Everest Base Camp Trek –14 Days

The moment you get out of the airport in Kathmandu, you are warmly received by the people in the vibrant capital of Nepal. Your clearance from immigration and customs will be followed by your transfer to the hotel by a staff member, which is usually found in the popular district of Thamel. The place is a perfect jumping-off point to start the Nepal adventure, as it houses various cultural, shopping, culinary, and trekking gear reasonably-priced stores.
After you have gotten comfortable and had some rest, you can take a walk to explore the locality or just enjoy the serene environment by yourself. Also, if you're still energetic, you can go through Thamel Road full of vibrant colors of the local culture where one can savor the traditional Nepali dish, indulge in the local café, or buy some trekking necessities for the last time.
Later that day, you meet the professional trekking guide who will be briefing you on the things you need to know before the trek. The session will start with your trekking route, then you will discuss how to cope with the altitude, some safety tips, and finally gear check to make sure that you have taken what was necessary for the upcoming trek.
The remaining part of the evening is all yours, use it wisely to rest, immerse and maybe take a shot at falling asleep before the early morning flight to Lukla the next day.

Your journey indeed starts on the day of the transfer early morning to the domestic airport of Kathmandu for a panoramic flight to Lukla.the door to Everest. The flight time of 30–35 minutes is truly unforgettable as it offers the best views of the Himalayan range, stepped hillsides and remote villages. Tenzing-Hillary Airport is a marvelous spot for your aircraft to land, here you will have one of the top thrilling experiences ever.
Upon reaching Lukla, you will be introduced to your porters and trekking team through a quick introduction and after that, have a walk. The trail begins with an easy descent through the pine forests and rhododendron-filled rolling hills and sees some minor Sherpa settlements, for example, Chheplung and Ghat.
The trek of the day is rather a simple and smooth start of the path and it helps the body to get used to the high level of elevation so that it is not affected in any way. Trekking alongside the Dudh Koshi River for 3 to 4 hours will bring you to Phakding, a small village with a peaceful riverside setting where you can listen to the songs of birds, the chime of the river and the laughter of children.
Later, you may want to take a walk to the village or just relax by the riverside, meditate on the peacefulness that the area offers and even get a chance to see local people after the hard work of the day. You can even try finding a local getaway hidden in the mountains if you are up for a little adventure.

The day's journey begins with a part of the trek that is considered the most exciting and rewarding of all as it is the time when you reach a significantly higher elevation and start to immerse yourself in the heart of the Khumbu region.
From Phakding, the pathway moves in the northerly direction following the course of the Dudh Koshi River, and passing through several thrilling suspension bridges, at each of which you will be wrapped in the breeze of vibrant prayer flags of different colors. While being led to your first destination, Benkar, Tok Tok, and Monjo, where you will make your way through Sagarmatha National Park, the cafe of nature will show you its best chambers. Get ready; your permits will be verified; then, you will go down for a short coffee break and meal at Jorsalle.
After Jorsalle, you step into the shoes of a real mountaineer and climb the steep path through the pine forest to Namche. But it’s not only hard as it is one of the most beautiful, with the first sightings of Mt. Everest (weather permitting) making an appearance just before Namche Bazaar from a viewpoint known as the Everest Viewpoint.
When night falls, the busy, multicultural bazaar will signify your moment of arrival in Namche. The amphitheater-like valleys formed by the surrounding mountains with Namche in the middle are the reasons why the capital of the Sherpa people becomes the most visited place in Khumbu region. So, after such a long trip, do not hesitate and savor the atmosphere.

An important part of today is assisting the body in adapting itself to the higher altitude which is a vital measure to ensure a trouble-free and successful trip to the foot of Mount Everest. Although it is called a rest day, an active one is the key to a good acclimatization process, so you will take a pleasant walk to the higher levels before ascending to sleep at Namche.
A good and satisfying choice of a hike is one to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) - a lodge that is perfectly positioned. You can enjoy its view of the Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku peaks. The walk to the hotel passes through Syangboche Airstrip, one of the highest airports in the world and you might take a trip to the Sherpa village of Khumjung - a place where a local monastery holds the legendary Yeti scalp and the Hillary School is found. The latter one was established by Sir Edmund Hillary.
When you finish your trek, head back to Namche in time for lunch and spend a leisurely afternoon in the most vibrant mountain town. Visit the Sherpa Museum, buy fresh bread or pastries at the local bakery, get some souvenirs or just simply have a drink and relax in a café where you will enjoy magnificent views of the Himalayas. In addition, there is a small local market. It is worth checking out as there are traders from Tibet and surrounding areas selling their wares on weekends.
Namche is not just a place to take a break, but it is also the cultural and social focus of Khumbu. Seize this chance to absorb something of the peculiar mingling of nature, history and hospitality of the Sherpa people.

Today's hike, the first part of which can be considered the best by many standards, after leaving Namche Bazaar, is a very important stage of the trail. You'll start your journey with an easy climb out of Namche and then the path, which winds along the mountainside, will lead you to places where you will have a grand scenic view of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Thamserku nature's gentle reminder of your brave action.
Rhododendron forests and small Sherpa settlements are visited after an easy and pleasant walk with a relatively flat trail; then steeply descend to the Dudh Koshi River at Phungi Thenga (3,250m). Hence, a good place to grab a bite and take some rest is there before dealing with the most demanding part of the day: a continuous and, at times, heavily leaning upward passage through the pine and juniper woods to Tengboche.
As soon as you have crossed the ridgeline, you will be able to see one of the most classic Himalayan sceneries Ama Dablam which is very sharp and Everest at the back. To be more particular Tengboche is just a small village however, it is the most famous spiritual place in the region. Tengboche Monastery (Gompa) is here. If you are lucky, you might be able to participate in monks' evening or morning prayers, an experience which is full of tranquility and energy.
And the picture-postcard landscape, sprawling grassy fields surrounded by the Himalayas, leaves Tengboche the top-rated spot among the trekkers for an overnight stay.

On this particular day's trail, you will get closer to the heart of the region of Khumbu, as you move upward above the tree line and through the high alpine vastness. Following the departure from Tengboche, the path begins with a descent through the incredibly beautiful woodlands of rhododendron and fir, with a lovely last glimpse of green becoming strikingly visible before the terrain changes.
At this point, you'll move over the Imja Khola River using a suspension bridge and start climbing up, passing the traditional Sherpa village Pangboche (3,985m) , the highest inhabited place in the region. This is the best place to have a rest and sip a cup of tea while admiring the Ama Dablam view, which appears to be very impressive. The Pangboche Monastery is also open to you, in case you are in a position to go, as it is one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu.
The trail that you follow gradually turns into a valley full of rocks carried away by the river and other remains that it may carry. As you go along, the scenario becomes really picturesque: green areas, dead ice ridges, and mountain valleys with patches of snow all around you are the beauty that surrounds you. You may feel the effects of increasing altitudes more here, and thus, the pace will be slow and constant.
Finally, you would be in Dingboche, a serene settlement situated on the Imja Valley, and it has a vast view of giant peaks like Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. The walls of stone that encircle the village’s gardens and protect them from the cold as well as the movements of yaks are an outstanding view at such a high altitude.
For the remainder of the day, you may choose to rest or take a short acclimatization stroll around the village. Now that you have exceeded 4,000 meters, the importance of sleeping cannot be overemphasized.

Today is your second day taking rest for the purpose of acclimatization; the most crucial thing is to get used to the altitude of the mountain air as you are going to climb even higher than it.
Most of the time, this day may be called a "peace and quiet" day, but you would be kept in good shape by doing easy vertical walking to higher levels before descending to have the best adaptation for your body.
Dingboche provides a popular acclimatization trek which is a walk to Nagarjun Hill (5,100 m), a local top situated above the village. This trail is around 3 to 4 hours long and gives an amazing 360-degree view of Makalu (8,485 m), Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak. The climb is demanding due to the slope, however, "softly, softly" is the correct approach that can also be used as the start for lung warm-up for the next few days.
Going down to Dingboche is likely to give you a chance to replenish your energy with drinking water and enjoy the atmosphere of a high-altitude town. Around this village, the walls encircled by the mountains and their greenery make it very attractive and you can say one of the great scenic stops.
At this point, a considerable reduction in vegetation and lower temperatures become noticeable. The former is a good indicator of being located in a high Himalaya region.

You are now, with today's journey, only one step away from reaching Everest Base Camp, and you will accomplish this while being absolutely amazed and emotionally stirred by the beauty and the landscapes that the journey takes you through.
When you leave Dingboche, the trail goes straight up the valley by the foot of a glacier moraine, itself a sweep of the views of Taboche, Cholatse, Lobuche East, and Ama Dablam behind the trekkers. The area increases the hardy, barren appearance of the landscape with its dry grasses, a number of rocky ridges, and snow-capped mountains dominating strikingly the horizon on their own.
In a couple of hours of continuous ascent, the destination will be Thukla (4,620m), a stopping point that is well-frequented, and people come here for tea or lunch before climbing the steeper section. Through the next part of the journey, the hiker reaches the Thukla Pass (4,830m) , a very steep but short part of the trail that takes them up to the top of a nearby area where memorials are installed. The place is the Everest Memorial, which is the name of the site that holds several stone chortens and plaques that are serving the purpose of the memory of the people who died on the mountain. It is a very touching moment and also reminders of the misery of the trip.
Once the memorials are behind you, the slope becomes less steep as you continue on the rocky, icy debris that covers the Khumbu Glacier. You will soon arrive at Lobuche, a settlement of only a few small houses hidden in large towering peaks and a windy place. Although the settlement looks like a simple one, the sunset views are quite different from anything you would ever experience, especially when the mountains are reflecting the colors of the sun and everything is somehow golden and pink.
At this altitude, you may start to feel more intensely the effects of the thinner air, so it is essential to go slow, drink loads of water, and rest well.

Today is the climax of your Everest Base Camp Trek 2022, as you set your boots on the famous Everest Base Camp (EBC) itself, the moment many hikers have been waiting for for years. It is a long and physically challenging day, but the pay-off is totally worth it beyond any doubt.
The day begins with an early morning start from Lobuche. The trail takes you through the rocky moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. In the beginning, the path is almost flat but the rocky terrain and higher altitude will definitely challenge your strength. The view is just spectacular due to you being surrounded by the ice walls of the glacier and the peak of Pumori and Nuptsé among other snow peaks, which are seen soaring up to the sky.
After a 3- to 4-hour hike, you’ll hit the small settlement of Gorak Shep, which is located in the valley, where the wind always blows and which is at the bottom of Kala Patthar. This is the place where you are not only going to quench your thirst but also set off for Everest Base Camp. You are encouraged to have a short break at the teahouse, have something to eat, and get ready for the next leg of the trip.
By walking from Gorak Shep, the official trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) is around 2 to 3 hours on a rocky, manageable path with the last leg full of the best possible views of Khumbu Icefall and the south face of Everest. As you come close to the base camp, your excitement will be at the highest level. This is the iconic place where mountaineers make their last ascent to the summit.
Once at Everest Base Camp, the whole area will be filled with high ice cliffs, glaciers, and the wilderness of the world’s tallest mountain. It is a very moving and amazing moment to be standing at the foot of Everest, and many trekkers usually take time to meditate, take photographs, and enjoy the moment.

When the base camp is over, you will return to Gorak Shep where you’ll stay for the night. That's a tiring day, but the sense of accomplishment from standing on Everest’s base and looking at the landscape is such that the exhausting walk becomes a beautiful memory.

Today is a very exciting day of the trek because you not only accomplish the highest point of your journey, Kala Patthar, but also start your way down the valley leaving behind Everest Base Camp. It's a long day, where the early morning hike is indeed quite rewarding and then you have to go through a longer trek down to Pheriche.
Morning: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m)
With daybreak, you set off from Gorak Shep as your starting point to Kala Patthar (5,545m), when the first rays of sunshine cast a warm glow on the peaks of the mountains. Indeed, the route up Kala Patthar may be tough, with the rocky terrain to negotiate, but the joy of reaching the highest point and experiencing the sunrise over the Himalayas will be quite enough to pull you through.
One of the mainly extensive and impressive views of Mt. Everest is from Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trek. At this vantage point, the whole majestic Mount Everest, of course, with Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori, will be visible to the naked eye. Not only the rising sun painting the peaks in gold but also the Khumbu Glacier underneath and the ranges of the Himalayas would be the lure for anyone who dared to ascend.
As soon as the descent is done, interruption, and the success is celebrated, and the photos are made, you can take the breakfast in Gorak Shep.
Afternoon: Trek to Pheriche (4,280m)
Following your successful Kala Patthar sunrise, the next step is to descend the path leading you back to Pheriche, the village of warm hearts in the lapse. The way back to Gorak Shep goes downhill quite gently as we move forward, across the moraine of the great Khumbu Glacier, and into the valley with its lakes and forests.
The trip to Pheriche is not too long and requires about 4-5 hours of your time. On the way down you can observe the landscape pattern change there are fewer rocks and more green areas with forests.

Pheriche can be considered as a safe haven located in the southeastern part of Nepal where trekkers can get a clear view of the magnificent Ama Dablam and Cholatse. The reduction in altitude of the region will be easily felt by the latest levels of oxygen.
Once you reach Pheriche, then it's just a matter of taking a small break, drinking water, and sitting in the beautiful village before continuing your way. The long and indecorous day but the magnificent charm and the sense of victory will really make you swell with pride.

After the time you had at high altitudes, today's descent back to Namche Bazaar is like a breath of fresh air, even if it's a long and rewarding day. This trip will be a real pleasure for you, a time of feeling relieved as you look at the surrounding populated areas, you breathe easier and get more energy.
Morning: Goodbye Pheriche
Your day will naturally start with a rather quiet morning, as you slowly descend from Pheriche to the lower Imja Valley. The trail first starts to go down easily, then takes you through the alpine meadows, and the forest tour. Smell the fresher air, and feel more vibrant, if at all, the higher altitude won't do the same as that caused the days.
Pace-wise the way to Tengboche is rather consistent, using almost the same trail as you did previously. Pacifying yourself might be the need now as you walk through the un-crowded paths once again- you are going away from Pangboche village. The massive Ama Dablam can still capture you with its royal and elegant looks. You can relax and have an eye-feast of the quietly charming natural scenes as well as snap some photos of the spectacular mountain sceneries.
Afternoon: Made It To Namche
Your afternoon picks up with lunch at Tengboche after which you will head downwards on your path, engaging Phunki Thenga as a gate to the lower river and a start of a more severe descent to the Dudh Koshi River. From there, climb over the valley to get back to Namche Bazaar.
The journey to Namche is 6-7 hours long. During that time, you might have felt quite tired at first, but the descent, with beautiful panoramas and more relaxed steps, will create a soothing feeling. Namche Bazaar, filled with the existence of numerous decent shops, bakeries, and cafes, would feel a lot more lively on the return trip
Namche acts as the entrance to the Everest region and you can climb a bit higher from here, have a short break, and think over what you have even done. You may eat a meal that is sufficient for your liking, buy some gifts, or simply sit in the teahouse that is comfortable and look at the natural beauty around you.

Your 360-degree journey back to the inception point in Lukla is almost completed today. The Lukla track is well-known and it is still a great feeling to walk the path again after the wonderful adventure that you have just finished.
Early Morning: Departure from Namche Bazaar
With a comfortable sleep in Namche Bazaar behind you, the trail that winds down back to Lukla is coming next. At the very beginning of the journey, it is a significant and smooth downhill walk through the same forest and rivers that you have been through before. The path slopes gently down all the way, allowing you to think about the great moments you had in the mountains during the past few days.
Coming down, you will go through the little towns of Monjo and Jorsale, where another suspension bridge across the Dudh Koshi River is located. These small Sherpa communities are very lively while locals are carrying out their daily chores, and you will probably meet some trekkers who are on their way to start their adventure.
Midday: Reaching Lukla
At the end of several hours of walking, you will be back in Lukla where the town's crowded nature and the visible Tenzing-Hillary Airport will remind you of how you were at the start of the Himalayas journey. The path may appear to be a little more convenient with all the oxygen back and yet the tiredness accrued over the past few days will still be present as you near the destination.
Arriving in Lukla, take a bit of precious rest, so you can have a nice meal and later remember the beautiful trip you undertook in Khumbu. Many trekkers finish their trek with a strong sense of achievement and unity by sharing stories with their fellow travelers in the teahouses.

After landing in Lukla, you can set off for a two-hour air travel to Kathmandu thus bringing your unforgettable Everest Base Camp Trek to an end. The return flight to Kathmandu is a great way to visualize the region you walked right through from the sky.
Morning: Early Morning Flight from Lukla
The day starts with an early morning breakfast in Lukla before you move to Tenzing-Hillary Airport for your flight. Due to its high altitude, Lukla is also called the world's most dangerous airport. The runway is short, and it's at an upward angle, so the plane can rush through the takeoff creating a thrilling experience. The early flights are considered to be the most dependable flights because the weather is often finer at that time of the day.
At the same time, if the plane rises from Lukla, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Khumbu Himal, which includes Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. You can still see the areas you've hiked on, but everything will look so small, and the mountains look even more incredible when you are above them.
It is estimated that the flight normally takes from 30 to 40 minutes. This short but very scenic journey will bring you through the mountainous areas and finally, you will descend into the Kathmandu Valley. The landing at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport marks the return to civilization and, at the same time, an emotional time as the trek is over.
Afternoon: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will find people going about their daily activities and the streets crowded with vehicles which is a complete contrast to what it's like in the mountains. You may choose to drive either on a private transfer or by taxi from the airport to Thamel or the place where you are residing accordingly.

Depending on the time of your flight, you will have some free time that you may use for relaxation or even a short walk around the territory. A lot of travelers prefer to go to a café, shop for memorabilia, or are simply chill after they have pushed themselves to their limit. In case you still have some strength left, you could think of a nearby temple as a tourist site or a short walk through the lively streets of Kathmandu as a different option.
Evening: Party and Take A Break
Usually, in the evening, there is a party dinner to which the travelers with whom you trekked will be invited or only your guide. Often trekking groups will organize a small farewell dinner where you can exchange stories, recap the journey and celebrate the fact that you have completed one of the most iconic treks in the world.

On your last day in Nepal, you will finish your journey and go to the airport to leave. Whether you are flying back home or continuing to another place, this day is meant for thinking about what you have experienced, resting, and preparing to go away from the gorgeous land of the Himalayas.
Morning: Relax and Enjoy Your Last Moments in Kathmandu
If your flight is not too soon, you may want to relax or even find some time to do a little more sightseeing in the morning. In case you have some spare time, you can think of visiting a few of Kathmandu’s tourist destinations:
Pashupatinath Temple: One of the world’s holiest Hindu shrines, situated on the Bagmati River.

Boudhanath Stupa: Architecturally, one of the great places of Nepal, a very quiet and spiritual environment, and so is best suited for meditation.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): The place is famous for its views and it is a good place to visit if you wish to explore the ancient temples and stupas that are found in the region.

If you are spending your last day in the Thamel district, take a walk through the streets for a little bit, maybe buy some souvenirs or sit down for a quiet breakfast in a local café.
Midday: Check-Out and Transfer to the Airport
When you finish, please check out from the hotel and order a private transfer or get a taxi to Tribhuvan International Airport. Make sure you go with enough time to spare as there are many travelers at the airport.
On arrival, you will have to go through the usual check-in and security procedures at the airport before proceeding to the departure gate. This would be an appropriate time to relive your fantastic trek, recall all the things you’ve done, and remember the relationships you’ve made during the trip.
The statement hints to the fact that your journey to Everest Base Camp Trek has come to a close! Have a safe ride to your next destination and feel free to email me, if you want to come back here or need some advice for future tours.