Everest Base Camp Trek
The adventure to the Everest Base Camp trek fulfills the dream of every hiker to leave their foot print at the base of Mount Everest .It takes you up to Kalapattar (5548meters) where one will be surrounded by giant snowy peaks at 360' with the stunning views of Mt.Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Lobuche and many more.
We fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2627meters) with stunning views of the beautiful mountains and hit the trail through Dudh Koshi valley towards Namche Bazaar, a main hill station of the Khumbu region, where we spend a day to visit Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park Museum and to acclimatize our body before heading to the world famous Thyangboche monastery. The trail to the Everest Base Camp skirts huge Khumbu glacier and traditional Sherpa settlements.
This specially designed Everest Base Camp hiking and trekking tour in Nepal Himalayas is a combined effort of a team of certified mountaineers and travel agents in India and Nepal aiming at making travel economical and affordably cheap for the budget trekker walking in Nepal as well as maintaining quality at par with the world-class standards. We feel our job as tour operators and trek guides, is to design treks giving our customers a memorable experience in trekking adventure.
ITINERARY (Everest Base Camp Trek):
Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding - Namche Bazzar - Khumjung - Tengboche - Dingboche - Lobuche - Tengbuche - Monjo - Lukla - Kathmandu
Grade: Moderate
Time: May, June, September
Duration: 17 days
Average Walking time: 5-6 hours per day
Day 1 (Kathmandu, Nepal):
Arrive Kathmandu. Everest Base Camp Trek begins. Meet Gypsy Feet Representative. Transfer to Hotel. While in Kathmandu you will have time fascinating Buddhist and Hindi temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time also to explore the city's many charms on your own. We will serve you a welcome delicious traditional Nepali dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2 (Kathmandu City Tour):
On second day of Everest Base Camp Trek, we'll visit Swayambhunath temple, and said to be 2000 years stupa on a hillock offers breath-taking view of Kathmandu City. We will then process to Visit Pasupatinath and Bouddhanath. After lunch we'll visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan (Lalitpur) - which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3 (Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding):
Everest Base Camp Trek continues. This morning we will be transferred from your hotel to Kathmandu Airport for our domestic flight to Lukla. The flight itself is awe-inspiring as we fly parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibetan China. Flying time to Lukla is approximately 40 minutes. Upon arrival in Lukla, we will be met by our local guides and porters. There will be time to explore the village whilst the Sherpa crew sort and load equipment. Lukla lies at an altitude of 2850m ("luk la" = place of sheep). From Lukla we descend on a wide trail northwest to the village of Choblung in the Dudh Kosi Valley. The valley radiates energy through beautiful pine and rhododendron forest. The walking is easy and we follow the river's course, passing through the village of Ghat. Our destination is the small village of Phakding where accommodation is provided in the form of Tea House Lodges.
Day 4 (Phakding - Namche Bazzar):
On Day 4 of Everest Base Camp Trek we head up valley on a busy trail: porters from the lower Solu district in the south ferrying supplies to Namche, Sherpas with their Zopkio (half yak, half cow) taking trekking or climbing expedition equipment to the higher valleys. Continue along beside the Dudh Kosi amongst beautiful alpine scenery, through the fragrant blue pine and fir forest, glimpsing spectacular views of Kusum Kangru (6369m) and Thanserku (6608m) along the way. We again cross the Dudh Kosi, to the western bank at Jorsale prior to trekking through the entrance to the Sagamartha National Park. Continuing upstream along the banks to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi, it is here we begin our first sustained ascent to Namche Bazar after crossing the large suspension bridge. Walking at a slow pace, we have fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8511m), Nuptse (7879m), Arna Dablam (6856m) and Taweche (6542m) come into view for the first time. Climbing again, the path takes us through pine trees to reach the distinctive horse-shoe shaped bowl containing the village of Namche Bazar. Stay in the heart of the village. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 5 (Acclimatize day in Namche Bazaar):
Everest Base Camp Trek continues with a full day at rest to acclimatize. As the name suggest, Namche is famous for its local market or bazaar. Each week, Sherpas from the surrounding villages come to buy food and to socialize. Any food not grown locally, such as rice, corn and some vegetables is brought in from the lowland village, which can be up to a 6-10 day walk from Namche Bazar. Rising early, those who climb to the ridge above Namche will be rewarded with the stunning dawn and sunrise over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks. Spend the morning exploring this colourful and lovely spectacle. Perhaps walk along the Thami Valley in the afternoon or visit the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture, mountaineering in the park, flora and fauna.
Day 6 (Namche Bazzar - Khumjung):
On day 6 of Everest Base Camp Trek, breakfast is served in your Tea House Lodge. From Namche, we trek out of the village bowl and follow a small trail high above the Dudh Kosi River, where the views are incredible; behind to the west, the ridge of Nupla and Kwangde Himal (6194m); across the valley to the south, the towering ice-fluted walls of Thamserku (6623m), and to the east at the head of the valley, the Lhotse and Nuptse wall, towering a full three and a half thousand metres above the valley at Dingboche. Everest looms above the ridge, a black, triangular rock; Sagarmatha, "Goddess Mother of Earth", is a truly magnificent sight. On a small ridge across the valley, the monastery of Thyangboche can be seen, a small speck against the gigantic mountain background. We descend to Khumjung, and after staying in the more westernized town of Namche Bazar, these villages make a welcome change. Here tourism has hardly changed the life of the Sherpas. It is possible to take the opportunity to sample the Sherpa speciality, Riki Kur - a type of potato fritter enriched with yak butter. The afternoon has been left free to assist with further acclimatization. Stay overnight in Khunjung.
Day 7 (Khungjung - Thengboche):
In the morning, we descend to the village of Shanasa and then contour to Trashinga where the trail drops steeply to cross the Dudh Kosi at Phukitenga (3250m). A break is taken here by a series of water-driven prayer wheels. In the late morning we initially climb steeply before the trail levels out to ascend gradually towards Thyangboche. It is a steady ascent of approximately 2 ? hours through pine fir, black juniper and rhododendron forest. Thyangboche is set in a beautiful meadow, high on a ridge surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. A peaceful, tranquil position, surely one of the wonders of the world and the Thyangboche Monastery is spectacularly situated. The monastery dominated by the gamma with its prayer flags and many stones was founded in 1916 as a meditation centre. Stay overnight in Thengboche.
Day 8 (Tengboche - Dingboche):
On day 8 of Everest Base Camp Trek, we descend through a forest of birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron, to the nunnery at Deboche. Keep an eye open for Blood and Danphe Pheasant and high on the steep slopes of the valley, Himalayan Thar (wild goats). We cross the Imja Khola, ascending gradually, with the beautiful Ama Dablam dominating the skyline, to visit the monastery. The afternoon walk follows a trail high above the Imja Khola. A little further upstream we cross the tributary stream and ascend over glacial moraines to our lodge in the 'summer settlement" of Dingboche. Stay overnight in Dingboche.
Day 9 (Acclimatization Day in Dingboche):
Everest Base Camp Trek continues. we have a full day for acclimatization and exploring. Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds. It is occupied mainly through the monsoon months, when large numbers of yaks are brought here to graze on the valley pastures. Those looking for a pleasant walk can head up the valley towards Chukung. The views are fantastic; the towering south face of Lhotse to the north, Island Peak in the centre of the valley, and the fluted ice-walls of unnamed peaks that line the southern end of the valley form a hauntingly beautiful sight. Stay overnight in Dingboche.
Day 10 (Dingboche - Lobuche):
We are now well above the tree line and your journey today brings you to Dusa from where you descend to a stream at 4850m. We begin our climb of the Khumbu Glacier en route to the tea shops at Dughla. Continue along the moraine of the glacier, with views of Kalar Pattar and Pumori to reach Lobuche at 4930m for your evening stay. This will be your last stop before your climb to the base camp tomorrow. Take time to rest and acclimatize for this unforgettable day. Stay overnight in Lobuche.
Day 11&12 (Lobuche - Kalapatter - Gorkshep - EBC - Lobuche):
Everest Base camp trek continues and we start early in the morning. This day will prove to be both mentally and physically demanding. Above Lobuche, we follow the path running through a trough alongside the Khumbu Glacier. Continuing on over rough ground we reach Gorak Shep, where a short break is offered to replenish fluids. A walk for a further hour and a half reaches Kala Pattar, a small, rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Pumori - a slow, steady pace, once again being the best attack. Avoid rushing. Stop and turn around: the scenery is fantastic. It is a hard climb, but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. Huge creaking glaciers surround us and classic views of Everest are available. The views from the summit of Kala Pattar (5630m) are truly outstanding. Here you are directly below Pumo Ri's light granite and slanted snow channel. The surroundings have an awesome and unnatural brilliance. To the south, the Khumbu Glacier sweeps below you; northwards rise several border peaks including the vertical Lho La, reached from the Tibetan side in 1921, the first time foreigners had seen the Khumbu Glacier. Mt Everest rises above them all. Known as "Chomolungma" (Lady Goddess of the Wind) by the Nepalese, the mountain was initially called Peak XV. In 1852 it was recognized as the highest peak on earth and four years later was given the name Everest in honour of Sir George Everest, the early surveyor general. After some time out to contemplate this view, we return to Lobuche. Stay overnight in Gorkshep and Lobuche.
Day 13 (Lobuche - Tengbuche):
Everest Base Camp Trek continues and after our tiring ascent to Kala Patar today is an easier walk to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back to the terminal moraines at Dughla, we then take a different return trail. We follow the wide alpine valley covered in scrub juniper through the temporary settlement of Phulung Karpo (4343m), then on to Pheriche. A small settlement, Pheriche has a number of welcome tea houses that often have "left over" for sale from various climbing expeditions. It may be possible to find imported chocolate, tinned prawns or smoked oysters: even vegemite! The town consists of several low stone buildings and is considered a "years" - summer settlement. Continue down to Orsho, then on through Lower Pangboche and down to Deboche, reaching our lodge at Thyangboche in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Thyangboche
Day 14 (Tengboche - Monjo):
Follow a similar trail through a forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Phunkitenga; you continue on to cross the Dudh Kosi for a steep descent to Trashinga. After lunch at Shanasa you make you way back to Namche Bazar. Following a steep descent passing the Bhote Kosil, crossing the river, follow the bank to Jorsale, then to Monjo for staying overnight in Monjo.
Day 15 (Monjo - Lukla):
On day 15 of Everest Base Camp Trek, we will depart Monjo and continue our descent along the Dudh Kosi, before making a final ascent to reach the Lukla plateau by mid afternoon. On arrival in Lukla we will have time to relax and celebrate the completion of our trek. Stay overnight in Lukla.
Day 16 (Lukla - Kathmandu):
This morning you will be transferred to Lukla Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met and conveyed to the Hotel Shanker. The remainder of the day has been left free. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 17 (Kathmandu, Nepal):
Sightseeing Nepal depending on the flight schedule for onward journey. Depart Kathmandu. Transfer to airport for flight to onwards journey. Everest Base Camp Trek concludes.
