Detailed Itinerary

Our Everest Base Camp Itinerary includes 13 days of trekking in the high Himalaya and several days in the vibrant city of Kathmandu to give a total of 18 days in Nepal. The trekking itinerary includes acclimatisation days and gradual height gain to ensure that the effects of altitude are minimised and to give you the greatest chance of a successful trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar.

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu

Our local representative will meet you at Kathmandu Airport (off any flight of yoru choosing) and transfer you to your Kathmandu Hotel. If time permits you will have some time to relax and explore Kathmandu. In the evening you will meet your guide, your group and have a detailed briefing where you can ask any last minute questions.

Day 2: Full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a vibrant, exciting and culturally fascinating city. Your local guide will help you discover the sights, sounds and smells of Kathmandu during an exciting full day tour of Kathmandu.

Day 3: Flight to Lukla (2804m) and trek to Phakding (2610m)

An early start and private transfer to the airport and then a spectacular 30 minute flight over foothills of the Himalaya to your hoping off point of Lukla has to be one of the most spectacular starts to any walk. You will meet your porters in Lukla and then after all the build up it is great to be on the trail and on your way to base camp. A three hour walk brings you to your first overnight tea house in the village of Phakding. 

Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3535m)

The green slopes around Phakding are intensively terraced and farmed and offer a fascinating insight into the village life of the Sherpa people. The snow capped mountains tower around you as you crisscross the valley bottom on nerve jangling suspension bridges on your way to Namche Bazaar and a final sustained climb brings the welcome sight of Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Namche Bazaar acclimatization Day

Regular acclimatisation days are crucial to a successful trek to Everest Base Camp and minimising the effects of altitude and also offer a great excuse to explore the Sherpa villages and the trek to Thami offers a great walk to higher altitude to help acclimatisation. You will also have time to wander around the important market town of Namche Bazaar and enjoy the delicious pastries at the German Bakery.

Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3850m)

The views of Everest and Ama Dablam really start to open up as you trek high above the Dubh Kosi. We enjoy a relaxed lunch on the banks of the Dudh Kosi and then a steep climb brings you to Tengboche and the famous gompa with its backdrop of Everest, Ama Dablam and the peaks on the Nepal, Tibet border. You will be taken to observe the prayer ceremony in the famous monastery.

Day 7: Tengboche to Dingboche (4350m)

Once you leave Tengboche the landscape gets increasingly barren and mountainous and only the hardiest crops survive as the altitude and cold begins to tell.

Day 8: Day trip up Chhukung Valley and return to Dingboche (Acclimatization day)

From Dingboche you enjoy another challenging acclimatisation day with a side trip to the Chhukung Valley and for those feeling strong a ascent of Chhukung Ri (5546m) which offers great views of Island Peak and Makalu, the world’s 5th highest mountain. You spend a second night at Dingboche.

Day 9: Dingboche to Lobuche (4950m)

The really hard work starts as you reach the terminal moraine and of the Khumbu glacier and climb to the small summer village of Lobuche, which is now used year round by trekkers. The cold, altitude and overcrowding make this a challenging overnight stop and no doubt you will look forward to continuing in the morning.

Day 10: Lobuche to Ghorak Shep (5160m)

The trail continues upwards to Ghorak Shep alongside the enormous Khumbu glacier and the views of Pumori are spectacular. Ghorak Shep consists of a few tea houses and has a real frontier feeling.

Day 11: Ghorak Shep to Everest Base Camp (5400m) and second overnight to Ghorak Shep

From Ghorak Shep the round trip to Everest Base Camp takes about six hours and is the most challenging walking that you will do on your trek as the ground is very rough and path ever changing as the glacier moves. Despite what others may say the round trip to EBC is worth every minute and it is a simply awe inspiring place and the sight of the Khumbu Ice Fall is one you will not forget in a hurry.

Day 12: Climb Kala Pattar (5545m – Everest Viewpoint) and descend to Pheriche (4280m)

An very early morning start for the climb to the summit of Kala Pattar will give you the best view of Everest and in the thin air you really do feel as if you could reach out and touch it. It is definitely a moment to treasure.  You return to Ghorak Shep for breakfast and then begin the surprisingly quick descent, reaching Periche that afternoon.

Day 13: Pheriche to Khumjung Village (3753m)

As you continue to descend the air feels positively thick and you really do feel great. A lovely day of walking brings you to the village of Khumjung for your overnight stop.

Day 14: Khumjung to Phakding (2610m)

Another long but interesting day of the return trek as you pass Namche Bazaar and descend to Phakding and the relative hustle and bustle of lower altitude.

Day 15: Phakding to Lukla

The relatively short three hour trek to Lukla allows you to reflect on the challenges and highlights of your trek and all too soon you find yourself among the hustle and bustle of Lukla and the relative luxury that it offers. You will say goodbye to your porters and enjoy the comforts available and perhaps even enjoy a celebration with your fellow trekkers.

Day 16: Morning flight back to Kathmandu

The early morning is the best time for flying back to Kathmandu and after a short transfer to your hotel you can enjoy a day of rest and relaxation as well as that treat you have been craving for two weeks.

Day 17: Leisure day in Kathmandu (Spare day in case of day weather disrupting flight from Lukla)

Flights from Lukla are occasionally disrupted due to bad weather so it is important to have a spare day in case of delays and there is plenty to do in Kathmandu.

Day 18: Transfer to airport and Travel Home