12 days Everest Base Camp Trekking Tour Nepal

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m/4430ft)

You’ll be received at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu by a representative of Nepal Trekking Planner and escorted to the hotel for your stay after you shall complete the necessary formalities at the customs. Take some rest at the hotel and get some briefing about the trip that is to begin and about this beautiful nation. You will later be picked up by the guide for a short sightseeing to the nearby Kathmandu’s Durbar Square that has a historical royal palace, temples, and other heritages. Also explore the mystical city with its multitude of souvenir shops, cobbled streets filled with vendors, spice markets and many more. Later in the evening cherish the authentic cultural dinner and enjoy the warm hospitality of the hotel staffs. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Full day in Kathmandu

The exploration of this culturally rich capital city of Nepal and its heritage in a guided sightseeing shall be the main attraction of today’s itinerary. Star attractions of this sightseeing are the ancient Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, known for its unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism besides the beautiful view of Kathmandu city from its premises. We then head on to the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world, which has the Tibetan community, Sherpas and tourists circumambulating around it alike every day. Get immersed in the peaceful Buddhist mantras and observe the pilgrims paying their respect to Lord Buddha. We shall then visit the Hindu sacred pilgrimage of Pashupatinath Temple, in the complex of which you shall find several small temples, statues, and ancient heritage. People find the meaning of life when they observe the open cremation at the bank of holy Bagmati River, get blessings from the sadhus draped in saffron and holding trident, and feel the positivity. Later in the afternoon, get briefed about the trekking and check the gears and equipment for the trek. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Flight to Lukla (2828m/9279ft) 35m and trek to Phakding (2780m/9121ft) 3-4 hrs walk

Organize your trekking equipment and pack your bags the day before, as we shall leave early for Lukla which is the gateway to the Everest. Led by trekking guide, we shall reach Lukla from the scenic flight in a carefully loaded twin otter that shall mark the adventure in the region. Aerial view of the vast landscape with lush valleys and hills, view of the glittering mountains, serpentine shaped rivers weaving the settlements and valleys and dramatic sight of the terraced hills makes this flight entertaining. After landing in the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla and meeting with other trek members, we embark on an introductory trek to Phakidng. In the route used traditionally by various communities and traders to trade with Tibet, we shall move ahead in the trail. Trek begins with the steep descent to Chheplung village past stone walls, we reach to Thado Koshigaon. Crossing a suspension bridge, the journey shall continue on to Phakding through small settlements, a viewpoint of Kusum Kangaroo, past prayer wheels and prayer flags, dense forest, diverse flora, and fauna, besides the caravan of trekkers and climbers, porters and locals in and out of the Khumbu valley. Stay overnight in Phakding.

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11287ft) 5-6 hrs walk

Our trekking continues along the majestic and torrential Dudh Koshi River towards the ancient trading hub of Namche Bazaar. Starting with the first view of Kongde Ri Peak and through some suspension bridges, the trail turns to the beautiful Benkar valley past beautiful waterfall, ancient gompa and lush forests decorating the surroundings. At Benkar we enjoy the view of Thamserku (6623m) and the sacred Khumbila Peak (5765m) before stopping briefly at Monjo, the gateway of Sagarmatha National Park. Moving ahead through Jorsale village we reach to Larja Dobhan, cross a high suspension bridge over the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi and embark on the trail that goes steeply till Namche Bazaar. En route to Namche, we have the view of majestic peaks such as Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m) and Nuptse (7879m) providing some relief during the ascent on the steep section. Namche Bazaar is famous for being the buzzing Sherpa town, and perfect town for acclimatization and hub for day hikes, having superb surrounding and scenery as well as rich cultural heritage. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 05: Rest day at Namche Bazaar

In the day set aside for rest, we shall take on activities that shall help us acclimatize faster for our trekking journey ahead. In a town known for its colorful and lively nature, Namche has interesting shops and buzzing Saturday market, tasty cuisines, and beautiful scenery as well as warm welcoming Sherpa people and the unchanged characteristics of this town since ages. Visit the Sherpa cultural museum for detailed information on mountaineering in the region, flora and fauna, history and geography of the Himalayas, and the culture and traditions of the local inhabitants. Before the weather creates hurdle, get involved in an early day hike to one of the nearby destinations. Everest View Hotel that provides the marvelous view of the Mount Everest Lhotse, the beautiful Ama Dablam and other nearby peaks, the twin villages of Khumjung and Khunde knew for ancient monasteries with old age heritages and school and hospital built by Edmund Hillary Foundation, are the popular day hike destinations from Namche Bazaar. After exploring the surrounding areas, prepare for the trekking ahead. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3850m/12632ft) 4-5 hrs walk

Trekking to the higher altitudes, we shall start our walk with a short but steep climb out of the Namche Bazaar before trekking on a fairly leveled trail to reach the settlements of Kenjoma and Sanasa through the dense forest and other vegetation, view of the mighty Everest and occasional exchange of greetings with fellow trekkers from other expeditions. After the trail junction leading to the Gokyo valley and the Everest base camp, we head down to the riverbed of the mighty Dudh Koshi River and climb on to Phunke Tenga through several bridges and some hamlets. Marked by water driven prayer wheels, Phunke Tenga generally serves as the resting place before taking on the steep trail leading to Tengboche. In a climb of around one hour and a half to two hours, ascent to Tengboche takes you in a twisting tail built on the hill through rhododendron forest. Take it easy when you go for such an uphill climb as you are now heading to the higher altitude where you definitely won’t want to be affected with altitude mountain sickness. In Tengboche visit the ancient monastery famous for celebration of Mani Rimdu festival, huge statue of Lord Buddha, intricate wall paintings and peaceful chants by the monks, the breathtaking scenery of the majestic mountains (including Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Kantega and Thamserku Peaks) where blooming rhododendron flower contrasts with its color. Stay overnight in Tengbohe.

Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4350m/14272ft) 4-5 hrs walk

Leaving the amazing sunset and sunrise of Tengboche, today we shall head for another interesting village of Dingboche. Through the forest we descent from Dingboche to reach the village of Deboche that provides beautiful views of lofty Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and others. We head on in the trail through the sighting of Musk Deer, Monal and Blue Sheep and cross the exciting suspension bridge over Imja River before reaching the settlement of Panchboche. Ancient stupa in the upper Pangboche, surrounded by trees, is a stoppage worth a short visit. Ahead in the trail, we have alpine vegetation as we move through a landscape with scrub juniper and tundra until we reach Dingboche. The trekking section through Somare is rather flat; after this village, we cross a suspension bridge and follow the Imja River upstream as we part our way from the trail to Pheriche. Further ahead in the trail we reach Dingboche where the trail from Lobuche to the Island Peak climb meets. Dingboche is a small village with stone walled houses, cultivation fields and the exquisite view of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. Stay overnight in Dingboche.

Day 08: Rest day Dingboche

In another day of rest and acclimatization in this trekking expedition, we shall have an important day before reaching the ultimate destination of this trip. The day will be utilized by short hikes to higher altitudes to adapt ourselves to higher altitudes. Hike to Nangkartshang Gompa provides the trekkers with breathtaking views, opportunity to get insight into the heritages such as intricate paintings, Thangka and Yeti scalp, and hand. Explore the valley formed by mighty Imja River and the beautiful trail leading to the Island peak. Short hike to the hill behind Dingboche is another option which provides us with the view of a couple of six-thousand peaks. After exploring the breathtaking surrounding, capturing memories of the valley, we return for the overnight stay. Stay overnight in Dingboche and prepare for the next day trek.

Day 09: Trek to Lobuche (4910m/16109ft) 4-5 hrs walk

This section of trekking begins with the gradual ascent from the settlement of Dingboche and come across grazing areas of cattle and the beautiful mountains to the far make the trek pleasant. Trekking past chortens, Mani walls, and stupas, we move forward with the view of beautiful Tabuche Peak (6495m), Ama Dablam Mountain and many more, glacial valleys and vast landscape before we climb onto the valley of Dughla, last settlement before traveling further to the base camp. Ahead of this is the most poignant section of today’s trek. An hour of trek leads us to the height of the high ground overlooking the Khumbu valley, called Chukpo Lari, where monuments are built in remembrance of the mountaineers who lost their lives during their expedition to conquer Everest. The trail then descends to the western side of the valley after walking over the glacial moraines of the majestic Khumbu Glacier. Stay overnight in Lobuche.

Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep (5180m/16995ft) 3-4 hrs walk and Everest Base Camp (5364m/17600ft) 2-3 hrs walk

This is the day you are waiting for! Today we shall be heading for the Everest Base Camp as the destination. Be careful of the acute mountain sickness in this altitude and trek accordingly. The trek from Lobuche begins early in the morning after breakfast. We reach Gorakshep after trekking over the lateral moraines of the Khumbu Glacier past the Italian research center, the rocky paths, cautiously avoiding the ice pinnacles and occasional crevasses in the Khumbu region. The trail ascends over the Lobuche Pass and then reaches to the section sandwiched by large glaciers of Changri Nup and Khumbu. Shortly ahead is the awaited Gorakshep, our stoppage for lunch and the place of overnight stay for today. After refreshment, we head for our ultimate destination, the Everest Base Camp. Through the rocky path and on the New Moraine Route, we trek to the base camp. Flooded with the tents and camps of the climbers in the peak season, Everest Base Camp is the destination of the lifetime. The euphoric feeling of being there is beyond words and to be in the lap of the world’s tallest peak is something extraordinary. After capturing the memories of these extraordinary moments, we return back to the Gorakshep. You shall get completely lost in the beauty of the sunset visible from the base camp. Stay overnight in Gorakshep.

Day 11: Trek to Kala Patthar (5545m/18193ft) 2-3 hrs walk and to Pheriche (4280m/14042ft) 5-6 hrs walk

Get ready for another beautiful trekking day in the roof of the world as we trek to the Kala Patthar before making a return to the lower altitudes. Before the day breaks, we shall today get ready with our equipment and go for one of the most beautiful sunrises you will ever see. In a straight trek from Gorakshep to this small brown hill dwarfed by the Himalayas, we shall have the close-up view of the mighty Everest. Ideal for photographers, the sight of the Himalayas including Mt, Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse and Changtse Peaks, the majestic Khumbu Glacier and the south-east face of Everest. Reach for the higher point of this black hill and capture as many memories as you can. After this extraordinary scenery, trek down to Gorakshep for lunch before heading down to Pheriche. We shall descent gradually from Gorakshep, in ups and downs and through the rocky terrain before taking an exit from the vicinity of Everest at Dughla and walking straight to Pheriche. Through the damp valley floor covered with moss, from the alpine vegetation to the sub-alpine vegetation this trek is mostly a downhill walk. Stay overnight in Pheriche.

Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11287ft) 4-5 hrs walk

The return from the vicinity of Everest continues as we depart from the beautiful Periche to the busy hub of Namche Bazaar. In this mostly downhill trek, we now are with the company of the torrential Dudh Koshi River. Our trek will be rather gradual as we won’t want to put much strain on our shaky legs and ankles. In this busy trekking trail, we shall encounter the caravan of fellow trekkers, porters, locals and their pet animals like Yak used for transporting goods; make sure you give way to them. Through the beautiful and dense forests, waterfalls, exciting and sometimes vertiginous suspension bridges festooned with prayer flags, flat and bumpy trails, gompas and monasteries, rural settlements and the culture and traditions practiced there are some of the major highlights of this section of the trek. Water driven prayer wheels, viewpoints of the Himalayas, sights of rare wild animals and strenuous stone steps shall take us to the destination of Namche Bazaar. Explore the busy streets of this ancient trade point and the current tourist hub as you take rest for today in this beautiful village. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 13: Trek to Lukla (2828m/9279ft) 5-6 hrs walk

This section of a trek is the last of such trekking in this adventurous journey that climaxed in the base camp of Everest. Descent on a steep trail out of the Namche Bazaar to descent at the riverbed of a confluence of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi River and after crossing over the high suspension bridge, we reach to Monjo where we exit the Sagarmatha National Park. Through the beautiful Benkar and past waterfalls, several suspension bridges, unique, busy and interesting villages including the popular ones such as Phakdng, Ghat, Nurning and Chheplung, Mani walls and prayer wheels, we trek up to the hill town of Namche Bazaar. The beautiful and humongous Himalayas overlooking the entire trail acts as the motivation for trekkers; they find the purpose of trekking in the sight of mountains. After reaching Luka, get yourself relaxed and explore the surrounding areas of the hotel, if you are interested. Stay overnight in Lukla.

Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu (1350m/4430ft)

Today we shall return to the medieval capital city of Kathmandu after an adventurous stay in the Khumbu (Everest) region. Due to the weather-related disturbances during the day, we shall take on the flight that starts early morning from Lukla. Over the vast landscape, lush hills and valleys, perennial rivers and with the sight of glittering Himalayas, the flight of around 35 minutes bring us back to the civilization of Kathmandu valley. You shall be transferred to the hotel of your stay for the much-deserved rest after enduring a rather strenuous trek in the Khumbu region. Later in the evening, you may stroll around in the streets of Thamel and the surrounding areas. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 15: Final departure

Your Everest Base Camp in the beautiful Khumbu region and to the vicinity of Mount Everest comes to an end today. You may go for some last minute souvenir shopping for your near and dear ones in the native place. Extend your trip if you want to try our other packages in this land of adventure at the foothills of Himalayas. You shall be escorted to the Tribhuvan International Airport at least three hours prior to your flight schedule. Our representative shall assist you with your departure. We hope that the adventure in this land of mysticism has created a strong and positive impression about this nation, enough to bring you back again. Have a safe and happy journey ahead.

• All airport pick up drop off by private vehicle (for both international and domestic flights)
• Welcome dinner in an authentic restaurant
• 03 night twin/double sharing accommodation on BB at 3 star category hotel in Kathmandu
• Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu with private vehicle (entrance fees extra)
• Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu flight with airport departure tax
• National Park entrance fee and Trekkers’ Information Management System( TIMS card)
• A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking, well-trained, Government license holding guide. Price includes his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
• 02 guest to 01 porter with their insurance, salary, food, accommodation and equipment
• Your cost includes insurance, wages, food and lodging for both your guide and porter. We take excellent care of our guides and porters, they are like family to us.
• Best available twin sharing lodge accommodation during the trek (private bathrooms with hot showers are provided at Phakding, Namche and Lukla)
• Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee during the trekking.
• Snacks of biscuits/peanuts and seasonal fresh fruits dessert during the trek
• First aid kit
• Trekking Planner’s sleeping bag, down jackets, T-shirt, cap, duffle bags, city and trekking route maps – if necessary.
• Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
• Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily during the trek (very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms). This helps ensure your trek is in the safest hands possible.
• All applicable government and local taxes per the itinerary
• One-hour complimentary spa/massage in Kathmandu after the trek

• Your Nepal Visa fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)
• All the International airfare from and to Kathmandu (no need to pay a departure tax for international flights)
• Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
• Meals during the traveling time
• Personal travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation (An Helicopter rescue insurance is highly recommended. If you have any problem and you have to be evacuated, without your insurance you have to pay the helicopter in cash.)
• In case of extra more nights accommodation, lunch and dinner in the city due to early arrival and late departure as well as early back/return from mountain/trekking (due to any reason) than the given time period of the itinerary
• Your Personal expenses such as ( laundry, phone calls, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottled water {it will cost between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp).}, extra porter.. etc)
• Wi-Fi, charging batteries and hot showers. Wi-Fi is available in some tea houses for $3 to $5 an hour. Hot Showers are also available in a few for around $3 and charging costs about $1.50 an hour.
• Entrance fees for the day tours in Kathmandu
• The Tips to the trekking crews and drive
• Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control
• Anything not included in service includes column