Everest Base Camp Trek

This evening, meet with your climb guide for a pre-climb briefing, covering transfers, kit, conditions on the mountain, and other related topics. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have about the climb.

Evening at leisure.

The views from the plane are stunning, providing dramatic scenes of terraced hills and the distant Himalayan giants. After landing, we meet our ground crew and begin our Himalayan journey with a 3-4 hour trek to Phakding (2,635m), where we rest tonight.

After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu region.

Namche is the Sherpa capital and a bustling village, filled with markets and traditional Sherpa houses.

You will have the option to take an early morning hike to the Sherpa Museum, from where, on a clear day, you’ll be able to see Mt. Everest, Lhotse (the 4th highest peak in the world) and the beautiful Ama Dablam. The Sherpa Museum houses an exhibit on traditional Sherpa lifestyles and also a fabulous photography display, which you will have time to view.

The rest of the day is for private exploration of this enchanting place. We meet for dinner in the evening.

Our walk today ends at the famous Thyangboche Monastery, the spiritual centre of the Khumbu region. There will be time to tour the monastery, inside of which you’ll discover ornate wall hangings, a giant sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas.

From Pangboche, the route winds high above the valley floor, passing through various Sherpa settlements until we reach our resting place for the next two days, Pheriche.

There is the option of a light hike up the valley for a wider variety of photos and views of the spectacular 6,000m peaks of Tawoche, Cholatse, Island Peak and the 8,000m wall of Lhotse.

On a clear day, it’s possible to see Mount Makulu, a giant of more than 8,000m and the 5th highest mountain in the world.

This afternoon we’ll pass by the stone memorials, dedicated to climbers who have died on the mountains. You might like to take the time to stop and read some of the messages left to these past mountaineers.

Expect to reach Lobuche, where we camp just below the terminal moraine of the tributary glacier, late afternoon.

We wind our way through the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier to our accommodation at Gorak Shep, situated at the base of Kala Patthar. This was the original Base Camp used by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on their successful ascent of Everest, before the Base Camp was moved closer to the mountain on the edge of the Khumbu Icefall.

From Gorak Shep, we ascend the non-technical Kala Patthar (5,550m) and are rewarded for our efforts by unforgettable views.

From this lofty perch we can clearly see the summit of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. This is simply an amazing panorama and we'll allow ample time to savor the rewards of our efforts!

Today’s trek will take us to our goal, the Base Camp of Mount Everest, located at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall! Today’s trail is relatively gentle with few steep ascents, though the altitude and climate may mean that you need to muster all of your energy to reach your end goal!

Expect to reach Everest Base Camp early afternoon. We rest tonight at the camp, giving you a chance to thoroughly explore this historic area.

The afternoon is free for you to explore the town. You might like to make a stop at one of the bakeries. There is also an internet café in Namche, offering limited internet access.

This evening, enjoy a celebratory meal and drink in Lukla.

Arriving in Kathmandu late morning, we will have the rest of the day to explore, go shopping, and visit the palaces and markets.

A favourite destination for many is Swayambhunath, more popularly known as the Monkey Temple – a Buddhist temple situated on a small hill that offers panoramic views of the city. Or perhaps join the thousands of Hindus who venture to the Pashupatinath temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples in Nepal.

Please keep your air ticket, departure tax (in local currency) and your passport handy.