Epic Everest Base Camp Trek

Day 1 Kathmandu          
Namaste! Welcome to Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4pm today.          

Day 2 Kathmandu to Phakding    
Early this morning you’ll jump on a plane for a quick journey from Kathmandu to Lukla. Then it’s time to meet your porters and take some time to warm up with an exploration of the village of Lukla. After a safety talk, gear up and begin your trek to Phakding. You’ll descend towards the milky white waters of the Dudh Kosi River, where you will join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka. The walk is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat, it’s only a short walk to Phakding.          

Day 3 Phakding to Namche Bazaar    
Trek around 6 hours to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend a couple of days acclimatising to the altitude. Here, you’ll also get your first look at Everest itself.

Day 4 Namche Bazaar      
Stay at Namche Bazaar for another night so you can properly acclimatise to the altitude. Taking a walk to see both the sunrise and sunset views from the national park headquarters above the village is also a great option. This stunning vista includes a super panorama of the Khumbu peaks and great views of Everest.          

Day 5 Namche Bazaar to Khumjung      
Continue the ascent alongside Everest panoramas of towering Himalayan snow peaks. Through a maze of narrow lanes you’ll reach the oldest monastery in the Everest region. For a small donation, the resident monk will proudly show a Yeti skull that is kept securely locked inside the monastery – yep, a yeti!        

Day 6 Khumjung to Thyangboche    
Hit the Everest trail again and keep your eyes peeled for the Danphe pheasant (pretty bird) and Himalayan tahr (goat-like thing).  Enjoy views of Kantega, Ama Dablam and Everest.          

Day 7 Thyangboche to Dingboche
Climb above the tree-line and gradually climb to the village of Pangboche, and indulge in lunch where the peak of Ama Dablam dominates the skyline. Follow the trail high above the Imja Khola, passing the tea houses at Orsho, before again crossing the Imja Khola and old glacial moraines to a lodge in Dingboche.          

Day 8 Dingboche        
Today is another acclimatisation day, and you’ll stay in Dingboche for another night. There are a few different trails that you can hike, with day hikes to Ama Dablam base camp, Nagarjun Hill or Chukkhung.          

Day 9 Dingboche to Lobuche    
From Dingboche, ascend the small ridge behind the village above the Pheriche valley. Late in the morning you will cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla and take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines (stuff pushed along by the glacier) of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off Everest. In the afternoon, there will be a solid and quite steep climb on a rocky trail to the top of the moraines. No doubt you’ll be tired today, but remember that the big one is happening tomorrow – Everest Base Camp.  

Day 10 Lobuche to Gorak Shep via Everest Base Camp    
First, you’ll trek to Gorak Shep.  Grab a quick bite, gear up appropriately, and then head off towards Everest Base Camp. From Base Camp you will not get views of Mount Everest, but you are able to see glorious glaciers, lakes, caves, and the notorious Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm. It's regarded as technically the hardest and most dangerous section of the mountain. Then you’ll return from Base Camp to Gorak Shep.  

Day 11 Gorak Shep to Orsho
Wake really early for the trek to Kala Patar, where you’ll experience sensational sunrise views from this amazing vantage point. Then it’s all downhill from here – descend down to the small settlement at Orsho for the night.      

Day 12 Orsho to Namche Bazaar
Cross the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River, where there’ll be great views of the Imja Valley, Ama Dablam and Kantega. Descend steeply through beautiful forests of juniper before the trail contours high above the valley through Shanasa and on to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 13 Namche Bazaar to Lukla          
Set off on the last, steady 5 hours of the trek. Descend steeply down to the large suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River. Walk via Benkar through blue pine and rhododendron forest, with great views of Kusum Kangaru, through Phakding, then it’s only a short walk in the valley before making the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla, where you’ll say goodbye to your Sherpa crew. Get together with the rest of your group and pool your tips if you haven't already. Celebrate with a hot shower, a sleep, or with a few drinks with your group.    

Day 14 Lukla to Kathmandu    
Take the short flight from Lukla to Kathmandu this morning. Return to your accommodation and then enjoy some free time during the afternoon for further sightseeing or shopping.

Day 15 Kathmandu          
Depart at any time.