EVEREST BASE CAMP

Overview

Everest Base Camp Trek is an opportunity to embark on an epic journey that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay set off on in 1953. If you like adventure and you like to walk, then it is a lifetime experience that takes you through the beautiful Khumbhu valley, the spectacular Everest High Passes, and the stunning Sherpa village, ultimately leading you to the foot of the Mighty Everest at 5430 meters. Trekking through Everest also offers the opportunity to go sightseeing around Sagarmatha National Park (a world heritage site) and get a closer look at the sacred Buddhist monasteries. The stunning landscapes and the breathtaking views of the Himalayan giants, including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam, are the highlights of the trek. Other major highlights include the beautiful Rhododendron forest, glacial moraines, foothills, rare species of birds and animals, sunrise from Kala Patthar, and the legendary Sherpa’s village and their culture, tradition, festivals, and dances_.

This is the world’s most awe inspiring and iconic mountain trail ever…Through brilliant natural contrasts and colors of landscape, nature, people, and culture. Prayer flags blow in the wind as we trek the trails of past mountaineers to some of the world’s most amazing sights, getting up close and personal with six of the highest points in the world, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Cho-Oyu – rising majestically above everything surrounding it. It is universally accepted that the Everest Base Camp trek is indeed the grandest hike of them all.

Starting from the Tenzing-Hillary Airport we journey through the Sagarmatha National Park, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Dugla, Lobuche through colorful and vibrant lanscapes of verdant alpine forests, majestic mountain views, waterfalls, raging glacial rivers and stony mountain trails experiencing firsthand the life and colorful culture of the hardy Sherpa community. A holiday not to be missed…

The We serve you with the best trekking adventure with our finest services. Our experienced guides will make your adventure enjoyable as well as memorable. Since your safety is our utmost concern we have tailored our itinerary accordingly_.

Included/Exclude

All arrival/departure transfers by vehicle.
Hotel in Kathmandu twin sharing room with Breakfast.
Accommodation tea house/ mountain lodge on trek.
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Tea, coffee during meal.
Everest National Park Entry permits.
Trekking Information System Card (TIMS Card).
Experienced and Govt. License holder trek guide.
Porter to carry baggage (maximum 15 kg per bag) and (1 porter between 2 trekkers).
Meals, salary, personal equipment, transport and Insurance for supporting teams.
Food, salary, transport, insurance, for supporting crews.
First Aid Kit with Pulse Oximeter.
Ramechhap-Lukla– Ramechhap Fight ticket.
Kathmandu-Ramechhap-Kathmandu transfer by private vehicle.
All applicable taxes and service charges.

Meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
Your travel insurance.
Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
Insurance for any loss & damage.
Rescue & evacuation service.
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, extra porters, bottle drinks, etc)
Tip for Guide and porters.
Any additional cost due to unforeseen circumstances.

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300m

After a thrilling flight experience through the Himalayas, observing magnificent views of snow-topped peaks, you land in this beautiful and culturally rich city of Kathmandu. Our representative holding the play card with ‘Explore Vacation’ written in it will welcome you. We will take you to your subscribed hotel where you can check-in and refresh. We will then have a briefing session of your trip later in the evening. Overnight at hotel

Day 2

Early Morning Drive Kathmandu to Ramechhap (135 Km, 4:30 hours) and fly to Lukla (25 minutes), then trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 3 hrs. Trek

Early morning around 3 am drive to Ramechhap, it will take about 4-5 hours. A flight to Lukla and an amazing landing on a steep mountain runway brings us to the start of our trek at the village of Lukla, 2850 m. After meeting the crew, we head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail to Phakding. This is probably one of the most adventurous and breathtaking 40 minute on the air, with breathtaking green and white landscapes and a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. To assist in acclimatization, you only have a short hike today, though if interested you can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight at Lodge

Day 3

Phakding - Namche bazer (3440 m/11,280 ft): 5 - 6 hrs Trek

An exhilarating day ahead, as you hike through beautiful verdant pine forests, along the Dudh Koshi River crossing and re crossing many suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. Catch the first spectacular view of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618 m) as you trek through the settlements of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, before coming to the check post and entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park, set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment Your trail then climbs through 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, where we stop awhile at Chautara to admire the view and contemplate on the bounties of nature. From here it is a short 1.5 hours hike to reach Namche Bazaar, gateway to Mt. Everest. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. Overnight at Lodge

Day 4

Acclimatization Day - Namche bazer (3,440m/11,284ft)

This is the scheduled 'acclimatization' day for this trek. Health experts recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day, instead of being idle. 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. It is an ideal place to spend a day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. To acclimatize, you visit Khunde Hospital set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take a one hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. Overnight at Lodge

Day 5

Namche bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft) - 5 - 6 hrs Trek

exhilarating day ahead as you set off after a appetizing and hearty breakfast - ready to take the day in your stride. Your hike today gives you some cool sights of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. The trail meanders with a few up and down hill sections with the snow peaks for companion throughout. If lucky you may spot the elusive Himalayan Thar or the musk dear. Your trail finally converges at Sansa, the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. Your trail then follows through pine forests and a prayer flags festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, before finally reaching Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. Lunch will be serverd here, and we get ready for a slightly tougher afternoon hike through the pine forests before finally reaching Tengboche. Tengboche offers fantastic close up views of Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Nuptse, and Mt Everest. It also hosts the biggest Buddhist Monastery of the Khumbu region. We pay our visit to the monastery in the afternoon to take in the spiritual ceremony. Overnight at Lodge

Day 6

Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft): 5 - 6 hrs Trek

It's an enthralling day, as you take in the views of Tengboche monastery with the majestic snowy peaks floating in the background. No better start could be asked for, than this. We choose the upper trail for better views and to visit Pangboche village and its ancient Monastery. Your trail passes through several Chortens, Mani walls, prayer flags blowing in the wind and small villages. Lunch will be served with fantastic close-up views of Mt. Ama Dablam. Your trail eventually climbs to Shomare, where you will notice a change in the tree line as the terrain changes dramatically to rolling arid stretch and an alpine terrain with patches of scrub and isolated pastures. From Orsho the pyramidal peak of Mt. Pumori emerges above the mountains ahead. We finally reach the cold and windy settlement of Dingboche overlooked by Chortens and prayer flags finally for the night's rest. Overnight at Lodge

Day 7

Dingboche-Lobuche (4940m/16,207 ft): 6-7 hrs Trek

It is a rewarding hike through arid terraces with breathtaking mountain views on all sides. Your trail takes you through Phulung Karpo, the camp site of the first successful Everest Expedition in 1953. As your trail continues the majestic sight of Mt. Pumori (7138 m/ 23418 ft) comes into view, further ahead the trail descends and curves, paving way for grand views of Mt Cholatse, Mt Thamserku. Your trail takes a steep ascent to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, passing through boulder-strewn slopes as we ascend Chupki Lhara, where you find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (a Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. Your trail then continues to the Khumbu Glacier moraine where we find ourselves facing several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. Overnight in Lodge

Day 8

Lobuche - Gorak Shep (5170 m) - Everest Base Bamp (5364 m/17,594ft) back to Gorak shep: 8 hrs trek.

This is an exhilarating and thrilling day as you navigate the trail through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Passing through the pyramid sign post, you will get great views of the crest of north ridge of Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. An optional small ascent of Thangma Riju would be rewarded with 360 degree panorama of snowy mountains. Ascending the Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As you reach Gorak Shep, we will be surrounded by snow-capped peaks, including the top of the world - Mt. Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Further ahead, you take the trail through the Indian army mountaineers' memorials to reach the Everest Base Camp. Your trail continues through the Indian army mountaineers' memorials and to "Everest Base Camp". Here, take time to reflect on the trail you have just gone through and meet mountaineers from the world over and appreciate what a mountaineering adventure really is to the hazards of the 'Khumbu Icefall', known as the most hazardous crossing of all. Everest Base camp stands out in brightly colored tents of mountaineering expeditions against the monotonous grey surrounding (especially in the Spring). From here, Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are directly in front of you. Mt. Everest is not actually visible from here and we set of later in the afternoon for the optional Kala Patthar and her sunset views. As the setting sun's rays strike the snow capped mountains the resulting scenery is indescribable. Note: For those opting for the hike to Kala Patthar, our Team leader will coordinate all arrangements for the amazing sunset view today rather than waiting until the next day. Overnight in Gorak Shep at a local lodge.

Day 9

Gorak shep-Kala Patthar (5545 m)- Pheriche (4280 m), 8 hrs trek

A truly amazing early start to catch the dramatic sunrise views from Kala Patthar, witnessing the first light of day shining on Mt. Everest. 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, you stop at various points in the trail to rest, contemplate on the beauty of nature and not forgetting to go crazy clicking some of the most beautiful photographs of your holiday. As you reach the top, the Himalayan Panorama, floating all around you is truly outstanding. A fitting climax to a truly wonderful adventure. For those participants who plan to visit Everest Base Camp today, will have early breakfast to start early as Everest base camp hike takes longer time (4 - 5 hrs) than the Kala Patthar hike. Upon return back to Gorak Shep, the group will have lunch together and in the afternoon you descend down to Pheriche for a good night's rest.

Day 10

Pheriche-Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche (3,440 m): 6 hrs trek

A relaxing descent to lower altitudes. We rretrace our route back to Dughla and the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, passinung through the beautiful Sherpa villages of Pheriche, Orsho, and Shomare. Alternatively, the option is ther to take a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche or take the regular trial to reach Pangboche. From Pangboche, retrace your footsteps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Debuche, or if the inclination is there pay a visit to nunnery of Debuche monastery, for some insights in their way of life. If you are here during the full moon of November or December, you might get the opportunity to witness and participate in the Mani Rimdu festival, at Tengboche monastery. After a leisure lunch at Tengboche, your trail continues through rhododendron and juniper trees or optionally lunch can also be servered further down at Pangboche or Phunki Tenga. The trail descends gradually to the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, festooned with prayer flags, rapidly descending through pine forests to Sansa. Be on the lookout for wild life such as Blue Sheep or Thar, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through this area. Further on cross a Chorten, before the army camp of Namche Bazaar. Take time here for last looks and photographs of Everest and Tengboche from this juncture. Finally back in your lodge, for a relaxing hot shower after a truly awe inspiring trip. Overnight at Lodge

Day 11

Trek Back Namche-lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 6-8 hrs. trek.

It is downhill most of the day today, following the Dudh Kosi back down to Lukla. Although we are travelling the same route down, the impression of the views you get may be totally different, Observing as always the Sherpa villagers simplistic life styles and impressive faith in Buddhism. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with your crew, where you can sample some 'Chang' (local beer - a favorite drink on the mountains), do a jig to some Sherpa music and reflect back on a memorable trekking experience. Overnight at Tea House

Day 12

Fly Lukla to Ramechhap and drive to Kathmandu

The culmination of a fascinating and incredible journey as you take your early morning flight back to Ramechhap and drive to Kathmandu. Your afternoon can be spent resting or taking in the sights of the Kathmandu valley. Talk with our Trip leaders for the latest happening events of the valley, who knows a street festival, might just be happening right around the corner! Additionally, if you want to take an optional sightseeing tour, let us know. A farewell dinner will be hosted by Explore Vacation and congratulations on the completion of your trek! Overnight in Hotel

Day 13

Buffer day in Kathmandu

Buffer day in Kathmandu in case the flight is canceled due to bad weather. Overnight in Hotel

Day 14

Final Departure

The end of an incredible Himalayan holiday as we bid adieu to Nepal. Our representative will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home. We ensure that that you leave Nepal, cherishing the incredible sojourn and an experience of a lifetime. Or, if you have time and interest, you can extend your stay and take optional treks to other areas of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan tour.