Mount Everest Base Camp Trek

The world’s highest mountain is calling you!

Mt. Everest in eastern Nepal is more than just the world’s highest mountain. The culture of the Sherpa people and the remoteness of the land with many peaks over 8000 meters call to all who are stirred by adventure!

The Everest Base Camp Adventure Trek is more than just alpine scenery. It begins at the ancient, mystical city of temples, Kathmandu. You will visit three of seven UNESCO world heritage sites. We then fly to Lukla to begin your journey eastward to reach Everest Base Camp (EBC). The journey passes through a number of eco-zones as you rise higher in elevation. The trek takes you through various Sherpa settlements with their monasteries as you majestic peaks that rise to meet the sky.

It is an adventure with our government-licensed, trained trekking guide. We schedule acclimatization days as your body adjusts to the thin Himalayan air. So book it today to experience a safe, memorable and delightful trip.

Duration: 20 days

Ratings: ¶¶¶¶¶

Group Size: Min. 2

Grade: Moderate

Destination: Nepal

Activity: Trekking in Nepal


DAY TO DAY ITINERARY FOR MT. EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

It may have been a long flight, but the adrenaline starts to pump through your veins as the plane descends into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Once you pass through passport control and get your luggage, you will meet your representative from Himalayan Planet Adventures and head to your hotel to freshen up after your flight. Once settled, enjoy meeting the staff and your guide at Himalayan Travel Adventure’s office where we’ll discuss the details of the trek as well as safety precautions for high elevation trekking. In the evening, we’ll go to a Nepali cultural program complete with traditional Nepali food.

Elevation: (4,592 ft / 1,400 m)

It’s time to immerse your-self in the unique culture of the Kathmandu Valley. Called The Nepal Mandala, the valley covers over 216 square miles nestled in the green hills that surround it. It is home to many ancient villages as well as seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will have the opportunity to visit three of the seven: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and the fabled city of Bhaktapur. Each site represents the religious culture of the valley. Pashupatinath is the holiest Hindu site in Nepal and one of the most important in the world. Boudhanath is the largest Buddhist Stupa in Asia and is the center for Tibetan refugees. The ancient city of Bhaktapur is known for amazing temples and its own royal palace. Return in the evening to rest and prepare for your journey to the east tomorrow.

Distance: 37.4 km

Duration: Max. 7 hrs

Visiting places: 3 World heritage sites

The early morning 30 minutes flight to Lukla in the east flies along the backbone of the Himalayas. Once you land, you begin a half day trek to the village of Phakding. You are now in the Khumbu region of Nepal, the traditional home of the Sherpa people. Trek 3 – 4 hours in this beautiful, well-watered green valley to reach our destination, crossing suspension bridges along the way. Once we check into our place of lodging, you are on your own to explore the village.

Elevation: (Lukla: 9,184 ft / 2,800 m) / (Phakding: 8,528 ft / 2,600 m) 

Distance: (Kathmandu – Lukla 138 km) / (Lukla – Phakding 7.8 km)

Duration: (Kathmandu – Lukla 30 minutes) / (Lukla – Phakding 3 hrs)

It’s not far to reach Namche Bazaar, but the seven mile journey will take us around 5 – 6 hours as we climb in elevation. Halfway there we enter Sagarmatha National Park. One mountain of interest along the way is Mt. Taboche (6,442 m/21,135 ft). This is one of many snowcapped peaks you will see along the way. Namche Bazaar is the capital of the Sherpa people. It is built into the hill like an amphitheater. It is a colorful village with many interesting shops that you will have time to explore tomorrow.

Elevation: (11,283 ft / 3,440 m)

Distance: (10.4 km) 

Duration: (5 hrs)

The high elevation of the Khumbu region requires that we spend a day resting to adjust to the thin mountain air. If we push too hard, the results are acute mountain sickness (AMS) which can be fatal. The best way to avoid AMS is to take acclimatization days. There is much to do today in Namche Bazaar, including exploring the town, visiting the quaint shops and seeing the Sherpa museum. 

We are climbing again as we make our way to the village of Thame. It’s a 4 -5 hour walk and mostly uphill. We are very close to the Tibetan border. In times gone by Thame village was a junction point where traders with yaks moved goods between Tibet and Nepal. At Thame is an ancient Buddhist monastery that we will explore once we’ve checked into our tea house for the night.

Elevation: (12,464 ft / 3,800 m)

Distance: (9.7 km) 

Duration: (4 hrs)

It’s higher and higher every day to reach EBC. We will pass through the village of Thamo to reach our destination of Khumjung. We trek upwards through ever decreasing vegetation to reach our destination, which takes around 4 – 5 hours. Khumjung Village is home of the Khumjung Hillary Hospital (built by Sir Edmund Hillary) as well as the Khumjung Monastery, a center of Sherpa culture and religion.

Elevation: (12,431 ft / 3,790 m)

Distance: (10.5 km)

Duration: (5 hrs)

Today Mt. Everest begins to really reveal herself. Part of the day is downhill to reach this wonderful village of Tengboche. We can see beautiful rhododendron forests below us, colorful birds and amazing alpine scenery. Tengboche is home of the largest Buddhist monastery of the Khumbu region and the views of the various Himalayan peaks are spectacular. We will spend the night here after a 4 – 5 hour trek.

Elevation: (12,661 ft / 3,860 m)

Distance: (5.8 km) 

Duration: (4 hrs)

The village of Dingboche is another milestone on your trip to EBC. We’re now above the tree line, affording us an uninhibited 360° panoramic view of the snowcapped peaks. We drop a bit in elevation to Pangboche, then it’s uphill again. The farmland is very poor, yet the Sherpa people manage to grow buckwheat, potatoes and carrots in this inhospitable climate. We pass stone walls as well as Mani-walls, which are those rock walls where the Sherpa’s have carved various sayings from Lord Buddha. We will spend two nights in the village. Again, travel time is 4 -5 hours.

Elevation: (14,465 ft / 4,410 m)

Distance: (10.8 km)

Duration: (5 hrs)

We’re reached another milestone in our elevation and this requires us to take another day to allow our bodies to adjust to the thinner air. We are now over 4000 meters. We will choose our activities today, which may even include hiking up to Nangkartsang viewpoint (16676 ft) or visit Chhukung village. We will enjoy our lunch looking down into the Dinboche or Chhukung Valley as per your hiking schedule. 

Elevation: (16,676 ft / 5,083 m)

Distance: (5.1 km) 

Duration: (3 hrs)

It’s not a long trek today, as Lobuche is around 8.4 km (5.2 miles) we don’t move fast as we want to enjoy the scenic alpine beauty. Also, the route is far from level as we ascend and descend along a steep path. We anticipate it taking 4 – 6 hours of paced walking to reach our destination. Enjoy amazing views of Mt. Ala Dablam, one of the highest peaks of the Khumbu region.

Elevation: (16,210 ft / 4,940 m)

Distance: (11.2 km) 

Duration: (4 hrs)

Our destination is close as we rise early and begin our trek. The journey today is rather level for Nepal. We reach Gorak Shep in around 4 – 5 hours where we find not only a frozen lakebed, but also our accommodations for the next two nights. We drop off our packs at the lodge at Gorak Shep to climb to the top of Mt. Kala Patthar. This is what is called a trekking peak and we easily ascend to the top. It is from here that we will have the most superb view of Mt. Everest in all of its glory, as well as the many snowcapped peaks that surround this massive mountain. We take time for pictures as well as to enjoy the view before returning to our lodge.

Elevation: (Gorakshep: 16,942 ft / 5,164 m) (Kala Patthar: (18,210 ft / 5,550 m)

Distance: (Lobuche to Gorak Shep: 4.3 km) (Gorakshep to Kala Patthar: 1.2 km one way)

Duration: (Total: 6 hrs)

This is the day! Today you will trek to the spot where those who will scale Mt. Everest start their ascent. Everest base camp (Height if Everest base camp is 17598 ft) is an awesome place where you will meet those hearty mountain climbers. We trek there and then back to Gorakshep, having achieved our destination.

Elevation: (17,598 ft / 5,364 m)

Distance: (3.5 km one way) 

Duration: (4 hrs)

We begin our return trek early so we avoid the strong afternoon winds that blow on the Khumbu region. We are dropping in elevation, moving toward the tree line at the end of today’s trek. There are plenty of outstanding views along the way.  The farms start to look more prosperous as we approach Pheriche for the night. We can explore the village, and see the rudimentary hospital that is managed by the Himalayan Rescue Assoc.

Elevation: (14,340 ft / 4,371 m)

Distance: (10.9 km) 

Duration: (5 hrs)

The journey is now taking us below the tree line where we will start to see a variety of wildlife including Mule, Deer, Bear, Pheasants and Thar. Occasionally one can see the shy snow leopard, but that’s not common. Still, we know they can see us. We will stay in the village after a 2 -3 hour trek.

Elevation: (12,959 ft / 3,950 m)

Distance: (9.3 km) 

Duration: (4 hrs)

Our return journey has taken a different path. We arrive back at Namche Bazaar after a 5 – 6 hour trek. We are dropping in elevation. We cross the Dudh Koshi River on a suspension bridge, then its downhill to Namche Bazaar. We will spend the night here, enjoying some really good food and a nice place to sleep.

Distance: (5.7 km) 

Duration: (4 hrs)

Going downhill means we can move a lot faster. What took us 1 ½ days is now trekked in a day. We cross through forests and over rivers where it is certainly easier to breathe. Our destination is the airport at Lukla where we will spend our final night in the Khumbu.

Distance: (18.2 km) 

Duration: (7 hrs)

We fly back to the Nepali capital to enjoy some free time. Rest at your hotel or walk about the city, exploring its narrow streets. Recuperate with a sense of victory in your hotel.

Himalayan Planet Adventures always schedules a free day in case we are delayed in our return flight from the Khumbu. The weather of the Everest region is unpredictable and sometimes our return flights are delayed a day. If we are able to fly back on schedule, then use this day to explore on your own the wonders that the cities and villages of this valley have to offer. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide.

Enjoy a hearty Nepali breakfast before heading back to the airport. Your representative of Himalayan Planet Adventures will take you back to the airport, assisting you on the way. Before you go, be sure to talk about other Himalayan Treks. We can offer you Bhutan, Tibet and northern India as well as more scenic places in Nepal. Inquire now for that return trip to the world’s last Shangli-La!