Everest Base Camp Trek

Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley

This day will be spent touring pilgrimage sites: Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, both enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kathmandu-Lukla flight (2860m/9383ft) and Trek to Phakding (2610m/8700ft) walk approx. 3 hours

Weather permitting, we will take an exhilarating 35-minute flight on a Twin Otter to Lukla (2800m/9184ft). Expect to get a bird’s-eye view of the mountain range of Nepal. We will meet our Sherpa guide, potter, or Himalayan yak to carry your luggage after landing. Our trek begins with a 150-meter descent alongside the gorging Dudh Koshi (Milky River). As we follow the main trail to the beautiful village of Phakding (2652m/ 8700ft) you will occasionally pass through numerous Maane walls, Chyorten, memorials, and boulders carved with Tibetan Buddhist prayer inscriptions.

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11286ft) walks approx. 6 hours

Our journey continues northwards of Dudhkoshi Valley to Manjo, through the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. This day trek takes us through the magnificent forests of Rhododendron, Giant Fir, and Pine. After crossing the high suspension bridge, we catch the first glimpse of Mount Everest from Top Dada (if the sky’s clear). We then take a steep climb that brings us to the Sherpa trading community village–Namche Bazaar. This small city-like establishment in the area has almost everything that you might need–Internet, lodges, ATMs, pubs, and Himalayan handicrafts.

Free Exploration day and hike to Everest View Hotel (3800m/12467ft) walk approx. 6 hours

We climb steeply from Namche Bazaar and follow the higher route through the Shyanboche airstrip (which does not operate commercial flights) to Everest View Hotel (3880m/1350ft). The star hotel, built by the Japanese, is situated at the perfect elevation to sip coffee and observe the Great Himalayas: Mt Everest, Mt Nuptse, Mt Amadablam, and others. We then descend towards the beautiful twin villages: Kunde and Khumjung (3780m). We explore Hillary’s school, Hillary’s hospital, and ancient monasteries over there and descend to Namche Bazaar.

Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3870m/12700ft) walks approx. 6 hours

After the morning dawn, we will sit for breakfast with the stunning view of the mountains and gradually trek to Kyanjuma. We descend towards the river Dudhkoshi through a small settlement called Phungi Thanka (3250m/10660ft), where we will have lunch. After the energizing lunch, we climb up to Tengboche. You will be amazed by the remarkable scenery. We will then visit a monastery and take an acclimatization walk. If we are to sleep at a place 3870m above sea level, we will first climb higher than this and return to sleep at 3870m. This greatly reduces the chances of altitude sickness and prevents discomfort at night. We will practice this every day until we hit the base camp.

Trek to Dingboche (4410m/ 14470ft) walk approx. 6hours

We trek through the forest to Debuche and cross the rushing river Imjakhola, which originates from the glacier (Imja Lake). We continue our trek towards the beautiful village of Pangboche (3985m/13074ft), the highest permanent Sherpa community village of Khumbu Valley. You will witness the towering peak of Mt Amadablam (6814m/22355ft) directly overhead. After we ascend the valley via Shomare (4010m/13156ft), we will be above the tree line zone. We will then gradually trek to the confluence of Khumbu & Imjakhola. A short steep climb brings us to the village of Dingboche.

Acclimatization and Rest day walk approx. 4 hour

We spend our rest day adopting the thin air into our bodies. We hike towards the Nagkar Tshang Peak (5100m/16732ft). This is a wild corner of Khumbu valley that is explored by relatively few trekkers. However, it is a hidden beauty since the beautiful blanket of clouds will be seen below you. We will return to the guest house for lunch.

Treks to Lobuche (4940m/16210ft) walk approx. 6 hour

We will hike out of Dingboche and pass through a Chorten and Stupa towards Thukla (4620m/15157ft). A steep climb brings us to an emotionally and spiritually important place: The Everest Memorial Park. The lines of small wall stones with hundreds of prayer flags are a memorable tribute to all those who perished on the Expedition. A trek brings us Lobuche, a perfect place for stunning sunset views on Mount Nuptse (7864m/25800ft). We will do an acclimatization walk for today. We will also witness the Khumbu glacier and a moraine during this trek.

Trek to Gorakshep (5164m/16942ft) and to Everest base camp (5365m/17600ft) walk approx. 8 hours

Today we start our journey towards Gorakshep very early since a lot is planned for the day. The trail undulates up and down into the moraine, which demands a short steep climb on the rocky section. The trail takes about three hours to bring us to Gorakshep. We take an essential lunch to prepare for the upcoming exertion. Also, some might prefer warm garlic soup and noodles while we rest briefly. Hydrating is extremely important and we recommend carrying about two litres of water and a few chocolate bars for the remaining trek to Everest base camp. We resume walking across the sandy flat path from Gorakshep and climb into the lateral moraine of Khumbu glacier and then up to Everest base camp. You will take pictures, a lot of them. The Everest Base Camp is a spot worshipped by trekkers, mountaineers, and adventure travellers. Reaching the place is a special moment for all those who make this trek. To sum up, this is when your lifetime dream will come true.

Climbs Kala Patthar (5545m/18192ft) descend to Pheriche (4371m/14340ft) and walk approx. 8 hours

Another hard and big day, we wake up at the earliest to see the sunrise from Kalapatthar. This is the main highlight of your trip, thanks to huge peak formations, the majestic Kalapatthar at 5545m, and the bone-chilling cold. We return to Gorakshep retrace our steps to Lobuche for lunch and continue downhill to the beautiful valley of Pheriche. Leaving behind the Memorial Park and Thukla.

Descend to Namche Bazaar (3600m/1240ft) and walk approx 7 hours

Descending from Pheriche via the same route, we follow the valley down to Pangboche through the alpine landscape. We continue trekking down to the river and walk through the peaceful rhododendron forest. We descend to Phunki Tenga after crossing the suspension bridge and a steep climb to Kyanjuma. From this point, we follow the undulating wide trails with beautiful views of Namche.

Trek down to Phakding (2610m/8700ft) approx walk 5 hours

You will likely collect all your trekking memories of the entire trek today. We retrace down towards the prosperous Buddhist land, leaving behind the villages of Banker, Ghat, and Phakding.

Retrace to Lukla (2800m/9184ft) walk approx walks 3 hours

This is the final day in the Himalayas. It takes approximately three hours to descend to Lukla. You will likely reach Lukla at lunchtime. Today is a free day for you. We will bid farewell to our porters and assistant guides at a get-together party today evening. Also, expect celebrations and a party tonight.

Lukla-Kathmandu Mountain Flight

Today morning we will have a spectacular mountain flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. You will be escorted to a hotel. You are free to explore and discover downtown and do shopping inside the tourist hub centre in Thamel. Some simply choose to rest at the hotel. Mercy Holidays offers farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant in the evening.

Final Departure

According to your flight schedule, our representative will bid you goodbye at the airport. It is time to head back to civilization.