EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, your Summit Expedition team leader will be waiting for you and we will transfer to our hotel in Kathmandu.

After welcome refreshments, we will conduct a short briefing about the trek and do a final a kit check, with the option to rent any items in Kathmandu.

In the evening, we will enjoy a traditional welcome dinner before getting some rest , ready for an early start the next day.

After an early breakfast, we transfer to Kathmandu Airport for our morning flight to Lukla.

This 35-minute flight provides a magnificent entry to the trek. The highlights include the snow line of the Himalayan Range in the north and the final rugged landing at Lukla airport, which is said to be one of the most spectacular flights in the world.

We will start trekking as soon as we arrive at Lukla (2,860m) and today’s trek is an easy one that descends to the river at Phakding (2,652m). We will arrive at Phakding after a few hours, where we will stay overnight.

Sleeping: Local Teahouse

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Max altitude: 2,860m

Today we follow the trail on the left bank of the Dudh Kosi River. It will be a pleasant walk in the morning as we pass through the countryside and small wayside villages. Just before lunch, there is a steep climb of about 20 minutes to arrive at Monjo.

After lunch, we have our permits checked and enter the Sagarmatha National Park (Everest National Park). We then pass through several small villages and beautiful pine forests. Almost at the halfway point, we enjoy our first views of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,879m) and Lhotse (8,383m) – the big three.

Soon we arrive at a gate with a sign reading “Welcome to Namche Bazaar” but it is very misleading as it takes another 20 minutes to arrive at the main town. This prosperous town is the largest in Khumbu. Mt. Thamserku and Kwangde Ri loom along the east and west of the town. The sacred mountain Khumbila dominates the skyline along the west.

Sleeping: Local Teahouse

Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Max altitude: 3,440m

The trail takes us from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m).

In the morning, we trek to the Dudh Koshi River and stop for lunch at Phunki Thanga (3,200m), which is next to several large water-driven prayer wheels.

The afternoon is spent climbing slowly on a steep trail to the Tengboche Monastery. The Tengboche Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in the Khumbu Region

Sleeping: Local Teahouse

Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Max altitude: 3,860m

Today, we rise early to the enchanting bells of the monastery. After this spiritual experience, we will explore the sanctuary and then continue our journey crossing the suspension bridge and walking alongside the Imja River.

We pass through the settlements of the Tengboche before arriving at Dingboche (4,360m). The majestic views of the snow-clad mountains, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Island Peak, are another prime attraction of this trek. Finally, we will rest for the night in the teahouse.

Sleeping: Local Teahouse

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Max altitude: 4,360m

Today we trek to Lobuche at 4,940m.

We start with a very steep ascent for about 1 hour to the ridge where there is a Sherpa memorial in remembrance of those brave mountaineers who died during expeditions. We also pass the memorials of Rob Hall, Yasuko Namba and others who perished during the Mt. Everest disaster of 1996.

We reach the Lobuche teahouse where we will spend the night.

Sleeping: Local Teahouse

Trekking time: 6-7 hours

Max altitude: 4,940m

Rising early, we will start trekking from Lobuche to Gorakshep. Gorakshep is a beautiful settlement and the highest settlement in the region before Base Camp. The gentle hill climb will take around 2 to 3 hours.

After having lunch, we will continue our trip to Everest Base Camp. The trek section gets quite challenging but after arriving at the base camp of the highest mountain in the world we see it is worth the effort.

After spending some time at Base Camp and observing the famous landmarks of the region, including the Khumbu Icefall and glacier, we will return to Gorakshep.

In the evening, we will celebrate this incredible achievement with a celebration dinner.

Sleeping: Local Teahouse

Trekking time: 7-8 hours

Max altitude: 5,360m

You will notice when up in the Base Camp that Everest is not completely visible. Hence today we trek to Kalapathar walking on undulating terrain for about 2 hours. We will have the best view of Mount Everest, Nuptse and Changtse with a little of Lhotse from here.

Once we’re done relishing the mountains we trek back to Gorak Shep and then descend to Pheriche. Pheriche is another beautiful valley surrounded by rocky hills and mountains.

Sleeping: Local Teahouse

Trekking time: 7 hours

Max altitude: 5,545m

Today we trek back to Namche Bazaar.

Again by following the Dudh Koshi river. We cross the suspension bridge and pass via rhododendron and the pine forests until we reach Namche Bazaar.

Sleeping: Local Teahouse

Trekking time: 6 hours

Today we trek back down to the small airstrip at Lukla.

After a long hike of 6-8 hours, we will reach Lukla where we will overnight.

Sleeping: Local Teahouse

Trekking time: 6-8 hours

In the morning we take the flight back to Kathmandu.

Once we’ve returned to the hotel, you will have the afternoon to explore Kathmandu before returning to celebrate our achievements with a big celebration dinner.

For those departing Nepal, transfers will be arranged to Kathmandu International Airport, where we will say goodbye. . . at least until the next expedition!