Mt Everest Base Camp Trek

Enjoy a full-day tour of the Kathmandu Valley, starting with a visit to Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu site on the banks of the Bagmati River. This temple complex is home to over 500 holy structures and the pagoda-style main temple is only open to Hindus, but non-Hindus can observe from the terraces across the river. The area also includes the Guhyeshwari temple, where cremation ceremonies are performed.

Next, explore Patan Durbar Square, known as the city of artisans. This area is home to skilled craftsmen who specialize in ancient techniques such as wood, wax, and metal work. The former Royal Palace has been converted into a museum showcasing unique crafts, and there are many cultural attractions such as the Golden Temple, Golden Window, and Mahabouddha Temple.
Finally, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, an old royal courtyard with over fifty temples. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying three generations of Shah kings of Nepal and is also known as “the Museum of Temples.” The outer courtyards offer handicraft shops and a nearby bazaar and local markets to explore.

A 30-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu to Phaplu offers a mesmerizing view of the Himalayan range. Upon landing, you’ll be welcomed by the warm hospitality of the Sherpa community, known for their mountaineering skills and their rich cultural heritage.
Stroll around Phaplu and observe the traditional lifestyle of the locals, as you make your way to the nearby monasteries. Here, you can learn about the ancient Buddhist practices and rituals that have been passed down through generations. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Sherpa dinner, and get lost in the rhythm of the Himalayas and immerse yourself in the unique mountain culture.

Begin your journey by driving to Bubsa Dhada after an early breakfast. From there, you will trek to the small settlement of Paiya, passing through scattered Sherpa settlements and rhododendron forests with stunning views of the soaring Himalayan panoramic vistas as you ascend towards Kanre. Descend slowly towards Chaubar (2,730m) through bamboo forests until reaching Paiya.

*NOTE: From Day 4 to Day 15, the accommodation will be in a simple lodge with basic and limited facilities.

Recapture the romance of a bygone era as you trek through remote mountain villages in the beautiful Khumbu Valley. The trek begins with an easy 2-hour climb to Chipling (2,700m). You will then pass through the more extensive Mushe settlement (2,650m), with the commanding Kogde and Khumbila peaks looming in the distance. Following that, the route mostly remains level, with a few slight declines and inclines, until you arrive at Phakding.

The trail for today’s trek will follow the Dudh Koshi River and cross numerous suspension bridges, including the Hillary Suspension Bridge, which is the highest and longest bridge in the Everest region. As you ascend, you will reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, where trekking permits will be checked and national park entrance fees collected. Mt. Everest can be seen from here for the first time. The trek will continue until reaching Namche Bazaar, the primary trekking village in the Everest (Khumbu) region.

On this day, you will take a break to acclimate to the high altitude of Namche Bazaar, where the air contains only 66% of the oxygen available at sea level.
Choose to spend the day taking a short uphill trek to the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters, which offers breathtaking views of Namche Bazaar and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Additionally, there is a museum at the headquarters that provides information on the history, geography, culture, mountaineering, flora, and fauna of the Himalayan region.

Today’s trek boasts some of the most breathtaking views in the Everest region, including panoramic vistas of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. As you hike along the ridge line, take time to appreciate the stunning Himalayan peaks and the natural beauty of the surroundings. Stop for lunch in Phunki Thenga, a small village surrounded by alpine forests. Keep an eye out for Nepal’s national bird, the dhampe pheasant, as well as the elusive musk deer and herds of elk deer and Himalayan tahr (mountain goat). The trail continues to climb until reaching Tengboche, a mountain village with incredible views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest, as well as the Khumbu region’s largest Buddhist Monastery.

As you make your way through the stunning landscape, the trail gradually descends through a variety of lush forests including birch, fir, juniper, and rhododendron until you reach the tranquil area of Deboche. Continuing on, the path remains relatively easy until you come across a long prayer wall and a small bridge over the Imja-Tse River gorge. From there, you’ll reach the Mani Wall Gate, and the trail gradually ascends before splitting into two directions. The upper trail leads to the ancient Pangboche village with its historic monastery, while the lower trail takes you directly to the quaint Himalayan village of Dingboche nestled below the towering Mt. Ama Dablam and its surrounding peaks.

Acclimatization is crucial when trekking in high altitude regions like the Khumbu Valley, and that’s why a rest day is always necessary. Spend the day in Dingboche, exploring the village, and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. You may visit the local bakery and try some freshly baked bread or spend time interacting with the friendly locals. If you’re up for an adventure, consider taking an optional day trip to Nagarjuna Hill. The hill is located at an altitude of 5,050m, and the climb is challenging but rewarding. From the top, you’ll have a closer view of the majestic Mt. Ama Dablam and the surrounding peaks.

The trek today proceeds northward, and you will follow an uphill trail until you reach the Mani-prayer stupa. The path then winds through yak pastures, gradually descending to cross a glacier river en route to Thulka, where you will have lunch. Afterward, continue trekking by ascending to the Everest Memorial Stupa, which is a monument dedicated to climbers who have lost their lives attempting to summit Mt. Everest, before finally reaching the village of Lobuche.

Embark on the final leg of the trek to Namche Bazaar, passing through charming villages of Tengboche and Phunkitanga along the way. Take in the stunning mountain views as you descend through the lush forests and cross the suspension bridges over the roaring rivers. As you arrive in Namche Bazaar, indulge in the comforts of civilization again, explore the local bakeries, restaurants and bars, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling mountain town. Reflect on your incredible journey through the magnificent Himalayas, and the unforgettable memories that you will cherish forever.

On the last day of your trek, start your descent from Namche Bazaar by passing through the lush Rhododendron forests. Follow the trail until you reach the famous Hilary Suspension Bridge, named after Sir Edmund Hilary, the first person to summit Mount Everest along with Tenzing Norgay. The bridge is a long and high suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the Dudh Koshi River and the surrounding mountain scenery. Cross the bridge and continue on the trail until you reach the village of Monjo, where your trekking permits are checked. From Monjo, the trail gradually descends until you reach the village of Lukla, where you will spend your last night in the Everest region.

You will begin your day with an early morning flight from Lukla to Manthali, followed by a 4-hour drive back to Kathmandu. Once back in Kathmandu, you will have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure. You can explore the vibrant city, visit temples and markets, or simply relax and reflect on your amazing trekking adventure in the Everest region.

You can enjoy the day at your leisure and take advantage of a complimentary 45-minute foot massage in Kathmandu to relax after your trek.

This extra day in Kathmandu is highly recommended to avoid any issues with missing your international flight due to unpredictable weather in the mountain region. Domestic flights to Lukla are often cancelled or delayed due to adverse weather conditions, and having an extra day can provide a buffer to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances. Use this day to explore the city, do some shopping, or simply relax before your departure.

Optional add-on: Full Day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square, the ancient city inside the Kathmandu Valley.
Optional add-on: Day trip to visit Monastery in Pharping.
Optional add-on: Rock climbing in Pharping.
Optional add-on: Day trip to Changu Narayan temple.
Optional add-on: Day trip to Kritipur (a Newari styled area in Kathmandu)

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.