15-Day Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu via Lukla and Namche

• Our representative will meet you at the airport and whisk you off to the hotel.
• After checking in, meet your tour leader for a pre-trip briefing at 6 pm.
• Then head out on a cycle rickshaw, a.k.a. 'street helicopters', through the colourful tourist hub of Thamel and then on to the bustling vegetable and spice markets of Asan - the oldest market square of Kathmandu.
• Continue through the backstreets into Kathmandu Durbar Square. Devoid of tour groups and tastefully illuminated at night, you will undoubtedly feel the soulful side of archaic Kathmandu.

• Today, we take an early morning stunning flight to Lukla - the gateway to the region of the legendary Sherpas. Start trekking north towards Phakding, with meandering trails lined by stone walls.
• Lunch en route is in picturesque Thado-Koshi, on the high rise above the river of the same name and with the imposing sister peaks of Kusum-Kangarru in the backdrop.

Our overnight stop is in Phakding (2610m). Total walking duration: 2.5 to 3 hrs approx.

• Following the torrent of the Dudh Koshi, the trail climbs north through forests of rhododendron, magnolia, and giant firs as you ascend to Namche Bazaar, the largest village in the Everest region, often called the 'Sherpa Capital' of Khumbu.
• Later in the afternoon, explore the village of Namche (3440m). Total walking duration: 6 hrs approx.

• Today starts with an early morning walk to the Everest viewing platform, the museum, and a radial acclimatisation walk around the surrounding villages.

• Leaving Namche, the trail continues steadily upwards, forking northeast along a tributary valley, with views of the spectacularly rising Ama Dablam opening up to become very dramatic.
• At the lunch stop approaching Mong-La Pass, enjoy views of Phortse village looking down across the valley.
• Then take a steep downhill trek to the Dudh Koshi river and then climb again to reach Phortse Gaon (3950 m).

Total walking duration: 6 hrs approx.

• Enjoy the beautiful views across the Imja Khohe valley to Tengboche and Thamserku rising from behind.
• Trek past the Gompa at Pangboche, which holds the famous Yeti scalp. Here are the summer yak pastures, and there is no doubt as to the spartan lives of the Sherpas. Beyond this, it is also important to understand that overnight sleeping facilities can reflect the harshness of the surroundings.
• Much of the walking in this area is of a comparatively gentle gradient, although a leisurely pace is recommended due to the high altitude. Dingboche is nestled into a small protected valley, the Chukhung Valley, surrounded by imposing snow-capped mountains.

Dingboche (4930 m)

Total walking duration: 5 hrs approx.

• Spend the day in Dingboche so your body can acclimatize to the high altitude.
• Talk to your tour leader about taking a hike to Nagarjun Hill (approx. 5,050m) or Chukung village (5 hrs approximately to reach there and return), with fine views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, and other peaks, interspersed with lakes and glaciers.

• Ascend at a sensible pace, traversing ice-covered torrents, to Lobuche, where stone houses sit amongst a frozen wilderness of stunning beauty and where there exists a thrilling sense of closeness to our ultimate goal.

Lobuche (4930m)

Total walking duration: 5 hrs approx.

• The goal of reaching Base Camp sets up a demanding day. Here, the Sirdar's duty is to have us safely navigate the Khumbu Glacier, where Khumbu's infamous icefall imposes itself, leaving only the incredible, humbling South Face beyond.

Gorakshep (5367m)

Total walking duration: 9 hrs approx.

• Reach the best vantage point for viewing Everest and the surrounding peaks at sunrise, as if not just Everest but the entire world is breathtaking.
• Then descend to the flat and sandy expanse of Gorakshep and continue down to Pheriche. (5545m)

Total walking duration: 6 hrs approx.

• Start downwards to Tengboche. The trail descends gently, crossing the Dudh Koshi torrent that higher up had been the glacier of Khumbu. Then, leaving behind alpine meadows, the trail descends to Tengboche for the night.

Tengboche (3860m)

Total walking duration: 4 hrs approx.

• Retrace the now familiar route via Namche Bazaar to the less harsh climbs of Monjo. (2700m)

Total walking duration: 4-5 hrs approx.

• Follow the trail. It is almost effortless, up and down through scrub forests, with a final steep ascent leading to a Tamang village and so to Lukla, where the time to relax in Sherpa ambience is abundant.

Lukla (2820m)

Total walking duration: 4-5 hrs approx.

• After breakfast, take a morning flight to the capital city of Kathmandu.
• Enjoy a private transfer from the airport to the traveller's hub of Thamel.
• In Thamel, enjoy free time to self-explore this touristic district, where you are presented with choices of places to eat out.
• Later in the evening, head out for a farewell dinner with your tour leader and new friends.

• Transfer to the airport for your onward destination.

Please consult your tour leader or the hotel desk to confirm the check-out time.