Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest - this is what made Nepal famous. This two week itinerary allows you to get up close and personal with Everest, the rooftop of the world. Magnificant landscapes, prestigious peaks, tapering ridges and colourful Sherpa villages contribute to turning this trek into an unforgettable experience. This trek takes you through the hugh Khumbu Mountains before arriving at Everest. A trek not to be missed.
Trek Itinerary
DAY 1: Lukla to Kathmandu by Flight - Trek to Phadking (2652m)
40 minutes of walking sees you to Choplung a collection of lodges at the junction of the main Khumbu trail from Jiri. Cross the Thulo Khola on a suspension bridge, admiring the view of Kumsum Kangure Peak in front. A total trekking time of 2 ½ hours will bring you to Phadking, the perfect rest stop and acclimatization place.
DAY 2 : Phadking to Namche Bazaar (3446m)
The trail leaves Phadking behind and heads through a forest of Blue Pine and Rhododendrons to a small village called Tok Tok. The village gets its name from the sound the metal works that live there make with their hammers. After about an hour, you enter a steep walled canyon. Pass a waterfall and cross to the other bank, climb upwards through the vegetable farms at Chumowa. Cross another river and climb steeply through a cleft in the canyon wall. The trail then flattens and enters Sagarmatha National Park. After entering the park, the trail descends a little and crosses the Dhud Koshi on a suspension bridge. From here the trail follows up the river, at times criss crossing it until its conflux with the Bhote Koshi. Next you enter a forest of Blue Pine and climb upwards to Namche. Just before Namche, you should get your first view of Everest tucked behind the Lhotse – Nuptse ridge.
DAY 3 : Acclimatization in Namche (3420)
Rest Day. Optional visit to the National Park Museum. If you want to do a short trek, you can head up to the crest of the ridge above Shyangboche and visit the villages of Khumjung and Kunde
DAY 4 : Namche to Tengboche (3867m)
From Namche Bazaar the trail climbs eastwards to the saddle at Choi Gang. Trek high above the Dhud Koshi and through a few villages and collections of tea huts before entering a magnificent forest of Black Jupiter, Rhododendron and Pine. You have a steep descent to Phunki Thanga before the long slow climb upwards towards Tengboche.
DAY 5 Tengboche to Dingboche (4350m)
From Tengboche descend some what and visit the Nunnery (Ani Gompa – Ani in Sherpa tongue means Auntie or Sister!). Take the lower tail from Pangboche where the Birch Trees are incased in green moss. After crossing the Imja Khola, you will see the spectacular peak of Ama Dablang looming up in front of you. Enroute, the Pangboche Gompa, the oldest of its kind in the Khumbu is worth a visit. Climb up again along the river and over bridges. Before long you are high above the summer Yak Pastures. When the trail forks, head right towards Dingboche crossing the Khumbu
DAY 6 : Acclimatization day
Rest Day. If you are up to it, take a short hike to Chhukung valley (4730m) which is surrounded by mountains. This valley is the launching place for attempts to climb the trekking peaks Imjtse (Island Peak) and Chhukung Ri. Return back to Dingboche for an afternoon of rest.
DAY 7 : Dingboche to Lobuche (4930m)
Lots of uphill section. The distance covered is about 4km so slow progression is suggested to allow for effects of altitude. Cross Yak pastures and the Moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. There is an optional ridge climb in the afternoon for stunning sunset views.
DAY 8 : Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5160m)
The trail from Lobuche progresses gradually upwards alongside the Khumbu Glacier, along route you will see the black mound of Kalapattar with its frozen lake in front of Mount Pumori. Drop down to the sandy shores of this lake and progress around its north shore to Gorak Shep.
DAY 9 : Side trip to Kalapattar (5623m) and Everest Base Camp (5400m)
Steep rocky climb of 1 i/2 to 3 hours depending on your fitness and how well you are acclimatized. Excellent views of Everest. Steep down hill and a further 2 hour steady trek to Base Camp. Visit Base camp and the Khumbu Ice Fall before returning back to Gorak Shep
DAY 10: Gorak Shep to Dingboche
Retrace the trail back to Dingboche
DAY 11:Dingboche to Tengboche
Trek back to Tengboche
DAY 13: Tengboche to Namche
Heading away from the Monastery trek back down the trail to Namche, it’s fairly down hill with a few steep climbs.
DAY 14: Namche to Lukla
Trek back to Namche with some uphill sections.
DAY 15: Lukla to Kathmandu by Flight
