Everest Base Camp

Trek Monjo to Namche (3440m), walk 5 hrs

Before leaving Monjo, we’ll drop into the Khumbu National Park Information Centre where we can trace our trail from a 3D model of the region. The route today crosses several steel suspension bridges covered with katas, white well-wishing scarves, and prayer flags. From the last bridge, it’s a 2-3 hr hike up hill to Namche. On a clear day, we may have our first view of Everest from a lookout about mid-way up the hill. On arrival in Namche we settle into our lodge. At 3450 metres in altitude, we must take it easy and relax, allowing our bodies to acclimatise to the new altitude. Namche, commonly known these days as Namche Bazaar, is a traditional trading village. For centuries the people of Tibet would cross into Nepal over the Nangpa La, to trade salt and other commodities. It is now a major village with many lodges, cafe’s, bakeries and gear stores. It is an interesting place to walk around and observe the hustle and bustle of trekkers, local villagers and shop owners. B,L,D

We spend an extra day in Namche before trekking higher to allow our bodies to adjust to the lower levels of oxgyen in the air. In the morning, we will walk up to the Everest View Hotel to enjoy a panoramic view of Everest, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. It’s just a hint of the spectacular scenery to come! From here, you can explore the villages of Khunde and Khumjung where Sir Edmund Hillary opened a hospital and school, respectively. Or the afternoon is free for wandering around Namche, emailing friends/family or relaxing over coffee and cakes in the bakery. B,L,D

Trek Namche (3440m) to Phortse (3810m), walk 5 hrs

The trail behind Namche is a gentle track that traverses high above the Imja river and overlooking views of Thamserku and Ama Dablam. We pass a chorten in memory of Tenzing Sherpa, Sir Edmund Hillary’s climbing partner, before reaching Kyangjuma to break for morning tea. We split from the regular traffic of trekkers heading to EBC by taking the higher road up to Mong for lunch en-route to Phortse. Many villagers still depend on potato and buckwheat farming here, but Phortse is also known for producing many top climbing Sherpas to supplement incomes. Since 2003, the Khumbu Climbing School which operates in Phortse has trained many keen young men and women. Every winter, renowned international climbers and local guides work together to run climbing courses. The partnership has not only increased climbing enthusiasm amongst locals, but has also improved general climbing safety. On arrival, we will visit the Khumbu Climbing School to check their activities, perhaps even getting in a rock climb at the nearby crag.

Trek Phortse (3810m) to Pangboche (3930m), walk 2.5 hrs

Heading out of Phortse you will see Cho Oyu, the 6th highest mountain in the world up the Ngozumba glacier leading to Gokyo lakes. The trail to Pangboche is an easy day of traversing with views of Tengboche monastery just across the valley. Pangboche is the highest permanent settlement with the oldest monastery in the Khumbu. The horizon from here to Lobuche is dominated by Ama Dablam, (6856m) one of the most picturesque mountains in the Khumbu that is technically demanding to climb. B, L, D

Trek Pangboche (3930m) to Dingboche (4410m), walk 4 hrs

As we hike up the track towards Dingboche, there’s a distinct change in the landscape as we cross the 4000m barrier. High altitude scrub replace trees and formidable mountains suddenly appear within reach. You feel instantly that Everest must be close! Dingboche is the first of a series of settlements leading to EBC established to accommodate trekkers. It is a seasonal village with a few fields and yaks. The afternoon is free to use internet or to do some much needed laundry. There are also a few small bakeries here. B, L, D

Acclimatisation in Dingboche, walk 5 hrs

We take a rest day in Dingboche to acclimatise to our increased altitude gain. In the morning, we’ll walk up to a lookout to touch the 5000m mark. It’s a steep climb but the views of Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8501m), Nuptse (7861m) and on clear days, Cho Oyu (8201m) and Shispangma (8013m) are worth any feelings of breathlessness. After lunch, if you’re feeling energetic, you can hike towards Chhukung village or down to Pheriche. Alternatively, curling up with a book and hot chocolate is also recommended! B,L,D

Trek Dingboche (4410m) to Lobuche (4910m), walk 5 hrs

Just above Dingboche and along a plateau of yak herder shelters, we enter a serene santuary of panoramic mountains. Take a moment to absorb and re ect on feelings of excitment that Everest is just around the corner! Passing Dughla, it’s a 1 hr hike up to Thokla pass (4830m) where memorials have been built for fallen climbers. We then cross rocky terrain to Lobuche for the night. Lodge  B,L,D

Trek Lobuche (4910m) to Everest Base camp (5364m), walk 7 hrs

The journey to EBC from Lobuche is a relatively gentle ascent of rocky terrain that follows across and along the Khumbu glacier, and passes through Gorak Shep. This pile of rocks sitting at the foot of the infamous Khumbu ice fall in spring is home to some 30 teams (hundreds of climbers and support staff) aspiring to climb Everest. We will spend 2 nights at the Himalayan Ascent Everest Expedition base absorbing the climbing atmosphere and excitement, and appreciating what it takes to climb the highest mountain in the world. Accommodation is a shared tent in a full service camp site.

This is a day to fully explore EBC. We will visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic and learn about the volunteer work they do to provide medical assistance to climbers. We’ll tour the foot of the Khumbu ice fall and understand why this is one of the most dangerous sections on the South route of Everest. Also, we’ll visit other campsites and chat to climbers about their Everest climbing experience. Few trekking companies can offer such an EBC experience so enjoy this unique twist of the classic EBC trek. B,L,D

Trek EBC (5364m) to Pheriche (4270m) via Kala Pattar (5550m), walk 7 hrs

From Gorak Shep and EBC, Pumo Ri (7165m), Lingtren (6749m) and Nuptse (7861m) are clearly visible. However, Everest and Lhotse are largely blocked by the face of Nuptse. To see these mountains, we must climb another vantage point behind Gorak Shep known as Kala Pattar or “Black Rock”. It will be an early start from EBC to reach Kala Pattar summit (4 hr). At 5550m, this is the highest point on our trek! The summit provides a close and unobstructed view of Everest and Lhotse, undoubtably a worthy reward for making the strenuous climb to the summit. We drop back to Gorak Shep for a snack before making the descent to Pheriche. B,L,D

Trek Pheriche (4270m) to Tengboche (3860m), walk 4 hrs

As we descend to lower altitudes, every step you take from here to Lukla, you will feel rejuvenated with increasing oxygen in the air. We have lunch at Pangboche, cross the river and pass through Deboche to reach our destination of Tengboche for the night. Tengboche monastery is famous for hosting the major Buddhist festival, Mani Rimdu, in November. The monastery itself was rebuilt after a re in 1989. Visitors are allowed to observe prayer time with the monks at mid morning/mid afternoon. This is not to be missed! Of course you can also enjoy a cake at the bakery. B,L,D

Trek Tengboche (3860m) to Monjo (2840m), walk 5 hrs

It’s a big descent from Tengboche to the Dudh koshi river crossing, followed by a 45 min hike up the other side heading back to Namche. The trail from here is an easy traverse with familiar sights of Thamserku and the Kongde range. We pause in Namche for lunch before making another big descent back to the valley floor. Crossing over the many suspension bridges in warmer temperatures again, we eventually break in Monjo for the night. B,L,D

Trek Monjo (2840m) to Lukla (2840m), walk 3 hrs

Enjoy the sights of the mani walls around Ghat and other villages, as we make our way back to Lukla. This is our last opportunity to take in the Buddhist culture that has prevailed throughout the trek before returning to the melting pot of cultures found in Kathmandu. B,L,D

Early rise to check in for our mountain flight back to Kathmandu. If you didn’t make it to Bhaktapur or the other durbar squares in Patan/Kathmandu, make sure you don’t miss these world heritage sites. They provide another viewpoint of Nepal’s diverse culture and ancient architectural talents. This evening is at your leisure. B