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Everest Base Camp Trek


Itinerary

Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions at the exit of arrival hall. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street and at eventide relish a welcome dinner at typical Nepalese restaurant.

Day 02 - In Kathmandu for preparation and exploration [1,350m/4,430ft]

Today after breakfast, there will be a trip briefing by your trek guide. We will discuss and review the important aspects of the trek and do the final preparation before we begin our trek. If you have any last-minute shopping to do, exchange local currency etc then you can do it today. Rest of the day is free to explore.

Day 03 - Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding [2,600m/8,531ft]

Wake up early in the morning for our flight to Lukla. Flights to Lukla are scheduled from 6 am and as per your flight time, we will leave Kathmandu and begin our journey to Everest base camp. Flight time from Kathmandu to Lukla is about 30 minutes. At Lukla, we are immediately overcome by the scale of the massive peaks that surround the village but this is only an indication of what is to come. After meeting the crew, we head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail and then stay overnight in Phakding. Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 1,250m/4,100ft Update: All STOL flights to and from Lukla may be conducted from Ramechap airport during peak season time (April-May & Sept to Nov), making Ramechap a base for all Lukla flights. This change in the flight base for Lukla flights is being introduced in order to ensure smooth flight operation without any air traffic and delays.  Ramechap airport is located 130 km east of Kathmandu and takes 4 hours drive to reach. If the flights are conducted from Ramechap airport then you will need to wake up at around 2 am and drive 4 hrs to Ramechap airport and then board a flight to Lukla. The flight time from Ramechap airport to Lukla is only 12 minutes.

Day 04 - Trek to Namche Bazar [3,450m/11,319ft]

We will continue our journey along Dudhkoshi River which will take us through pine forest. After crossing suspension bridges at several points and passing through small settlements of Zapute, Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa, we will reach Monjo. Ahead of Monjo is the entry to the Sagarmatha National Park planned to look after and preserve the fragile mountain environment. Lowering down from the park, crossing another suspension bridge, we will proceed towards high Hillary Bridge located at the foot of the hill. Crossing this bridge, we will climb uphill to the Namche Bazaar. We can get view of Thamserku Mountain. If weather is clear, we can also have first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Kusum Khangru mountains. Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 850m/2,788ft

Day 05 - Rest and acclimatization day [3,450m/11,319ft]

We remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large protected hollow. After breakfast, there are a number of options: perhaps a hike up to Everest view hotel, Khumjung and Khunde, or walk towards Thame (3810m) above the beautiful Bhote Khola river valley, or a visit to the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. There is also a mountaineering display and details of the park’s flora and fauna. Your guides will be on hand to offer advice and escort you on your walks.

Day 06 - Trek to Khumjung (3780m/12400ft)

Instead of following the usual standard itinerary, we have devised our itinerary from Namche to Dingboche to allow better acclimatization and visit hidden valleys. The trail to Khumjung and Phortse are less trodden as compared to the standard route. Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 330m/1083ft

Day 07 - Trek to Phortse (3840m/12,598ft)

Another day on the less trodden route as we may our way to Phortse. Phortse is also a village popularly known as the summiteers village. This village alone holds the highest number of summiteer in the Everest region. There is also a newly built climbing centre here in Phortse if you wish to visit. Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 60m/197ft

Day 08 - Trek to Dingboche [4,412m/14,475ft]

We hike through a few Chortens, mani walls and some small villages after which, we haul up for some grub and while enjoying our meals we savour some upfront views of Amadablam towering just above us; We trek via Pangboche, the highest of the true lasting settlements in the valley and reach the regular settlement, the final steepest climb of the day on our way to Dingboche. Agriculture is the chief occupation of locals in Dingboche. We can see fields enclosed by stonewall in Dingboche. Buckwheat, potatoes and barley are the major crops. Overall elevation gain tonight from previous tonight: 572m/18,77ft

Day 09 - Acclimatization hike to Nagartsang Peak [5,083m/16,625ft]

Climb high and sleep low!! This is a day to haul up and rest without being idle. Our acclimatizing gets a further boost with our hike to Nagartsang Peak [5,083m/16,625ft] and as we top it with gasping breath we soon realize the gritty climb was worth the go. Doing this acclimatization helps in adapting with the high altitude, afterwards retrace back to Dingboche for a free afternoon to rest.

Day 10 - Trek to Lobuche [4,910m/16,109ft]

After crossing by some of the teahouses of Duglha, we plod higher onto the pretty risky moraine of the Khumbu glacier, passing a chain of stone monuments built in memory of Sherpas who have died on mountaineering expeditions to Mt Everest. From hereabouts, the trail lowers and goes by the west side of the valley to Lobuche. The sunset on Nuptse from this point is an amazing sight to behold. Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 498m/1,633ft

Day 11 - Trek to E.B.C [5,364m/17,559ft] and retrace back to Gorekshep [5,140m/16,864ft]

A real early start is required to reach the Everest Base Camp. It takes several hours as the trail weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the risky route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer's tents stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. On the return leg, we can take a higher route to get a grand view of the Khumbu icefall and the route to the South Col. We return to Gorakshep for a restful night. Overall elevation gain tonight from previous tonight: 230m/754ft

Day 12 - Hike up to Kalapathar [5,545m/18,193ft] and retrace back to Pheriche

Today is the most important part of our trip. We start early at dawn to catch the dramatic views from Kalapatthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mt. Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to expose itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kalapatthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding viewpoints to click pictures. After several hours of ascent, we reach Kalapatthar. From here, we scuttle to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kalapatthar rocks and our eyes take in the unbelievable Himalayan views, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we possibly can with our camera so they can last a lifetime. After this we make our way back to Pheriche with a slow descent; for a good night’s rest which we truly deserve.

Day 13 - Trek to Namche Bazar (3450m/11,319ft)

Today we descend down, we revert to the standard route to Namche Bazar via Pangboche and Tengboche. Once again the views of the mountains are magnificent. From Kyanjuma, the panoramic views of mountains are surreal with Ama Dablam right in front of you. From Kyanjuma, its another 1:30 hrs walk to Namche Bazar

Day 14 - Trek to Lukla [2,800m/9187ft]

Our last day of trek following the Dudh Kosi River down to Lukla. From Namche, it's a steep descent for a few hours and then It’s mostly a gradual walk along the Dudhkhosi river. We’ll have lunch on our way and we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. The rest of the day is free and you can relax under the warm sun & reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains that have probably helped us re-discover ourselves in ways least expected. This is our final day in these fantastic mountains. Later we celebrate our successful completion of the trek with our Sherpa guides and porters who we’ve got to know so well & are now good friends. It’s a pleasure to end this wonderful trip on a happy note. We then slumber into blissful sleep.

Day 15 - Fly back to Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

We get up early in the morning, enjoy our b/fast & get ready for the arrival of our aircraft for the flight back to Kathmandu. On our touchdown at the Kathmandu airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of your day is free to do your own things.

Day 16 - Contingency/Free day at Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

Enjoy a leisure day in Kathmandu. This day can also be used as a contingency for any possible delays due to flight cancellation etc. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.

Day 17 - International departure

Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.

Trip Includes

  • All meals (B,L,D) included during the trek with tea & coffee.
  • Hot boiled water for drinking purposes
  • Twin-sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 4 nights with breakfast
  • Twin-sharing accommodation at teahouses/lodge on the trek
  • All required permits for the trek
  • Domestic flights to and from Lukla with airport taxes and 15 kgs baggage allowance
  • Experienced local trek leader
  • Full support crew (1 assistant guide for every 3 trekkers & 1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
  • Half-day sightseeing of Kathmandu's highlights including guide and entrance fees
  • International/Domestic airport transfers as per your flight time
  • All ground transportation as per mentioned in the itinerary on private vehicle
  • Comprehensive first aid kit with high-altitude medicines
  • Supplementary oxygen system with mask and regulator for emergency purposes on the trek
  • Duffel bag, Sleeping bag with liner and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of the trek)
  • Staff equipment, insurance and allowances
  • Trek completion certificate (Upon request)
  • Group welcome or farewell dinner at Kathmandu

Trip Excludes

  • International airfare, Visa and travel insurance
  • Meals at Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on the trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities for staff