Namaste and welcome to Nepal! We meet you on arrival and transport you to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 01 Kathmandu arrival (1350m).
Day 02 Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.
To explore and shop on your own. The tour includes the Kathmandu Valley, Pashupatinath temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Boudhanath. We offer an expert tour guide for this day excursion.
Day 03 Fly to Lukla (2,860 m /9,383 ft) and trek to Phakding (2,610 m / 8,563 ft) – 6.2 km (3.9 miles), 3–4 hours.
The EBC Trek officially begins after a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla landing at 2,860 m (9,383 ft). From Lukla to Phakding walking distance is 6.2 kilometers or 3.9 miles, with an approximate time of 3 to 4 hours.
The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla only takes about 25 minutes. It's a beautiful flight as you get a breathtaking view of the Himalaya mountain range. Lukla flights usually operate between 6:00 am and 12:00 am, depending on weather and airport traffic. During the peak seasons, flights often depart from Ramechhap Airport located at Manthali. We leave Kathmandu around 1:00 am to 2 am for the 5-hour drive to catch a flight at Manthali Airport.
People also refer to this flight as the scariest one in the world. At Luka, there are plenty of shops and restaurants in the village. What's really unique about this trek is you're not hiking in the wilderness but rather through villages as people have lived in these mountains for centuries. You'll get a glimpse of the daily lives of the local people known as Sherpas.
The trail is the only way for people to get from village to village so it's well trafficked by both hikers and locals alike. As donkeys and yaks are used to transport everything up the mountain, you'll see many of them on the trail. Stones engraved with the famous Buddhist mantra Om Mani Padam Hum are placed at the entrance of villages, near monasteries, and alongside trails and rivers because these places have religious significance. You'll also pass by many stupas on the trek. A stupa is a mound used to house holy relics. On the way you'll pass by beautiful glacial river streams, suspension bridges, and you'll even start to see some mountain peaks like Mount Kusum Kanguru (6,367m).
Day 04 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,283 ft) Distance- 10.4 km (6.5 miles), Trek duration 7 hours.
Today, we will trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. The hike from Phakding (2,610 m / 8,563 ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,283 ft) is 10.4 kilometers or 6.5 miles, with an approximate time of 7 hours.
The hike is pretty easy as you continue to walk through the villages. Most families here keep farm animals which you won't see as the elevation gets higher. We follow rocky forest trails, enjoying the overall atmosphere, passing Manjo, Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate, and mostly downhill walk until we stop at our lunch stop of the day at Jorsale. Soon, we arrive at the famous double suspension bridge. From here, it's an uphill climb towards Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar is known as the unofficial capital and the trading centre of the Himalayas. Historically, Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian traders used to travel for days and gather here to buy and sell goods. They still have a Saturday market till this day. There are also several helipads here. You can actually fly from here directly to Everest Base Camp.
Day 05 Acclimatization day – Hike to Syangboche (3,780 m / 12,402 ft), Everest View Hotel -4.2 km (2.6 miles), 3–4 hours.
Your hiking time today will be approximately 3 to 4 hours or 4.2 km, with an elevation gain of 465 m and a descent of 465 m.
You'll wake up early in the morning and head to the Everest View Hotel, hoping to get some glimpse of excellent views of Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Ama Dablam and even Mt. Everest at the corner, which will be the best view day until today. We also stopped by the Sherpa Culture Museum which had a traditional Sherpa house with Sherpa artefacts. There was also a Hall of Fame gallery of Sherpas who summited Everest. It was so inspiring to read through the amazing expeditions and achievements of the Sherpas. After that, make the way back into town, buying some last-minute items and head straight to Tengboche the next day.
Day 06 Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m / 12,665 ft) – 9.7 km (6.0 miles), 5–6 hours.
The trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,283 ft) to Tengboche (3,860 m / 12,665 ft) covers 9.7 km (6 miles) and typically takes 6 hours to complete.
Woke up to a clear view outside the window. After having breakfast, we shall get ready for another beautiful day for hiking. The day started relatively flat and easygoing as I hiked along the beautiful mountain ridgeline. After a short while, the trail opens up to a stunning view of the Himalayan mountains including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, some of the tallest mountains in the world. This is probably the most beautiful day on the trek so far. Every corner of the trail was an incredible viewpoint. On the trail, you can also see many wild birds and chickens and they didn't seem to be afraid of people at all.
Tengboche monastery is the largest one in the Khumbu region. Interestingly, the first Sherpa to ever summit Everest, Tenzin Norgay, used to be a monk at Tengboche. When we visited the monastery, there was a ceremony going on. It was truly a treat to be able to observe the daily lives of the monks living there. Visitors can also go inside the monastery. We definitely recommend spending some time here as you can walk around the monastery grounds and it's very peaceful.
Day 07 Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,468 ft)- 10.8 km (6.7 miles), 6 hours.
Your trekking time today will be approximately 6 hours or 10.8 km or 6.7 miles, with an elevation gain of around 540 metres.
Our day begins with incredible views of the mountains around every corner, mostly downhill through refreshing trees to Deboche, crossing Imja Khola on a wooden bridge and a steep uphill walk takes us towards the village of Pangboche, where great views of the Himalayas and surrounding landscapes are seen. Then we hike further through rocky, dusty and windy trails to Shomare rest stop for lunch. Shomare is the first village that's above 4,000 metres.
The landscape started to change quite a bit after Shomare. The trees and forests disappeared and I was greeted with broad valleys and winding streams far below the trail. Around every corner we were rewarded with more spectacular views of the mountains with the beautiful Ama Dablam in clear view. At this point, there were only yaks on the trail as donkeys can't survive at such high elevations. The beautiful view made this difficult hike well worth it. Finally, we saw the colourful roofs and stone fences of Dingboche; the air is much thinner.
Day 08 Acclimatization hike to Nangkartshang Hill (5,083 m / 16,676 ft) – 5.5 km (3.4 miles), 4–5 hours
Your hiking time today will be approximately 4 to 5 hours or 5.5 km or 3.4 miles, with an elevation gain of 700 m and a descent of 700 m.
This is a popular acclimatisation hike as it helps your body adjust to higher elevations without having to stay there for an extended time. The trail can be steep and rocky in places but the scenery makes up for the challenging terrain. Given the uphill climb with an elevation gain of 700 metres, this hike was probably the most difficult on the trek so far. The key is to go very slowly and control your heart rate and breathing. As you reach the top of Nangkarsong Peak, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, especially a great view of Ama Dablam.
Day 09 Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m / 16,108 ft) – 8.4 km (5.2 miles), 5–6 hours.
Today we plan to hike from Dingboche to Lobuche. The time will be approximately 5 to 6 hours or 8.4 km or 5.2 miles, with a pretty significant elevation gain of 500 metres.
It was incredibly scenic as soon as we started walking. The majestic peaks of Taboche and Cholate towers over the clear sky. The broad valley beneath the mountains is filled with herds of yaks eating, bathing, and playing. Soon you will see the small village of Thakla, where we stopped for lunch. After lunch, it's a straight climb to Lobuche. With the rising altitude, everyone's feet are getting heavier and walking slower. The uphill climb eventually took us to the beautiful Thakla Pass.
Here you will also find hundreds of memorials. You can read the stories and pay homage to all those who lost their lives in an attempt to summit Everest. Although there is no documentation of how many casualties there are, it is believed that more than 300 people have lost their lives in the mountains. After Thakla Pass, it's an hour of relatively flat and rocky terrain before reaching the small village of Loboche
Day 10 Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft) via Gorak Shep and return to Gorak Shep (5,164 m / 16,942 ft) – 13.5 km (8.4 miles), 8-9 hours.
Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep; your trekking time will be approximately 8-9 hours or 13.5 km or 8.4 miles.
Today will be most remarkable to hike from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp. As elevation increases, oxygen levels decrease, slowing walking speed and requiring frequent rest breaks. Steep ascents, rocky paths, and suspension bridges add to the physical effort, making even short sections feel longer. The trail starts by weaving over rocky highland terrain. Despite the hike being relatively easy with a gentle incline, the elevation made us gasp for air at every step. The trail seemed busier today with many people going and leaving both ways. Given the narrow trail, you'll often have to stop and make way for the passing yaks. After a while, you will be walking right alongside the Khumbu Glacier for the rest of the hike. The views are truly breathtaking with the glaciers stretching out on your right side and the towering peaks of Pumori rising in the distance.
Everest Base Camp, the main event on this trek. From Gorak Shep, it's a 2.4-kilometre hike to the base camp. We started the hike by walking along the edge of the Khumbu glacier. Along the way, you will pass by beautiful ice fields, glacial water, and dangerous crevasses. Soon, the tiny Everest Base Camp rock comes into view. During the climbing season, you'll see it immediately by the colourful tents set up by the climbers who are preparing to summit Everest.
You will know you have arrived when you find a small crowd gathered around the famous Everest Base Camp rock as everyone lines up to get their iconic pictures taken here. The base camp is actually huge and it won't be too difficult to find a spot away from the crowds and just admire the mountains surrounding you.
You can also get a close-up view of the Khumbu Glacier. The Everest Base Camp trek was incredibly rewarding. The joy of this amazing trek is not just getting to the base camp but all the wonderful days before. The amazing, stunning Himalayan landscape, the challenging terrain, and the Sherpa culture all come together to make this an unforgettable hike.
Day 11 Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft) and trek to Pheriche (4,210 m) – 13.8 km (8.6 miles) - 7 hours.
Early in the morning before sunrise at around 4 am, we will wake up and get ready to spectate the best sunrise views over Mt. Everest from Kalapatthar. At over 5,500 metres, Kalapatar is the highest point in the Everest Base Camp trek and gives you the best view of Mount Everest. You can see Mount Everest and Lhotse for a much better view at sunrise.
It's not a particularly long or technical hike, but it's very difficult given the 500 metre elevation gain in such a short distance. Even though it's freezing on top of Kalapathar, everyone eagerly awaits the sunrise. At 8,848 metres, Mount Everest is the tallest peak in the world. You'll often hear the local people calling Mount Everest by its Tibetan name, Chomolungma, meaning mother of the world. As the sun rises, the mountain range starts to shine as the sun shines through the horizon, creating magic as it turns the white snowcapped Himalayas into golden in color.
From Kalapather, we will descend to Gorek Shep, have breakfast and continue descending to Pheriche via Lobuche and Thuk La Pass.
Day 12 Pheriche to Khumjung
Crossing famous cultural places like Pangboche and Tengboche, we gradually move to Khumjung. If you like, we can walk to Monjo instead of a different overnight stop. Overnight at lodge.
Day 13 Khumjung to Lukla
From Khumjung, On the last day of our trek, we return to Lukla and enjoy the evening to celebrate our exciting, successful EBC trek. Overnight at lodge.
Day 14 Fly back to Kathmandu
We want to celebrate your wonderful trek with dinner. The whole day, you have time for shopping and buying souvenirs and the evening we celebrate. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15 Transfer to international airport for your flight home.
After a memorable experience, we take you to the airport for your flight home. Thank you for your journey with us!
