Goto Everest Base Camp Trekking

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)