12 Days Everest Base Camp - Kala Patthar View Trek

We take an early morning domestic flight to Lukla from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, which takes 40 minutes. At Lukla, we meet the rest of our trekking staff and begin our trek to Phakding. In our free time, we explore the local monasteries and houses.

Today we walk through the forested route along Dudh Koshi, cross tributaries and continue through the village of Benkar (2710m), Chumoa (2820m), Monjo (2840m) and Jorsale (2830m). This is the major gateway and permit checkpoint to the Sagarmatha National Park. Next, we follow the river to its confluence with the Bhote Koshi River, climb steadily to cross the high Tenzing-Hillary Bridge, and take a steep forested climb to the region’s administrative and trade center at Namche Bazaar.

This day is set aside for acclimatization. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) experts suggest at least 24 hours rest period. We recommend you to stay active, climb high and sleep low for proper acclimatization.

There are plenty of things to do around Namche Bazaar and we spend a day here acclimatizing the body to the altitude. Namche Bazaar is the major hub of the Khumbu region and houses government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and colorful markets. Our guides help you explore the real charm of this fascinating town.

Hike to Sangarmatha Nation Park to enjoy the fabulous view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and so on. If you are up for it, take a day hike to Khumjung village – a beautiful Sherpa village.

After breakfast, we follow the trail that climbs and then contours around the hillside, offering fabulous views. Look out for spotted deer, Himalayan thars, and birds – including the colorful Danphe pheasant (Nepal’s national bird). At Sanasa, the trail splits to Gokyo and Everest Base Camp. Take a right trail and drop down to cross the Dudh Khosi (past water-driven prayer wheels) near Phunki Thenga (3,250m/10,663ft), the lowest point north of Namche Bazaar. Next, follow the Imja Khola Valley trail and climb through the dwarf conifers and rhododendron forest for two hours to reach the hilltop village of Tengboche.

Here, discover the region’s largest Gompa that is set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Everest, and other peaks. At the full moon in October/November, you can enjoy the colorful Mani Rimdu festival with masked dancing in Tibetan Opera.

After breakfast, we climb down to the scattered stone village of Debuche (3,820m), home to a nunnery, chortens and mani walls. Next, we cross the Imja Khola to the north and ascend to the village of Pangboche (3,820m) with an astounding view of Ama Dablam (6,856m). Further, we follow the trail that leads us to the confluence of Lobuche Khola and leads us to Dingboche – the last year-round settlement in the region. You can discover the different angles of Ama Dablam rising above the terraced fields of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes. The fields are shielded with stone walls to protect the crops from icy winds and animals.

Dingboche is a famous stopover for trekkers and climbers heading for Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam or Imja Tse expedition. We spend a day at Dingboche for acclimatization. We take a day hike to either Nagarjun Hill or Chukkung valley for excellent views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache, and Ama Dablam.

Today, we start our day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we take a steep trail to Chupki Lhara and walk through the assortment of stones with prayer flags installed as a memory to Scott Fischer, an American Mountaineer, and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa, a Nepali Mountain Guide. Both died on an Everest expedition. Further continuing through the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves amidst of ice giants – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. The traill then takes an easy route to Lobuche.

After breakfast, we follow the trail to Everest Base Camp via the beautiful village of Gorak Shep Lake. We continue straight ahead and cross the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The route from here can be puzzling, so it is important to follow the path of your trek guide carefully. The trek is strenuous and trekkers might encounter some breathing problems due to thin air at high altitudes. It is important to walk slowly and stay hydrated. We cross several rocky dunes, moraine, and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp.

At base camp, we can see many tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in spring). We can admire the close view of Nuptse, Khumbutse, and Pumori. We retrace our step back to Gorakshep and rest overnight.

After breakfast, we depart early in the morning for Kalapatthar, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures. There is always the potential for snowy winds. Peaks like Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse comes into the view, and ever Everest starts appearing. From Kalapatthar, we get the 360-degree panorama of Mt. Everest and other peaks. After some time at Kalapatthar, we return back to Pheriche for a comfortable night.

After breakfast, we trek down through the forested route of rhododendron and juniper trees. We cross the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River that is decorated with prayer flags and continue through the Dudh Koshi gorge climbing down rapidly through the forest of pine. Look out for the colorful pheasants and mountain goats. We also walk through the zigzag trail before reaching Namche Bazaar.

Today is the last day of our EBC trek. The trail drops downwards steeply so we need to walk carefully as our tired legs continuously battel the rocky terrain. Upon arrival at Lukla, we stretch those legs and rest overnight.

Today we catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, we drive back to the hotel and take a rest day off.