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Everest
Base Camp Trekking
Trip profile: 18 Days Trip
4 Nights in Kathmandu
14 Days Everest Trekking
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 With
eight of the worlds ten highest peaks, Nepal is loaded with
spectacular mountains vistas. Everest trek in justifiably famous,
not only for its proximity to the world's highest mountain (
8848m ) but also for its friendly Sherpa people, picturesque
villages great variety of cultures and traditions, colourful
festivals and monasteries. The flora and fauna are other ornaments
of the Sagarmatha National Park. The story of the yeti is still
a mystery to the world from the Kahumbu region.
Itinerary
DAY 01: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU
When you arrive in Kathmandu, you'll be taken to your hotel.
While in Kathmandu you will have time fascinating Buddhist and
Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions
are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore
the city's many charms on your own too. In the evening delicious
traditional Nepali well come dinner await for you. O/N in Kathmandu.
DAY 02: KATHMANDU CITY TOUR
After breakfast, we'll visit Swayambhunath temple, and said
to be 2000 years stupa on a hillock offers breath-taking view
of Kathmandu City. We will then processed to Visit Pasupatinath
and Bouddhanath. After lunch we'll visit Kathmandu Durbar Square,
Patan (Lalitpur) - which is the oldest of the three major cities
in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and
Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working
with wood, stones and metals. O/N in Kathmandu.
DAY 03: KATHMANDU - LUKLA - PHAKDING
 This
morning we will be transferred from your hotel to Kathmandu
airport for our domestic flight to Lukla. The flight itself
is awe-inspiring as we fly parallel to the Himalayan giants
bordering Nepal and Tibetan China. Flying time to Lukla is approximately
40 minutes. Upon arrival in Lukla, we will be met by our local
guides and porters. There will be time to explore the village
whilst the Sherpa crew sort and load equipment. Lukla lies at
an altitude of 2850m ("luk la" = place of sheep).
From Lukla we descend on a wide trail northwest to the village
of Choblung in the Dudh Kosi Valley. The valley radiates energy
through beautiful pine and rhododendron forest. The walking
is easy and we follow the river's course, passing through the
village of Ghat. Our destination is the small village of Phakding
where accommodation is provided in the form of Tea House Lodges.
DAY 04: PHAKDING - NAMCHE BAZAAR
From Phakding we head up valley on a busy trail: porters from
the lower Solu district in the south ferrying supplies to Namche,
Sherpas with their Zopkio (half yak, half cow) taking trekking
or climbing expedition equipment to the higher valleys. Continue
along beside the Dudh Kosi amongst beautiful alpine scenery,
through the fragrant blue pine and fir forest, glimpsing spectacular
views of Kusum Kangru (6369m) and Thanserku (6608m) along the
way. We again cross the Dudh Kosi, to the western bank at Jorsale
prior to trekking through the entrance to the Sagamartha National
Park. Continuing upstream along the banks to the confluence
of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi, it is here we begin our first
sustained ascent to Namche Bazar after crossing the large suspension
bridge. Walking at a slow pace, we have a fantastic photographic
opportunities as the peaks of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8511m),
Nuptse (7879m), Arna Dablam (6856m) and Taweche (6542m) come
into view for the first time. Climbing again, the path takes
us through pine trees to reach the distinctive horse-shoe shaped
bowl containing the village of Namche Bazar. Stay in the heart
of the village. O/N in Namche Bazaar.
DAY 05: ACCLIMATIZE DAY IN NAMCHE BAZAAR.
Today is a full day at rest to acclimatise. As the name suggest,
Namche is famous for its local market or bazaar. Each week,
Sherpas from the surrounding villages come to buy food and to
socialise. Any food not grown locally, such as rice, corn and
some vegetables is brought in from the lowland village, which
can be up to a 6-10 day walk from Namche Bazar. Rising early,
those who climb to the ridge above Namche will be rewarded with
the stunning dawn and sunrise over the panorama of the Khumbu
peaks. Spend the morning exploring this colourful and lovely
spectacle. Perhaps walk along the Thami Valley in the afternoon
or visit the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting
displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture, mountaineering in
the park, flora and fauna.
DAY 06: NAMCHE BAZAAR - KHUMJUNG
Breakfast served in your Tea House Lodge. From Namche, we trek
out of the village bowl and follow a small trail high above
the Dudh Kosi River, where the views are incredible; behind
to the west, the ridge of Nupla and Kwangde Himal (6194m); across
the valley to the south, the towering ice-fluted walls of Thamserku
(6623m), and to the east at the head of the valley, the Lhotse
and Nuptse wall, towering a full three and a half thousand metres
above the valley at Dingboche. Everest looms above the ridge,
a black, triangular rock; Sagarmatha, "Goddess Mother of
Earth", is a truly magnificent sight. On a small ridge
across the valley, the monastery of Thyangboche can be seen,
a small speck against the gigantic mountain background. We descend
to Khumjung, and after staying in the more westernized town
of Namche Bazar, these villages make a welcome change. Here
tourism has hardly changed the life of the Sherpas. It is possible
to take the opportunity to sample the Sherpa speciality, Riki
Kur - a type of potato fritter enriched with yak butter. The
afternoon has been left free to assist with further acclimatization.
O/N in Khunjung
DAY 07: KHUNJUNG - THENGBOCHE (THYANGBOCHE)
In the morning we descend to the village of Shanasa and then
contour to Trashinga where the trail drops steeply to cross
the Dudh Kosi at Phukitenga (3250m). A break is taken here by
a series of water-driven paryer wheels. In the late morning
we initially climb steeply before the trail levels out to ascend
gradually towards Thyangboche. It is a steady ascent of approximately
2 ½ hours through pine fir, black juniper and rhododendron forest.
Thyangboche is set in a beautiful meadow, high on a ridge surrounded
by towering Himalayan peaks. A peaceful, tranquil position,
surely one of the wonders of the world and the Thyangboche Monastery
is spectacularly situated. The monastery dominated by the gompa
with its prayer flags and mani stones was founded in 1916 as
a meditation centre. O/N in Thengboche.
DAY 08: TENGBOCHE - DINGBOCHE
From Thyangboche, we descend through a forest of birch, fir,
juniper and rhododendron, to the nunnery at Deboche. Keep an
eye open for Blood and Danphe Pheasant and high on the steep
slopes of the valley, Himalayan Thar (wild goats). We cross
the Imja Khola, ascending gradually, with the beautiful Ama
Dablam dominating the skyline, to visit the monastery. The afternoon
walk follows a trail high above the Imja Khola. A little further
upstream we cross the tributary stream and ascend over glacial
moraines to our lodge in the 'summer settlement" of Dingboche.
O/N in Dingboche
DAY 09: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY IN DINGBOCHE.
Today we have a full day for acclimatisation and exploring.
Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed
by stone walls protecting the crops of barley and potatoes from
the cold winds. It is occupied mainly through the monsoon months,
when large numbers of yaks are brought here to graze on the
valley pastures. Those looking for a pleasant walk can head
up the valley towards Chukung. The views are fantastic; the
towering south face of Lhotse to the north, Island Peak in the
centre of the valley, and the fluted ice-walls of unnamed peaks
that line the southern end of the valley form a hauntingly beautiful
sight. O/N in Dingboche
DAY 10: DINGBOCHE - LOBUCHE
We are now well above the tree line and your journey todays
brings you to Dusa from where you descend to a stream at 4850m.
We begin our climb of the Khumbu Glacier en route to the tea
shops at Dughla. Continue along the moraine of the glacier,
with views of Kalar Pattar and Pumori to reach Lobuche at 4930m
for your evening stay. This will be your last stop before your
climb to the base camp tomorrow. Take time to rest and acclimatise
for this unforgettable day. O/N in Lobuche
DAY 11-12: LOBUCHE - KALAPATTER - GORKSHEP - EBC - LOBUCHE
Early this morning you begin your trek, which will prove to
be both mentally and physically demanding. Above Lobuche, we
follow the path running through a trough alongside the Khumbu
Glacier. Continuing on over rough ground we reach Gorak Shep,
where a short break is offered to replentish fluids. A walk
for a further hour and a half reaches Kala Pattar, a small,
rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Pumori - a slow, steady
pace, once again being the best attack. Avoid rushing. Stop
and turn around: the scenery is fantastic. It is a hard climb,
but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination.
Huge creaking glaciers surround us and classic views of Everest
are available.
The views from the summit of Kala Pattar (5630m) are truly
outstanding. Here you are directly below Pumo Ri's light granite
and slanted snow channel. The surroundings have an awesome and
unnatural brilliance. To the south, the Khumbu Glacier sweeps
below you; northwards rise several border peaks including the
vertical Lho La, reached from the Tibetan side in 1921, the
first time foreigners had seen the Khumbu Glacier. Mt Everest
rises above them all. Known as "Chomolungma" (Lady
Goddess of the Wind) by the Nepalese, the mountain was initially
called Peak XV. In 1852 it was recognised as the highest peak
on earth and four years later was given the name Everest in
honour of Sir George Everest, the early surveyor general. After
some time out to contemplate this view, we return to Lobuche.
O/n in Gorkshep and Lobuche
DAY 13: LOBUCHE - TEHGBUCHE
After our tiring ascent to Kala patar, today is an easier walk
to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back to the
terminal moraines at Dughla, we then take a different return
trail. We follow the wide alpine valley covered in scrub juniper
through the temporary settlement of Phulung Karpo (4343m), then
on to Pheriche. A small settlement, Pheriche has a number of
welcome tea house that often have "left over" for
sale from various climbing expeditions. It may be possible to
find imported chocolate, tinned prawns or smoked oysters: even
vegemite! The town consists of several low stone buildings and
is considered a "years" - summer settlement. Continue
down to Orsho, then on through Lower Pangboche and down to Deboche,
reaching our lodge at Thyangboche in the afternoon. O/N in Thyangboche
DAY 14: TENGBOCHE - MONJO
Follow a similar trail through a forest of juniper, rhododendron
and fir to Phunkitenga, you continue on to cross the Dudh Kosi
for a steep descent to Trashinga. After lunch at Shanasa you
make you way back to Namche Bazar. Following a steep descent
passing the Bhote Kosil, crossing the river, follow the bank
to Jorsale, then to Monjo for overnight. O/N in Monjo
DAY 15: MONJO - LUKLA
This morning you will depart Monjo and continue your descent
along the Dudh Kosi, before making a final ascent to reach the
Lukla plateau by mid afternoon. On arrival in Lukla you will
have time to relax and celebrate the completion of your trek.
O/N in Lukla
DAY 16: LUKLA - KATHMANDU
This morning you will be transferred to Lukla Airport for your
flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will
be met and conveyed to the Hotel Shanker. The remainder of the
day has been left free. O/N in Kathmandu
DAY 17: KATHMANDU
After breakfast you're free to shop in last minutes for souvenirs
shopping and prepare return home.
DAY 18: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, you're free as your own before drop to airport
for your final destination.
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