Everest Base Camp Trek

Thrilling flight to Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the world's most challenging airports. Meet your trekking crew and begin the journey. Gentle descent following the Dudh Koshi River through pine forests. Pass through small Sherpa villages with colorful prayer flags. Cross several suspension bridges. First views of mountain peaks. Reach Phakding for the night.

Cross multiple suspension bridges including the famous Hillary Bridge high above the Dudh Koshi River. Trek through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. Steep climb of about 600m to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital. If weather is clear, first views of Everest. Namche is a bustling mountain town with shops, bakeries, and internet cafes.

Critical acclimatization day. Morning hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for stunning panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. Or hike to Khumjung village (3,790m) to visit Edmund Hillary School and the monastery with alleged Yeti scalp. Explore Namche's markets, museums, and shops. Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum. Rest and prepare for higher altitude ahead.

Scenic trail with constant views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kwangde. Gradual descent to Phunki Tenga by the river. Steep climb through rhododendron forest to Tengboche. Visit Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. If timing works, attend evening Buddhist prayer ceremony. Spectacular sunset views of Ama Dablam and Everest from the monastery courtyard.

Descend through birch and rhododendron forests to Deboche. Cross the Imja Khola river and climb to Pangboche, the highest permanent Sherpa settlement with an ancient monastery. Views of Ama Dablam dominating the skyline. The trail opens up to the wide Imja Valley. Pass numerous mani walls and chortens. Reach Dingboche, a summer settlement for yak herders with stunning views of Lhotse and Island Peak.

Important acclimatization day before going higher. Options include: Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m) for spectacular 360-degree views including Makalu, the world's fifth highest peak. Or trek toward Chhukung village (4,750m) with close-up views of Island Peak and Lhotse South Face. Both hikes offer excellent acclimatization. Afternoon rest in Dingboche. Prepare gear for the higher sections.

Trek along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Pass through Dughla (Thukla) where you stop for tea. Steep climb to the memorials of climbers who have perished on Everest, including Scott Fischer and many Sherpas. Touching reminder of the mountains' power. Continue along the glacier among spectacular ice formations. Reach Lobuche with dramatic views of Nuptse and Pumori.

Trek across the Khumbu Glacier moraine on rocky, undulating trail. Reach Gorak Shep, the last teahouse settlement and former base camp site. Drop bags and have lunch. Afternoon hike to Everest Base Camp through glacier moraine. During climbing season (April-May), see colorful expedition tents. Stand at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. Return to Gorak Shep for the night. Challenging day at high altitude but incredibly rewarding.

Very early pre-dawn start for sunrise hike to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for Everest. Steep climb in darkness using headlamps. Reach the summit for spectacular sunrise illuminating Everest, Nuptse, Changtse, Pumori, and countless other peaks. Best close-up views of Everest you'll get without climbing it. Return to Gorak Shep for breakfast. Long descent to Pheriche, losing over 1,200m altitude. Body will appreciate the thicker air.

Long but pleasant descent day. Trek through Pangboche and across the river. Climb back up to Tengboche for last views of Ama Dablam. Descend through forests to Phunki Tenga. Final climb back up to Namche Bazaar. Celebrate your achievement with hot shower, bakery treats, and WiFi. Your body will feel the benefits of lower altitude.

Final day of trekking. Descend from Namche with great views back up the valley. Cross the high Hillary Bridge and follow familiar trail through Monjo and Phakding. Reflect on the incredible journey. Pass through villages you barely noticed on the way up. Arrive in Lukla and celebrate with your trekking crew. Traditional Sherpa party with local chang (beer) and dancing.

Morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu (weather permitting - flights can be delayed). Enjoy last aerial views of the mountains. Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for shopping, relaxation, or exploring Kathmandu. Optional farewell dinner celebrating your Everest Base Camp achievement.

Buffer day for flight delays from Lukla (common due to weather). If flights operated on time, use this day for sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), or Durbar Square. Shopping for souvenirs in Thamel. Massage and spa to recover from trek. Final preparations for departure.

Transfer to airport for international departure. Or begin additional adventures in Nepal - jungle safari in Chitwan, rafting, Pokhara relaxation, or another trek. Extensions can be arranged for Gokyo Lakes, Three Passes, or other routes.