Everest Base Camp Trek
15 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Itinerary
Day 1Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Attend the group welcome meeting.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Traditional Comfort (or similar)
Day 2Kathmandu/Phakding
Catch the mountain flight to Lukla, enjoying stunning views of the Himalayas. Meet the Sherpas and begin the trek to Phakding.
The mountain flight into Lukla is spectacular and the landing an exciting beginning to the trek – one end of the runway is 60m (197ft) higher than the other. The flight is on a small Dornier / Twin Otter flight and flight duration is generally around 25 – 30 minutes.
Once in Lukla, head through pine and cedar woods along the Dudh Kosi to Phakding. Spend the next three nights trekking in the area and acclimatizing in preparation for heading to base camp. This is a challenging trip and involves difficult trekking at high altitudes but the whole experience is simply awe-inspiring!
In the Himalayas weather can cancel or delay the scheduled flight(s) to/from Lukla airport. To be sure that you make your trek, or return from it, it may be necessary to make this flight by a chartered helicopter. Helicopters can operate in some weather that aircraft cannot. Should a helicopter be needed, it will be at the expense of the travellers, and not something covered by G Adventures. Please keep approximately USD 500 (one way) accessible in case this situation presents itself. This suggested amount is in addition to the emergency fund suggested in the tour details.
Hopefully weather delays will not occur, or if they do it will be for a limited time. Should the delays stretch into days and neither helicopter nor flight are a viable option, a collective decision will be made by the group on how to proceed. This is especially true if the delays are prior to the trek, as the original trek may no longer be feasible. Your CEO will be there to help with this process.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Everest Base Camp Trek Lukla to Phakding
In Lukla, meet up with the sherpa guides and porters before heading off on the trek towards Phakding. Follow the Dudh Kosi, the river that flows down from the Himalayas, crossing hanging bridges along the way. Pass camps and keep an eye out for the mani stones, boulders carved with Buddhist inscriptions. The hike is approximately 4 hours, descending gradually to Thado Koshi for around 2 hours. Then the group will begin the first ascent of the trek which is gradually uphill to Phakding (2610m). This portion will take another 2 hours.
Elevation: 2652m
Walking distance - 8kms. Time 3-4 hours. Elevation gain - 260m
Terrain: mostly rocky and uneven with some parts being quite steep and narrow. It's a gradual descent with some uphill sections.
Accommodation
Shangri-La Guest House (or similar)
Day 3Phakding/Namche Bazaar
Hike to Namche Bazaar, gateway to Everest Base Camp and spend two nights acclimatizing for the trek. The group will hike mostly uphill today from Phakding and it will take around 6 hours to reach Namche Bazaar.
An acclimatisation day allows for an excursion to Thame and Khumjung, the green village.
Everest Base Camp Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m). The terrain of today’s hike is mostly uphill with several steep sections and a few narrow suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi River. The trail will pass through pine forests and offer occasional views of the snow capped peaks in the distance.
Spend the remainder of the day in Namche Bazaar acclimatising to the altitude. There are also treks to the surrounding villages of Thame and Khumjung; these short day walks are designed to give us time to get used to high-altitude trekking. Keep your eyes open -- this is the first opportunity to catch a glimpse of the peak of awesome Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world.
Walking distance - 11kms. Time 6 hours. Elevation gain - 830m
Terrain: mostly uphill, with several steep sections, pine forests, and suspension bridges
Accommodation
Hotel Camp de Base (or similar)
Day 4Namche Bazaar
During today's acclimatization day the group will hike up to Syangboche at 3860m. Weather permitting, you will be able to spend some time here and enjoy tea or coffee while viewing the mighty Himalayas and of course Everest Peak. Return back to Namche where the remainder of the day is yours to rest as you please.
Total time spent hiking today will be around 3 hours.
Everest Base Camp Trek Namche Bazaar
Today we have our rest day at Namche. The group will do a short hike to Syangboche which is around 3800m. The total hiking duration will be around 3 hours. The rest of the afternoon involves free time to wander around Namche Bazaar. There are many opportunities here to learn about Everest Expedition and Sherpa culture during the afternoon time.
Walking distance - 9kms. Time: 3 hours. Elevation gain - 360m
Terrain: mostly uphill
Accommodation
Hotel Camp de Base (or similar)
Day 5Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Set out on a 5–6 hr trek through pine and rhododendron forests before arriving in Tengboche. Tengboche is a small village, and home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in Khumbu region.
Everest Base Camp Trek Namche Bazaar to Thyāngboche
The route from Namche to Tengboche (3810m) is unbelievably beautiful – the Dudh Kosi is far below and Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest rise in front. Woods, pine and rhododendron forests, mani walls, chorten (stupas), and suspension bridges across the river make this a lovely walk.
Walking distance - 10kms. Time: 5-6 hours. Elevation gain - 600m
Terrain: Steep ascents and descents, passing through forest of rhododendron, pine and fir trees.
Accommodation
Tashi Delek Lodge (or similar)
Day 6Tengboche to Dingboche
Trek to Dingboche, crossing bridges and rivers with sweeping views of the Himalayan region. Walk through forests and alpine meadows and search for wildlife along the way. The group will spend 2 nights in Dingboche to acclimatize.
Everest Base Camp Trek Tengboche to Dingboche
Follow stone steps that lead down through rhododendrons, birches, and conifers. Due to the hunting ban, almost tame pheasants are regularly seen in this area. At the bottom of the steps lies the small village of Deboche and its nunnery. Rising above the tree line, the trail enters alpine meadows of scrub juniper and, in summer, a profusion of wild flowers. Once the group reaches Dingboche (4410m) they will be treated with outstanding mountain views. This is also the only place in the region where barely is grown.
Walking distance - 12kms. Time: 5-6 hours. Elevation gain - 600m
Terrain: Trail is predominantly uphill with some flat sections and occasional flats. As the group approaches Dingboche, the terrain becomes more rugged and rocky. The vegetation becomes sparse and landscape becomes more rugged and barren the higher the trek goes.
Accommodation
Peaceful Lodge (or similar)
Day 7Dingboche
Today is an acclimatization day. Opt to hike to Chhukung or Nagarzhang Peak.
An acclimatization day here can be used to hike up the Imja Khola to Chhukung or Nagarzhang Peak, a small summer settlement from where stunning views of Island Peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the fluted ice walls flanking the Amphu Lapcha pass can be seen. These views are one of the highlights of the entire trek.
Acclimatization Day
Enjoy some time away from the trek to adjust to the higher altitude. Take it easy, enjoy the scenery, drink plenty of fluids, and prepare for the next day's hiking. Take a short hike to Gangapurna Lake at
3700m. The total elevation gain is 160m.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Chhukung Hike
Enjoy an optional trek to Chhukung and take in the wonderful scenery as you hike.
Accommodation
Peaceful Lodge (or similar)
Day 8Dingboche/Lobuche
Hike through alpine meadows and summer yak pastures towards the end of the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche, which has spectacular views of Nuptse. Today the group will walk for around 5 hours gradually following the trail uphill along a glacial river and through small settlements at Dughla and Thukla.
Everest Base Camp Trek Dingboche to Lobuche
The ascent towards Everest Base Camp continues through Alpine meadows and summer yak pastures towards the end of the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. At the moraine, there are stone monuments to six sherpas who died in avalanches, as well as monuments to other climbers. From here, it is a steep, tough climb towards the village of Gorak Shep. The group will continue on towards Lobuche (4900m), where the view is straight towards Nuptse and the sunset will likely be magnificent.
Walking distance - 11kms. Time: 5-6 hours. Elevation gain - 490m
Terrain: Gradual uphill following glacial river upstream and passing through small settlements. Mostly rocky and rugged.
Accommodation
National Park Lodge (or similar)
Day 9Everest Base Camp (Gorak Shep).
Today includes a challenging climb past the Khumbu Glacier, arriving in Nuptse. From there the group will cross the Changri Glacier to Gorakshep, and then finally enjoy the highlight of reaching Everest Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp Trek Lobuche to Gorak Shep
The higher altitude makes this day's trekking quite challenging. The Changri Glacier looms ahead as the trek heads for Gorakshep (5164m). The group will reach the small, usually frozen, lake, by lunchtime. Relax and get adjusted to the altitude before the attempt to reach Everest Base Camp.
Walking distance - 5kms. Time: 3 hours. Elevation gain - 224m
Terrain: Mostly rocky and barren with scattered shrubs and vegetation.
Everest Base Camp Trek
After lunch, trek to Everest Base Camp (5300m). The route follows the Khumbu Glacier with its intriguing 15m (49ft)-high seraces of ice, a feature unique to Himalayan glaciers. The group will then return to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.
Walking distance - 9kms. Time: 4-5 hours. Elevation gain - 136m
Terrain: Mostly rocky, barren with scattered boulders and glacial moraines. It involves crossing
the Khumbu Glacier.
Accommodation
Himalayan Lodge (or similar)
Day 10Gorak Shep/Pheriche
Enjoy an early morning trek to Kala Pattar for stunning sunrise views of Everest and surrounding vistas. Later, trek to Pheriche along a mostly downhill route.
Everest Base Camp Trek Gorak Shep to Kala Pattar
Try to see a different view of Everest today, with a trek up to Kala Pattar (5644m). Known to have the best views of Everest, this is a challenging trek, but worth it on a clear day.
Walking distance - 3kms. Time: 3 hours. Elevation gain - 480m. Terrain: steep with rocky boulders.
Everest Base Camp Trek Kala Pattar to Pheriche
Begin the descent from Kala Pattar, heading for Pheriche (4371m). This is not the most challenging of hikes, but the altitude can make the many uphill sections below Gorakshep seem tough. Stop to look around; the views are quite spectacular.
Walking distance - 12kms. Time: 5 hours. Elevation loss - 1273m. Terrain: Mostly downhill with rocky boulders.
Accommodation
Panorama Lodge (or similar)
Day 11Pheriche to Kenjuma
Today the group descends through Pangboche, the highest permanent settlement in the region, with its great gompa. The trek finishes in Kenjuma. After a long day on the trail, the evening will be spent resting and recouping
Everest Base Camp Trek Pheriche to Kenjuma
Descend the Imja Khola past Pangboche, the highest permanent settlement in the region. Its gompa, the oldest in Khumbu, is built over the hermitage of Khumbu’s saint, Lama Sanga Dorje. The juniper trees on either side are said to have sprung from hair cut from his head, and a rock-like projection is said to be a piece of mountainside he pulled out for protection one day. Finish today's trek in Kenjuma (3840m).
Walking distance - 16.5kms. Time: 7 hours. Elevation loss - 531m. Terrain: Major downhill on this day returning back to Kenjuma.
Accommodation
Aama Dabalam (or similar)
Day 12Kenjuma to Monjo
Continue our trek, following a path that has both ascents and descents. The group will finish today’s downhill trek in the evening upon arrival to the small village of Monjo.
Everest Base Camp Trek Kenjuma to Monjo
Continue the downhill descent from Kenjuma, heading for Monjo (2835m). Follow the ascents and descents on the path and enjoy the views.
Walking distance - 9kms. Time 5 hours. Elevation loss - 1005m
Terrain: Steep, mostly downhill with a few waterfalls.
Accommodation
Chumoa Guest House (or similar)
Day 13Monjo/Lukla
The final day of our trek takes us back to Lukla, where we have a chance to relax after the rigorous adventure we just undertook.
Everest Base Camp Trek Monjo to Lukla
The final day of our trek returns back to Lukla (2860m). where the group can finally relax after the rigorous adventure and reflect on the challenges just undertaken.
Walking distance - 16kms. Time 7 hours. Elevation gain: 25m
Terrain: mostly gradual uphill terrain with mixed forested areas.
Accommodation
Mera Lodge (or similar)
Day 14Lukla/Kathmandu
Catch the short flight back to Kathmandu, where the rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing in one of the many rooftop cafés.
Please note that certain departures for this trip will be subject to an itinerary change. During this time, the Kathmandu airport will be closed for maintenance and as a result, we will be flying to Ramechap and taking a private bus back to Kathmandu.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time
Take the short flight back to Kathmandu where the rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing or relaxing in one of the many rooftop cafés.
Accommodation
Hotel Traditional Comfort (or similar)
Day 15Kathmandu
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.