Kalapathar-Everest Base Camp

Day 01: Flight to Lukla and begin trek

The flight to Lukla is very much weather-bound and can not take off unless the air traffic controller confirms the good visibility in Lukla sky. Today, you will trek approximately 3 hours to Phakding and camp by Dudh Kosi River.

Day 02-03: Namche Bazaar (11,270 ft)

The trail follows continuously north up the Dudh Kosi valley to Jorsale- and ascends steep up hill of Sherpa market town of Namche Bazaar (11,270 ft). The town is bustling with numerous homes, trekker's inns, shops, and a small monastery. We will camp in Namche Bazaar. (5-6 hours hiking.) . We take another day here for acclimatization.

Day 04-05: To Khumjung via Thame

Follow the Bhote Koshi River down to the Nangpo Valley , enjoying a moderately easy and beautiful walk to the Sherpa village of Thame, situated at an important junction along the old primary route to and from Tibet via the Nangpa La (pass) You will spend the night here and the following day after a visit to Thame monastery, you will continue towards Khumjung.

Day 06: Tengboche (12,680 ft)

Descend into the deep Dudh Kosi Gorge and ascend the other side-one of the most beautiful valley walks on earth-to camp in the lovely meadows around Tengboche Monastery (5-6 hours hiking.)

Day 07: Labarma (14,500 ft)

Hike down through a beautiful forest, cross the Imja Khola (River), and pass through the village of Pangboche . Here we'll descend for a short bit, cross a wooden bridge, then hike up beautiful pastures to an area called Labarma, a summer pasture for yaks. From here we'll have beautiful views of the Nuptse/Lhotse wall, Pumori, and Everest. (5 hours hiking.)

Day 08: Ama Dablam Base Camp - Dingboche

Morning hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,700 ft), set in a beautiful meadow with stunning views of the mountain. We retrace our steps back to Pangboche, then follow a route through summer pastures to the large village of Dingboche (14,500'). (7-8 hours hiking.)

Day 09: Lobuje (16,200 ft)

Hike up along the broad valley floor to Dughla (15,100ft), where we stop for lunch, then continue to the yak grazing pastures at Lobuje. (5-6 hours hiking.)

Day 10: To Gorak Shep (17,000 ft)

Gorak Shep is nestled under the snow-coned summit of Pumori (23,442 ft) and the sheer west face of Nuptse (25,850 ft) and requires 2 and ½ hrs hiking along the rocky fields and glacial fragments at the edge of the Khumbu Glacier. Attempt hike up Kala Patar (18,192 ft, 3-4 hours round trip) and you will be blessed by the best view of Mount Everst.

Day 11: Lobuje

Optional hike to Everest Base Camp (17,600 ft) for views of the Khumbu Icefall. In the afternoon, return to Lobuje. This is a long but exhilarating day. (9-11 hours hiking.)

Lobuje Peak Climbing option: Those who are for climbing will attempt Lobuje Peak on Day 13 and 14.

Day 12: Chhukhung (15,500 ft)

A long but gradual day hiking south out of the Khumbu Glacier to a lunch stop at Dingboche (14,100 ft). After lunch, we hike east up into the Chhukhung Valley , last of the glacial valleys we will explore. We camp under the incredible rock wall that links Nuptse with Lhotse (27,923'). (5-6 hours hiking.)

Day 13: To Dingboche

Today we'll take a hard but dramatic hike that climbs about 2,800 feet from camp and ends in a small rock plateau from where, with a little imagination, one can nearly touch the Nuptse-Lhotse wall. Views of Makalu , Pumori, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak are superb (30 mountains over 20,000 feet can be identified from this spot!). There are several other less demanding options in the Chhukhung Valley. Descend to our camp at Dingboche. (5-6 hours hiking.)

Day 14: Tengboche (12,680 ft)

Descend to Tengboche Monastery-the spiritual center of the Khumbu- a training center for new monks. The area is considered holy; nothing may be hunted or killed. Expeditions to the world's highest peaks have traditionally stopped here to receive the blessing of the Tengboche Rinpoche. Tengboche has the high scenic treasures like Ama Dablam and Mount Everest in the background, that impresses all passersby. We will camp overnight in the lovely meadows around the monastery and have ample time to visit it. (4-5 hours hiking).

Day 15-16: Namche Bazaar (11,270 ft)

The trail drops sharply down to the Dudh Kosi and up toward Namche Bazaar, winding in and out high above the river with views north towards the Everest valleys. After spending a night in Namche Bazaar, take a steep descent to Lukla airfield.

Day 17: Return flight to Kathmandu

If the weather favors, the craft from Kathmandu timely lands in Lukla airfield and you can embark on the flight and shortly brings you to Kathamdnu. Upon arrival, you are transferred to hotel.