Mt. Everest Base Camp

Kathmandu

After breakfast, visit the highlights of Kathmandu: Kumari Bahal, the Temple of the Living Goddess; Kasthamandap, the wooden house that gave Kathmandu its name; Durbar Square, the central area housing an array of temples; the Royal Palace, overlooked by the ancient Hanuman Dhoka; and Swayambhunath, the 2000-year-old Buddhist stupa.

In the afternoon visit Pasupatinath, the famous Lord Shiva Temple and Hindu cremation ground, and Boudhnath, the 2500-year-old Buddhist stupa. During the visit to Boudhnath Stupa, visit Thangka Art Gallery. Learn about the ancient Tibetan art of Thangka and meet with the painters, both monks and learners. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3447 m)

Follow the trail with the gushing Dudh Kosi on your right, a pleasant walk as you pass through agricultural fields, small villages and a beautiful monastery. Cross Dudh Kosi at Benkar and be greeted with tantalizing glimpses of snow-capped peaks Kusum Kanguru (6369 m) and Thamserku (6623 m). Steep climb for 20 mins to reach Monjo, your lunch stop. 

Continue to the check post to clear your permits and enter Sagarmatha National Park. It is a busy trail with several interests, including small villages and pine forests. After crossing the river again, a steady climb to reach Namche Bazaar. Halfway through the climb you will catch your first glimpse of the mighty three – Everest (8848 m), Mt. Nuptse (7879 m), and Lhotse (8383 m). 

Reach Namche Bazaar, a bustling and prosperous town in the Khumbu region surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks. Overnight at the hotel. Trek: 5.5 hours

Devouche (3820 m) via Thyangboche (3860 m)

Your day starts with a steep climb for 20 minutes to reach a big prayer stone where the trail becomes steady. Enjoy magnificent views of the Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kang Taiga as you follow the meandering trail. Reach Phunki Tanga for lunch, an interesting village with large water driven prayer wheels. 

A steep trail leads you to Thyangboche where you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Everest. Thyangboche features a monastery, the most revered in the Khumbu Region where all Everest Expeditions receive their blessings before heading toward the challenge. Descend down as you cross through a forest of birch, conifer, and rhododendron to the meadows of Devouche. Overnight at the hotel. Trek: 5 hours

Dingboche (4350 m)

Studies on AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) suggest that when trekking in high altitude areas, a trekker must acclimatize to the changing altitudes, especially after 4000 meters. Today will be a rest day to allow your bodies to adapt before proceeding to higher altitudes. You can explore the village and the surrounding areas. Overnight at the hotel.

Gorakshep (5160 m) – Everest Base Camp (5360 m) – Gorakshep

Travel along the Khumbu Glacier through jumbled moraines and scattered rocks. On a clear day Everest can be seen looming behind Nuptse. Approach the ridge above Gorakshep and tread down to reach it. 

Gorakshep was used as EBC during the 1950s expeditions and has several monuments dedicated to Everest expeditioners who lost their lives during their attempts to scale Everest. After a short rest, continue to the EBC – just below the infamous Khumbu Icefall. 

The EBC is not a specific location but instead an area where each expedition team sets camp before heading toward the summit. You will likely be in awe of the towering mountain ranges and the treacherous Khumbu Icefall. Return to Gorakshep and overnight at the lodge. Trek: 8 hours

Namche Bazaar (3447 m)

After spending days above 4200 meters, most trekkers welcome the thought of returning to warmer weather, and the body yearns for softer climbs. Keeping that in mind, the walk today is a delight. Start your journey along the walled paths of Dingboche with a slight gradual ascent before you descend towards the gushing Dudh Koshi. Cross Pangboche and walk to the meadows of Devouche – a lovely fir and rhododendron forest. A short climb during your last leg brings you to Thyangboche. 

After a short rest, retrace further through the forests of juniper, rhododendrons, and fir to Phunk Tanga. Cross Dudh Kosi and ascend to Trashinga. Stop for a short break at Shanasa, a small town where Tibetan traders have traditional artifacts and souvenirs for sale. An easy walk brings us to Namche Bazaar. Overnight at the hotel. Trek: 6.5 hours

Lukla - Kathmandu

Enjoy your last breakfast in the Himalayas before your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure and overnight.