Big Sky Treks and Expeditions Nepal: Everest Base Camp Trekking Route

Everest Base camp outline itinerary program

Everest Base camp & Kala patthar trekking route in Nepal is one of the popular trekking destinations in the world due to its feature of exceptional highest altitude and distinct complex landscape, remarkable natural beauty, diverse floras and faunas. Everest Base camp & Kala Patthar trekking route in Everest region of Nepal offers to the adventure travelers an exciting opportunity to explore up to the basecamp of the world’s highest mountain Mt. Everest (8848m). Mount Everest Base Camp (5364 m) and Kala patthar trekking has been popular trekking destination after the first successful completion of expeditions to Mount Everest Summit (8848m) on May 29th, 1953 by Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. The Everest base camp & Kalapatthar trekking reveals some of the most breathtaking and spectacular scenery of the Himalaya, traditional Sherpa culture, Everest National Park with diverse flora and fauna, living style of Sherpa people, hidden Buddhist culture and their religion in Khumbu region of Nepal. Everest Base camp & Kalapatthar trekking is graded as moderate to difficult trekking where trekkers should have prior trekking experience and some level of physical fitness to do this trekking.

Everest base camp trekking route Map

Everest base camp trekking route & Kala patthar trekking route begins with half day sightseeing and trek preparation in Kathmandu valley on Nepal. Then next day, take 30 min. mountain flight to Lukla. On the same day trekking trail follows the bank of Dudh Kosi River And reach to Phakding village. On the second day, reach at bustling mountain village town, also popularly known as capital of Sherpa people in Khumbu region is called Namche Bazaar. At the Sherpa capital of Namche bazar you have option to explore the village and interact with the local Sherpa people to develop insight of culture, tradition and living style of local people in Everest region of Nepal. This is also great opportunity to immerse you in the rich Buddhist culture, explore the Sherpa culture museum located at just above the Namche Bazar. Then the trail ascends towards the Tengboche hilltop village and follows the Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorakshep (last teahouse accommodation available). On the same day we hike up to Everest Base Camp and next day early in the morning hike to Kala patthar (5550m) to explore the sunrise and mountain views, which is our ultimate destination of the Everest Base camp trek. Then we descend back through Pheriche, Phortse, Khumjung, Bengkar and trek end at Lukla. From Lukla take mountain flight to Kathmandu, which takes 30 minutes.

Trip Highlight of Everest base camp trekking route and Kalapathar trekking route

Scenic breathtaking mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu.

Explore the Namche Bazaar, the capital of Sherpa people & gateway of Mt. Everest & interact with local people.

Explore the Everest National park (National Park situated highest altitude in the world) and diverse flora and fauna in this area

Observe Sherpa Buddhist culture and village lifestyle in the heart of the Himalaya of Khumbu region of Nepal

Explore the Everest and surrounding mountains panoramic view from Namche, Syangboche, and Kala Patthar

Explore the Tengboche monastery, one of the biggest Monasteries in the Everest region

Trek along the bank of Dudh Kosi River & explore the local villages

Hike to Kalapathar (5550m), one of the highest altitude of this trek and ultimate destination to have the great panoramic mountain view from very close distance

Visit highest mountain base camp in the world situated at 5364m.

Remarkable view of Khumbu ice fall and Glacier in Khumbu region of Nepal

Fact About the Everest base camp and kalapathar trekking

Starting from : Kathmandu

Ending at : Kathmandu

Grade :Difficulties

Highest access of the trek :5545m (Kala Patthar top )

Culture encounter :Sherpas

Trekking type : Teahouse

Himalayan sights : Everest (8848m), Mt Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Nuptse (7855m), Mt. Pumori (7161m), Mt. Changaste (7550m), Mt. Lingterin (6679m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6856m), Mt. Thamserku (6723m), Mt. Kantega( 6685m), Mt.Kusum Khagaru (6367m), Mt.Kongde (6011m), Mt. Khumbila (5761m) , Mt. Twache peak (6367m), Mt. Cholaste (6335m), Island peak (6179m), Lobuche peak (6145m), Pokalde peak (5806m), Honku south peak (6119m)

Most Attraction of the trek : Close Mountain View, Villages and local people

Best Season : September to November , March to May

Meal : breakfast, lunch, & Dinner)

Activities : Trekking

Transportation : By car and Plane

Accommodation : Tea house

Minimum Group Size : 1

Per day Walking : 5 to 7 hours per day

Itinerary type : Fixed / Customized

Outline itinerary for EBC and Kala Patthar

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley City Tour

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2860) & trek to Phakding (2,610m)

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar.

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m)

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,530m)

Day 08: Acclimatization day at Dingboche

Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m)

Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,180m) & hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m)

Day 11: Hike to Everest base camp (5,364m) And trek to Pheriche (4210 m )

Day 12: Trek to Phortse village (3,810 m)

Day 13: Trek to Namche (3,440 m)

Day 14 :Trek to Lukla (2,860 m)

Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 16: Free day in Kathmandu ****

Day 17: Final departure to your home

Detail Itinerary for Everest base camp Trekking Route

Day 01 : Arrive in kathmandu (1400 M)

Arrive in Kathmandu airport and we will meet and transferred to hotel. Evening time explore Thamel yourself and overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Tour, Trek Preparation (1400 M)

Take a morning tour of Kathmandu city after breakfast, and see all the main sights of the Kathmandu Valley, including the Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), and Durbar Square. and discuss about the trekking for any final checks of your trekking equipment and clothing (sleeping bags, jacket, boots etc.).

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2860 m) 30 min & Trek to Phakding (2610 m)
Trekking distance 8 kms – Approximately 3 Hours walk

Early in the morning transfer to domestic airport to board a flight to Lukla (2860 m) and which takes about 30 minutes. The flight to Lukla will be one of the scenic lifetime experiences as you fly over the majestic rocky spiky mountain.

Note: because of the weather condition there is high chances of cancelling the flight schedule and some times need to wait for long hours. Upon arrival at Lukla start trekking until we reach to Phakding. The trail to Phakding lets you discover the green landscape with a scenic view of Kusum Kang Karu Mountain; beautiful Chaurikharka village on the bank of the Dudhkosi River is another highlights. Walking about 3 hours up and down we reach to Phakding in the afternoon. Today is our first day of trekking and we don't walk much. If you are interested you can explore the village and Monastery in the evening.

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Trekking distance 10.5km approximately 6 Hours walks.

After breakfast start trekking through a beautiful pine forest that leads us along the Dudh Koshi River and Hillary Suspension Bridge to reach to Monjo and starting point of Sagarmatha National Park. Here we stop at check post of TIMS & National Park permit. The trail passes through the Dudh Koshi, Bhote Koshi River, Jorsalle village, Large Dovan and cross one of the highest bridge over the Dudh Kosi River of Everest region and reach to Chautara from where we can see the first glimpse of the Mt. Everest. Further walking about one hour steep up we reach to Namche bazar. Namche bazar is one of the trading points for Sherpa people. It is also ideal market for visitors to purchase traditional crafts. If you missed any trekking gears don't worry you can buy some trekking gears over here as well. Every Saturday there would be local street market, do not miss if you are there on Saturday.

Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar

Today is the schedule for acclimatization. However, we do not spend worth less at the lodge. It is highly suggested to climb up and stay overnight at low altitude so our body can adjust the high altitude climate. In the morning visit near by attraction; Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest photo Gallery, which is just 15-minute walking distance from Namche Bazar. From the museum you can have the spectacular picturesque Mountain View and take some photographs. Then start trekking to Everest view hotel passing through Syangboche Airport (3700m), which is situated at the highest altitude, takes about 2 hours. We climb further to reach Mt. Everest View Hotel for great panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Kusum Kangkaru, Thamserku, Kongde and many more. Enjoy the spectacular view of mountains including Mt. Everest from the nearest destination then trek back to Namche Bazar.

Day 06: Namche bazar to Tengboche (3870m)
Trekking Distance 10 kms – Approximately 6 Hours walk

Take breakfast early in the morning and start trekking form Namche bazar to Tengboche. On the way trekking trail offers the spectacular majestic views of mountains and natural beauties. The trail passes through Kayangjuma, Sansa and descends about 300m and reach to Dudh Koshi suspension Bridge. After crossing the River the trail is steep up ascend about 500m and we reach on the hilltop called the Tangboche village. Tengboche is a wonderful place for scenic views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse and Mt. Ama Dablam and It has the biggest Buddhist monastery (3870m) called Tengboche Monastery. The structure of monastery for the first time was built I in 19 23 AD. In 1934, it was destroyed by earthquake and rebuilt. It was destroyed by fire again in 1989 and rebuilt with the help of volunteers and the provision of foreign aid. Explore the village, local people and the Tangbuche monastery in the evening.

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4530 m)
Trekking distance 11kms – Approximately 6 Hours walk

Early in the morning if you are interested visit the Tengboche monastery for pray, ceremony in the principle and popularity of Monastery in Everest region. Try to be there before 7:30am, observe the monks praying and you can also involve there for pray. After breakfast trek from Tengboche to Dingboche, also known as Summer Valley, which will take approximately 6 hours. At first we trek via Debuche, cross bridge over Imja Khola and trek along the beautiful green fields, protected lands & the village of Pangboche (3900m). The trail is step up for entire day to reach to Dingboche. The village of Somare (4010m) and Orsho are on the way and offer the excellent view of Mt. Aama Dablam along the trail. We descend to the river and follow the steep up trail to reach the Dingboche via north face of the Pheriche village. Trekking about 3 hours from Pangboche we reach to the Dingboche village.

Day 08: Acclimatization day in Dingboche (4530 m), Hike to Chhukhung (4730m) or Nangkartshang Peak (5100 m)

Option 1

Again it is necessary to take the day rest and acclimatize before go higher altitude, we spend our rest day in Dingboche. After breakfast with spectacular sunrise view over the mountain and admiring Aama Dablam to the South, Mt. Lotse and numerous other peaks. We hike to Chhukung which takes about 3-4 hours to explore the spectacular mountain, we can see the three out of six highest mountain in the world from the viewpoint, which are Mt. Lotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8485m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m) as well as you will you will see the peak of Cho Latse (6440m) and Taboche (6542m) to the west. Then we back to Dingboche & rest in the evening.

Option 2

Nangkartshang Peak is a spectacular viewpoint in the Khumbu. The peak is above Dingboche after breakfast we start to hike up to Nangkartshang Peak around 2 Hours with beautiful mountain view and back to Dingoboche and rest in evening

Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m)
Trekking distance 12kms / Approximately 6 hours

Trek to Lobuche via Khumbu Khola valley & Duglha (4530m) (also known as Thukla) that leads to the white Chorten on the top of the ridge. Then further continue through Dusa(4530m), Palrung Khrka and you will see the Chola peak and at the bottom Chola Lake (4590m) on the left hand side. At the top of the ridge we will find a collection of stones with prayer flags, memorials of several famous mountaineers such as memorial of US citizen mountaineer Scott Fisher and Nepali citizen 10 times Everest submitter Nepali mountain guide Babu Chiri Sharpa who perished on a mission to submit Mt. Everest. Along the way as the trail further continue to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, you witness a great view of Mt. Pumori (7161m), Khumbutse, Khumbu peak, Nuptse, Baruche, Lola peak and beautiful views of Himalayas. As we pass the Khumbu glacier moraine you might feel a little out of breath due to high altitude.

Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5180 m) Hike to Everest Base, Camp (5364 m) & back to Gorak Shep
Trekking distance 15Kms / Approximately 8 Hours

On the way to Everest Base camp

Trekking to Gorak Shep passes through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with the witness of north ridge of Mt Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur and Mt. Nuptse and surrounding peaks. Trekking after approximately 3 hours from Lobuche, we will reach at Gorak Shep. Take Lunch at Gorakshep and have rest for a while. Gorakshep is the last place where you stay . From Gorak Shep continue trekking to reach Everest Base Camp, which is one of the ultimate destinations of our trekking and will take approximately another 3 hours. On the way we pass through the large icefall and glacier and after walking one and half hour we see the first glimpse of Mt. Everest. Hiking through the trail with several ups and downs in the high altitude, we explore the lovely and vibrant beautiful views of Snowcapped Mountains and icefall glacier. When we reach to EBC we will enjoy the natural magnificence of Khumbu Glacier and icefall, people staying in the tented camp and some of enthusiastic mountain climber doing the preparation for Everest expedition. We will spend some time at the base camp enjoying the Himalayan beauty and capturing the majestic views in our cameras. Then trek back to Gorakshep. Get ready for tomorrow as we wake up early in the morning for sunrise views from Kala Patthar.

Day 11: Hike up to Kala Pattar (5545m) for sunrise, descend to Gorekshep & Pheriche (4210m)
Trekking distance 13 Kms / Approximately 7 Hours

Today is the toughest day for us of entire trekking. We wake up at 4am in the morning and start hike to Kala Patthar for spectacular sunrise view and massif of mountains. It will take 2-3 hours to reach to Kala Patthar from Gorakshep. A long but truly an exciting and

Everest from Kala Patthar top

adventurous hiking will finally land us in Kala Patthar & explore majestic views of mountains such as Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Pumori (7161m), Lola peak, Khumbutse peak (6640m), Baruche (7129m), Nuptse (7861m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Kangtega (6685m), Thamserku (6608m), Lhotse (8516) and it’s range, and last one on the far right hand corner is the Tibetan ranges. We will enjoy the panoramic views of Himalayas and capture the moments in our cameras. This moment is one of the unforgettable alive memories for the rest of our lifetime. Remember you might feel very cold and lack of oxygen, water bottle might get frozen, mobile and camera might not work. Do not forget to get thick warm clothes and protective equipment such warm cap and gloves. We don't stay at Kalapathar for long as it is freezing weather. We spend about half an hour and capture all the memories in our camera as photo and video then descend back to Gorek Shep, take about 1 hour. Take breakfast and then descend to Pheriche (4210m) via Lobuche and Thukla. After descending 2-3 hours from Gorakshep we reach to Thukla where we will have lunch. It will take another one hour descend exploring the river and Pheriche valley to get Pheriche village.

Day 12: Pheriche to Phortse (3810m) via Pangboche
Trekking distance 13 Kms / Approximately 6 Hours

Start trekking Pheriche to Phortse village (3810m). The trail passes witnessing the wild animals like mountain goat, musk deer and many species of himalayan birds. There are monasteries at Pangboche and Phortse village rich in cultural heritage of the Sherpa people living in the Everest region of Nepal. The monasteries in this village were built during the 16th century and the culture & tradition still remain unchanged. About 3 hours descending from Pheriche we reach to Upper Pangboche village (3930m). It is popularly known as the village situated at the highest altitude on earth. From Upper Pangboche the trail divide in to two branch. One goes to Tengboche if you descend but we take straight further to go to Phortse village instead descend, this trail avoids much of the trekkers and yak traffic. It will take 3 hours to reach to beautiful village Phortse from Pangboche.

Overnight at mountain lodge in Phortse village.

Day 13: Phortse to Namche Bazzar (3440m)
Trekking distance 13 Kms / Approximately 7 Hours

After breakfast trek from Phortse village to Monjo village, which will take approximately 6 hours. From Phortse village the trail drops sharply down to the Dudh Kosi River for about 20 minutes, cross the bridge and reach to Phortse Thanga. We ascend steep up to Mongla Hill (3973 m) for about one and half hour. From Mongla Hill offers you the excellent views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kusum Kangkaru, Kongde Ri and Taboche peak. At Mongla Hill enjoy the leisurely lunch exploring the panoramic mountain views. Descent to the Sanasa and re trek to Namche bazaar

Day 14 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Trekking distance 15 Kms / Approximately 8 Hours

Finally we return to Lukla where the trek began, which will seem like a lifetime ago. Enjoying time to reflect on the trek as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part. Also giving you time to explore the town.

Day 15: Fly back Lukla to Kathmandu (1310m) 30 min flight

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu will take 30 minutes of amazing scenic mountain flight lands you in the domestic terminal of the airport. Up on arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel and in the afternoon enjoys as leisure. Remember there is high chance of cancelling flight because of the weather condition. We do have some evidence trekkers had to stay for 3 days because of the weather condition. So be prepared and make one leisure day in Kathmandu so that you can be safe.

Day 16: Leisure day in Kathmandu

It's also spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla. Remember, there are high chances of cancelling flights because of weather condition in Lukla. You have option to stroll around the local tourist market in Kathmandu to observe the living style of local people in Kathmandu valley. You can observe the traditional houses, arts and crafts, local people selling clothes, fruits and vegetable around Indrachook and Ashanon located on the North Part of the Kathmandu Durbar Square.