Everest Base Camp and Kala Patar Nepal 5550m

In Brief: Trek to Everest base camp. One of the world's greatest treks. Nepal.

The Trek to the base camp of the world's highest mountain is justifiably the most popular and perhaps the greatest of all the trekking itineraries around today. The trek is a magic blend of fascinating culture, mind blowing scenery and strenuous endeavour that never fails to impress. It will always be one of our most rewarding mountain journeys.

The trek follows a gentle acclimatisation regime with plenty of rest days to ensure proper acclimatisation. It allows us to enjoy the trek's many unique places at our leisure.

We start in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where our senses will be delighted by the vast blend of religions, culture and scenic experiences. We stay in the relative tranquil haven of a centrally located hotel, so even though the city vibrates around us, a relaxing time can be found by those wanting to recover from the flight or those wanting to explore the city a little at the time.

On the next day we fly to the spectacularly located mountain town of Lukla (2,800m) from where our trek into the Khumbu valley begins. We follow an ancient route that will take us through tiny villages, remote valleys, impressive monasteries and over high mountain passes. The views grow more spectacular daily until we are rewarded with stunning views of Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Lhotse and the mountain scenery of the Khumbu region. After a strenuous few days our efforts will culminate in an ascent of the non-technical Kala Pattar (5,550m) from whose summit the world's highest mountains lie. Standing at the foot of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and a distant Makalu the panorama is truly spectacular and provides unprecedented vistas as an awe-inspiring reward. Furthermore we spend another day at Everest Base Camp so that we may explore fully the base of this majestic mountain.

A journey that combines the best of mountain vistas with exciting cultural experiences and the satisfaction of having achieved a physically demanding route. This is the classic expedition to the highest mountain on the planet.

Itinerary

Day 1 - 2: Kathmandu. (1,350m)

Travel to Kathmandu and check into a comfortable hotel located in the heart of Kathmandu where we are met by an amazing blend of culture, religion and people. Great souvenir shopping and Durbar square with its numerous temples and markets are nearby.

During the rest of the day you will have an opportunity to settle after your flight. The evening will entail a comprehensive brief by your leader on the adventure you are about to experience.

Day 3: Lukla. (2,800m)

An early morning flight into Lukla, from where we begin our trek into the Khumbu region. The views from the plane are amazing, providing dramatic scenes of terraced hills and the distant Himalayan giants. After landing we meet our ground crew and begin a 3-4 hour trek to Monju (2,835m), our night's resting place.

Day 4: Namche Bazaar. (3,400m)

We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this roaring river on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu region.

Day 5: Namche Bazaar.

Today is a rest and acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar. Namche is the Sherpa capital and a bustling village cramped with markets and traditional Sherpa houses. We will leave on an early morning hike to the Sherpa museum from where we can see views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse (the 4th highest peak in the world) and the beautiful Ama Dablam. The Sherpa Museum houses an exhibit on traditional Sherpa lifestyles and a fabulous photography display. The rest of the day is for private exploration of this unique place.

Day 6: Deboche (3,800m)

From Namche Bazaar, we trek along the contour of the hills, with amazing views into the deep and lush valleys below. Our route will take us through Thyangboche, the spiritual centre of the Khumbu. At Thyangboche resides a famous monastery. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a giant sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. We may spend some time here before our trek continues downhill into rhododendron forests, taking us to our secluded accommodation at Deboche.

Day 7: Dingboche (4,300m)

The trek continues along the roaring glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi with magnificent views of the mountains. We cross another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climb to Pangboche amongst thousands of Mani stones. From Pangboche the route winds high above the valley floor, passing through various Sherpa settlements until we reach our resting place for the next couple of days, Dingboche.

Day 8: Dingboche

Acclimatisation day. This will be a valuable day to acclimatise and allow our bodies to adjust to the rarefied atmosphere now we have gone above 4,000m. There is the option of a light hike up the valley for a wider variety of photos and the spectacular 6,000m peaks of Tawoche, Cholatse, Island Peak and the 8,000m wall of Lhotse. On a clear day one may see Mount Makulu, another giant above 8,000m and the 5th highest mountain in the world.

Day 9: Lobuche (4,900m) Dzugla (4,570m)

From Dingboche the trail traverses through farmlands and meadows before continuing along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We will stop in Dzugla (4,570m) for lunch before continuing along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Today we pass by the stone memorials to climbers who have died on the mountains around us. Look carefully to find touching memorials to famous mountaineers. We follow the trail to Lobuche and camp just below the terminal moraine of the tributary glacier.

Day 10: Gorak Shep (5,410m) and Climb Kala Patthar (5,550m)

An early morning start brings us closer to our two objectives. We wind our way through the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier to our camp at Gorak Shep, situated at the base of Kala Patthar. This was the original Base Camp used by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on their successful ascent of Everest, before the Base Camp moved closer to the mountain on the edge of the Khumbu Icefall.

From Gorak Shep we ascend the non-technical Kala Patthar (5,550m) and are rewarded for our efforts by unbeatable views. From this lofty perch we can clearly see the summit of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. This is simply an amazing panorama and we'll allow ample time to savour the rewards of your efforts.

Day 11: Everest base camp (5,550m)

Today we will journey towards our goal, the Base Camp of Mount Everest, located at the foot of the Khumbu icefall. This can be a long day but the satisfaction of having achieved our objective will make this all the more worthwhile. We'll spend the day at Everest/Lhotse Base Camp, giving you a chance to thoroughly explore this historic area, before returning back to Gorak Shep.

Day 12: Descent to Thyanboche (3,700m)

Today we follow the route back down the Khumbu valley.

Day 13: Descent to Namche (3,400m)

Day 14: Descent to Lukla (2,800m)

Today brings us back to Lukla which after our time in the mountains will seem like a thriving metropolis. Time for those necessary luxuries such as cappuccino coffee and ample beer. A wild celebration rewarding our efforts and new friends made is inevitable.

Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu on the earliest flight. Spend the day recovering and getting those last minute souvenirs before the flight home.

Day 16: Free day in Kathmandu

This is a free day in Kathmandu. This day is built into the program to allow for no flying days from Lukla which sometimes is the case due to bad weather. Another day to explore town.

We will have the day to explore, go shopping, visit the palaces and markets. An enduring favourite destination is the Monkey Temple, a Buddhist temple situated on a small hill that offers panoramic views of the city. Or perhaps we will join the thousands of Hindus who venture to the Pashupatinath temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples in Nepal; we will also visit the most famous Shiva temple in Asia.

Day 17: Fly to UK

Flight to UK.

Day 18: Arrive in UK