Destination: Nepal
Trip Name: Everest Base Camp Trek via Pikey
Accommodation: Lodges/Camping
Transportation: Drive and flight
Best time: Oct-Dec, Mar-May
Grade: Moderate
Activities: Trekking/Hiking
Group Size: 2+
Trek Duration: 23 days
Duration: 26 days
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the popular trekking area where Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa first summited Mt. Everest. The trekking route starts from Bhandar and finish at Lukla (the Khumbu area of Solukhumbu region in Sagarmatha Zone) having driven from Kathmandu. We will be heading to Ngaur Monastery and head to Pikey Peak which is a view point of many mountains even the Mt. Everest. After Pikey we will be heading to Namche from Junbesi and Phakding. The trial passes through the rolling Sherpa town called Namche Bazar is popular for trekkers, especially for altitude acclimatization and is a Gateway to Himalaya which has a number of lodgings and stores caterings with colorful houses needed by trekkers. The trek continue to Tengboche which is popular for Buddhist Monastery/Tengboche Monastery which is the oldest and largest Monastery in Khumbu Region. Tengboche has a panoramic view of Himalayan Mountains, including well-known peaks of Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Tawache and Thamserku.
On the way, Dingboche/Pheriche is a popular stop for trekkers and climbers headed to Mount Everest, Island Peak, Ama Dablam. Trekkers/Climbers will typically spend two nights in Dingboche/Pheriche for acclimatization purpose and day hike to Nangkartshang Peak. In Pheriche there is a rudimentary hospital which is opened two trekking/climbing season (March-May and November-December). Continuing the trek through the place called Lobuche which is close to the Khumbu Glacier which is particularly a busy place during the high season like trekking and expedition to the way to Everest Base Camp. Many of local people transport supplies with the aid of yaks or other means for trekkers or climbers. At last Gorakshep is the final stop on most common treks to Everest Base Camp which was the original Base Camp. Later the Camp was moved closer to mountains, just below the Khumbu Ice Fall. In early morning we will climb Kala Patthar which is very popular with trekkers, as it provides the most assessable point to view Mt. Everest to peak (due to the structure of Everest, the peak cannot be seen from Base Camp). The view of Everest, Nuptse and Changtse are spectacular from Kala Patthar and there are glances of the northern part and summit of Lhotse.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
We will be waiting you at the airport and accompany you to the Hotel. There will be time to rest and take in this vibrant city's energy, before a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese Restaurant O/N in Hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing by trekkers and trek preparation staff
The day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual attractions; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and Buddha Nath, one of the largest Stupas in the world. O/N in Hotel
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Bhandar 2190m (8-9 hrs).
From Kathmandu to Bhandar we will be driven by Overland transport around 8-9 hrs 210km. So your guide will pick you up from your hotel early mornings for transportation to. Although O/N in Lodge in Bhandar.
Day 04:Trek to Namkhile (6-7 hrs).
Day 05: Trek to Ngaur Monastery 3350m (5-6 hrs).
Day 06: Trek to Pikey Base Camp 3640m (3-4 hrs).
Day 07: Trek to Junbesi 2700m (7-8 hrs).
Day 08: Trek to Takshindu Monastery
Day 09: Trek to Kharikhola 2010m (6-7 hrs).
This day from Nhuntala the route continues to the Dudh Kosi (River) and cross this river using a 109m long suspension bridge (1510m). Our trek then climbs out of the river valley through fields of barley, wheat and corn to the sprawling Rai village of Jubing (1680m). We continue to climb up a ridge to a Sherpa village named Khari Khola (2010m). O/N in Lodge
Day 10: Trek to paiya chutok 2730m
Day 11: Trek to Phakding
Between Kharikhola and Chhoplung our trek starts with a gentle climb to Kharte village and continues on through forests inhabited by monkeys. We keep climbing the ridge till we reach the teashop on Khari La pass at 2840m. Moving continue from this place the trail descents into the deep canyon of Puiyan Khola. After crossing this river on a wooden bridge we reach the small settlement of Puiyan village (2770m). Continuing our trail to Sureky and Surkey is famous where Passang Lhambu Sherpa has born (FIRST NEPALESE WOMEN CLIMBER OF NEPAL). Upwards again, we slightly cross Chauri Kharka (Yak zone) to Chhoplung scratching wonderful Mani Padhme walls. O/N in Lodge
Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3420 meter (7-8 hrs)
From Chhoplung we will cross the Tharo Kosi (river) on a local-style suspension bridge. Just past the bridge we can see the peak of Kusum Kangru (6367m), which is the most difficult of the so-called “trekking peaks”. Beyond the Tharo Kosi the trail climbs a bit towards Ghat (2590m), we will cross a ridge marked with painted Mani Padhme stones and climb to Phakding village. Phakding is a famous camping place for who is flying from Kathmandu - Lukla. From Phakding we follow the bank side of Dudh Kosi River. We climb steeply over a rocky ridge towards Benkar (2710m). From here the trail continues alongside the river. All along this part of the trail, villages are interspersed with magnificent forests of rhododendron, magnolia and giant firs. In both the early autumn and late spring, the flowers on this portion of the trek make it a beautiful walk. We cross the Kyashar Khola (river) and climb out of the valley to Monjo (2840m). Just beyond Monjo the trek enters the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, which was established in 1976 to protect an 1148 sq km area surrounding Mt Everest. Beyond the national park entrance station, the trail makes a steep rocky descent and crosses the Dhud Kosi river on a 120m-long suspension bridge towards Jorsale (2830m). After crossing this river a few times while climbing our way up the valley we will reach Namche Bazaar (3420m). Namche Bazaar is the main trading centre in this region and features numerous shops, hotels and restaurants O/N in Lodge
Day 13: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar.
This day we take a rest for acclimatization. Today we will take a day hike through the villages of Khunde and Khumjung. We start with a steep one-hour climb to the Shyangboche airstrip (3790m). From this place we will slowly climb towards Khunde where numerous Chorten (stone Buddhist monuments) and descend to Namche O/N in Lodge
Day 14: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche 3860m (5-6hrs).
From Namche Bazaar we start our journey to Tengboche. Tengboche monastery is an important part of Nepal's heritage. Mt. Everest [8,848m] which is known as Sagarmatha in Nepali [Chomolungma in Tibetan] gives its name to the National Park in which Tengboche is located. The Sagarmatha National Park extends over 1148 sq. km and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site of "outstanding universal value". Most visitors walk to Tengboche by way of Namche Bazaar. The trek takes 14 days from Jiri or 3 days from the airstrip at Lukla. Tengboche lies on a ridge at an altitude of 3,867 meters [12,700 feet]. From Tengboche there are spectacular views of some of the world's highest mountains including Ama Dablam [6,812m], Nuptse [7,855m] Lhotse [8,516m], Tamserku [6,623m] and Kantega [6,779m] as well as the many others that form one of the most impressive ranges of Snow Mountains anywhere. The ice walls of these mountains dominate the landscape and avalanches can frequently be heard rumbling high up the glaciers. O/N in Lodge.
Day 15: Tengboche-Dingboche: 4410m (5-6 hour).
There's a slight descent early today through lush forest, before the gradual climb up to the valleys highest year round settlement of Pangboche (3,860m/12,664ft). Continue ascending in the afternoon through alpine meadows and yak herds, eventually reaching Dingboche O/N in Lodge
Day 16: Dingboche: Rest Day.
The second acclimatization day will be spent at Dingboche. As at Namche Bazaar, there is a side-trip planned from Dingboche, or you can rest. The side trip will wind up the valley to Chhukung for sensational views. O/N in Lodge
Day 17: Dingboche-Lobuche 4930m (5-6 hrs).
Crossing the Duglha (4,620m/15,158ft) Peak, where we will stay overnight to complete acclimatization. From here there are stunning views of Tawachee and Cholatse (64440m).
The trail goes from Duglha directly up to the Khumbu Glacier for an hour, then left into the memorial area before reaching the village of Lubuche (4,930m/12,894ft). O/N in Lodge
Day 18: Lobuche to Kalapathar 5545 to Gorak Shep 5160m (6 hrs).
From Lobuche the ascent becomes steeper and rougher as it crosses several side moraines. After rounding a bend in the trail, the conical peak of Pumori comes into view. On the lower slopes of this mountain a ridge extending to the south terminates in a small peak, known as Kala Pattar (5545m), meaning 'black rock'. The trail then makes a short descent onto the sandy, flat expanse of Gorak Shep. From here we will continue to the current Everest base camp, which is about a 4 hours return walk from Gorak Shep. We will return to this small settlement after our visit to the base camp O/N in Lodge
Day 19: Gorak Shep to Lobuche 4930m (6 hrs).
In the Early morning rise we will start our day by climbing the Kala Pattar (5545m). This is a steep ascent up the grassy slopes west of Gorak Shep. From Kala Pattar the entire Everest south face is visible as well as Lho La (the pass between Nepal and Tibet, also named the Western Cwm), Changtse (the northern peak of Everest) and most of the West-Ridge
Day 20: Trek to Gorakshep 5,160m & Everest base camp 5,316m (7-8 hrs)
After breakfast we continue our trek in a windy and rocky path with the wonderful view of Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse and other magnificent peaks. After check in the hotel at Gorekshep we continue climb to the top of Kalapatthar (the famous view point). This small peak offers the best views of Mt. Everest, Pumori and Ama Dablam you can get without climbing. Stroll back to Gorekshep for overnight.
Day 21: Early morning hike to Kalapathar 5,550m and stroll back to Pheriche 4,200m (6-7 hrs)
Our adventure continues towards Everest Base Camp and to the Khumbu Ice-fall. The trail passes through over rocky dunes and moraine and streams, till you reach the base camp. In Everest Base Camp the climbers gather for summiting Everest during the high expedition season. We are continuing the trek for return back to Gorakshep and continuous back to Pheriche for overnight.
Day 22: Trek to Kyanjuma 3,500m (5-6 hrs)
Heading down now, the going is easier and the pace faster. Take back great memories with you and walk down hill towards the Phungithanka via Tangboche and after crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river trek onwards to the Kyanjuma the junction of the trinity ways to Gokyo Valley, Khumjung village and Namche Bazar. Great view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawache and Lhotse as well as dense wildlife of some species of Pheasants, Himalayan Griffons, Musk deer and wild goat can be found insides the rhododendron forest, evening explore small surrounding area with magnificent scenery.
Day 23: Trek to Monju 2,850m via Khumjung (6-7 hrs)
Today after breakfast short climb to hidden valley called Khumjung village, probably the biggest village of the areas and visit Hillary school established by Sir Admund Hillary and visit to Khunde village where a place of famous climber and big hospital running by charity, after a great moments take back to Namche Bazar for lunch via Syangboche airstrip which is the world highest airstrip. We walk back to the downhill for overnight at Monju.
Day 24: Trek to Lukla 2,800m (4-5 hrs)
After breakfast we trek back with enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa village. And finally today the trail leads you back to Lukla. After your arrival in Lukla you will have time to relax and celebrate the completion of your trek.
Day 25: Fly back to Kathmandu
After an early morning flight to Kathmandu our guide transfer you to your hotel. You may have time to relax after long journey and take back your breath and rest at your hotel with ending your Himalayan trip with us.
Day 26: Departure from Kathmandu
Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.
Everest Six-Summit Adventures P. Ltd.