Everest Base Camp Trek

In Lukla, meet up with the porters before heading off on the trek towards Phakding. Follow the Dudh Kosi, the river that flows down from the Himalayas, crossing hanging bridges along the way. Pass camps and keep an eye out for the mani stones, boulders carved with Buddhist inscriptions. The hike is approximately 4 hours, descending gradually to Thado Koshi for around 2 hours. Then the group will begin the first ascent of the trek which is gradually uphill to Phakding (2610m). This portion will take another 2 hours.

Walking distance - 8kms. Time 3-4 hours. Elevation loss - 250m
Terrain: mostly rocky and uneven with some parts being quite steep and narrow. It's a gradual descent with some uphill sections.

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m). The terrain of today’s hike is mostly uphill with several steep sections and a few narrow suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi River. The trail will pass through pine forests and offer occasional views of the snow capped peaks in the distance.

Spend the remainder of the day in Namche Bazaar acclimatising to the altitude. There are also treks to the surrounding villages of Thame and Khumjung; these short day walks are designed to give us time to get used to high-altitude trekking. Keep your eyes open -- this is the first opportunity to catch a glimpse of the peak of awesome Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world.

Walking distance - 12kms. Time 7-8 hours. Elevation gain - 830m
Terrain: mostly uphill, with several steep sections, pine forests, and suspension bridges

Hike up to Syangboche at 3860m. Weather permitting, you will be able to spend some time here and enjoy tea or coffee while viewing the mighty Himalayas. These short day walks are designed to give us time to get used to high-altitude trekking.

Total time spent hiking today will be around 3-4 hours.

The route from Namche to Tengboche (3860m) is unbelievably beautiful – the Dudh Kosi is far below and Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest rise in front. Woods, pine and rhododendron forests, mani walls, chorten (stupas), and suspension bridges across the river make this a lovely walk.

Walking distance - 9.5-10kms. Time: 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 420m
Terrain: Steep ascents and descents, passing through forest of rhododendron, pine and fir trees.

Follow stone steps that lead down through rhododendrons, birches, and conifers. Due to the hunting ban, almost tame pheasants are regularly seen in this area. At the bottom of the steps lies the small village of Deboche and its nunnery. Rising above the tree line, the trail enters alpine meadows of scrub juniper and, in summer, a profusion of wild flowers. Once the group reaches Dingboche (4410m) they will be treated with outstanding mountain views. This is also the only place in the region where barely is grown.

Walking distance - 10kms. Time: 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 550m
Terrain: Trail is predominantly uphill with some flat sections and occasional flats. As the group approaches Dingboche, the terrain becomes more rugged and rocky. The vegetation becomes sparse and landscape becomes more rugged and barren the higher the trek goes.

Enjoy some time away from the trek to adjust to the higher altitude. Take it easy, enjoy the scenery, drink plenty of fluids, and prepare for the next day's hiking. Take a short hike to Nagarjuna Peak (Nangkartshang Peak) at 4850m.
Walking distance - 3 kms. Time: 3-4 hours. Elevation gain - 440m

The ascent towards Everest Base Camp continues through Alpine meadows and summer yak pastures towards the end of the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. At the moraine, there are stone monuments to six sherpas who died in avalanches, as well as monuments to other climbers. From here, it is a steep, tough climb towards Thukla Pass. The group will continue on towards Lobuche (4930m), where the view is straight towards Nuptse and the sunset will likely be magnificent.

Walking distance - 9kms. Time: 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 520m
Terrain: Gradual uphill following glacial river upstream and passing through small settlements. Mostly rocky and rugged.

The higher altitude makes this day's trekking quite challenging. The Changri Glacier looms ahead as the trek heads for Gorakshep (5164m). The group will reach Gorak Shep by lunchtime. Relax and get adjusted to the altitude before the attempt to reach Everest Base Camp.

Walking distance - 5kms. Time: 3 hours. Elevation gain to Gorak Shep - 234m
Terrain: Mostly rocky and barren with scattered shrubs and vegetation.

After lunch, trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m). The route follows the Khumbu Glacier with its intriguing 15m (49ft)-high seraces of ice, a feature unique to Himalayan glaciers. The group will then return to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

Walking distance - 9kms. Time: 4-5 hours. Elevation gain to Everest Base Camp - 200m
Terrain: Mostly rocky, barren with scattered boulders and glacial moraines. It involves crossing
the Khumbu Glacier.

Try to see a different view of Everest today, with a trek up to Kala Pattar (5644m). Known to have the best views of Everest, this is a challenging trek, but worth it on a clear day.

Walking distance - 3kms. Time: 3 hours. Elevation gain - 480m. Terrain: steep with rocky boulders.

Begin the descent from Gorak Shep, heading for Pheriche (4371m). This is not the most challenging of hikes, but the altitude can make the uphill sections below Gorak Shep seem tough. Stop to look around; the views are quite spectacular.

Walking distance - 13kms. Time: 6 hours. Elevation loss - 793m. Terrain: Mostly downhill with rocky boulders.

Descend the Imja Khola past Pangboche, the highest permanent settlement in the region. Its gompa, the oldest in Khumbu, is built over the hermitage of Khumbu’s saint, Lama Sanga Dorje. The juniper trees on either side are said to have sprung from hair cut from his head, and a rock-like projection is said to be a piece of mountainside he pulled out for protection one day. Finish today's trek in Kenjuma (3840m).

Walking distance - 16.5kms. Time: 7 hours. Elevation loss - 531m. Terrain: Major downhill on this day returning back to Kenjuma.

Continue the downhill descent from Kenjuma, heading for Monjo (2835m). Follow the ascents and descents on the path and enjoy the views.

Walking distance - 9kms. Time 5 hours. Elevation loss - 1005m
Terrain: Steep, mostly downhill with a few waterfalls.

The final day of our trek returns back to Lukla (2860m). where the group can finally relax after the rigorous adventure and reflect on the challenges just undertaken.

Walking distance - 12-13 kms. Time 5-6 hours. Elevation gain: 25m
Terrain: mostly gradual uphill terrain with mixed forested areas.