Overview
The Everest Base Camp trek is a classic trek which follows in the footsteps of Hillary & Tenzing and ends with an ascent of Kala Pattar for superb views of Everest. Kala Patthar is also known as black rock. Before reaching the Everest Base camp, the trail follows the Khumbu Glacier with huge ice pinnacles soaring to unbelievable height.
This trek starts with an exhilarating 35 minutes mountain flight into the airstrip at Lukla. From here you trek slowly upwards to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, following the valley of the Dudh Kosi river. It is not long before you glimpse your first view of Everest as it peeks above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. At this point it is still many days walk away, but with careful acclimatization it is not long before you find yourself high up in the heart of the Khumbu region. You visit Tengboche monastery en route before continuing on to your goal, an ascent of Kala Pattar, a rocky outcrop to the west of Everest. This vantage point gives fantastic views of the Ice Fall and South Col as well as the immense south-west face of Everest which was first climbed in 1975 by Chris Bonington's team. This is truly a classic trek, which undoubtedly gives one of the best mountain views in the world. Accommodation and food is provided in the local.
Short Itinerary
Day 01 : Kathmandu arrival (1300m). Overnight in Hotel.
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing. Overnight in Hotel
Day 03 : Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) trek to Phakding (2640 m.). O/N in trekking Lodge
Day 04 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) O/N in trekking Lodge
Day 05 : Rest day at Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) O/N in trekking Lodge
Day 06 : Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3867 m.) O/N in trekking Lodge
Day 07 : Tyangboche to Dingboche (4260 m.) O/N in trekking Lodge
Day 08 : Rest day at Dingboche (4260 m.) O/N in trekking Lodge
Day 09 : Dingboche to Lobuche (4930 m.) O/N in trekking Lodge
Day 10 : Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep (5160m.) O/N in trekking Lodge
Day 11 : Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and trek to Pherich (4243m.) O/N in trekking Lodge
Day 12 : Pheriche to Tyangboche (3867 m.) O/N in trekking Lodge
Day 13 : Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m ) O/N in trekking Lodge
Day 14 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.) O/N in trekking Lodge
Day 15 : Lukla to Kathmandu fly Overnight in Hotel
Day 16 : Free Day Overnight in Hotel
Day 17 : International Departure
**Trip Cost with breakfast throughout during Trek: GBP 699.00 or USD $ 1099 per person
**Trip Cost with all meals during Trek: GBP 888.00 or USD $ 1399 per person
Itinerary Detail
Day 01 : Kathmandu Arrival (1300m). Overnight in Hotel
Lumle Holidays representative will greet you in an airport and will transfer to your hotel. After the arrival, the group will be formally introduced to Guide for the activities over the next few days. One should pay attention in particular to the safety aspects of the briefing. Any questions or doubts should be asked and clarified at this time. We check your insurance details and other requirement for your trekking.
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing. Overnight in Hotel
After breakfast, we start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. Escorting by an English speaking guide be, try to give them a full taste of our vivid culture image and an enchanting manner of its people. In our sightseeing tour we go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar square.
Durbar Square: This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar square, protected as an UNESCO world Heritage site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also museums inside the palace building. There is an entrance fee of Rs.250 for foreign visitors. Your ticket to the Square entitles you to visit all the museums.
Swayambhunath, 6.5 kilometers west of Kathmandu, situated on a hillock, this 2000 years old Stupa is the world’s most glorious Buddhist shrine and is surrounded by several small pagodas. The main temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and is painted on the four sides with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
Pashupatinath, Dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the holiest and most famous Nepalese temple. Situated 5 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, it is an impressive pagoda style structure with gilt roof and richly carved silver doors. It has bathing and cremation ghats, which are of absorbing interest to the tourist, particularly in the mornings and on festival days.
Day 03 : Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) trek to Phakding (2640 m.). Overnight in Trekking Lodges
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) which takes about 30 minutes and trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640 m.) and it takes approximately three hours. You transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. It is a small town with an airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores. You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding.
Day 04 : From Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) .Overnight in Trekking Lodges
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) and it takes approximately five hours. The trail starts through a level path along the right bank. Thamserku looms skyward on the opposite bank. You cross a stream and climb the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route, to arrive at Bengar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. You continue along a path with many ups and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village of Monjo. Now you descend the path of stone steps and return to the right bank over a wooden bridge. After a short climb you come to Jorsale’s teahouse and hotel, also stop at the National Park Service where a park entrance fee is collected. After your departure from Jorsale you enter a forested mountainside. You follow a short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped valley where the river forks - the right is the Dudh Koshi and the left is the Bhote Koshi that leads to Nampa La. After short distance along the Bhote Kosi you begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazar. As the mountain path zigzags uphill, you will emerge at a ridge top rest area that offers excellent views of Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m.) The climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazar appears ahead as you travel along the path surrounded by pines. Pass the plateau where the Saturday bazaar is held and enter the village. Namche Bazar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Bhote Koshi. The village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.
Day 05 : Rest day at Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) .Overnight in Trekking Lodges
Rest day at Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) for acclimatization. Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization you walk upto Khhumjung where you can visit monastery. Khhumjung is densely populated by Sherpa community. You can also enjoy the splendid views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, Kwangde and so on. Or you can have an hour walk up to the Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There is also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. This museum exhibits Sherpa culture.
Day 06 : Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3867 m.) .Overnight in Trekking Lodges
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3867 m.) which takes about five hours. You leave the village for a climb to the top of a ridge and level mountain path that offers an excellent panorama of Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kangrib. To the right there is a steep cliff that drops down to the Dudh Kosi, faintly visible on the valley floor below. As you make your way around a branch ridge, Ama Dablam (6812m) Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse (7855m) and Tawoche (6501m) suddenly appear. After a gentle descent the mountain path ends; you will come to the fork leading to Gokyo. Now you descend past two tea houses and through the village of Trashinga. Though you cannot see it, you can hear the Dudh Kosi and soon you descend to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga. It is a long climb to Tyangboche; the first half is especially steep. As you climb through the forested zone, the incline eases and a splendid view appears. Continue climbing the mountainside diagonally until you come to the stone gate built by lamas which marks your entry into Tyangboche (3867m). You may use the large plateau in front of the splendid monastery as your campsite. There are a lodge and hotel managed by the National Park Service. Tyangboche is an important lookout point on this course, and the sunset on Everest and Ama Dablam is especially beautiful.
Day 07 : Tyangboche to Dingboche (4260 m.) .Overnight in Trekking Lodges
Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche (4260 m.) which takes approximately five hours. Leave Tyangboche and the Khumbu mountains as a backdrop-and descend a rhododendron covered area to emerge to a pleasant level area. Pass a long Mani stone wall to enter the village of Deboche. Go on to Minlinggo and leave the mountain path to cross over a suspension bridge to the left bank of the Imja Khola. Climb the mountain path while looking up at Ama Dablam and Kantega (6779m) as they appear on the opposite bank. Ascend the chorten-lined route, come to a fork, the upper path passes Pangboche and a monastery, take the lower path to Pangboche Olin and its stone wall-enclosed potato field. Pass through the village and cross a stream to a path skirting a rocky area to terraced hills along the riverbank. The trails climb slowly, winding above the Imjatse River, to a big Mani Stupa. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse with views of the eastern snow-capped mountains including the Island Peak or Imjatse (6,189m) Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.
Day 08 : Rest day at Dingboche (4260 m.) .Overnight in Trekking Lodges
Rest day at Dingboche (4260 m.) for acclimatization. This is a remarkable acclimatization day. There are some breathtaking views of the North face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as you explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak. The walk is short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon. You have another option as you can hike upto Chhukum. From here you can enjoy the panoramic view of Island peak, Ama Dablaml, Makalu, Tawoche peak and others. On the same day you come back to Dingboche and have rest.
Day 09 : Dingboche to Lobuche (4930 m.) .Overnight in Trekking Lodges
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4930 m.) which takes about five and half hours. The onward journey leads north for up to 50-minutes until you come to a mani-prayer Stupa. The trail is gentle looking down to Pheriche village below. Today's walk offers views of the Mt.Tawache, Ama Dablam and to the north-Pokalde (5741m) Kongma-tse (5820m) and the great wall of Nuptse. After two hours walk, the trail from Pheriche joins near Dugla (4595m) before a small wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier. Stop at Dugla, for lunch, before continuing for an hour up a steep hill to the top, where there are views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. After a short break, continue trekking up to Lobuche, hidden and sheltered from the wind.
Day 10 : Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep (5160m.). Overnight in Trekking Lodges
Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep (5160m.) and it takes about seven hours. Trek up the valley following the rocky moraine path, view icy glacial pond and icebergs down below of Khumbu glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a short downhill walk brings you to Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar (5545m) and Mt. Pumori (7145m.) Gorakshep is the location of the original Everest Base Camp with the new camp being further up the valley. Now the trail winds through rocky path and Khumbu glacier. The view of Nuptse, Lho-La and Khumbutse appear at the front of you. Sometime the avalanche can be seen on the way. After a great moment, you retrace back passing through Khumbu glacier with magnificent views of Lobuche, Cholatse, Mt. Pumori and Tabuche.
Day 11 : Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and trek to Pheriche (4243m.) .Overnight in Trekking Lodges
Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and trek to Pheriche (4243m.) and it takes about six hours. Early morning climb to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and enjoy the view of sunrise. From Kala Patthar you can have a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and many other mountain peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku and many more. Pheriche is the place where one can make phone calls to any part of the world. You can see the mountain Yaks in Pheriche. Yaks are normally regarded as the porters in this area. The town of Pheriche is known as windy town. There you can see the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. There is located Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post and foreign volunteer doctors are to provide medical treatment to trekkers as well as local people.
Day 12 : Pheriche to Tyangboche (3867 m.) . Overnight in Trekking Lodges
Trek from Pheriche to Tyangboche (3867 m.) which takes approximately four hours. You can enjoy a morning visit to the research center. Then, trek back to Tyangboche, an easier descent passing through rhododendron forest. It is a small village with a famous monastery offering you the splendid view of Ama Dablam, green hills and river views.
Day 13 : Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m ) . Overnight in Trekking Lodges
Trek from Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m ) which takes about four and half hours. The walk from Tyangboche is mostly downhill on the main busy trail with a few steep climbs for an hour from the bridge at Phungitenga, near to Shanasha. The walk to Namche is very scenic on a long winding path. En route you will visit traditional villages of Khumjung and Khunde. There is an opportunity to visit one of its monastery, the only monastery that has a Yeti Scalp. From Khumjung village another 30 minutes’ walk brings you to the village of Khunde, where you can visit the Khunde Hospital funded by Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. After Khunde, a scenic and pleasant walk brings you to Namche for the overnight.
Day 14 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.) .Overnight in Trekking Lodges
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.) and it takes about five hours. The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay.
Day 15 : Lukla to Kathmandu fly Overnight in Hotel
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 16 : Kathmandu free day of your own. Overnight in Hotel
This is the free day and you can use it for your shopping. In the evening we will drive you for farewell dinner with cultural dance.
Day 17 : Final Departure.
All too soon it's time to bid Nepal farewell and one realizes that we can never be intimate, only acquainted with this amazing adventure Himalaya.
Cost Includes
» Welcome in Airport by garland
» Airport Pick up & Drop of Transportation by non a/c private vehicle
» Two bed accommodation at Kathmandu in 3 star or eqv standard hotels with breakfast
» Sightseeing in Kathmandu Escorted with English Speaking Guide by non a/c vehicle
» Kathamandu / Lukla / Kathamandu flight for Clients and guide
» Accommodation in tea house during trek
» All meals during throughout the trekking
» Everest trekking map for group
» All necessary paper work & Permits
» National Park Fee
Cost Excludes
» International Airfare
» Nepal Visa fee (US$ 40 per person for 30 days)
» Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage charges
» Lunch/Dinner in Kathmandu
» Medical evacuation in case of emergency by helicopter or overland
» Entrance fee
» Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
» Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance
» Soft/hard drinks
» Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as per actual
Reviews
By Sunil and Dilan Lakhani
Date: 28th Apr, 2012
An amazing trip, superb service from the outset, myself and my 15yr old son embarked on this trip with some trepidation. It was well organised and our guide and the manager were excellent. The itinery was set out in a manner so as to allow aclimatisation and rest thereby enabling completion without exhaustion. We started the trek with our guide as an acquaintance but finished as part of the Lumle family. Well worth going and a great company to go with!!!!
Sunil and Dilan Lakhani
United Kingdom
By Evgenia Tomlin
Date: 26th Mar, 2012
I had an exceptional holiday and I am glad to have chosen Lumle Holidays Company. Although they’re a small travel company, they will give you the personal assistance at a very reasonable price, which big companies cannot give. They will take care of you from the moment they meet you to the moment you go home. I cannot thank enough Narayan, Narendra and all Nepali staff for their excellent service.
Evgenia Tomlin, United Kingdom
By Steve & Tracey Davies
Date: 18th Mar, 2012
What a fantastic trip, a big thank you to all the staff at Lumle Holidays for their dedication and providing us with an excellent holiday. From the very start when we made the initial inquiry to the flight back home, everything went smoothly.
Everyone was extremly freindly and helpfull at all times. When we made the initial enquiry with Lumle we were a little suspicious because their price was far cheaper than other companies. However, this proved to be nothing to worry about because the service we received was second to none at a very good price. Thanks to Narayan for the excellent booking service and a big thank you to Narendra and his team for all their efforts in making us feel very welcome in Nepal.
Steve & Tracey Davies, United Kingdom
By Matt
Date: 5th Jan, 2012
Hi Narayan,
Sorry for the late reply.
Well what can I say, what an amazing trip you organised for us!. The trip itself and the way your company dealt with us was above and beyond what we expected.
We were extremely impressed with the personal care we got from everyone, they are a real credit to your organisation. Narendra met us the first night and made it clear all we needed to know for our trip. He was also great afterwards as he helped us organise our day trip. Harka (and our porter) were simply exceptional. Harka was an excellent guide, very informative and fun. He really couldn't do enough for us, and above all he is just a lovely guy. He helped keep up morale with his smile and energy during the tough parts of the trek. He was extremely caring of me whilst I was ill, and even helped carry my bag for me whilst I was weak on my worst days. He bought us some amazing gifts for xmas and came to our hotel to give them to us, which frankly was amazing and a lovely touch. We were so grateful to him, he really made our trip. Even on our day trip around Kathmandu BJ was also excellent. Very knowledgeable and he made the day very tailored to us which was great. I especially enjoyed seeing the amazing palace and wood carvings in durbar square.
Overall I would just say keep doing exactly what you are doing. I am genuinely struggling to find constructive criticism. Only thing I would say is it would be nice to have been met at the airport with better transport, we had an old car take us to the hotel. Other than that I really can't fault our trip at all. I can only thank you for providing us with great people and a great experience that we will never forget.
I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending you to other people.
Thanks again,
Matt
By Mr & Mrs David Rhodes
Date: 3rd Jan, 2012
David Rhodes and Christina Rhodes successfully completed Everest Base Camp organised by Lumle Holidays in Dec 2011.
Our Customer Relationship Manager approached them to know their experience from the trip upon their return. We were delighted to hear that, they had amazing experience from their trip.
By Andy Rickett
Date: 3rd Jan, 2012
Andy and Matt completed Everest Base Camp organised by Lumle Holiday in Dec 2011. We are delighted to hear that, they had amazing experience from the trip. Below is the message arrived via email.
"Again I wish you a very happy new year, and thank you so much for such a fantastic trip."
Kind regards,
Andy
By John
Date: 20th Sep, 2011
Superb trek. One must do in lifetime. Great experience at tea house. Well done to Lumle Holidays for organising this trek for us. Very professional from the beginning, hospitable Nepalese staff. Cheers, John