 |
Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 days
|
|
 |
The Everest or Khumbu region is justifiably the
most famous of all trekking and mountain
regions. Populated by Sherpas, the attractions
of this area are the majestic mountains, the
high mountain villages, the isolated
monasteries, and the local peoples. This area
includes the highest mountain in the world,
Everest at 8,848m., and many of the world's
8,000m peaks such as Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu.
First climbed in 1953, Everest still holds a
fascination for many; however the Everest region
boasts many more spectacular and beautiful
mountains, as well as some of the most rewarding
trekking anywhere in the world.
The Everest Base Camp trek is a classic trek
which follows in the footsteps of Hillary &
Tenzing and ends with an ascent of Kala Pattar
for superb views of Everest. Kala Patthar is
also known as black rock. Before reaching the
Everest Base camp, the trail follows the Khumbu
Glacier with huge ice pinnacles soaring to
unbelievable height.
This trek starts with an exhilarating 35 minutes
mountain flight into the airstrip at Lukla. From
here you trek slowly upwards to the Sherpa
capital of Namche Bazaar, following the valley
of the Dudh Kosi river. It is not long before
you glimpse your first view of Everest as it
peeks above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. At this
point it is still many days walk away, but with
careful acclimatization it is not long before
you find yourself high up in the heart of the
Khumbu region. You visit Tengboche monastery en
route before continuing on to your goal, an
ascent of Kala Pattar, a rocky outcrop to the
west of Everest. This vantage point gives
fantastic views of the Ice Fall and South Col as
well as the immense south-west face of Everest
which was first climbed in 1975 by Chris
Bonington's team. This is truly a classic trek,
which undoubtedly gives one of the best mountain
views in the world. Accommodation and food is
provided in the local lodges.
Facts of the Trek
|
|
Duration: 14 Days
Trek type: Tea House
Max Altitude: 5545 m.
|
Minimum Pax: 1 +
Mode of travel: Flight
Grade: Moderate
|
|
|
 |
 |
Itinerary in Detail
|
|
Day 01 : |
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) which takes
about 30 minutes and trek from Lukla to Phakding
(2640m.) and it takes approximately three hours.
You transfer to the domestic airport for your
flight to Lukla. It is a small town with an
airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels
and general stores. You begin today’s trek from
Lukla following a gentle climb up the
mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi.
Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the
opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge.
You descend a mountainside path that merges into
your route to Everest, with views to a valley to
your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang
(6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a
Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You
continue along a small path with many climbs and
descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi
to Phakding.
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) and it
takes about 30 minutes. Trek from Lukla to
Phakding (2640 m.) which takes approximately
three hours.
You transfer to the domestic airport for your
flight to Lukla. Lukla is a small town with an
airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels
and general stores. You begin today’s trek from
Lukla following a gentle climb up the
mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi
river. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance
on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde
Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that
merges into your route to Everest, with views to
a valley to your right; and at its far end,
Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as
you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat
teahouse. You continue along a small path with
many climbs and descents following the left bank
of Dudh Koshi to Phakding. |
|
Day 02 : |
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.)
and it takes approximately five hours. The trail
starts along a level path along the right bank.
Thamserku looms skyward on the opposite bank.
You cross a stream and climb the terraced hill
from the Dudh Koshi route, to arrive at Bengar.
The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the
left bank into the mountain, through a forest to
Chumoa. You continue along a path with many ups
and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny
village of Monjo. Now you descend the path of
stone steps and return to the right bank over a
wooden bridge. After a short climb you come to
Jorsale’s teahouse and hotel, also stop at the
National Park Service where a park entrance fee
is collected. After your departure from Jorsale,
you enter a forested mountainside. You follow a
short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped
valley where the river forks - the right is the
Dudh Koshi and the left is the Bhote Koshi that
leads to Nampa La. After short distance along
the Bhote Koshi, begin the steep ascent to
Namche Bazar. As the mountain path zigzags
uphill, you will emerge at a ridge top rest area
that offers excellent views of Everest (8848m)
and Lhotse (8516m.) The climb eases somewhat,
and Namche Bazar appears ahead as you travel
along the path surrounded by pines. Pass the
plateau where the Saturday bazaar is held and
enter the village. Namche Bazar (3440m) is
surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and
opens out only where it faces the Bhote Koshi.
The village is a central hub of the area and
food, sundries and even mountain climbing
equipment may be purchased here. |
|
Day 03 : |
Rest day at Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) for
acclimatization. Namche is tucked away between
two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu
and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and
souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook.
It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for
acclimatization to the high altitude before
heading off towards Tyangboche. For the
acclimatization you walk upto Khhumjung where
you can visit monastery. Khhumjung is densely
populated by Sherpa community. You can also
enjoy the splendid views of Everest, Ama Dablam,
Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, Kwangde and
so on. Or you can have an hour walk up to the
Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is
situated above Namche for the outstanding view
of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam,
Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. .There is also good
views from the National Park Centre and Museum
just above the town. This museum exhibits Sherpa
culture.
|
|
Day 04 : |
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3867 m.)
which takes about five hours. Leave the village
for a climb to the top of a ridge and level
mountain path that offers an excellent panorama
of Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kangrib. To the
right there is a steep cliff that drops down to
the Dudh Koshi, faintly visible on the valley
floor below. Make your way around a branch
ridge, and Ama Dablam (6812m) Everest, Lhotse,
Nuptse (7855m) and Tawoche (6501m) suddenly
appear. After a gentle descent the mountain path
ends; you will come to the fork leading to
Gokyo. You descend past two tea houses through
the village of Trashinga. Though you cannot see
it, you can hear the Dudh Koshi and soon you
descend to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga.
It is a long climb to Tyangboche; the first half
is especially steep. As you climb through the
forested zone, the incline eases and a splendid
view appears. You continue climbing the
mountainside diagonally until you come to the
stone gate built by lamas which marks your entry
into Tyangboche (3860m). You may use the large
plateau in front of the splendid monastery as
your campsite. There are a lodge and hotel
managed by the National Park Service. Tyangboche
is an important lookout point on this course,
and the sunset on Everest and Ama Dablam is
especially beautiful |
|
Day 05 : |
Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche (4260 m.)
which takes approximately five hours. Leave
Tyangboche and the Khumbu mountains as a
backdrop-and descend a rhododendron covered area
to emerge to a pleasant level area. Being
welcomed by a long Mani stone wall you enter the
village of Deboche. You continue to Minlinggo
and leave the mountain path to cross over a
suspension bridge to the left bank of the Imja
Khola. Climb the mountain path while looking up
at Ama Dablam and Kantega (6779m) as they appear
on the opposite bank. Ascend the chorten-lined
route, come to a fork, the upper path passes
Pangboche and a monastery, take the lower path
to Pangboche Olin and its stone wall-enclosed
potato field. Pass through the village and cross
a stream to a path skirting a rocky area to
terraced hills along the riverbank. The trails
climb slowly, winding above the Imjatse River,
to a big Mani Stupa. From here, the walk is
fairly moderate as you enter the Imjatse Valley
beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse
and Lhotse with views of the eastern snow capped
mountains including the Island Peak or Imjatse
(6,189m). Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of
fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the
crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the
cold winds and grazing animals.
|
|
Day 06 : |
Rest day at Dingboche (4260 m.) for
acclimatization. This is a remarkable day for
acclimatization. There are some breathtaking
views of the North face of Ama Dablam and the
Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as you explore this
beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak.
The walk is short with a good chance to relax in
the afternoon. You have another option as you
can hike upto Chhukum. From here you can enjoy
the panoramic view of Island peak, Ama
Dablaml, Makalu, Tawoche peak and others. On the
same day you come back to Dingboche and have
rest. |
|
Day 07 : |
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4930 m.) which
takes about five and half hours. The onward
journey leads north for up to 50-minutes until
you come to a mani-prayer Stupa. The trail is
gentle looking down to Pheriche village below.
Today's walk offers views of the Mt.Tawache, Ama
Dablam and to the north-Pokalde (5741m),
Kongma-tse (5820m) and the great wall of Nuptse.
After two hours walk, the trail from Pheriche
joins near Dugla (4595m) before a small wooden
bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier. You
stop at Dugla, for lunch, before continuing for
an hour up a steep hill to the top, where there
are views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of
Everest. After a short break, continue trekking
up to Lobuche, hidden and sheltered from the
wind.
|
|
Day 08 : |
Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5486m.)
via Gorakshep (5180m.) and it takes about seven
hours. Trek up the valley following the rocky
moraine path, view icy glacial pond and icebergs
down below of Khumbu glacier. After the last
rocky moraine dunes, a short downhill walk
brings you to Gorakshep, the flat field below
Kala Patthar (5545m) and Mt. Pumori (7145m.)
Gorakshep is the location of the original
Everest Base Camp with the new camp being
further up the valley. Now the trail winds
through rocky path and Khumbu glacier. The view
of Nuptse, Lho-La and Khumbutse appears at the
front of you. Sometime the avalanche can be seen
on the way. After a great moment, you retrace
back passing through Khumbu glacier with
magnificent views of Lobuche, Cholatse, Mt.
Pumori and Tabuche. |
|
Day 09 : |
Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and
trek to Pheriche (4243m.) and it takes about six
hours. You accomplish an early morning climb to
Kala Patthar (5545m.) and enjoy the view of
sunrise. From Kala Patthar you can have a
panoramic view of Mt. Everest and many other
mountain peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren,
Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama
Dablam, Mt. Thamserku and many more.
Pheriche is the place where one can make phone
calls to any part of the world. You can see the
mountain Yaks in Pheriche. Yaks are normally
regarded as the porters in this area. The town
of Pheriche is known as windy town. There you
can see the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and
Tawache. There is located Himalayan Rescue
Association Aid Post and foreign volunteer
doctors are to provide medical treatment to
trekkers as well as local people. |
|
Day 10 : |
Trek from Pheriche to Tyangboche (3867 m.) which
takes approximately four hours. You can have a
morning visit to the research center. Then, trek
back to Tyangboche, an easier descent passing
through rhododendron forest, continue walking
Tyangboche. It is a small village with a famous
monastery offering you the splendid view of Ama
Dablam, green hills and river views.
|
|
Day 11 : |
Trek from Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
which takes about four and half hours. The walk
from Tyangboche is mostly downhill on the main
busy trail with a few steep climbs for an hour
from the bridge at Phungitenga, near to Shanasha.
The walk to Namche is very scenic on a long
winding path. En route you will visit
traditional villages of Khumjung and Khunde.
There is an opportunity to visit one of its
monasteries, the only monastery that has a Yeti
Scalp. From Khumjung village another 30 minutes
walk brings you to the village of Khunde, where
you can visit the Khunde Hospital funded by Sir
Edmund Hillary Trust. After Khunde, a scenic and
pleasant walk brings you to Namche for overnight
stay. |
|
Day 12 : |
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phakding (2640m.) and
it takes about four hours. The trails descend
steeply for early one and half hours. After
that, the path has small ups and down to
Phakding through Monjo.
|
|
Day 13 : |
Trek from Phakding to Lukla (2886m) and it takes
about three hours. Your final day's trekking
follows the Dudh Koshi back down to Lukla. This
last evening in the mountains is the ideal
opportunity for a farewell party with the sherpa
guides and porters, being offered chhang and
Sherpa dance with a memorable trekking
experience in mind. |
|
Day 14 : |
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which takes 30
minutes. You take an early morning flight back
to Kathmandu. |
|
|
 |
|
Services
Included
National Park entry permit, Trekking permit,
Land transportation to and fro, Accommodation in
lodges during the trek, Food: three meals a day,
A guide & required number of porter(s),
Essential equipment.
Services
Excluded
Personal expenses, Insurance, Tips, Emergency
evacuation by Helicopter, Alternative
transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide,
strike, road blockade etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|