Everest Base Camp Trek

DAY 1: Welcome to Kathmandu! You’ll be met at the airport by our transport team and brought to the group hotel. We all meet at the group hotel around 4pm for the trip briefing then move on for drinks and dinner.

DAY 2: Fly to Lukla. Trek to Phakding (2680m). Take the short mountain flight to Lukla (2,680m). Descending through the rhododendrons we follow the Dudh Khosi river to Phakding where we’ll stay for the night. Around 3-4 hours trekking.

DAY 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). Criss-crossing glacial river our trail takes us to Monjo and the gateway to Sagarmartha National Park. After passing through the Gateway, down to the village of Jorsale we leave the river side and head steadily uphill through the pine forests to emerge at the high mountain town of Namche Bazaar. 5 to 6 hrs’ trekking.

DAY 4: Around Namche and on to Kyangjuma (3600m): a day to acclimatise. We make a late start and head slowly up to a fabulous view point to absorb the splendour of Everest and the majestic peaks around then descend through the pretty villages of Kumjung and Khunde to our good friend Tashi’s lodge at Kyangjuma. 3-4 hours trekking.

DAY 5: Trek to Phortse (3810m). Another short-ish day to help us acclimatise. After a brew on the sunny terrace we start our day with a short climb to attain the Mon La. From the pass we zig zag down through pine forests to the burbling river at Phortse Tenga. There’s a short climb up the other banks to the sprawling hamlet of Phortse. Time to relax and explore in the afternoon. 3-4 hours trekking.

DAY 6: Trek Phortse to Dingboche (4320m): the morning involves what, in our opinion, is one of the most spectacular trails in the region – a small route that picks its way around rock spurs traversing high above the valley floor. This is the quieter side of Everest far from the madding crowds below. We reach the beautiful monastic settlement of Pangboche then around to Shomare for lunch. Very different from the morning we are now on the wide rounded slopes of the lower valley gently ascending to Orsho before crossing the river and a final up to the vibrant village of Dingboche and our lodge. Around 6-7 hours trekking.

DAY 7: Acclimatisation day Dingboche (4410m): to help our adjustment to the ever increasing altitude we spend two nights at the same sleep height. So today is free for a morning walk up the Imja khola valley towards Chukkung and the glittering folds of glacier visible opposite.

DAY 8: Trek to Lobuche (4910m): climbing up past the chortens on the ridge above we take a gently rising path on the fellside above the main valley toward the mouth of the Khumbu glacier. We stop at Thugla then press on for a short but steep climb to attain the side of the glacier. From here it’s a flat-ish hour or so to Lobuche. 5- 6 hours trekking.

DAY 9: Trek to Gorak Shep, onward to Everest Base Camp and back (5140m): we’ll head very early to reach our lodge at Gorak Shep in time for brunch and a chance to acclimatise. For those who have energy we’ll set off late morning to reach our ultimate goal, EBC. Around 3 hours trekking plus 5 hours hike to / from EBC. For anyone with extra energy its possible to hike 30 minutes up onto the shoulder of Kala Patar for sunset on Everest.
NOTE: we cannot guarantee safe drinking water at this lodge so ask you to buy mineral water.

DAY 10: Descend to Pheriche (4626m): for those with the energy we have another early start to head up for the 3-4 hour round trip to the summit of Kala Patar (5550m)! Stopping for a late breakfast at Gorak Shep we have a cheeky climb up to the glacier side then start to head down to Lobuche, down again to Thugla and then the final wander down the valley to our lodge for the night at Pheriche. A long day of around 8-9 hours trekking (inc KP ascent).

DAY 11: Trek to Kyangjuma (3600m): moving steadily back down the valley, this time crossing the Khumbu river and ascending through the rhododendron glades to Deboche and Tengboche and the shining monastery. We now descend to Phunki Tenga. Re-crossing the river we have a last sustained pull back up to Kyangjuma (and Tashi’s fabulous apple pie!). Around 6-7 hours trekking.

DAY 12: Trek Phakding (2610m): an hour’s easy stroll along to Namche and a chance to explore the bazaars and pick up some souvenirs. We then say goodbye to the high mountains dropping back into the warmth of the Dudh Khosi to Monjo for lunch then along to Phakding. Around 6 hours trekking.

DAY 13: Our last day in the mountains. We enjoy the green trails, through pine and rhododendron blooms along the river with a cheeky last few hours steadily climbing uphill back to Lukla and a celebratory evening as we say goodbye to our fabulous trek crew (2,850m). 3-4 hrs trekking.

DAY 14: A short flight back to Kathmandu. Check in at our hotel. Free afternoon then dinner at one of the city’s restaurants.

DAY 15: A half day of sightseeing and visit to our partner NGO to find out more about their good work. There’s some time to shop, relax at a spa or explore on your own. A final farewell dinner at Le Sherpa, our acclaimed Lazimpat restaurant.

DAY 16: Departure from Kathmandu. We transfer you to the international airport.