Everest Base Camp Kalapathar trek - (16 Days) fly in/fly out
The Everest or the Khumbu region is justifiably the most famous of all the trekking and mountain regions. Populated by the Sherpas, the attractions of this area are the majestic mountains, the high mountain villages, charming monasteries and the congenial people. This area includes the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest (8,848 m.) and many other peaks of altitude 8000m. and above, such as Lhotse, Cho Oyo and Makalu.
This trek is truly an incredible experience of this magnificent region and its fascinating people with their long held traditions. From Lukla (2,805m.) you trek to Namche Bazaar (3,436m.) for a day of acclimatization and optional hikes. From Namche you explore the Sherpa villages of Khunde and Khumjung before heading for Thyangboche Monastery. After visiting Chukung Ri you trek to Lobuche for a day-hike along the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp (5,364m.) and a climb of Kala Patthar Peak (5,550m.) for a close encounter with Mt. Everest.
Trip
Hightlights:
Duration:
16
Days
Type of Trek :
Tea House (Lodge)
Max Altitude:
5545 m.
Minimum Pax:
1 +
Mode of travel:
Flight
Grade:
Moderate
Outline Itinerary
Day
1
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) takes about 35 minutes. Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640 m.) takes approximately three hours.
You begin your trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Nupla (5885m) which 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.) Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
2
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) takes approximately five hours. Namche Bazaar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Bhote Koshi. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
3
A day for rest in Namche Bazaar (3440m.) for acclimatization. For acclimatization you walk up to Khhumjung where you can visit a monastery and also enjoy the splendid views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, Kwangde and so on. Or you can take an hour's walk up to Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for outstanding views of the same mountains. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
4
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3867m.) takes about five hours. 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). Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
5
Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche (4260m.) takes approximately five hours. 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. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
6
Rest day at Dingboche (4260 m.) 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. Another option is you can hike up to Chhukum from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Island peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Tawoche peak and others. Stay overnight at lodge
Day
7
Trek from Dingboche (4350m.) to Chhukung (4730m.) and it takes about four hours. The trail gradually ascends up to Chhukung. On the way, you can see summer huts made especially for keeping livestock in the summer time and can enjoy the beautiful mountain views in and around the valley. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
8
Trek from Chhukung to Chhukung Ri (5546m.) to Lobuche (4930m.) via Dongla (4620m.) and it takes almost six hours. From Chhukung Ri you have views of Mt. Nuptse (7896m.), Mt.Lhotse (8511m.), Baruntse peak (6800m.),Ama Dablam peak(6856m.),Thamserku peak (6608m.), Konde Ri or peak(6187m.), Tawoche peak(6542m.), Cholotse peak (6441m.) and more. You then begin your trek to Lobuche via Dongla which offers you a panoramic view of the mountains along the way. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
9
Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5486m.) via Gorakshep (5180m.) takes about seven hours. Trek up the valley following the rocky moraine path, view icy glacial ponds and icebergs down below the Khumbu glacier. Gorakshep is the location of the original Everest Base Camp with the new camp being further up the valley. Now the trail winds through a rocky path and the Khumbu glacier. The views of Nuptse, Lho-La and Khumbutse appear in front of you. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
10
Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and then to Pheriche (4243m.) takes about six hours. You accomplish an early morning climb to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and enjoy the view of the magnificent sunrise. From Kala Patthar you 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 other peaks. Yaks are normally used as four-legged porters in this area. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
11
Trek from Pheriche to Phortse (3750m.) takes almost four and half hours. The trail descends to Pangboche before turning up and down every half an hour to Phortse. On the way, there is an opportunity to see wild life in and around the area like mountain goats, musk deer and many species of Himalayan birds. There are village monasteries in Pangboche and Phortse rich in the cultural heritage of the Sherpa people. Along with this, you can also see an old monastery in Pangboche which is believed to have been established during the 16th century. The Pangboche village is known to have highest permanent settlement throughout the year. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
12
Trek from Phortse (3750m.) to Khumjung (3790m.) which takes almost three and half hours. The trail here descends early for twenty minutes and then ascends steeply for almost one hour to Mongla (4000m.). From this spot, you can see the panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kusum Kangaru, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. Now the trail descends and ascends frequently to Khumjung. The Khumjung village is said to have the largest settlement of the Khumbu region. There is well-equipped high school built by the late Sir Edmund Hillary in 1960. Not limited to this, there is an old monastery where the skull of the Yeti is believed to have preserved. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
13
Trek from Khumjung to Thame (3800m.) and it takes about four hours. Thame is a place where you can visit many ancient monasteries and can experience real Sherpa culture. Beautiful mountain views are also readily available. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
14
Trek from Thame to Monjo (2835m.) takes about six hours. While trekking from Thame to Monjo you come across a few Sherpa settlements and will meet friendly Sherpa people. Trekking this day is little bit easier in comparison to other days. Monjo is a small village and the area is mainly for agriculture. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
15
Trek from Monjo to Lukla (2800m.) takes about four and half hours. This day the trail gradually descends and then ascends as well as you cross the Dudh Koshi river over suspension bridges throughout the day. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
16
You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla and it takes almost 35 minutes.
The price includes
the following services:
A trekking guide
Porter/s (1 porter can carry up to 25kgs of luggage)
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
Entry Permit for Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park
Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
All land transportation (from hotel to airport & from airport to hotel)
Sleeping bag and down jacket if required
Rescue assistance
First aid kit
Insurance and equipment for the Nepali staff
Flight tickets from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu
Airport tax at Kathmandu domestic airport and Lukla airport
