There are few treks in the Himalaya that can match the popularity and aura that surrounds the trek to Everest Base Camp in the Solo Khumbu Valley of Nepal. You have to walk this path and experience it to actually know why.
Climbing the Everest(8848m), is regarded as the ultimate symbol of human endurance! The quest for this started early in the 20th century with British climbers making the first inroads into the Khumbu Valley. It was only after 1953, with the first successful ascent by Norgay and Hillary did Everest and the route capture the imagination of the world.
Since then, there have been numerous climbers who have attempted and summited. Over the past 2 decades the trek to Everest Base Camp, from where the climb is mounted has become extremely popular with trekkers.
The trail passes through the heartland of the Sherpa community of Nepal, who migrated from Tibet about 400 years ago and made Khumbu Valley their home. The trek is challenging with some long hours of walking going upto a maximum height of 5545m; yet the accommodation in Tea-houses during the trek adds a great element of comfort to the experience. The Nepalese have taken the concept of mountain shelters to a new level – with food menus, wifi connectivity and comfortable rooms at high altitudes.
The images of high mountains, spectacular scenery, bustling tea-houses, high suspension bridges, heart-warming smiles of locals, make this trek a classic and a must do for anybody looking for an incredible Himalayan experience.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
EBC Itinerary – 16 Days
Day 01 :Fly to Kathmandu(1350m)
Day 02 :Drive to Ramechhap. Fly to Lukla(2800m). Trek to Phakding(2652m) – 3-4 hrs
Day 03 :Trek to Namche Bazaar(3440m) – 6-7 hrs
Day 04 :Acclimatization Walk in Namche Bazaar(3440m) – 5 hrs
Day 05 :Trek to Tengboche(3870m) – 6.5 hrs
Day 06 :Trek to Dingboche(4400m)- 7 hrs
Day 07 :Acclimatization Day in Dingboche(4400m)
Day 08 :Trek to Lobuche(4900m) – 6 hrs
Day 09 :Trek to Gorakshep(5180m)- 3.5 hrs.Post lunch vist EBC(5364m) and back – 5-6 hrs
Day 10 :Trek to Kalapathar(5545m) early morning(5 hrs).Descend to Pheriche(4320m) – 7 hrs
Day 11 :Trek to Tengboche(3870m) – 5.5 hrs
Day 12 :Trek to Namche Bazaar(3440m) – 6 to 7 hrs
Day 13 :Trek to Phakding(2652m) – 8 hrs
Day 14 :Trek to Lukla(2800m) – 4 hrs
Day 15 :Fly to Ramechhap. Drive to Kathmandu(1350m) – 5-6 hrs
Day 16 :Depart
EBC + Cho La Pass + Gokyo Lakes – 19 Days itinerary
Day 01 :Fly to Kathmandu(1350m)
Day 02 :Drive to Ramechhap. Fly to Lukla(2800m). Trek to Phakding(2652m) – 3-4 hrs
Day 03 :Trek to Namche Bazaar(3440m) – 6-7 hrs
Day 04 :Acclimatization Walk in Namche Bazaar(3440m) – 5 hrs
Day 05 :Trek to Tengboche(3870m) – 6.5 hrs
Day 06 :Trek to Dingboche(4400m)- 7 hrs
Day 07 :Acclimatization Day in Dingboche(4400m)
Day 08 :Trek to Lobuche(4900m) – 6 hrs
Day 09 :Trek to Gorakshep(5180m)- 3.5 hrs.Post lunch vist EBC(5364m) and back – 5-6 hrs
Day 10 :Trek to Kalapathar(5545m) early morning(5 hrs).Descend to Dzongla(4820m) – 5+7 hrs
Day 11 :Cross Cho La Pass (5368m) and descend to Thannak(4700m) – 8 hrs
Day 12 :Trek to Gokyo(4790m) – 2-3 hrs
Day 13 :Trek to Dole(4100m) – 5-6 hrs
Day 14 :Trek to Namche Bazaar(3440m) – 6-7 hrs
Day 15 :Trek to Phakding(2652m) – 3-4 hrs
Day 16 :Trek to Lukla(2800m) – 4 hrs
Day 17 :Buffer Day
Day 18 :Fly to Ramechhap. Drive to Kathmandu(1350m) – 5-6 hrs
Day 19 :Depart
NOTE: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TICKET BOOKING
It is very difficult for flights to operate incase of bad weather at Lukla airport. It is not uncommon to be stranded in Lukla for a day or two incase of bad weather. We strongly recommend adding a few buffer days post the trip before your international flight out of Kathmandu to factor in delays of flying out of the weather sensitive Lukla Airport.
COST:
16 Days EBC Itinerary:
INR 115950 + 5% GST + 5% TCS – For Indians (guests having Indian ID-passport or Voter’s ID Card only)
USD 1960 + 5% GST – For Foreigners
19 Days EBC + Cho La + Gokyo Lakes Itinerary:
INR 137950 + 5% GST + 5% TCS – For Indians (guests having Indian ID-passport or Voter’s ID Card only)
USD 2390 + 5% GST – For Foreigners
Note: Difference in cost is due to differential pricing in Nepal for flights, hotels and permits for foreigners.
Cost Includes:
Cost Excludes:
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu(1350m)
Our team member will receive you at the Tribuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and drive you to your hotel in Thamel (30 mins). Check-in and rest. Trip briefing and overview of the next day’s plan with our Trip Leader. Free day to explore the bustling downtown of Thamel, do any last minute shopping, exchange currency, and enjoy the local cuisine. Settle in early for an early start the next day.
Meals: Nil; Overnight Hotel.
Day 02: Drive to Ramechhap(4 hrs). Fly to Lukla(2800m). Trek to Phakding(2652m) – 3 to 4 hrs
A super early start with packed breakfast. We drive to Manthali airport in Ramechhap at around 2am in the morning(4 hrs). The 35-minute flight to Lukla is extremely exciting as we get into small 19 seater planes (Dorniers and Otters) and fly to Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla situated at 2800m. One of the highest airports in the world with a small airstrip of about half a kilometre built on an incline. Enjoy a welcome drink, as the porter team gets ready with the loads for the trek. 3-4 hours walk to Phakding. Depending on the arrival time, lunch at Phakding or on the way at Thado Kosi. Phakding is spread on both sides of the Dudh Kosi and has some sports bars with pool tables esp. visited by people on their return from the trek.
Meals: BLD ; Overnight Tea-House.
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar(3440m) – 6 to 7 hrs
A long day that gets tough towards the end where there is a climb before reaching Namche Bazaar. A great day to concentrate and get your pace right for the rest of the trek. It is very important to not expend a lot of energy while walking. There are many high suspension bridges to cross today, with the first one starting at Phakding itself. We pass multiple checkpoints where our permits and TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card will be checked. Lunch at Jorsale, almost the midpoint after which we cross the confluence point of Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi rivers. We then ascend slowly to the highest and extremely windy Hillary Bridge over the Dudh Kosi. There is an old suspension bridge lower to the new bridge which lies unused. After crossing the bridge, we climb up to a point from where on a clear day, we get our first sight of Everest. From this point Namche is another hour and a half away.
Meals: BLD ; Overnight Tea-House.
Day 04: Acclimatization Walk in Namche Bazaar(3440m) – 5 hrs
Namche Bazaar gets its name from an actual bazaar that used to be set up here where Tibetans used to trade with Nepalese. This is the biggest and most iconic place on the entire EBC trail in Khumbu Valley. The altitude here is almost 3500m and the effects of altitude tend to kick in. Some might experience a headache and mild symptoms of nausea. This additional day at Namche, allows time to acclimatize to altitude. Acclimatization walk after breakfast with the aim to gain height – atleast 400m and descend. We visit the Sagarmatha Museum which has Tenzing Norgay’s statue and proceed on to climb upto Everest hotel situated on the ridge at a height of 3880m. On a clear day, it is a great place to view the big mountains including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and Everest. We descend to Namche for lunch. Post lunch, the day is free to explore the streets of Namche and try the numerous local bakeries. Overall, a relaxed day to acclimatize, rest and rejuvenate.
Meals: BLD ; Overnight Tea-House.
Day 05: Trek to Tengboche(3870m) – 6.5 hrs
We continue our trek to our next stop, Tengboche with a beautiful monastery against stunning backdrop of mountains. Tengboche with its handful of tea-houses is a small place, but one of the most beautiful places on the trail. To the right rises Thamserku, a little ahead is Ama Dablam, straight ahead is Lhotse and Nuptse with Everest peeking behind. Tengboche is the biggest monastery on the trail with resident monks who reside in a complex just next to the gompa. There are prayer ceremonies that happen in the evenings and early mornings at the monastery. Below the monastery grounds is a bakery which serves amazing coffee and cakes. On a chilly late afternoon, it is a great place to sit inside and sip away at some hot cappuccino and enjoy the splendid views of the big peaks. Tengboche also offers the wonderful sight of choppers land and take-off with the snowy mountains as backdrop.
Meals: BLD ; Overnight Tea-House.
Day 06: Trek to Dingboche(4400m)- 7 hrs
We first descend to Deboche about 20 mins below and walk past a Nunnery before crossing a wooden bridge across the Imja Khola (a tributary of the Dudh Kosi) and then start ascending to Pangboche. Pangboche is a large village and is divided into lower and upper Pangboche. We pass by some tea-houses at lower Pangboche and climb gently to our lunch point at Shomare. Trekkers normally just stop here for lunch before proceeding on to Dingboche. We walk upstream of Imja Khola all along, the river that drains out of Imja Tse (Island Peak) Valley. After lunch, Dingboche is about a couple of hours. Dingboche is the next big settlement on the trail after Namche and the last place where farming is practised. We are above 4000m now, hence spend an extra day to rest and acclimatize.
Meals: BLD ; Overnight Tea-House.
Day 07: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche(4400m) – 5 hrs
Dingboche is the next place where trekkers tend to feel altitude sick. The extra day helps to acclimatize and set us up for the finale at EBC and Kalapathar. Our objective on this day would be to gain height and reach an altitude of about 4900m. There is a rocky summit right next to our tea-house at Dingboche called the Nangkartsang peak(5083m). After breakfast, we slowly walk up this hill and enjoy the views all around. Taboche and Cholatse rise in the North-west. In the East, you can see Lhotse, Peak 38, Island Peak, Cho Polu and from a high point Makalu. To the south towers the beautiful peak of Ama Dablam. To southwest is Kangtega and Thamserku. It is sheer joy to be trekking amidst such big mountains. The Valley on both sides open up as we go higher and we spend a lot of time clicking away. We descend for lunch after we achieve our objective. Post lunch, we are free to checkout Dingboche and the charming bakeries. The Himalayan Bakery just behind Hotel Goodluck is especially good to hang around till evening.
Meals: BLD ; Overnight Tea-House.
Day 08: Trek to Lobuche(4900m) – 6 hrs
Today is a relaxed day, as we ascend a high ridge and get onto the wide valley leading to Dughla. Stunning scenery offer views that is a photographer’s delight. An easy walk to Dughla, where we stop for lunch. Post lunch there is a steep climb to Dughla Pass where memorials have been erected in memory of all the climbers who have tragically lost their lives on Everest. Look out for Scott Fischer’s memorial, who lost his life during the 1996 tragedy on Everest vividly recounted in Jon Krakauer’s book “Into Thin Air”. From here, the terrain is almost all flat to Lobuche. On the left are Lobuche peaks. Right ahead appears the impressive peak of Pumori and remains that way for the next 3 days. There is a path that cuts off to Cho-La Pass as we walk towards Lobuche. Lobuche is a small, cold place with a handful of Tea-houses. The accommodation gets very basic at this place and the next. We are now very close to the trip climax -– EBC and Kalapathar summit.
Meals: BLD ; Overnight Tea-House.
Day 09: Trek to Gorakshep(5180m)- 3.5 hrs. Post lunch trek to EBC(5364m) and back – 5-6 hrs
The next 2 days make the climax of the trek and challenges us physically, because of the altitude and the extra hours of walk. An early start from Lobuche, about 6:30am and walk to Gorakshep which is about 3-4 hrs ahead. We have one major ascent on the way and cross a lot of moraine. On our right is the Khumbu glacier and the biggest mountain- Everest, and some of the other peaks around. After a while, the Everest Base Camp comes into view with its yellow tents of climbing expeditions. We descend to Gorakshep to have an early lunch. Post-lunch, we trek to Everest Base Camp and back. The round trip takes about 5 hrs and is extremely rewarding. Right ahead is the long chain of peaks, part of the Mahalangur Himal forming the border with Tibet. Pumori and Lingtren in the North. On our right is Khumbutse, Changtse, Nuptse and Everest at the rear. The grand Khumbu Icefall is seen and at Base camp, we see tents of climbing expeditions attempting Everest. Everest is normally attempted in Spring when the whole Base camp is filled with a sea of tents. We return slowly to Gorakshep to rest for the night.
Meals: BLD ; Overnight Tea-House.
Day 10: Trek to Kalapathar(5545m) early in the morning. (5 hrs). Descend to Pheriche (4320m) – 7 hrs
Today is the grand finale and a long day. Very early start at about 4am in the morning to ascend to Kalapathar, a great vantage point to have a 360-degree view of peaks, Everest and the Valley! The climb initially is steep, but becomes gradual after about 1 hr. Spectacular scenery awaits us at the top, something that definitely is breath-taking. We descend to Gorakshep, have breakfast and start our retreat trek. We descend to a place called Pheriche which is on the other side of the ridge from Dingboche. Pheriche has many good Tea-houses, bakeries and the Himalayan Rescue Association with resident doctors helping people who suffer from high altitude sickness.
Meals: BLD ; Overnight Tea-House.
Day 11: Trek to Tengboche(3870m) – 5.5 hrs
After Pheriche, we ascend a small ridge with fantastic views of peaks. We retrace our walk to Tengboche going past Shomare, Pangboche and Deboche. The return views are very different from the way up. The higher oxygen levels and the descent helps us appreciate and enjoy the scenery better. Lunch is at Tengboche.
Meals: BLD ; Overnight Tea-House.
Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar(3440m) – 6 to 7 hrs
We start with a steep descend to Phunki Tenga, where we stopped for lunch on our way up. From Phunki Tenga, we climb steeply for about an hour and walk gradually to Kyangjuma. Depending on the speed of the group, lunch will either be at Kyangjuma or directly at Namche Bazaar. Post lunch, we can visit the beautiful Namche monastery. Post dinner, you can visit the local pubs of Namche and play pool or fuzzball. Irish Pub, Daphne Bar and Liquid Bar are the famous ones. Open for late hours, they transform into music joints in the night, where locals perform for locals and tourists alike. Namche is extremely vibrant and has a great positive vibe.
Meals: BLD ; Overnight Tea-House.
Day 13: Trek to Phakding(2652m) – 7 – 8 hrs
Leisurely descend to Phakding. Stop at all the 3 checkpoints – Namche, Monjo and Chhumuwa and announce our exit from Khumbu Valley. After the descend from the Hillary bridge, we follow the Dudh Kosi all the way to Phakding. Phakding is also a great place to have a good time on our way back with many sports bars with pool tables and some wonderful music.
Meals: BLD ; Overnight Tea-House.
Day 14: Trek to Lukla(2800m) – 4 hrs
A short 3-4 hour walk takes us back to Lukla, from where it all started. One last ascent after crossing the high suspension bridge. Rest in Lukla for the night, sharing stories with multiple groups of trekkers who have been through a similar experience. Lukla has many fancy restaurants, coffee shops and pubs which serve as great places to spend our last night of the trek.
Meals: BLD ; Overnight Tea-House.
Day 15: Fly to Ramechhap. Drive to Kathmandu(1350m)
After the excitement of the trek, fly out of Lukla in the 18-seater micro planes to Ramechhap. Eciting 15 min flight and a long drive of about 5 hrs to our hotel in Thamel. The evening is free to immerse yourself in the vibrancy of Thamel and shopping for souvenirs for your loved ones back home.
Meals: B ; Overnight Hotel.
Day 16: Depart
Transfer to International Airport in the morning for onward journey. Trip Ends.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.