15-Day Everest Base Camp Trek with Kathmandu Heritage Tour

• After your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from the team will greet you with a warm welcome. They will escort you to your hotel, help you check in, and ensure you are comfortable.
• After that, you'll have the rest of the day to yourself. You may rest and relax at your hotel or take a short walk to explore the neighbourhood. All hotels we suggest to guests are in areas where it is safe for you to explore on your own.

Overnight at the hotel

• On your second day in Kathmandu, a full-day heritage tour will be arranged, allowing you to see some of the most famous landmarks around the city. There are four cultural and religious sites to see - Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple). All are incredibly important to Nepali culture and are protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• You will be accompanied by a guide with abundant information, historical facts, and local folklore relating to these heritage sites.
• Pashupatinath Temple is by far the holiest and oldest Hindu shrine in Kathmandu. Here, you can witness a collection of centuries-old temples, Shiva Lingams, ashrams, and inscriptions. You will also see open cremations along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. This bustling ground is arguably one of the most important cultural places in Kathmandu for Hindus.
• Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world's oldest, largest, and most significant Buddhist monuments. The dome-shaped stupa has three levels designed in Mandala style and is decorated with multi-colour prayer flags. You can walk around the stupa, surrounded by stores, coffee shops, and restaurants.
• Kathmandu Durbar Square has many temples and buildings from the time of kings. Here, you'll explore several temples dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses. Major attractions of this royal square include Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, Taleju Temple, and Kaal Bhairav.
• Swayambhunath Stupa, or the Monkey Temple, holds significance in Buddhist and Hindu cultures and religions. This ancient marvel lies in the western hillocks of the Kathmandu Valley. It comprises many shrines, monasteries, temples, a library, and a museum. Situated atop a hill, it offers a beautiful view of Kathmandu and the surrounding hills.
• After the full-day tour, the tour guide will take you to your hotel so you can prepare for the trek. You can do any last-minute shopping around Thamel in the evening if necessary.

Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included

• You will catch an early flight from Kathmandu to Lukla on this day. Your guide will take you to the domestic terminal with plenty of time before your scheduled flight. The weather in Lukla can get windy and unpredictable in the afternoon, so these flights are scheduled for the morning to ensure you can land.
• It is a short, 30-minute flight that is genuinely thrilling. On a clear day, you will have stunning views of the hills and the snow-capped Himalayas.
• Upon landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, you will meet the sherpas and porters accompanying you for the trek. The trek begins with a gradual walk through the alpine forests alongside the Dudh Koshi River. Once you reach Cheplung village, you will get your first glimpse of the Himalayas with a distant view of Mount Khumbila. You'll continue walking, dodging mules and trekkers with the soothing sound of the Dudh Koshi River. The overnight destination is Phakding.

Overnight at the guesthouse; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

• After breakfast, you will hit the trail early and head towards Namche Bazaar. Upon leaving Phakding village, the trek continues on the bank of the Dudh Koshi River. This part of the trail is largely under the shade of the pine forest but also crosses several yak pastures and Sherpa villages, namely Benkar and Chumoa. Along the route, you will cross a long, high steel suspension bridge - the Hillary Bridge - to enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo.
• Once you enter the national park, the trail becomes very steep, going uphill towards Jorsalle village. However, after a while, the strenuous trail rewards you with marvellous views of Thamserku, Everest, Nuptse, and Kusum Kanguru.
• As you continue climbing the steep uphill, savouring the picturesque mountain backdrop, you'll arrive at Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is often regarded as the Gateway to the Himalayas, surrounded by hotels, teahouses, restaurants, cafes, and colourful markets. You will have a close-up glimpse of Thamserku and Kongde-Ri from the village.

Overnight at the guesthouse; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

• Once you arrive at Namche Bazaar, you will have a day off for acclimatization. The trek will take you above 4,000 metres over the next few days, so this time is significant for your body to adjust to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
• While it is a rest day, you may take a short hike to the hills above Namche Bazaar toward the settlement of Syangboche. Here, you will visit the Everest View Hotel - one of the world's highest luxury hotels.
• From the hotel's sundeck, you can savour panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Mount Everest, Nuptse, Kwange, Kangtega, Lhotse, Taboche, and Khumbila.
• On your way back to Namche Bazaar, there will be an opportunity to enjoy the Everest Photo Gallery and Sherpa Culture Museum.

Overnight at the guesthouse; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

• The adventure continues on a pleasant path after the acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar. At this point, the trail passes through dense rhododendron forests and occasional Sherpa villages.
• With marvellous mountain views in the background, this trail is often regarded as the most scenic portion of the Everest Base Camp Trek. As you continue the gradual walk along the hillside above the Dudh Koshi River, you'll arrive at Phungithanga.
• Once you pass through Phungithanga, the pleasant route transforms into a more strenuous uphill walk. You will cross the Imja Khola - a tributary of the Dudh Koshi River - under the shade of the rhododendron forest and then arrive in Tengboche.
• Tengboche is a small Sherpa settlement scattered right below a crescent-shaped ridge. It is well known for being the home of Khumbu's largest Buddhist monastery - Tengboche Monastery. The sight from the front yard of the monastery is sublime.
• You can enjoy the close-up view of Ama Dablam and the surrounding mountains, including Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse.

Overnight at the guesthouse; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

• We recommend that you wake up early on this day to watch the sunrise over Ama Dablam, as it is extraordinary, and you will surely not regret your decision.
• The day of walking begins after breakfast, and you will move north from Tengboche village. After crossing a suspension bridge over the Imja Khola, the trail continues beside the hamlet of Pangboche village. From here on, the route becomes much narrower.
• The next village is Orsho, and you will take the lower route towards the bank of the Imja Khola. There are many mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens just before you arrive in Dingboche.
• Situated at 4,410 metres above sea level, Dingboche marks one of Khumbu's highest Sherpa settlements. Hence, most trekkers begin to feel the effects of the high altitude at this point of the trek. Keep your body warm and hydrated to reduce the risk of falling ill.

Overnight at the guesthouse; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

• Due to the altitude, there is another rest and acclimatization day to help your body adjust. However, you will still take a short hike to a nearby hill to keep active and ready for the remainder of the trek.
• While it is a steep ascent from Dingboche to the summit of Nagarjun Hill (located at 5,100 meters), the peak offers beautiful views of Ama Dablam, Lobuche, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cholatse, and Kangtega.
• After a brief summit break, you'll return to Dingboche to get some rest. If you are feeling healthy and want further activities, you may choose to explore the village on another short tour.

Overnight at the guesthouse; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

• This day begins with a gradual ascent towards Thukla. Here, the scenery changes and becomes much barer and more desolate, with only alpine scrubs surrounding the trail.
• After some time, the trail becomes somewhat strenuous, with a steep uphill over the moraine of Khumbu Glacier. Upon climbing the steep ridge, you will arrive at the summit of Thukla Pass. There is an area where you will see many stone shrines dedicated to fallen climbers.
• Following this pass, you will walk through grassy valleys and rocky terrain to arrive at Lobuche. This village consists only of teahouses, with no permanent settlements here. It lies in a narrow meadow sandwiched between Lobuche Peak and Khumbu Glacier. You can enjoy the incredible sight of Taboche and Nuptse soaring above the teahouse.
• In the evening, you may take a short hike to the narrow gap between the moraine and the mountain wall to see the Khumbu Glacier.

Overnight at the guesthouse; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

• After breakfast in Lobuche, you will walk on a rough, rocky trail towards Gorak Shep. However, despite the rough trail, you can enjoy views of Nuptse, Pumori, and other mountains.
• It takes a few hours on this challenging trail before you arrive in Gorak Shep. You will have a little time to rest and leave your backpack before walking towards Everest Base Camp. Along the way, you will see several small streams and glacial moraines and will be walking alongside the Khumbu Glacier.
• The Khumbu Glacier resembles a lunar landscape with grey boulders, ice formations, and small craters. It will take about two hours before you are standing at the foothills of the world's highest mountain - Mount Everest.
• Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, you can celebrate your achievement with your trekking guide and team members.
• From Everest Base Camp, you will have a marvellous sight of Khumbu Icefall, Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse, and part of Everest.
• After celebrating and enjoying the well-deserved view, you will head back to the barren terrain of Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.

Overnight at the guesthouse; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

• The day starts before sunrise with a hike up to the landmark of Kala Patthar. At the same time, the trail is short, steep, rocky, and challenging.
• Located at 5,545 meters, Kala Patthar is the highest elevation of this trek. From the summit, you will be able to enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayas, with a 360-degree view of the highest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Pumori, and more.
• After taking in the sunrise, you will return to Gorak Shep for breakfast before descending towards Pheriche. You will walk along the rugged trail through Lobuche and Thukla Pass.
• Once you descend the ridge of Thukla Pass, you will cross a short bridge over a glacial stream to arrive at Pheriche.
• Pheriche is a small settlement surrounded by hotels, teahouses, and yak pastures. It is also home to the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic. This voluntary non-profit clinic serves as a rescue station for trekkers and mountaineers in the Himalayas.

Overnight at the guesthouse; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

• Today, you will be leaving the high Himalayas behind, beginning your walk after breakfast on a more pleasant trail compared to the last few days.
• Most of the day will be spent walking under dense rhododendron and juniper forests. You may also glimpse rare wildlife, including Himalayan griffons, wild goats, musk deer, and pheasants.
• Along the way, you will pass through several villages, including Tengboche and Phunki Tenga. Once you reach Phunki Tenga, the trail turns into a steep uphill. The ascent takes about an hour before you return to the Dudh Koshi River. Here, you will cross a small suspension bridge to reach Kyangjuma village.
• This small community is where three popular trails of the Everest region meet - Namche Bazaar, Gokyo Valley, and Khumjung Village. Here, you'll follow the trail to Namche Bazaar, where you will stay overnight.

Overnight at the guesthouse; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

• The day begins with a steep descent over rocky terrain from Namche Bazaar. This part of the trail can be challenging, especially for those not used to walking downhill. There are also several high suspension bridges to cross.
• Until you reach Phakding, there will be one last opportunity to enjoy the sight of the now-distant Himalayas. But once the trail turns back uphill, you will pass several Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, and chortens before arriving in Lukla, where the trek concludes.
• That evening, you can celebrate your accomplishment with your guide and other local team members. This is a great time to thank them for their help in making your Everest Base Camp Trek a success.

Overnight at the guesthouse; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

• This is the final day of your trek, and early in the morning, while the weather is good, you will board a flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy one last view of the incredible region as you fly to the city.
• After the short 30-minute flight, you will arrive in Kathmandu and then be transferred to the hotel. You are then free to rest or wander around Thamel to purchase souvenirs for your friends and family back home.
• Plenty of restaurants in this part of the city serve everything from local momos to steaks and pizza.
• After your time in the mountains, you will indeed find something to enjoy for dinner.

Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included

• On your final day in Nepal, a representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. Your pick-up time from the hotel will depend on when your flight is scheduled to depart, so be sure to note the time and be prepared to leave.
• If you want to go on another adventure in Nepal and extend your stay, please let us know; we will gladly help you make arrangements.

Breakfast included