Following the footsteps of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, we take a thrilling steady climb of 2800 m / 9187 ft to 5545 m / 18193 ft from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar (5545 m), a viewpoint recognized as the best vantage point to see Mount Everest. After exploring the temples, shrines, bazaars, and restaurants of Kathmandu we take an exciting mountain flight to Lukla and trek up the Dudh Kosi Valley, surrounded by the soaring peaks of Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru. It’s a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar, capital of the Kumbu Sherpas, and then the trail passing Buddhist monasteries to have the views of Everest get closer every day. This trek is particularly strenuous as there are many ups and downs and the itinerary doesn’t allow us for proper acclimatization days.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350m/4428ft)
Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative of Alpine Club of Himalaya who will drop you off at our hotel. Check-in, freshen up, and take a rest. In the evening a welcome dinner will be hosted by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2651m/8700ft) (40 mins flight; 3-4 hrs trek)
Take an early morning flight to Lukla by a Twin Otter plane, where all Everest treks begin. Meet the rest of our team in Lukla and start trekking from there. Walk on gradually descending trails to Cheplung village. From here, we get a glimpse of Mount Khumbila, a sacred mountain that has never been climbed. Then gradually descend until Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3438m/11,280 ft) (5-6 hrs)
Our trail passes through a pine forest and continues our walk on the trail that goes up north through the Benkar Valley. Cross Dudh Koshi River and pass Chumoa and Monjo villages before reaching the entrance of the Everest National Park. After entering the park, ascend on a steep trail with amazing views. Ascending further will reach Namche Bazaar, the biggest town in the Everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Namche Bazaar for Acclimatization
Spending one more day in Namche Bazaar will help us get used to the high altitude and thinning oxygen. Tour the primary town of the Everest or Khumbu region which has government offices, ATMs, internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. You can hike up to Sagarmatha National Park and enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayas including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and so on. If we are interested in a day hike, can try the trek to Khumjung village. Today will also visit the Hillary School and a monastery that houses a yeti scalp. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3870m/12,694ft) (5-6 hrs)
Today’s trek includes the famous descent to the Dudh-Koshi River and the equally famous ascent along with the rhododendron forests to Tengboche. While descending to Dudh Kish River, enjoy the views of mountain tops like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and so on. Upon reaching Tengboche, will visit Tengboche monastery, the largest monastery in the region, and be amazed by the views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. Overnight in Tengboche.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche (4360 m/14,300 ft) (5-6 hrs)
Today descend and trek through forests filled with a variety of lush trees such as birch, conifers, and rhododendrons. This journey is again filled with tremendous views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The picturesque trail dips down to Devuche, crosses the Imja River, and takes us to Pangboche. The upper Pangboche trails will be more rewarding with a more pristine view of the Himalayas and the Pangboche Monastery. Moves ahead towards the Imja Valley, Lobuche River, and ultimately begins climbing up to Dingboche. Overnight at Dingboche.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Dingboche for Acclimatization
Dingboche is a famous stop for trekkers and climbers headed to Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, or Imja Tse. The village is beautiful with an array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the cold wind and animals. Spend a day here for acclimatization. You can take day hikes to either Nagarjun Hill or Chukhung Valley for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache, and Ama Dablam.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft) (5-6 hrs)
Today’s trek starts with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, climb up a steep trail to Chupki Lhara, where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10 times Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. Next, continue trek to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and find yourself facing several great peaks including Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and Mahalangur Himal. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5170 m/16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5364 m/17,594 ft) (6-7 hrs)
Take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorakshep Lake. Continue straight ahead, will come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be misleading. Therefore, it is important to follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to the thin air at the high altitude. Pass through rocky dunes, moraine, and streams before reaching the Base Camp. Upon reaching, we can see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of earthy surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. Get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Gorakshep.
Day 10: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar, back to Gorak Shep, fly to Lukla by Helicopter (3-4 hrs trek)
Prepare for an early morning departure amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 degrees Celsius). Moreover, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower are seen to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. Upon reaching Kala Patthar (5545-meter) that we get to see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mount Everest. Take nothing but pictures, and enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama. After that, return back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest.
Those who visit Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start early as the hike takes longer than the hike at Kala Patthar. Descend down to Gorak Shep and take a helicopter ride to Lukla. Fly over the serene waters of Gokyo Lake which holds deep cultural significance for the Nepalese. After captivating the lake’s tremendous beauty, continue our helicopter ride to Lukla. Overnight in Lukla.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu
Catch an early flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, you can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we can do it today. Our guides can help you with both souvenir shopping and sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening by the Alpine Club of Himalaya to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 12: Final departure
Your Everest adventure in Nepal ends today. A representative from the Alpine Club of Himalaya will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport a few hours before the scheduled flight.
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full cooperation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
You will be accommodated in Alpine Hotel and Apartment or similar hotels in Kathmandu, standard tea houses during trekking, and tents when climbing. Most tea house accommodations will only have shared toilet facilities. For tent accommodation, a foam mattress will be made available. In the climbing section, toilet facilities will be provided with necessary natural preservation. All accommodations in Kathmandu and tea houses are on a twin-sharing basis whereas a single tent will be provided to each individual for the climbing section. We can cater to special requests for a single room in Kathmandu by paying a single supplement of USD 310. However, there are several tea houses on the trekking route that doesn’t allow single room accommodation. On paying a single supplement, you will get a single room in Kathmandu however sometimes it is feasible only in the trekking areas of the lower elevations.
During Everest Annapurna and Chitwan Tour – The Best of Nepal Tour of 19 days, you can enjoy Nepali, Tibetan, Indian as well as more common continental cuisines. Breakfast (only) will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be available during the trek and climb. While trekking, breakfast will be taken in the same place we stay the night. Similar arrangements can also be arranged for dinner. Lunch will be taken en route to the next destination. During the climbing session, hygienic and freshly-cooked food will be provided. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Please contact us to customize this trek.
Congratulation!