Trekking to everest base camp
Trekking to Everest base Camp
The Everest Base Camp Trek
(can also include a visit to Gokyo or Island Peak)
The Everest Base Camp trek is arguably the most famous trekking route in the world and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. Nepal is a fascinating country and the trek gives an insight into the lives and culture of the Sherpa people. Our ascent is steady and well paced to best suit the acclimatisation needed. Sunrise on the snow capped peaks above the Khumbu Glacier is an unforgettable sight from the summit of Kala Pattar. This trek is one for the lover of high places and those wanting to push themselves to the limit. It is a tough challenge and not to be taken lightly with generally well graded paths but some tougher sections along the Khumbu glacier. It is suitable for people who are generally fit, and used to walking in the British hills and is an experience never to be forgotten. On the Everest Base camp trek, we reach the height of 18500ft (5545 metres), and is well within the reach of the average hill walker. If you have ever longed to set eyes on our highest mountain,then the view from Everest base camp will stay with you forever. . Ever since the early days of climbing expeditions, the 8848m mountain has had a lure of its own; very few people return from this trek unmoved by the experience of gazing at Everest.
Photo of Everest
everest trek
From Kathmandu we fly up to Lukla,the Everest base camp trek starts here,and we begin our adventure landing at this tiny airstrip. The next few days are spent trekking through the heartland of the Sherpa people. Passing Buddhist monasteries with the views of Everest getting closer everyday. We will have rest days in the villages of Namche, Tengpoche and Dingboche. This will allow us to explore the region and to acclimatise, which is very important. Although this trek is called the Everest base camp trek, our goal is the summit of Kala Pattar,which is higher than Everest base camp,with awe-inspiring views of Nuptse and Everest with the Khumbu Glacier tumbling down from the Western Cwm. After trekking to Kala Pattar, we return at a leisurely pace back to Namche and Lukla for our flight back to Kathmandu. For the more adventurous there is an option of returning over the Cho La pass to the Gokyo valley, and then ascending Gokyo Ri. Or if you are really fit, you can have a go at Island Peak. On the Everest base Camp trek, we use the best lodges run by Sherpa families. The treks are organised in conjunction with local Sherpa guides , who have been organising trekking to Everest base camp for the last twenty years.
Itinerary
WALKING TIMES: This itinerary is intended as a guide only. All times stated are approximate. Local conditions and the weather, and individual and group fitness may alter day to day plans.
DAY 1: KATHMANDU (1360M) You arrive in Kathmandu and are transferred to the Hotel. We will discuss the trekking program and co-ordinate any last-minute arrangements
DAY 2: KATHMANDU In the afternoon we explore Swayambu Stupa, a huge Buddhist and Hindu Temple located on a hill within walking distance from our hotel. From here we can see the Himalayas on a clear day.
DAY 3: PHAKDING (2652M Trekking 3 hours). In the early morning we take the spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m), flying parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibet. Flight time is about 40 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing we will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort and load the trekking equipment. In the afternoon, we begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaunrikharka (2713m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2550m), it is a short walk to Phakding.
DAY 4: MONJO (2835M Trekking 3½ hours). From Phakding we cross the river and head up valley following porters from the south ferrying supplies to Namche. The trail keeps close to the river valley and is lined with beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest that is very spectacular in the Spring months when the flowers are in bloom. We cross the Dudh Kosi at Benkar where there are tantalizing glimpses of the snow peaks Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2835m) where we arrive in time for lunch. We spend the night in Monjo with the afternoon free,with the opportunity to do some exploring around the village. The day has been deliberately kept short to aid acclimatization, a very important process
DAY 5: NAMCHE BAZAAR (3446M Trekking 4 hours). Today the walking is a little tougher and includes the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. From Monjo, it is a short walk to the entrance of the National Park before we cross the Dudh Kosi, to Jorsale (2805m). The trek continues upstream on generally flat terrain, crossing back to the right bank, to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi rivers; it is here that we start the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. After crossing a large and stable suspension bridge high above the river we slowly ascend at a steady pace towards Namche. There are some fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Taweche (6542m) come into view for the first time. After arriving in Namche, we enjoy lunch with the afternoon free to bargain in the shops for 'Tibetan' artefacts, or relax and marvel at the beautiful scenery.
DAY 6: NAMCHE BAZAAR. Acclimatization day.We remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large, protected hollow. It gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. Today a limited amount of trade exists at Namche and Tibetans are often seen in the village trading rugs and Chinese-made goods, clothing, salt and dried meat. Also on this day we will visit the village of Khumjung, and get our first great views of Everest(video)
DAY 7: THYANGBOCHE (3875M walking 6 hours). From Namche, we climb towards the park headquarters and follow a contouring trail high above the Dudh Kosi river. Above Namche the route to Thyangboche becomes visible with the monastery seen below the summit of Everest and surrounded by Himalayan peaks. On today's walk there are opportunities to spot the local wildlife, including the beautiful Danphe Pheasant often seen among the birch and silver fir forest between Shanasa and Trashinga, and Himalayan Thar on the high ground above the trail. After reaching the re-forestation nursery at Trashinga, the trail drops steeply to cross the Dudh Kosi at Phunkitenga (3250m), where we take lunch. In the afternoon we pass water-driven prayer wheels and ascend, initially steeply, through pine, fir, black juniper and rhododendron forest towards Thyangboche.(video) The monastery and our lodge are located in a beautiful meadow s urrounded by towering Himalayan peaks in a truly peaceful and tranquil setting. The most notable peaks seen from here are Kantega, Ama Dablam - perhaps the most beautiful peak in the region - and of course Mount Everest
DAY 8: PANGBOCHE (3900M Trekking time 2 hours). A short walk up to the traditional Sherpa village of Pangboche and a visit to the oldest Gompa in the Khumbu. From Thyangboche, we descend through forest of birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron, to the nunnery at Debuche. Along the way keep an eye open for Blood and Danphe Pheasant, Musk Deer and, high on the steep slopes of the valley, the Himalayan Thar. After half an hour's fairly level walking we cross the Imja Khola and gradually ascend to the village of Pangboche where the peak of Ama Dablam dominates the skyline. After lunch we will take a tour of the village and perhaps view the beautiful monastery (video)that once housed the legendary Yeti scalp.
DAY 9: DINGBOCHE(4360M Trekking 4hours). In the morning our route ascends gradually, high above the Imja Khola, passing the teahouses at Orsho before crossing the Imja Khola and old glacial moraines to our lodge in the settlement of Dingboche. The scenery is spectacular: although Everest has disappeared behind the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, the huge peaks that tower above the eastern end of the valley are ample compensation. We are now almost completely above the treeline. In clear conditions, look out for spectacular sunsets here and on Ama Dablam. Today's walk is quite tiring due to the altitude so it is important to take notice of your leader's advice and recommendations regarding rest and fluid intake.
DAY 10: DINGBOCHE ,Rest & acclimatization Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds. It is occupied mainly through the monsoon months,when large numbers of yaks are brought here to graze on the valley pastures. Behind our lodge the huge rock faces of Taweche seem to soar to the heavens. Your leader will advise on activities today; the short excursion up the valley towards Chukung is worthwhile. The views are fantastic in this valley; the towering south face of Lhotse to the north, Island Peak in the centre of the valley, and the fluted ice-walls of unnamed peaks that line the southern end of the valley form a hauntingly beautiful sight.The other option which is better for acclimatising, is a hike up the hill behind our lodge will afford great views of the fifth highest mountain in the world, Makalu (8481m), which is not visible from the valley floor.(video)
DAY 11: LOBUJE (4930M Trekking 6hours). In the morning we ascend the small ridge behind the village above the Pheriche valley. From the chorten at the top, Taweche and Cholatse (6440m) make for a striking scene as they seem to lean forwards from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuje Peak (6119m) and the snowfields of the Cho La dominate the skyline. The walking is now generally fairly flat on wide-open fields, but do take your time and ensure you are well hydrated. Late in the morning we cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla (4620m) and take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off Everest. In the afternoon, there is a solid and quite steep climb on a rocky trail to the top of the moraine. On the crest of the ridge, you pass a line of memorial cairns, built in memory of the Sherpas and climbers who have died on various Everest expeditions over the last 50 years. From here the view is spectacular, Pumori (7145m) Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), and across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550m) are seen at the head of the valley, whilst Everest is hidden behind the towering walls of Nuptse and Lhotse. We then follow the valley stream to our lodge at Lobuje, arriving early afternoon. Today is a tiring day but the fantastic scenery makes it all very worthwhile.
DAY 12: Kala Pattar (5160M Trekking 10 hours round trip). After an early rise, we have a short trek to Gorak Shep where we will have breakfast and some tea before beginning the walk up to Kala Pattar. (5545m)A gradual ascent enables you to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at high altitude. From the lodge the ascent is quite steep, so start very slowly and try to ascend at steady rhythmic pace. Our goal Kala Patar, is the rocky hilltop below Pumori. It is a tough walk, but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. It will probably take a good hour and a half to reach the summit from Gorak Shep, although lower viewpoints will provide views almost as good. Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and Everest - the highest mountain in the world - surround us(video), and, about three kilometres distant and some 200 metres below, the area of the Everest Base Camp can be seen in a bowl at the bottom of the Khumbu Ice Fall. For many trekkers, reaching Kala Pattar is a very emotional experience and it is worthwhile spending as long as you wish to savour this special moment. The descent back down to Gorak Shep is easy, Upon arrival in our lodge in Lobuche, hot tea will be waiting and a short time later our evening meal.
Option of going over the Cho La to Gokyo,or climbing Island Peak on the return
DAY 13: Pangboche. (3875M Trekking 5 hours). From Lobuje we re-trace our steps to Dughla: it seems much quicker and easier going down! From here we take a different route from our ascent, following the wide alpine valley covered in scrub juniper through to the temporary settlement of Phulung Karpo (4343m), and then to Pheriche.There is also a Trekkers' Aid Post here, supported by the Himalayan Rescue Association which, although not manned year round, is well worth a visit if open. From Pheriche we cross the Khumbu Khola and ascend a short steep trail to the top of a small ridge for great views of the Imja valley, Ama Dablam and Kantega. We then descend to the small settlements at Orsho and Shomare, and then to Lower Pangboche to our Lodge
DAY 14: NAMCHE BAZAAR (3446M Trekking 5 hours). After breakfast we descend steeply through beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Thyanboche and then down again to Phunkitenga. After a welcome break and perhaps a cup of tea we cross the Dudh Kosi, and ascend to Trashinga. From here the trail contours high above the valley through Sanasa, before returning to Namche Bazaar where we spend the night
Day 15: Namche Bazaar. A day of rest with an option of walking out to the village of Thame, birth place of Sherpa Tensing. (2652M Trekking 4 hours).
DAY 16: PHAKDING. We enjoy a leisurely departure from Namche Bazaar with a final opportunity to visit the shops in the bazaar before we descend steeply down to the large suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi. We follow the trail through Jorsale and back to Monjo where we take lunch. In the afternoon it is a short walk via Benkar through blue pine and rhododendron forest with great views of Kusum Kangaru back to our lodge in Phakding
DAY 17: LUKLA (2800M Trekking 3½ hours). Our last day of trekking is only a short walk along the valley before we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. We will take lunch at our lodge and the afternoon is free for you to wander around, relax or perhaps have a hot shower!(video)
DAY 18: KATHMANDU We rise early in the morning to be ready for the arrival of the aircraft, for the flight back to Kathmandu. We will be met at the airport and transferred to our Hotel.
DAY 19: KATHMANDU Free in Kathmandu with a visit to Bodanath Stupa(video) and in the evening a farewell meal and culture show.
DAY 20: KATHMANDU After breakfast we say farewell to you to continue your journey or we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
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