Everest Base Camp Trek

Today, you will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar (palace) squares in Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square is rich with its intricate wood carving and its history. Also known as the “Musuem of Temples” there are over 50 temples in the square. You will explore the area around the former palace of the kings of Nepal, viewing various temples and monuments.

Following the visit, you will drive to Boudanath Stupa. Boudanath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and also a World Heritage Site. Boudanath signifies peace and tranquility, and is a Centre of religious and spiritual significance. You will see thousands of pilgrims circumambulating the stupa, you will circumambulate with pilgrims and visit the surrounding monasteries.

Afterward, you will proceed to Pashupatinath Temple. The Pashupatinath temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati river and is one of the most revered Hindu temple in Nepal. The main temple complex is not accessible to non-Hindus, but you can explore around the periphery of the temple complex which is quite large and impressive.

The mountain flight into Lukla is spectacular, and the landing is an exciting experience. One end of the runway is 60 meters higher than the other. The flight is typically on a small Dornier or Twin Otter aircraft, with duration of around 25–30 minutes.

Upon arrival at Lukla (2860m), you will meet your porters before commencing the trek towards Phakding. You will begin your Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla. You will descend gradually for about 2 hours to Thado Koshi, and then you will make your first ascent, gradually uphill all the way to Phakding (2610m). It takes about 2 hours from here to reach Phakding.

Following the Dudh Koshi River, the trail traverses through Sherpa settlements such as Bengkar and Chumao, and then enters into the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. You will than cross over the Hillary suspension bridge, and continue with a steep uphill climb to Chautara, where you get the first glimpse of Everest through the trees.

You will continue the ascent until you reach the vibrant Namche Bazaar (3440m), the pulsating heart of the Sherpa community, offering accommodations, cafes, and stores vending souvenirs and trekking essentials. Namche Bazaar serves as an ideal location to procure any forgotten items and acclimatize to the altitude for the remainder of the day.

Today is your acclimatization day, it is important to acclimatize so that your body get used to the ever increasing altitude. To do this you will embark on a short hike to Everest View Hotel at Syangboche, situated at an altitude of 3880m. The Everest View Hotel is considered to be one of the best vantage point, offering breathtaking views of the mountains such as Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and other peaks.

After relishing at the panoramic scenery, you also have the option to visit Khumjung village. A brief descent on the other side from the Hotel Everest view leads you to the large village of Khumjung, home to Hillary’s School. Following the visit, you will descend back to Namche, where you have the rest of the afternoon to relax or explore on your own. The whole journey including the Everest View Hotel will take about 5-6 hours round trip.

After a short climb out of Namche Bazaar, you’ll arrive at Kyangjuma, a spot with tea shops, where the trail from Khumjung also merges with the main Everest Base Camp Trek trail. The views of Everest and Ama Dablam are excellent from this part of the trek. The hike goes past forests and open hillside over a straight forward trail with few uphill sections. Continue by passing through the small settlement of Sanasa, from where the trail descends to the river at Phunki tenga (3300m).

Hereafter, the trail ascends steeply through pine and rhododendron forests, following the side of a hill to reach the saddle on which the Tengboche Monastery sits at 3870m. On a clear day, the views are breathtaking through the rhododendron trees, showcasing the Himalayan giants such as Kwangde, Taboche, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega, and Thamserku. Visit Tengboche Monastery, the largest one in the Khumbu region.

Descend through a forest of rhododendrons, birches, and conifers to reach Deboche (3820m), a village with a few lodges and a nunnery. Cross a beautiful hanging bridge and ascend to Pangboche village (3980m). There is an option to visit Pangboche Monastery, situated higher up than the village. After passing Pangboche, the trail ascends above the tree line, entering alpine meadows of scrub juniper and, in summer, a profusion of wildflowers.

Along the way you will encounter several yak herders’ camps and, after crossing a river and ascending a small ridge, arrive at Dingboche (4410m). A large village offering outstanding mountain views. Dingboche is also the only place in the region where barley is grown, and you will see old houses scattered around. You will arrive early, so you have plenty of time to wander around.

At this stage of the trip, a second acclimatization day is essential due to the significant altitude gain. You have the option to take a short acclimatization hike to Nangkartshang hill.

The hill rises to the north of Dingboche village standing at nearly 5,100m. You’ll have panoramic views of peaks such as Taboche, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam. From this vantage point, enjoy vistas looking down onto the Imja Khola and Pheriche Valleys. Afterward the visit return to Dingboche for the night.

Leaving Dingboche, the path gently ascends through the highlands, characterized by sparse alpine shrubs. Cross a gushing stream, and after a brief climb, reach Thugla (4600m), the designated lunch stop for the day.

From Thugla, the ascent becomes steeper, passing by stone memorials adorned with colorful prayer flags, constructed in memory of departed souls of climbers. Continuing onward, after a short while, you will arrive at the small settlement of Lobuche (4950m).

The village offers massive mountain vistas of Nuptse, Lobuche, and Pumori. In the evening, you can take a stroll along the side hills to aid in acclimatization.

Today is one of the most anticipated days of this Everest Base Camp trek as you make our way to the Base Camp. The higher elevation makes today’s trek quite challenging. The first part of the journey involves a flat walk, and soon the trail weaves over undulating rocky terrain and glaciers until you reach Gorakshep (5,164m).

Gorakshep is a small and the last permanent settlement with trekking lodges, clinging to the edge of the Khumbu Icefall. Take a short break for lunch, and then continue further afield alongside the Khumbu glacier moraine for another hour and a half to reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

Congratulations on reaching the base camp! Take pictures and soak in the surrounding views of peaks, the Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Icefalls, and the colorful expedition tents in contrast to the surroundings and retrace your steps back to Gorakshep.

Rise early for a short yet challenging hike to Kala Patthar (5,560m), ascending approximately 400m in an hour over a distance of mere 1.5 KM. (Note that recent measurements put Kala Patthar over 5600m.) After departing Gorakshep, the trail ascends sharply. After about a 100m climb, you’ll be treated with views of Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse.

Continuing the climb, a grand panorama of the Khumbu glacier and Nuptse massif unfolds. The final ascent to the rocky viewpoint of Kala Patthar places you in the midst of an unbelievable Himalayan panorama, featuring peaks, icefalls, and glaciers (weather permitting).

Descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast and retrace your steps to Lobuche and down to Tughla. Instead of returning to Dingboche, take a different path descending along the Khumbu Khola valley to reach Pheriche (4,370m).

The hike down the Pheriche valley is long as it joins the Imja Khola valley, passing through Pangboche and Debuche. There is a brief climb to Tengboche monastery. From there, you will descend to cross the river at Phunki Tenga at 3300m.

The final climb brings you to Kyangjuma, from where it is a gradual descent down to Namche Bazaar, where you can celebrate the completion of the Everest Base Camp Trek.

On the final day of your Everest Base Camp trek, you’ll descend back down to the Dudh Koshi River, retracing your steps through the picturesque landscapes. The journey will take you across numerous suspension bridges, past the villages of Jorsale, Monjo, Bengkar, and Phakding.

The final stretch from Ghat to Lukla presents a challenging, steep climb of approximately 3 kilometers. On arrival at Lukla, you will have the sense of accomplishment of this incredible journey. You’ll have the chance to celebrate this unforgettable experience of your Everest Base Camp Trek.

With a bit of luck and favorable weather, you should have no trouble making your flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to pursue your interests at leisure.

Today has been designated as a contingency day in case the flight from Lukla gets canceled due to the unpredictable mountain weather, which is unfortunately quite common. If everything goes according to plan, you may spend this day at your leisure. You could go souvenir shopping or, if you prefer, request a sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley.

At the end of an amazing adventure, it’s time to bid farewell and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.