Nepal: Conquering Everest Base Camp

• Expedition Type [ Mountain Trekking ]
• Difficulty [ Strenuous ]
• Activities [ Trekking ]
• Duration [ 16 Days ]

Expedition Timeline

Climb thousands of feet and through some of earth's most epic landscapes to Mount Everest Base Camp on this intrepid trekking expedition. Your steady 11-day climb reveals the Himalaya's magnificent landscapes, as you pass the wild Imja Khol River, a breathtaking glacier and the authentic Nepalese lifestyle of long ago. This challenging program is recommended for adventurers with previous mountain trekking experience, as it features aggressive daily changes in altitude. Overnight in windswept teahouses and primitive lodges.

DAY 1

Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal (4,383 ft.)

Arrive in Nepal’s fabled capital, where you are met by an A&K representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later this afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Pashupati, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple, and Bodhnath, one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas.

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DAY 2

Kathmandu

After breakfast, discover age-old Kathmandu. Walk through the city’s twisting streets, stopping at Durbar Square, Taleju Temple and the regal old royal palace, the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. Also visit the House of the Living Goddess, home to Kumari Devi, considered a living god by the Nepalese. Swing by the 12th-century wooden temple of Kasthamandap, said to have been carved from a single tree, and discover the vibrant bazaar. Conclude your exploration at Swayambhunath, a 2,500-year-old Buddhist site known as the “monkey temple” for its resident (and revered) colony of monkeys. All four sides of this ancient structure are painted with the compassionate eyes and eyebrows of Buddha. After lunch, your afternoon is at leisure.

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DAY 3

Kathmandu/Lukla (9,448 ft.)/Phakding (8,700 ft.)

After acclimatizing and learning about Nepalese history and geography in Kathmandu, leave the city for the trek up into the mighty Himalaya. Board an early-morning flight to Lukla, your trailhead for the expedition. Perhaps the most famous high-altitude airstrip in the world, Lukla was originally built by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust. As you fly, watch as rugged foothills give way to the snowline and then to soaring peaks. Depending on the visibility, you might catch a glimpse of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu — the world’s third-, fourth- and fifth-highest mountains. Arrive in Lukla, where you meet your Sherpas and take your first steps along the trail that the Dalai Lama called "the steps to heaven."
Approx. trekking time: 3 to 4 hours

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DAY 4

Phakding/Namche (11,302 ft.)

Set off after breakfast along the bank of the Dudh Kosi (Milk River) as it tumbles down from the Gokyo Lakes. Pass through the Ghat Village and cross the river on a suspension bridge. Leaving the villages of Chumao and Monjo behind, enter the Sagramatha National Park. After crossing the Dudh Kosi again, the trail climbs halfway to Namche Bazaar, where a gap in the trees offers your first sight of Everest. Surrounded by an amphitheater of peaks, Namche is the largest and most prosperous town in the Khumbu region. Its renowned bazaar, held every Saturday, sells everything from livestock and vegetables to traditional crafts such as hand-woven aprons and Tibetan boots.
Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours

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DAY 5

Namche

After two days of hiking, rest for a day in Namche, adjusting to the altitude and soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. The secret of safe acclimatization is to "climb high, sleep low," so, if you have the energy, you may climb the hill behind Namche to the airstrip at Syangboche. Otherwise, relax and explore this bustling town, stopping at the intriguing museum behind the police station or relaxing with a fresh cinnamon roll and taking in magnificent views.

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DAY 6

Namche/Tengboche (12,670 ft.)

From Namche, climb to Syangboche and descend to Khumjung, where you visit the Khumjung monastery and school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. As you descend on the trail to the village of Tashinga, pass caravans of yak and a few teahouses. The trail descends steeply down until the Dudh Kosi River, where you cross a suspension bridge in the lee of a gigantic overhanging cliff (10,498 ft.). You may spot the beautifully colored Danphe pheasant, Nepal’s national bird, and the elusive musk deer, and sometimes even a herd of Himalayan mountain goat. From here it is a two-hour climb through pine and rhododendron forests to a clearing where the Tengboche monastery is situated. While Namche can be deemed the Sherpa capital, Tengboche is the religious center of this region. The murmur of the monks chanting prayers, the blowing of conchs and the chance to sit with them for afternoon prayers amid this serene and breathtaking environment is an experience you will cherish for years.

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DAY 7

Tengboche/Dingboche (14,300 ft.)

The trail descends down from Tengboche, crossing a bridge over the raging Imja Khol River. A gradual climb takes you to the village of Lower Pangoche in the heart of the Khumbu. The walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty snow-capped peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse (25,790 ft.) and Lhotse (27,890 ft.). Arrive in Dingboche, the large and important town in the Chhukung Valley, set amid a beautiful patchwork of barley, buckwheat and potato fields. Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours

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DAY 8

Dingboche/Chhukung (15,583 ft.) /Dingboche

To help you continue acclimatizing for your attempt to visit Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp, today you hike to Chhukung and return to Dingboche. The hike up to Chhukung is one of the highlights of your trek, as you enjoy picturesque views of the south face of Lhotse and eastern face of Ama Dablam. Return to Dingboche.
Approx. trekking time: 5 hours

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DAY 9

Dingboche/Lobuche (16,210 ft.)

Continue north on a gentle trail up the grass-carpeted valley until you come to a mani (prayer stupa). The trail from from Pheriche eventually joins near Dugla, at a small wooden bridge over the river of the magnificent Khumbu Glacier. Stop at Dugla for lunch, and afterward, continue north. Come to rest at Lobuche, hidden and sheltered from the wind.
Approx. trekking time: 6 hours

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DAY 10

Lobuche/ Everest Base Camp (17,598 ft.)/Gorak Shep (16,404 ft.)

Trek up the valley this morning, following the rocky moraine path, with views of the glacial pond and icebergs of the Khumbu Glacier below. Arrive at Gorak Shep, and follow the glacier as you make your way to the moraine islands of Everest Base Camp, the final staging area for many an assault on the peak, and the goal of your expedition.
Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours

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DAY 11

Gorak Shep/ Kala Patthar (18,192 ft.)/ Pheriche (14,000 ft.)

Early this morning, trek toward Kala Patthar, a gradual walk until you reach a rocky spot about an hour into the trek. Continue uphill to reach Kala Patthar, a minor peak festooned with prayer-flags that offers one of the best views of Everest. Surrounded by a crown of mountains, savor this magnificent spectacle. Drop down a series of steep switchbacks to Gorak Shep. Continue down to Lobuche and Pheriche, an easy downhill trail that passes through the village of Dugla along the way.
Approx. trekking time: 8 to 9 hours

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DAY 12

Pheriche/Namche (11,317 ft.)

This morning climb to upper Pangboche, where the oldest monastery of Khumbu is located. Keeping on high trail following the west bank of Imza Khola, you can see Tengboche monastery on the left side and Imza Khola on the right. Continue descending through Phortse and further through a forest to the banks of the Dudh Kosi. From the crossing point, climb to Chorten and look back across the valley to the villages of Phortse and Tengboche, and the mountains beyond. From there, turn south off the main trail to Khunde and Khumjung. The route then leads down the hill to Namche.
Approx. trekking time: 7 to 8 hours

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DAY 13

Namche/Lukla

Head back toward the trailhead at Lukla, bidding farewell to this incredible setting, the villages and the people of the Khumbu hills and valleys. Make your final climb into Lukla.
Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours

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DAY 14

Lukla/Kathmandu

Fly to Kathmandu with a final opportunity for an aerial view of these mighty mountains. Check in and freshen up at your hotel, before driving overland to Patan, an ancient city (founded in AD 250) known for its arts and architecture. Following lunch, tour the Patan Museum, housed in a beautifully restored former residential palace during the Malla Dynasty. After the museum, explore the rest of the city, stopping at Durbar Square, the royal baths and Hiranya Verna Mahabihar (the Golden Temple), among other sites.

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DAY 15

Kathmandu

Drive outside the city to Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a tour of this ancient royal city. Follow your guide along seventeenth-century cobbled pavements walled with ornate architecture to see the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate and the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows. Return to Kathmandu after lunch, where the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, celebreate your successful expedition with a farewell dinner.

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DAY 16

Kathmandu/Depart

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.

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Departure Dates & Pricing

Prices are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy. Alternate Departure Dates can be arranged. Prices are subject to change.