Everest Base Camp Trek – 16 days
The Everest region is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Nepal, which is famous for its fantastic mountain peaks and the beauty on the hills. Most of the places to this spot go through ridges and trails, but you would have ample space to rest and have meal on your way. And one of the best things about this place is that you don’t have to worry about being lost, as you can ask anybody for the next village. The people here are very friendly and offer help and support even to strangers. You can come to this destination all around the year as people trek in all seasons. However, the best time to come to this area is between March to mid May and between Septembers to mid November. Many people do not prefer coming here in winters as the weather is very cold and the snow all around may make your trekking experience difficult. In such conditions, it would not be possible to go to higher altitudes. At higher altitudes, the lodges may even be closed due to the weather and you might have a difficult time in finding a place to rest and spend the night. Therefore it becomes a mandate to carry your tents along. Not to mention, the nights may get very cold and you would have to carry some extra clothes to keep you warm.
During the summers, the season is wet and the peaks are lost in the clouds. Therefore April and May might just prove a good time to go around this place. You can enjoy the tree and shrubs blossoming in this season, with Rhododendrons in particular. This adds a spectacular color and beauty to the surrounding. However the views are much better if you plan a post monsoon trek than a pre monsoon trek because the rain and wind clear the dust which blows from the terrain. However while trekking to this area; it is mandatory to visit the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS), particularly if you are going to Khumbu region.
Most of the lodges and restaurants in the Khumbu region only accept the Nepalese currency. As the place is relatively cheaper than India in terms of currency value, you can expect a budget of Rs. 1000-1500 per person per day for accommodation and meals. The price would increase for these amenities as you go to higher altitudes. Different items have different charges according to the availability and product.
The preparation before trekking to this area should be adequate. Beside some of the few obligatory items like hiking boots, warm clothes, UV sun-block, etc, there are a lot of things that you need to carry on your way ahead. A lot of stuff that you might not have considered taking along are mentioned here. These things may seem unnecessary at first but would enhance your trekking experience once you start your trip. Firstly, you must carry water-disinfecting drugs which can be found n Kathmandu.
This would help in treating your own water bottles which you can fill from nearby lakes and rivers. It would also save your money on buying new water bottles every time. You should carry soft and light shoes, also known as Kung-Fu shoes. After you have trekked for a long time, you would have a great pleasure in slipping in your light weight shoes and going around the place. You can wear them, in and around the villages. Carrying a light weight knapsack is also a great idea as you would be able to fit in your camera and other stuff in it, like a few clothes or even a sleeping bag; if you plan to spend the night in the open.
Light weight sleeping bags are a must even though most lodges offer you blankets. It is very common fact that these blankets have a terrible stink and might just not be comfortable enough. It is also advised that you carry a high quality sleeping bag which can give a comfortable temperature even at -10 C°. You should take along with you, band aids and other sticking plasters as even the most small and unattended blister or wound may turn a wonderful walk into as painful as hell. Do not leave any blister or wound untreated as there are high chances of an infection. Duct tapes are also a good alternative to band aids. And to enjoy the great view of the mountain and the terrains, binoculars are a must. It would help you to spot the most vibrant and exquisite views of nature in the form of flora and fauna.
You can hire a porter as well for the journey who would help you in carrying your backpack and other stuff. If you are strong, then you do not generally need one, but if you do hire a porter, it directs cash into the needy and poor families of the villages. Most of the porters are honest in this area but you should still take care and use your power of judgment to choose the best and loyal among many. An unconcerned and careless choice may just ruin your entire vacation.
If you are thinking of hiring a guide, it is advised not to do so if you are trekking up to Tengboche or Pangboche. Above that point, you might have to consider hiring one. The guides would help you in explaining the local sights and guiding you through the path in nights. They might prove to be of great help if you fall ill or suffer any infection or discomfort. The guides generally speak English and other regional languages and also have an official license to operate. However, you should remember that carrying your bags is not a part of their job. But like porters, they manage their own accommodation and meals unless you invite them to join your group. It would definitely be a pleasure thought to get accustomed to their way of living and culture.
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu and Preparation for trek
Day 03: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 05: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 07: Tengboche atDingboche
Day 08: Acclimitizationat Dingboche
Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorakshep to EBC and back to Gorakshep
Day 11: Hike up to Kalapatthar and retreat trek to Pheriche
Day 12: Pheriche to Pengpoche
Day 13: Pengpoche to Manjo
Day 14: Manjo to Lukla
Day 15: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
You would have a great flight to Kathmandu and land on the Tribhuvan International Airport. On your fairly interesting flight, you can have a grand view of some mountain ranges, rivers and waterfalls. Once you reach Kathmandu, you can check-in to your hotel if you have already booked one, or can choose among the many available. After this, you may hire a Sherpa to give you a brief orientation of the city. You would also like to gather more information on the trek and the dos and don’ts. Kathmandu is also a great place to go around and have a great time. You will trek the Himalayas for some day here.Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu and Preparation for trek
After Breakfast at hotel, we start our sightseeing with private van to Pasupatinath – the most important Hindu temples of Nepal with the sacred burning ghats located at the holy Baghmati river, Boudhanath- the biggest Buddhist stupa in South Asia and Swoyambhunath also known as Monkey Temple. Afternoon you can check and arrange your trekking gears. Overnight stay at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Early morning next day, you would have a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. You should keep your pen- knifes, lighter, matchboxes and other related stuff in the bigger baggage than in your hand bag to avoid any security breach and unnecessary delay. The planes are generally small for these flights but the journey is panoramic. On arrival to Lukla, you would be received by your trekking guide, if you have booked one. You will have some time to see Lukla and enjoy its beauty. Your trekking in Nepal would begin from this point.The walk from Lukla to Phakding is gradual and has few ups and downs on the way. You would have a superb view of Kusum-Kangru, while you are crossing the short suspension bridge on your way. After a short climb, you would reach the Ghat village and another one and a half hours of gradual walk brings you to Phakding village.Overnight stay in Phakding.
Day 04: Phakding to Namche bazaar
From Phakding, after crossing the Dudh-koshi suspension bridge, the walk is easy and pleasant with short uphill and downhill climb. You would be re-crossing the same river again. You would have a magnificient view of Thermasarkhu which is 6,608 meters from the village of Benkar. Now you would cross the long suspension bridge over the Bhote- Koshi River. This is a busy area and is full of trekkers and porters. After here you would finally arrive to the small river of Monjo, after a climb of 20 minutes from this area.
Here, you can see some interesting water mills which are used for grinding corns and barley. It is one of the major staple diets of the Sherpas. Monjo is situated below the magnificent peak of Thermasharkhu. Close to this you have the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. At this point, your trekking permit is checked and the officials keep a record of all the trekkers going ahead. After a gradual walk, you would reach Namche bazaar. You can also get prepared for some high altitude trekking.Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
Day 05: Trek to Namche Bazaar
This day is reserved for acclimatization and going around the place. Namche Bazaar is a good place to shop and see magnificent views of the area. You would cherish the view of Kwangde peak and its sister peaks in the east. The houses in Namche Bazaar when looked from a distance appear to be in a U shaped bowl.You can have a short up- hill walk towards the Sagarmatha National Park headquarter. This spot is on the top of Namche Bazaar with breath-taking view of the surrounding areas. You would have a look at the giant snow-covered peaks and mountains. There is also a local museum which gives you a fair detail of the history of Himalayas, its geographic and cultural aspects, mountaineering history and various information of flora and fauna of the area. The overnight stay would be in guest houses. You would be highly acclimatized to the area by this time.Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
The first half of the walk is fairly simple and easy. You can reach the top of Namche Bazaar after a walk of 20 minutes. After a pleasant walk of 2 hours, you come to a small place at Shanasa. Here you can see the colorful Danphe pheasant, which is the national bird of Nepal and might also get a chance to have a look at the musk- deer and also the Himalayan Thar, which is a mountain goat that looks like an antelope. With a gradual descent, you would reach the Imjatse River at Phungitenga which is at a height of 3,250 meters. After a strenuous walk from here for an hour, you would reach the religious Buddhist entrance which lies just before Tengboche. Here, your walk is over for the day after 5 hours and you can admire and enjoy this religious place. Overnight stay in Guest house at Tengboche.
Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche
After you have relaxed for the day, you begin the trek towards Dingboche. The path goes through a forest that has trees like birch, juniper, fir, rhododendron, etc. Through this forest you arrive to a lovely place i.e. Deboche which is at 3,650 meters. This place gives you a magnificent view of Mt. AmaDblam, Mt. Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. From here, the walk is mostly up-hill and continues to be so until you reach a large mani-wall gate. From here the way to Dingboche is divided into two paths. One of the paths towards Dingboche also goes through Pangboche. You can take this route to see more views and natural beauty.Dingboche is a lovely place and you will find stone-walls protecting the agricultural fields. The walls are built to protect the crops from cold winds and grazing animals. Your over night stay would again be in guest houses. Overnight stay in Dingboche.
Day 08: Acclimitizationday in Dingboche
Today is just a rest day in Dingboche. You can see around the place. Overnight stay in Dingboche.
Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche
From Dingboche the trail diverts towards the north, and the path is gradual and easy for the first 40-50 minutes. After this easy walk you would come to a mani- prayer stupa. From here the trail slightly goes down towards Pheriche village. On this day of your walking, you would have a beautiful view of the Mt.Tawache, AmaDablam, and Pokalde, which is approximately 5,741 meters towards the north. You would also have a view of the great wall of Nuptse.You would have a pleasant walk for the next one and a half to two hours from Pheriche till you reach the small wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier. This place is called Thugla and is the only place which has tea houses before Lobuche. From here another 3 hours of strenuous trekking time brings you to Lobuche which lies at one corner of the hill. The overnight stay would be in guest houses.Overnight stay in Lobuche.
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorakshep to EBC and back to Gorakshep
Today will be an exciting day for you as you are very close to your final destination. Today you will have an adventurous journey and a great trekking experience. The first walk of an hour is gradual up to the valley and leads to a grassy field. A walk of nearly 20 minutes takes you to the rocky moraine dunes. As you go ahead on your journey you can see the icy-glacial ponds and icebergs which lie below the Khumbu glacier. After a few rockier moraine dunes and a gradual downhill walk, you reach Gorakshep.After this, the trek to EBC can be misleading among the high- altitude trekking which is a strenuous climb. You must follow the lead Sherpa as the paths change every season due to the movement of the glaciers. But once you reach to EBC after a total of 7 hours walk, a grand view of the Khumbu ice fall awaits you. EBC is a lively place during the high expedition season.Overnight stay in Gorakshep.
Day 11: Hike uptoKalapatthar and retreat trek to Pheriche
After you have trekked to the EBC and returned back to Gorakshep and an overnight stay in Guest houses, you are now prepared to climb up to Kalapatthar. Besides, Gorakshep also is a good place to go around. It has a couple of tea-houses and it also used to be the base camp for trekking the Everest in the 1950’s. The walk towards Kalapatthar from Gorakshep starts with a few minutes of easy walk. All this while, you will be walking in the sandy fields. After here, there is a steep climb for about 45 minutes. Post this tiresome and strenuous mountaineering, you would come to the level fields and the walk from here is easy and gradual. You would have the comfort of walking for the next one hour, post which there is again a steep trek to the top of Kalapatthar for about half an hour. The Everest from this point looks closer than you will imagine. After here, you trek back to Pheriche.Overnight stay in Pheriche.
Day 12: Pheriche to Pengpoche
After you have already reached your final destination the previous day, your cumbersome trekking time is almost over. You have done the Everest Base Camp Trek and a lot of Himalayan treks. From this day onwards, you would have pleasant and easy walks throughout. You will be heading downwards to lower elevations. The walk is similar all the while to Thugla. After you reach the ridge, you would follow the stream and start travelling towards Pheriche valley. After a walk of around 40 minutes you reach the valley floor. You can take another one hour of easy and simple walk to reach Pheriche which is at 4,243 meters. You would have a wonderful treks in Nepal by now. You trek down the slope to reach Pengpoche. Once you reach here, the walk for the day is over and you would spend the night in guesthouses and enjoy the local meals.Overnight stay in Pengpoche.
Day 13: Pengpoche to Monjo
Once you wake up to the lovely weather in Pengpoche, you would like to visit the place and go around a little bit, before you start your downhill journey. At Namche Bazar; you can visit the local markets of Namche Bazaar and have a look at the local art crafts and handicrafts. You can buy a lot of stuff from here to make your journey memorable. You would like to have a small walk in and around the Sagarmatha National Park. It is a good place for photography and collecting memories. You would also enjoy the local food which has a distinct taste. The trek from Namche Bazaar to Manjo is again a simple and easy walk. You would be trekking down the slope most of the time. The beauty of the forest and distant mountains with several waterfalls add to your journey a great delight. This is the beauty of Nepal trekking.Overnight stay in Monjo.
Day 14: Manjo to Lukla
This is the last day of your trekking in Nepal. Today you would have a good walk to Lukla. You can take your time and relax on your way. You would also take breaks to enjoy the natural beauty on the way. There will be a few uphill climbs but you will manage it very easily. The lush green beauty and forests will take your pain away. After this easy walk you would reach Lukla. This will be your last day with the Sherpas and other crew members, so you would like to enjoy the day with a delicious dinner and a few drinks.Overnight stay in Lukla.
Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu
On this day you would have to wake up early as the flights to Kathmandu are generally scheduled in the morning. This is because during daytime, the weather is generally windy and there might be a delay in the flight timings. However, you expect a slight delay in your early morning flight as well if the weather is not suitable. As you make your way through the security checks and your flight takes off from Lukla airport, you would have a magnanimous view of the surrounding. Consider yourself lucky if you manage to get a window seat, as you would take about 45 minutes to reach Kathmandu.Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 16: Departure from Nepal
After you have visited Kathmandu for a day, you are prepared to depart from Kathmandu, Nepal. You have by now enjoyed the panoramic view of nature, mountains and rivers. You will be transferred to the International airport.
Price:
T-house Trek includes accommodation in lodge, guide, porters and all meals
USD …. per person on twin sharing – minimum of 3 participants
Single room supplement: USD(compulsory if no one to share the room with)
Note:
Single room supplement charge is applicable for Kathmandu Hotel only. During trek, as per the availability we shall provide single/double or dormitory room. In case of special requirement, we shall provide single with an additional room surcharge during trek.
The Cost Included:
• Airport Pick and Drop by private vehicle
• 3 nights’ accommodation at 3 star hotels in Kathmandu on twin/double sharing with breakfast
• Guide sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with inclusive of monuments entry fees.
• Accommodation during trek available everyday en-route (T-House and Hotel)
• All meals during trek in Local Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• English speaking local expert guide (ratio: – 2guide: 4/5 member, 3 guide: 10/15 member)
• Local porters during trek (ratio: – 1 porter = 2 member)
• Sagarmatha National Park Permit
• Trekkers’ Information Management System fees (TIMS)
• Flight Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu (domestic flight)
• Equipment clothing for porter & staffs
• Insurance for all staff & porters
• All applicable government tax
The Cost Excluded:
• Nepal visa – Multiple Entrée 30 days – USD 40
• International flight
• Lunch & dinner during Kathmandu Hotel stay
• Extra baggage charges (All together only 15 kg is allow for porter)
• Personal gears & clothing (available on hire in Kathmandu)
• Tips for guides, porter, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking
• Any other tours, transfer and service other than mentioned above
• Your insurance and medical Expenses