Everest Base Camp Trek - A Journey to the Everest Foothills

After an early meal, you will be transferred to the airport for your Lukla flight. Sighted the airborne views of different shrines of Kathmandu valley, you will fly towards the Himalayan section. The flight is scenic. After 30 minutes journey, we will be landed over narrow airstrips at Lukla airport. Shortly after we meet our porters and other staff to whom we hand over our duffle bags.

A trek begins now. The journey marches towards the Dudh Koshi River. Continuing the journey following the riverbed, we arrive at Phakding. On the way, we encounter a few ups and downs otherwise the way is easier and smooth.

In the peak seasons, the way is busy with trekkers and expeditioners. Animals such as donkeys and horses are also seen carrying goods. They carry loads for the residents and visitors in the Khumbu region.

From Phakding, we head northward following the Dudh Koshi River. Trekking continues with the farsighted views of peaks, passing pine, oaks, and rhododendron forests. We are walking in the Sagarmatha National Park following the riverbank. Reaching Jorsalle, the journey descends walking smoothly towards Hillary Bridge. Onwards, we have gradual ups and downs passing lush forests, diverse flora, and fauna.

Now, we have an aerial view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. After a short walk, we reach Namche Bazaar-the gateway of Everest. Trekkers are welcomed by the Sherpa people with some refreshment drinks. The views of mountains, landscapes, and vistas are amazing in Namche. It is popularly known as the capital of the Khumbu region. You can get bank services along with ATM, bakery services, supermarkets, pubs, and bars. If you lack some trekking equipment, you can buy it there.

Acclimatization is very important while trekking in higher altitude. Namche is the best place for acclimatization as the sights around here are spectacular. After having breakfast we will roam around in Namche bazaar and enjoy the view of panoramic peaks. Similarly, we also can hike to Khumjung village and visit Hillary school and a monastery. You can visit Sherpa culture museum and Everest photo gallery as well.

Following the well maintained trekking trails, with the beautiful sceneries of the mountains like Ama Dablam and others, we hike towards Tengboche. This village is popular for its well renowned monastery named Tengboche. We check in the hotel, get relaxed for a while and walk to monasteries and its surroundings.

Initially, we head toward Pangboche (3,985m) village passing through many Stupas, mani walls and small villages. We spectate the up-close magical view of Ama Dablam (6,812m) from here. The trek becomes lighter as we enter the Imja Valley following the Lobuche River.

We descend to the river and climb a steep uphill towards Dingboche (4,360m). The route turns to be quite challenging as we ascend to higher elevation and the decreasing level of the oxygen. Dingboche, as known as the summer valley, comprises a beautiful arrangement of the fields enclosed by stone walls protecting crops like barley, buckwheat and potatoes. The view from Dingboche, to be explained in words, is majestic with a blanket of the Himalayas covering the modest valley.

This would be your second acclimatization day that requires about 5-6 hours of trekking to an altitude of 5100m. After breakfast, you ascend Nagerjun (5100m), a hill located on the flanks of the Chhukung valley directly above Dingboche.

The main aim is to climb high and sleep low. The foot path becomes steep at times, resulting in a physically strenuous day. Ascending the hill could take up to 5 hours at altitude. From this altitude there are good views of Lobuche East (6119m), Lobuche West (6145m), Taboche Peak (6367m), Thamserku (6608m), Kangtega (6685m) and Ama Dablam (6856m).

On a clear day, you could even see Makalu, the world’s fifth highest mountain, including great views of the Pheriche Valley. After a short rest, you start the descent back to Dingboche and the walk at altitude takes about 2 hours.

We’ll now enter into higher elevations via today’s trek; due to which the trail tends to become more demanding. We now head to Pheriche Village (4,240m) that harbors Trekkers Aid Post. Equipped with a western volunteer doctor supported by The Himalayan Rescue Association, the aid post extends treatment and consultation to trekkers.

Afterwards, we make a climb to the top of a hillock where a memorial dedicated to trekkers and climbers who lost their lives during Everest expeditions over the years. Finally, we'll advance beyond the pasturelands to Lobuche (4,910m). This village inhabited by native Sherpas flaunts striking view of Mt. Lobuche, Mt. Pumori and Mt. Nuptse. Get ready to experience the soul shivering extreme cold tonight!!!

After breakfast at Lobuche, you’ll be hitting a rough and rocky trail towards Gorak Shep. Along the route, you’ll get to enjoy the close-up sight of Nuptse, Pumori, and other mountains. After a few hours of challenging hike, you’ll reach the Gorak Shep. Here, you’ll take some rest at the teahouse, drop your backpacks, and hit the trail again towards the Everest Base Camp. Along the way, you’ll come across several small streams and glacial moraines. You’ll be walking next to the Khumbu Glacier on your way to the base camp.

The Khumbu Glacier reflects a lunar landscape with gray boulders, ice formations, and small craters. After hiking for around two hours, you’ll be standing at the foothills of the world’s highest mountain — Mount Everest. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, you can celebrate your achievement with your trekking guide and team members.

From the Everest Base Camp, you can get a marvelous sight of Khumbu Icefall, Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse, and a little bit of Everest. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll head back to the barren terrain of Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.

The name “Kalapathar” translates into Black Rock. This spot is well renowned around the entire planet for a vivid and sublime sunrise above the world’s highest peak, the majestic Mt. Everest.; therefore, we'll trek in the direction of Kalapathar before the break of the day.

As, the first ray of rising sunshine on awe-inspiring view embodying Everest, Nuptse, Changtse and Lhotse; the curtains from the most divine vista is unveiled, which tend to melt the heart each and every individual who observe it. Actually, the golden sunlight complements the white snow on the mountains.

When the first light of day is reflected by these mountains, a spell-binding vista takes its shape, which has been attracting thousands of visitors till date. These outlooks tend to make the entire journey worthy. Additionally, you’ll get the pre-eminent pictures in the entire Khumbu region. Now, it’s time to trek back to Gorakshep. Thereafter, we’ll trek down to Pheriche (4,210m).

On this day, you’ll be leaving the high Himalayas behind. You begin your hike after breakfast on a pleasant route compared to the last few days. Most of the day, you’ll be walking under the shades of dense rhododendron and juniper forest. If you’re lucky, you might witness rare wildlife and birds, including Himalayan griffons, wild goats, musk deer, and pheasants.

Along the way, you’ll be walking past several villages, including Tengboche and Phunki Tenga. Once you reach Phunki Tenga, the trail turns into a steep uphill. After ascending for about an hour, the trail descends towards the Dudh Koshi River. Here, you’ll cross a small suspension bridge to reach Kyangjuma village.

This small community acts as a junction to three popular trails of the Everest region — Namche Bazaar, Gokyo Valley, and Khumjung Village. Here, you’ll follow the trail that leads to the Namche Bazaar for the overnight stay.

Today, we’ll traverse the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park and arrive at the village of Monjo. Afterwards, we proceed beyond the woodland of rhododendron and fir to negotiate suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River to Phakding. In the end, we'll advance across several Sherpa villages, Mani walls, small Gompas, man-sized prayer wheels and prayer flags and ultimately, set our foot in Lukla (2,860m).

Leaving the Himalayan vistas, we catch the early mountain flight and fly back to Kathmandu. It is a short yet scenic flight over the mountain peaks, valleys and lush greeneries.

This day is scheduled as a contingency day in Kathmandu because the flight from Lukla to Kathmandu can sometimes be delayed or canceled. If so, we can fly to Kathmandu today.

In case everything is well, we explore Kathmandu city; its World Heritage Sites as a sightseeing tour. Durbar Squares, Stupas, and Hindu Temples are the most attractive places to visit in Kathmandu. We pay a visit to Swyambhunath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath during our tour.

This very day marks the end of your adventures in the magical nation of Nepal. We hope that you are genuinely satisfied with our services and expertise. We expect to see you again and share many beautiful moments as we did during this escapade. One of the representatives from Altitude Adventure shifts you to airport at least three hours before your scheduled flight.