The Everest or Khumbu region is justifiably the most famous of all trekking and mountain regions. Populated by Sherpas, the attractions of this area are the majestic mountains, the high mountain villages, the isolated monasteries, and the local peoples. This area includes the highest mountain in the world, Everest at 8,848m., and many of the world's 8,000m peaks such as Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. First climbed in 1953, Everest still holds a fascination for many; however the Everest region boasts many more spectacular and beautiful mountains, as well as some of the most rewarding trekking anywhere in the world.

The Everest Base Camp trek is a classic trek which follows in the footsteps of Hillary & Tenzing and ends with an ascend of KalaPatthar for superb views of Everest. Kalapatthar is also known as black rock. Before reaching the Everest Base camp, the trail follows the Khumbu Glacier with huge ice pinnacles soaring to unbelievable height.

This trek starts with an exhilarating 35 minutes mountain flight into the airstrip at Lukla. From here you trek slowly upwards to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, following the valley of the Dudh Kosi river. It is not long before you glimpse your first view of Everest as it peeks above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. At this point it is still many days walk away, but with careful acclimatization it is not long before you find yourself high up in the heart of the Khumbu region. You visit Tengboche monastery en route before continuing on to your goal, an ascend of Kalapatthar, a rocky outcrop to the west of Everest. This vantage point gives fantastic views of the Ice Fall and South Col as well as the immense south-west face of Everest which was first climbed in 1975 by Chris Bonington's team. This is truly a classic trek, which undoubtedly gives one of the best mountain views in the world. Accommodation and food is provided in the local lodges.

Facts of the Trek:

Duration: 16 Days
Trek Type: Teahouse (Lodge base)
Standard: Medium - Hard
Total Treks Distance: ..............
Total Trek Time: ..................
Maximum Elevation: 5545m.
Minimum Elevation: 2652m.
Mode of Transportation: Flight (In and Out)
Good Season: October – November, March – May
Trek Start / Finish Point: Lukla
Minimum Pax: 1+

Summary:

An existing flight to Lukla and walk to the Sherpa villages of Namche bazaar, the new and fancy monastery at Tengboche and on to Everest Base Camp. It is an important to allow enough time on this trek for acclimatisation. It can be very crowed in the high season.

Detail Itinerary:

Day 01 :
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2846m.) then trek to Phakding (2652m)
3 hours, 300m descend , 100m ascend

You transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. Lukla is a quite big town with an airport. There are many tea shops, lodges, hotels, resorts, bank, monastery and general stores. You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the right bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Nupla (5885m) 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, Kusumkangaru (6369m.) The Dudh Koshi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descends following the right bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding.

Day 02 :
Phakding (2652m) – Namche Bazzar (3440m)
5 - 6 hours, 850m ascend, 200m descend

From the Phakding, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi valley north, staying 100m and so above the river on its west bank as it passes through Zamphuti. A short distance beyond the water fall, there is an excellent view of to the east of the 6608m peak of the Thamserku. Climbs steeply over the rocky ridge, then traverse high above the river to Benkar (2710m). All along this part of the trail, villages are interspersed with magnificent of rhododendron, magnolia and gaint firs. 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 (2840m). 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 Jorsale’s teahouse and hotel, also stop at the National Park Entrance office 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 short distance along the Bhote Koshi, begin the steep ascend to Namche Bazar. As the mountain path zigzags uphill, you will emerge at a ridge top rest area that offers excellent views of Tawache (6540m), Nuptse (7896m),  Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m.) The climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazar appears ahead as you travel along the path surrounded by pines. Pass the terrace where the Saturday bazaar is held and enter the village. Namche Bazar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Bhote Koshi. The village is a central hub of the area and food, laundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.

Day 03 :
Rest Day at Namche Bazaar or an excursion in and around Namche Bazaar.

Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, resorts, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. Namche is the administrative center for the Khumbu region and has a police check post, Army post, the headquarters for Sagarmatha National Park, numerous shops, books shops, bakeries, bars, internet facilities. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. For the acclimatization you walk upto Khhumjung where you can visit monastery. Khhumjung is densely populated by Sherpa community. You can also enjoy the splendid views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawache, Kwangde and so on. Or you can have an hour walk up to the Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusumkangaru. .There is also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. This museum displays about the people, sherpa culture, forests, wildlife, mountaineering and the impact of tourism.

Day 04 :
Namche Bazzar (3440m) – Tengboche (3860m)
5 hours, 350m descend, 750m ascend

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 Kusumkangaru. 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 (6856m) Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse (7896m) and Tawache (6540m) suddenly appear. After a gentle descend the mountain path ends; you will come to the fork leading to Gokyo at Sannasa (3600m). You descend past two tea houses through the village of Tashinga. Though you cannot see it, you can hear the Dudh Koshi and soon you descend to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga (3250m). It is a long climb to Tengboche (3860m); the first half part is especially steep then gradual ascend all the way to Tengboche. 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 Tengboche (3860m). You may use the large plateau in front of the splendid monastery as your campsite. There are a lodges and hotels managed by the National Park Department. Tengboche is an important lookout point on this course, and the sunset on Everest and Ama Dablam is especially beautiful.

Day 05 :
Tengboche (3860m) – Dingboche (4410m)
5 hours, 180m descend, 700m ascend

Leave Tengboche and the Khumbu mountains as a backdrop-and descend a rhododendron forest area to emerge to a pleasant level area. Being welcomed by a long Mani stone wall you enter the village of Deboche, a Nunnery village and Monastery. 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.

Day 06 :
Rest day at Dingboche (4410 m.) for acclimatization.

This is a remarkable day for acclimatization. There are some breathtaking views of the North face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as you explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak. The walk is short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon. You have another option as you can hike upto Chhukum. From here you can enjoy the panoramic view of Island peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Tawache peak and others. On the same day you come back to Dingboche and have rest.
Note: There is a site trip to Nangkartishang Gompa, 300m ascend and it takes two hours round trip. There is also option to go Ama Dablam Base Camp too.

Day 07 :
Dingboche (4410m) – Chhukung (4730m)
2 – 2½ hours, 320m ascend, 10m descend
The trail gradually ascends up to the Chhukung. On the way, you can see summer huts made especially for keeping the livestock’s in summer time. Along this, you enjoy the beautiful mountain views in and around the valley.

Day 08 :
Chhukung (4730m) – Chhukung Ri (5546m) - Louboche ( 4930)
7 - 8 hours, 1350m ascend, 1200m descend

From Chhukung, its a steep climbs or ascends to Chhukung Ri for about two hours. From Chhukung Ri you can have a view of Mt. Nuptse (7896m.), Mt.Lhotse (8516m.), Baruntse peak (7220m.), Ama Dablam peak(6856m.), Thamserku peak (6608m.), Konde Ri or peak(6187m.), Tawache peak(6540m.), Cholotse peak (6441m.) and more. Now you begin your trek to Lobuche via Dugla which offers you panoramic view of the mountains along the way. The teahouse at Dugla is a good spot to have lunch, before zigzagging up through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine. At the top of this climb there are many stone caves, built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Louboche.

Note: An alternative route
Chhukung (4730m) – Louboche (4930m) via Kongma – La Pass (5535m)
8 - 9 hours, 800m Ascend, 600m Descend

Day 09 :
Louboche (4930m) – Gorakshep ( 5180m) – EBC (5337m) and back to Gorakshep
7 hours, 400m ascend, 100m descend

Trek up the valley following the rocky moraine path, view of icy glacial ponds and icebergs down below of 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 rocky path and Khumbu glacier. The view of Nuptse, Lho-La and Khumbutse appears at the front of you. Sometime the avalanche can be seen on the way. After a great moment, you retrace back passing through Khumbu glacier with magnificent views of Lobuche, Cholatse (6441m), Mt. Pumori and Tawache.

Day 10 :
Gorakshep ( 5180m) – Kala Patthar (5545m) – Pheriche (4245m)
6 - 7 hours, 400m ascend, 1300m descend

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.

The first part of the trek is small ups and downs to Lobuche. Continue the flat trail upto the memorial place then steeply descend to Dugla. Now your trail gradually descend to Pheriche. You can see the mountain Yaks in Pheriche. Yaks are normally regarded as the porters in this area. The town of Pheriche is known as windy town. There you can see the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. There is located Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post and foreign volunteer doctors are to provide high altitude sickness lecture and medical treatment to trekkers as well as local guides and porters.

Day 11 :
Pheriche (4245m) – Phortse (3800m)
4 ½ hours, 200m ascend, 400m descend

The trail descends to Pangboche and now the trail starts turning up and down in every half an hour to Phortse. On the way there is an opportunity to see wild life in and around the area like mountain goat, musk deer and many species of Himalayan birds. There are village monasteries in Pangboche and Phortse rich in cultural heritage of Sherpa people. Along this, you see an old monastery in Pangboche which is believed to have been established during 16th century. The Pangboche Village (3900m) is known to have highest permanent settlement throughout the year.

Day 12 :
Phortse (3800m) – Khumjung (3790m)
3 ½ hours, 450m descend, 450m ascend

The trail here descends for early twenty minutes and ascends up steeply for almost one hour to Mong-La (4000m.). From this spot, you can see the panoramic view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kusum Kangaru, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. Now the trail descends and ascends frequently up to Khumjung. The Khumjung village is said to have the largest settlement of Khumbu region. There is well-equipped high school built by Edmund Hillary in 1960. Not limited to this, there is an old monastery where the skull of Yeti is believed to have preserved. The neighboring village of Khumjung is Khunde where a well equipped Hospital is built by Edmund Hillary in 1964.

Day 13 :
Khumjung (3790m) – Thame (3800m)
5 hours, 400m ascend, 350m descend

From the beginning of your trek, you will gently ascend and descend to Syangboche then descend to Phurte then Thamo. From Thamo your trail is gently ascend and cross the bridge and shortly steep climb to Thame. Thame is a place where you can visit many ancient monasteries. You will be able to experience the real Sherpa culture and at the most, from Thame you can take a glance at the beautiful mountain peaks.

Day 14 :
Thame (3800m) – Monjo (2840m)
6 hours, 960m descend, 200m ascend

While trekking from Thame to Monjo you come across many Sherpa villages and you will meet friendly Sherpa people. Trekking this day is little bit easier in comparison to other days. Monjo is a small village and the area is mainly for agriculture. You can see people being engaged in agricultural activities.

Day 15 :
Monjo (2840m) – Lukla (2846m)
4 ½ hours, 200m descend, 400m ascend

This day the trail gradually descends and ascends as well. You cross the Dudh Koshi river over suspension bridges. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Dudh Koshi River crossing it five times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the sherpa guides and porters, being offered chhang and Sherpa dance with a memorable trekking experience in mind.

Day 16 :  Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which takes 35 minutes. You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.