The Everest or Solu Khumbu area is the second most popular trekking destination in Nepal. The primary objective of Everest treks is either the Everest base camp, about 5.340 meters, or Kala Pattar, an unassuming 5.545 meter hump on the southern flank of Pumori (7.161 meters), which provides a fine view of Everest (8.848 metres).
One of the biggest problems with the Everest trek is the high likelihood of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), commonly known as altitude sickness, a potentially deadly illness caused by too rapid an ascent to high elevation. Be sure to read the section on Mountain Sickness if you are planning an Everest trek. If you suffer any symptoms of altitude sickness it is still possible to make a fascinating trek to less ambitious destinations including Namche Bazar, the administrative headquarters of the Khumbu region; Khumjung or Thami, more typical Sherpa villages; or Thyangboche monastery, from which an excellent view may he had of Everest and its more spectacular neighbor Ama Dablam (6.856 metres).
The Everest region may be reached by STOL (short take-off and landing) airstrips at LukIa (2.800 metres), Shyangboche (3.700 metres), or Phaphlu (2364 metres) or by an eight-day trek from the road head at Jiri, 188 km from Kathmandu. Those who fly to Lukla miss the historic and culturally fascinating route followed by the Everest expeditions of the ''50s and '60s although the trek has changed substantially in the past 30 years. It is best to take the time to walk from Jiri, then after acclimatization and conditioning afforded by the trek, visit base camp or climb Kala Pattar and either fly out from Lukla or walk back by an alternative route to Kathmandu. Those who insist their time is limited can fly to Lukla and spend as little as six days to visit Namche Bazar and Thyangboche. It is ill advised to attempt a quick visit to base camp, because of the lack of time for acclimatization, if you fly in to one of these airstrips. You should allow at least eight or nine days to reach the base camp region if you fly to Lukla; the return from base camp to Lukla can be made in as few as four or five days, so an absolute minimum of two weeks is required for a safe trek to base camp. The timing is further complicated because flights to LukIa often do not work as planned, so those with a tight schedule would do well to allow a few spare days for both the flight in and the flight out.
Ghale Treks and Tours offers special tailor made everest base camp trip as per itinerary below:
» Itinerary Details:
Maximum Altitude
5550m.
Season:
Sep to Jan and March to Jun.
Total days
18 days
Day 01: Arrival kathmandu International Airport meet Ghale Treks and Tours airport representative, welcome transfer to hotel and rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Full day guided sightseeing around world heritage sites inside Kathmandu valley. Hotel Overnight.
Day 03: KATHMANDU - LUKLA - PHAKDING.
Early morning transfer to airport for flight to Lukla. The flight into Lukla is a lifetime experience, in itself. The airfield is on a slope and the difference between the two ends of the runway is about 60 meters!
Meet with your sirdar and the rest of the crew. You will need to identify your luggage, which is to be made into loads, and then while you have lunch your crew will load these onto pack animals or get it ready for your team of porters. After lunch, trek for a few hours along the Dudh Kosi River to the village of Phakding 2800 m & Camp or Lodge overnight.
Day 04: PHAKDING TO NAMCHE BAZAR.
The trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley to Jorsale, where the trail officially enters the Sagarmatha National Park. There is an entrance station just beyond the village where trekking permits are checked and National Park fees collected. Continue along the trail, crossing the Bhote Kosi River to begin the steep climb up to Namche Bazaar 3500 m., the administrative center of the Sagarmatha National Park and the hub of Sherpa society. Remember to look out for glimpses of Mt. Everest from the trail on the way to Everest! Overnight the Camp or Lodge.
Day 05: NAMCHE - THAME
A moderately easy and beautiful walk to the village of Thame 3800 m., situated at an important junction along the old primary trade route to and from Tibet via the Nangpa La (pass). The trail leads west past a large array of prayer flags and mani stones - some of them very picturesque. After the village of Thomde the trail descends to the river and makes a steep climb to Thame. Camp or Lodge Overnight.
Day 06: THAME – KHUNDE
Morning visit to Thame Monastery, then trek to the serene Sherpa village of Khunde. Camp or Lodge Overnight.
Day 07: KHUNDE – TENGBOCHE
The trail leads past the large Sherpa settlement of Khumjung and then descends deep into the Dudh Kosi Valley at Pungki Thanka. The trail then ascends the right flank of the Dudh Kosi valley to Tengboche at 3870m., home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, spiritual center of the Khumbu. The climb is long but, more than adequately compensated by views of Mt. Amadablam and on clear days views of Mt. Everest and it surrounding peaks. Amadablam means "Mother's Charm Box" and is named after the little box that Sherpa women wear around their necks. It is also one of the most beautiful mountains in the Himalaya. Camp or Lodge Overnight.
Day 08: TENGBOCHE – DINGBOCHE
Descend through a beautiful forest then cross the Imja Khola and trek through the village of Pangboche. The route continues through summer pastures to Dingboche 4,400 m. Camp or Lodge Overnight.
Day 09: DINGBOCHE – CHHUKUNG
This day will be spent acclimatizing. You can spend the day doing laundry or you can take a short hike to Chukkung Valley. This valley is a summer pasture and contains a temporary settlement for herders of the Khumbu and is at 4700meters. The views from Chukkung and beyond are tremendous. Camp or Lodge Overnight.
Day 10: CHHUKUNG – LOBUCHE
Trek along a broad valley floor to Dughla, leaving behind the Trekkers Aid Post at Pheriche 4240 m. A western volunteer doctor, supported by The Himalayan Rescue Association is stationed here and offers treatment and consultation to trekkers. Continue up the valley-gaining altitude. Come out of the valley to descend to the yak pastures at Lobuche 4930 m. Camp or Lodge Overnight.
Day 11: LOBUCHE – KALAPATTHAR
After a short climb through meadows, look down on the Khumbu Glacier. Straight-ahead is Kalapattar - the best vantagepoint to view the entire south face of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. Trek to Gorakshep and prepare for tomorrow's ascent of Kalapattar 5545 meters. Camp or Lodge Overnight.
Day 12: KALAPATTHAR – LOBUCHE
This morning, those who are able will hike up Kala Pattar for unobstructed views of Everest and it's surrounding peaks. Most of the famous photographs of Everest were taken from atop this "bump" on the landscape. In the afternoon, retrace your steps to Lobuche. Camp or Lodge Overnight.
Day 13: LOBUCHE – PHERICHE
Follow the main Khumbu Valley down to Pheriche, site of the Himalayan Rescue Association's Trekkers' Aid Post. Camp or Lodge Overnight.
Day 14: PHERICHE - TENGBOCHE
Easy walk along the Imja Khola with a visit to the gompa at Pangboche, then a short climb up to the Tengboche Monastery. Camp or Lodge Overnight.
Day 15: TENGBOCHE – NAMCHE
The trail descends steeply towards Pungki Thanka and another steep climb to Namche Bazaar. Camp or Lodge Overnight.
Day 16: NAMCHE - LUKLA
Down along the gorge of the Dudh Kosi to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla to catch your return flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting your trekking crew might prepare a farewell treat for you. You would be expected to join in the singing and the dancing! Overnight Camp or Lodge at Lukla.
Day 17: LUKLA – KATHMANDU
Fly to Kathmandu (Extra day for the flight schedule / Free day in Kathmandu). Transfer to Hotel.
Day 18: Final Departure.
Departure, Transfer to airport flight onward.
COSTS INCLUDE 01. All ground transfers as per our Itinerary by Air Conditioned Private Vehicle.
02. Welcome Dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
03. 2 Nights Hotel (5 Star Standard) in Kathmandu (Bed & Breakfast basis including all govt. taxes and VAT).
04. Sightseeing in Kathmandu around world heritage sites and major attractions of the city.
05. All entrance fees wherever applicable.
06. Airfare: Kathmandu-Lukla -Kathmandu.(Including Guide)
07. National Park Entrance Fees.
08. Trekking Guide, All Meal and accommodations
COSTS EXCLUDE
01. All International Airfares / Airport Taxes.
02. Expenses of personal nature such as bar bill, laundry bill, telephone bill, tips, beverages and etc.
03. Personal Medical & Travel Insurance.
04. Rescue & Evacuation - If needed.
Instead of fly we can start from Jiri and trek back to Jiri (for 28 days) or one way fly also possible, and it takes for 3 weeks.
