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Day 1
Arrival Kathmandu 1360m, overnight Kathmandu – Welcome dinner
You arrive in Katmandu and transferred to the warmth of your hotel. A pre-trek briefing will be scheduled to discuss the trekking program and co-ordinate any last-minute arrangements. Get familiar with your surroundings by going for a hike down the street before we head to a delicious dinner where the cuisine is prepared Nepalese style and is known for its healthy ingredients. This is your first overnight in the valley of the gods. Meals included: 1 welcome dinner.
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Day 2
Kathmandu half day Sightseeing
Today we explore Kathmandu on an organized sightseeing tour. This will include a visit to the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. We also visit Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River and home to the most famous Hindu temple in the country. Here we will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) and pilgrims performing ritual bathing, and occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the Ghats. The cremation site here is open to all the citizens of Nepal that begins with royalty to the simple man on the street. The early afternoon will be free to relax in the hotel garden or visit Thamel for some last-minute shopping. You will be provided with your trek departure information in the afternoon. Meals included: 1 breakfast.
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Day 3
Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2650m), 4 hours, overnight teahouse. B, L, D
In the early morning we take the fantastic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla at 2827m. Flight time is about 40 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. This flight of true sightseeing in space gives your box office views of some of the highest mountains in the world, right from the window of your plane. After landing we will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort out and load the trekking equipment. In the afternoon, we begin the trek by descending towards the DudhKosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaurikharka at 2713m. The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat at 2550m, it’s a short walk to the first local village of Phakding where we’ll crash out for the night. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee.
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Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3435m), 5-6 hours, overnight teahouse. B, L, D
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, the track leads us along the DudhKoshi River through many suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. First, we catch superb scenes of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618m). Through the settlement of Banker, Chumoa, Monjo, we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We pass through the last village of Jorsale before reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail climbs through the forests and bridges until we reach the confluence of the DudhKoshi and BhoteKoshi rivers. After a final steep ascent of about two hours we get first sight of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. At this juncture, we stop at Chautara to admire the views. We still need to hike about 1.5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar, a gateway to Mt. Everest and the main trading Centre of this region. Overnight in Namche [Las Vegas of the Khumbu] – B. L. D
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Day 5
Rest day in Namche Bazaar (3435m) Side Walk around Namche bazaar. (B, L, D)
This is the first 'acclimatization' day for this trek. Mountain climbing experts always advise us to stay active and move around on a rest day instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or we visit Khunde; maybe we could just relax and explore the lively Namche Bazaar itself. This is the nerve Centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday where any and everything is up for sale. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. ABC and EBC guides will take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an collection of equipments related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to the vibrant Khumjung. We further climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip will be the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila, which hosts a well-known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We also visit Hillary School which is located at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, we walk back down to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar - B, L, D
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Day 6
Trek to Deboche (3820m), via Tengboche Monastery beautiful sun set (3860m), 6-7 hours, overnight teahouse.
After enjoying a hot breakfast in chilly Namche, we start out for Deboche enjoying fabulous views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, AmaDablam and an upfront view of Thamserku. Our trek follows a gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking brilliant views of the awesome Himalayas. Along the routes, we come across some wild fauna that include pheasants, musk deer, and sometimes a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes steadily down up to Kyangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sanasa, which is the major trail junction for Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The pathway then follows through pine forests and after we cross the prayer-flag festooned bridge over DudhKoshi River, we reach PhunkiTenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch and some rest at PhunkiTenga, its then a pretty little gritty climb that goes steeply up through the pine forests until we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a perfect spot for close-up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has the largest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region. Hiking by rhododendron forests for something like an hour, we reach Deboche. Hereabouts, we crash out at a cosy teahouse lodge. B. L. D
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Day 7
Trek to Dingboche (4410m) via Pangboche Monastery, 6 hours, overnight teahouse. (B, L, D)
With the Mountains as an ideal backdrop, the monastery in Tengboche is a lovely sight to behold more in the morning. We click some pictures of the monastery and the surrounding scenes before we start our journey of the day. We hike through a few Chortens, mani walls and some small villages after which, we haul up for some grub and while enjoying our meals we savor some upfront views of Amadablam towering just above us; We trek via Pangboche, the highest of the true lasting settlements in the valley and reach the regular settlement, the final steepest climb of the day on our way to Dingboche at the entrance to the Khumbu Valley. We spend our night in a lodge. With 867 metres of ascent and 416 metres of descent, we finally hit the sack at a local lodge for the night in Dingboche
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Day 8
Rest day in Dingboche (4750m), side treks, 4-5 hours, overnight teahouse. (B, L, D)
This is a day to haul up and rest without being idle. We can stroll around the village and get pally with the local folks with some interesting conversations. This will give us deep insights into the lifestyles and cultures of the local folks in this region. At the same time we can also relish the landscapes that surround us and we can also catch up on some reading. Our acclimatizing gets a further boost with our hike to Chhukung village. we then do a steep climb up to Chhukung Ri at 5550m [if we feel like it] and as we top it with gasping breath we soon realize the gritty climb was worth the go; the rewards are as lovely as it comes with the natural beauty that greets us for our efforts, the jaw-dropping vistas of Cho Oyu at 8201m, Pumori at 7161m, the gigantic Lhotse wall at 8400m, Amadablam at 6812m, Makalu at 8481m &Baruntse at 7129m all put together set our hearts on top gear as it skips a beat while watching these massive peaks. Overnight at our lodge in Dingboche – B. L. D
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Day 9
Lobuche (4900m), 5-6 hours, overnight teahouse. (B, L, D)
After crossing by some of the teahouses of Duglha, we plod higher onto the pretty risky moraine of the Khumbu glacier, passing a chain of stone monuments built in memory of Sherpas who have died on mountaineering expeditions to Mt Everest. From hereabouts, the trail lowers and goes by the west side of the valley to Lobuche. The sunset on Nuptse from this point is an amazing sight to behold. Overnight at Lobuche – B. L. D
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Day 10
Trek to Everest Base Camp (5357m) and back to Gorakshep (5100m), 8-10 hours, overnight teahouse. (B, L, D)
A real early start is required to reach the Everest Base Camp. It takes several hours as the trail weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast GorakShep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the risky route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer's tents stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. On the return leg, we can take a higher route to get a grand view of the Khumbu icefall and the route to the South Col. We return to Gorakshep for a restful night. B. L. D
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Day 11
Climb Kalapatthar (5545m) for sunrise* (2 hours) and trek to Pheriche (4240m), 4 hours, overnight teahouse. (B, L, D)
Today is the most important part of our trip. We start early at dawn to catch the dramatic views from Kalapatthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mt. Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to expose itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kalapatthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding viewpoints to click pictures. After several hours of ascent, we reach Kalapatthar. From here, we scuttle to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kalapatthar rocks and our eyes take in the unbelievable Himalayan views, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we possibly can with our camera so they can last a lifetime. After this we make our way back to Pheriche with a slow descent; for a good night’s rest which we truly deserve. Overnight at a local lodge after a great day – B. L. D
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Day 12
Trek to Monjo (2840m) or Namche Bazaar (3435m), 5-6 hours, overnight teahouse. (B, L, D)
The trail from Namche Bazar clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. It’s interesting to lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards and colorful pheasants while we pass through the forest by the trail. A steep descent from Namche Hill leads to the suspension bridge crossing the DudhKosi River near the confluence of the DhudhKoshi and the BhoteKoshi Rivers. We cross the DudhKoshi River twice at separate locations before reaching Monjo. Upon this juncture, we are out of the Sagarmatha National Park after exiting from its official entrance near Monjo and finally reach Monjo Village. Monjo is comparatively a quieter place to stay than Namche and it also means our porters have a less strenuous walk back to Lukla next day. Overnight in the docile village of Monjo – B. L. D
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Day 13
Trek to Lukla (2800m), 6 hours, overnight teahouse. B, L, D
Today, we begin to get warmed up by the light cool breeze. Although we are traveling the same route down, we enjoy completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We take time and walk at our own pace today as this is the last day of our trek. We experience the Sherpa villages' impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayer flags while we walk through the villages. Upon arrival in Lukla, we have plenty of time to relax, stretch those aching legs, and recall the experiences of the last couple of days. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with truly happy faces! Upon arrival in Lukla, we stroll around while our leader will re-confirm our flight ticket. In the evening, we enjoy last dinner with our crew and make it a party night which calls for a celebration. Overnight at our Lodge - B. L. D
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Day 14
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (45 mins), stay at Hotel, farewell dinner. B, D
Today, after a hale and hearty b/fast, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us in Kathmandu. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel. If interested, we could buy some gifts to take home from Nepal for loved ones and friends and relatives; we can visit some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods. This short excursion either can be assisted by ABC and EBC’s guides or we can do it ourselves too. If we want to explore any other areas in Kathmandu, we have to manage time for this today as well! At eventide, we will attend an exciting celebration dinner together for successfully completing our original EVEREST Base Camp trek hosted by ABC and EBC.! Overnight in Kathmandu, the valley of the gods, they say B, D
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Day 15
Drive to the Airport to head back to that lovely place we call home
After b/fast, our rep and office vehicle will be on standby at our hotel to transfer us to the airport for our connecting flight home. Serving you was a wonderful joy and pleasure, we at ABC and EBC will cherish the bonds of our relationship created over the time you spent with us and we thank you for choosing us as your travel partner and for visiting this amazing country Nepal. We are sure that trekking in this beautiful region of the Khumbu [Everest region] will give your lifetime memories of a vacation well enjoyed. Ciao friends! Till we meet again. Breakfast
