"Sherpa villages, home of the world's highest Buddhist monasteries and the highest peaks on Earth". The Everest Base Camp Trek is probably the most famous in the world - and deservedly so. It's taken millions of years and unimaginably powerful forces to create this mountain range; the Himalayas is literally what happens when continents collide. It's even so vast that it's changed our global climate system - and nowhere is it more spectacular than the Everest region.
Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek
Day 01
Arrive in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, we will greet you at the airport and accompany you to the Hotel Shanker or similar standard hotel. There will be time to rest and take in this vibrant city's energy, before a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese Restaurant.
Day 02
Kathmandu:sightseeing and trek preparation
The day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual attractions; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and Buddha Nath, one of the largest stupas in the world. In the afternoon there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your trek leader and other team members, as well as ask any questions you may have about the upcoming adventure.
Day 03
Kathmandu - Lukla (40 min flight) - Phakding; 3-4 hour trek (Trekking times only; stops not included)
After an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) and final preparations, the trekking starts. From Lukla you'll pass Chaurikharka village and make a descent towards the Dudhkosi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the bank of the Dudhkosi River until camp at Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) is reached. To assist acclimatization, this first day is short.
Day 04
Phakding-Namche Bazaar: 5-6 hour trekking
The trail crosses Dudhkoshi River over a long suspension bridge and then leads you along the river to Hilary's Suspension Bridge. Then the trail climbs further from here to Namche Bazaar.
Day 05
Namche Bazaar: Rest day
This is the first of the two scheduled 'acclimatization' days. You can spend it taking a day hike to Thame, visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. It's the main centre of the Khumbu region and has shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Saturday.
Day 06
Namche Bazaar- Khumjung: 4 hour trekking
Today's route starts by climbing up to the Shyangboche airstrip. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. Overnight in Khumjung (3,810m/12,500ft).
Day 07
Khumjung-Tengboche: 4-5 hour
From here the trail will descend slightly to Dudhkoshi at 3250m. Then a steep ascent will bring you to the famous Tengboche Gompa, with its stunning background of Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest and other peaks.
Day 08
Tengboche-Dingboche: 5-6 hour
There's a slight descent early today through lush forest, before the gradual climb up to the valleys highest year round settlement of Pangboche (3,860m/12,664ft). Continue ascending in the afternoon through alpine meadows and yak herds, eventually reaching Dingboche.
Day 09
Dingboche: Rest Day
The second acclimatization day will be spent at Dingboche. As at Namche Bazaar, there is a side-trip planned from Dingboche, or you can rest. The side trip will wind up the valley to Chhukung for sensational views.
Day 10
Dingboche-Duglha: 3-4 hour
Today is a climb to Duglha (4,620m/15,158ft) where we will stay overnight to complete acclimatization. From here there are stunning views of Tawachee and Cholatse (64440m).
Day 11
Duglha - Lubuche: 2-4 hour
The trail goes from Duglha directly up to the Khumbu Glacier for an hour, then left into the memorial area before reaching the village of Lubuche (4,930m/12,894ft). By this stage the effects of the altitude will be kicking in and you can expect colder nights.
Day 12
Lubuche-Gorak Shep: 2-4 hour
The trail continues climb to Gorak Shep. It takes a couple of hours to walk up to the famous viewing point of Kala Pattar (Black Rock) at 5,545m/18,192ft; this small peak offers the best views of Mt. Everest, Pumori and Ama Dablam you can get without climbing. Overnight in Gorak Shep (5,160m/16,929ft).
Day 13
Gorak Shep-Everest Base Camp- Lubuche: 6-7 hour
This day leads you finally to the Everest Base Camp (5,357m/17,575ft) walking through rocky and glacial trails where climbers gather for summiting Everest. Continuing the trek we'll return to Lobuje (4930m/12894ft) for overnight.
Day 14
Lubuche-Pangboche: 5-6 hour
The trek retraces halfway back and lunch at Pheriche. Finally the trek ends at Pangboche (3,860m/12,664ft), which lies on the bank of Imja Khola.
Day 15
Pangboche- Namche Bazaar: 5-6 hour
Now the trail retraces the same way back, stopping at Tengboche. During the November-December full moon the colorful Mani Rimdu festival is held here with much singing and dancing. Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3,400m/11,286ft).
Day 16
Namche Bazaar- Phakding: 5-6 hour
Today the trail steeply descends to the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then continues on an easy natural trail. Overnight in Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft).
Day 17
Phakding-Lukla: 3-4 hour
And finally today the trail will lead you back to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft). On arrival in Lukla you will have time to relax, stretch those sore legs and celebrate the completion of your trek.
Day 18
Lukla- Kathmandu
After an early morning flight to Kathmandu, you'll head to your hotel. Today is a well-earned day to put up your weary feet and gratefully rediscover all of civilization's perks. You could catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights missed during your first day in Kathmandu. Finally there'll be an evening celebration dinner together.
Day 19
Farewell Friend
Today the journey comes to an end. There's nothing to do but trade emails with your new friends, organize all your photos and finally depart from Nepal. Or get ready for the next adventure
Important Note and Optional Activities: Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier Trekking. Please note that your trek leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Our every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, however as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, the health of member can all contribute to changes the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary. Your leader will accompany you on all scheduled activities. During your trip you will have free time to pursue you own interests. Your trek leader will assist you with information about your options but please note that any additional activities you undertake are not part of the HGT itinerary and HGT makes no representation about the safety of the activity. Please use your own good judgment when choosing optional activities in your own free time.
Trip Cost Includes
All domestic flights and hotel/airport transfer
All accommodation and meals during the trip
All costs for leaders, Sherpas, assistant trek leaders and porters; including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and lodging
Deluxe Shanker Hotel or similar standard hotel in Kathmandu
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
All ground transport in private vehicles
Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bag
Welcome and farewell dinner
All necessary paper work and permits.
A comprehensive medical kit
Portable Altitudes Chamber (PAC) for safety measures.
All government and local taxes
Himalayan Glacier kit bag
Trip Cost Does Not Include
Visa fees
Airfare to and from Kathmandu and airport departure taxes
Excess baggage charges
Lunch & evening meals in Kathmandu.
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills or extra porters)
