Trip Overview
Everest base camp trek (5,360 m) is one of the classic trek is Nepal which starts with an exhilarating 35/40 minutes mountain flight into the airstrip at Lukla (2,846 m), very adventurous & exciting landing & take off! This flight gives ample pleasure over the fertile middles hills with their scattered villages, rivers, landslides and terraced fields, with an amazing panorama of the Himalaya as backdrop. Situated high above the banks of the Dudhkoshi River at Lukla (2,846 m) is already a scenic village with beautiful mountain around. From Lukla, the trekking goes slowly upwards to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, following the valley of the Dudhkoshi River, just before Namche Bazaar, one can enjoy the first glimpse of Mt. Everest at a far distant in the skyline on the Nuptse- Lhotse ridge. Namche Bazaar is a great place to learn about the Sherpa people, their culture and their life along with the Tibetan immigrant. Moving forward from Namche Bazaar, the trail follows the valley of the Imja Khola with some spectacular view of the Mountains including Thamserku (6,623 m), Kangtega (6,783 m), Kusumkangaru (6,350 m), Konde Ri Peak (6,187 m) and Ama Dablam (6,856 m) as well as the Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Nuptse (7,864 m), a panoramic view. We visit Tengboche Buddhist Monastery which is one of the most significant monasteries of the region. After Tengboche, the trekking route climbs gradually through Pangboche and the mountains are emerges above the tree line, we stay 2 nights at Dingboche, before set out forward for our final challenge to ascend Kalapatthar (5,545 m), a vantage view point gives fantastic views of the Ice Fall and South Col as well as the immense southwest face of Mt. Everest that was first climbed in 1953 by Chris Bonington's team, Sir Edmund Hillary (Kiwi, from Aukland, north of New Zealand) & Tenzing Norgay Sherpa (Tibetan -born Nepalese). After the successful ascends of Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar, we follow the trail to Namche Bazaar then eventually to Lukla for returning flight to Kathmandu. The Everest trek lies in the highest wildlife reserve in the world, the Sagarmatha National Park. It covers an area of 1,148 sq. km of Himalayan ecological zone. The park altitudes range from 2,845 m at Monju to the top of the world, UNESCO enlisted the park as a World`s Natural Heritage Site in 1979 for its unique natural, cultural and landscape characteristics. A trek in this region takes one to the foothills of the mightiest of the mountains in the world. During the trek one traverses through rhododendron, firs, oaks, spruce and pine forests, rivers, Sherpa villages and Buddhist Monasteries from temperate to snow line regions
Outline Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m /4,430 ft)
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Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
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Day 3
Kathmandu-Lukla (2,846 m), Trek to Phakding (2,652 m/ 4 hrs)
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Day 4
Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/5-6 hrs)
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Day 5
Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
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Day 6
Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche / Thyangboche (3,860 m/ 5 hrs)
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Day 7
Trek Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m/5 hrs)
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Day 8
Acclimatization day at Dingboche (4,410 m)
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Day 9
Trek Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930 m/5:50 hrs)
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Day 10
Trek to Gorakshep (5,160 m) -Everest Base Camp (5,360 m)-Gorakshep (5,160 m/ 3+3+2 =8 hrs)
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Day 11
Trek to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) - Gorakshep – Loboche - Pheriche (4,243 m/ 2+1+2+3 =8 hrs)
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Day 12
Trek Pheriche to Tengboche (3,867 m/4 hrs)
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Day 13
Trek Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/4 hrs-6 hrs)
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Day 14
Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,846 m/ 6-7 hrs)
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Day 15
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (35/40 minutes)
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Day 16
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
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Day 17
Airport transfer
Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m /4,430 ft)
Our airport representative will meet you at the Kathmandu airport and then transfer to hotel, we provide you 3-Star category accommodation in Kathmandu (Tibet Guest House or similar standard hotel), on B/B basis. In the evening (we assumed your arrival in afternoon); you will have time to explore the city. -
Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Our professional tour guide will bring you around Kathmandu after breakfast. Most notably on this day, you will be visiting the Kathmandu Durbar Square/ Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the Swayambhunath Stupa / temple /Monkey temple for its easy name, Pashupatinath Temple/ crimination Ghat & Bouddhanath Stupa which are all UNESCO's world cultural heritage sites, enlisted in 1979 A.D. -
Day 3
Kathmandu-Lukla (2,846 m), Trek to Phakding (2,652 m/ 4 hrs)
You transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. It is a small town at an altitude of 2,846 meters with an airport. There are many teashops, lodges, hotels, resorts and general stores. From here we begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle descend the mountainside on the right bank of the Dudhkoshi River (Milky river), Nupla (5,885 m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest with the main trail from Jiri / Salleri at Chheplung (2,700 m), with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6,367 m). The Dudh Koshi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat village/ teahouse. You continue along a small path with a few ascends and descends following the right bank of Dudhkoshi to Phakding village (2,652 m). -
Day 4
Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/5-6 hrs)
The trail starts through a level path along the right bank of Dudhkoshi, Mt. Numbur (6,740 m) & Kongde Ri (6,187 m) could be view on the opposite bank. You cross a stream and climb the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route, to arrive at Bengar/Benkar (2,630 m). The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. You continue along a path with many ups and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village of Monjo. After leaving the Monjo village, check your National park & TIMS card / buy the new Park permit. Now, you descend the path of stone steps and return to the right bank over a wooden bridge & then cross the river through Suspension bridge. After a short climb you come to Jorsale’s teahouse and hotel, and also stop at the Nepalese Army post where a park entrance permit is checked again. After your departure from Jorsale, you enter a forested mountainside. You follow a short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped valley where the river forks - the right is the Dudh Koshi and the left is the Bhote Koshi that leads to Nampa La pass to enter into Tibet/China, an ancient salt trading route. After a short distance along the Bhote Koshi you begin the steep ascend to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). As the mountain path zigzags uphill, you will emerge at a ridge top rest area that offers excellent views of Everest (8,848 m) and Lhotse (8,516 m) The climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazaar appears ahead as you travel along the path surrounded by pines & spruce forest. Pass the plateau where the Saturday weekly Bazaar is held and enter the village. Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only one side where it faces the Bhote Koshi. The village is a central hub of the area and food supply stores, Cyber cafe, bakeries, massage parlors, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here. -
Day 5
Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbi la (5,765 m), a holy peak in the region, and has an abundance of lodges, teashops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent vista. It is an ideal place to spend the rest of the day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Thyangboche/Tengboche (3,860 m). For the acclimatization, we walk up to Khumjung where you can visit the spectacular monastery. The Sherpa community densely populates Khumjung and you will undoubtably have the opportunity to interact with them. You can also enjoy the splendid views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawache, Kwangde and so on. Or, you can have an hour walk up to the Syangboche (3,800 m) where The Japanese famous Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for an outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Center and Museum just above the town. This museum features the highlights and history of Sherpa culture. -
Day 6
Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche / Thyangboche (3,860 m/ 5 hrs)
You leave the village for a climb to the top of a ridge and level mountain path that offers an excellent panorama of Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kangrib. To the right there is a steep cliff that drops down to the Dudh Koshi, faintly visible on the valley floor below. As you make your way around a branch ridge, Ama Dablam (6,856 m) Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse (7,855 m) and Tawoche (6,501 m) suddenly appear. After a gentle descend the mountain path ends; you will come to the fork leading to Gokyo valley trek. Now you descend past a few tea houses and through the village of Trashinga. Though you cannot see it, you can hear the Dudh Kosi and soon you descend to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga (3,250 m). It is a long climb to Thyangboche; the first half is especially steep. As you climb through the forested zone, the incline eases and a splendid view appears. Continue climbing the mountainside diagonally until you come to the stone gate built by lamas, which marks your entry into Tyangboche (3,867 m). You may use the large plateau in front of the splendid monastery as your campsite. There is a lodge and hotel managed by the National Park Service. Thyangboche is an important lookout point on this course, and the sunset on Everest and Ama Dablam is especially beautiful. -
Day 7
Trek Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m/5 hrs)
Today, we leave Thyangboche and the Khumbu mountains as a backdrop and descend to a rhododendron covered area to emerge in a pleasant level area. We pass along Mani stonewall to enter the village of Dengboche (3,750 m). From there, we continue on to Minlinggo and cross over a suspension bridge to the left bank of the Imja Khola. We then climb the mountain path while looking up at Ama Dablam and Kantega (6,779 m) as they appear on the opposite bank. Ascend the Chhorten-lined route, come to a fork, the upper path passes Pangboche and a monastery, take the lower path to Pangboche Olin and its stone wall-enclosed potato field. Pass through the village and cross a stream to a path skirting a rocky area to terraced hills along the riverbank. The trails climb slowly, winding above the Imjatse River, to a big Mani Stupa. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imjatse valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse with views of the eastern snow capped mountains including the Island Peak or Imjatse (6,189 m) Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. -
Day 8
Acclimatization day at Dingboche (4,410 m)
There are some breathtaking views of the North Face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as you explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak. The walk is short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon. You have another option as you can hike up to Chhukum / Chhukung (4,730 m), a 3 hrs round trip. From here, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Tawoche peak and others. On the same day you come back to Dingboche to rest for the evening. -
Day 9
Trek Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930 m/5:50 hrs)
Today, the journey continues north for up to 50-minutes until we come to a Mani-prayer/Chhorten/ Stupa. The trail is gentle and looks down to the Pheriche village (4,250 m) below. Today's walk offers views of the Mt. Tawache, Mt. Cholotse (6,441 m), Ama Dablam and to the North: Pokalde (5,741 m), Kongma-tse (5,820 m) and the great wall of Nuptse. After two hours of walking, the trail from Pheriche joins near Dugla (4,640m) before a small wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier. We stop at Dugla, for drink before continuing for an hour up a steep hill to the top, where there are views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. After a short break, we continue trekking up to Lobuche, hidden and sheltered from the wind. -
Day 10
Trek to Gorakshep (5,160 m) -Everest Base Camp (5,360 m)-Gorakshep (5,160 m/ 3+3+2 =8 hrs)
Today, we trek up the valley following a rocky moraine path, view icy glacial pond and icebergs down below of Khumbu glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a short downhill walk brings you to Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar (5,545 m) and Mt. Pumori (7,145 m). Gorakshep is the location of the original Everest Base Camp with the new camp being further up the valley. Now, the trail winds through rocky path and Khumbu glacier. The view of Nuptse, Lho-La and Khumbutse appear in the front of you. Sometime the avalanche can be seen/ heard the noises of the avalanches on the way. After a great moment, you retrace back passing through Khumbu glacier with magnificent views of Lobuche, Cholatse, Mt. Pumori and Tabuche. -
Day 11
Trek to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) - Gorakshep – Loboche - Pheriche (4,243 m/ 2+1+2+3 =8 hrs)
In the early morning ,we climb to Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters and enjoy the Himalayas at sunrise. From Kala Patthar, you can have a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and many other mountain peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku and many more. Pheriche is the place where one can make phone calls to any part of the world. You can see the mountain Yaks in Pheriche. Yaks are normally regarded as the porters in this area. The town of Pheriche is known as windy town. There you can see the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. Here there is a Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post and foreign volunteer doctors are to provide medical treatment to trekkers as well as local people in the busy season. -
Day 12
Trek Pheriche to Tengboche (3,867 m/4 hrs)
An easier descend passing through rhododendron forest, it is a small village with a famous monastery offering you the splendid view of Ama Dablam, green hills and river views. -
Day 13
Trek Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/4 hrs-6 hrs)
The walk from Thyangboche is mostly downhill on the main busy trail with a few steep climbs for an hour from the bridge at Phungitenga (3,250 m) near to Sanasa. The walk to Namche is very scenic and follows a long winding path. En route, you will visit the traditional villages of Khumjung and Khunde. Here is an opportunity to visit one of its monasteries, the only monastery that has a Yeti Scalp. From Khumjung village another 30 minutes walk brings you to the village of Khunde, where you can visit the Khunde Hospital founded by The Sir Edmund Hillary` Himalayan Trust. After Khunde, a scenic and pleasant walk brings you to Namche for overnight. -
Day 14
Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,846 m/ 6-7 hrs)
The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo, Phakding to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote - Koshi River crossing it 5 times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay. -
Day 15
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (35/40 minutes)
You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu, after checking in at the hotel you have the rest of the day to explore the city and enjoy yourself. -
Day 16
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
On this day our tour guide brings you to visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square & Patan Durbar Square another ancient city/ kingdom in the Kathmandu valley till 1768, full of arts and architecture. It`s very worth to visit them. We are sure, you will enjoying a lot! We bet you! -
Day 17
Airport transfer
We arrange your transfer to the airport for your departure at the appropriate time. Note: one could do this trek from 15-20 days, depending in age, experience, time, interest, budget & so on! We could make all types of itineraries on your request!
Trip Info
Health Requirements
You are preparing for a trek in the higher altitudes of remote Himalayan region. Hence during this treks, the physically, emotionally & mentally demanding mountain trek & you may face Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), if you trek/hike quickly/ascended too fast as well as other health related problems. In this regard, Botanical Treks & Excursion strongly recommends for those travelers with pre-existing medical conditions like heart, lungs and blood pressure/diseases make know to us before booking this trip.
Experience Requirements
The remote mountain trekking requires 4 – 6 hours walking in per day a basis and at times it even exceeds to 7 – 8 hours depending on your walking pace, age groups, weather condition & seasons. Despite this fact, we do not suggest you for mandatory hiking or technical climbing experiences. Yet, it will be better if you have a regular jogging habit of few weeks before booking this trip.
Travel Insurance
Botanical Treks & Excursion does not sell or arranges any kind of insurance plan/packages for foreigners except local staff/s. Yet, it will be mandatory to join our trips that you should be insured for comprehensive expenses that may arise from the trip for your own safety. Your Insurance plan must be covering medical/travel issues as well as unforeseen accidents that may occur to the trips. In such a case, you may to take the facility like an air ambulance, helicopter rescue, Clinical attention and so on.
Acclimatization
Trekking in higher altitudes may even cost the life of travelers! The more you go higher elevation/height, the lesser will be availability of Oxygen pressure in the air. Therefore, your body requires a few days too many days to adopt the newer situation/climate in an environment with less oxygen. The higher you climb the more will be the possibility of undergoing through Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) problems. Hence, Botanical Treks & Excursion`s itineraries are extremely concern on this problem/issue. With our expert team, you can easily cops with altitude sickness problems. The AMS will attract you after 3,000 m. The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), non-profitable medical institution recommends to all trekkers/hikers to ascend slowly after 3,000 m (either ascends 300 m each day or every 600 m spend an extra night, the same altitude). The rule is slowly ascents to go higher elevation to be safe!
Trekking Crew Arrangement
To facilitate the best trekking experience in the Himalayas, Botanical Treks & Excursion has arranged most hospitable as it is possible, more professional and long-terms experienced crew members. Your local trip member/s will have most extensive knowledge about mountain trails, mountain names & its height/elevation, people & their cultures, religions, socio-cultural aspects, eco-system, flora & fauna, geography of the respective treks/trips and history of the local regions. Besides, our crew members are fully undergone through Rock climbing, Ice climbing, Mountaineering, Intensive wilderness First Aid knowledge, Trekking guides, Eco trekking, knowledge about Responsible tourism business, Sustainable development, English language, Conservation & preservation basic knowledge and Bio-diversity trainings.
Meals Facilities
During the trek in the mountains, you will be served 3 times meals a day with typical Nepali food/meal along with Tibetan, Chinese, Indian, Continental & Italian dishes, depending on your choices. You will have an access to have hot chocolate, tea and other hot drinks as well, breads and snack as well in the camping/tented treks. The early morning breakfast and dinner will be served at the same tea houses or at the local lodges where you spend the night. At times, you too have to enjoy the breakfast and the lunch at the camping overnights sites. Unlike this, you will take your lunch on the way in the mountain trails in the side trips/day excursion. The lunch will be prepared for your team member of the camping/tented treks & in teahouse/lodges treks at local lodge/guest houses. At the climax of the trip, you will enjoy a trip celebration dinner in Kathmandu.
Accommodations Arrangements
During your stay in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan & other cities, you will enjoy the budget accommodation to best class hotel /resorts accommodation depending on your budget, interest & hobbies where as on the other hand in the mountain trail, you will have to adjust at twin sharing, double bed & single bed rooms basis accommodations at the standard lodges or tea houses, mostly common sharing bathroom & toilet/rest rooms. However, you have to consider the remoteness of travelled places where single room may not be feasible at all the times & need to be the share with someone else in the peak season. Most of the teahouses/lodges are either double bed rooms or twin sharing rooms. Some of the majors trekking destinations, there are deluxe comfortable hotels & Resorts is also available.
Porter Care
We are tremendously concern over the rights of the porters who facilitate traveler`s adventure dreams in the Himalayas. Without porters hard working, your dream to go to mountains will not be certain/guaranteed. It is our serious concern that the porters should be well paid, make sure their warm clothing, well equipped and treated equally even in the harsh situation in the remote Himalayas. In case of emergency situations, we give equal to rescue facilities as other team members get in the adverse situation in the higher altitude including rescue services by Helicopter. Besides this, we too are concern about International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) which works in the field of trekking porter/s by protecting the rights of porter, basic language training to express their problems, make sure for enough warm clothing & other equipment, compulsory Insurance facility. In doing so, we recommend all our trekkers in the Himalayas just to keep their luggage under 30 kg so that it can be handled by porters smoothly in the higher mountains. If possible, try to make about 25 Kg. over 4,000 m & high passes.
Environmental Concerns
Being human beings, it is our responsibility to protect natural & cultural order, to conserve environment and to love nature. Himalayan region is ecologically very much fragile and hence we try to practice “to leave just footprints and take photos” so that future generation will to have chances to experience the beauty of Himalayan region. Respecting natural balance and being sensible towards local environment yields into protecting local cultures as well. Hence, our trip operations tremendously focus on environmental issues in the Himalayas and thereby eco-tourism.
Trekking Group Arrangement
Botanical Treks & Excursion generally provides one trek guide/trekking leaders for the trip operation and porter/s for luggage carrying. It means if there are 4 trekkers, there will be one trek guide & two porters. In the case of porter/s arrangements, there will be one porter for each two paying trekker. This arrangements helps to carry out the trip smoothly even in the adverse situation. Our trips generally accommodate the group of 10 people at a time. Despite this arrangement, we can adjust or run the trips over than 10 people at a time as well as.
Best Seasons
The best seasons of travelling/trekking in the Himalayas are autumn season (September-November) and spring season (March-May). Apart from these two seasons, there is a possibility of trekking in the Himalayas even in the winter and summer seasons which is called off-seasons. In the winter season, cold, snowing & flight delay or cancellation slightly affects the trips & high passes could be closed. But, travelling/trekking in the summer season comes with tremendous rewards for a passionate botanist despite of rainy days, flooding, landslides, flight delay or cancellation like winter season. It will be great in the least rain fall regions & high passes, where are lots of wild orchid blooming.
For More Information
If you are in need of more information on any kinds of trips, please contact us at info@botanicaltreks.com, botanicaltreks@gmail.com & rameshpaneru@hotmail.com
