Everest Base Camp Lodge Trek

Full Everest holiday experience with no camping ~ Everest Basecamp and Kala Patar ~ Free day to explore Namch Bazaar ~ Spectacular Himalaya mountain views

This lodge-based trek follows the legendary 'Everest Trail' from the airstrip at Lukla, alongside the Dudh Kosi and then Imja Khola, to Namche Bazaar and the monastery village of Thyangboche, stunningly located beneath the imposing peak of Ama Dablam. It takes 8 days to reach the highest lodges at Gorak Shep and from here we set out to visit both Everest Basecamp and the accessible summit of Kala Patar, with its superb view of the world's highest mountain. Using a good standard of lodge accommodation throughout, this is an alternative way to explore the Khumbu.

Trip Guide:
Generally, the trekking conditions on this Nepal holiday are relatively easy, following good paths and yak trails throughout. Additionally, as the Khumbu is Nepal's most popular trekking destination, the area is well supplied with teashops and lodges and the trails between these are well used and present easy walking conditions. It should be noted however, that trekking at altitudes above 3000m. / 10,000ft. makes greater demands on the body than walking at low elevations, and is of itself challenging even for fit hikers. Our itinerary is well staged to allow the best possible acclimatization and includes acclimatisation days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. You will need to ensure you are physically prepared for the trek and you should be comfortable with walking for 4 to 6 hours each day and for several days continuously. This classic walk-in to the south base camp of Everest should be within the capabilities of fit and active hikers.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE Land Only package services begin with the overnight hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.

Day 2: An early start for the dramatic flight through the mountains to Lukla. From the airstrip we have a short trek to our first night's halt at Phakding (2610m. / 8563ft.). Overnight in a lodge.

Day 3: Following the Dudh Kosi valley upstream we cross and re-cross the river before making a final steep climb to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar (3400m. / 11,155ft.). We check into our comfortable lodge and the rest of the day is free for relaxing or to explore the bazaar.

Day 4: A rest day at Namche for acclimatisation. There is the option of a day hike to the Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Kunde for views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Lodge.

Day 5: Our trail now follows the Imja Khola (river) to reach Thyangboche (3860m. /12,665ft.), located on a ridge below the impressive north ridge of Kang Taiga. We check into our lodge close to the Monastery, one of the most important in Nepal.

Day 6: We trek via Pangboche, the highest of the original permanent habitations in the valley and reach the seasonal settlement of Dingboche (4410m. / 14,470ft.) at the entrance to the Khumbu Valley. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 7: We make a day hike into the upper Imja Valley, to Chukkung (4730m. / 15,518ft.) below the tremendous 3,000 metre south face of Lhotse. In the afternoon having gained valuable acclimatisation and feasted on the impressive ice flutings and ridges which surround us, we retrace our steps to Dingboche. Our second night in the Dingboche lodge.

Day 8: Continuing on the main trail we trek via Dugla and then beside the Khumbu Glacier to reach Lobuche (4910m. / 16,110ft.). Lodge.

Day 9: We walk beside the Khumbu glacier and cross a tributary dry glacier to reach the Yak pastures at Gorak Shep. (5140m. / 16,865ft.) at the base of the viewpoint hill known as Kalla Pattar. The lodges here are necessarily basic but the warm dining room will be a welcome refuge from the cold evening at this altitude.

Day 10: The big day as we trek to Everest Basecamp following first the moraine then the Khumbu Glacier itself. During the spring season the basecamp will be buzzing with activity as climbers and sherpas from multi national expeditions plan and prepare for the climb. After spending time at basecamp we then retrace our steps to Gorak Shep. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 11: Our lodge is at the foot of Kala Patar and we make an early morning ascent of this classic Everest viewpoint to around 5500m. / 18,000ft. Afterwards we make the long descent through Lobuche to Pheriche (4270m. / 14,000ft.) where we check into a lodge.

Day 12: We follow the main base camp trail as far as Pangboche. Here we climb to visit the monastery and then take an alternative high trail to the lesser visited village of Phortse (3800m.). Lodge

Day 13: We drop steeply down to cross the river at 3600m. before climbing to the Mon La at 3973m. We then descend and rejoin the main Everest trail to Namche Bazaar and continue to the village of Monjo. Lodge.

Day 14: Mostly downhill today following the fall of the Dudh Kosi river, but there's a sting in the tail as we make the final short climb to Lukla. Lodge.

Day 15: Flights out of Lukla are usually in the morning and we should arrive in Kathmandu with have plenty of time for further sightseeing or shopping. We check into our comfortable hotel and the rest of the day is free.

Day 16: Free day in Kathmandu. Hotel

Day 17: KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. Complimentary airport transfers are provided.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

On arrival the group will spend one night at the group hotel in Kathmandu. There are a total of 3 hotel nights in Kathmandu and 13 nights lodges once on trek.