Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu [1300m/4264ft]
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation day
Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Jiri [1300m] 7-8 hrs
Day 4: Jiri trek to Bhandar [2220m/7220ft]: 8 hrs
Day 5: Bhandar to Sete [2575m/8450ft]: 7-8 hrs
Day 6: Sete to Junbesi [2670m/8760ft]: 7-8 hrs
Day 7: Junbesi trek to Nunthala [2220m/7280 ft]: 7-8 hrs
Day 8: Nunthala to Bupsa [2360m/7,740ft]: 6-7 hrs
Day 9: Bupsa to Phakding [2,652m/8,700ft]: 7-8 hrs
Day 10: Phakding - Namche Bazaar [3,440m/11,284ft]: 5-6 hrs
Day 11: Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar
Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche [3,870m/12,694ft]: 5 to 6 hrs
Day 13: Tengboche to Dingboche [4,360 m/14,300 ft]: 5 to 6 hrs
Day 14: Dingboche - Duglha [4,600 m/15,090 ft]: 3 to 4 hrs
Day 15: Duglha - Lobuche [4940 m/16,207 ft]: 2 - 4 hrs
Day 16: Lobuche - Gorak Shep [5170 m/16,961ft] - Everest Base Camp [5364 m/17,594 ft)]- Gorak Shep: 7-8 hrs
Day 17: Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar [5545 m/18,192 ft] - Pheriche [4280 m/14,070 ft]: 7-8 hrs
Day 18: Pheriche-Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazaar: 5-6 hrs
Day 19: Namche Bazaar-Lukla [2,800m/9,186ft]: 6-8 hrs
Day 20: Fly Back Lukla - Kathmandu
Day 21: Final Departure
Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu [1300m/4264ft]
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from our office.We will transfer you into the Hotel. Our Tour/Trek Manager will give you the briefing about the trip. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation day
After breakfast sightseeing in Kathmandu including Pashupatinath Temple. Boudhanath Stupa & Patan Durbar Square. Visit Pashupatinath, temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple, which was built in pagoda style, has a gilded roof and beautifully carved silver doors.Afternoon visit the stupa of Boudhanath located 8 Kms. east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal stupa is one of the biggest in the world and the centre of Buddhism in the world. It was listed in the UNESCO Heritage Monument in 1979. Patan City is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyard and former palace complex. One remarkable monument here is a 16th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna, built entirely of stone. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Jiri [1300m] 7-8 hrs
Today we take an early morning drive to Jiri, about 187 km north-east of Kathmandu. Since we would be travelling on a mountain road, it takes around 7/8 hrs to reach Jiri. Although still a single lane road, the road condition has improved a lot nowadays than what it used to be until some years ago. Enjoy the views of Kosi River and panoramic views of the eastern Himalaya including Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa while on the drive. Overnight at Jiri.
Day 4: Jiri trek to Bhandar [2220m/7220ft]: 8 hrs
Our trek on the Everest trail begins today. We hike through several scattered villages until Chitre with panoramic views of the Rolwaling Range of mountains in the north. We continue climbing to the pass at 2400 meters, and then descend to Mali Village and after crossing Yelung Khola Stream we reach Doban. More descending, and after crossing the Khimti Khola, we reach Shivalaya. Again after crossing the Chamja Khola stream, we begin a long steep ascent to Sangbadanda. Another steep climb through the rhododendron forests takes us to Deurali and through Mani walls we reach the Sherpa community at Bhandar where some Chortens and gompas stand. Overnight at Bhandar.
Day 5: Bhandar to Sete [2575m/8450ft]: 7-8 hrs
We further descend the trail from Bhandar through deep forests crossing a few streams passing the small settlement of Dokharpa. Again passing through some streams ahead we reach Likhu Khola Valley. Crossing over the second suspension bridge, we ascend the ridge to reach the settlement of Kenja. The trail to Lamajura La pass begins from here. Snow clad peaks are visible as we ascend. Some hours of hard climbing takes us to Chimbu. Taking the right trail we continue about 2 hours to get to Sete. Overnight at Sete.
Day 6: Sete to Junbesi [2670m/8760ft]: 7-8 hrs
We take an uphill climb to Lamjura La through forests of pine, magnolia, maple, birch and rhododendrons. Passing by the villages of Dagchu and Goyim, we reach the highest point between Jiri and Namche Bazaar at Lamjura La pass at 3530 meters covered with prayer flags, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding green mountains. We descend down the pass to Tragdobuk and Junbesi. We will spend the afternoon here exploring the most delightful village (Junvbesi) before Namche. Overnight at Junbesi.
Day 7: Junbesi trek to Nunthala [2220m/7280 ft]: 7-8 hrs
We cross the stream beyond Junbesi and climb up the forest slope and after an hour's trek, the mesmerizing views of the Himalayan mountains appear before our eyes. The mountains that are visible include Everest, Lhotse, Nupte, Makalu, Thamserku, Mera Peak, and many other high mountains. This is the first view of Everest on this trek, lower peaks look higher due to being closer than the distant 8,000er mountains. We continue the trail to Salung and descend to Ringmo Khola. We ascend to Ringmo, cross the Trakshindo La pass and after another hour's descent through conifer and rhododendron forests, and terraced fields, we finally arrive at Nuntala. Overnight at Nuntala.
Day 8: Nunthala to Bupsa [2360m/7,740ft]: 6-7 hrs
Today as we begin our walk, there are views of Karyolang and Kusum Kangru. The trail descends rapidly down the trail to the Dudh Koshi River at one of its suspension bridges, at this point we are at the lowest point of the trek (1500m/4920 ft). We cross a bridge, we climb to Jubing and continue straight to Churkha. We climb the trail eastward to reach the sprawling village of Kharikhola which has several lodges and health posts. The trail descends to cross a suspension bridge over a stream and a very steep climb for an hour finally takes us to Bupsa. Overnight at Bupsa.
Day 9: Bupsa to Phakding [2,652m/8,700ft]: 7-8 hrs
The trail from Bupsa rises through a forested stretch through Kharte. We reach the highest point of Khari La pass from the views of Gyachung Kang and Khumbila. The Dudh Koshi River flows down below in a cavernous canyon pattern. We descend to Puiyan, as the trail passes we can spot Lukla airfield too. Ups and Downs takes us to Surkhe. Further through stone steps and terraced fields, streams and main walls, caves, and the villages, we reach the village of Charukharka. We continue through the cultivated fields and forests and stretch to the bridge over the roaring Thado Kosi. After crossing the bridge on Thado Kosi, we make a steep climb before moving down to the village of Ghat. We enjoy the great views of the broader Dudh Kosi River before finally climbing steeply to Phakding village. Overnight at Phakding.
Day 10: Phakding - Namche Bazaar [3,440m/11,284ft]: 5-6 hrs
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, the track leads us along the Dudh Koshi River through many suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. First, we catch the wonderful prospect of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618 m). Through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We pass through the last village of Jorsale before reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail climbs through the forests and bridges until we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. After a final steep ascent of about two hours we will get a view of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We will stop at Chautara to admire the view. We still need to hike about 1.5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar, a gateway to Mt. Everest and the main trading centre of this region. We will stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 11: Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar
This is the scheduled 'acclimatization' day for this trek. Health experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. Our guides will take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We will take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung. We will climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila, hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We will visit Hillary School which is at the same site. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche [3,870m/12,694ft]: 5 to 6 hrs
After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek towards Tengboche enjoying the superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and a close up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows on the gradual trail with a few ups and downs overlooking magnificent views of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild lives like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through the pine forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga we then have a little tough climb up through the pine forests before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has the biggest Buddhist Monastery in Khumbu region. Overnight stay at lodge in Tengboche.
Day 13: Tengboche to Dingboche [4,360 m/14,300 ft]: 5 to 6 hrs
Mountains as a backdrop, the monastery in Tengboche looks spectacular more in the morning. We snap pictures of the monastery and the scenery around and as usual start the day journey. We chose the upper trail for better views to visit Pangboche village and its ancient Monastery. We pass through several Chortens and Mani walls and small villages. We enjoy lunch with fantastic close-up views of Ama-Dablam. In the afternoon, go north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Ama Dablam. From here onwards the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley ahead will begin to open up as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River, we descend into the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche On arrival in Dingboche, we enjoy the beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect the barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight in Dingboche.
Day 14: Dingboche - Duglha [4,600 m/15,090 ft]: 3 to 4 hrs
We start the day with a climb to Duglha through the Khumbu Khola valley. The trek along the arid terrace is rewarding with awesome views of mountains on all sides. As we come to a yak herder's place called Dusa, the valley begins to narrow and we continue through Phulung Karpo, of the camp sites during the first successful Everest Expedition in 1953. Above Phulung Karpo is Chola Lake. As we continue our trek the majestic view of Mt. Pumori (7138 m/ 23418 ft) comes into view. As the trail descends and curves Mt. Pumori hides and we come across a roaring stream. After crossing a small wooden bridge, we ascend to Dugla. We can see the tip of Nuptse from here as well as Cholatse, Thamserku, and several other magnificent peaks. Spending a night in Duglha is ideal for acclimatization purposes. Overnight in Duglha.
Day 15: Duglha - Lobuche [4940 m/16,207 ft]: 2 - 4 hrs
Beyond Dulha we trek up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We find our way through the boulder-strewn slope as we ascend Chupki Lhara, an eerie ridge top with dramatic mountain views. At the top of the ridge we will find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10 times Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (mountain guide from Nepal) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves right "in front of" several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. We are now in the vicinity of Everest but the great mountain still remains hidden. Nuptse towers to the right as the trail crosses the Khumbu Glacier. As we trek along a murmuring stream we do not see the Khumbu glacier because of its lateral moraine wall and we now begin to feel a little out of breath due to high altitude. Overnight in Lobuche.
Day 16: Lobuche - Gorak Shep [5170 m/16,961ft] - Everest Base Camp [5364 m/17,594 ft)]- Gorak Shep: 7-8 hrs
The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see the crest of the north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, etc. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world - Mount Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night's rest. However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view. For those trekkers who wish to continue, our guides and Sherpas coordinate a hike to Kala Patthar for an amazing sunset view today rather than waiting until the next day. Overnight in Gorak Shep.
Day 17: Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar [5545 m/18,192 ft] - Pheriche [4280 m/14,070 ft]: 7-8 hrs
Today is the climax of our trip. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. Plus there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding view points to snap pictures. After several hours of an ascent, we will reach Kala Patthar. From here we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar rocks, our eyes taking in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we can with our camera and take in the view with our mind's eye to last a lifetime. On the way back to Gorak Shep, we have breakfast followed by a gradual descent down to Pheriche for a good night's rest. Overnight in Pheriche.
Day 18: Pheriche-Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazaar: 5-6 hrs
We will trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it's spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings. Depending on our hunger and condition, we either have our lunch in Pangboche or wait until we reach Phunki Tenga for lunch. After crossing the prayer flag, a festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction in the region. We stop at Kyangjuma (3570 m/11,710 ft) for a relaxed lunch. Following lunch, the trail to Namche Bazaar clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar. We want to take a long last look (and picture!) back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche from here. On reaching our lodge, we take a nice hot shower and have a very relaxed sleep in our room in Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 19: Namche Bazaar-Lukla [2,800m/9,186ft]: 6-8 hrs
The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. By today we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this charming mountain air. Although we are travelling the same route down, we feel completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages. On arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smiles on their faces! Overnight in Lukla.
Day 20: Fly Back Lukla - Kathmandu
We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us at Kathmandu. You can rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel. If you are interested in taking some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods which can be assisted by our guides or you can do it yourself too. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu take the time to do that today! Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration dinner together for successfully completing your trek to Everest Base Camp Trek! Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 21: Final Departure
You are saying goodbye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative will take you to the airport.
