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Everest Base Camp Trek

Trip Facts: Activities : 12 day Trekking with city sightseeing tour.

Start/End: Kathmandu

Destination : Everest Base Camp & Kalapattar

Trip Duration : 12 days

Max. Altitude : 5555 meters

Group Size : Min. 1 / Max.20

Best Season : February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December.

Trip Grade :

Daily walking Hour: Approx. 4-6
The Everest region (or Solu Khumbu region, as it is locally known) is the second most popular trekking area in Nepal (the Annapurna is the first). The popularity of this region is derived, of course, from its proximity to the world's highest mountain, but also from its Sherpa people and buddhist monasteries.

Of the trek's strongest difficulties are it's up-and-down walking (resulting from crossing ridges instead of walking along them) and it's steep gain of altitude (especially for those starting at Lukla).

Although the trek is named the Everest Base Camp trek, the main highlight of the trek is the walk up to Kala Pattar ("Black Rock") peak, a magnificent view point at 5545 meters, offering astonishing views of Mt. Everest and it's surrounding mountain peaks.

The trek takes you along the Dudh Kosi, Bhote Kosi and Imja Kola rivers, all with blueish melted glacier water, past beautiful water streams and, below 4000 meters, beautiful green forests with much wild life. Past the tree line, above 4000 meters, the green pastures fade away and pass control to rocky "moon-like" surroundings.

The Everest Base Camp itself is on the rocky slopes left of the Khumbu Ice fall. The trail from Gorak Shep to the Base Camp is a 2 hour walk in each direction on a difficult and sometimes dangerous ever changing trail (resulting from the simple fact that we are walking on a huge glacier covered with rocks !). On our way we encounter some beautiful ice caves and rock formations. You can't actually see Mt. Everest from the Base Camp.

On the trek back to Lukla, we take a side trip to Phorche, a beautiful village with some great kids and wildlife. Passing Phorche we come across Mong La, a small tea-house village on the top of a ridge featuring a typical buddhist stupa surrounded by the distinctive Ama Dablam 6856-meter-high peak and other mountains. The route from Mong La connects us to Khumjung, from where we follow the trail through Namche back to Lukla. From Lukla we fly back to the crowded noisy and polluted city of Kathmandu.

ItineraryDay 01:Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) takes about 35 minutes. Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640 m.) takes approximately three hours. You begin your trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Nupla (5885m) which can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at a Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 02:Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) takes approximately five hours. The trail starts along a level path along the right bank. Thamserku looms skyward on the opposite bank. You cross a stream and climb the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route, to arrive at Bengar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. You continue along a path with many ups and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village of Monjo. Now you descend the path of stone steps and return to the right bank over a wooden bridge. After a short climb you come to Jorsales teahouse and hotel, you also stop at the National Park Service where a park entrance fee is collected. After your departure from Jorsale, you enter a forested mountainside. You follow a short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped valley where the river forks - the right is the Dudh Koshi and the left is the Bhote Koshi that leads to Nampa La. After a short distance along the Bhote Koshi, you begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazar. As the mountain path zigzags uphill, you will emerge at a ridge top rest area that offers excellent views of Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m.) The climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazar appears ahead as you travel along the path surrounded by pines. Namche Bazar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Bhote Koshi. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 03: A day for rest at Namche Bazaar (3440m.) for acclimatization. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For acclimatization you walk up to Khhumjung where you can visit a monastery. Khhumjung is densely populated by the Sherpa community. You can also enjoy the splendid views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, and Kwangde and so on. Or you can take an hour's walk up to Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for an outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. This museum exhibits Sherpa culture. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 04:Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3867m.) takes about five hours. Leave the village for a climb to the top of a ridge and level mountain path that offers an excellent panorama of Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kangrib. To the right there is a steep cliff that drops down to the Dudh Koshi, faintly visible on the valley floor below. Make your way around a branch ridge, and Ama Dablam (6812m) Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse (7855m) and Tawoche (6501m) suddenly appear. After a gentle descent the mountain path ends; you will come to the fork leading to Gokyo. You descend past two tea houses through the village of Trashinga. Though you cannot see it, you can hear the Dudh Koshi and soon you descend to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga. It is a long climb to Tyangboche; the first half is especially steep. As you climb through the forested zone, the incline eases and a splendid view appears. You continue climbing the mountainside diagonally until you come to the stone gate built by lamas which marks your entry into Tyangboche (3860m). You may use the large plateau in front of the splendid monastery as your campsite. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 05: Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche (4260m.) takes approximately five hours. Leave Tyangboche and the Khumbu mountains as a backdrop-and descend a rhododendron covered area to emerge on a pleasant level area. You continue to Minlinggo and leave the mountain path to cross over a suspension bridge to the left bank of the Imja Khola. Climb the mountain path while looking up at Ama Dablam and Kantega (6779m) as they appear on the opposite bank. Ascend the chorten-lined route, come to a fork, the upper path passes Pangboche and a monastery, take the lower path to Pangboche Olin and its stone wall-enclosed potato field. Pass through the village and cross a stream to a path skirting a rocky area to terraced hills along the riverbank. The trails climb slowly, winding above the Imjatse River, to a big Mani Stupa. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse with views of the eastern snow capped mountains including the Island Peak or Imjatse (6,189m). Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 06: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4930m.) takes about five and half hours. The onward journey leads north for up to 50-minutes until you come to a mani-prayer Stupa. The trail follows a downward path to Pheriche village. Today's walk offers views of the Mt.Tawache, Ama Dablam and to the north-Pokalde (5741m), Kongma-tse (5820m) and the great wall of Nuptse. After two hours walk, the trail from Pheriche joins near Dugla (4595m) before a small wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier. You stop at Dugla, for lunch, before continuing for an hour up a steep hill to the top, where there are views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. After a short break, continue trekking up to Lobuche, hidden and sheltered from the wind. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 07: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5486m.) via Gorakshep (5180m.) takes about seven hours. Trek up the valley following the rocky moraine path, view icy glacial ponds and icebergs down below of the Khumbu glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a short downhill walk brings you to Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar (5545m) and Mt. Pumori (7145m.) Gorakshep is the location of the original Everest Base Camp with the new camp being further up the valley. Now the trail winds through a rocky path and the Khumbu glacier. The view of Nuptse, Lho-La and Khumbutse appears at the front of you. Sometimes an avalanche can be seen on the way. After witnessing a great moment, you retrace your steps back passing through the Khumbu glacier with magnificent views of Lobuche, Cholatse, Mt. Pumori and Tabuche. This night you can camp (sleep in tent) at the Base Camp.

Day 08: Trek from Everest Base Camp to Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and then to Pheriche (4243m.) takes about six hours. You accomplish an early morning climb to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and enjoy the view of sunrise. From Kala Patthar you can have a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and many other mountain peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku and many more peaks. Yaks are normally used as four-legged porters in this area. The town of Pheriche is known to be a very windy town. Around here you can see the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. Also located here is the Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post and foreign volunteer doctors are available here most time of the year to provide medical treatment to trekkers as well as the local people. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 09: Trek from Pheriche to Tyangboche (3867 m.) takes approximately four hours. You can have a morning visit to the research center. Then, trek back to Tyangboche, an easier descent passing through rhododendron forest and continue walking to Tyangboche. It is a small village with a famous monastery offering you splendid views of Ama Dablam, lush green hills and river views. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 10: Trek from Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m) takes about four and half hours. The walk from Tyangboche is mostly downhill on the main busy trail with a few steep climbs for an hour from the bridge at Phungitenga, near to Shanasha. The walk to Namche is very scenic on a long winding path. En route you will visit traditional villages of Khumjung and Khunde. From Khumjung village another 30 minutes walk brings you to the village of Khunde, where you can visit the Khunde Hospital funded by Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. After Khunde, a scenic and pleasant walk brings you to Namche for an overnight stay. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.) it takes about six hours. The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote- Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay.

Day 12: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu takes about 35 minutes.

Service Includes

• All meals (B/L/D) during the trekking period
• Accommodation (Lodge) during the trekking period
• National park permit
  
• Domestic airfare (if necessary)
• Domestic airport tax (if necessary)
• English speaking guide
• Highly experienced staffs
• Staffs food, clothing & salary
• Staffs insurance
• All necessary grounded transportation
• Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
• Airport picks up & drops
• Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
• TIMS Card (Trekker's Information Management System)
• All Local / Government Taxes
  

Service Excludes

• Personal nature expenses
• Bar bill and all kind of drinks
• Rescue & Evacuation
• Gratitude (tip) for staff

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