An iconic trip in the Everest region, the Everest Base Camp trek is challenging enough to placate those desiring a strenuous trail experience. The steep inclines and equally challenging descents at the heart of the Everest Himalayas make you forget gasping for breath and the bone-chilling cold. The trek to Everest Base Camp commences from Lukla, a wonderful village tucked inside some fairly spectacular mountains. The flight into and out of the small airport here is not for the faint of heart. The views become more and more splendid as trekkers move from Lukla further into the surrounding terrain. After entering Sagarmatha National Park above the river, trekkers cross the steel bridges and see higher and higher hillsides dotted with juniper forest. Namche Bazaar and Khumjung are villages in which trekkers rest and acclimatize before they go on to higher altitudes. The views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Thamserku and the surrounding peaks that can be explored during the trek are fabulous. Though the trail is rugged and the upper section is dotted with grey moraine, the trip offers a meaningful spiritual richness while walking through Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. These villages are described as “soul-cleansing,” with remarkable Sherpa culture, monasteries, and Chortens, and mantra inscribed prayer flags flutter from many of the high points in each village. The Everest Base Camp, itself, is a short hike from Gorakshep. This trek itinerary depends on your walking ability and endurance and acclimatization. Shiva Excursion recommends some extra days be built into the schedule to allow for exploration and acclimatization and to avoid acute mountain sickness.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu exploration and preparation for the trek
Day 03: Fly to Lukla 2800m and trek to Phakding 2610m
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3440m.
Day 05: Rest at Namche Bazaar.
Day 06: Namche to Tengboche (3860m) – 5 Hours
Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4360m) – 4 Hours
Day 08: Hike to Chhukung Valley (4710m) & back to Dingboche – 4 Hours
Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m) – 5 Hours
Day 10: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5365m) and back to Gorakshep – 8 Hours
Day 11: Hike up to Kalapatthar (5545m) and trek down to Pheriche (4200m) – 7 Hours
Day 12: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3441m) – 6 Hours
Day 13: Namche to Lukla (2804m) – 6 Hours
Day 14: Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 15: Farewell