Epic Everest Base Camp Teahouse Trek

Arrive at Kathmandu and be welcomed by our tour guide. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and has direct air connectivity to most major cities in the world. It is a bustling city of close to 3 million people located in a valley in the central Himalayas at about 1400m above sea level. Considered among the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, Kathmandu is a charming mix of the ancient and the modern. In the 60s and 70s, it was the terminal point of the famous hippie trail. From the 1990s onwards, it became a hub for mountaineers heading to Everest. It isn’t for nothing that legendary musicians such as Cat Stevens and Bob Seger have penned odes to Kathmandu.

We convene tonight over dinner to celebrate the commencement of a spectacular adventure through the highest mountain range on earth.

Our journey on the Everest Base Trek begins by boarding a small twin-engine aircraft that will take us to Lukla (2840 m). From there, we commence our trek with a descent towards Ghat (2490 m), situated in the picturesque valley of the Dudh Kosi, also known as the Milk River. Moving forward, we continue our trek to Phakding (2610 meters), where we will spend our first night on this exhilarating adventure.

Hiking Hours: 2-3

A challenging day awaits us as we embark on a strenuous ascent of approximately 900 meters towards Namche Bazaar. Along the way, we enter the breathtaking Sagarmatha National Park upon reaching Monjo. As we hike, we are greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of Thamserku (6,608 meters) towering above us, creating a sense of grandeur. The Dudh Kosi accompanies us for the fifth and final time, and we must cross it, facing a demanding final climb that takes us high above the rushing river towards Namche Bazaar. From this elevated vantage point, if the weather is clear, we are rewarded with remarkable views of Mount Everest and Lhotse in the distance. Our accommodation for the night is a comfortable lodge nestled within the bustling city of Namche Bazaar, situated at an altitude of 3500 meters. For those interested, a short walk towards the military camp and around the corner unveils the breathtaking sight of Everest and Ama Dablam. Namche Bazaar is renowned as a vibrant commercial hub, particularly on Saturdays when the famous market takes place, attracting lodge owners who come to procure their supplies.

Hiking Hours: 4 ½ -5 ½

We allocate a day for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar, recognizing the importance of adjusting to the altitude. During this time, we embark on a brief hike that offers captivating vistas of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Everest. By simply venturing around the corner in the direction of Kenjoma, we enjoy a scenic lunch break, allowing ourselves to gradually acclimate to the higher elevation. This crucial acclimatization period is necessary as the upcoming days will involve continuous uphill treks.

Hiking Hours: 4-5

Today, we embark on a relaxed and leisurely walk through Thamo towards the charming village of Thame, situated at an elevation of 3800 meters. As we journey gradually, we take our time, mindful of the increasing altitude. Along the way, we are treated to stunning views of the opposite side of the valley, where the towering peaks of Nupla, Shar, and Lho Nup majestically dominate the skyline. Our path follows the contours above the Bhote Kosi river, offering picturesque vistas throughout. Upon reaching Thame, a visit to the monastery is highly recommended, providing a meaningful and culturally enriching experience. To the east of Thame lies the enchanting Rolwaling area, adorned with magnificent high peaks bearing evocative names such as Bigphera Go Shar, Panayo Tippa, and Engi Rai Tau.

Hiking Hours: 4

We retrace our steps along a familiar path, heading back towards Namche Bazaar. During the return journey, we are treated to captivating views of Kangtaiga and Thamserku, which grace the landscape with their majestic presence. Beyond Phurte, our route takes us through the picturesque village of Shyangboche before eventually arriving at the charming village of Khumjung, nestled at an altitude of 3800 meters. However, before reaching the top of Shyangboche village, we encounter an hour-long ascent from the junction. Once atop the nearby hill, a breathtaking panorama awaits, offering splendid views of Ama Dablam and the surrounding mountains. In Khumjung, we have the delightful opportunity to indulge in the offerings of a German bakery, savoring the delectable flavors of oven-fresh bread and authentic coffee. This village boasts excellent educational facilities, a testament to the remarkable efforts of the renowned Sir Edward Hillary. For those interested, an additional side trip to the upper village of Khunde, renowned for its hospital, presents itself as an enticing possibility.

Hiking Hours: 5

Starting from Khumjung, we embark on a descent of less than an hour, leading us to Pangboche Phunki Tenga at an altitude of 3250 meters. From there, we face a challenging uphill climb of 600 meters, eventually arriving at the scenic Tengboche. On the other side of the valley, Thamserku (6608 m) and Kangtega (6685 m) proudly stand high above, offering a majestic backdrop to the surroundings. The Tengboche monastery, the largest in the region, holds great significance. Though it was tragically destroyed by a fire in 1989, it was painstakingly rebuilt in its original style through generous donations and support. While savoring delightful treats from the bakery, we can relish the breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. Tengboche also presents an opportunity to visit the monastery and explore the museum, immersing ourselves in the rich cultural heritage of the area. Moving forward from Tengboche, our journey continues with a descent through a magnificent rhododendron forest, followed by crossing the Imja Khola. From there, we gradually ascend and reach Pangboche (4000 m), where we spend the night in close proximity to one of the oldest monasteries in the region.

Hiking Hours: 6 (680 meters down, 840 meters of climbing)

Leaving Pangboche behind, we are greeted by breathtaking views of the magnificent Ama Dablam. Along our path, we encounter numerous prayer walls, known as Mani walls, which we respectfully pass on the left side as per tradition. Continuing our journey, we make our way towards Orsho, where the vibrant rock paintings add a splash of color to the surroundings. As we proceed, we cross the enchanting Lobuche Khola and catch glimpses of the majestic Pumori in the northern direction. A final ascent brings us to Dingpoche (4410 meters), a captivating village that stretches gracefully at the base of the mighty Ama Dablam (6856 meters). Here, we pause for a well-deserved lunch, and for those interested, there is an option to undertake a trip to Nagkar Tshang, reaching an elevation of 5080 meters. The cold of the evening begins to make its presence felt as the sun gradually disappears behind the towering peaks.

Hiking Hours: 5

Leaving our main luggage at the lodge, we embark on a day's walk carrying only a light daypack as we make our way towards Chhukung, the final village in the eastern direction. With each step, we draw closer to the imposing Island Peak, a climbing peak that reaches nearly 6200 meters in height. Upon reaching Chhukung, we are greeted by a breathtaking sight: the awe-inspiring northern ice wall of Lhotse. This panoramic view leaves a lasting impression. We have ample time to explore the area and consider taking a side excursion, such as ascending towards Chhukung Ri (5550 meters) or walking in the direction of Island Peak's base camp (around 5000 meters). It's important, however, not to push ourselves beyond our limits, as we have the challenging Cho La Pass ahead later in the week.

Hiking Hours: 5

Today's journey takes us across the Thukla Pass, situated at an altitude of 4830 meters, marking a significant milestone in our trek. From there, we ascend a total of 500 meters to reach Lobuche at an elevation of 4910 meters. As with previous days, we continue our acclimatization efforts by ascending an additional 200 meters in the afternoon, allowing our bodies to adjust gradually to the higher altitude. This measured approach is crucial for ensuring our well-being and maximizing our enjoyment of the trek.

Hiking Hours:5

Approximately 30 minutes after leaving Lobuche, we have the opportunity to embark on a short detour from the main trail. This detour leads us to an Italian research center, uniquely shaped like a pyramid, which focuses on collecting and monitoring climatological data. Nestled close to a glacier, this center offers a captivating setting to appreciate the surrounding natural beauty. Our journey then continues towards Gorak Shep (5140 m), the highest-located accommodation along this trek. The walking duration for this leg is approximately 4-5 hours. Following a satisfying lunch in Gorak Shep, we embark on an ascent of Kala Patthar (Black Rock) at 5550 m. From the summit, we are rewarded with a breathtaking sunset view and a close-up perspective of the majestic Mt. Everest and its picturesque surroundings. The climb to Kala Patthar and back typically takes around 3 hours, allowing us to soak in the awe-inspiring vistas before descending.

Hiking Hours: 6

We embark on an exciting journey as we make our way to Everest Base Camp (5364 m), a significant starting point for numerous climbing expeditions. Along the way, we are captivated by the remarkable sight of the Khumbu glacier, its intricate structure and icy expanse leaving us in awe. After reaching the base camp and relishing the experience, we retrace our steps, descending along the same trail back to Lobuche. This return journey allows us to reflect on the incredible landscapes and achievements we encountered along the path to Everest Base Camp.

Hiking Hours: 7

Departing from Lobuche, we retrace our steps along the familiar trail, making our way back to Tukla. From there, we opt for the lower path that leads us towards Pheriche, descending further down until we reach Orsho. At this juncture, the higher route veers towards Upper Pangboche, while we pause for a final tea or snack before continuing our journey. Following a narrow mountain path that traverses steep slopes, we eventually arrive at the charming village of Phortse (3810 m). The picturesque surroundings and warm hospitality of Phortse make it a delightful place to conclude this leg of our trek.

Hiking Hours: 6-7

A relatively short trek of 2-3 hours brings us to the vibrant hub of Namche Bazaar (3500 meters). Initially, we descend to the river at Phortse Tengi, followed by a final ascent towards Mong La. Upon reaching Mong La, we are greeted by a breathtaking panorama that offers a perfect view of the majestic Ama Dablam and the surrounding mountains. As we continue our journey, we encounter a mix of ups and downs before finally arriving in Namche. Here, we have ample time to indulge in some shopping and savor delicious cuisine. Compared to the temperatures of two days ago, we can certainly feel a more pleasant and comfortable climate.

Hiking Hours: 5

On this final day of our trek, we retrace our steps along the familiar path we took to reach our destination. As we bid farewell to the Sagarmatha National Park, we pass through Monjo and once again cross the Dudh Kosi River, this time traversing it four times. Continuing our hike, we gradually descend to Ghat, encountering some ups and downs along the way. Finally, a last climb leads us to the bustling Lukla airport, where we joyfully kick off our shoes and join in the festivities of a heartfelt goodbye party with our dedicated staff. It's a time to celebrate the memorable journey we've had together and reflect on the incredible experiences we shared.

Hiking Hours: 5

We start our day with an exhilarating morning flight from Lukla, soaring through the Himalayan skies, as we make our way back to Kathmandu. The scenic flight offers a mesmerizing view of the mountains and valleys below, providing a fitting finale to our trekking adventure. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we are greeted by the bustling cityscape and the vibrant atmosphere that characterizes Nepal's capital. We can spend the remainder of the day exploring the city's rich cultural heritage, visiting iconic landmarks such as Durbar Square or the sacred sites of Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. In the evening, we can indulge in a celebratory dinner to commemorate the successful completion of our Everest Base Camp trek. It's a time to reflect on the unforgettable moments, friendships formed, and the incredible achievement of reaching the base of the world's highest peak.

Please make your departure arrangements according to your onward travel plans. We highly recommend allocating an extra day in Kathmandu as a buffer in case of any unforeseen delays, such as flight cancellations or rescheduling.

While we strive to adhere to the planned itinerary, it's important to note that certain factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments during the trip. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our travelers, and any itinerary changes will be made in consideration of local conditions and circumstances to ensure the best possible experience for all participants.