Everest Base Camp Fixed Departure

Your Everest Base Camp adventure begins in Kathmandu, the heart of Nepal. Meet your guides and fellow trekkers at the Mac Treks office, where you'll receive a detailed briefing on the itinerary and have your equipment checked to ensure you're well-prepared for the trek. Afterward, you can spend the afternoon exploring Kathmandu's vibrant streets, soaking in the unique culture of this historic city.

Get ready for an exhilarating start to your trek! Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. Witness stunning Himalayan views as you soar alongside majestic peaks like Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Upon arrival in Lukla, you'll meet your porters and have some time to explore this charming village nestled amidst the mountains. The trek officially begins with a gentle descent to Phakding, a picturesque village where you'll spend your first night in the Himalayas.

The journey continues with a gradual ascent towards Namche Bazaar. As you trek, you'll be surrounded by beautiful forests teeming with rhododendron, especially vibrant during spring. Keep your eyes peeled for breathtaking views of the Kusum Kangaru and Thamserku peaks. Finally, you'll arrive in Namche Bazaar, a bustling town nestled amidst the Himalayas. Here, you'll find shops, cafes, and bakeries, offering a taste of civilization at this higher altitude.

This day in Namche Bazaar is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude (3,450 meters). This is a crucial step to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. You can spend the day relaxing and exploring the town's shops and cafes, soaking in the unique atmosphere. For those seeking a challenge, there's the optional hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,900 meters), rewarding you with even more panoramic vistas of the surrounding Himalayan giants.

Day 5 marks the start of your journey towards Tengboche. Following the well-worn Everest trail, you'll be treated to spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, some of the world's most iconic peaks. The trail winds its way alongside the Dudh Koshi River, eventually leading you to a climb towards Tengboche. This picturesque village is renowned for its majestic monastery, perched amidst a backdrop of breathtaking Himalayan beauty. Here, you can explore the monastery's intricate architecture and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of this spiritual center.

Day 6 brings a change in scenery as you descend through a lush forest from Tengboche. Crossing the Imja River, you'll reach the village of Pangboche, nestled beneath the towering peak of Ama Dablam. After lunch, the trail ascends through open alpine meadows, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You'll then re-cross the Imja River and traverse old glacial remains before reaching your destination for the day - Dingboche (4,410 meters).

Taking a break for acclimatization is crucial on Day 7. Dingboche, surrounded by majestic mountains, provides the perfect environment for relaxation. You can explore the Imja Khola Valley, a scenic landscape carved by glaciers, or embark on a short hike for panoramic views of Makalu, the world's fifth-highest mountain. This day allows your body to adjust to the higher altitude and prepares you for the challenges ahead.

This day brings a slightly more challenging trek as you ascend towards Lobuche, a village perched at 4,930 meters. Take your time and stay hydrated as the trek gains altitude. The path winds its way up a small ridge behind Dingboche, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks like Taweche and Cholatse. As you reach the top of the ridge, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic vista showcasing the beauty of the Khumbu Valley. After a light lunch at Dughla, located at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier, the trail continues with a steady climb to a ridge marked by cairns, built as a memorial to the Sherpas and climbers who have lost their lives on Everest expeditions. From this vantage point, you'll be awestruck by the breathtaking views of Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse (across the border in Tibet), and even a glimpse of Everest peeking out from behind the towering walls of Nuptse and Lhotse. Finally, you'll descend to your lodge in Lobuche for some well-deserved rest, enjoying the early afternoon arrival.

After breakfast, you'll embark on a trek towards Gorak Shep, following a broad valley that runs parallel to the Khumbu Glacier. The gradual ascent to the moraines of the Changri Nup Glacier offers breathtaking scenery. From here, the trail becomes a series of small climbs and descents over a rocky path marked by cairns, eventually leading you to Gorak Shep, situated at a staggering height of 5,200 meters. In the afternoon, prepare for a highlight of the trek - the hike to Kalapatthar (5,545 meters). This uphill climb takes roughly an hour and a half, but the reward is truly magnificent. From the summit of Kalapatthar, witness a breathtaking sunset view unlike any other. See the majestic peaks of Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega, and of course, Everest, all bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. Remember to bring a headlamp for your descent back to Gorak Shep, as twilight sets in quickly at this altitude.

This day offers an excursion to Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters). This challenging trek takes approximately 3 hours along the glacier. If you're visiting during the peak climbing season of March to May, you'll likely encounter yaks and porters transporting supplies to the expeditions camped here. While Everest itself may not be visible from Base Camp, you'll have a clear view of the notorious Khumbu Ice Fall, considered the most difficult and dangerous section of the mountain. After soaking up the experience, return to Gorak Shep for an early lunch before retracing your steps back to Lobuche. Be prepared for a strenuous day, but the sense of accomplishment will be immense. If you're feeling tired, you can choose to rest at Gorak Shep and skip the Base Camp visit.

The descent from Lobuche as you make your way back towards Tengboche begins this day. Following the main Everest trail, you'll be surrounded by the beauty of the Khumbu Valley. Retrace your steps through Pangboche village, nestled beneath the majestic Ama Dablam, and then tackle the climb to the renowned Tengboche Monastery. This scenic journey takes approximately 7-8 hours, offering opportunities to take in the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes you encountered on the way up. Enjoy the serene atmosphere of Tengboche as you spend the night here.

Continue descending, the trail leads you back through Namche Bazaar, where you can take some time to explore the shops and indulge in a celebratory drink or pastry at a local bakery. After Namche Bazaar, a steep descent awaits, taking you down 600 meters across the Dudh Koshi River via a suspension bridge. Your destination for the day is Monjo (2,835 meters), a quieter village compared to Namche Bazaar. This allows your porters to have a less strenuous walk back to Lukla the next day. Plan on spending 6-7 hours on this leg of the trek, enjoying the changing scenery as you descend in altitude.

The trail flattens out considerably as you follow the Dudh Koshi River. Prepare to cross the river twice more before embarking on a rising traverse up the hillside, passing numerous teahouses. This scenic route eventually leads you back to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. The trek on Day 13 takes approximately 7-8 hours, offering a chance to reflect on the incredible journey you've undertaken.

This day marks the final day of your Everest Base Camp adventure. Enjoy an early morning flight back to Kathmandu, where you can finally relax and reminisce about the breathtaking sights you witnessed throughout the trek. This free day in Kathmandu allows you to explore the vibrant city further, do some souvenir shopping, or simply unwind after your challenging yet rewarding experience in the Himalayas.