Everest Base Camp and Lobuche East – 18 Days

Manthali to Lukla Flight
The airport in Manthali, Ramechhap is about 4 to 5 hours away from Kathmandu. Wake up at 2:30 am and take an escorted shuttle to Manthali airport on a shared tourist vehicle. Board a 25-minute flight to Lukla. Manthali to Lukla flight is relevant during peak trekking months.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight
Wake up at 5/6 am. Our staff will escort you to the airport’s domestic terminal in Kathmandu. Board a 35-minute flight to Lukla. Kathmandu to Lukla flight is relevant during the off-season of trekking.

Prepare your luggage for the trek the day before the flight. You will be arriving at the Tenzing Hillary Airport early in the morning. Breakfast in Lukla. Porters will meet group in Lukla and are assigned to carry luggage. For every two clients, one porter is assigned.

Today we trek to Phakding. The trail is straightforward. We head out of Lukla and follow the Dudh Koshi River with a downhill. The route connects to the Namche Bazaar trail, just above Chaurikharka (2,713 m). Continuing, we come across the small village of Ghat. After a brisk hike, we arrive at Phakding.

We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. After five and a half hours total, we reach Namche. Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,287 ft), known as the “Gateway to Everest,” is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, a money exchange, internet cafes, and a bakery. Namche is one of the biggest villages along the whole Everest trail.

The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi, with magnificent views of the mountains. We trek to an altitude of 3,860 m/12,664 ft today. After five hours we’ll reach Tengboche, where the local monastery can be seen. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a twenty-foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony in either the evening or morning, depending on how the day’s trekking progressed.

From Thyangboche the trail drops to Debuche, crosses the suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche amongst thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues for six hours, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche, with its exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. We’ll set a leisurely pace to adjust to the altitude (4,410 m/14,470 ft).

Today is another day for acclimatization. We’ll have a trip to Chukkung valley (4,730 m/15,518 ft) via the Imja Khola valley, to see the marvelous view of the surrounding mountains, especially Lhotse’s massive south wall. Then we’ll return to Dingboche in the evening.

The trail continues for five hours today, along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, and passes by stone memorials for climbers who have perished on nearby summits. We continue to climb, heading to Lobouche (4,930 m/16,174 ft) – just a few huts at the foot of the giant Lobuche peak. Some breathing problems may arise today due to altitude.

After an early morning start leaving Lobuche, we head up to Everest Base camp (5,364 m/17,599 ft). From here you’ll have an unobstructed view of many mountain giants, including Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, and Lhotse looming directly ahead and on all sides. Then we’ll return to Ghorakshep (5,164 m/16,942 ft) at noon, having completed a 7 to 8 hrs trek.

After reaching the Everest base, our aim today is to trek Kalapattar (5,555 m/18,220 ft). We start out early to reach a point that offers one of Nepal’s best panoramas of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains. We then descend back to Lobuche (4,930 m/16,174 ft), a round trip of six hours.

Today holds a 5 hours trek to the Lobuche base camp. The first half of the journey is over flat terrain, but the second half of the path begins a steep ascent to the Lobuche base camp (4,950 m). The path is quite rocky and it moves along the bank of Lobuche Glacier. While trekking, you can enjoy the spectacular views of Tawache, Ama Dablam, Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega, and many more. For the next two days our accommodation will be this tented camp, food provided by our professional chef.

Today is our main adventure day; weather permitting, early in the morning we’ll begin the climb up Lobuche peak (6,119 m/20,075 ft). The hike takes about ten hours. At the summit, we’ll behold panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Cholatse, Pumori, Changri, and more. After a trip to the top, we safely make our way down the same day, returning to the Base Camp.

After reaching the Lobuche peak, we then descend to Pangboche (3,930 m/12,893), a 6 to 7 hours trek.

Leaving the mountains behind, our descent takes us back through Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m/12,664 ft) before continuing back to the town of Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,287 ft). We arrive back at Namche Bazaar in the afternoon, a 6 to 7 hours trek.

We trek another six hours to  Lukla (2,840 m/9,317 ft), where the trek began. There will be time to reflect on the expedition as a group and the personal achievements of all who participated.

Flight to Manthali
The flight from Lukla to Manthali is 25 minutes flight. After that, it is about a 4 to 6-hour drive to Kathmandu. You’ll be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu on a shared tourist vehicle. This is relevant for the peak trekking season from March to November.

Flight to Kathmandu
The flight to Lukla takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu via a shared tourist vehicle. This is relevant for the months outside peak trekking months.

You might want to stay a little more in Nepal. If you are looking for extending your trip, there are options such as a visit to Chitwan National Park, known for wildlife viewing and to Pokhara, considered one of the most beautiful cities of Nepal.