12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu with Kala Patthar

We will arrive in the capital of the beautiful country of Nepal. After arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel, where you have the afternoon to yourself. Explore the buzzing nightlife of the city, or relish the unique cuisine that Nepal is so famous for. Breakfast included.

We embark on one of the most beautiful flights in the world today. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is a mind-boggling one, showcasing the scenery of the white tops of perfect mountain peaks of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, etc. After the 25-minute flight, the trek commences. We descend to a small plateau on the forested valley. With compelling views of the mountain peaks adorning the Everest region, we reach Phakding—approximately 3 hours of walk and 25 minutes of flying time.

Walk northwards to the Dudh Koshi through magnolia, fir, and rhododendron forests. From Jorsale, we cross the west fork of the Bhote Koshi River and steeply climb to Namche Bazaar, the old trading spot for Nepal and Tibet. Namche is aptly called the “entry point to the Everest” and has a big bazaar every week—approximately 7 hours of walk. 

B, L and D included.

Acclimatization is essential for success in this trek. We hike towards Kunde and Khumjung; after climbing steeply from Namche, we reach the Everest View Hotel, which offers close-up views of the Everest peak. From here, we trek to the villages of Kunde and Khumjung, strategically located below the rocky Khumbila peak—approximately 5-6 hours of walking. 

B, L and D included.

Descend downwards to the Trashinga village and cross the settlement of Phunki Thangka today. From here, the passage through a forested ridge brings us to the beautiful Tengboche by lunchtime. Visit the Tengboche monastery, which offers the most magnificent views of the sun setting over tall mountain peaks like Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam etc. Approximately 4-5 hours of walk. 

B, L and D included.

Descend to the Imja Khola and cross it to reach Deboche. Continue to Pangboche, where we will be greeted with magnificent views of Ama Dablam. After visiting the Pangboche Monastery, we steeply climb out to the summer settlement of Dingboche—approximately 7 hours of walk. 

B, L and D included.

Follow a steep path out of Dingboche to get out of the treeline. Walk past a chorten to reach Dusa and descend to a stream. Upon crossing the settlement of Dugla, situated at the end of the moraine of the Khumbu glacier, we walk up the Chukpo Lari ridge. Finally, we reach the hamlet of Lobuche, from where the sunset views over the Nuptse are mind-boggling—approximately 6 hours of walk. 

B, L and D included.

This day marks the highlight of the trek as we will be reaching the Everest Base Camp. We start with a gentle upward trail, followed by a steep ascent. We reach the lateral moraine of the Khumbu icefall. Follow the Khumbu glacier to Gorakshep, from where two paths are distinct. Take the path up to the Everest Base Camp. Through undulating paths passing through fascinating ice figures, we reach the Base Camp to witness the mind-boggling views of the Khumbu Ice Fall and the panorama of mountain ranges. Everest appears before us while Nuptse towers above us. Pumori rears behind us. We return to Gorakshep to spend the night after witnessing the spectacle of the mountain scenery of the Khumbu region—approximately 10-12 hours of walk. 

B, L and D included.

This is another challenging but adventurous day as we climb the Kala Patthar peak. Kala Pathhar means black rock, and the peak stands up to its name. The climb is steep, and the top of the peak offers the magnificence of the mountain panorama of Nuptse, Kangtega, Pumori, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Thamserku and the icy magnificence of Khumbu icefall. The most incredible view is that of Everest, standing tall and proud. Retrace the path back to Lobuche and drop down to Periche to spend the night—approximately 10 to 11 hours of walk. 

B, L and D included.

From Pheriche, we retrace our steps back to Namche. The paths descend to the central Imja Khola Valley and pass through alpine meadow landscapes into Pangboche. From Tengboche and P{hunki Tenga, today's trail finally ends in Namche—approximately 8 hours of walking. 

B, L and D included.

From Namche, we descend to Phakding and finally to the plateau of Lukla. We can visit the small monastery beneath the river if we have time. We spent the night in a nearby lodge—approximately 5 hours of walk. 

B, L and D included.

This day marks the end of the trekking journey. We return to Kathmandu on a 20-minute flight. The rest of the afternoon can be spent sightseeing around the buzzing nightlife of the capital and exploring sightseeing locations—approximately 20 minutes of flight. 

Breakfast included.