Everest Base Camp 12 days

After breakfast, transfer to the Domestic Airport for the Trans Himalayan flight and dramatic landing on the hillside at Lukla: gateway to the Khumbu/Everest region. Meet your local porters and walk downhill to the Sherpa settlement of Cheplung. The trail then follows the side of the Dudh Koshi Valley before ascending to Ghat (2,530m/8,350ft). Another gentle hour leads up to Phakding.

The trail meanders through pine forest, along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges via the Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo and Jorsale: entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park and permit checkpoint; with tranquil views of glistening Thamserku (6,618m/21,714m). The trail continues along the riverbed to the confluence of the Bhote and Dudh Koshi Rivers. It then climbs steadily, crossing the high Tenzing- Hilary suspension bridge: with inspiring glimpses of Everest and the Nuptse – Lhotse ridge. A final three hour ascent through pine forest leads to the prosperous trading and administrative town of Namche Bazaar.

This is a scheduled acclimatization day on the trek. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and health experts recommend a stop for at least one extra night. Be active and roam rather than laze around: climb high and sleep low is the acclimatization advice. Take an entertaining side trip to the large traditional Sherpa village of Khumjung (3,780m/12,402ft): with fine views of Thamserku, Kangtega, Ama Dablam and Everest – in a sea of lesser peaks. Return to Namche Bazaar for the night.

The trail climbs up from the town and then contours around the hillside, offering great views including Everest and Khumjung. Look out for spotted deer, Himalayan tahrs and birds – including the colorful (male) Danphe pheasant (Nepal’s national bird). The trail rises to Sanasa where the routes to Gokyo and Everest BC fork. The trail to the right then descends to cross the Dudh Koshi (past water driven prayer wheels) on a suspension bridge near Phunki Thenga (3,250m/10,663ft), the lowest point north of Namche Bazaar. It then enters the Imja Khola Valley and rises steeply, through dwarf conifers and rhododendron forest, for a two hour pull, to the hilltop village of Tengboche. Their famous Gompa is set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Everest, Kangtega and other peaks. At full moon in October/November they hold the colourful Mani Rimdu festival which includes masked dancing and Tibetan Opera in the monastery courtyard. Visit the monastery during the afternoon.

Today’s trail descends to Debuche: a scattered stone village with a nunnery, chortens and long mani wall. Cross the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola and gradually ascend to Pangboche with views of towering Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,495ft perhaps the most beautiful mountain in the Everest region). The trail then follows the river fairly closely as it gradually rises to its confluence with the Lobuche Khola and continues up to Dingboche: the last year-round Sherpa settlement in the region. Different views of Ama Dablam rise above the terraced fields of barley, buckwheat and potatoes. The fields are walled to protect crops from icy winds and animals during the short growing season.

This is another scheduled rest day on the trek and will assist your fitness and oxygen intake at the higher altitudes to follow. An enjoyable 3-4 hrs side walk, 400m climb to Nangkartshang Gompa, on the ridge north of Dingboche village can be the best choice. This vintage point offers Mt. Makalu (8,463m) fifth highest Mountain in the world to the east and awesome view of Mt. Ama Dablam and valley floor. If you have more energy, continue to Nagarjune Hill summit (5090m) for additional adventure and thrill. Return from the rarefied air to Dingboche for the night.

The trail climbs to a ridge providing towering views of Taboche Peak and Cholatse and continues through Yak pastures before crossing a wooden bridge over a roaring stream to Duglha (4,620m/15,158ft). The trail then ascends steeply for an hour, up the gravely terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. On the summit is a large group of stone-pile memorials to lost Sherpas and climbers. It also affords great border-views including Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Pumori. Everest is hidden behind the towering wall of Nuptse and Lhotse. Follow the valley upstream for about an hour to Lobuche.

A long rewarding day, follow the windblown and rocky path along the barren moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to the last village at Gorak Shep. After an early lunch, set out on the feint trail to the world’s highest Base Camp, on the Khumbu Glacier: opposite the dreaded icefall – the most dangerous section of an Everest ascent. Trek back to Gorak Shep for the night at Lodge.

A very early morning climb of 2-3 hours up Kala Patthar, behind the village, offers a sunrise awakening of the Himalayan chain. Drop back to Gorakshep for breakfast, and then retrace your steps down to Lobuche. Return to the snout of the Khumbu glacier, dropping down the moraine and continuing on to the village of Pheriche for a lower and warmer night.

Today’s trail gradually descends to Deboche before a mild rise through rhododendron forest to the hilltop village of Tengboche which has an important monastery and great views in all directions. A long descent, leads to Phunki Thenga (3,250m/10,663 ft) on the Imja Khola: the trek’s lowest point north of Lukla. The path then climbs to Sanasa (where the trail forked to Gokyo) beyond which it broadens for the pleasant contour walk back to Namche Bazaar.

From Namche, the trail descends to more comfortable altitudes, passing through the friendly farming villages of Jorsale (where we exit the National Park), Monjo, Phakding, then crosses the suspension bridge at Thado Koshi before rising to Ghat and Cheplung. Round off the adventure with the final 700m, 35min ascent to Lukla: and say goodbye to your porters.

After an early breakfast, take the return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel.