Everest Base Camp

We stay in Namche for an hour or so to shop for souvenirs and relax, then it’s down a steep trail to the big suspension bridge far below Namche, and finally to Tok Tok, where we camp.

This evening we camp at a quiet campsite in Dulikhel, in the Kathmandu Valley. Dinner will be served at the camp, then an early night ready for a fresh start tomorrow morning!

The views from the plane – of terraced hills backdropped by the distant Himalayan giants – are stunning. On arrival in Lukla, the different flying parties will meet up at the Paradise Hotel ready to begin the trek into the Khumbu region. It is a relatively easy 3-4 hour trek contouring along the Dud Khosi River to take you to Tok Tok (2,760m), tonight’s resting place. Be prepared for your first rope bridge crossing and for the enormous number of trekkers, porters and yaks on the trail. During this initial trek, it is very important that the students stay in the allocated walking groups and listen to the advice from the guides and team leaders.

After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply (be prepared for a height gain of over 690ms.) and you can expect breath-taking views as you approach Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu region, and the setting for tonight’s campsite.

Then descend via Khunde village and continue a short way on the route to Everest Base Camp, until reaching a lovely camping place at Kyanguma. The rest of the day is for relaxation and acclimatisation.

Our route will take us through the spiritual centre of the Khumbu region. At Tangboche there is a famous monastery, inside of which are ornate wall hangings, a giant sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. After visiting the monastery, continue down to Deboche, which is about half an hour’s distance, where we camp in the grounds of the Rhodendrun Lodge.

The air becomes thinner the higher we climb and so we will need to maintain a slow and steady pace while taking the necessary precautions against altitude sickness: frequent rest and lots of water. We cross another exciting suspension bridge above the Imja River, and climb to Pangboche amongst thousands of Mani stones.

From Pangboche the route winds high above the valley floor, passing through various Sherpa settlements until we climb up to reach our camping place for the next two days, Dingboche.

There is the option of a light hike up the nearby ridge to see the stupas, and for views of the spectacular 6,000m peaks of Tawoche, Cholatse, Island Peak and the 8,000m wall of Lhotse. On a clear day one may see Mount Makulu, a giant of more than 8,000m and the 5th highest mountain in the world. Near to our camping place and tea house in Dingboche there is an internet café charging reasonable connection rates, allowing the group to contact loved ones at home.

Above Thokla we pass by stone memorials to climbers who have died on the mountains around us. Look carefully and you’ll find touching memorials to famous mountaineers. From Thokla Pass, we follow the trail to Lobuche, where we camp just below the terminal moraine of the tributary glacier. Please note: the valley is a wind corridor and can be very, very cold, especially when the sun is behind the peaks.

Lobuche is a small village, always busy with trekkers and sherpas, and the last settlement on the route to Everest Base Camp.

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 moved closer to the mountain on the edge of the Khumbu Icefall. Overnight at Gorak Shep.

After approx. 3 hours of steady uphill trekking, which will see us picking our way around boulders and patches of snow and ice, the prayer flags of Everest Base Camp will come into view. After a last uphill push, taking us past the fascinating glaciers of the Khubmu icefall, we arrive – breathe a sigh of relief! To have achieved at your objective is fantastic but don’t expect too much of Everest Base Camp itself – it’s a barren, bleak location! After a rest and celebratory pictures, turn back for the journey down to Gorak Shep. Breathe another sigh of relief – well done!

Lunch at Gorak Shep and then get some much-needed rest in preparation for tomorrow’s attempt on Kala Pattar.

After a brief rest and photo opportunity, we begin our descent to Pheriche, where we camp tonight.

The route is mainly downhill, and as we’ll be retracing our ascent route much of the scenery will look familiar. As you descend you should find that you breathe more easily; consequently we allow the trekking days and distances to become longer.

Today is one such long, but rewarding, day, taking you out of the rock and scree of the upper Himalayas, and back to the trees and valleys of the foothills. Arriving at Kyangjuma, we stop to rest at the now-familiar campsite.

We’ll see lots of trekking parties pass us, heading north to EBC and other summits – hopefully you’ll get the chance to talk to some about the road ahead, and about your own journey. Remember to look back before you leave the upland viewpoint near Deboche, to see how far you’ve come.

Tonight, we’ll arrange for a celebratory dinner in Lukla, and accommodation in a comfortable, heated lodge with hot showers.

On arrival in Kathmandu, check into Gokarna Forest Resort, or similar.

Flight schedule allowing, we shall have time over the next day and a half to explore, go shopping, and visit the Kathmandu and Baktapur Palaces, temples and markets.