Trekking

Everest Base Camp Short Trek

If you know nothing else about Nepal, you will definitely have heard of Everest Base Camp.  Here is your opportunity to follow the footsteps of great climbers – if not to the top of Everest, at least to its base! This trek gives plenty of time to acclimatize so you can get the best out of your experience. The highest point is what is known as the viewpoint of Everest - Kalapatthar – at 5,545m.  Here you will experience a really close view of Everest and surrounding mountains. On the way trek through alpine forests, witness Sherpa people in their daily lives, and visit Tengboche Monastery, the highest in the Region. This trek starts and ends with an exciting short flight to/from Lukla Airport and takes you all the way over glacial debris to view fabled names such as the Khumbu Glacier and Mount Everest itself. As this is a demanding trek, ensure you make physical preparations before arriving in Nepal.

Want to Know More?

If you would like to know more about this trip, or any other trip in Nepal, please do not hesitate to contact Sherpa and Swiss Adventures. Basically, the itineraries on our websites are for the most popular destinations. You can contact us and let us know your requirements: your intended length of stay, your hotels of preference, your choice of route for a trek, the places you would like to visit, or any kind of customization. We would love to hear your unique choices and travel ideas; based on which we can curate a blend of our ideas and come up with the most suitable trip itinerary for you as an individual or a group.

TOUR MAP AND ITINERARY

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu

It all starts here.  But first, the formalities…

 

Our airport representative will be there to meet you outside the terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.  You will recognise her/him from the Sherpa and Swiss Adventures signboard they will be holding. You will then be transferred to your hotel by our private tourist vehicle.

 

Later that day there will be a pre-trip meeting in our office.  If your flight arrives after 4pm you will be briefed when you reach your hotel.  Please ensure to ask any questions you may still have about the trip regardless as to when or where your briefing meeting takes place. 

 

Please bring to the meeting: your original passport, three passport-sized photos and your travel insurance policy (hard copy please). During the meeting we request you to clear any outstanding monies and sign the legally binding trip form and a non-liability disclaimer.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Day 2 : Today there are two options, as below.

Option 1:

 

Morning Sightseeing to Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Then Drive to Ramechhap: 4 hours drive at 2.00 AM in the morning of Day 3.

 

Today your Nepal adventure begins! After breakfast, at around 9.30am, our tour guide and private vehicle will collect you from your hotel to take you to some of the most historical and interesting heritage sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Valley has no less than seven world heritage sites; today we will cover two of them:

 

Pashupatinath: Pashupati Temple is the most holy and significant temple among worshipers of Lord Shiva.  Non-Hindus are not allowed into Pashupatinath Temple itself but by standing on the opposite banks of the Bagmati River visitors can view the ghats where worship and ritual bathing takes place.  A few metres downstream the burning ghats often present a horrific fascination. If that is too intimate, there are plenty of small shrines and trails to explore.

 

Boudhanath Stupa: Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.  Here in the early morning and late afternoon, hundreds of Tibetan and Nepali Buddhists come to circumnavigate the stupa in prayer with the sound of spinning prayer wheels and the ringing of bells filling the air. It is possible to eat in one of the many good restaurants around the stupa. 

 

Note: The rest of this afternoon is at your leisure.  We will leave from Kathmandu at 2am in the morning to reach Ramechhap for the flight to Lukla for the following reason:

 

The Government of Nepal has announced that until further notice most flights to and from Lukla will be from Ramechhap (Manthali Airport).  This will avoid heavy traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport.  The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 3-4 hours drive).  As Ramechhap is a very small town and off the usual tourist route, accommodation facilities are basic and limited.  It is likely that given this new situation, accommodation will be hard to find.  Thus driving direct from Kathmandu to Ramechhap in the early morning is the most realistic option.

 

Overnight (until 2am) at a hotel in Kathmandu. Included meals: breakfast.

 

Option 2:

 

Entire day sightseeing to Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu and fly next day from Kathmandu directly to Lukla via helicopter.

 

Today your Nepal adventure begins!  After breakfast, at around 10.00 am, our tour guide and private vehicle will collect you from your hotel to take you to some of the most historical and interesting heritage sites in Kathmandu.  Kathmandu Valley has no less than seven world heritage sites; today we will cover three of them:

 

Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath Stupa (or Monkey Temple as it’s often known) has great importance to the Valley’s indigenous Newar population whose religion is a unique blend of Buddhism and Hinduism.  We reach the top by a long staircase from the east. In addition to devotees, visitors can see many monkeys on the climb up to the stupa (please do not feed or pet them), and have a wonderful view over Kathmandu.

 

Boudhanath Stupa:  Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.  Here in the early morning and late afternoon, hundreds of Tibetan and Nepali Buddhists come to circumnavigate the stupa in prayer with the sound of spinning prayer wheels and the ringing of bells filling the air. It is possible to eat in one of the many good restaurants around the stupa. 

 

Pashupatinath: Pashupati Temple is the most holy and significant temple among worshipers of Lord Shiva.  Non-Hindus are not allowed into Pashupatinath Temple itself but by standing on the opposite banks of the Bagmati River, visitors can view the ghats where worship and ritual bathing takes place.  A few metres downstream the burning ghats often present a horrific fascination. If that is too intimate, there are plenty of small shrines and trails to explore.

There will be time for exploring the tourist hub of Thamel and doing last minute shopping for essential trekking snacks etc before dinner. 

 

Note: With this option you will avoid the middle of the night drive to Ramecchap and will fly directly by helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla on the morning of Day 03.

 

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. Included meals: breakfast.

Day 3 : Drive to Ramechhap and Fly from Ramechhap to Lukla via fixed wing flight OR Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla via helicopter. Trek to Phakding OR helicopter ride

Depending on your choice, today we fly from Ramechhap or from Kathmandu to Lukla. Estimated arrival time in Lukla is the same for either option. After your arrival in Lukla, your guide and porters will meet you and from here we trek to Phakding. The trail starts by descending to Cheplung village.  We may be able to catch sight of Mt Khumbila from here.  This is a sacred mountain which, as such, has never been climbed.  From here the trail descents till Phakding where you overnight.  This is where your climbing adventure begins!

Day 4 : Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Today the trail takes you upwards over steep inclines and across high suspension bridges. If you come in the springtime, your journey through the rhododendron forests will be filled with red and pink flowers. On the way you may be lucky to catch a glimpse of Mt Everest from the viewpoint on this part of the trail.  But don’t worry if the clouds are hiding the view – you will have plenty more opportunities.  Tonight sleep in the famous Namche Bazaar.

Day 5 : Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar

Today’s acclimatization day is designed to allow your body to get used to the altitude.  It also gives you a chance to explore the town or hike to Khumjung Village to visit the school and hospital set up by Sir Edmund Hillary as a thank you to the Sherpa people.  You can also visit Khumjung Monastery, where they have an (alleged) Yeti scalp!  Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere in Namche.  In the past this was the last stop for mountaineers to stock up on goods before setting off to scale Everest.  It still is a good place to purchase any chocolate or snacks you forgot to bring with you. 

Day 6 : Trek Namche Bazaar to Debuche

Debuche lies 30 minutes from Tengboche, where the highest monastery in the region can be found. To reach Debuche, pass through rhododendron forests and along the Dudh Koshi River.  The trail is steep but the views of the mountains are spectacular! Passing Tibetan prayer flags and smaller gompas on the route just adds to the flavor.   Overnight in Debuche.

Day 7 : Trek Debuche to Dingboche

Today follow the switchback trails along rushing rivers and through lush woods before the landscape becomes more barren and rocky.  The picturesque trail from Debuche, crosses the Imja River and takes us to Pangboche. On the Pangboche trail we gain pristine views of the Himalayas and of Pangboche Monastery. Trekking towards the Imja Valley and Lobuche River we begin climbing up to Dingboche. Overnight at Dingboche.

Day 8 : Dingboche: Acclimatization

In order to acclimatize to the increasing altitude, an acclimatization day is taken at Dingboche.  You can choose to relax around the village or hike up to Nangkartshang Hill.  It is a bit of a challenge to climb the rocky ridge so if you are feeling tired, perhaps it’s better just to stroll around less vertically challenging trails!

Day 9 : Trek Dingboche to Lobuche

The landscape has now lost any vegetation and the route becomes rocky and dry.  You really get the feeling of being a dwarf in a land of huge mountainscapes! Perhaps visit Memorial Hill, where there are flags and mani stones in memory of those who have lost their lives in the mountains.  Tonight overnight in the small village of Lobuche.

Day 10 : Trek Lobuche to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp

Gorak Shep is the name of a small, seasonal settlement which is the best place to set off for the ascent of Kalapattar, also known as the ‘Everest view point’.  Gorak Shep was base camp for the 1952 Swiss expedition to Everest.  Although unsuccessful, on that climb was Tenzing Norgay Sherpa who the following year made the first summit of Everest with Edmund Hilary.  Its takes approximately three hours to reach Everest Base Camp from Gorak Shep. From this vast open vista you will be able to see mountaineers setting up camp in the distance (it is not possible for trekkers to enter the exact same EBC area) and take in the magnificent and treacherous beauty of the Khumbu Icefall.  Overnight at Gorak Step in preparation for a dawn ascent of Kalapatthar.

Day 11 : Trek Gorak Shep to Kalapatthar to Pheriche

While trekkers are attracted by the fact they will visit Everest Base Camp, the real spectacular views of Mount Everest are from the top of Kalapatthar. At 5,545m this is the highest altitude we can trek in Nepal without requiring climbing permits. Its name means black rock and it is not so much a mountain but a ridge. But what views can be seen and photographed from here! Everest, Changtse and Nuptse mountains are so close you feel you can just reach out and touch them.  For most people, this is the closest they will get to Mount Everest.  And this is quite an achievement in itself! Sunrise and sunset from Kalapatthar are equally as spectacular, and which you see may well depend on weather conditions that day.  However, we are aiming for sunrise so will set off early in the morning. After spending some time basking in Nature’s glories, descend Kalapatthar, return to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then head to Pheriche where you overnight.

Day 12 : Trek Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

Although you are descending considerably today, this is the Himalayas – so expect some uphill parts also! As you get closer to Namche the forests and greenery returns, while overhead the mountains are still shining against the blue sky.  This is a long day, particularly after a hard day yesterday, but the satisfaction of knowing you made it to Everest Base Camp will keep you going.  Back at Namche Bazaar, tonight enjoy are really good dinner, with perhaps some real coffee or a beer!

Day 13 : Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Set off after breakfast to reach the airport town of Lukla where you will stay overnight before your early morning flight the next day.

Overnight at a lodge. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 14 : Fly to Kathmandu, free day or sightseeing to cultural sites (optional)

After breakfast fly out of Lukla. Take in your final views of the mountains from your plane window.  You can either fly to Ramechhap and drive (3-4 hours) to Kathmandu or take a helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu.  Please ask us about the helicopter option.

Please also ask if you would like us to arrange some culture sightseeing in Kathmandu for you. Or feel free to explore on your own. Tonight there is a farewell dinner. But please do come back again!

Day 15 : Final Departure

Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport three hours prior to the departure time. In case your flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel which will incur extra charges as the check out time is usually 12 pm. Your airport representative will pick you from your hotel accordingly and take you to the international airport for your onward flight.

Bon voyage and pheri bhetaula!

 

Included meals: breakfast

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT'S Not INCLUDED

Accommodation

You will be staying in your choice of hotel in Kathmandu. All accommodation is on a twin-share basis. Single supplement charge will be added for single rooms and will cost an additional USD 400 or more (depending on your hotel selection in Kathmandu). Also, please be clear that you will be trekking in remote village areas; services in the teahouses will be basic. We will try our best to arrange rooms with attached bathrooms; however, teahouses in some places do not have attached bathrooms. Paying single room supplement will get you a single room in Kathmandu but it might not be feasible on the trekking route. 

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well as more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or from the lodge where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the trail, on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking period (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There are many restaurant options in Kathmandu that you can explore on your own. There will be a welcome and a farewell dinner for our guests.