15-Day Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu with Kalapathar

15 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on a thrilling 15-day journey through the breathtaking Himalayas, starting in Kathmandu. Trek through lush valleys, cross roaring rivers, and witness the...

Duration: 15 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp-South, Lukla, Dingboche, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Phakding, Lobuche, Kala Patthar, Gorakshep, Sagarmatha National Park, Monjo, Chukhung, Pheriche, Khumjung · Languages: English, French, German, Hindi, Nepali, Norwegian

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Chukhung

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What's Included

Pickups and drop-offs from airport/hotel
Accommodation in a 3-star or equivalent hotel in Kathmandu
Accommodation at a teahouse/lodge during the trek
All three meals (BLD) per day during the trek/climb
Wages, lodging, accommodation, insurance, and meals for the guide and porter
Professional, well-trained, and multilingual guide
Strong, experienced, and capable porter
Domestic flight tickets as well as airport taxes
All taxes (government and local), necessary paperwork, and permits
First-aid kit
Complimentary trekking map
Trek permits, TIMS card, and required trek documents
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Trekking completion certificate as a memento for all our valued guests
Welcome and farewell Nepalese traditional dinner

Not Included

Visa fees
Travel and emergency helicopter evacuation insurance
Meals (lunch and dinner) and other expenses during Kathmandu (breakfast included at hotel)
Any type of bottled/boiled water, soft drinks, or alcoholic drinks during the trek
Personal expenses like hot showers, laundry, and unforeseen costs due to bad weather, flooding, landslides, urgent helicopter evacuation, etc.
Trekking gear and clothing
Tips for guide, driver, and porter (highly expected)
Climbing gear and personal equipment
Any other expenses not listed above

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Hotel Check-in

Welcome to Kathmandu, an ancient city rich in cultural heritage, vibrant, and diverse in every sense of the word. Our guide will receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) gate with your name on a board. He or she will brief you about your schedule and the information you might need most while driving toward your hotel. We make sure you are comfortable and leave the rest of the day free for you to relax.
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Day 02

Flight to Lukla and Trek to Chumoa

Our early morning flight by Twin Otter aircraft takes us to Lukla, the most popular as well as notorious mountain airstrip in the world. It was originally conceived by Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalayan Trust as a runway to transport materials for building schools and hospitals. Lukla is now one of the busiest runways in Nepal. On the flight, we may witness magnificent bird's-eye views of some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, including Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, the world's 3rd, 4th, and 5th highest respectively. On arrival, we meet our Sherpa guide and pick up our trail after a cup of tea. Surprisingly, the high-altitude trek begins by descending to the river at Phakding. Further on, we choose one of several good lodges in the wooded area at Chumoa, close to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park.
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Day 03

Trek to Namche Bazaar

The early start of our hike will allow us to ascend Namche Hill first thing in the morning. At about halfway up the hill, the gap between the woods will allow us to get a glimpse of Mount Everest for the first time. If the weather is clear at the top, the South-West face will be visible behind the long Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Namche is the most prosperous and active hub of the Khumbu region. A bazaar is held every Friday and Saturday. The wares on display include meat, grains, and vegetables, shoes, hand-woven aprons, trekking gear, and your choice of cafeteria for coffee, bakeries, and also pubs to hang out for some drinks. Thamserku (6648 m), Kwangde Ri (6187 m), and Khumbila (5707 m) surround the natural bowl that Namche sits in.
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Day 04

Acclimatization in Namche

We take the day off to allow our bodies to adjust to the rarefied atmosphere before ascending to higher altitudes. The secret to safe acclimatization is to 'climb high, sleep low'. So, it is safe for the more energetic among us to hike up the hill behind Namche to the airstrip at Syangbouche, to Khunde, Khumjung village, or stroll across to the museum behind the police post. Others may prefer to 'chill out' and visit one of the lodges for a freshly baked cinnamon roll. Namche is a busy and bustling trading place, and there is always plenty going on.
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Day 05

Trek to Tengboche Monastery

We start our hike early in the morning, and the trail follows one of the most beautiful wide paths used by travelers and locals, made by the initiative of a single man named Passang Sherpa. There are spectacular views of Ama Dablam (6696 m), Khangtega (6779 m), the Mount Lhotse wall, and Mount Everest (8848 m). Keep a lookout too for pheasants in the undergrowth and Himalayan tahr on the high cliffs. We cross the Dudhkoshi River at Phungi Thanga and climb through the afternoon among the rhododendron forest to the saddle at the top of the hill. Surprisingly, in front of us is Tengboche, the principal monastery of the Khumbu area, and the views from here are unforgettable.
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Day 06

Trek to Dingboche Valley

We follow the path down from Tengboche through the rhododendron forest to Deboche and cross an exciting bridge with the roaring Imja Khola beneath our feet. A gradual climb takes us to the village of Lower Pangboche. We are now in the heart of Khumbu, with beautiful views across to Ama Dablam. The afternoon stroll takes us along a path that hugs the valley wall and then across wide plains to a split in the valley. The Khumbu breaks left, up to Pheriche, but we take a detour right to the hamlet at Dingboche at the start of the Imja Tse valley.
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Day 07

Acclimatization Hike from Dingboche

This morning will be different from the rest of the days. We have one extra day to enjoy the exhilarating scenery and adjust our bodies to this elevation. We keep the backpack unpacked and carry our day bag with essential water and energy bars while hiking up to Nagarjuna Peak (5083 m). The hike to the peak is 3 to 4 hours uphill. The higher the better, as we can have the best view of the Himalayas around us and also allow our bodies to become more familiar with the altitude. Those of you who would not prefer an uphill hike at all can take an easy gradual hike to Chukhung Valley, where the Imja Tse River starts and you will be closer to one of the most famous peaks, 'Island Peak'.
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Day 08

Trek to Lobuche Village

We climb up to the ridge behind Pheriche and stay high, mesmerized by the views of Tawoche and Cholatse, until we reach the tea houses at Dughla. A steep, stiff ascent to the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier is now tackled. The top of the climb is marked by a series of stone monuments commemorating some of the climbers who did not return from expeditions to this region. A rough but obvious trail cuts across left, away from the glacier, to our campsite at Lobuche, a windswept collection of huts tucked in a narrow meadow between the glacier and Lobuche Peak (6156 m). The Lhotse Ridge is simply awesome from this angle.
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Day 09

Trek to Everest Base Camp

A long day and an early start. We trek along the rough path beside the Khumbu Glacier to the tea shacks at Gorak Shep. You leave behind some grazing land and a few tea houses as you proceed towards Everest Base Camp from Gorak Shep. The more you head towards Base Camp, the more barren the scenery becomes, and the trail grows more craggy and difficult to walk. Stone landmarks erected along the trail have to be followed while passing glaciers or when the trail is covered by snow to avoid crevices, which can sometimes be fatal. Though it is a two-hour walk from Gorak Shep, it is physically demanding. The best suggestion would be to walk slowly and carefully and take your guide's help or advice whenever you are doubtful about your physical ability.
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Day 10

Hike to Kalapathar and Trek to Pheriche

Behind rises the attractive 7000 m peak of Mount Pumori, which dwarfs our trek's summit of Kala Pattar. The route up is straightforward and takes most people between 90 minutes and 2 hours. All the peaks - Everest, Lhotse, Lingtren, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, and scores of other lesser peaks - can be seen from this wonderful vantage point. We descend back down to Pheriche Valley following the same trail until we cross Dugla village, then head left down to our day trip destination.
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Day 11

Trek to Phortse Sherpa Village

We gradually descend all morning down to Upper Pangboche. After lunch, we trek high on the west bank of the Imja River all the way to the popular Sherpa home village of Phortse. This is a village of mountain climbers, where each household man has been to the summit for a living. The village is atop the hill, across the valley from Tengboche and lower on the southern flank of Tawoche.
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Day 12

Trek to Monjo

On the lap of Khumbi-Yulha, we wake up to see the beautiful green valley with Thamserku, Khangtega, Kongde, and Ama Dablam in front of our sight. We leave for our camp ahead by a gradual uphill and mostly downhill trail via Namche towards Monjo. This is the starting point of Sagarmatha National Park. Relax with the peaceful nature of Monjo.
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Day 13

Trek to Lukla

Today will be the last day of the trek. We leave behind all the beauties of the Himalayas and take only the memories and pictures as we finally climb to Lukla. Our camp is located in a good place for proper rest and leisure. Tonight, we may have to bid farewell to our support team. This will be the end of their services.
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Day 14

Flight to Kathmandu and Hotel Check-in

Another chance to experience the domestic flight from Lukla. Please note that the weather in Lukla and Kathmandu can cause delays due to fog or wind. Be reassured that our staff in Lukla and Kathmandu will do everything possible to minimize the inconvenience if this happens. Your understanding and patience during such a situation will be greatly appreciated.
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Day 15

Departure from Kathmandu

Our guide will drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Airport check-in and flight to your onward destination. We end our services here. Note: This itinerary is only a guideline and is occasionally subject to change to suit local conditions, particularly on this trek where a lot of time is spent above 3000 meters.