Everest Base Camp Trek – 11 Days

Today you’ll begin your Everest Base Camp Trek with a thrilling mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. It lies at an altitude of 2,860 m above sea level. After the scenic flight, you’ll begin your trek through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests to Phakding. The total walking distance between Lukla to Phakding is 8 km. It will take around 3-4 hours to reach Phakding (2,651 m) Once you reach Phakding, you can explore the surroundings and take rest. In Phakding, you’ll get plenty of options for accommodations. You’ll spend a night in one of the finest tea houses there.

Today you’ll head towards Namche Bazaar. You will walk around five to six hours to reach Namche from Phakding. Namche lies at 3,438 meters above sea level. And the walking distance between Phakding to Namche is 11 km. where you will walk for 5-6 hrs. After Phakding, you’ll cross over the Dudh Koshi River and follow the steady path. The route to Namche is longer and more challenging than the trail from Lukla to Phakding. On the way to Namche, you’ll get a gorgeous view of Thamserku (6,600 m). On the trail, you’ll pass through several villages including Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsale. You’ll also walk through the Sagarmatha National Park, where you may witness some rare wild species like Red Panda, Himalayan Bear, Musk Deer, etc. After crossing Hillary suspension bridge, you’ll reach Namche Bazaar. It is a large Sherpa town with numerous trekking stores. There are also a number of restaurants, a bakery cafe, pubs to check out as well. Once you reach Namche, the grand view of Mt. Everest will welcome you. You’ll spend a night at one of the finest tea houses of Namche Bazaar.

The trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870 m) takes about five to six hours and covers a 6 km distance. On the way to Tengboche, you’ll enjoy the stunning views of Mt. Everest, Amadablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse. From this day, the trail goes little challenging with full of ups and downs yet, gives the great view of the Himalayas. Further, you’ll trek down to cross the Dudh Koshi river and pass through Alpine forests. After a few hours of walk, first, you’ll reach Phunki Tenga. Again, continuing your trek through a pine forest you’ll reach Tengboche. Here you’ll visit one of the biggest Buddhists monasteries of the Khumbu region- Tengboche Monastery. This monastery sits on the top of the hill at an altitude of 3,870 m. During your visit to the monastery, you’ll get a chance to observe the prayers of the monk. This monastery holds great religious significance as trekkers and climbers come and pray for their successful expeditions. You’ll spend overnight at the best possible teahouse in Tengboche.

Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche takes about five to six hours and covers the 9 km distance. The elevation of Dingboche village is 4,360 m above the sea level. From Tengboche, you’ll head north and cross the Dudh Koshi river on a small suspension bridge. Again, you’ll descend gradually through pine and rhododendron forests. Further, crossing the Imja Khola and steep climb will take you to the village of Pangboche. On the way, you’ll pass through many Chortens, Mani Walls, and small settlements along with the magical view of Mt. Ama Dablam. Moving further, the trail enters Imja Valley and follows the Lobuche river. You’ll descend to a river and a steep climb leads toward Dingboche. As you reach Dingboche, you’ll witness the beautiful arrangements of fields filled with the crops like barley, potatoes, and buckwheat. You’ll spend a night at one of the teahouses in Dingboche.

Today is the second acclimatization day at Dingboche. This acclimatization is important as you’ll be at a higher elevation and shouldn’t pressurize your body. Rather you should give enough time to adjust with thin air. However, you’ll not sit idle, you’ll go for an acclimatization hike to the ridge above Dingboche and enjoy the close-up panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks Lhotse and the other side of Ama Dablam, and Island Peak. Besides, you’ll also get a chance to admire the magical view of Mt. Cho Oyu and Mt. Makalu. To the north side, you’ll witness many Himalayan peaks over the Khumbu Khola. After exploring the Dingboche village, you’ll get back to the teahouse for an overnight stay.

Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche takes about five to six hours and has a distance of 7 km. Today you’ll ascend from Dingboche to 4,940 m at Lobuche through Pheriche at 4,240 m. For the first 40-50 minutes, the trail is easy. After this easy walk, you’ll come across many-prayer stupa. From here the trail descends towards Pheriche village. Today’s walk offers you the magnificent view of Mt. Tawache, Pokalde, and especially Mt. Ama Dablam. From Pheriche, for one and a half to two hours, you’ll have a pleasant walk till you reach the small wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier. This place is well-known as Thugla and it is the only place which has a teahouse before Lobuche. Further, after a strenuous trek for three hours, you’ll reach Lobuche for an overnight stay.

Today is the big day as you’ll accomplish your dream to be at the base of the world’s tallest peak, Mt. Everest. You will begin the day’s trek after walking through the grassy field. As you move forward, you’ll notice the icy-glacial ponds and icebergs which lie below the Khumbu glacier. Following the rocky and windy path for about three and a half hours, you’ll arrive at Gorak Shep (5,170 m). After some rest at Gorak Shep, you will continue your exciting and adventurous journey to the base camp. It will take around two to three hours to reach the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). So, today you’ll have to walk for six to seven hours and nearly cover 13 km total distance at high altitude. Once you reach the final destination i.e., Everest Base Camp, you’ll be awe-struck by the view of lofty peaks towering over you. You’ll also get a wonderful view of the world’s deepest glacier; Khumbu glacier. This experience will intensify your feelings of achievement of making it up here. After relishing in the beauty of the Khumbu region, you’ll descend along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and make your way to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.

Today you’ll hike to Kala Patthar at dawn for the sunrise view over Mt. Everest and other peaks. It is your highest point of the trek at an altitude of 5,545 meters above the sea level. It’ll take less than an hour to cover 1.2 km distance from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar. Kala Patthar is a famous vantage point for the splendid view of Mt. Everest and other surrounding peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Mt. Thamserku. After enjoying the 360-degree panoramic mountain views you’ll walk back to Pheriche (4,288 m) for an overnight stop.

Today you’ll trek down through the hillside covered by colorful rhododendron and juniper trees. It’ll take around four hours to reach Tengboche. Further, descending through pine and rhododendron forests you’ll reach Phungki Thanga, where you can spot mountain goats, pheasants, and other wild animals and birds common to this area. Along the way you’ll pass through several prayer flags, hanged on the Chortens, Mani Walls, and Suspension bridges. As you’re heading back, you can capture and enjoy the summit view of Everest and the back side of Lhotse. Likewise, after crossing the bridge over Imja Khola, the trail goes through the junction of the trinity ways to Gokyo Valley, Khumjung Village, and Namche Bazaar. Once you reach the teahouse at Namche you can enjoy a hot shower and relax in your room. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

Today you’ll be back to Lukla by following the bank of Dudh Koshi river. You’ll pass through several streams and cross many suspension bridges. You will have an altitude drop from 3,440 m to 2,860 m. Passing through a forest trail and small villages, you’ll first reach Phakding. An hour of uphill climb will bring you to Lukla for an overnight stay at a comfortable teahouse.

Normally, the flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,338 m) departs early in the morning and takes about 45 minutes. Upon arrival at the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll escort back to your respective hotel. You can rest and relax till evening. Or, you can also stroll around nearby places like Thamel or Durbar Marg and buy some gifts for your family and friends. In the evening, you’ll join a farewell dinner to celebrate your trek accomplishment. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.