15 Days Everest Base Camp

DAY 01: Kathmandu

Welcome to Kathmandu, a spicy masala of mixed reputations. The gems of its heritage now contrast with its all too typical Asian big city melee and manic traffic. Our representative will meet you at the airport and whisk you off to the hotel. After checking in meet your tour leader for a pre-trip briefing at 6 pm. Then head out on cycle rickshaw, a.k.a. ‘street helicopters’-through the colorful tourist hub of Thamel and then onto the bustling vegetable and spice markets of Asan – the oldest market square of Kathmandu. Continue to take the backstreets into Kathmandu Durbar Square. Devoid of tour groups and tastefully illuminated at night, you will certainly feel the soulful side of the archaic Kathmandu.

DAY 02: Phakding (2610m)

Today we take an early morning stunning flight to Lukla-the gateway to the region of the legendary Sherpas. Start trekking north towards Phakding, with meandering trails lined by stoned walls. Lunch en route is in the picturesque Thado-Koshi, on the high rise above the river of the same name and with imposing sister peaks of Kusum-Kangarru in the backdrop. Our overnight stop is in Phakding (2610m) Total walking duration: 2.5 to 3 hrs approx.

DAY 03: Namchhe (3440m)

Following the torrent of the Dudh Koshi, the trail climbs north through forests of rhododendron, magnolia and giant firs as you ascend to Namche Bazaar, the largest village in the Everest region often called the ‘Sherpa Capital' of Khumbu. Later in the afternoon, explore the village of Namchhe (3440m) Total walking duration: 6 hrs approx.

DAY 04: Namchhe (3440m)

Today starts with an early morning walk to the Everest viewing platform, the museum and radial acclaimatisation walk around surrounding villages.

DAY 05: Phortse Gaon (3950 m)

Leaving Namche, the trail is onward and steadily upwards, forking northeast along a tributary valley with the views of the spectacularly rising Ama Dablam-opening up to become very dramatic. At the lunch stop approaching Mong-La (pass), views of the Phortse village-looking down across the valley. Then a steep downhill trek to the Dudh Koshi river and then up again to reach Phortse Gaon (3950 m) Total walking duration: 6 hrs approx.

DAY 06: Dingboche (4930 m)

Uphill out of Phortse, great views looking back at the village. Enjoy the wonderful views across the Imja Khohe valley to Tengboche, and of Thamserku rising from the valley behind. Trekking past the Gompa, which holds the famous Yeti scalp, at Pangboche, are the summer yak pastures and here lies no doubt as to the spartan lives of Sherpas. Beyond this, it is as well to understand that overnight sleeping facilities can reflect the harshness of our surroundings. Much of the walking in this area is of comparatively gentle gradient, although a leisurely pace is anyway recommended due to the high altitude. Dingboche is nestled into a small protected valley, the Chukhung Valley, surrounded by imposing snow-capped mountains. Dingboche (4930 m) Total walking duration: 5 hrs approx.

DAY 07: Dingboche

Spend the day in dingboche so your body can acclimatize to the high altitude, talk to your tour leader about taking a hike to Nagarjun Hill (approx. 5,050m) or Chukung village (5 hrs approximately-there and return), with fine views of Ama Dablam, Makalu and other peaks, interspersed with lakes and glaciers.

DAY 08: Lobuche (4930m)

Ascending at a sensible pace, traversing ice-covered torrents, to Lobuche where stone houses sit amongst a frozen wilderness of stunning beauty and where exists a thrilling sense of closeness to our ultimate goal. Lobuche (4930m) Total walking duration: 5 hrs approx

DAY 09: Gorakshep (5367m)

The goal that is Base Camp sets up for a demanding day. Here the Sirdar’s duty is to have us safely navigate the Khumbu Glacier so as to have Khumbu’s infamous icefall impose itself, leaving only the awesome, humbling South Face beyond. Gorakshep (5367m) Total walking duration: 9 hrs approx.

DAY 10: Pheriche (5545m)

The best vantage-point for viewing Everest and the surrounding peaks at sunrise; as if not just Everest but the entire world, is breath-taking. Then descend to the flat and sandy expanse of Gorakshep, and on down to Pheriche (5545m) Total walking duration: 6 hrs approx.

DAY 11: Tengboche (3860m)

And so down to Tengboche. The trail descends gently, crossing the Dudh Koshi torrent that higher up had been the glacier of Khumbu, then, leaving behind alpine meadows, the trail descends to Tengboche for the night. Tengboche (3860m) Total walking duration: 4 hrs approx.

DAY 12: Monjo (2700m)

Retracing the now familiar route via Namche Bazaar to the less harsh climbs of Monjo (2700m) Total walking duration: 4-5 hrs approx.

DAY 13: Lukla (2820m)

The trail followed is almost easy, up and down through scrub forests and a final steep ascent leading to a Tamang village and so to Lukla, where the time to relax in Sherpa ambience is abundant. Lukla (2820m) Total walking duration: 4-5 hrs approx.

DAY 14: Kathmandu

After breakfast, take a morning flight to the capital city of Kathmandu. Private transfer from the airport to the traveller’s hub of Thamel. Later in Thamel, free time to self-explore this touristic district, where you're spoiled with choices to eat out. Later in the evening head out for a farewell dinner with your tour leader and new friends.

DAY 15: Kathmandu

It’s time now to bid farewell to your tour leader and new friends but not without a backpack full of memories. Departure transfers are included on the day. Please consult with your tour leader or the hotel desk to confirm the check-out time.