Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

Free day in Kathmandu in preparation for the trek, or one can join in our tour around Kathmandu at places of interest as Kathmandu city and the valley steeped with World Heritage Sites.

An 8-hour journey.

The morning starts with an exciting overland journey, taking you northeast from Kathmandu on the Kodari Highway. From Dhulikhel, the drive takes through rural farm villages and heads towards the Dolkha district at Charikot, facing views of Jugal Himal Dorji Lakpa, Langtang and Gaurishankar peaks.

The journey continues downhill to the Tama Kosi River and then uphill on a winding road to reach Jiri, a lovely town known as Switzerland of Nepal due to its beautiful green valley with snow-clad peaks. Upon reaching Jiri and getting checked in to a local lodge, explore the markets, stretching your knees, which are full of shops, stores, and activities.

A 6-hour trek.

Breakfast and start the trek following the eastward road for a while. Then, fork north, leaving the motor road, and walk through a pine forest begins with a gradual climb, which continues for another one and half hours, traversing through rural villages and views of southwestern horizons, including Jiri Bazaar. The area is inhabited by Jirel people, speaking similar to Sherpas and practising Buddhism, and their neighbours are mainly Sherpa and other major caste groups of Nepal. Once we reach Mali Danda, the trail descends through sparsely inhabited villages to Shivalaya on the bank of Shivalaya River Bank, a major junction with more than six trail branches going in all directions. Shivalaya is a lovely lowland with several lodges, restaurants, a police checkpoint and a permit check post for Gaurishanker National Park. We stop here for lunch and continue another 3 hours uphill to Deurali.

After lunch, the trail climbs north through Sherpas and minority Hindu caste villages for about 45 minutes and traverses gradually east through a dense mid-hill forest to Deurali. Deurali means hill saddle passing to the next valley, a significant hill saddle with a long and beautiful pair of Mani-walls. Mani-walls are Tibetan Buddhist prying, deities, and sacred symbols carved on stone slabs and a built-in wall for people to read and see and circumambulate by the passers. Deurali has several lodges with a beautiful view of Mount Gauri Shanker and the lower valley on both sides.

A 4-hour trek.

This morning we take a view-finding excursion to Sherpa Peak, the highest peak south of Deurali. On the way, we visit the main Deurali village, the people living here are all sherpas since ancient times, but the village’s name comes from Hindu Nepali “Deurali”. From Sherpa Peak, there is a 360-degree panorama, including the Gauri Shanker and Karyilung. Suppose the weather is not favourable for the Sherpa Peak view excursion. In that case, we take the tour to Thadung monastery, situated on a lovely hill slope north of Deurali, one of the active monasteries of the region and a monastic school with small monks.

After a pleasant stop at the top or tour of the monastery, we return to our lodge, take a relaxing breakfast, and trek down to Chyangma (Bhandar) village, an expansive village inhabited by mainly Sherpas and other ethnic groups that migrated here after a motorable road connected with Kathmandu.

A 6-hour Trek.

From Bhandar, start walking on a wide trail past dense forest and sparsely inhabited village with views across the valley slopes dotted with terraced fields, tiny hamlets, and the vast Likhu Khola fed by Mount Karyilung range. Then the trail makes a long descent to Kenja Bazaar, on the stony flat created by two rivers, and it has been a local market (weekly bazaar) since time immemorial. This warm lowest valley of the part is an ideal place for rest, washing and water plays and lunch. Kenja/Kinja is miss spelt; the original spelling in Sherpa is Kenje, which means go up or start climbing. After lunch, we must go up (Kenje) until our overnight stop at Sete, two hours uphill, a Sherpa village with a fine view down to Kenja Valley and across.

A 6-hour Trek.

Leave the Sete village and walk uphill through a hill ridge facing southeast, full of rhododendron, oaks, pines, magnolia, hemlock and fir trees until Lamjura La at 3,530 metres. Lamjura is the highest pass between two valleys marked with piles of stone and Buddhist praying flags adorned by the travellers. Lamjura La is also a junction with four trails branching toward Junbesi, Kenja, Chhurung Kharka and Peekye. Peekye, 4065 metres hilltop, is one of the famous short trekking destinations and can be reached in a four-hour walk from this point. The views from Peekye Peak take to Kanchenjunga to the east, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the west, and incredible views of Everest, Karyilung and Tseringma (Gaurishanker). The Lamjura to Peekye, Peekye to Dhap, and Taktok to Dudh Kunda lake are dense with rhododendron and remain in a colourful garden if you trek from mid-march to May.

From Lamjura, a long descent through the forested trail reaches Taktok village, possibly for the lunch break. Then, we follow a straight path to Junbesi with views of Peekye, Tumbuk, Chiwang monastery, Phalu airstrip and Salleri, the district headquarters of Solukhumbu. Junbesi (Syung/Jyung in Sherpa Language) is one of the ancestral villages of the Sherpas, a beautiful village set on the river bank facing the southeast and is one of the favourite places of travellers. Therefore, all pre-expedition and trekkers did not leave without a rest day in Junbesi. The charming Sherpa villages have several monasteries, stupas, a school, a health post, and a checkpoint.

A rest here provides the opportunity to take a side excursion to Thupten Chholing monastery, passing by several traditional settlements of Sherpa. Thupten Chholing is one of the major monastic schools of the Nyingmapa sect in Buddhism and one of the most active in the entire region; founded by Trulsik Rinpoche, one of the most revered masters in Buddhism. Or stay in the village, visit the Junbesi monastery, the ancient most of the region, and see the villages, schools, and surroundings.

A 6-hour Trek.  

A mare descent to cross the stream on a metal bridge immediately climbs through pine and rhododendron forests. Next, it traverses through Salung Danda (Salung Hill) with its first views of Mount Everest. We will probably make a tea stop and enjoy seeing around since the spot exposes beautiful scenery everywhere. From Salung, a level trail slowly descends to a stream below the Ringmo village and leads uphill to Takshindo via the lovely apple-gardened Ringmo village, usually the lunch place.

After lunch, the trail hikes uphill into pines and rhododendron forest, passing some open land with large and ancient stupas surrounded by mani-walls. Further on the forest section, we reach the Takshindo La, at an altitude of 3,130 metres, with beautiful views of the Dudh Koshi River valley and a range of Himalayan peaks toward the Makalu Mountain range. The Taksindu La is a junction for several trails, including going northwest to Dudh Kunda (Milky Lake), one of the virgin Himalayan lands visited by a few trekkers. The area is pastureland for the Yak herders from Ringmo, Taksindu, Yawa, and Junbesi. A trek combined with Peekye and Dudhkunda is one of the best itineraries to explore the region. For the expert trekkers, a high and scenic trail via Dudh Kunda connects the Everest Base Camp Trek at Phakdingma, ending at Lukla or continuing up the Khumbu Valley Trek.

From Taksindu, a short descent, reach Takshindo village with a lovely monastery with a monastic school. Stop briefly and visit the monastery, meet the tiny monks, and continue the trek following a long downhill to Nunthala, in Sherpa is Manidingma village (the meadow of Mani-wall). The trail descends through a shaded forest area with views of the Dudh Kosi river valley and the hill ridges required to traverse after two days. The Taksindu, Yawa, Manidingma and Khari Khola are mainly the home to Sherpas, the lower riverine inhabited by mixed tribes of Rai, Magar and Tamang, and some Hindu Brahmin and Chettries. The views toward the Kharikhola, Kongde, Mera Peak, and Yawa villages are open, making it an ideal place for an overnight stop.

A 6-hour Trek.

The trail continues downhill to the Dudh Kosi River, passing through sparse villages and forest areas. Cross the Dudh Kosi River fed by the Khumbu Himalayan range, including Everest, which we will require to cross ten times! Cross the river and continue a gradual climb to Jubing, a village inhabited by the Rai people. After a refreshing break, continue uphill and reach Kharikhola village, a large village inhabited mainly by Sherpa, where we lunch. From Kharikhola, a trek leads to Mera Peak, one of the most beautiful trekking peaks, and further continuing requires crossing the Amphu Laptsa and reaching Chhukung.

Exit Kharikhola village and cross over a bridge with immediate uphill for a few hours to reach Bupsa Danda (Bupsa hill ridge), a scenic place for an overnight stop. The view toward Kharikhola, Manidingma, Taksindu and Dudhkunda mountain ranges is open.

A comparatively lovely trail traverses through a steep hillslope full of pine, rhododendron and bamboo shade, bringing us to Chhutak (water mill in Sherpa), a warm hamlet facing southwest, probably a refreshing stop here. From Chhutak, walk a level path passing a sparsely inhabited area till a ridge opens to the northwest, above Surke village, with welcoming views of Khumbu Himal, including Khumbila, the sacred peak above Khumbu Village, Thame valley, Lukla village and its small airstrip. We make a short stop to capture the scenery and a mere descent to stop for lunch. After lunch, require a long descent to Surke through a forested hillslope below the runway of Lukla airport.

A 5-hour Trek.

The morning walk is pleasant with views of the Dudhkunda Himalayan range and the village of Chaurikharka (Chauri is female Yak, and Kharka means Shed in Nepali), the largest and ancestral village of Lukla village until Lukla Airport was pastureland. After a short climb from Chaurikharka, we join the trail to Everest Basecamp and Lukla at Chhoplung, a hamlet of Sherpas. From Chhoplung, there is a level trail with short descending and climbing and traverses several villages, including Ghat. The views in front are Phakdingma, the Dudhkoshi River Valley and Kongde Mountain. Most houses on the trail and villages are lodges and restaurants for travellers. Finally, we cross several beautiful villages, such as Ghat and arrive at Kharikhola village on the bank of Dudh Koshi River.

The trek follows the Dudh Koshi River valley through a narrow valley gorged by the Dudh Kosi River and guarded by Kurum Kangru Mountain and Kongde Mountain bases. The river valley becomes narrower but a pleasant walk with occasional mountain views and teahouse until we approach Monjo, the entrance point of Sagarmatha National Park and our lunch place, a lovely place on the bank of Dudh Kosi River. The high mountain slopes are beautifully dense, home to elusive Himalayan fauna and flora.

The afternoon walk takes uphill to Namche Bazaar through a lovely forest, crossing the Dudh Kosi twice through a sky-soaring suspension bridge. The walking up to Namche takes 2 hours with rest.

A 5-hour Trek.

A scenic trail leads to the northeast of Namche. The Dudh Kosi valley, Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Tawoche, Khumbila and Kongde are some of the highlights of the day. From Namche, the trail climbs for 15 minutes to a Junction to Khumjung and Tengboche and forks to the right on a level and view-filled trail until Senasa, the main junction below Khumjung village from where the path to Everest Basecamp, Gokyo Valley, Namche and Khumjung get branched. The area from Namche to Tengboche and Phortse is home to the Himalayan tahr, standing on the sheer cliff tops and hill slopes with luxurious manes and rainbowy impean pheasants, the national bird of Nepal, and skittery Musk Deer. We take the trail to the Everest base camp and head toward the Phortse Tenga with a pleasant descent, where we take our lunch below the Phortse and Tengboche villages.

The afternoon requires uphill till Tengboche through a forest full of rhododendron, pine and birch. While resting, the views toward Namche with Kongde, Everest view hotel, Mongla, Kangthega, Kusumkangru, Dudh Koshi Valley, and Khumbila are beautifully open. With the first step on the Tengboche meadow, the views to the north are unobstructed with an imposing Mount Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse, topped by the tip of Mount Everest. Tengboche is a beautiful place in terms of its views. Get checked into the rooms and refreshments, and visit the Tengboche Monastery.

Tengboche Monastery is one of the most known monasteries in Nepal, probably because of its unrivalled backdrop of Mt. Ama Dablam. This monastery was the leading Buddhist centre in the Khumbu region under the guidance of Tengboche Rinpoche, who passed away on the 10th of October 2020. Another active monastery in the Khumbu region is the Thame Monastery. But among the most ancient are Pangboche Monastery, Thame Monastery and Rimijung Monastery, founded by Lama Sangwa Dorjee and his two tantric brothers.

A 5-hour Trek.

The morning starts with grand views in front. The first part of the trek leads downhill through the lovely rhododendron and pine forest to Diboche, with several lodges and a monastery of nuns; those interested may visit the monastery. Continuing a level walk through a pleasant and primitive-looking forest brings us below the Pangboche village. Next, we cross the bridge and go uphill to Pangboche with a majestic view of Ama Dablam; the base camp of Ama Dablam is barely within two hours of easy walking distance. As we approach the village, the view toward the Chhukung, Lhotse, and Nuptse walls is amazing until we reach Dingboche, the last major settlement.

We arrive at Dingboche with time for a stroll around. A short climb above the village offers beautiful scenery of the complete Dingboche village with imposing Ama Dablam and your surroundings.

A 6-hour Trek.

A further acclimatizing day at Dingboche before entering the base of Everest to ensure nothing surprises our lifetime program. There are several options to spend the day, including a relaxing day at the lodge. The most recommended option is an excursion to Chhukung, the last inhabitable site below the sheer Lhotse and Nuptse wall. The trail to Chhukung and back are beautiful, with mani-walls and some sacred sites adorned with colourful prayer flags fluttering against the incredible views. If you make this trip, give some energy to summit the Chhukung Ri 5540 metres, and enjoy seeing the red granite of Makalu, the south wall of Baruntse, Ama Dablam; and in hand reaching distance, the sheer wall of Lhotse and Nuptse! Many of our guests say Chhukung Ri has the most beautiful views. Have lunch at Chhukung and return to Dingboche, one of the beautiful days.

A 4-hour Trek.

The trek begins with a gentle uphill and traverses to Thugla, with beautiful views of Pheriche village and its valley expanding high above until the Dzongla with a beautiful view of Mount Tawoche, Cholhatse and Lobuje Peak. Lobuje is one of the most preferred six thousand metres acclimatizing peaks for most Everest climbers and a trekkers’ peak to experience climbing in the Himalayas while on a trek in the region. Then, cross the freshly exiting Khumbu glacial river, on a bridge, at Thugla and climb gradually up until the level of the Khumbu glacier rim. Looking back toward the lower valley while taking short rests offers incredible sceneries, yet 360-degree views, Everest hidden by the Nuptse.

The pace naturally gets slowed due to the less oxygen in the influence of the World’s highest mountain, but the distance from Dingboche to Lobuche is very short; for local Sherpas, it is a 40-minute walk!

Lobuche is the major stoppage for all trekkers and mountaineering groups to Everest. Most trekkers use Lobuche as a base for Kalapather’s viewpoint and make a day excursion to avoid the chances of altitude sickness. Everest climbing groups come here to rest and recharge.

A 6 to 7-hour Trek.

Today we visit the Everest Basecamp, the base of the third pole, and at least a once-in-a-lifetime destination for most lucky people to come here. The trail leads through the rim of the Khumbu glacier, with fantastic views around. As we approach Gorakshep, Mount Pumori appear as beautiful and majestic as Mount Ama Dablam from Tengboche. At Gorakshep, we check into a Lodge, leave our bags and porters here, take a refreshing drink, and continue to the east with great views of the Khumbu glacier and Everest basecamp in front. The trail is primarily flat but requires walking on a glacial moraine. However, the sight of Mount Pumori and the Khumbu Icefall is attractive. We stop at the base camp, enjoy our packed lunch, talk about the triumph and tragedies, take essential photos for lifetime memory and walk back to Gorakshep. We arrive at Gorakshep, well tired but with a feeling of accomplishment. The views all around are astonishing all day and night. If you take a chance to come out of your lodge, you may start counting the stars with dazzling summits!

 A 5-hour Trek.

Another great day ahead! Today we hike to the top of Kalapathar, one of the most famed viewpoints in the World, to catch the best views of Mount Everest. The trip starts early at dawn to see Everest’s changing colours, black to yellow, gold and silver, with the first sunrise rays landing on top of Everest! The trip takes about 45 minutes, enjoying the glowing east, the sign that the sun is throwing its beam at any moment. Take great pictures and descend to Gorakshep to enjoy a hearty hot breakfast.

We have reached the maximum points of the third pole and captured as much as we could see and understand. After breakfast, we retrace the trail back to Gorakshep, Thugla, then walk through Pheriche village and exit southeast to meet the path we took while going to Dingboche. The sceneries around are indescribable in words. Grand and beautiful summits rim the valley toward Dzongla, Chhukung and Pangboche. A gradual walk down brings us to Pangboche, one of the ancient villages of Khumbu Valley with a monastery. While coming from Tengboche, we passed through the lower village, which was developed to serve the trekking and mountaineering groups. The Upper Village is the primary and original settlement amidst tall Himalayan juniper trees. Check into a lodge and, time permitting, visit its monastery and villages.

A 5-hour Trek.

Breakfast and continue to Phortse village, another beautiful village of Sherpa people. Tourists frequent less this part of the trail, so the chances of seeing wildlife and birdlife are high. From Phortse or the entire trail offer views of Ama Dablam, Tengboche, Kusumkangru, Khumbila, Khumjung, Kongde, and Dudh Kohsi Valley. Phortse village has a monastery and a mountaineering school, and it is opposite the west of Tengboche meadow and can view each other from them. From Phortse, there are trails to Gokyo, Tengboche, Pangboche and Khumjung.

Stop at Phortse for lunch and trek to Phortse Tenga, crossing the river from Gokyo Valley, fed by Ngozumba glacier, which merges with the river from Khumbu glacier at Pungi Tenga, where we took lunch while trekking up to Tengboche. A short walk reaches a junction to Gokyo and Namche/Khumjung, and the trail traverses a narrow valley with a steep climb to Mongla. Mongla is a small hill ridge with a stupa, some teahouses and an extraordinary view, including Tengboche and Phortse villages, Everest view hotel, and the uncountable mountains in a row few kilometres across the valley.

A 5-hour Trek.

Breakfast with amazing sceneries and a short downhill to Khumjung village, the Khumbu region’s main ancient village, composed of the Khumjung and Khunde. And accordingly, the villages have two monasteries, a school, a hospital, several hotels and lodges. On the way, visit the Khumbu monastery, walk up to Khunde village, rest with some refreshments, and see the villages. Then leave the Khunde village and walk southwest, cross a mani-wall and stupa, and a beautiful gradual hike through sparse but tall pine trees and fantastic Himalayan sceneries, including Khunde village and Khumbila. LKhumbila is the sacred black mountain above Khumjung and Khunde villages, with several ancient meditation caves. Finally, arrive at a lovely ridge opening to the southwest with views of Kongde and a small Pilatus potter landing field. Cross the landing field and see the entire Namche bazaar under our knees, the huge Dudh Koshi valley with rolling hills, and the mountain sceneries all around. A short descent at Namche, have rest and lunch. After lunch, we retrace the trail down to Monjo, a pleasant two-hour walk.

A 6-hour Trek.

The last day of the trek! The trail retraces through all those tiny hamlets of Sherpa people along the Dudh Kosi river valley until Chhoplung but with different views and perspectives. From Chhoplung, we take the trail to Lukla, which requires a short uphill through a thin forest above the Chaurikharka village. Arrive at Lukla and get checked into a lodge. Trekking is over with a great sense of accomplishment. The evening is an occasion to celebrate to see off to your porters who accompanied you until here. The porters will travel separately to Kathmandu with one long day walk to Kharikhola and another full day drive to Kathmandu or start another trek to Everest basecamp!

A 30-minute flight.

Most flights get operated early in the morning, so we must wake up early. Take an early breakfast while the guide and porters transport your bags to the airport, take a short walk to Tenzing-Hillary airport, get checked in and fly to Kathmandu. A short scenic flight takes you to Kathmandu. Upon landing, the representative of Happy Feet Nepal will welcome you back and transfer you to your hotel. Get distributed to the rooms, and the rest of the day is free.

A reserve day to make sure of a trouble-free itinerary. If all goes well, use the extra day to visit some of the medieval towns of Kathmandu, such as Bhaktapur, Patan, Boudhnath Stupa and Swayambunath Stupa, some of not to miss sites in the Kathmandu valley when you are already here.

Breakfast and the rest of the day are leisure on your own. The Representative of Happy Feet Nepal will arrive at your hotel with transport three hours before your departure flight time. Get escorted from the hotel to the International Departure Terminal, see off formalities, and go through the immigration and departure. The life-changing journey to the Himalayas is over!