Everest Base Camp Trek with Overnight at Base Camp

As you arrive in Kathmandu, you'll be greeted and welcomed by our airport representative. After you are under our care, we will make sure that your travel needs are taken care of. We will help you check into your respective hotel as there are no scheduled activities for the day. You can choose to walk around the neighborhood or rest in your respective rooms. 

Waking up early in Kathmandu, we grab breakfast and prepare for the trip to the airport and from there to Lukla. Even the trip to Lukla is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Because of the airfield's great altitude and geographical position, there is only a remarkable 530 meters between the ends of the runway. At Lukla, we meet the porters who will be helping us with our luggage during the trip. 

From Lukla, we begin our trek to Phakding for a breathtaking glimpse of Kusum Kangraru and a lush, verdant environment.  The trip officially begins as we trek through the National Luminary Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate. The Police will record our presence on the route at the entrance. We finally reach Phakding after walking over suspension bridges, trekking beside the Dudh Koshi River, and stopping briefly to drink, eat and refresh ourselves. Our hiking guide will assist us in choosing our lodgings at the teahouse in Phakding.

Depending on when we reach the village a bit of exploration of the village and monasteries can be in order. 

Waking up early in Phakding, grabbing breakfast, and providing our luggage to our porters, we walk on the trail to Namche bazaar entering the Sagarmatha National Park. We will need to get out a permit to enter the park at Manju. The walk will mostly be downhill in the beginning and we will be walking through dry forest trails, rhododendron forests and stone steps, and large mani stones. After lunch at Jorshalle,  we begin ascending through woods of Himalayan pine and cedar. Crossing a prominent suspension bridge we might get our first glimpse of Mt. Everest depending on the weather and clarity.  We will cross numerous suspension bridges on our route to Namche including the fabled Hillary Bridge, one of the highest and largest bridges in the Khumbu region. We follow the Dudh Koshi to the renowned settlement of Namche Bazaar. 

Namche is a historic commercial settlement where Tibetan and Nepalese merchants barter textiles, dried meat, and salt. Namche continues to be the principal trading hub in Khumbu, drawing traders from the Himalayas and the lowlands in addition to being a wonderful place to purchase traditional products. You'll stay in Namche for two days to acclimatize, tour nearby markets, and spend time with your colleagues. We get our first looks at Everest and other peaks while hiking. Includes breakfast, lunch, and supper while staying at the guesthouse.

The entire day has been set out for acclimatization as we push 3000m above sea level in altitude. Minor symptoms of low oxygen may appear for some travelers but our body will eventually get accustomed to this.  After grabbing our breakfast, we move towards the Sagarmatha National Park Museum where you will be able to see antique climbing equipment, old photographs of the various previous climbers, flora found in the region as well as the memorandums of Tenzing Norgay and Hillary during their climb. Besides the hall of the Museum lies an Army Camp.  From the museum, we head to Everest View Hotel. Within the many ridges in the region, we see clear views of the Thamserku and other mountain peaks. Lophophorous, the national bird of Nepal, and numerous Yaks are found in the region. From the Everest view hotel, we can grab refreshments and view the numerous mountains we saw along our trip much closer and with an amazing view. The mountains seen from the hotel include numerous peaks including  Kong De, Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, and the most beautiful mountain of Ama Dablam. We also get a glimpse of the route we will be taking tomorrow. The mountain of Khungdi La also seen from the hotel is considered holy and thus forbidden to climb. Walking now to the Sherpa village of Khumjung where there is a school established by the Hillary Foundation. A monastery in Namche Bazaar houses the scalp of the elusive Yeti. Namche bazaar offers plenty of exploring options for local shopping, refreshments like coffee and cake, and much more. 

After eating breakfast, we'll get ready, take our trekking poles, and start moving in the direction of Tengboche. We will take pleasure in strolling around level terrain on a hillside with lovely views of Ama Dablam and glimpses of Everest. After that, we primarily descend through lovely rhododendron forests and cross a stunning suspension bridge to reach Phunki Thangka, where we will be having lunch.

We will also be able to see a stupa built by the Tenzing Norgay foundation as well as another stupa built under the name of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa the first female climber of Nepal. After walking some more, we reach Kyangjuma where the routes going to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Ri separate. 

In order to see Mount Everest, the consistent and simple path descends at Pungki Thanka deep into the Dudh Koshi Valley. From there, it climbs the right slope of the Dudh Koshi valley to Tengboche Monastery. Tengboche is considered by many to be one of the best viewpoints in the entirety of the Khumbu region. The Khumbu's spiritual hub is here at Tengboche. Although the climb is strenuous, the breathtaking views of Mount Amadablam and, on a clear day, of Mt. Everest and its neighboring summits like Tobuche, and Chola Che, more than makeup for it. The Tengboche Monastery opens in the evening where they conduct a short ritual which will be an absolutely amazing spiritual experience. 

We grab breakfast early in the morning. Walking along ridged trail routes.  There are several tea houses and lodges that offer boarding and accommodation. We can stop at one of these tea houses for a short break and rest and drink up to rehydrate and re-energize ourselves. After crossing a river we ascend slowly where we might see animals like the Thar, Musk Deer, Yaks, and horses. At the top of the incline, there is an elaborate gate with a large boulder in the corner with a large snake inscribed on it. 

 We continue our journey over steep, windy, and dusty terrain until we reach Lower Pangboche. After around an hour's walk from Lower Pangboche we reach Samare where we grab our lunch for the day.  Descending through lovely forests, we cross the Imja Khola, and enjoy views of Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Lhotse, and other peaks. Here the routes going to Pheriche and Dingboche are separate. Moving towards the Dingboche route, large trees can be seen to be spareser around the area. Eventually, we reach areas where we will not be able to see any trees in the area. Climbing to a viewpoint we see Taboche, and Chola Che. Today's trek may be the most efficient as we won't lose altitude as much as on other days. The route then continues through pastures to Dingboche, also known as the "summer valley." From Dingboche we see the first view of the fabled Island peak. 

Being able to wake up and see the Himalayas from your hotel room is a very fantastic feeling. Waking up to sour second acclimatization day, which would involve a 6-hour hike to an elevation of 5100m. There are two options for the acclimatization walk during the day, one is to climb Nagerjun hill and the other is to Chhukung. The more preferred route is the Nagerjun route as when you climb Nagerjun, a hill on the sides of the Chhukung valley just above Dingboche, after breakfast. The primary idea in acclimatization is to sleep low and ascend high.

Option 1: Climb to Nagerjun 

 The occasionally steep footpath makes for a physically demanding day. At this altitude, climbing the hill may take up to five hours. Never before seen views of Lobuche East (6119m), Lobuche West (6145m), Taboche Peak (6367m), Thamserku (6608m), Kangtega (6685m), and Ama Dablam are available from this height (6856m). On a clear day, you might even be able to see Makalu, the fifth-highest peak in the world, which offers stunning views over the Pheriche Valley. 

Option 2: Chhukung Valley

Following the Chhukung river, we reach the village of Chhukung where we can grab lunch and spend time in the village. If we want we can also travel to the start of the trail that leads to Island Peak. Trekkers wishing to climb the Kongma La usually stay in the village of Chhukung. Views of Lobuche, Taboche, and Thamserku are also seen from the valley. 

After a little break, you begin the ascent back to Dingboche, which takes around two hours. Take a well-earned nap after lunch since when the sun sets over the mountain summits, the temperature may drop quickly. A second night will be spent in Dingboche as well. 

Today's journey begins with a direct ascent to Dingboche Hill as we explore the area around the Phirinche Valley, after which our trekking guide will lead you for one to two hours via progressively steeper slopes to Thukla Dhugla where we have our lunch. The trek to Dughla via a wide valley floor, passing the trekkers' aid station at Pheriche (4240 m). Western doctors serving as volunteers on this journey are assisted by the Himalayan Rescue Association, which also provides medical care and advice to hikers. We hike to the top of the hill seen from Dhugla. We feel as though we are in heaven once we reach the summit because the Himalayas are all around us. We also see many memorials with embedded memories of climbers who lost their lives on Mount Everest. This memorial shows the true reality of mountain climbing and which is quite risky even if properly trained.  Walking further takes us to great views of Lobuche peak and walking for a bit more we reach out teahouse at Lobuche.  After a short rest at Lobuche, we go for a short hike to a viewpoint from where we see the Khumbu glacier and our destination for the next day the Everest base camp. From the viewpoint we see mountains like Pumori, Lobuche, Chinri, Lola Mountain, and others. After spending some time in the viewpoint we return back to our guest house for the night. The sunset view is amazing at Lobuche.

We are able to witness the golden rays of the sun lighting up the majestic Himalayan Mountains during the break of day when we are positioned in Lobuche. This entrancing scene imprints itself instantly into both your mind and your own being. After there, we will continue on to Gorakshep, which is located at an altitude of 5,181 meters and is a Sherpa town with a few simple lodges strewn about. Ascending the little hill known as Kalapatthar (which literally translates to "black rock") will take us to what many consider to be the most breathtaking vantage point in the entire Khumbu Region. It is possible to complete the task in a single day; however, the high altitude may provide some challenges. At its apex, we will have an up-close and personal experience with the formidable Mount Everest. On top of that, we have unrivaled views of the entire Khumbu Glacier, which is located below us and can be seen from our vantage point. After making some incredible memories while we're here, we'll make our way back to Gorakshep.

It’s the ultimate day of our trip but since we are spending a whole day and night at Everest base camp, there is no rush to leave our sleeping bags early in the chilly morning. After a leisurely breakfast, we begin our trek to Everest Base camp, which begins with a trek across the extremely loose sand of Gorakshep's dry lake towards the Khumbu Glacier. Similar to the trail to Gorakshep from Lobuche, this one is easy and gently ascending, although the altitude makes it strenuous. On a clear day, Khumbu Icefall is visible (one of the major obstacles Everest climbers need to conquer on their Everest expedition). The trail reaches the crest of the ridge and continues north along the mountain ridge until the dead end at the end of the glacier. If it is Everest climbing season (April to May), colorful tents can be seen at Everest base camp. We reach the Everest base camp, which is marked by piles of rocks, strings of prayer flags, and a few signs. From Everest base camp, we view Lingtren (22,142 feet / 6,749 meters), Khumbutse (21,867 feet / 6,665 meters), Nuptse, Lhotse, and the Khumbu Icefall, but not Everest. Yes! But we have an entire day to explore beyond Everest base camp! If you regain strength after this tough ascent, ascend closer to the Khumbu Icefall. The desire to approach the mountains will restore your strength. From the Everest base camp, appreciate both the sunset and sunrise views across the Himalayas. Observe the expedition lifestyle at Everest base camp and spend the night with some courageous Everest climbers! Camping at Everest's base camp is thrilling! There's a chance you won't sleep well tonight, but the sleepless night will be well worth it.

Following breakfast, we make our way back in the direction of Pangboche. We make our way down through some difficult slopes till we reach Pheriche. After continuing along the same path that we took to get here, we arrive in Lobuche. Further Everest, which is the highest point on the planet at 8,848 meters, towers directly ahead of the climber, and on all sides loom the giants such as Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse, and countless other mountains. The ascent is difficult, but the climber is rewarded with the most magnificent mountain panorama. After a speedy descent to Gorakshep, where we enjoy a sizzling breakfast, we continue our journey in the direction of Pangboche. Spend the night in bed and breakfast. We arrive with breakfast, lunch, and dinner already included.

We get up really early in the morning, have breakfast, and then immediately get started on our hiking activities for the day. As we swiftly descend to lower heights, we are able to realize that it is significantly simpler for us to breathe. From Pheriche, we follow a new path all the way down to Samare (the trail that we did not use before to trek up). Before we arrive at Pangboche, we have a pleasant walk through the settlements of Orsho and Samare, where we are treated to views of the Ama Dablam mountain range. As we make our way down from Samare to lower heights, we are able to observe the return of the vegetation. After leaving Pangboche, we make our way through the Imja Khola and join the old path that led to Everest Base Camp. After about two hours, we arrive in Tengboche, which is where we will have lunch for the day. The route to Namche is not very difficult because it consists of large descents with sporadic ascents. The climb up to Tengboche is one of the more manageable ones throughout the journey. We make our way down to Pungki Thanka, then make another strenuous ascent to Kyangjuma. From there, it's an easy walk along the Imja Khola to Namche Bazaar at the end of the day. In Namche Bazaar, we can purchase drinks, including alcoholic beverages.

The last day of our trek begins today, and we will be following the Dudh Kosi River all the way down to Lukla, a mountain town with a teeny-tiny airstrip. In the numerous bars, restaurants, and other establishments that are present in the area, we celebrate and remember the successful completion of our expedition to Everest Base Camp. As a result of this achievement and the amazing memories it has created for us, we celebrate by having a good time in Lukla for the rest of the night.

As the sun rises this morning, it reflects happiness and a sense of fulfillment among us. We collect our belongings and prepare to travel from Lukla to Kathmandu early in the morning. Flights are commonly delayed and even canceled in Lukla due to the weather.  Flights also take departure in the morning due to inclement weather in the afternoon. Enjoy free time till the end of the day after arriving in Kathmandu and settling into your accommodation. It is suggested that you attend a spa, take a short day excursion to explore UNESCO historical sites, or simply relax at your hotel. Make the most of your Nepal trip. Later, spend the night at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Visit cultural and religious sites of Swayambhunath, called the monkey Temple, Pashupatinath, one of the largest temples in Nepal, and Bouddhanath, the large stupa are on our itinerary today. 

Pashupatinath Temple:   One of the oldest Hindu temples, Pashupatinath Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as the "Lord of All Beings." Lord Shiva is the embodiment of the universe's destructive aspect. The Pashupatinath complex is traversed by the revered Bagmati river. For those who pass away on the banks of the river, cremation rites are performed by the majority of Hindus in the Kathmandu Valley.

Swayambhunath Stupa:  The Swayambhunath stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist stupas in Nepal. It is thought to have materialized when, in ancient times, the Bodhisattva Manjushri carved a canyon at Chhobhar using his flaming sword to drain the waters of the huge lake that was Kathmandu.

Bouddhanath Stupa: Lord Buddha's four pairs of eyes are positioned in the four cardinal directions atop the 2500-year-old Buddhist stupa in the Valley, which was erected in the fifth century. This stupa keeps a constant watch over people and their actions. Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet may be seen spinning prayer wheels as they round the stupa.

 You can also walk around Thamel and Asons around the vicinity of your hotel selling handicraft items and locally made trinkets and clothes. Ason, the oldest market in Kathmandu also lies a few hundred meters from your hotel. You can shop for spices, tea, brass statues, and decorative jars in this market.

This day is also kept as a contingency day in case flight delays are faced. 

It's time to say farewell to Nepal after completing the  Everest Base Camp trek. You'll be driven to the international airport three hours before your planned international flight to your next location. We hope that we have provided you with unforgettable adventures in the Everest Himalayas. If you so wish you can extend your stay in Nepal as well to tour the numerous interesting locations that Nepal has to offer.  We hope you keep the time we spent together cherished in your memory and suggest us to your friends and family for their Nepal trekking vacation. This is not “Goodbye” but as we say in Nepali ‘Feri Bhetumla’ meaning “Till we meet again”.