Classic Everest Base Camp Trekking

12+

Age

Nepal

Country

All Seasons

Dates

19 Days

Duration

Trekking

Activities

Classic Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal is a wonderful classical trekking route in the Khumbu Valley. We follow the route of the first pioneers to discover the Himalayas: Overland! Therefore, we start driving to Salleri, the gateway to the Solu Khumbu region. The first few days are hiking through the beautiful alpine region of Solu on our way to Lukla, where nowadays most Khumbu treks start from. From Lukla we continue onwards amongst and alongside the region’s famous inhabitants the legendary Sherpas. These hardy people have carved an existence since time immemorial from the frozen landscape. Passing through Sherpa villages and Monasteries along the way to our destination, Everest Base Camp. From the famous viewpoint Kala Pattar, there are outstanding views of Everest along with Nuptse and Lhotse. In the end we trace back to Lukla for our flight to Kathmandu.

Itinerary Outline:

01 Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)

02 Kathmandu: sightseeing and trek preparation

03 Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri (2390m) – 8-9 hours

04 Salleri to Nunthala (2220m) – 6-7 hours

05 Nunthala to Bupsa (2360m) – 5-6 hours

06 Bupsa to Chaurikharka (2650m)

07 Chaurikharka to Monjo (2840m) – 4-5 hours

08 Monjo to Namche Bazaar (3438m) – 3-4 hours

09 Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3440m)

10 Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3870m) – 5-6 hours

11 Tengboche to Dingboche (4360m) – 5-6 hours

12 Acclimatization in Dingboche

13 Dingboche to Lobuche (4940m) – 5-6 hours

14 Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5170m), visit Everest Base Camp (5364m) – 6-7 hours

15 Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545m) to Pheriche (4288m) – 7-8 hours

16 Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3440m) – 6-7 hours

17 Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2860m) – 6-7 hours

18 Fly to Kathmandu

19 Final departure

Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)

Welcome to Nepal! A Nature Trail representative will come to the airport to meet you there and accompany you to your hotel. In the afternoon, we may take a rest or visit Nature Trail’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Nature Trail. For dinner, you will be served authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek preparation

After breakfast, we begin our tour of four amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the architecturally rich Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the interesting ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath), and the Boudhanath Stupa which is one of the largest stupas in the world. After completing our tour late in the afternoon, we drive to Nature Trail’s office for a brief meeting about our trek and get to know our team leader (guide) and fellow travelers. Hotel with breakfast is included.

Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri (2390m)

We begin our drive to Salleri after breakfast. Our drive will be on the Madhya-Pahadi Highway and across the Sun Koshi River. We pass through beautiful riversides, jungles and villages. We continue to Okhaldhunga and begin to notice a change in the climate and landscape. The views of Numpur Himal and Everest are ours to admire. We continue our drive higher up and reach Salleri after 8-9 hours.

Salleri to Nunthala (2220m)

We begin our trek after breakfast and pass Ringmo Village from where we begin ascending on a steep trail until Namche Bazaar. The trail passes through some great ruins before reaching Nunthala which is a located at a lower elevation than Salleri. Roughly, we ascend 600m and descend 800m.

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Nunthala to Bupsa (2360m)

We begin our trek after breakfast and descend for the most part of the trek. We cross a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and climb up for a little over an hour. The trail passes through Khari Khola village and the scenery starts to get more picturesque. We trek through a beautiful rhododendron forest before reaching Bupsa, where we stay for the night.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Bupsa to Chaurikharka (2650m)

We begin our trek after breakfast. The trail climbs up a ridge. We walk on the ridge and climb another ridge. Next, we cross a deep gorge with a great view of a waterfall and begin ascending to Chaurikharka. It is a wonderful small village with fields of barley, wheat and a few green vegetables. The village also houses a Buddhist monastery, which is worth visiting.

Chaurikharka to Monjo (2840m)

We trek for some time and cross a bridge over the Champlung Khola (stream). We continue our trek on a trail alongside the Dudh Koshi River. On our way to Monjo, we also pass through a few villages, rhododendron and magnolia forests and Buddhist monasteries. We also cross Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries several times before reaching Monjo.

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Monjo to Namche Bazaar (3438m)

We walk a little further from Monjo and enter the Sagarmatha National Park. We continue walking on the trail alongside the Dudh Koshi River and pass a chorten on the way before reaching Namche Bazaar. The traditional Sherpa village is one of the busiest villages in the Khumbu region with government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market.

Walking time: 3-4 hours

Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Nature Trail’s guide(s) can take us to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar today. Hiking to Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with a sunrise view and the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. We can also enjoy a day hike to Khumjung village (12,401ft) which is a beautiful Sherpa village. In exploring Namche Bazar, we observe traditional Sherpa life, Khumjung Hillary School and enjoy flora and fauna found at such altitude.

Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3870m)

This segment of the trek includes the famous descent to the Dudh Koshi River and the equally popular ascent along the rhododendron forests to Tengboche. While descending to Dudh Kish River, we enjoy the views of mountain tops like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. Upon reaching Tengboche, we visit Tengboche monastery-the largest monastery in the region and soak in the views of Everest, Ama Dablam and other peaks.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Tengboche to Dingboche (4360m)

We descent and trek through forests filled with a variety of lush trees – birch, conifers and rhododendrons. This journey again rewards us with tremendous views of Mt. 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 reward us with a more pristine view of the Himalayas and the Pangboche Monastery. The trek moves ahead towards the Imja Valley, Lobuche River and ultimately begins climbing up to Dingboche. At Dingboche, we see a beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Acclimatization day in Dingboche

Dingboche is a popular stop for trekkers and climbers headed to Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam or Imja Tse. We spend a day at Dingboche for acclimatization. We take day hikes to either Nagarjun Hill or Chukhung Valley for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawachi and Ama Dablam.

Dingboche to Lobuche (4940m)

We start the day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we 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-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. Next, we continue to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and find ourselves facing several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5170m), visit Everest Base Camp (5364m)

We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through Gorak Shep (Gorak Shep once was a vast Lake). Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence, it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep. Optional, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is recommended that we visit Kala Patthar today during sunset. As the setting sun’s rays strike the snow-capped mountains, the resulting scenery is incredible. Therefore, for those trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar today instead of the next day please inform your guide and he/she will coordinate accordingly.

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545m) to Pheriche (4288m)

We prepare for an early morning departure to Kala Patthar, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures. Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, when reaching Kala Patthar, we get to see a 360 degree up-close and formidable view of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama. Those participants who will visit Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start early as Everest base camp hike takes longer than the hike at Kala Patthar. After returning to Gorak Shep, both the groups will have lunch together; afternoon time is taken to descend down to Pheriche for a good night’s rest.

Walking time: 7-8 hours

Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

We trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the prayer-flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests. In the forest, we may come across colorful pheasants and mountain goats. The path eventually reaches Sansa from where we can enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse mountains. We also pass winding trails then through a forest before reaching Namche Bazaar.

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2860m)

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Last overnight stay in the mountains.

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Flight to Kathmandu

We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenir shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Final departure

Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Nature Trail will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home, you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure to the wonderful country of Nepal.

Classic Everest Base Camp Trekking

For foreign travelers, Everest Base Camp has become one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal, offering the chance to gaze on the magnificent north face of the world’s highest peak Mount Everest. Famous for its amazing mountain peaks and the loyalty and friendliness of its inhabitants Sherpa, the Everest Region is one of the most famous destinations for tourists in Nepal. While several routes through the mountains are difficult, there are plenty of places to rest and enjoy meal along the way. Trekking is possible the whole year round in this area. The best time to trek is from the beginning of March to May and from September to November. The winter is very cold and snow may make it difficult to travel higher than Tengboche, and lodges may be closed above this altitude. Summers, are wet and the spectacular peaks are often lost in the clouds. April and early May is a good time to view the hedgerows and trees stuffed into bloom, with Rhododendron, in particular, adding a spectacular spray of color to the landscape.
Everest Base Camp is a term that is used to describe two base camps which are on opposite sides of Mount Everest. South Base Camp is in Nepal side with an altitude of 5,364 m. and North Base Camp is in Tibet side at 5,150 m. These camps are basic campsites on Mount Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent.

Views from EBC/Kalapathar

From EBC you can observe refreshing spectacular view of numerous dangling mountains including Everest and typical Sherpa land with typical house and landscape. Therefore, Everest Base Camp Trek is taken as the best and most popular trekking routes in Nepal as well as in the world. From Kala Pathar we can view the most wonderful sunrise views on the Mt. Everest. Scenery and conversing of the Snow River, avalanche and white dazzling snow capped peaks including Mt. Everest from the top of Kalapathar will enchant you and take you to the world of frantically making your journey a memorable one in your whole life. If you have ever longed to set eyes on the highest Himalayan peaks and rugged perfect glaciers around you, the views from Kalapathar will stay with you forever. We have the best view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lotse, Mt. Changtse, Khumbu Glacier, Ama Dablam and south-west face of Everest will be seen from the top of Kalapathar.

Mt. Everest (Top of the World)

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. Its height is 8,848 meters. Its alternate names are Sagarmatha, Qomolangma, and Chomolungma. Mt. Everest lies on the border of Nepal and China, with half of the mountain lying on each side of the borders. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first climbed Mt. Everest in 1953, with Hillary taking the photograph of Tenzing Norgay in the summit.
There are several bodies still lying on the upper portions of the mountain above the South Col on the Nepal side and the North East Ridge on the Tibetan side. There are 2 main routes, Southeast and Northeast, for climbing the Mt. Everest. Southeast is most frequently used route because it is generally considered safer and with easier access. Ascent via the southeast ridge begins with a trek to Base Camp at 5,380 meters on the south side of Everest in Nepal. Expedition members usually fly to Lukla (2,860 m.) from Kathmandu and pass through Namche Bazar. Climbers then hike to Everest Base Camp, which usually takes 6 to 8 days, allowing for proper altitude adjustment in order to prevent altitude sickness. Climbing accessories and supplies are carried by yaks, dzopkyos (yak hybrids) and human porters to Everest Base Camp on Khumbu Glacier. In recent years, mountain climbers and explorers have been paying attention on Mt. Everest. It has become many brave people’s dreams to demonstrate their courage and skills by climbing onto the world’s highest peak. The weather is comparatively mild and steady with less rain or snow early March to late May, and again so from early September to late October. These are the two best seasons for tourists and mountain climbers.

Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche Monastery also known as Dawa Choling Gompa, is in the Tengboche village in Khumjung in the Khumbu Region of Eastern Nepal. It is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Sherpa community situated at 3,867 m. The monastery is the largest Gompa in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It was built in 1916 by Lama Guru with strong links to its mother monastery known as Rongbuk Monastery located in Tibet. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1934 and was consequently rebuilt. In 1989, it was destroyed again by a fire and then rebuilt with the help of volunteers and international support.

Tengboche is famous because of its spectacular and distinctive location. It lies on the main route to the Everest Base Camp of Mt. Everest and offers the first clear views of the highest mountain in the world. Tengboche became famous to the world after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzin Norgay Sherpa made the first ascent of Mt. Everest in 1953. A lot has been changed since those days when Tengboche was remote and inaccessible. Today more than 30,000 people come ever year to enjoy the beauty of Tengboche and splendor of the mountains.

From Tengboche there are spectacular views of some of the world’s highest mountains including Nuptse (7,855m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Lhotse (8,516m), Kantega (6,779m), Tamserku (6,623m) and as well as the many others that form one of the most inspiring ranges of snow mountains anywhere. The ice walls of these mountains control the landscape and avalanches can normally be heard rumbling high up the glaciers.