Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary And Highlights

By Author: Rajesh Thapaliya
Total Articles: 11
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The immaculate beauty of Mt. Everest (8,848 m) is probably one of the most traveled and beautiful areas around the world. Each portrayal of the majestic Himalayas explores a different aspect from its mesmerizing beauty to its majestic size and its undeniable charm. The Everest Base Camp is a Himalayan journey that takes you to the foothills of the majestic Mt. Everest (8,848 m) allowing you to be part of a surreal experience.

At the heart of the Khumbu region, the Everest Himalayan Range forms the northern border of Nepal to Tibet. One of the most frequented regions around the nation the lush green hills are the ethnic home ground of the Sherpa ethnic community which value hospitality above everything else. Renowned for their prowess in navigating through the Himalayas, the Sherpas possess a wealth of vibrant culture and traditions passed down from generation to generation. Thus, the Everest Base Camp Trek is the ultimate adventure that takes you on a journey around some of the world's tallest mountains.

The Journey to Everest Base camp

After ...
... touring the UNESCO world heritages spread around Kathmandu, we begin our Himalayan journey with a scenic flight to Lukla. Touching down at one of the most thrilling airstrips at Lukla, we follow the banks of the Dudh Koshi River towards Phakding. Alongside the riverbank, the next stretch of the journey takes us over the Hillary suspension bridge and past Chhamuwa, Bengkar, and Monjo. Past Jorsalle, we enter the Sagarmatha National Park which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Reaching Namche we take a day off to acclimatize before setting off toward the hamlet of Tengboche.

The next stretch of the journey takes us to Dingboche where we take another day off to acclimatize. The final stretch of our ascending journey takes us over to Lobuche before veering towards Gorakshep and then onto the Everest Base Camp. Enjoying a scenic Himalayan sunrise from Kala Patthar, we make our way back to Pheriche. Retracing our steps through Pangboche and Tengboche, we head back to Namche before a final descending run to reach Lukla. Ending our adventure with a final glimpse at the Himalayas we fly back to Kathmandu for departure.

Everest Base Camp Itinerary Highlights

Explore the Everest Region as you accompany the hilly trail through lush green forests

Witness a majestic Himalayan sunrise over the summits of Mt. Everest (8,848m) from Kala Patthar

Experience the beauty of the Sagarmatha National Park

Journey through vibrant hamlets home to the traditional Sherpa ethnic groups

Trek Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Fly to Lukla (2840m.) and trek to Phakding (2610m.) 3 hours.
Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) 6 hours.
Day 03: Rest and acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3440m.)
Day 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m.) 5 hours.
Day 05: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m.) 5 hours.
Day 06: Acclimatization day at Dingboche (4410m.)
Day 07: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m.) 4- 5 hours
Day 08: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364m.) via Gorakshep (5140m.) 7-8 hours.
Day 09: To Kalapatthar (5545m.) descend to Gorakshep and trek to Pheriche (4210m.) 5 hours.
Day 10: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar for 6-7 hours.
Day 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. for 6 hours.
Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu.

Base Camp Trek Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Fly to Lukla (2840m.) and trek to Phakding (2610m.) 3 hours.

An early start to the day we begin our Himalayan adventure heading towards the stunning Himalayan town of Lukla. Exiting the capital city the 45-minute flight takes us above the lush green valleys before and towards the Himalayas. As the majestic snowy summits slowly break into our view we touch down at the thrilling Lukla airport kicking off our adventure. After a brief rest at Lukla, we make our way toward Phakding following the banks of the Dudh Koshi River.

Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) 6 hours.

Exiting the hamlet of Phakding we follow the banks of the Dudh Koshi River heading through a series of suspension bridges including the failed Edmund Hillary Suspension bridge. The next stretch of the trek takes us through Bengkar and Monjo alongside the river bank. From Jorsalle, we enter the Sagarmatha National Park as the hilly trail winds through the lush green forests. Enjoying the pleasant views of Kusum Khangkaru (6,367m), we continue our journey toward Namche.

Day 03: Rest and acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3440m.)

On the first of our acclimatization days today we take some time off at the town of Namche to explore the picturesque town. The gateway to the Everest region the town is always buzzing with locals and tourists and is also an ideal spot to restock on things you might need up in the Himalayas. For our acclimatization hike, we ascend towards Khumjung. The journey is a pleasant one adorned with Himalayan views. Khumjung is also home to the Yeti Skull Monastery which is believed to house the skull of a real-life Yeti.

Day 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m.) 5 hours.

Exiting Namche, we continue our ascending journey toward Tengboche. The increasing altitudes are evident in the landscapes as the lush green forests are replaced with alpine shrubs. Past Namche, the trail gently ascends heading towards Sanasa. Past Lawi Schyasa, the trail reaches Phunki Tenga crossing a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River en route. Enjoying the views of Ama Dablam (6,856m) the final stretch of the journey brings us to Tengboche for the night. Arriving at the hamlet, we also explore the Dawa Choling Monastery which also hosts the annual Mani Rimdu Festival.

Day 05: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m.) 5 hours.

On our Himalayan journey, we exit Tengboche early headed for the summer valley of Dingboche. Following the Himalayan trail north, the journey takes us through Debuche before meeting up with the Imja River at Milingo. Following the river towards Pangboche, the final stretch of our journey takes us through Shomare and Orsho before reaching Dingboche.

Day 06: Acclimatization day at Dingboche (4410m.)

On the final of our acclimatization days, today, we take some time off at Dingboche ensuring that we are well prepared for the altitudes ahead. For our acclimatization hike, we ascend a nearby mountain enjoying the picturesque Himalayan views as we go. We also take some time off to explore the hamlet tour the local heritages and interact with locals. Overnight at Dingboche.

Day 07: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m.) 4- 5 hours

An early start to our day, the ascending journey is a steep one and takes us through the terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier. Exiting Dingboche, we make our way through Pheriche and Dughla enjoying the stunning Himalayan views of the Everest Range as we go. The final step of the journey takes us alongside the majestic Khumbu Glacier before dropping down to Lobuche for the night.

Day 08: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364m.) via Gorakshep (5140m.) 7-8 hours.

On the most anticipated day of the journey, today, we make our way over to the Everest Base Camp. Past Lobuche, the trail continues to ascend through the snowy Himalayan landscapes towards the moraines of Khumbu Glacier. Enjoying the mesmerizing Himalayan views as we go we make our way over to Gorakshep stopping for a brief rest. The next stretch of the journey takes us through the steep Himalayan trail with views of the Khumbu Icefall. Arriving at the Everest Base Camp, we take some time to soak in the mesmerizing beauty of the Himalayas as well as the thrill of making it to the places. The descending journey sees us drop back to Gorakshep.

Day 09: To Kalapatthar (5545m.) descend to Gorakshep and trek to Pheriche (4210m.) 5 hours.

An early start to the day we make our way over to the hill summit of Kalapatthar. At an altitude of 5545m, the summit boasts stunning views of the entire Everest Range at sunrise. With the rays of the morning sun, the majestic summits of Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,861m), Changtse (7,543m), Lhotse (8,516m), Ama Dablam (6,856m), Lingtren (6,749m) are colored golden creating an intricate Himalayan panorama for us to enjoy. Taking some time at the summit we drop back to Gorakshep for a lovely Himalayan breakfast before dropping down to Pheriche.

Day 10: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar for 6-7 hours.

On one of the longer days of the journey, the trail takes us to Namche for the night. Past Pheriche we quickly drop down to Orsho before reaching Pangboche. After a quick rest, the trail finds the bank of the Imja Tse River leading towards Milingo and then to Debuche. Arriving at Tengboche, we begin our final stretch of the journey to Namche.

Day 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. for 6 hours.

Exiting Namche, the trail slowly descends through the lush green forests heading towards the hamlet of Jorsalle. As the Himalayas are covered by rising hills the journey exits the Sagarmatha National Park bringing us to Monjo. After a brief rest, we continue our descending journey past Bengkar arriving at Phakding. Following the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, we continue our descending journey past Koshi Gaon and Ghat before dropping down to Lukla.

Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu.

An early start to the day we depart from the Everest Region and back to the capital city. Bidding goodbye to the majestic Himalayas we once again relive the thrill of Lukla airport before heading toward Kathmandu. Reaching the city we make our way directly to the hotel wrapping up our Himalayan adventure.

Conclusion

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most illustrious journeys in the entire Himalayan realm. As such, there is a great number of natural and cultural attractions on the trip. Enjoy the delightful panorama of the Himalayas and relish Sherpa's companion as you trek through the Sagarmatha National Park.

Hello Everyone! I am Rajesh Thapaliya working in the Nepalese tourism industry for more than a decade and a half as a tour leader and trekking/ tour operator. I have been to most of the Nepalese Himalayan base camps and historical heritage sites. I write my Nepal travel experience and love photography.Trekking and Tour Company in Neppal