Day 01: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) We fly on a twin-engine Otter or dornier to the Himalayan foothill town of Lukla where we begin our trek into the Khumbu region. At Lukla (9,350 feet) we meet the rest of our staff and porters and trek for about two and a half hours to Phakding. Overnight camp.
Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,445m/11,300ft)
Following the banks of Dudh Kosi and crossing this river several times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags, we head up to Namche Bazaar with breathtaking views. Overnight lodge.
Day 03: An extra day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization.
We should allow an extra day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. Namche Bazaar is a colorful village with many wonderful and interesting shops and vendors, fabulous food, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Just walk leisurely in the town or take an excursion to Khumjung or Khunde villages.
Day 04: Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3,929m/12,887 ft)
The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi with magnificent views of the mountains. We spend the night next to the Tengboche monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region.
Day 05: Trek to Dingboche ( 4,344m/ 14,250 ft)
From Tengboche, the trail drops to Debuche, crosses another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche among thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche with exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam.
Day 06: A rest day at Dingboche
Rest day. There is the option of taking a light acclimatization hike up a nearby peak for a wider variety of photos of the valley and mountains of the Khumbu region. B, L, D
Day 07: To Lobuche (4, 931m/16,175 ft)
From Dingbouche, the trail traverses through farmlands and meadows before continuing along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the small village of Dzugla, and continue along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier.
Day 08: To Gorakshep ( 5,182m/17,000 ft)
After an early morning start, we ascend Kala Pattar (18,450 feet) and enjoy the best view of Mount Everest you could ever have without having to climb it. Today, we camp beneath Kala Pattar at Gorak Shep. Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Day 09: To Everest Basecamp (5,358m/17,575 ft)
Today we continue our trek to Everest base camp, located at the foot of the Khumbu icefall. If it’s for the views, you will be disappointed at the basecamp but you will explore around and get chance to meet the mountaineers who are either heading up to the summit or returning. Hiking Time: 2-4 hours B, L, D
Day 10: Descend to Pheriche (4,254m/ 13,950 ft)
We head down the glacier and reenter the lush and beautiful valleys, surrounded by spectacular snow-capped peaks.
Day 11: To Chukung (4,573m/15,000 ft)
Today we hike to 18,231’ Chukkung Ri, a beautiful hike with a stunning location below the Lhotse/Nuptse Wall. This is the largest rock wall in the Himalaya. From here we get great views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak and Makalu.
Day 12: To Island Peak Base Camp ( 4, 732m/15,520 ft)
Continue to Island Peak base camp at 15,520 feet and prepare for moving to high camp.
Day 13: To High Camp (5, 281m/ 17,323 ft)
Its customary to set up a high camp on a mountaineering style, otherwise a physically fit and well-acclimatized party attempt summit from the base camp itself. It takes 2-3 hours to reach the summit and rest of the day relax, enjoy the view and also prepare the final climb.
Day 14: Attempt summit and return to the base camp (6, 189m/20,300 ft)
We start early morning, continuing up a rocky gully before traversing to the right. We gain elevation up the rocky ridge before coming to the base of the glacier. Here we rope up and continue up the glacier until the South ridge is reached. We follow this superb and classic ridge to the summit where you will be rewarded with the outstanding views of Lhotse (27,890 feet), Makalu (27,805 feet), Ama Dablam (22,493 feet) and Baruntse (25,328 feet) are revealed. We then continue down to base camp for the evening. B, L, D
Day 15: Retrace down to Chukung
In case of bad weather, we built in an extra day for the summit, otherwise we disassemble camp and backtrack to Chukung.
Day 16: To Namche Bazaar
Descend to Namche Bazaar. If its week-end, take chance to visit the market.
Day 17: Backtrack to Lukla. Our last day on the trail, we descend from Namche to Lukla, crossing eleven suspension bridges and reentering the fertile valleys of the lower Dudh Kosi. We overnight in Lukla.
Day 18: Flight to Kathmandu
If the weather goes fine, the plane timely lands in Lukla airstrip and you will take scenic flight back to Kathmandu that gives us one last chance to say farewell to the mountains. Day 19: A reserve day You have a reserve day, which you can use for second attempt of the peak or if the flight gets canceled due to bad weather. Day 20: Depart Kathmandu You are transferred to the airport for your international flight back home. |
