- Highland Expeditions - https://highlandexpeditions.com -

Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek


Itinerary

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

It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. And as your plane hits the tarmac, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggage 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 lookout for a placard of Highland Expeditions. 
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. Later in the evening, we will have a group welcome dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant. The first overnight at your hotel in the valley of temples and cows – probably the most in the world

Day 02 - Exploration of Kathmandu's highlights and trip briefing [1,350m/4,430ft]

A free day in Kathmandu to recover from jetlag and get organized before leaving for the trek. In the morning time, you will visit two main highlights of Kathmandu (Bouddhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple). In the afternoon, your leader will meet you for the briefing. The briefing will be conducted at the hotel and will cover all the important aspects of the trek. After the briefing, it's completely free time to explore and do any last-minute shopping. Later in the evening, there will be an early welcome dinner as we prepare ourselves to leave very early morning the next day to catch our flight to Lukla

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

We take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla early in the morning. Flight times are generally scheduled from 6 am. Flight time is about 35 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. 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, 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 a view of Thamserku Mountain. If the weather is clear, we can also have the first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Kusum Khangru mountains. Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 850m/2,788ft

Day 05 - Acclimatization Day and O/N at Namche

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 Deboche [3720 m/12,205ft]

We will walk along the glacial water of Dudh Koshi River. The route offers views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and, Thamserku and Ama Dablam Mountains. Our journey continues through the colourful forest of blooming rhododendron to Sanasa. The region is rich in wildlife including musk deer and colourful pheasants. In Sanasa lies the junction point. One of the paths leads us to the Gokyo valley while the other branches off to Everest Base Camp. We will take a sharp climb to Tengboche monastery which is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. The journey rewards us with close-up views of many surrounding mountains. We will visit the monastery and walk through the forest of birch and rhododendron to Deboche where we will stay overnight. Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 270m/886ft

Day 07 - 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 night: 692m/2,279ft

Day 08 - Rest and acclimatization with a hike to Nagartsang Peak [5,083m/16,625ft]

This is a day to haul up and rest without being idle. We can stroll around the village and get pally with the local folks with some interesting conversations. This will give us deep insights into the lifestyles and cultures of the local folks in this region. At the same time, we can also relish the landscapes that surround us and we can also catch up on some reading. Our acclimatizing gets a further boost with our hike to Chhukung village. We then do a steep climb up to Chhukung Ri at 5550m [if we feel like it] and as we top it with gasping breath we soon realize the gritty climb was worth the go; the rewards are as lovely as it comes with the natural beauty that greets us for our efforts, the jaw-dropping vistas of Cho Oyu at 8201m, Pumori at 7161m, the gigantic Lhotse wall at 8400m, Amadablam at 6812m, Makalu at 8481m & Baruntse at 7129m all put together set our hearts on top gear as it skips a beat while watching these massive peaks.

Day 09 - Trek to Lobuche [4,910m/16,109ft]

From Thugla, 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: 260m/855ft

Day 10 - Trek to E.B.C [5,364m/17,600ft] and retrace back to Gorekshep [5,140m/16,865ft] for overnight

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 colours against the monotony of grey 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 night: 230m/755ft

Day 11 - Early morning hike up to Kala Patter [5,545m/18,193ft] and fly back to Kathmandu

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 Gorekshep and board a helicopter flight all the way back to Kathmandu

Day 12 - In Kathmandu

Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or rest at hotel’s beautiful court-yard. 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 13 - International Departure

Your trip leader will escort you to the airport as per your flight time today. 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

  • Twin-sharing accommodation at Kathmandu Marriott Hotel (5 Star) for 4 nights with breakfast
  • Twin-sharing accommodation at Luxury Lodge (Mountain Lodges of Nepal) for 3 nights at Phakding and Namche Bazar
  • Twin-sharing accommodation at Semi-Luxury Lodge for 1 night at Debuche
  • Twin-sharing accommodation at teahouse/lodge with private bathroom for 2 nights at Dingboche
  • Twin-sharing accommodation at teahouse/lodge with common shared bathroom for 2 nights at Lobuche and Gorekshep
  • All meals (B,L,D) included during the trek with tea & coffee.
  • Hot boiled water for drinking purposes
  • All required permits for the trek
  • Domestic plane flight to Lukla with airport taxes
  • Gorekshep to Kathmandu helicopter flight
  • Experienced local trek leader
  • Full support crew (1 assistant guide for 3 trekkers & 1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
  • Half-day sightseeing of Kathmandu's highlights including transportation, 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 tank with mask and regulator for emergency purposes on the trek
  • Duffel bag, Sleeping bag 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,
  • Nepal Visa fee
  • Personal 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