Lunch at Jorsalle

Path: Dirt Trail traverse through a canyon of Dudh Koshi River with several villages and sparse pine forest, Sagamatha National Park boundary begins after crossing Monjo Village, the path is slight undulated until the confluence of river Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi, climb begins here slight uphill and brief steep uphill across Tenzing Hillary Swaying Bridge.

First sighting of the Peak of Mt. Everest after steep uphill from Tuop Danda, where washroom, running water facilities and small open basket shops can be seen.

Nepal’s National Bird ‘Himalayan Monal’ can be sighted foraging in between Toup Danda to Namche Bazar.

Before Entering Namche there is a check post that record the tourist entry for tracking tourists entering the valley.

Soon tourists will be welcomed by the Bazar Gate. Now you are at Namche Bazar. Situated at the Dudh Koshi river basin, surrounded by high snowcapped mountains. This cascading valley was once the main Himalayan regional trading hub. Now it has become a tourist business town. It has more than 30 hotels and lodges with all modern facilities.  There is a Weekly market every Saturday that comes alive giving the glimpse of old days style open market selling groceries, liquor, spices to imported canned items like fish, luncheon etc. Inhabited by tough though hospitable Sherpa People sharing their ancestry with Tibetan people, are only entitled to own the land & property. They are engaged in business like Hotel, Aviation, Climbing, Trekking & entrepreneurship.

14-Day Everest Base Camp

Classic 14-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary

This itinerary starts and ends in Lukla. Remember, “hiking up” is towards Everest, and “hiking down” is towards Lukla.

Pre-Trek: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft)

Activity: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Transfer to your hotel.

Key Tasks:

Get a good night’s sleep.

Double-check your gear. You can buy or rent anything you’ve forgotten in Thamel (the tourist district).

Meeting  & greeting at the hotel Lobby followed by trek   briefing by our Trek Leader/Guide.

Flight: Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m /9,383ft) a thrilling 30-minute flight.

Trek: Lukla 8,563ft) Phakding (2,610m / 8563ft)

Duration: 3-4 hours

Descent: Easy downhill walk, following the Dudh Koshi River. A gentle first day to get your legs moving.

Duration: 5-6 hours

Ascent: A more challenging day. You’ll cross several suspension bridges, including the high Hillary Bridge. The final 2-hour climb to Namche is steep but rewarding.

Highlight: Your first possible glimpse of Mt. Everest from a vantage point of Toup Danda just before Namche.

Activity: “Climb high, sleep low.” This is a crucial rest day for your body to adapt.

Recommended Hike: Trek up to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m / 12,730ft) for breathtaking, close-up panoramas of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Nuptse.

Other Options: Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum or simply explore the bustling “capital of the Khumbu.”

Trek: Namche Bazaar – Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft)

Duration: 5-6 hours

Scenery: A beautiful walk-through rhododendron forests with stunning mountain views. Highlight: Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region.

Day 5: Trek to Dingboche

Trek: Tengboche – Dingboche (4,410m/14,468ft)

Duration: 5-6 hours

Landscape: The tree line disappears, giving way to a more rugged, alpine landscape. You’ll pass through Pangboche, one of the oldest permanent settlements in the region.

Activity: Another essential acclimatization day.

Recommended Hike: Climb the hill behind the village towards Nakharsang Peak (5.100m). The views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, and the Lhotse-Nuptse wall are spectacular.

Trek: Dingboche – Lobuche (4,940m /16,207ft)

Duration: 5-6 hours

Memorial: The trail passes through the hauntingly beautiful Thokla Pass, adorned with memorials for climbers who have lost their lives on Everest.

Trek Part 1: Trek Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5,164m/16,942ft)

Duration: 3-4 hours Trek

Part 2 (Afternoon): Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp (5,364m / 17,598ft) Return to Gorak Shep.

Duration: 3-4 hours round trip

Highlight: You made it! Stand at the foot of the world’s highest mountain. (Note: In spring, you’ll see a tent city; other times, it’s a rocky moraine).

Tip: This is a long, tough day at high altitude. Stay hydrated and pace yourself.

Morning Hike (Pre-dawn): Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5,645m / 18,519ft).

Duration: 2-3 hours climbing up hill

The Ultimate View: This is the best possible view of Mount Everest, as you see it from the base to the summit, bathed in the morning sun. It’s arguably the highlight of the entire trek. Trek: Gorak Shep – Pheriche (4,240m/13,911ft)

Duration: 4-5 hours

Note: Descending to a lower altitude (Pheriche) is much better for your body than sleeping another night at Gorak Shep.

Duration: 6-7 hours

Feeling: A long descent, but you’ll feel the oxygen returning to your lungs! Enjoy the feeling of achievement.

Duration: 6-7 hours

Feeling: Your final day on the trail. Celebrate with your guide and porters in Lukla!

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Weather can cause delays, so always have a buffer day in your overall travel plans.

Evening: Enjoy a hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and perhaps a well-deserved massage. Post-Trek: Departure from Kathmandu

Activity: Depart from Nepal or continue your travels.

Essential Planning Information

When to Go:

Best Seasons (Clear skies, stable weather):

Pre-Monsoon (Spring): March to May. Warmer temperatures and blooming rhododendrons.

Post-Monsoon (Autumn): Late September to November. The most popular time, with crystal-clear view.

Shoulder/Challenging Seasons:

Winter (December-February): Very cold, especially at night, but very clear.

Monsoon (June-August): Hot, rainy, and cloudy with leeches. Not recommended.

Permits Required:

1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: Can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the park entrance in Monjo.
2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: Replaces the TIMS card for the Khumbu region and is obtained in Lukla.

Fitness & Training:

This is a strenuous trek. You should be in very good physical condition.

Training: Focus on 6-8 weeks of cardio (running, cycling, swimming) and leg strength (squats, lunges). The best training is hiking with a loaded backpack on steep, uneven terrain.

What to Pack:

Footwear: Broken-in, waterproof hiking boots.

Clothing: Layering system (base layers, insulating layers, down jacket, waterproof shell). Gear: Quality sleeping bag (-15°C to -20°C), trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50+).

Health: Personal first-aid kit, water purification (tablets/filter), diamox (for altitude, consult your doctor).

Important Considerations:

Altitude Sickness (AMS): This is the biggest risk. Go slow, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. Do not ignore symptoms like headache, nausea, or dizziness.

Teahouse Lodging: Accommodation is basic but cozy. Rooms are usually twin share with a communal dining area.

Guides & Porters: Highly recommended. A guide ensures your safety and handles logistics. A porter (or porter-guide) carries your main bag, making the trek much more enjoyable and sustainable.

Food & Water: Teahouses serve a variety of food (dal bhat, pasta, potatoes). Always drink treated or boiled water.

This itinerary provides a fantastic framework for one of the world’s greatest adventures. Stay safe, respect the mountains and local culture, and enjoy every step