Everest Base Camp Trek 15/16 Days
The Everest Base camp is one of the most popular and spectacular treks in the world. The journey begins with an adventurous flight to Lukla (2880m), the gateway to Everest, in a twin otter aircraft offering unique views of the Himalayas.
The Base Camp trek itinerary will take us through traditional Sherpa villages, pine forests, suspended bridges and bring us deep into the hearth of the Himalayas. There will be the chance to visit the incredible Tyengboche monastery, surrounded by the views of the majestic Amadablam and snow capped peaks such as Thamserku, Kangtega, Lhotse, Nuptse, Taboche and the Kings of Mountain Mount Everest.
The objective of this trek is to reach the Everest Base Camp (EBC), at 5380m, from where the expeditions to summit Mount Everest are launched in the Spring Season. The EBC lies on the impressive Khumbo Glacier, which is the first obstacle summiteers have to undertake on their way to the top of the world.
The highest point the trek will reach is the viewpoint kalapathar, at a whopping 5545m, which offers the incredible scene of Mount Everest’s summit and the surrounding Himalayas. Witnessing the sunrise over the snow covered slopes and glaciers of the tallest mountain on Earth is mystical experience.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a once in a lifetime opportunity to stand in the shadow of the tallest mountain in the world. The trekking trails are of easy to moderate difficulty and are recommended for trekkers of all level and fitness. The main challenge of the EBC trek is altitude, which will be overcome by an acclimatisation schedule.
Please note that all itineraries are indicative and will be tailored for each individual trekking group.
Itineraries may also change during the trek as a function of weather forecast and health&fitness of group members. Safety first!
Day 1: Flight to Lukla (2840m). Lukla – Phakding (2610m)
4-5h. A pleasant walk through pine forests alongside the river will bring you to Phakding, the first stop of our journey. Comfortable lodges and cozy tea houses offer a wide range of refreshments and food options.
Day 2: Phakding (2610m) – Namche Bazar (3500m)
5-6h. With nearly 1000m of altitude gain, today is one of the most physical days of the trek. The altitude is still relatively low and the path guides us in and out the pine trees shadows, crossing several suspended bridges, among which the famous Hillary bridge.
Day 3: Rest day in Namche Bazar (3500m)
Rest days are designed for acclimatisation purposes. Furthermore, Namche offers the opportunity to gather your last supplies before heading higher up the mountain. Snacks, ATMs, maps, equipment, souvenirs – everything is available here, even an Irish pub (I suggest celebratory drinks on your way down – stay healthy on the way up!). Activities available during the rest day include
- Everest view hotel – with a 1h30 hike, you can get your first view of Everest while sipping a warm tea
- Khunde Village – 1h30 hike to visit a traditional Nepali settlement.
- Just rest your legs!
Day 4: Namche Bazar (3500m) – Tengboche (3860m)
3-4h. A short walking day allows for some free time to visit the Tengboche monastery, the largest Gumpa in the Khumbu region. The surrounding Himalayas are the perfect theater for an immersive experience into Sherpa culture and Buddhist traditions.
Day 5: Tengboche (3860m) – Dingboche (4410m)
5-6h. A long day of walk and the altitude will begin to be felt. This is also the first night sleeping over 4000m, drink warm fluids and stay warm. Let yourself be charmed by te rural stone walls and the magnificent Amadablam.
Day 6: Rest day in Dingboche (4410m)
Altough not compulsory, this rest day is important to acclimatize the body before continuing further. In Dengboche, day activities include:
- Namgkar Tshang (5616m) – a very challenging hike, only for the strongest groups. However, it is well worth the effort of climbing over 1200m for the views of Makalu, Lothse and Island peak.
- Nangkarthshang monastery – a century year old monastery reachable with a 1h30 hike
- Just rest your legs!
Day 7: Dingboche (4410m) – Lobuche (4910m)
4-5h. Today’s path brings us close to the 5000m treshold. The amazing Khumbo Glacier appears to our view, and Lobuche peak stands prominent in sight. Take some rest in Lobuche, as the goal of journey is near
Day 8: Lobuche (4910m) – Gorakshep (5100m)
2-3h. The path is flat and easy going. Because of the altitude, it is best to take your time and ejoy a slow paced walk while admiring the surrounding peaks and Khumbo Glacier. Gorakshep is the highest place where we will sleep.
Day 9: Gorakshep (5100m) – Everest Base Camp (5380m) – Gorakshep (5100m)
The round trip to Everest base Camp and back to Gorakshep will take approximately 5-6h. Congratulations! The renowned Everest Base camp lies in front of you, on top of the Khumbo Glacier. Take the iconic picture with the EBC welcome rock and enjoy the moment. A lot of mountaneering legends come here on a regular basis.
Day 10: Gorakshep (5100m) – Kalapattar (5500m) – Lobuche (4900m)
5-6h. Starting well before dawn, it will take two hours to climb to the Kalapattar view point. As the first morning light touches the summit of Mt Everest, the magic of the Himalaya unfolds in front of us. This is truly a unique experience. After dawn, we make our way down to Gorakshep, pick up our bags, and head down to Lobuche. Our journey down begins.
Day 11: Lobuche (4900m) – Periche (4240m)
4-5h. As we retrace our steps until Dughla, we then deviate towards Periche. The path is steep at times but moslty flat.
Day 12: Periche (4240m) – Tengboche (3860m)
3-4h. The way genlty descends into the valley as we find ourselfs back in Tengboche. The views on Amadablam are majestic, the mountain is right in front of us as we descend.
Day 13: Tengboche (3860m) – Namche Bazar( 3500m)
3-4h. A little bit of up and down brings us back to Namche Bazar. Here we can finally celebrate reaching the base camp in one of the many bars and cafés, even an Irish Pub!
Day 14: Namche Bazar (3500m) – Phakding (2610m)
3-4h. Today we descend approximately 1000m and our tired legs will be rewarded by finally descending below 3000m. Temperaures are higher and the walk is pleasant in the forest and over the suspended Hillary bridge.
Day 15: Phakding (2610m) – Lukla (2840m)
3-4h. A short trek back to Lukla where we will take the flight back to Kathmandu. This is the end of the Everest Base Camp trek! Congratulations and see you again!