Tour Overview
Everest (8848m) - there is no greater mountain. This lodge-based trek follows in the footsteps of the great climbing parties. Trekking through Sherpa country past cultivated fields and small villages, we follow the Dudh Kosi before the hard work begins as we climb up to Namche Bazaar. Above the tree-line the scenery is stark but spectacular. The incredible monastery at Thyangboche is a photographer's paradise, set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam, Everest and other huge, snowcapped peaks. With time for acclimatisation en route, our goal is Everest Base Camp on the Khumbu Glacier and the opportunity to climb Kala Pattar (5545m) for a breathtaking view of the highest mountain on earth. As this route has good teahouses along its length and most campsites are now within settlements, this trip uses teahouses as accommodation. Please see our Teahouses versus Camping webpage for more information. Episodes Newsletter - Anna Cietak, Exodus' Sales Consultant, writes about Everest Base Camp (August 2009).'How did Everest Base Camp do in our Battle of the Treks? (July 2009).
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Arrive Kathmandu in the early evening and transfer to the Royal Singi Hotel.
Day 2
Today there is a half-day tour of Kathmandu, led by a trained local guide. The tour visits the Durbar Square in the heart of the old city. Here is the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving and four fine towers. All around is a maze of temples and images, such as the terrifying Black Bhairab. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing - you may like to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Bodnath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. There will also be a full trek briefing today.
Day 3
We fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (2,800m), and set off on the first short leg of our trek, heading northwards up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (or 'milk river'). We descend from the small plateau, which only just manages to hold Lukla airstrip, down into the forested valley. The trail offers some tantalising views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2,652m), where we spend our first night.
Day 4-5
We spend today acclimatising to the altitude, exploring fascinating Namche Bazaar and its surrounding villages, a chance to introduce ourselves properly to the Sherpas and their way of life. A walk up into the less-visited Thame Valley will reward us with excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Returning to Namche there is time in the afternoon to see the National Park museum.
Day 6-7
This morning we descend gradually to the river; we cross it at the little settlement of Phunki Thangkha at 3,250m, then climb to Thyangboche at 3,867m to watch the sunset on the fantastic panorama of mountains surrounding us. Visitors should be careful to respect the spirit of this special place, particularly by observing the ban on killing or hurting any living creature in the area. Because of the ban, the wildlife is unusually unafraid and previous groups have spotted musk deer in the area. We spend time in Thyangboche before descending a short way to stay overnight in Devoche.
Day 8-9-10
We spend a day at Dingboche to continue our acclimatisation. Those adapting well to the altitude can climb Nangkartshang Peak at 5,100m for great views of Chalotse, Tawoche and Ama Dablam. Back on the trek again, the trail from Dingboche ascends, emerging onto the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier from where we have a beautiful panorama of the peaks lying on the Nepal-Tibet border. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuje (4,930m) a tiny hamlet with a few teahouses. The sunset on Nuptse is not to be missed.
Day 11-12
Another long day and again we leave very early. Trekking across a glacier, the trail winds up and down through fascinating ice seracs to the area known as Everest Base Camp, where, usually in spring, we may see some of the expedition teams as they prepare to climb the mountain. From the Base Camp we get fantastic close up views of the Khumbu Ice Fall and we can appreciate just how difficult it is to negotiate a route through the huge blocks of ice. We retrace our steps to Gorak Shep and then further down to Lobuje for the night.
Day 13-14-15
We descend off the ridge to Phunki Tenga and walk back to Namche Bazaar along a beautiful undulating trail high above the Dudh Kosi. Descending through Namche Bazaar, we pick up our outward trail again towards Chaunrikhara. Here we leave the main trail and climb the short distance to the airstrip at Lukla.
Day 16
We fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel.
Day 17
Day free in Kathmandu for individual sightseeing.
Day 18
We fly to London, arriving into the UK in the afternoon.
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