Everest Base Camp A classic trek

Everest Base Camp trek is quite simply the classic trek in Nepal. High on the priority list of trekkers, the Everest Base Camp is one of the most visited regions in the Himalayas. The two-week trek starts and finishes at Lukla, an airstrip to the south of the region also known as the ‘Gateway to Everest’. Most trekkers fly to Lukla, to begin the trek.

Starting from Lukla, a gentle two-day trek up the Dudh Koshi valley leads to the famous Namche Bazaar. The route has an abundance of tea houses. Phakding and Monjo are the popular stopovers on the first day and just beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park at the Jorsale checkpoint where permits are checked. The trail that followed the Dudh Koshi River starts going uphill from the suspension bridge just a few minutes from Jorsale and Namche Bazaar is reached after a 3 hour hike.

It is good to halt here for a few days to acclimatize by walking in the surroundings of Namche. A visit to Syangboche airport, Everest view hotel, and some Sherpa villages are the highlights of the day, which can be done in just a few hours’ walk from Namche Bazaar.

Leaving Namche Bazaar, the trail follows the valley of Imja Khola with spectacular views of Thamserku,
Kangtega and Ama Dablam mountains, while dominating the skyline ahead are the giants, Lhotse and
Everest. The most common night halt after Namche is at the top of a steep climb from the Imja Khola at
Tengboche. The Tengboche Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries, probably because of its
unrivaled backdrop, Mt. Ama Dablam.

Following the Imja Khola from Tengboche, the trail ascends through Pangboche until Dingboche is
reached, where the day’s trek ends. Another day of acclimatization follows with a fascinating side trip to Chhukung valley or Nangkar hill is just above the Dingboche village. This day hike helps to
acclimatize your body and at the same time, you can explore the beauty of the Himalayas.

From Dingboche, a 6-hour walk leads to Lobuche which sits on the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier. What follows is a roughly 3-hour hike from Lobuche to the last settlement on the trail known as Gorak Shep. The few tea houses at this place provide shelter for the night before one undertakes the final leg of the trek over the glacier to Everest Base Camp.

Above Gorak Shep is seen the popular view point known as Kala Patthar, from where many a trekker has captured the image of the world’s highest mountain and gazed up in awe. The trek along the glacier to the base camp can take up to five hours. This is treacherous ground and one must walk through this area cautiously, as finding a route can be tricky and there’s always the risk of falling on the slippery ice. Being at Everest Base Camp is an out-of-this-world experience.

I have led over 100 treks to Everest Base Camp. And we have an experienced team of guides and
porters who will help you on every step to make it a successful trip for you. If you are thinking of joining a trek to the Everest base camp then make sure you do your research, and choose the right team! We run over 25 trips a year to Everest Base Camp and are happy to get inquiries to further discuss this amazing journey with you.