Kathmandu – 45 minutes
Day 16: Final Departure
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft), Tribhuvan International Airport
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, you will be escorted from Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel. Our airport representative will be displaying Alpine Kailash signboard outside the airport terminal.
Note: Today, we will introduce you to your trek guide/leader and visit our office for more information.
Day 02: Kathmandu: Exploration and trek preparation day
After breakfast, you will start your city exploration trip. We will provide you a private vehicle and professional city tour guide at your disposal. We will visit following heritage sites in the city:
Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple Complex):
Pashupatinath is the biggest and one of most significant Hindu temple of Lord Shiva in the world. Though, it is forbidden for non-Hindus to enter inside the Temple, you can clearly see the temple and activities from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. It is listed in UNESCO world heritage site. It is square two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth.
Boudhanath:
Boudhanath is one of the scared Buddhist site in Kathmandu. It is the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and is very rich in Buddhist symbolism. The stupa is located at the eastern outskirt of Kathmandu. Interestingly, it is also protected by UNESCO world heritage site.
Shwaymbhunath (Monkey Temple):
The trip to the Buddhist stupa and UNESCO world heritage site of Swayambhunath is one of most enlightening and spiritual experience in Nepal. Mobbed by monkey and soaring high over the lofty hilltop, this sacred site is significant for both Buddhist and Hindu iconography.
After exploration, we drive back to our hotel and make necessary preparation for next day trip.
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,700ft) – 8km/3-4 hours trek
Today, we drive from hotel to domestic airport and catch a scenic flight of 35-minutes of scenic flight to Tenzing and Hilllary Airport at Lukla (2,804m). Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be introduced to your porter and begin our trekking to Phakding (2,610m).
We begin our trekking descending to Dudh Koshi River and join our main trail to Namche Bazaar, located right above Chaunrikharka (2,713m). After crossing small village of Ghat (2,550m), we make another short climb to Phakding.
Overnight in Phakding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 04: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280ft) – 11 km/5-6 hours trek
Today, the trail follows the forested route of pine alongside Dudh Koshi River, crosses suspension bridges and traverses several Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumao and Monjo before reaching the small village of Jorsale: the entrance gate to the Sagarmatha National Park and permit checkpoint. Here you will be glimpse of glistening Thamserku (6,618m/22,714ft). The trail follows the riverbed to the junction of Bhote Khoshi and Dudh Koshi River. It further ascends the forested ridge crossing Tenzing – Hilary suspension bridge: with incredible view of Everest and Nuptse. Further, three hour climb through the dense forest of Pine leads us to Namche Bazaar- the administrative hub of Khumbu region.
Overnight in Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization and Exploration day
Today, we halt at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. This is a first scheduled acclimatization day for our trek. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) expert suggests at least 24 hours of resting period before starting another alpine journey. Stay active: Walk, Climb, and Hike throughout the day and sleep low.
Only Namche in Khumbu region offers ATMs, cyber cafes, bakeries, restaurant and luxury hotels. You can also explore colorful market every Friday and Saturday morning. You can also visit Sagarmath National Park visitor’s center that exhibits the information of Sherpa culture and local floral and faunal species.
Hike to the village of Khumjung (3,780m) allows you to immerse deep into the Sherpa culture, tradition and lifestyle than Namche. Start hiking early in the morning so you can visit Everest View Hotel (3,880m). During the hike you get the view of Everest, Thamserku, Kangtega and Ama-Dblam. Retrace back to your hotel in Namche Bazaar.
Overnight in Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 06: Namche Bazaar – Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft) – 5-6 hours trek
From Tengboche, the trail route drops down to Debuche and crosses the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola before climbing up to Pangboche amongst thousands of mani stones. We climb uphill through the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche with rare views of Lhotse, Island Peak and Ama Dablam. We take our time and trek in gradual pace to avoid altitude threat.
Overnight in Tengboche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 07: Tengboche – Dingboche (4,360m/14,300ft) – 5-6 hours trek
After breakfast, you climb down to the scattered stone village of Debuche (3,820m). We cross Imja Khola to the north and rise gently to small village of Pangboche (3,860m). En route- you will be greeted with the soaring view of Ama Dablam (6,856m). The trail continues the route that leads to its confluence with the Lobuche Khola and further continues to Dingboche, the last year-round settlement in the region. Dingboche is small village filled with walled terraced fields, buckwheat and potatoes fields.
Overnight in Dingboche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 08: Dingboche: Acclimatization & Exploration day
This is second scheduled acclimatization day for classic Everest Base Camp Trek. To acclimatize: We climb north to the Nangkartshang Gompa ridge (4,800m) which serves surreal view of Nuptse Glacier, Chukkung Ri (4,230m) and Imja Tse (6,189m). The east to the Mahalangur Himal Ridge is tantalizing Makalu (8,463m) and to the south is Amphu Lapcha’s fluted ridge (5,845m). Retrace back to Dingboche.
Overnight in Dingboche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 09: Dingboche – Dugla (4,600m/15,090ft) – 3-4 hours trek
Today, we climb up to the Duglha through the Khumbu river valley and walk through barren terrace with incredible views of mountains on all sides. We walk to Dusa through yak herder and from Dusa, the valley gets narrowed. We hike through the Phulung Karpo, the camp site during 1st Everest expedition in 1953. Above Phulug Karpo is Chola Lake. We continue walking admiring the view of Mt. Pumori (7,138m/23,418ft). As we climb down and curve, the view of Mt. Pumori hides and we come across a roaring stream. Crossing small wooden bridge, we climb up to Dugla. Dugla presents the mesmerizing view of Nuptse, Cholatse, Thamserku and several magnificent peaks. Staying overnight at Dugla is great for acclimatization.
Overnight in Dugla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Duglha – Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft) – 2-3 hours trek
From Dugla, we climb through the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We climb through the rock-strewn slope until Chupki Lhara, an adventurous ridge with fascinating mountain views. At the summit of ridge, we will discover a collection of stones with prayer flags established in memory of Scott Fischer (American Mountain Expeditioner) and 10 times Everest submitter, Babu Chiri Sherpa. We drop down to the Khumbu Glacier moraine enjoying the great Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal right above us. Though, we step into the vicinity of Everest, the great mountain ranges are still hidden. As, we cross Khumbu glacier, Nuptse glacier appears to the right. We walk along the murmuring stream and eventually feel out of breath due to high elevation.
Overnight in Lobuche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5,170m/16,961ft) – Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Today, we trek alongside of Khumbu Glacier that takes around 3 hours to reach Gorak Shep via rocky moraine. We will be surrounded by the gigantic Himalaya peaks like Everest, Nuptse, Lingtren, Khumbutse and Pumori above us. After lunch at Gorak Shep, we begin our trek to Everest Base Camp. The trail to Base Camp is through the rocky dunes, moraines and streams. We can see many tents of mountaineers and trekkers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings. We follow our step back to Gorak Shep for good night sleep.
Overnight in Gorak Shep
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Gorakh Shep – Kala patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) – Pheriche (4,288m/14,070ft) – 16km/7-8 hours trek
Today, we start early as we ascend the small peak of Kala Patthar (black rock) at 5,545m. It takes two hours of steep climb over this ridge but the payback is incredibly rewarding. From Kalapatthar, we get to admire the best view of magnificent Khumbu glacier and closest view of world’s highest peak – Mt. Everest. We retrace our step back to Gorak Shep and further climb down to Pheriche (4,243m) via Lobuje.
Note: The climbing of Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp totally depends on the weather and your body fitness and acclimatization. Both are long and arduous due to high elevation.
Overnight in Pheriche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Pheriche – Namche Bazaar – 20 km/6-7 hours trek
We trek down through the forested route of rhododendron and juniper trees. This route is ancient and traditional Everest Highway. We cross the suspension bridge decorated with prayer flag over the Dudh Khosi River and climb down rapidly through Dudh Koshi gorge surrounded with pine forest. Crossing colorful pheasants and mountain goats, we reach the village of Sansa. Here you can enjoy the best view of Ama-Dablma, Thamserku and Nuptse mountains. Walking through forested route and winding trail, we finally reach Namche Bazaar.
Overnight in Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14:Namche Bazaar – Lukla (2,860m/9,186ft) – 19km/6-7 hours trek
It’s the last day of our Everest trekking. We retrace our step southward with final climb up to airstrip at Lukla. When you arrive at Lukla, you will have comfortable nights with hot shower and warm sleep.
Overnight in Lukla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we take a short flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (approximately 45 minutes). We drive back to our hotel and enjoy some leisure time during the afternoon for further city exploration or shopping. Located to the south of Kathmandu, Pata Durbar is worth visiting. It is full of ancient monuments and statues of past kings.
In evening, you will enjoy the farewell organized by Alpine Kailash to celebrate the completion of our journey.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 16: Final Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure
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