Everest Base Camp Trek with Night Camp at EBC - 16 Days

Today, we’ll set off for a guided sightseeing tour around the time-honoured Kathmandu Valley. Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide, you’ll first visit the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. Submerge yourself in the spiritual ambience of this site considered holiest by the Hindu devotees. Thereafter, you’ll explore the colossal stupas of Boudhanath and Syambhunath. Being few of the largest stupas around the world; these structures epitomizes the pinnacle of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. We’ll then a stopover at the Patan Durbar Square to witness the architectural marvel of the ancient Nepalese craftsmanship. Adorned with wood and stone carvings, this Durbar Square Complex is simply incredible!!

Early in the morning, we’ll go on board a flight destined to Lukla. This scenic 35 minutes long flight shall take you beyond the spectacular landscaped and formidable Himalayan Ranges. Brace yourself for an adrenaline rush following the touchdown of the aircraft at one of the world’s most exciting airports i.e. the Tenzing-Hillary Airport aka Lukla Airport.  Now, we’ll take the first step towards our action-packed trekking adventure. En route, we’ll advance past suspension bridge, Chorten, Mani stone and prayer flag with the beautiful mountains such as Karyolung (6,530m), Nupla (5,885m) and Gongla (5,813m) by our side. The mountainous path initially descends downhill till the middle spot at Thado Koshi where we’ll catch the sight of lovely mountain Kusum Kanguru (6,367m).  Succeeding a gentle climb along the well-marked trail, we’ll arrive at Phakding (2,800m).

In day four of our escapade, we’ll have two phases of the trek. To begin with, the trek route proceeds along the sparkling white water river Dudh Koshi. We’ll then traverse the very river via a suspension bridge spanning over it. Subsequently, we’ll advance past the settlements of Zapote, Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa to make an appearance at Monjo. Here, we’ll register our trekking permits and move further inside the territory of Sagarmatha National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. As we tackle few ups and downs, we’ll reach Jhorsalle. Throughout the journey, we’ll be accompanied by exquisite mountain vistas. We’ll now cross the Hillary Bridge then commence the second phase that boasts a steep ascent to the Sherpa Town. At the middle of the climb, near a defunct teahouse, we can watch the early views of Mt. Everest positioned in the middle of Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge if the weather is favourable and clear.

Well-renowned as the Sherpa Capital, the Himalayan town of Namche Bazaar is the commercial hub of the Khumbu Region. Encircled by the snow-clad mountaintops of Kongde Ri (6,187m) to the west and  Thamserku (6,623m); this lovely town at the elevation of 3,440m asl is the best place to acclimatize with the access to contemporary amenities such as high-speed Internet connectivity, bakery, fine restaurants, cafes, lodges, banks and ATMs and outlets for basic commodities such as medicine and clothes. Explore the town and its local marketplace in order to get familiar with the surroundings. Acquire a detailed insight into Sherpa culture and traditions via a visit to Sherpa Culture Museum showcasing cultural artefacts of the Sherpa tribe. Moreover, you can go for a short hike to Hotel Everest View in order to facilitate the acclimatization process and to observe the delightful panorama embracing Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Kangtega (6,779m), Thamserku (6,608m), Kusum Kanguru (6,367m), Khumbila (5,761m), Cholache (6,440m), Kongde (6,168m), Nuptse (7,864m) and Tawache (6,542m).

We’ll trek along the trail which leads to the valley overlooking the Dudh Koshi River. Constantly pursued by the astonishing views of snow-capped peaks; we’ll make it to Kyangjuma, an ideal place to contemplate mountain scenery in tranquillity. Thereafter, we’ll move across the rhododendron forest to Phunki Tenga. At last, we reach Tengboche (3,860m) subsequent to an abrupt climb through the pinewoods. The Sherpa village of Tengboche unveils splendid glimpses of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. Moreover, you can stare at Mt. Thamserku in close proximity. Pay a visit to Tengboche Monastery, the largest of its kind in the Khumbu Region. 

The trek along this segment of trail is fairly easy. We’ll make a descent through rhododendron woodland and walk across an iron bridge spanning over Imja Khola River, part of the Dudh Koshi tributary. Afterwards, we’ll progress uphill traversing Mani stone and conifers to Pangboche then continue to Syomare. Positioned opposite to the elegant mountain Ama Dablam; Pangboche is able to present marvellous as well as immersive outlooks of Khumbu Region’s iconic peak. Also, this village is home to the oldest monastery of the region. We’ll now cross the treeline and move forward to Dingboche (4,410m).

Once a shepherd settlement during summer; the present time Dingboche is a perfect spot for trekkers and climbers to acclimatize at higher altitudes.  We can witness ‘out of this world’ outlooks of lofty mountains like Lhotse, Imjatse, Ama Dablam, and Taboche. We’ll commence our Side trip to Nangkartshang Hill with the aim to accelerate the acclimatization process. Other than the higher elevation, it is an easy uphill climb that extends a few minor difficulties. The is a worthwhile hike as the top of the peak renders heavenly panorama including Ama Dablam, Makalu, Nuptse, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Kangtega, and Taboche in their full majesty!! Eventually, we’ll return back to Dingboche.

Succeeding the adaptation to the higher altitudes, we’ll proceed forward to ascend an open valley dominated by the Cholatse and Tawache peaks. Take a note to the changing surroundings as the terrain turns out to be more frozen and isolated. Later on, we’ll make our way to the foot of the Khumbu Glacier, world’s highest glacier. This dramatic glacier harbours turquoise ice formations, which happens to be debris from the previous avalanches. We’ll carry on the Himalayan path and pass by the memorials erected to honour the individuals who lost their lives in the course of Everest expeditions. In the end, we’ll climb down alongside glacier slope to Lobuche (4,910m).

From Lobuche, we can see the golden rays of sun illuminating the snowy Himalayan Mountains during the break of day. This enchanting sight instantaneously sets right into your mind and soul. Thereupon, we’ll forge ahead to Gorakshep (5,181m): a Sherpa settlement with few basic lodges scattered around. Continuing our trek, we’ll ascend Kalapatthar (translates into black rock), which is a small hill considered as the best viewpoint of Khumbu Region. It can be conquered on a single day but high-altitude can create some hindrances. At its vertex, we’ll have a face-to-face encounter with the mighty Mt. Everest. On top of that, we can gaze at the unrivalled vistas of the entire Khumbu Glacier underneath us. After spending some memorable moments here, we’ll return back to Gorakshep.

At the dawn, we’ll forge ahead on the wide trail along the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp. Due to high altitude and low temperatures; we’ll keep our steps slow and steady this day. The arduous trek amid extreme climatic condi

After breakfast, we head back towards Pheriche. Descending via steep hills we reach to  Pheriche. Following the same trial that we ascent, we reach to Lobuche.  Further marching via forested ridges, steep trails, and diverse terrains, we reach Pangboche.

 As we are walking gradually following a lower altitude, we have less fear of AMS problems. As we have some ups and downs on the trek, should maintain the proper pace. After crossing Khumbu Khola, we ascend with the great views of  of Imja Valley, Ama Dablam and Kantega.

Continuing the journey after lunch at Tengboche, we decend to Namche passing rhododendron, juniper, and fir forested areas. 

The last day of our epic journey begins after a warm breakfast at Namche. Following the same trial that we ascent, we trek down to Lukla encountering several climbers, trekkers, domestic and wild animals, Sherpa settlements, and rocky terrains.

We shall have the last view of Everest today. Arriving at Lukla, we sum up our trek exchanging happiness, hazards, and memories of the journey.

Catching an early aircraft, we fly back to Kathmandu. The flight is scenic and you can sightsee diverse topography, snow-heap peaks, greeneries from the windowpane.

After a short flight, we land at Kathmandu Airport. A vehicle outside takes us to our hotel. We can spend the rest of the day own way. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner orgainzed by Holy Mountain Treks.

We are leaving this city today with the memory of Everest Base Camp Trek with night camp in the Base Camp.

One of the representatives from Holy Mountain Treks  leaves us at the airport 3 hours before the scheduled flight.