Everest Base Camp Trek

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu (1,400 meters) to Lukla (2,860 mt/9,383 ft) and trek to Phakding (2,652 mt/8,595 ft)
Everest Base Camp trek, it commence from Kathmandu flight to Lukla. Usually the flight takes place early in the morning, so one has to wake up early and reach the airport in time (5 am) where you will be accompanied by our Trek Guide. The flight to Lulka could be menanching to some people as it is considered one of the daunting airports elevated at higher altitude. The flight duration will be 45 minutes.

As soon as you get off at the airport, you will feel the difference in the weather. Upon clear weather snow-capped himalayas are visible. Your porter will be meeting the groups and you can separate essential and day pack items. One check post at Lukla known as Pasang Municipality will check our TIMS and permit then we will march on.

Today’s walk will be quite less as we will be staying at lower elevation than Lukla itself. A few hours walk from the airport crossing a few suspension bridges, streams and villages. The walk is interesting through the paved path, mane rocked embellished with mantras and prayer flags frequently passing trekkers and livestocks. And for tonight we will spend overnight at Phakding which is a small settlement by the bank of the river.

Day 02:  Phakding (2,652 mt/8,595 ft) to Namche Bazar (3,440 mt/11,286 ft)

After an early morning breakfast we will start our day. A few places like Banker, Manjo will be crossed, Manjo is the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park.We will be crossing a few suspension bridges along the way. Path includes both uphill,downhill and narrow sections. The path is majestic through the alpine forest, mane scripted rocks along the way, players flay flattering and spreading prayers in every direction. The final ascent will come after crossing the highest bridge which is approximately 80 meters which lies ahead of Namche. The ascent will take nearly 2 hours.
The walk will consist of 6 hours and tonight we will settle down in Namche which looks even more beautiful during night time.

Day 03: Acclimatization day in Namche (Exploring Khumjung Valley 3,970 mt/13,024ft)

This day is separated for adjustment to mitigate the risk of AMS(Acute Mountain Sickness). After the morning breakfast we will hike upto Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Statue which also offers the majestic view of Himalayas  (Mt Lhotse 8,516 meters, Mt Nuptse 7,861 meters, Mt Thamserku 6,608 meters, Mt Ama Dablam 6,812 meters).Then we will hike upto Syanboche Airport later to Everest View hotel and have a warm cup of tea overlooking the jaw dropping picturesque landscape. After that we will hike down to Khumjung Valley which will approximately take 45 minutes. We will have our lunch there. Do you know why Khumjung is also called green valley? It is  because all the roofs of the houses are green.

The whole walk will be in a circle and follow the rule of acclimatization, walk high sleep low. The whole duration of the walk will be 5-6 hours.

Day 04: Namche (3,440 mt) to Debuche (3,800 mt/12,467 ft)
As Namache is elevated 3,440 meters above the sea level, you will feel the chillness in the air and the variation in the vegetation. Today’s walk will involve steep downhill, uphill, rhododendron forest and also one of the oldest Monasteries known as Tengboche (Dawa Choling Gompa, 3,867 meters).The initial phase of the walk will be through the sloppy hill where the path is properly managed and you will often cross mane, chhorten protecting travelers along the way. For an hour the terrain will be plain and from Sanasa the path will be downhill upto Phungi Thenga (Probably lunch place).

Sanasa is the intersection from where the path for Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Ri is separated. Later crossing the suspension bridge of Phungi Thenga we will come across the steep hill of Tengboche. It will take us 2 hours to cross the uphill. Our tiredness will be addressed by the mystically beautiful view of soaring hills, mountains and the prayers in Gompa. The monks start praying after 3:30 pm and will last for half an hour which we can observe if we reach on time.Now, the ahead path will be downhill upto Debuche which will only take a few minutes to Debuche. 

Day 05: Debuche (3,800 mt) to Dingboche (4,410 mt/14,468 ft)
After breakfast we will leave Debuche around 7 am and the first phase of the walk will consist of a jungle walk crossing two suspension bridges. We suggest trekkers fill their backpack with all the essentials that are required throughout the day (Chocolate bar, water, raincoat/umbrella, electrolyte, jacket).
Today will be the transitional day where we will hike above the tree-line zone. After crossing Milinggo and Panboche the parched hills will cover our sight. We will be reaching Somare after three hours of trek then further the trail remains plain for an hour. The final uphill before reaching Dingboche will take roughly an hour. Tonight we will spend the night in Dingboche.

Day 06: Acclimatization - Hike to Nagakarsang (5,090 mt/16,699 ft)
This will be the second acclimatized day of our trek where we walk high and sleep low. We will ascend almost 600 meters from Dingboche to Nagakarsang which offers majestic view of surrounding mountains and even Makalu (8,481 meters) if the weather is clear.The elevation strikes our stamina and pace so hard that we can only take one step in one breath. It normally takes 5 hours for the hike however it also depends upon the group size and walking capability of the trekkers.Later we will have free time but we do not suggest trekkers to sleep rather indulging oneself into other activities like playing chess, board games, talking with fellow trekkers as sleeping might increase the risk of altitude sickness.

Day 07: Dingboche (4,410 mt) to Lobuche (4,940 mt/16,207 ft)
Dingboche is the perfect spot to overlook Mt Ama Dablam (6,812 meters). You can enjoy the morning breakfast, having a sip of tea/coffee overlooking the magnificent Mt Ama Dablam.Moreover, today’s walk will be gradual uphill upto Dughla which will take more than two hours. We will encounter the strenuous uphill of Dughla which could be challenging. After overcoming this ascent we will sit and pray for those who have lost their life while seeking towards the summit. The place has several memorial sites piled up with stones of those who have lost their lives. Keeping Mount Ama Dablam on the back group our footstep will march towards tonight's destination.Later crossing Dughla uphill, the path will be plain then gradual uphill until Lobuche. It will take an hour to get to Lobuche.

Day 08: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,164 mt/16,942 ft)and hike to Everest Base Camp (5,360 mt/17,585 ft)
Yeah! Today is the day of reaching the final destination which is Everest Base Camp. After breakfast at Lobuche we will head towards Gorakshep. After almost three hours we will be reaching at Gorakshep. The terrain will have glaciers on the ride side whereas on the left barren hill. The path will be rocky today so one must watch their steps. Frequently passing porters and travelers will make it more crowded. Later after having Lunch in Gorakshep we will stroll towards Everest Base Camp which will take roughly two hours. Be ready to bedazzled by the creation of the omnipotent. The feeling of accomplishment that we have sought for and the memory and experience that will last forever will be achieved today.The feeling is not describable in words, take back as memories as you can because it is the only one thing that will last forever. Those snowy-white mountains will definitely make you forget all the tiredness you have endured through the trek. Then we will head back to Gorakshep and spend the night.

Indeed it is time to talk about all the hardship that we encountered on our journey and we must hit the bed early because we got a big day tomorrow.

Day 09: Early morning hike to Kala Pathar (5,545 mt/18,192 ft) and trek back to Pheriche (4,371 mt/14,340 ft)
We will wake up around 3 am in the morning because it will take almost two hours to reach Kalapathar and we do not want to miss the glimpse of first ray touching the world highest pinnacle, Mount Everest.Without any doubt, this will be the moment which forsure remains forever ingrained in everyone's mind for lifetime. Do wear gloves, warm clothes, cap, buff as the crest gets windy. Imagine Mount Everest standing tall right in front of you whereas you are stagnant there surrounded by enormous Himalayas, thinking how on earth could this kind of place exist and you being the spy to witness everything.

It is time to fill up the space on your electronic device with pictures and videos. Later we will hike downhill towards Gorakshep then to Lobuche and Pheriche. Today's hike will be roughly 6 hours.

Day 10: Pheriche (4,371 mt) to Namche (3,440 mt)
Following the same trail we will hike back to Namche. Yes we will be walking two days distance in a day. As it is downhill and the majority of the path is descending it will be a lot easier to return.It will roughly take 7 hours from Pheriche to Namche Bazar, we will be spending our night here. There will be a shower facility which you can use on request or simply ask your guide to arrange for you.

Day 11: Namche to Lukla (2,860 mt)
Certainly, the path is long and for this reason we will have to start off early in the morning. The things, places that our sight missed while going to Base Camp will be at your sight. There might be a moment when you might feel like, is it the path that we took while ascending.The duration of the walk could be somewhere between 7-9 hours. Tonight we will stay at Lukla and leave tomorrow accordingly.

Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu
In a day lukla airport takes more than 6 flights which starts from early in the morning. Just in case as the Lukla flight mostly depends upon the weather, we would like to inform trekkers if flight got postponed due to weather which is not in our boundary, the firm will only cover the basic expenses for a day only not further beyond that. 

Qualification/Training

Best physical condition is required to do trekking in Nepal in high altitude. Lots of up down includes while doing trekking. We suggest running, walking, hiking in the hill, climbing stairs rather than elevator to prepare for the trek. Include swimming, rowing, biking in your daily base training.

Basic further Experience to do Trekking

• One should be able to hike for 6-7 hours a day.
• One should be able to carry 8 kg themselves on backpack for preparation.
• We suggest you to run about 4/5 miles in home for the preparation with some load on your back for 2 to 3 months to make yours climbing much more easier. Or use treadmill for everyday running and walking.
• If you have uphill location/mountain then once a week you should go to hike with load packed bag pack. If you do not have mountain and high hills then use stairs to go up/down than elevator.
• Do regular swimming, biking, rowing for additional training

1. Duffel Bag

A simple design without wheels and without foldable handles is best for your gear to be carried by porters. You can buy in thamel, although they are not as tough as the North Face Base Camp Duffel.

1. Sleeping Bag

Down-filled bags are fluffy, light and thick. 4-5 season sleeping with a muff an extra section around the neck that makes a big difference to the overall warmth of a bag is recommended. You can rent reasonable sleeping bags cheaply in Thamel.

1. Sleeping bag liner

Cotton – it saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth. Cotton or silk ones can be made in Thamel but are more easily brought from home. Fleece ones are readily available in Thamel.

1. Down Jackets

Extremely light, warm and easy to pack – they are very handy in cold regions, especially during chilly mornings and evenings. Better to get the down jackets that can hold against -10 °C up to 3000m and -20 °C for altitudes above 3000m. They can be easily bought or rented in Thamel.  

1. Daypack

This should be comfortable with a good waist band that transfers some of the weight to the hips. It needs to be big enough to hold all the items you need for the day till you reach the next camp like a jacket, water, camera and odds and ends.

1. Boots

Lightweight boots with good ankle support, plenty of toe room for long descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion are the best. Look at the inner lining -leather is good and Cambrelle is even better, a material that eats smelly feet bacteria. Try them in some steep terrain before trekking to find trouble spots.

1. Socks

Quality cotton mix sports socks (3-4 pairs) are good while in the low country. Thick trekking socks (3-4) are better for higher up and cool evenings. Mostly modern trekking boots fit snugly so wearing two pairs of socks at the same time is impractical.

• Camp shoes/sandals/flip-flops

A luxury for your feet at the end of the day is the most important thing. Sandals or running shoes are good. Flip-flops, available for cheap in Thamel, is a necessity for showers during the trek.

• Fleece Jacket

Most trekkers consider this essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket. In Thamel you can get almost any sort of fleece you need.

• Wind Jacket

Windproof and breathable jackets are comfort during windy days. Make sure they have hoods. Gore-tex (or similar) jackets are recommended for treks over passes or climbing trips. Lighter jackets should be a second jacket, easy to throw in the daypack in warmer days.

• Raincoat or Poncho

Bringing a raincoat/poncho or an umbralia is a sensible thing when you are in the mountains as you never know when Mother Nature wants to have some more fun.

• Nightwear thermals

Lightweight thermals are great for warm nights in the sleeping bag. It will help you to secure your energy. 

• Trekking pants                                         

You will live in these. Light material, loose and dark-coloured is the best. You can survive with only one pair, although two/three is better. Rather than Dark is recommended for the trek to attract even from the distance .

1. Warm skull cap/balaclava

Woollen/mixed synthetic warm cap or balaclava is nice for the evenings. Also it needs during the night to prevent from the cold or wind.

• Neck gaiter (Buff) 

For winter trekking they are really the best for staying warm. It will save you from the cold and prevent from sore throat. Also, this can be used for multipurpose. 

1. Trekking poles

Definitely useful, especially on steep, rough terrain, but if you are not used to using them you can survive without.

• Sunglasses

Suitable for snow, it’s bright up there, but specialized glacier glasses with side pieces are not needed. Contact lens wearers report very few problems except cleaning them in the conditions. Ski goggles are unnecessary.

1. Gloves

Fleece gloves are also a must. However, a good pair of wind and waterproof/ gloves are also essential for foul weather. Available in Kathmandu for cheap if you don’t have a pair.

• Water bottles

Should be one liter or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. Nalgene or a similar brand, or European fuel bottles are the best. You need at least 2 water bottles or at least 1 water bottle in addition to a Camelback or hydration system.

• Torch / Flashlight

Petzl Tikka’s and other similar torches with LED bulbs rule. They are quite helpful for trips to the toilet at night!

• Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen

Sunburn doesn’t look and feel as cool as the beach burn. Get sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher depending on the sensitivity of your skin. You should also use a lip balm with high SPF. Also, have a wide-brimmed hat to go with.

• First Aid Kit

We carry one with aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, decongestants, lozenges, various antibiotics for Nepalese varieties of diarrhoea and chests infections, Diamox (an acclimatizing aid drug), antiseptic, antihistamine cream, rehydration, bandages and band-aids, tough blister tape (but not moleskin). As we are not certified to prescribe medicines you have to use them at your own risk. You have to bring any personal medicines that you need.

• Water purification

Bring a bottle of iodine tablets such as Potable Aqua, Piyush, Couglans etc or any other similar tablets. Bottled water is available on the trail.

• Money-pouch/belt/inside pocket

Most people find wearing one while trekking is a hassle and keep it buried in their kitbag or daypack. But they can be handy.

• Book and Note Pad

When you are free for independent activities, especially in the evenings' books can be a good friend. Kindles are also fine. Note Pad is also important for making diary entries and taking notes of things that catch your interest. 

1. Power Bank

Though there are charging facilities available in the hotels, lodges and teahouses in route, bring power bank when you are in the mountains. You never know when there will be a power cut or occur some technical emergencies. 

1. Toiletries and odds & ends

The smallest tube of toothpaste is perfect for a month. You need to bring or buy along the way. Your personal toiletries come in the list. Make sure you also have toilet rolls or tissue paper for emergencies.

1. Towel

Bring only a small one trekking or a camp towel. You can buy anywhere in the trekking gear shop in Thamel.