Nepal: 18d Everest Base Camp Trek

Day to day schedule to Nepal: 18d Everest Base Camp Trek

• Day 01: Arrival

  On your arrival our representative will greet & warmly receive you and assist you to transfer to the hotel. After having some refreshment,we will meet in the office and briefly discuss the last-minute specifics of the trek.

  Overnight in 3*/ 4* Hotel in Kathmandu
  Included standard meals (Welcome Dinner)

• Day 02: Fly to Lukla(2860m/ 9383 ft) and trek to Phakding (2,652m/ 8372 ft)

  Flight Hour: 30 minutes
  Trek distance: 7 km (4.34 mile)
  Trek Hour : 3-4 Hours
  Maximum Height: 2652 m (8372 ft)

  After breakfast, we get transferred to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,860m), a gateway destination from where our trek starts. After an adventurous 30 minute flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Here we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery.

  Overnight stay at Lodge (room with attached bathroom)
  Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

• Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/ 11,285ft)

  Trek distance7.4 km (4.6 mile)
  Trek Hour:6 Hours
  Maximum Height: 3,440m (11,285 ft)

  Walking through a beautiful pine forest, the track leads us along the Dudh Koshi River through many suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. First, we catch wonderful prospect of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618 m). Through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We pass through the last village of Jorsale before reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail climbs through the forests and bridges until we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. After a final steep ascent of about two hours we get first sight of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We stop at Chautara to admire the view. We still need to hike about 1.5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar, a gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region.

  Overnight stay at Hotel (room with attached bathroom)
  Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

• Day 04: Rest day in Namche Bazaar

  This is the scheduled ‘acclimatization’ day for this trek. Health experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day hike and relaxing and exploring hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. Our guides will take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region.
  We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung. We climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If we trek a few and the sacred peak Khumbila, hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We also visit Hillary School which is at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, we walk back down to Namche Bazzar.

  Overnight stay at Hotel (room with attached bathroom)
  Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

• Day 05: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m/ 12,664 ft)

  Trek distance: 5.9 km (3.6 mile)
  Trek Hour 6 Hours
  Maximum Height: 3,860m (12664 ft)

  After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek towards Tengboche enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows on the gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild lives like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. 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 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 then have a little tough climb steep up through the pine forests while before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has a biggest Buddhist Monastery all over in Khumbu region. We visit the monastery the same day at around 3 p.m. to witness the ceremony in the principal and popular monastery of Everest region.

  Overnight stay in Lodge
  Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

• Day 06: Trek to Dingboche (4,360m/ 14,300 ft )

  Trek distance: 9.1 km (5.6 mile)
  Trek Hour: 6-7 Hours
  Maximum Height: 4,360m (14,300 ft)

  We start our trek from Tengboche to our next destination. Mountains as a backdrop, the monastery in Tengboche looks spectacular more in the morning. We snap pictures of the monastery and the sceneries around and as usual start the day journey. We choose the upper trail for better views to visit Pangboche village and its ancient Monastery. We pass through several Chortens and Mani walls and small villages. We enjoy lunch with fantastic close-up views of Ama-Dablam.
  In the afternoon, go north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Ama Dablam. From here onwards the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley ahead will begin to open up as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River, we descend into the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche On arrival in Dingboche, we enjoy the beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect the barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.

  Overnight stay in Lodge
  Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

• Day 07: Rest and hiking to Chukung ri(5546 m /18195 ft) and back to Dingboche

  Hike distance: 4 km (2.5 mile)(one way)
  Hike Hour: 2-3 Hours approx. (one way)
  Maximum Height: 5,546 m (18,195 ft)

  From Dingboche, the trail gradually ascends for about 3.1 miles or 5.3 kilometers to reach Chukhung. Chukkung Ri (5546 meter) is a rocky peak located near the village of Chhukung in the Everest Region of Nepal. It offers breathtaking views of Imja Tse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Nuptse. One thing is that you can’t see Mount Everest from Chhukung Ri, this is why it’s not as crowded as Kala Pattar and Gokyo Ri.

  Overnight stay in Lodge
  Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

• Day 08: Trek to Lobuche (4,940m / 16,200 ft)

  Trek distance: 8.4 km (5.2 mile)
  Trek Hour: 6 Hours
  Maximum Height: 4,940m (16,200 ft)

  Beyond Duglha we trek up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We find our way through the boulder-strewn slope as we ascend Chupki Lhara, an eerie ridge top with dramatic mountains views. At the top of the ridge we will find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10 times Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (mountain guide from Nepal) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves right “in front of” several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. We are now in the vicinity of Everest but the great mountain still remains hidden. Nuptse towers to the right as the trail crosses the Khumbu Glacier. As we trek along a murmuring stream we do not see the Khumbu glacier because of its lateral moraine wall and we now begin to feel a little out of breath due to high altitude.

  Overnight stay in Lodge
  Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

• Day 09 Trek to Gorak Shep (5170 m/16960 ft) to Everest Base Camp (5380 m / 17,650) and back to Gorak Shep

  Trek distance: 11 km (6.8 mile)
  Trek Hour: 8/9 Hours
  Maximum Height: 5380m (17,650 ft)

  The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass though the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, etc. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world – Mount Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep. Lake and return back to Gorak Shep.

  Overnight stay in Lodge
  Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

• Day 10: Morning to Kalapather(5644m/ 18520ft) and trek to Diboche (3900m/ 12,795 ft)

  Trek distance: 17 km (10.5 mile)
  Trek Hour: 9 Hours
  Maximum Height: 5644m (18520ft)

  This day is the climax of our trip. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning; there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding view points to snap pictures. After several hours of an ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. From here we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar rocks our eyes taking in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we can with our camera and take the in view with our mind’s eye to last lifetime. On being back to Gorak Shep, we have breakfast and continue trek to Deboche.

  Overnight stay in Lodge
  Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

• Day 11: Trek to Tenboche (3800 m / 12,460ft)

  Trek distance: 8.5 km (5.2 mile)
  Trek Hour : 5 Hours
  Maximum Height: 3800m (12,460 ft)

  This day is easy to trek, downhill through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it’s spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings.

  Overnight stay in Lodge
  Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

• Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazzar (3,440m/ 11,285 ft)

  Trek distance: 9.1 km (5.7 mile)
  Trek Hour: 6 Hours
  Maximum Height: 3440m (11,285 ft)

  After breakfast, we start our trek, we walk about one hours all the way down to the river then uphill with crossing the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction in the region. We stop at Kyangjuma (3570 m) for a relaxed lunch. We unknowingly appreciate the gorgeous Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse with every bite. Following lunch, the trail to Namche Bazaar clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. We keep a lookout for wild life such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while we pass through the forest by the trail. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at of Namche Bazaar. We want to take a long last look (and picture!) back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche from here. On reaching our lodge, we take a nice hot shower and have very relaxed sleep in our room in Namche Bazaar.

  Overnight stay in Lodge
  Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

• Day 13: Trek to Phagding (2,652m/ 8372 ft)

  Trek distance: 7.4 km (4.5 mile)
  Trek Hour: 5 Hours
  Maximum Height: 2,652m/ 8,372 ft

  The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing DudhKoshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. By today we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this charming mountain air to Phagding.

  Overnight stay in Hotel (with attached bathroom)
  Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

• Day 14: Trek to Lukla ( 2850m/ 9383 ft)

  Trek distance: 7 km (4.3 mile)
  Trek Hour: 4 Hours
  Maximum Height: 2860m/ 9383 ft

  After breakfast ,we start trek same route down, we feel completely different views, we snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages’ noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages. On arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smile on their faces.

  Overnight stay in Hotel (with attached bathroom)
  Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

• Day 15: Flight to Kathmandu (1400m / 4,593ft) and transfer to hotel

  Flight Hour: 30 minutes

  After having breakfast, we will fly back to Kathmandu which will take 30 minutes to arrive in Kathmandu and you will transer to your respective Hotel.

  Overnight stay in 3* / 4* Hotel
  Included standard meals (Breakfast)

• Day 16: Free day in Kathmandu

  On this day, you can explore Kathmandu Valley on yours own and also you can go for shopping to get some souvenir.

  Overnight stay in 3* / 4* Hotel
  Included standard meals (Breakfast)

• Day 17: Sightseeing around in Kathmandu valley

  After breakfast, we will start for sightseeing tours around in Kathmandu valley, the sightseeing program is focused to introduce some highlights and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu such as Durbar square, Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath.

  Overnight stay in 3*/ 4* Hotel
  Included standard meals (Breakfast)

• Day 18: Departure

  We will arrange for your transfer to the Tribhuwan International airport three hours before your scheduled departure time. Enjoy your flight back home, and may you cherish the memories from your trip for a lifetime.

  Included standard meals (Breakfast)