Everest Trekking in Nepal

Gorkha International Travels

Managing Director

Published Jun 26, 2018

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Trekking in Nepal with Gorkha International Travels & Treks P Ltd

Everest Base camp Trek- Nepal

Duration: 15 Days Trip Code: GITTNP-EBC-TREK

Primary activity: Trekking and Hiking

Secondary activity: Cultural and Historical Tours

Group size: 2-12 people Max-Altitude: 5,364m/17,594ft

Country: Nepal

Transportation: Private car in city and airplane Arrival on: Kathmandu, Nepal Departure from: Kathmandu, Nepal Trip grade: Moderate Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu and full-board meal during the trek Accommodation: 3 nights at Hotel Shanker in Kathmandu. 11 nights at local lodges in Himalaya.

Trip Introduction

Reach the base camp of the tallest mountain peak while staying in the high quality lodges of the Khumbu region. Through this trip Gorkha International Travels & Treks P Ltd serves an exciting opportunity for anyone desiring to visit the base camp of the world's highest mountain by staying in the finest local luxury lodges at the base of the impressive Mt. Everest.

The Everest Base Camp Luxury Lodge Trek, one of the grandest treks in the world, is an unparalleled opportunity to trek in the Himalayas where Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay set off on their epic journey in 1953. The trip also includes acclimatization and a cultural trek into the scenic Sherpa heartland of the Khumbu Valley. Another remarkable feature of the trip is the opportunity to stay at the finest local luxury lodges and experience the typical Himalayan lifestyle. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Himalayan range near the Khumbu region with four of the world's six tallest peaks of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Cho Oyu rising above everything in view. Besides trekking, take a glimpse into the life of world famous climbers, the Sherpas. The trek further provides an immense opportunity to survey around the world heritage site of the Sagarmatha National Park which hosts a variety of Himalayan flora and fauna and to explore the highest Buddhist monasteries in the world.

Our Everest Base Camp Luxury Lodge Trek begins with a sightseeing tour of the historical and cultural monuments in Kathmandu - the temples, shrines, gompas, stupas, bazaars, streets, and monuments. The next day, head for an interesting mountain flight to Hillary Airport at Lukla, also featured in the National Geographic. Further, it will be a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Sherpas, where we are greeted by spectacular mountain vistas. We continue our trek following the trail to a famous vantage point, Kala Patthar, which offers a marvelous 360-degree panorama of the Himalayas. After achieving our target of Everest Base Camp, we trek back down to Lukla for a return flight to Kathmandu.

Best Season

Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Everest Base Camp Trek. The weather is sunny and warm with outstanding views. But the nights are cold and can fall to freezing level in higher elevations. Winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb) is also good for Everest Base Camp Trek, the only issue is cold (obviously). Trekking in summer or monsoon (June, July) will be affected by rain but the summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist. The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn. But during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and visitors can enjoy the best that nature has to offer.

Day to day Itinerary offer by Gorkha International Travels & Treks P Ltd

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]

Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Gorkha International Travels & Treks P Ltd who will drop us off at our hotel. After checking in, we take a rest or visit ours office. We may also stroll in the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Gorkha International Travels & Treks P Ltd. For dinner, you will be served excellent Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country's food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Dinner

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of PashupatiNath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (BouddhaNath) which is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Gorkha International Travels & Treks P Ltd briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us an opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 03: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding [2,652m/8,700ft]: 3 - 4 hrs

After breakfast, we will be escorted to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After a 40-minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Upon arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding at Yeti Mountain Home or similar hotel.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 04: Phakding - Namche Bazaar [3440 m/11,280 ft]: 5 - 6 hrs

Walking through a beautiful pine forest, the track leads us along the Dudh Koshi River through many suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. First, we catch the wonderful prospect of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618 m). Through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We pass through the last village of Jorsale before reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail climbs through the forests and bridges until we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. After a final steep ascent of about two hours we get our first sight of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Upon this juncture, we stop at Chautara to admire the view. We still need to hike about 1.5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar, a gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. We stay overnight in Namche Bazaar at Yeti Mountain Home or similar hotel.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 05: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day

This is the scheduled 'acclimatization' day for this trek. Health experts recommend that we stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day's hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. Our guides will take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung. We further climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley, surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila, hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We also visit the Hillary School which is at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, we walk back down to Namche Bazzar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar at Yeti Mountain Home or a similar hotel.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 06: Namche Bazzar to Deboche[3820m/1253ft]: 5 - 6 hrs

Upon having breakfast, we start our trek towards Pangboche enjoying a superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and a close-up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows on the gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking a magnificent view of the great Himalaya. Along the way, we can spot wild lives like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sansa, which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through the pine forests and after we cross the prayer-flag festooned bridge over Dudh Koshi River. Upon crossing the river, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga, we then have a tough little climb that goes steeply up through the pine forests until we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close-up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has the biggest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region. Walking along rhododendron forests for about an hou,r we reach Deboche. Overnight in Deboche at Hotel Robonder.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 07: Deboche to Dingboche [4360m/14304ft]: 4 - 5 hrs

We start our trek after our morning breakfast. We pass through several chortens, mani walls and small villages. While on the journey, we enjoy lunch with fantastic close-up views of Ama-Dablam. In the afternoon, we go north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Ama Dablam. From here onwards the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley ahead will begin to open up as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. Then after the confluence, we descend into the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. Upon arrival in Dingboche, we enjoy the beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect the barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight in Dingboche at a local lodge.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 08: Dingboche - Duglha [4,600 m/15,090 ft]: 3 - 4 hrs

Today, we start the day with a climb to Duglha through the Khumbu Khola valley. The trek along the arid terrace is awarding with awesome views of mountains on all sides. As we come to a yak herder's place called Dusa, the valley begins to narrow and we continue through Phulung Karpo, the camp sites during first successful Everest Expedition in 1953. Above Phulung Karpo is Chola Lake. As we continue our trek the majestic view of Mt. Pumori (7138 m/ 23418 ft) comes into view. As the trail descends and curves, Mt. Pumori hides and we come across a roaring stream. After crossing a small wooden bridge, we ascend to Dugla. We can see the tip of Nuptse from this juncture as well as Cholatse, Thamserku, and several other magnificent peaks. Spending a night in Duglha is ideal for acclimatization. Overnight in Duglha at a local guest house.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 09: Duglha - Lobuche [4940 m/16,207 ft]: 2 - 3 hrs

Beyond Duglha we trek up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We find our way through the boulder-strewn slope as we ascend Chupki Lhara, an eerie ridge top with dramatic mountains views. At the top of the ridge, we will find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (mountain guide from Nepal) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves right in front of several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. We are now in the vicinity of Everest but the great mountain still remains hidden. Nuptse towers to the right as the trail crosses the Khumbu Glacier. As we trek along a murmuring stream we do not see the Khumbu glacier because of its lateral moraine wall, and we now begin to feel a little out of breath due to high altitude. Overnight in Lobuche at a local lodge.

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 10: Lobuche - Gorak Shep [5170 m/16,961ft] - Everest Base Camp [5364 m/17,594 ft] - Gorak Shep: 8 - 9 hrs

The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass though the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail, we see the crest of the north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, and Nuptse. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive a 360-degree vista of the snowy mountains. Upon climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of the Changri glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world - Mount Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. As we reach Everest Base Camp we cannot help appreciating the Everest climbers that take the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineers’ tents stand out in bright colors against all the dull gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from base camp. Everest actually is not visible from this juncture. By now we have met the ultimate objective of our trip.

However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is recommended that we visit Kala Patthar today during sunset. As the setting sun's rays strike the snow-capped mountains, the resulting scenery is incredible. For those trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar, Himalayan Glacier guides and Sherpas coordinate our hike to Kala Patthar for an amazing sunset view today rather than tomorrow. Overnight in Gorak Sherp at a local lodge.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 11: Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar - Pheriche [4280 m/14,070 ft]: 8 - 9 hrs

Today is the climax of our trip. We start early at dawn to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mt. Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. Plus there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding view points to snap pictures. After several hours of ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. From here, we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar rocks and our eyes take in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we possibly can with our camera so they can last a lifetime. On returning to Gorak Shep, we have breakfast and wait for the other participants to return back.

Those visitors who plan to visit Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start early as Everest Base Camp hike takes longer (4-5 hrs) than the Kala Patthar hike. Upon returning back to Gorak Shep, the group will have lunch together and afternoon time is taken to descend down to Pheriche for a good night rest. Overnight at a local lodge.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 12: Pheriche-Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazzar [3,440 m/11,280 ft]: 6 - 7 hrs

At this moment of time, we trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it is spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings. Depending on our hunger and condition, we either have our lunch in Pangboche or wait until we reach Phunki Tenga. After crossing the prayer-flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, the trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction in the region. We stop at Kyangjuma (3570 m/11,710 ft) for a relaxed lunch. We appreciate the gorgeous Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse with every step of the way. After our lunch, the trail to Namche Bazaar clings to the steeply wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. We keep a lookout for wild life such as mountain goats, snow leopards, and colorful pheasants while passing through the forest. Upon passing a chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar. While here, we would like to take a long last look (and picture!) back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche. On reaching our lodge, we take a nice hot shower and have a very relaxed sleep in our room in Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar at Yeti Mountain Home or similar hotel.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 13: Namche Bazaar - Lukla [2,800m/9,186ft]: 6 hrs

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. Upon crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. Today onwards we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through the charming mountain air. Although we are travelling the same route down, we have completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance, snow-covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages' noticing an impressive faith in Buddhism and a culture of prayer stones and flags. Upon arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smiles on our faces! Overnight in Lukla at Yeti Mountain Home or similar Lodge.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 14: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us in Kathmandu. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel. If we get interested to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives, we can visit to some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel for authentic Nepalese goods. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast Dinner

Day 15: Final Departure

The journey comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but we just trade emails to travel companions and organize our photos. If we have more time we can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Gorkha International Travels & Treks P Ltd will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure trip in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Included meals:Breakfast

Important Note:

Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Gorkha International Travels & Treks P Ltd. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Please note that often the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight gets delayed by a few hours or may even be canceled for one, two, or more days due to unfavorable weather conditions. Such conditions may arise even in the best seasons. Hence, in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits either at Kathmandu or Lukla airports, as this can happen either at the start or end of the trek or even both! We will do our best to avoid such delays, and arrange the next flight for you. We also organize Helicopter rescue in such conditions, if it is available and upon request by our clients. The helicopter charges around USD 3500 and it can lift 4-5 persons per flight. Still, we suggest you to be prepared for possible delays/cancellations, and if possible to come with some extra buffer days (1-2 days) at the end of the trip to accommodate such delays. If everything runs smoothly and you still have a few days of your buffer days left then you may even engage yourself in optional activities which can be arranged by Gorkha International Travels & Treks P Ltd upon request. The optional activities may include visiting places/landmarks of your choice, adventure sports, shopping, etc.

In case the flight delay/cancellation happens at the start of trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip such as a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang, or any other region. If you are not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for your original preferred trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it takes to get a flight to Lukla. However, please note that there will be no refund, if you lose time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do a short trek later due to time limitation. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and lunch in a guesthouse in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancellation after finishing of the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses. Please also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transport, flight, etc.) included in the package that you would not use later.

Cost Included:

All airport/hotel transfers
4-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
Five nights in Luxury lodges and six nights in best available local lodges in mountain
All meals during the trek
Welcome and farewell dinners
All accommodation and meals during the trek
Domestic flights and airport departure taxes [ allowed to carry a maximum of 15 kg luggage altogether (including both back pack and day bag)]
An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Gorkha International Travels & Treks P Ltd duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
All necessary paper works such as National park permit, TIMS
Exclusive medical kit
All government and local taxes

Cost Not Included:

Nepal Visa fee (also bring accurate USD cash and two passport size photographs)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Excess baggage charges. If we carry more than 15 kg of luggage we will have to pay an extra amount of USD 1-1.5 per extra kg.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu(and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
Tips for guides and porters

The Trekking Group

For this trek, there will be one leader, assistant leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for carrying luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that if anybody in the group is sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. However, if the group size is large we may even make an addition to the number of helpers (guides/leaders/porters).

We believe that an optimum group size in order for this trip to be successful is between two to twelve people. However, if you would like to make a group booking for more than twelve visitors together, Gorkha International Travels & Treks P Ltd can arrange this too.

Accommodations

There are three styles of accommodations during Everest Base camp Luxury Lodge trekking. We will be staying at Hotel Shanker, a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu. During trekking, we will be staying all nights will be at the best available local lodges. The local lodges have shared washing and toilet facilities. All accommodations for Everest Base Camp Luxury Lodge trek are on a twin-sharing basis included in the trip cost. If we are a solo traveler, we will share a room with someone else of the same sex of our group. If we do not have partner to share a room or if we prefer a single room, we need to pay a single supplement fee of USD 980. By paying a single supplement, we will get a single room in Kathmandu and in luxury lodges but it might not be always feasible in local lodges.

Meals

During our Everest Base Camp Luxury Lodge trek, we can enjoy typical Nepali food, different ethnic cuisines as well as all types of international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, and Indian) from pizza and chips to apple pie. We can even enjoy hot chocolate, variety of breads, variety of drinks, and snacks. Breakfast of a day will be served from the tea house or lodge menu where we spent the night. Lunch will be served on the way to our destination and dinner and breakfast will be served at the tea house where you spend the night. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner and breakfast will be served during our stay in Kathmandu.

We hope you have all information about yours trip, if you want to know more details, you are always welcome & feel free to contact us.

Thanking you so much & see you soon.

Susil Pant

(Managing Director)

Gorkha International Travels (P.) Ltd.

Adventure Gorkhaland Treks & Expedition P Ltd

Z Street, 29, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal

Post Box: 3036 Tel: +977-1-4700541 | 4701012 | 4700402

Fax: +977-1-4700542

Email: gorkha@wlink.com.np |

Web: www.gtravel-nepal.com

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