Everest Base Camp Trek

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu

On arrival in Kathmandu, your experienced trek leader will lead an adventure briefing for the group. Unwind over drinks, get acquainted with fellow trekkers and discuss plans for the following morning’s departure before trying out the delicious local cuisine.

Day 2: Phakding

This morning, a stunning flight over the snow-capped peaks of Gauraisankar, Menlungtse and the terraced farms of the Himalayan foothills offers a tantalizing introduction to the Himalayan panorama you will explore for the next two weeks.

After landing in Lukla’s tiny airport, embark on a gentle, 3 hour hike to Phakding.

The mainly downhill trek leads you through colourful and fragrant forests of pine, magnolia and rhododendron, past several small Buddhist settlements with their pearl white stupas, ornate prayer wheels, piles of mani stones and colourful flags flapping in the breeze. Soak up the intoxicating beauty of the valley as you cross the swirling ice-water of the Dudh Kosi or ‘Milk River’ by suspension bridge, before arriving in the small village of Phakding, where you lodge tonight.

Day 3: Namche Bazaar

Today, continue north along the Dudh Kosi River, passing through the small villages of Monjo and Jorsale. From here, it’s a challenging 2 hour climb up through pine forest to Namche Bazaar, but on a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with a spellbinding first glimpse of Everest’s fearsome peak halfway up.

Tucked within a horse-shoe shaped valley, prosperous Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar is an important trading centre and home to many shops, as well as a lively market which draws in locals from all over the region every Saturday. Fresh food is brought up to the town on yak-back or via ‘donkey trains,’ which can often be seen crossing the perilously high suspension bridges nearby. Spend a relaxing afternoon wandering the narrow streets and haggling for kit supplies in the local shops, or drop by an internet cafe and take advantage of the last chance to check your emails for several weeks.

Day 4: Namche Bazaar

Today we take a day off from our journey to become acclimatised and further explore Namche Bazaar and the surrounding area.

With its collection of artefacts, photos and archives chronicling Sherpa Everest climbing expeditions, a trip to the Sherwi Khangba Centre provides a fascinating insight into the history of the Sherpa culture in the Everest region. The Khumbu International Library, located within the Centre, features an ever expanding selection of books, magazines and videos dedicated to every aspect of Nepalese mountain life from flora and fauna to agricultural techniques.

Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters offers an interesting display of photos, memorabilia and information about the park, while the spectacular views of the snow-swept ridges of Ama Dablam, Kwangde, Thamserku and Kangtega are not to be missed.

Day 5: Thyangboche Monastery and Deboche

Bypassing the crowds heading to the often crowded Tengboche monastery, we embark on a less-followed trail to Deboche via the Thyangboche Monastry.

Ascending out of Namche, we follow a spectacular mountain path that towers around 1,500 feet above the churning Dudh Kosi River below. Everest is now clearly in sight, along with ‘sister’ peak Lhotse and the equally imposing Nuptse. After stopping to browse several Tibetan trinket shops, we descend through rhododendron forest, crossing the river at Phunki Tenga where we reach the valley floor.

Keep your eyes open for Himalayan Thar, Blood Pheasants and Musk Deer as you venture through Blue Pine forest on the climb up to the remote Thyangboche Monastry (3867 metres). The monastery was seriously damaged by fire in 1989, but has since been rebuilt and its brightly coloured sacred paintings beautifully restored. Pay a visit to the monastery museum, listen to the curiously haunting, repetitive chants of the monks’ prayer ritual and soak up the astounding views from Ama Dablam and Taboche in the north to Kantega and Kwangde in the south.

Lodge tonight at Deboche, located further down the valley.

Day 6 – Pangboche via Ama Dablam Base Camp

After crossing the Imja Drangka River, it’s a gradual ascent up to Lhabarma where suddenly you come face to face with the colossal mountain ridge of Ama Dablam. Venture to the foothills and gaze in awe at the sheer enormity of its pyramid peak which soars 6,856 metres into the clouds.

The Base Camp itself stands in an open yak pasture beneath the mountain’s west face, offering unforgettable views of KanTega, Thamserku and Tawache. From here, you can explore one of the most beautiful but least seen stretches of the region as we make our way to Pangboche. Stopping here overnight ensures we beat the crowds while helping the local lodge keepers in this remote village make some extra income.

Day 7: Dingboche

Trekking high above the tree line, we descend to 4580 metres and follow a pristine glacial stream towards the teahouse of Dughla. Shortly thereafter, the memorials of several Sherpa mountaineers who died during Everest expeditions offer a stark reminder of the peak’s formidable reputation.

Scrambling along the moraine of the mighty Khumbu Glacier, you’re greeted by astounding views of Kalar Kala and Pumori before reaching tonight’s lodgings at Dingboche after a 5-6 hour trek. Located on the Imja River at an altitude of around 4,530 metres, Dingboche has a population of just 200 people. Amazingly, this tiny village is also home to one of the highest billiard parlours in the world!

Day 8: Lobuche

After climbing out of Dingboche, we progress high above the valley floor along the shoulder of the huge glacial moraine wall. Far below us, a river formed by melt-water from the colossal Khumbu Glacier at Everest courses through the valley.

Following trails carved into the tundra by generations of yak-trains, our ascent reaches 15,000 feet before we stop off for lunch in the tiny settlement of Thukla. From here it’s a steep and invigorating climb up to the village of Lobuche, where we will lodge tonight.

Day 9: Everest Base Camp-Gorak Shep

Our initially flat trail begins to wind up and down the moraine as we draw closer to the village of Gorak Shep (5120m) and the frozen lakebed it sits on. From here, our path grows increasingly faint as we weave between mounds of rubble high among the glaciers of the world’s tallest peaks.

After a three hour trek we arrive at Everest Base Camp, situated close to the foot of the dazzling Khumbu Glacier. Wandering this legendary camp site, hemmed in by the towering spikes of Nuptse and Pumori, gives some sense of the challenge mountaineers attempting the mountain must face. Those visiting during the spring might be lucky enough to meet some expedition groups preparing to take on the challenge.

We enjoy lunch at the camp and then retrace our steps to Gorak Shep for an overnight stop.

Day 10: Kala Pattar-Lobuche or Pheriche

Leaving Gorak Shep it’s a steep uphill climb, sometimes scrambling over rock slabs, to the small peak of Kala Pattar or ‘Black Rock’ (5545m). The views from the summit are outstanding, with the looming mass of Everest directly to the east, and many of the incredibly tough ascent routes that wind up its sheer walls now clear. Look in every direction and soak up unforgettable views of some of the world’s most fearsome peaks, including Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and Changtse.

We will return via the same route - a long but rewarding walk. Stop overnight in either Lobuche or Pheriche.

Day 11: Kyangjuma or Namche Bazaar

Returning down through the Khumbu Valley, we stop in the small hamlet of Dughla for a break, before venturing along the mostly flat valley of Periche, spurred on by views of Ama Dablam’s stunning peak ahead of us.

Following the main Everest trail, we pass back through Pangboche, stopping for lunch before re-crossing the river and taking on the steep climb through pine forest to Thyangboche Monastery. A steep descent of around 500m leads us through picturesque rhododendron and fir forest alive with native birds. From here, we will continue to Kyangjuma or Namche Bazaar to spend the night.

Day 12: Phakding or Monjo

Today we cross and re-cross the thundering white water of the Dudh Kosi, before trekking through dense pine forest, past gold or green fields growing a variety of crops. Stepping aside occasionally to let donkeys and yaks loaded with trading goods take right of way, we continue along an undulating path as a stunning alpine panorama unfolds before us.

Tonight we stop over in Phakding or its northern neighbour Monjo.

Day 13: Lukla

After making the gentle ascent to Lukla, it’s time for an end of trip party with the group! Unwind, rest and make a toast to the incredible adventure you’ve just shared into the heart of the world’s tallest mountain range. Savour one last alpine sunset and enjoy music, singing and dancing with the porters who will now return to their villages.

Day 14: Kathmandu

Today the thrilling flight out of Lukla Airport serves as a bittersweet goodbye to the Himalaya as you swoop over the landscape of forests, majestic peaks and tiny hillside villages you’ve come to love on the return route to Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is by far Nepal’s largest and most diverse city, a genuine melting pot of ethnicities and cultures and a haven for travellers since its rise to popularity as part of the ‘hippie trail’ in the 60s and 70s. Once described as having more temples than houses, this exhilarating and complex capital is rapidly changing, but the half-hidden temples, chilli-growing courtyards and tiny craft workshops of its narrow lanes and alleyways reveal a city that has not yet abandoned its fascinating traditional cultural identity.

Day 15: Kathmandu

Embark on a morning walking tour of the narrow winding streets of the Old Town, taking time to explore the heaving Ason Tole marketplace; the meeting place for traders from all over the valley. Marvel at the cluster of ornate temples and palaces that form the UNESCO World Heritage Site Durbar Square, before sampling the Indian and European dishes on offer at the renowned Kilroy’s restaurant for lunch.

Enjoy free time for the rest of the afternoon, perhaps heading to the beautiful Garden of Dreams to unwind among tranquil lily ponds and verdant lawns, or venturing to iconic hippy destination Freak Street to browse the many art, trinket and book shops.

Day 16: Kathmandu

On your last day, enjoy free time until your departure flight.