The flora and fauna are other ornaments of the Sagarmatha National Park. This trek offers an enduring experience of natural beauty, geological magnificence with the breathtaking views of Everest
Kalapathar (5545m) offers the best vantage point for viewing Everest.
Early morning transfer to the airport to fly to Lukla (2880m) This 45 minute flight provides a magnificent entry to the trek. It highlights the snowline of the Himalayan Range in the north and the rugged landing at the Lukla airport which is said to be one of the most spectacular flight in the world. Upon arrival, meet the Sherpa team and while the team reassembles the equipment for the distribution to the Porters and Jhopke (a cross between and cow and a Yak used to carry loads), there will be a short lunch break. During this break, the guests are welcome to explore this bustling town on top of a hill with rows of houses, hotels and shops lining both sides of cobbled street.
After lunch, the trek starts by following the trail leading to the northwest direction through the narrow street, which immediately descends from the end of the village on a trail through the open hillside. The trail is well defined and there are many shops and lodges catering to the trekkers. The trek this day is a very easy one and ultimately descends to the river at Phakding (2652m). Flight- 40 min. Trek- 3 hours. Dinner and Overnight at Phakding.
Leave the main village, and the follow the trail on the left bank of the Dudh Kosi river. It is a pleasant walk for the first half of the day as one passes through agricultural countryside, small wayside villages and a monastery. Just before lunch, there is a steep climb of about 20 minutes to arrive at Monjo for Lunch.
After lunch, trek up to the checkpost to check the permits and enter into the Sagarmatha National Park. Descend for 10 minute and then cross a suspension bridge to arrive at Jorsale (2800m). Pass through several small villages and beautiful pine forest. This is a busy trail with plenty of human interest. Our first good views are of the west ridge of Kusum Kangru (6339m). Follow the Dudh Kosi River, crossing a rickety suspension bridge, which is in a dilapidated condition, and then slowly climb up a very steep trail to Namche Bazaar. Near half waypoint, we enjoy our first views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8383m) - the big three. The climb is for nearly 3 hours as one gain in altitude making breathing difficult due to rarified air. Arrive at a gate with a sign saying, "Welcome to Namche Bazaar" but it is very misleading as it takes another 20 minutes to arrive at the main town. We camp in the heart of the Namche Bazaar (3447 m). This prosperous town is the largest in Khumbu. Mt. Thamserku (6648 m) and Kwangde Ri (6624 m) loom along the east abd west of the village. The sacred mountain Khumbila (5707 m) dominates the skyline along the west. Duration of trek- 6 hours.
Overnight at Namche Bazaar.
The trail descends from Khumjung with chortens framing a dramatic view of Amadablam (6696 m) and Kangtaige (6779 m) flanked by the towering view of the Sagarmatha (Everest), Lhotse and Nuptse. Descend through the rhododendron forest, watching for the blood pheasant and Imphayan pheasant in the undergrowth.
Descending down to Imja Khola (river) for a lunch stop at Phunki (3200m), next to several large water driven prayer wheels. The afternoon is spent climbing slowly on a steep trail to the Thyangboche Monastery and one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Thyangboche lies at the base of Kangtaiga and is a classic setting with superb views back up the valley to the Ama Dablam, and the Everest poking its south west face over the huge ridgeline linking Nuptse and Lhotse. At the rear is the beautiful west face of the Tamserku (6608m) and Kang Taiga (6685m).
The Thyangboche Monastery is one of the most important monasteries of the Khumbu Region and the late afternoon can be spent visiting this ancient Monastery. It is the traditional place where all Everest Expeditions receive their blessings as they walk in towards the base camp. The duration of the trek is - 5 hours.
Overnight at Thyangboche.
After breakfast, set out on the trail with a short, steep and muddy descent through a forest of birch, conifer and rhododendron to the meadows of Devouche. Continue on a level trail trough forests to arrive at a suspension bridge high above the fast flowing Dudh Kosi river with fine views of Mt. Amadablam. Cross the suspension bridge and climb for another 10 minutes to arrive at a resting place. Continue to climb till a pass and then there is a more gentle walk to the village of Pangboche (3985m) which also has a monastery. The monastery lies more on the route to Phortse and is not easily reached from the lower trail and for those who desire to visit the monastery, the trail bifurcates just before the village after the pass and a hard half hour of climb up the ridge brings one to this fabled monastery. At the monastery is housed the Scalp of the Yeti which traveled the world in the 60's.
After lunch, pass through this village and take the left hand trail through the front yard of a few herders’ huts, over a stone wall. The landscape becomes very interesting as the vista opens before us and we can see the river flowing far down below as we take the trail that has been cut out along the sheer cliffs of rocks. A further, 40 minutes of walking brings us to the upper Pangboche Village from where there is a very steep climb to the ridge. Leave the main trail on the left that heads to Periche but take the right hand trail descending to the Dingboche Village passing through potato fields which is reached in about an hour. A climb over the ridge past Chortens and Mani walls brings us into the Chukung valley and the prosperous village of Dingboche. This village with their own irrigation scheme, is probably the place at the highest altitude to grow crops.
Dinner and Overnight at Dingboche.
As per the study on high altitude sickness, it has been found that most of the people suffer or show signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) from the altitude of 14,000 ft. Thus it is highly recommended to have a rest day to acclimatize at this altitude before starting an ascent.
A trekkers’ aid post operates at the settlement of Pheriche which can be reached in 1 ½ hours from Dingboche. The Aid post is supported by the Himalayan Rescue Association and Tokyo Medical College. A western physician is usually in attendance during the trekking season. This establishment, and the doctors who operates it, specialize in the study and treatment of altitude sickness and strive to educate trekkers in the dangers of too fast an ascent to high altitudes.
Also, another option is to take a walk towards the beautiful Chukung Valley for acclimatization and walking in high altitudes.
Dinner and overnight at Dingboche.
The trail to Lobuche starts with an ascent to a ridge and then continues to contour along the ridge until it joins the main trail coming up from Periche and the trail from Cho la pass on to the left. On the way you can watch the beautiful view of the Mt. Cholatese (6442m) back on the westside of the route and Mt. Amadablam to the rear. After arrival at the ridge, descend, for about ten minutes, cross a bridge and arrive at Thugla for an early lunch. (Note: due to unavailability of water, this is the only lunch stop available). After a quick lunch, there is a very steep ascent for about one hour to the ridge where there is a Sherpa memorial in remembrance to those brave mountaineers who died during expeditions. The memorial chortens dots the skyline facing the mountains and overlooking the valley below. Further on the trail leads to the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with views of Pumori or Widow’s Peak in the foreground. The stark and the rugged beauty creates almost a moonscape. The campsite at Lobuche is reached after another hour of steady trekking through the moraine and is suitated in a wind swept valley with the enchanting views of the Tawatse (6501m) and Nuptse (7855m).
Dinner and Overnight at Lobuche.
From Lobuche, a short climb brings one to another valley. Travel along the Khumbu Glacier through the jumbled moraines and scattered rocks. The trail continues to slowly contour on the open landscape through an ablation and after about an hour, there is a steep ascent for about 20 minutes. Climb slowly to a ridge and then continue on a trail of rocks caused by rockslides. On a clear day Mt. Everest can be seen looming behind Nuptse. Arrive at the ridge above Gorakshep and then descend to Gorakshep, a settlement with 2 tea houses to stay for overnight. This was the base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest expedition. In 1953 the British Everest expedition called this “lake camp’. Gork Shep or "graveyard of the crows", has a small lake that is usually frozen and several monuments to climbers who have died during various Everest expedition.
The carved stone in memory of Jake Britenbach of the 1963 US expedition and the monument of Indian Ambassador H. Dayal, who died during a visit to the Everest Base Camp after the 1965 Indian expedition, are north-east of the lake.- 3 Hrs.
Lunch at Gorakshep.
After lunch and setting up the camp, take the left-hand side trail and head straight up the hill to Kala Pattar (5545m) for views of Mt. Everest. The trek up to the top is an arduous one and takes about an hour to reach it. The late afternoon is the best time to view Mt. Everest from this vantage point as the sun is behind the observer and directly on the mountains in front. The climb to the Kala Pattar though tough, is well worth it as the views from here is breathtaking. The giants of the earth are all around Pumori (7145m), Everest (8848m), China's peak Changtse (7553m), Nuptse (7855m), Lhotse(8516m), Ama Dablam and many others. Later return to Gorakshep. 3 – Hrs.
Dinner and overnight Camp at Gorakshep.
After breakfast set out backtracking on scattered rocks and jumbled moraines to return to Lobuche which takes about 2 ½ hours. Cross the stream and then head towards the Sherpa Memorial for an hour before descending to to Thugla. The going is more easier as we lose altitude. After lunch, cross the Thugla bridge and climb the ridge before descending on a level trail in an open landscape to Periche which is reached in about an hour.
Dinner and Overnight at Perich
After breakfast, set out through the village, cross the river on a wooden bridge and ascend to a ridge. Descend along the flanks of the hills to join the main trail coming from Dingboche. The route then passes through the village of Pangboche (3985m), an ideal place for a lunch break. Continue to backtrack and then descend to the spectacular little bridge over the Dudh Kosi river and head through the fir and rhododendron forest for a lovely afternoon's walk to the meadows of Devouche. From here it is a steep 45 minute ascent to Thyangboche. 6 hrs.
The decent to the Imja Khola and the small village of Phunki (3250m) with its water powered Prayer Wheels takes about one and half hour. The original bridge built by Sir Edmund Hillary was washed away when a flood caused by the land side from the Ama Dablam caused a flooding in this region. Cross the river over the smaller bridge and start the climb towards Khumjung. As the gradient lessens there are many beautiful lunch spots. After lunch start the trek towards Namche by following the path round the eastern flanks of the hills. At the rear is the beautiful west face of the Thamserku (6608m) and Kang Taiga (6685m). Continue through the edge of the Namche Village and then descend steeply for about 1 hour through the forest trail, cross the river on suspension bridge and then climb upto the Police Checkpost, then descend to Monjo for overnight stay. 7 hours
From Monjo, it is interesting to watch others starting enthusiastically on the trek ahead as we head down to Phakding which is reached in about 1 ½ hours.
From Phakding, it is a surprising hard uphill climb to Lukla, which should take about 3 hours. It is a delightful ending to the trip as one enters into this busy village of Lukla.
With eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, Nepal is loaded with spectacular mountains vistas. Everest trek is not only famous for its proximity to the world’s highest mountain (8848m.) but also for its friendly Sherpa people, picturesque villages, great variety of cultures and traditions, colorful festivals and monasteries. The flora and fauna are other ornaments of the Sagarmatha National Park . This trek offers an enduring experience of natural beauty, geological magnificence with the breathtaking views of Everest
The spectacular flight to lukla, and the start of the trek to Namche bazaar, the colorful center of Sherpa life and a meeting place for Himalayan traders and yak caravans. From Kalapathar (5545m) offers the best vantage point for viewing Everest. Tengboche Monastery, the focus of Sherpa Buddhist devotion, sits at an elevation of 3,867n with Ama Dablam (6856m) as a magnificent backdrop.
There are many options for additional exploration and high-altitude walking, including the crossing of Cho La, a 5420m, hike to Gokyo Ri . Strenuous trekking is continuously rewarded with dramatic Himalayan scenes, including four of the world’s highest peaks: Cho Oyu (8,201m.), Makalu (8,463m.), Lhotse (8,516m.) and Everest (8,848m)
The Everest Base Camp Trek takes one to the foothills of the mightiest of the mountains in the world. Enroute, traverse through rhododendron and pine forests, rivers, Sherpa villages and Buddhist Monasteries from temperate to snow line regions. The Himalayas are best seen on this trek as one traces the main route through the Khumbu region from the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. Trekkers get a close view of the world’s greatest mountains, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Tawache and others.
A. Mountains: The Khumbu Himalaya Range: Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Tawatse, Kantega, Pumo Ri, etc.
B. Rivers: Bhote Kosi and Arun.
C. Ethnic Villages & Tribes: Mostly Sherpas and Tibetans in the villages like Namche Bazaar, Thyangboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, Lukla, etc. with monasteries, chortens and Mani stones.
E. Forests: Rhododendron and Pine.
F. Landscapes: Varying from temperate valleys to snow clad mountain
The flora and fauna are other ornaments of the Sagarmatha National Park. This trek offers an enduring experience of natural beauty, geological magnificence with the breathtaking views of Everest
Kalapathar (5545m) offers the best vantage point for viewing Everest.
Early morning transfer to the airport to fly to Lukla (2880m) This 45 minute flight provides a magnificent entry to the trek. It highlights the snowline of the Himalayan Range in the north and the rugged landing at the Lukla airport which is said to be one of the most spectacular flight in the world. Upon arrival, meet the Sherpa team and while the team reassembles the equipment for the distribution to the Porters and Jhopke (a cross between and cow and a Yak used to carry loads), there will be a short lunch break. During this break, the guests are welcome to explore this bustling town on top of a hill with rows of houses, hotels and shops lining both sides of cobbled street.
After lunch, the trek starts by following the trail leading to the northwest direction through the narrow street, which immediately descends from the end of the village on a trail through the open hillside. The trail is well defined and there are many shops and lodges catering to the trekkers. The trek this day is a very easy one and ultimately descends to the river at Phakding (2652m). Flight- 40 min. Trek- 3 hours. Dinner and Overnight at Phakding.
Leave the main village, and the follow the trail on the left bank of the Dudh Kosi river. It is a pleasant walk for the first half of the day as one passes through agricultural countryside, small wayside villages and a monastery. Just before lunch, there is a steep climb of about 20 minutes to arrive at Monjo for Lunch.
After lunch, trek up to the checkpost to check the permits and enter into the Sagarmatha National Park. Descend for 10 minute and then cross a suspension bridge to arrive at Jorsale (2800m). Pass through several small villages and beautiful pine forest. This is a busy trail with plenty of human interest. Our first good views are of the west ridge of Kusum Kangru (6339m). Follow the Dudh Kosi River, crossing a rickety suspension bridge, which is in a dilapidated condition, and then slowly climb up a very steep trail to Namche Bazaar. Near half waypoint, we enjoy our first views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8383m) - the big three. The climb is for nearly 3 hours as one gain in altitude making breathing difficult due to rarified air. Arrive at a gate with a sign saying, "Welcome to Namche Bazaar" but it is very misleading as it takes another 20 minutes to arrive at the main town. We camp in the heart of the Namche Bazaar (3447 m). This prosperous town is the largest in Khumbu. Mt. Thamserku (6648 m) and Kwangde Ri (6624 m) loom along the east abd west of the village. The sacred mountain Khumbila (5707 m) dominates the skyline along the west. Duration of trek- 6 hours.
Overnight at Namche Bazaar.
The trail descends from Khumjung with chortens framing a dramatic view of Amadablam (6696 m) and Kangtaige (6779 m) flanked by the towering view of the Sagarmatha (Everest), Lhotse and Nuptse. Descend through the rhododendron forest, watching for the blood pheasant and Imphayan pheasant in the undergrowth.
Descending down to Imja Khola (river) for a lunch stop at Phunki (3200m), next to several large water driven prayer wheels. The afternoon is spent climbing slowly on a steep trail to the Thyangboche Monastery and one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Thyangboche lies at the base of Kangtaiga and is a classic setting with superb views back up the valley to the Ama Dablam, and the Everest poking its south west face over the huge ridgeline linking Nuptse and Lhotse. At the rear is the beautiful west face of the Tamserku (6608m) and Kang Taiga (6685m).
The Thyangboche Monastery is one of the most important monasteries of the Khumbu Region and the late afternoon can be spent visiting this ancient Monastery. It is the traditional place where all Everest Expeditions receive their blessings as they walk in towards the base camp. The duration of the trek is - 5 hours.
Overnight at Thyangboche.
After breakfast, set out on the trail with a short, steep and muddy descent through a forest of birch, conifer and rhododendron to the meadows of Devouche. Continue on a level trail trough forests to arrive at a suspension bridge high above the fast flowing Dudh Kosi river with fine views of Mt. Amadablam. Cross the suspension bridge and climb for another 10 minutes to arrive at a resting place. Continue to climb till a pass and then there is a more gentle walk to the village of Pangboche (3985m) which also has a monastery. The monastery lies more on the route to Phortse and is not easily reached from the lower trail and for those who desire to visit the monastery, the trail bifurcates just before the village after the pass and a hard half hour of climb up the ridge brings one to this fabled monastery. At the monastery is housed the Scalp of the Yeti which traveled the world in the 60's.
After lunch, pass through this village and take the left hand trail through the front yard of a few herders’ huts, over a stone wall. The landscape becomes very interesting as the vista opens before us and we can see the river flowing far down below as we take the trail that has been cut out along the sheer cliffs of rocks. A further, 40 minutes of walking brings us to the upper Pangboche Village from where there is a very steep climb to the ridge. Leave the main trail on the left that heads to Periche but take the right hand trail descending to the Dingboche Village passing through potato fields which is reached in about an hour. A climb over the ridge past Chortens and Mani walls brings us into the Chukung valley and the prosperous village of Dingboche. This village with their own irrigation scheme, is probably the place at the highest altitude to grow crops.
Dinner and Overnight at Dingboche.
As per the study on high altitude sickness, it has been found that most of the people suffer or show signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) from the altitude of 14,000 ft. Thus it is highly recommended to have a rest day to acclimatize at this altitude before starting an ascent.
A trekkers’ aid post operates at the settlement of Pheriche which can be reached in 1 ½ hours from Dingboche. The Aid post is supported by the Himalayan Rescue Association and Tokyo Medical College. A western physician is usually in attendance during the trekking season. This establishment, and the doctors who operates it, specialize in the study and treatment of altitude sickness and strive to educate trekkers in the dangers of too fast an ascent to high altitudes.
Also, another option is to take a walk towards the beautiful Chukung Valley for acclimatization and walking in high altitudes.
Dinner and overnight at Dingboche.
The trail to Lobuche starts with an ascent to a ridge and then continues to contour along the ridge until it joins the main trail coming up from Periche and the trail from Cho la pass on to the left. On the way you can watch the beautiful view of the Mt. Cholatese (6442m) back on the westside of the route and Mt. Amadablam to the rear. After arrival at the ridge, descend, for about ten minutes, cross a bridge and arrive at Thugla for an early lunch. (Note: due to unavailability of water, this is the only lunch stop available). After a quick lunch, there is a very steep ascent for about one hour to the ridge where there is a Sherpa memorial in remembrance to those brave mountaineers who died during expeditions. The memorial chortens dots the skyline facing the mountains and overlooking the valley below. Further on the trail leads to the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with views of Pumori or Widow’s Peak in the foreground. The stark and the rugged beauty creates almost a moonscape. The campsite at Lobuche is reached after another hour of steady trekking through the moraine and is suitated in a wind swept valley with the enchanting views of the Tawatse (6501m) and Nuptse (7855m).
Dinner and Overnight at Lobuche.
From Lobuche, a short climb brings one to another valley. Travel along the Khumbu Glacier through the jumbled moraines and scattered rocks. The trail continues to slowly contour on the open landscape through an ablation and after about an hour, there is a steep ascent for about 20 minutes. Climb slowly to a ridge and then continue on a trail of rocks caused by rockslides. On a clear day Mt. Everest can be seen looming behind Nuptse. Arrive at the ridge above Gorakshep and then descend to Gorakshep, a settlement with 2 tea houses to stay for overnight. This was the base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest expedition. In 1953 the British Everest expedition called this “lake camp’. Gork Shep or "graveyard of the crows", has a small lake that is usually frozen and several monuments to climbers who have died during various Everest expedition.
The carved stone in memory of Jake Britenbach of the 1963 US expedition and the monument of Indian Ambassador H. Dayal, who died during a visit to the Everest Base Camp after the 1965 Indian expedition, are north-east of the lake.- 3 Hrs.
Lunch at Gorakshep.
After lunch and setting up the camp, take the left-hand side trail and head straight up the hill to Kala Pattar (5545m) for views of Mt. Everest. The trek up to the top is an arduous one and takes about an hour to reach it. The late afternoon is the best time to view Mt. Everest from this vantage point as the sun is behind the observer and directly on the mountains in front. The climb to the Kala Pattar though tough, is well worth it as the views from here is breathtaking. The giants of the earth are all around Pumori (7145m), Everest (8848m), China's peak Changtse (7553m), Nuptse (7855m), Lhotse(8516m), Ama Dablam and many others. Later return to Gorakshep. 3 – Hrs.
Dinner and overnight Camp at Gorakshep.
After breakfast set out backtracking on scattered rocks and jumbled moraines to return to Lobuche which takes about 2 ½ hours. Cross the stream and then head towards the Sherpa Memorial for an hour before descending to to Thugla. The going is more easier as we lose altitude. After lunch, cross the Thugla bridge and climb the ridge before descending on a level trail in an open landscape to Periche which is reached in about an hour.
Dinner and Overnight at Perich
After breakfast, set out through the village, cross the river on a wooden bridge and ascend to a ridge. Descend along the flanks of the hills to join the main trail coming from Dingboche. The route then passes through the village of Pangboche (3985m), an ideal place for a lunch break. Continue to backtrack and then descend to the spectacular little bridge over the Dudh Kosi river and head through the fir and rhododendron forest for a lovely afternoon's walk to the meadows of Devouche. From here it is a steep 45 minute ascent to Thyangboche. 6 hrs.
The decent to the Imja Khola and the small village of Phunki (3250m) with its water powered Prayer Wheels takes about one and half hour. The original bridge built by Sir Edmund Hillary was washed away when a flood caused by the land side from the Ama Dablam caused a flooding in this region. Cross the river over the smaller bridge and start the climb towards Khumjung. As the gradient lessens there are many beautiful lunch spots. After lunch start the trek towards Namche by following the path round the eastern flanks of the hills. At the rear is the beautiful west face of the Thamserku (6608m) and Kang Taiga (6685m). Continue through the edge of the Namche Village and then descend steeply for about 1 hour through the forest trail, cross the river on suspension bridge and then climb upto the Police Checkpost, then descend to Monjo for overnight stay. 7 hours
From Monjo, it is interesting to watch others starting enthusiastically on the trek ahead as we head down to Phakding which is reached in about 1 ½ hours.
From Phakding, it is a surprising hard uphill climb to Lukla, which should take about 3 hours. It is a delightful ending to the trip as one enters into this busy village of Lukla.
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