Mount Everest Base Camp Trek

After your tiresome flight, you will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport located at Kathmandu valley, also known as “Nepal Mandala”. A representative from our organization will be there to receive you and escort you to your hotel. After you have freshened up and settled properly in your rooms, representatives of our agency will accompany you to Himalayan Planet Adventures head office.

At the office, you will be introduced to your trek guides and thoroughly briefed about your upcoming adventures regarding the expectations, safety precautions, and attune at high altitudes. During the evening, you will be picked up from your hotel for the taste of authenticating Nepali food and cultural performance.

This is our first step of a long journey ahead. Kathmandu valley, also known as the valley of gods, has seven cultural heritage sites marked as World Heritage sites by UNESCO. Among those seven historic and artistic achievements, we will be visiting three of them, namely Pashupatinath Mandir (Hindu pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Shiva), Boudhanath Stupa (Largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal), and Bhaktapur (Monument Zone). Alternative choices are also given for other places of interest within Kathmandu valley.

The largest temple complex, Pashupatinath Mandir is the most important religious site in our country. Not only the people of Nepal but also the devotees from India and any other devotees of Lord Shiva visit this temple at least once every year, which reflects its importance. Situated at the banks of our Holy River Bagmati on both sides, the pagoda-style architecture can be found in the temples. Also, the ritual of Cremation of Hindus can be observed on raised platforms along the river with Sadhu baba’s (Holy Men) performing their daily rituals.

Boudhanath Stupa is the key Stupa in Nepal and the holiest Buddhist temple for Tibetan outside Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. The Stupa is located in the town of Boudha, on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. From above, Boudhanath Stupa looks like a giant Mandala (diagram of the Buddhist cosmos) with each different shape represents one of the five elements, earth, water, fire, air, and sphere, which are also the attributes of the five Buddha's.

Bhaktapur (literal meaning: the place of devotees) in an ancient city east of Kathmandu valley about eight miles from the capital city. The main attraction in this part is the Nyatapola temple: a 5-story pagoda style temple but other attractions as Bhaktapur Durbar Square (Open Museum) itself is not a plain site but a marvelous mesmerizing view with a unique vibe surrounding it. You will take your lunch at a restaurant in the place of devotees and brought back to your hotel. You then must rest and prepare for your journey for new adventures that lie ahead.

This is the day of your journey in which you will check-out from your hotel early in the morning and head to your flight to Lukla by the domestic airport with your guides. After you have landed at Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary airport, you will enjoy a soothing tea break as your baggage loads are being taken care of by the guides and porters. Thus, starts your real trek towards Phakding. During your 3-4 hour of journey, you will find yourselves looking at massive green valleys with multiple streams from the snow melting from the peaks. The landscapes unraveling in front at each turn of the trail are fantastic. Also, the suspension bridges, the natural flora, and fauna, stacked prayer stones will amaze you. You will go through Ghat village after refilling your body with energy after lunch and pave your way through to the Phakding. Then you will check in to your Phakding teahouse with time to rest or explore, the choice is yours.

It’s the next day and the next step to your journey. The distance is roughly 7 miles but will be a 5-6 hour walk due to a vertical climb. You will come across and cross Dudh Koshi. The beginning of the ascent will take you through mountainside forest and small villages of Zamfute and Tok Tok. Monjo will be your destination where you will have your lunch. At the entrance of the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, your trekking permits will be inspected and records will be taken of all trekkers (local and foreigners). The highlight of this trek is also, other than the unaffected nature, the suspension bridges. After a while, you will reach your last milestone before your destination, Jorsale. On the way, you will view Taboche (6,542m), a majestic, snowcapped figure along the stretch of the trail of glimpse of Mount Everest.

Lastly, you will reach your destination for the day, Namche Bazaar, a proper town in the midst of the mountain.

As the trek halts for today, it is for you to adjust your body to the lower oxygen level. Pushing too hard can be fatal. But this day won’t go in vain cause you have got a whole town to explore around. You can visit the market, try their delicacy, collect information at park headquarters and see through the culture and lifestyle of Sherpa people.

After the attunement of your body for the oxygen level, your journey continues for the day. As Thame village is a bit higher in altitude, it is also an acclimation trip for the further voyage of higher altitudes. It’s a 4-5 hour walk uphill. Thame is a small Sherpa village close to the border of Tibet. It used to be a juncture of ancient trading routes to Tibet. After arrival at Thame village, check-in at your teahouse, and a climb to an ancient Buddhist monastery awaits you.

Another day for the trek lovers with 4-5 hours of ease-walking. As you start your journey, passing through Thamo village, you will reach your destination to Khumjung village. After your check-in to your teahouse, you can visit Khunde Hospital and Khumjung Hilary Hospital (built by Sir Edmund Hilary), and also Khumjung Monastery (Center of Sherpa culture and religion).

A new day and a new journey to begin, 4-5 hours of the downhill walk with a view of amazing landscape including Mount Everest and many other surrounding peaks. Your views will include beautiful rhododendron forests, colorful birds, and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in Khumbu, and a spectacular panorama of the awed peaks can be seen.

Once you set out for your next adventure, a short descend to Deboche begins until you reach Pangboche. You will find several stupas and Mani walls (for Buddhist prayer). From here, the walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imjatse Valley, which gradually unfolds as you approach the Lobuche River. Descend towards the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. On arrival, you will see an outstanding field enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.

At reaching an altitude of nearly half as the height of Mount Everest (over 4000m), you must prepare your body for the upcoming adventures and stay at Dingboche for acclimatization purposes. Dingboche diverts into three main trekking destinations namely Ama Dablam, Imja Tse, and Mount Everest, this is a popular stop for trekkers and climbers. You have options of resting in your teahouse or can go for a more hiking experience with your guides at Chhukung (nearly 5000m) (recommended). After the easy pace for about 2-3 hours you can enjoy your lunch at Chhukung valley. Then we will simply descent downwards to your teahouse and rest for the next walk tomorrow.

After your breakfast in the morning, you will head out to Lobuche from Dingboche. The trek distance will be around 8.4 km (about 5.2 miles). On your way, you will view the backside of the glorious mountain Aba Dablam. The hike will up straight uphill and plains. After you reach Thuk-la you will feel up your energy with a warm lunch. After a brief lunch and rest, the walk continued in the steep path. On the way to the top, you will find the memorial to those who passed away on their adventure showing the utter determination to reach the top and the majestic nature of the Himalayas, it’s valor and beauty that lures many climbers to conquer them. After 4-6 hours of paced walking, your destination will be on your site.

We have another new day and the start of a new adventure where you will reach two new destinations. It is not difficult to reach the two places in a day. So, do not be overwhelmed by the thought of just walking cause the next day will be worth your trip to Nepal. It is a 4-5 hour of walk-in total today. You will witness many majestic beauties on the way to Gorak Shep. After your arrival at the frozen lakebed i.e. Gorak Shep, you will have your lunch that will boost your will to continue on your trek to Kala Patthar. You will see a panoramic view of Mount Everest and the final destination, your deliverable Everest Base Camp. The summit of the Kala Patthar will be the towering point on your 20 days of the journey. After you have taken in the precious moment then you will be back at your teahouse at Gorak Shep.

The 13^th day of your trip will bear you the fruit. This is the day when you will reach the final destination that you have just seen yesterday and thought of in your whole trip. You will have a hearty breakfast and head towards Everest Base Camp. As you will be filled with the joy of reaching the base of the highest mountain of the world, the excitement will not vanish but increase but be sure to have a paced walk and follow your guide throughout the unknown terrain due to the dunes that you can encounter.

The Everest Base Camp is the south base camp that is in Nepal. In the months of April and May, you will find it very lively with tents of the people who want to continue their ascent to Mount Everest. You can snap the moments there and enjoy your time before heading back to your teahouses at Gorak Shep.

Today you will start moving to the place where your journey started taking in all your memories with you. The place you will be heading is Pheriche, an easy 4-5 hour walk down. It is better to start descending early to avoid chills given by wind on the way. Pheriche has a rudimentary hospital overviewed by the Himalayan Rescue Association which can be visited from 3:00 pm onwards.

A new day begins which is a 2-3 hour of walk to Phortse through the village of Pangboche. Heading down you will feel more at ease as your breathing lightens and movement quickens. Reaching Phortse, a farming village, the views are great. In the lap of the mountains, this Sherpa village also offers wonderful mountain views and wildlife experience. The village is lush, surrounded by birch and juniper trees that shelter endangered musk deer and different varieties of pheasants. Peacocks, Himalayan Tahr, and bears are also spotted around the region every now and then. The very rare snow leopard found in the mountains has also been reported to be seen here. So, if luck favors, you can peek at them on your stay at Phortse.

Today we head back to the Sherpa town in the midst of the mountains. It’s 5-6 hours of a walk there. We head towards Sanasa through Phortsethanga, crossing Dudh Koshi river then down to Namche Bazaar. You can view the Mount Everest and surrounding peaks on descending.

Today is a long way back to Lukla (estimated time of 7-8 hours). You will stop at Phakding for lunch and observe familiar scenery waving bye and welcoming you again on your way to Lukla. Lukla is the borderline for your Himalayan journey but obviously not the end. You will then rest at your teahouse as your guides prepare for your safe flight back to Kathmandu.

You will be scheduled for an early flight back to Kathmandu as the weather is unpredictable and tends to be abnormal in the day. Delayed flight due to weather is not in our hands, but our team from Himalayan Planet Adventures will do our best for your safe and eased flight back. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be escorted back to your hotel by your guide or a representative of Himalayan Planet Adventures. You can recuperate from your long journey at your Hotel.

This is a day where you can enjoy yourself to the fullest in your own way in the city of Kathmandu. Instead of following anyone, you can roam on your own to various places in Kathmandu where you can find small to big temples on every corner or community grounds (Chowk). Also, you can go through Thamel markets for souvenirs to take back with you or rest in your hotel room. In the evening, you will be treated to farewell dinner by us as your last night in Nepal. If you have not yet sized your moments and captured most of Nepal as you desired, you can also make arrangements to extend your trip (with extra charges). 

Savor your breakfast in the morning and you may go for last-minute shopping. You will be taken to Tribhuvan International Airport via car for your departure flight. We hope that you enjoyed your experience to the fullest in Nepal with our organization as your attendant. We will be hoping to pioneer you through another adventure in Nepal.