Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 days

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel (1,350 m).

  

  Welcome to Kathmandu, a city full of vibrant markets, lively streets, colorful temples, and large pagodas. Our guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to our hotel. For the rest of the day, you will have the opportunity to explore the shopping areas closest to your hotel and complete your equipment purchases. In the evening, our tour guide will give you a brief introduction and provide you with valuable information about the trek. At night, you will meet the rest of the group for a welcome dinner in a local Nepalese restaurant.

• day 2

  Day 2: Flight to Lukla (2,804 m) and trek to Phakding (2,640 m). Duration: 4-5 hours.

  

  After an early start, you will be picked up at the hotel by our guide, who will take you to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla lasts about 35 minutes, allowing you to enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas. After landing at Tenzing-Hilary airport, you will meet your porter, who will carry your luggage. You will then begin your journey with a relatively easy trek, passing by a Kani (ceremonial gate), before the trail descends and then leads above the village of Kyangma, with its large gompa (monastery) and its school. We then continue towards the village of Cheplung, where the trail crosses a community forest overlooking the Dudh Koshi river. After crossing the suspension bridge, we climb the ridge to Ghat and then pass by a school, as well as a complex of Mani walls, Chortens, and prayer wheels. After a short walk from Ghat, we reach Phakding. Overnight in a mountain lodge with an en-suite bathroom.

• day 3

  Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m - 11283 ft). Walking distance: 10 to 12 km, duration: 6 hours.

  

  Leaving Phakding behind you, you will hike north on a trail leading to Monjo. This small town is the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park, an officially protected area that takes its name from Mount Everest (called Sagarmatha in Nepali). The park is home to a stunning variety of Himalayan flora and fauna, and you will certainly enjoy trekking through sweet-scented evergreen forests made up of blue pines, deodars, and rhododendrons. As you go back and forth across the Dudh Koshi River, your trail passes by small villages called Tok Tok and Jorsale. After crossing one last suspension bridge at the junction of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers, you will climb for about two hours before reaching what is considered the unofficial capital of the Khumbu region: Namche Bazaar. You will spend the night in one of the town's many popular guesthouses. Overnight at Comfort Inn Namche lodge with attached bathroom.

• day 4

  Day 4: Acclimatization day - Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,962 m - 12,995 ft). Walking distance: 3 to 4 km, duration: 3 to 4 hours.

  

  Today is reserved for acclimatization: when you go up in altitude, it is important to let your body adapt to the lower amount of oxygen available in the atmosphere. Fortunately, there is plenty to see and do in the colorful commercial center of Namche Bazaar. First, you will be able to enjoy your first breathtaking view of Everest itself. Many neighboring peaks are also visible from the town, including the mighty Thamserku, the sprawling Kongde Ri massif, and the distinctive summit of Ama Dablam. Consider visiting the Sherpa Culture Museum to learn more about their living traditions; this will help you understand some of the cultural curiosities you will encounter along the trail in the coming days. Visiting the nearby Everest Photo Gallery can also inspire you for your own photos. After exploring these exhibitions, take a short hike to Syangboche Airport, just above the town. From there, you can take superb photos of Namche Bazaar from above, not to mention the wall of Himalayan peaks surrounding the town. Finally, be sure to visit the Everest View Hotel. It is considered the highest hotel in the world and offers, from every window, a breathtaking view of the mountain that bears its name. Overnight in a guesthouse in Namche Bazaar. Overnight at the Comfort Inn Namche hotel with en-suite bathroom.

• day 5

  Day 5: Namche to Tengboche (3860 m - 12,660 ft) Walking distance: 10 to 11 km, Duration: 5 hours.

  

  Today's hike begins at a leisurely pace. Leaving Namche Bazaar, your path winds upward through fragrant rhododendron forests and passes by peaceful Himalayan villages. Many trekkers consider this route to be the most picturesque section of the entire Everest Base Camp trek. You are truly in the mountains now: Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse are just a few of the stunning peaks that tower over the trail. You continue your hike by crossing the Imja Khola, a river that drains the slopes of Everest and is actually a tributary of the Dudh Koshi. Your destination for the day is at the point where the two rivers meet, at the spiritual center of the Khumbu: Tengboche. This village is best known as the site of the important Tengboche Monastery. It is the largest gompa you will visit during your trek, and it is a sublime sight to behold: flanked by pines and azaleas, with Ama Dablam as a backdrop, it is hard to imagine a more striking setting. Be sure to step inside to admire the exquisite murals and statues of the monastery. You will spend the night in a guesthouse in Tengboche. Overnight at the Comfort Inn Namche hotel with en suite bathroom.

• day 6

  Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche (4410 m - 14,464 ft) Walking distance: 11 to 12 km, Duration: 5 hours

  

  After enjoying a delicious breakfast in Tengboche, you will begin your morning hike by descending through forested hills towards the small hamlet of Deboche. You will cross a handful of suspension bridges over the Imja Khola before approaching the next notable settlement on today's route: Pangboche. This is a good place to rest and have a snack while enjoying the breathtaking view of Ama Dablam. When you are ready to continue, you will start climbing along a trail lined with prayer flags and mani walls. Mani walls are made up of many stone tablets, each bearing a Buddhist mantra, and must always be passed on the left. Continuing past the village of Orsho, you will eventually arrive at the small Sherpa village called Dingboche. Known as the region's "summer valley," Dingboche receives the monsoon rains in summer, which contributes to its agricultural livelihood. Check in at an Internet café or grab a bite to eat at one of the local bakeries before heading to your guesthouse, where you will spend the night. Today's breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

• day 7

  Day 7: Acclimatization day - Hike to Nagarjun Hill and return: walking distance: 5 to 6 km, duration: 4 to 5 hours.

  

  Now that you have reached altitudes above 4,000 meters, you will need more time to adapt to the thin air. Today's day is therefore reserved for acclimatization, but that does not mean you have to stay still. Just south of Dingboche, a steep hike leads to the top of Nagarjun Hill, from where you can get breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Lobuche, and Taboche. The trek to this rewarding viewpoint also offers a panoramic view of the entire Imja Khola valley. Once you have had your fill of sightseeing, return to Dingboche to discover its many guesthouses, restaurants, bakeries, and shops. Dingboche is also known for housing one of the highest pool halls in the world. For us, there is nothing more relaxing than unwinding with a cup of butter tea while admiring the solitary splendor of Imja Tse, the 6,189-meter mountain better known as Island Peak, which rises above the town. You will spend the night...

• day 8

  Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche (4910 m - 16,105 ft) Walking distance: 11 to 12 km, duration: 5 hours.

  

  After leaving Dingboche, today's hike takes you across wind-swept pastures and past the isolated huts of yak herders. As you head towards the small village of Lobuche, you will notice changes in the local terrain. The forests of the past few days are now clear, replaced by scattered shrubs as well as rocky and snowy meadows. Your route will allow you to catch sight of the well-known peaks of Lhotse and Ama Dablam, but there are even more mountains to identify from this point. Ask your guide to show you Lingtren, Pumori, and Khumbutse. Today's trek ends at Lobuche, a small village nestled in the shadow of the mountain that shares its name. Lobuche is composed almost exclusively of guesthouses, making it the ideal place to spend the night. It is essential to get a good rest in order to be ready for the hike to Everest Base Camp the next morning. Primaid or Hotel Alpine with shared bathroom.

• day 9

  Day 9: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,180 m), trek to EBC and overnight in Gorak Shep. Duration: 7-8 hours.

  

  We begin our trek to Everest Base Camp from the vast Gorak Shep. Along the trail, we pass by the memorials of the Indian Army mountaineers. At this point, the path can be confusing; it is therefore important to follow your guide. The thin air at this high altitude can be exhausting. We cross rocky dunes, moraines, and streams before reaching Everest Base Camp. From the base camp, you can admire some of the highest peaks in the world, which stand in stark contrast to the surrounding grayness, especially in spring. In front of us rise Khumbutse, Nuptse, and Pumori. We will then return to Gorak Shep. Overnight at the Himalayan hotel with shared bathroom.

• day 10

  Day 10: Hike to Kalapatthar (5,550 m) at sunrise and trek to Pangboche (3,900 m). Duration: 7 to 9 hours.

  

  Around 4 a.m., in the darkness of the day before yesterday and in cold temperatures (-10 to -14 °C), we begin our hike. It is common for cold winds to blow at this altitude. Imposing peaks, such as Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Changtse, rise before us to the east, while Everest is in view. It is only when we reach Kala Patthar (5,550 m) that we have a 360-degree view of Mount Everest. After enjoying the panoramic views and taking many photos, we will return to Lobuche, then to Pangboche for a good night's rest. Night at the Pumari Pheriche hotel with shared bathroom.

• day 11

  Day 11: Trek back to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) Duration: 5-6 hours

  

  From Pangboche, we retrace our steps by descending towards the Imja Khola, then climbing back up through the rhododendron forest to the monasteries of Tengboche. For some, this will be an opportunity to see the nuns performing their religious ceremonies at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch in Tengboche, we continue our trek through the hill covered with rhododendrons and colorful junipers. After crossing the bridge over the (milky) Dudh Koshi river, our trail continues through the Dudh Koshi gorge, descending quickly through pine forests before reaching Sansa. Along the way, we keep our eyes open to observe wildlife, such as mountain goats (Himalaya Thar), snow leopards, and colorful pheasants, while crossing the forest. After passing a Chorten, we reach the military camp of Namche Bazaar where we spend the night. Night at the Comfort Inn Namche hotel with en-suite bathroom.

• day 12

  Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2,804 m) Duration: 6-7 hours

  

  This is our last day of trekking before returning to our starting point in Lukla. This is the time to reflect on the unforgettable memories of our trek as a group and the achievement of our individual goals. A free afternoon allows you to relax and enjoy a hot shower! In the evening, we will celebrate the event by having a few drinks and dancing. Night at the Buddha Lodge Lukla hotel with en-suite bathroom.

• day 13

  Day 13: Return flight to Kathmandu; flight duration: 30 minutes.

  

  After our 13-day trek, we take a morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. After your arrival in Kathmandu, you can rest or go shopping. This is also the time to catch up on the visits you missed upon your arrival in Kathmandu. Our guides will continue to help you buy souvenirs or visit places. Tonight, we will have dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant and attend a traditional cultural dance show.