Nepal, Everest Base Camp Trek

DAY 2

Tour Kathmandu

After breakfast we embark on a tour of Kathmandu’s world heritage sites. We visit Swayambunath Temple, set on a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. We enjoy a lunch of traditional Nepalese cuisine at a rooftop cafe overlooking the massive dome of Boudhanath Stupa in the northeast corner of the city. We return to the Hotel Aloft for a trek orientation and our delicious welcome dinner.

Hotel Aloft Kathmandu Thamel (2 nights)

DAY 3

Helicopter to Lukla and Trek to Chhuserma

A scenic helicopter flight to Lukla bypasses weather delays common to fixed-wing flights; just one of the decisions born of our many years of experience trekking and climbing in Nepal. From Lukla, we begin our trek through forests and Sherpa villages to Chhuserma, staying at the Beyul Hermitage & Farm.

The Beyul Hermitage + Farm in Chhuserma (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking

DAY 4-5

Namche Bazaar Acclimatization

We trek along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges before climbing the famed Namche hill to reach Namche Bazaar where we will spend two nights for acclimatization. The next day, we hike to Sunrise Point with views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The afternoon is free to explore Namche’s shops, cafés, and monasteries.

Lodge in Namche (2 nights)
Activity Strenuous Hiking

DAY 6-7

Trek to Khumjung and Pangboche

After a short hike, we arrive in Khumjung for an additional night of acclimatization before our ascent to higher altitudes. In the afternoon we may enjoy a walk to the Khumjung School, also known as the Hillary School, or visit the local hospital and a nearby monastery.

The next day, we descend and briefly rejoin the main Everest trail. Our route crosses a suspension bridge over the Imja Khola, and traverses sheer valley walls surrounded by magnificent views. Ama Dablam, Kantenga and Thamserku tower above us. We climb steeply to our lodge for the night in Pangboche, traditionally the highest year-round settlement in the Khumbu Valley.

Lodge in Khumjung (1 night)
Lodge in Pangboche (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking

DAY 8-10

Pheriche Acclimatization and Trek to Lobuche

After breakfast we visit the upper Pangboche monastery, where a Lama offers blessings of safety and success to mountaineers attempting Mount Everest. We then depart for Pheriche along a trail that offers simply spectacular views of Ama Dablam. Vegetation dwindles as we enter the alpine climate zone and walk into Pheriche where we’ll spend two nights for acclimatization.

As we follow the river out of Pheriche, our trail traverses a lateral moraine, crosses a stream of meltwater pouring out of the Khumbu Glacier, and then ascends to Dughla. We climb the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and pass stone memorials for climbers of nearby summits. Then we take the trail to Lobuche beneath stunning views of Nuptse and Pumori.

Lodge in Pheriche (2 nights)
Lodge in Lobuche (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking

DAY 11

Everest Base Camp or Kala Pattar

We trek out of Lobuche following the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Our trail leads onto exposed glacial ice and then meanders to the tiny year-round outpost of Gorak Shep. We eat lunch and continue toward the foot of the Khumbu Icefall and Everest Base Camp itself, passing yak trains laden with supplies for climbing expeditions.

Tented Camp at Everest Base Camp or Lodge in Gorak Shep (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking

DAY 12

Descend to Dingboche

We descend the glacier back into the lush, beautiful Khumbu Valley, surrounded by spectacular snowcapped peaks. From Dingboche, we enjoy superb views of Lhotse, Island Peak and the north face of Ama Dablam.

Or extend your trip by continuing to a summit attempt of Island Peak or Lobuche East.

Lodge in Dingboche (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking

DAY 13-15

Trek to Kenjoma via Tengboche

We leave Dingboche and descend to Pangboche, then cross a suspension bridge high above the Imja Khola. We eat lunch in Deboche, a quaint village set among conifer and rhododendron forests. In the afternoon, a short climb takes us to the historic Tengboche Monastery. We continue through rhododendron forest to Kenjoma or, if time allows, two more hours to Namche.

Over the next two days we descend to Monjo and Lukla.

Lodge in Kenjoma  (1 night)
Lodges in Namche and Lukla (2 nights)
Activity Strenuous Hiking

DAY 16-17

Helicopter Flight to Kathmandu

We take a morning helicopter flight out of the Khumbu and return to Kathmandu for a relaxing afternoon.  The next day is a contingency day in case of weather delays. Enjoy shopping, cafés, spas, or final sightseeing in Thamel.

Hotel Aloft Kathmandu Thamel (2 nights)

DAY 18

Depart Kathmandu

Transport to Tribhuvan International Airport for flights home.

DAY 13-21

Extend your stay with a climb of Island Peak

Make the most of your acclimatization by climbing Island Peak. Over three additional days, you’ll ascend to more than 20,000 feet, climbing glaciers and fixed ropes be and surrounded by views of the Himalayan giants. This climb is appropriate for intermediate mountaineers and offers a spectacular entry to high-altitude mountaineering. Nepal, Island Peak »

Alternatively, you might choose to climb Lobuche East, depending on season and conditions.

Tented Camps on Island Peak (2 nights)
Mountain Lodges (4 nights)
Hotel Aloft Kathmandu Thamel (2 nights)
Activity Intermediate Mountaineering