Everest base camp trek ispopular trek in Nepal.
Everest Base Camp is more than just a trek. Everest base camp trek is a
phenomenon of following the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing
Norgay towards the highest peak of the world, “Mount Everest”. Not only
Everest base camp trek is the adventure walk but it is also the blend of
natural sightseeing and photographing around every bends of Sagarmatha
National park. Everest Base camp is an opportunity of amalgamating with
Sherpa heartland and fascinating culture while resting in locally run
teahouses. It is a chance to get an insight to Buddhism through ancient
vibrant monasteries. Everest Base camp trek is an exciting walk
acclimatizing in the thin air through colorful rhododendron forests,
roaring rivers, gigantic glaciers and enormous ice falls; and crossing
prayer flags swathed suspension bridges multiple times before we reach
the legendary viewpoint of Kalapatthar on the journey to Everest Base
Camp.
Our
Everest Base Camp Trek program starts with your
arrival, reception and transfer to your hotel on the first day. The
second day is spent on visiting UNESCO world heritage sites overflowed
with stupas, temples, monuments and medieval royal palaces. Real Everest
base camp trek starts on day third after a short adventurous flight to
Lukla. We start our walking through several Sherpa villages like
Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and finally reach
Everest Base Camp. We also visit Kala Patthar for beautiful
sunset/sunrise view over the Himalayan range. After striking the goal,
i.e. the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar we return back same route
buoyed by the buzz of having seen Everest at extremely close quarters.
Over the course we stop at Namche Bazzar and Dingboche for two nights
each for better acclimatization. Do not miss to hang around market in
Namche Bazzar, especially if its Friday or Saturday. Also visit to the
museum at Namche Bazzar, Khumjung village and Hillary Foundation School
is recommended. If you want to enjoy good Everest sight on your rest day
at Namche walk up to Everest View Hotel and snap beautiful photos. Keep
a look out for faunas while you are trekking from Namche to Tengboche.
Do not miss to pray at Tengboche monastery when you are at Tengboche. Be
careful not to miss watching the beautiful Ama Dablam on the way to
Dingboche. Snap a lot of photographs throughout the Everest Base Camp
trek, especially photographs of Khumbu Glacier, Mt. Everest and its
neighboring peaks are appreciated to be clicked from Kala Patthar.
You must not be professional athlete to embark
Everest base camp trek. Everest Base Camp trek is rather strenous trek but reasonable
fitness and ability to walk through steep gradients both up and down for
about average 4-6 hours a day (however, some days might need more hours
of walking, such as the day you reach Everest base camp) plus mental
commitment qualifies you to participate in Everest Base camp trek.
However, we recommend you to train for the challenge as a part of
Everest base camp trek preparation. Without training, you will find the
trek less enjoyable – and we want you to enjoy the Everest Base Camp
trek and have the time of your life!
Price Includes:
- Airport and hotel transfers as per itinerary in private vehicle
- Four nights twin sharing accommodation with breakfast in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
- Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu including temple/monument entry fees and private vehicle
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- Best available teahouse/lodge accommodation (twin sharing ) during
the trek (we provide rooms with private bathrooms and hot shower at
Phakding, Namche and Lukla)
- Staff– one professional, knowledgeable and friendly English speaking
trekking leader along with assistant guide (6 trekkers : 1 assistant
guide) and porters (2 trekkers : 1 porter) including their food,
accommodation, salary, equipment, transportation, and accidental
insurance
- Round trip flight Kathmandu – Lukla– Kathmandu including departure taxes
- Duffle bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket for use during the trek
- Icicles Adventure T – shirt, trekking map and trip achievement certificate
- First aid medical kit
- TIMS, National Park Permits
- All government taxes & office service charge
Price Excludes:
- Nepal visa arrangement (more on Nepal Visa Information)
- International airfares
- Excess baggage charges
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Added night/s accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival,
delayed departure, early return from mountain (due to any cause) than
the programmed itinerary
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the programmed itinerary)
- Alcoholic drinks and cold drinks
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, bar bills, laundry, battery
recharge, bottle or boiled water, hot shower, extra porters, etc)
- Personal equipments and clothing
- Tips for guides and porters (tip is expected but not mandatory)
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,338 m/4,390 ft).
As
you land at Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu, finish your
custom formalities (visa, etc.) and get to the airport waiting terminal.
You will find our representative waiting to greet you. He/she will be
holding Icicles Adventure Treks and Tour signboard. You will be then
transferred to your respective hotel in our private vehicle. Overnight
in hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu (1,338 m/4,390 ft): Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
After
breakfast we start a guided tour to several medieval and spiritual
sites in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of
Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists
shrine (BouddhaNath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world.
Later after sightseeing program, we will introduce you with your
trekking guide and have a small pre-trip meeting. You can also take an
opportunity to hire/buy any last minute trekking equipment or bargain
for your souvenirs at the many stores. You are advised to pack your
things and be set up for your actual Everest base camp trekking
adventure that will begin the next day. Overnight in hotel. (Breakfast
Included)
Day 03: Kathmandu - Lukla (2,800 m/9,184 ft) - Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft): 3 - 4 hrs
Wake
up at dawn and be ready for the adventure. We will usher you to
domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight.
After an adventurous 40 minute flight above the array of beautiful green
and white mountains, we arrive at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla
(2,800m/9,186ft), an entry town from where your Everest Base Camp trek
begins. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world
concluding in a dramatic landing site on a hillside surrounded by high
mountains peaks. In Lukla, we meet our additional crew members and do
some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous
village of Lukla, descend to Chaurikharka, head up the Dudhkoshi valley
until we reach Phakding. As we just land at the altitude of almost 3000m
today, to assist in acclimatization, we only have a short walk today.
Yet, if you are interested in additional activities you can take a side
trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in teahouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and
Dinner Included)
Day 04: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): 5 - 6 hrs
We
start our walk soon after breakfast. Today’s trek is exciting not only
due to few uphill and downhill walks but also because of crossing and
re-crossings of Dudh Koshi River and magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku
(6,608m/21,675ft) from the Benkar village. We cross more bridges and
reach Monjo. We get our trekking permits checked at the entrance of
Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. We tumble down and a gradual walk
brings us to Jorsale, the last village until Namche Bazaar. The walk is
enjoyable through the river bed and we reach Hillary Suspension Bridge.
As we climb up towards Namche Bazzar, magnificent sight of Kwangde Peak,
Kusum peak, Kangaru peak, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other
magnificent mountains greet us. We break at the Chautara to admire the
view. Finally, we reach the colorful village of Namche Bazzar, the main
trading village in the Khumbu. Overnight at teahouse (Breakfast, Lunch
and Dinner Included)
Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day
For
your successful Everest Base Camp trek, its essential that you get
acclimatized gradually. Namche Bazzar is an ideal place to spend a rest
day to acclimatize to the new altitude before heading off towards higher
elevation. It is recommend staying active and mobile during the
acclimatization day instead of resting in your lodge. If you trek a few
hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help you to properly
acclimatize. You can either spend the day exploring Namche Bazzar or
taking a hike to Thame or Khunde. Tucked away between two ridges amidst
the giant peaks of the Khumbu, Namche Bazzar is centre of Everest region
and has plenty of lodges, tea shops, souvenir shops, money exchangers,
government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, restaurants, bakeries, etc.
You can also even enjoy colorful market each Friday evening and
Saturday. You can visit Visitor Center near the headquarter of the
Sagarmatha National Park where you can observe an assortment of things
allied to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about
the various flora and fauna of the Sagarmatha National Park. You can
also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung, Syangboche airstrip
and Everest View Hotel, a Japanese build deluxe hotel which offers you
great views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and others.
Surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the scared
peak Khumbila, Khumjung hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti
scalp. You can also visit to Hillary School which is in the same
location. Overnight in teahouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 06: Namche Bazzar - Tengboche (3860m/12660ft): 5-6 hrs
Upon
breakfast in Namche, we set out towards Tengboche, enjoying superb view
of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam and close up
view of Thamserku. Our trek follows more or less smooth trail with few
ups and downs which will not bother us as the magnificent view of the
Himalayas keeps our company all through the journey. Along the way, we
can spot wildlife musk deer, a herd of Himalayan Thar and multicolored
pheasants. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path
eventually reaches Sansa, which is the major trail junction to Gokyo
valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through the pine
forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over the
Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a
couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After
having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga, we gear up for a slightly
tougher climb through the pine forests before we reach Tengboche.
Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Mt Ama Dablam, Mt
Nuptse, and Mt Everest, and it has the biggest Buddhist Monastery of the
Khumbu r egion. We pay our visit to the monastery the same day at
around 3 pm to witness the ceremony in the principal and popular
monastery of Everest region. Overnight stay at a lodge at Tengboche.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 07: Tengboche - Dingboche (4410m/14464ft): 5-6 hrs
This
part of the trek has a five hundred metres gain but it is a little more
gradual. Give a good lovely look to the Everest today morning because
you will not see Everest from your trial until you reach Gorekshep. We
set off and straight away through musk deer trail (the trail is called
so as plenty of musk deer is seen there among birch and rhododendron
forest) and the village of Deboche and descend down to the suspension
bridge over Imja Khola. This stage of the trek has Ama Dablam towering
over us on our right the whole time with the bluest of sky showing every
detail of this magnificent mountain. We pass through several Chortens
and Mani walls and small villages. You would better have a tea break at
Pangboche to enjoy the view of the most beautiful mountain on earth, Ama
Dablam while sipping your tea. After Pangboche, we spent most of the
day walking close to the river with a reasonable ascent towards the end
of the walk before arriving Dingboche. At this altitude 4410m the lack
of oxygen in your breath is normality. At Dingboche you will notice
there are no more trees around and the only vegetation present is small
spiny shrubs. While trekking in these parts you better watch where you
land your foot. There are stones and rocks everywhere and accidentally
kicking one really hurt. On arrival at Dingboche, we will see beautiful
array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and
potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight at
Dingboche. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 08: Dingboche -Acclimatization Day- Side trip to Nagerjun Hill (5100m/16728ft)
This
would be your second acclimatization day in course of your Everest Base
Camp Trek and you are suggested to stay active. To aid acclimatization
our guide will take you to climb Nagerjun (5100m), a hill located on the
edge of the Chhukung valley directly above Dingboche. The trail becomes
steep at times, resulting in a physically challenging day but the view
says – keep going. Ascending the hill takes about five hours. Taweche
(6367m), Cholatste (6335m), Lobuche (6119m), Awi Peak (5245m), Amphu
Gyabjen (5630m), Ama Dablam (6856m) seen from a different angle, Lhotse
(8516m) 4th highest peak, Nuptse (7861m), Island Peak (6189m), Mt Peak
38 (7590m), Makalu (8481m) 5th highest peak, Thamserku (6608m), Kangtega
(6685m) and Chola Tsho a lake at 4590m are just some of the named peaks
that surround us, and there are many unnamed peaks too that add
magnificence. The Pheriche Valley looks beautiful as well. After a short
rest, you start the descent back to Dingboche. Rest at your lodge after
lunch. Overnight in teahouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 09: Dingboche - Lobuche (4910m/16105ft): 5- 6 hrs
The
pathway ascends steeply out of Dingboche past a chorten and climbs the
valley gradually to Dugla. The mountain view on our left is spectacular.
We soon reach Dugla at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu
Glacier. From here we have a short, steep climb up to Chukpo Lari, a
beautiful, yet heart touching place where there is an array of memorials
in tribute to the climbers who died during Everest expedition. This is
an eerie place and as you take in these memorials you realize the
vastness of what Hillary and Tenzing achieved in 1951. From here we have
a beautiful vista of the peaks that are in the Nepal-Tibet border. We
move on and the trail eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuche
(4,910m) our next destination, a small settlement with a few teahouses.
We are now in the vicinity of Everest but the great mountain still
remains elusive. After a rest, walk around the place, be active and
don’t miss to watch the sunset over Nuptse. It’s a big day tomorrow
ultimate push to your goal, the Everest Base Camp. We know you are
excited! Overnight in teahouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 10: Lobuche - Everest Base Camp (5364m/17594ft) - Gorekshep (5181m/16994ft): 7-8 hrs
Today
is a great day on your Everest base cam trek as your desire of being at
Everest Base camp is going to be filled today. Actively wake up little
early as we have a long and grueling day ahead of us with a minimum of
eight hours net walking time. It starts with a three hours climb to
Lobuche Pass. Then after three and a half hour push to Everest base camp
which is an exhausting climb up. We walk past lateral moraine of the
Khumbu Glacier which is a tough path and when you stand still and quiet
you can occasionally hear cracking or scraping sound of the glacier
movement. Everest does not seem to get any nearer and by now we have
five of the world’s highest mountains in such a small area. We see crest
of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt.
Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. The trail ascends the side of
the glacier for a couple of hours before we finally drop onto the
glacial moraine itself. Not far to go now, the trail winds up and down
through fascinating ice seracs to Everest Base Camp. We do not get views
of Mt Everest but can see the notorious Everest Ice Fall that flows
from the Western Cwm. The Ice Fall is regarded as technically the
hardest and most dangerous section of the mountain. If its spring we
will see colorful tents that arises charisma in the gray surroundings.
By now we have met the ultimate objective of our trip. Spend some time
taking photos in the natural amphitheater. Trek back to Gorekshep takes
about another three hours. Overnight in Gorekshep. (Breakfast, Lunch and
Dinner Included)
Day 11: Gorekshep - Kalapattar (5545m/18188ft) - trek back to Pheriche (4210m/13809ft): 7-8 hrs
Today
is an0ther important day of your Everest Base Camp Trek. We are going
to conquer Kala Patthar today which provides the most assessable point
to view Mt Everest and the views are said to surpass the wildest
imagination. We start early in the morning to catch the outstanding
views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day striking on
Mount Everest. Kala Pattar (5,550m) is a small peak literally meaning
black rock, it appears as a big brown bump below the impressive Pumo Ri
(7,165m) and above Gorak Shep (5,140m). Kalapatthar offers splendid
views of the Mount Everest Panorama. During the ascent to Kala Patthar,
we take several breaks to catch our breath and to take pictures from
several outstanding view points. After about two hours of an ascent, we
reach Kala Patthar. We push ourselves to climb the rocky projection near
to the summit manifested by cairns and prayer flags. At the very top of
Kala Patthar is a small stupa and a weather station. Standing on top of
Kalapatthar can be an emotional experience for you. After enclosing as
many pictures as we like of the gorgeous Everest, its neighboring peaks
and as whole scenery, we trek down to Gorekshep. After having breakfast
at Gorekshep, we trek down back to Pheriche. Overnight in teahouse at
Pheriche. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 12: Pheriche-Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazzar (3,440 m/11,280 ft): 5 - 6 hrs
Today,
you might be feeling a lot better as you have spent a night at lower
altitude. You will feel better with gradual drop in altitude. Breathing
in is much easier. The journey today starts with quite a few metres drop
to the valley floor and we cross the Dudh Kosi river on our first
suspension bridge. As we descend the Dudh Kosi river is raging more and
more furiously with the joining of its tributary streams and the fact
that the temperature that has risen quite dramatically melt water making
the river to swell. The walk today is in the shadow of the pine trees
and rhododendrons bushes that line these well-trodden trails. Watch out
for faunas such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants,
etc too in these trails. After several ups and downs we come near by the
army camp at Namche Bazzar from where we take last look at the Everest
which will be no more visible ahead on this back trek. On reaching our
lodge at Namche, we take a nice hot shower that will help relief our
tired muscles. You will have a very relaxed sleep in one of the room
with private restroom in Namche Bazaar. Overnight in a lodge at Namche
Bazaar. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included))
Day 13: Namche Bazaar - Lukla: 6 - 8 hrs
Today
the trail goes steeply downwards, so we need to walk carefully having
control over our shaky legs. After again multiple crossings over the
prayer flags festooned suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh
Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. The
more we trek downwards the more we feel easier to breathe as the air
gets denser. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today.
Although we are following the same route down, we feel completely
different views with open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in
the distance snow covered peaks. Upon arrival in Lukla, stretch those
sore legs and summon up the experiences of the last couple of weeks.
Celebrate your successful and safe trek with your crew. Overnight in
guesthouse in Lukla. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu
The
early morning flight drops us in Kathmandu. Flights to Kathmandu are
usually scheduled for morning because wind can create problem to fly the
aircraft after noon. But sometimes the flight can be delayed and even
canceled due to bad weather and other reasons that are beyond our
control. You will be transferred to hotel in Kathmandu after arrival in
Kathmandu. You can rest in your hotel, could do some last minute
shopping and packing, or stroll around Thamel. Overnight in hotel.
(Breakfast Included)
Day 15: Contingency Day
Mountain
weather becomes unexpectedly bad sometimes that can affect the
Lukla-Kathmandu flight to be delayed and even canceled. An extra day
would help you to be in safe side from missing your flight back home. If
everything went smooth as planned, you can use this day for sightseeing
around Kathmandu UNESCO World Heritage sites. Overnight at hotel in
Kathmandu. (Breakfast Included)
Day 16: Final Departure
Today
your Everest Base camp trekking trip comes to an end. If you have more
time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours
before your scheduled flight a representative from Icicles Adventure
Treks and Tour will take you to the airport for your flight back home.
We hope Nepal has captivated you to come back again! (Breakfast
included)
