Short Everest Base Camp Trek

Following a breakfast arranged by Adventure Series Nepal, you will be transported to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for a 35-minute flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. Despite the short duration of the 35-minute flight, the experience of flying over the Himalayas and landing on one of the world’s most challenging runways adds a thrilling and adventurous element on the second day of the journey. From there, you will meet up with the trekking team and embark on a 3-4 hour hike to reach Phakding at an altitude of 2,800m/9,187 ft. During the afternoon, you can spend your time exploring the local monastery or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere by the nearby Dudh Koshi River.

To prepare for today's six-hour trek, we will wake up early and enjoy a delicious hot breakfast. The third day of the trek commences with a hike through a pine forest, leading us north towards the Benkar Valley. Along the way, we will cross a picturesque suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and pass through Chumoa and Monjo villages. We will also reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, where we will have our first glimpse of some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, including the majestic Thamserku (6,608m) with its snow-capped peak. Continuing our journey, we will pass through Jorsale village and walk alongside the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. After lunch, we will cross a series of suspension bridges before finally catching sight of Mount Everest itself. Ascending on a steep trail, we will eventually arrive at Namche Bazaar, which is renowned as the largest town in the Everest region. We will spend the night in Namche Bazaar.

As we continue to ascend to higher altitudes, it is crucial to allow our bodies time to adjust to the thinner atmosphere. Today, we will remain in Namche Bazaar to acclimatise and fully immerse ourselves in the unique atmosphere of this bustling trading hub. One of the notable highlights of Namche Bazaar is its renowned bakeries, which are famous for producing delectable pastries even at high altitudes. We have several options for activities today. We can embark on a hike to Sagarmatha National Park and witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas, including iconic peaks like Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and more. Additionally, we can visit the Hillary School and explore a monastery that houses a yeti scalp. For a deeper understanding of Sherpa culture, we can visit the Sherpa Culture Museum or take a short hike to enjoy panoramic views from Syangboche Airport or the Hotel Everest View. In the evening, we will return to our lodge in Namche Bazaar, where we will spend a second night, enjoying the comforts of the town.

The trek from Phunki to Tengboche village is a relatively easy walk. As we ascend, we will be treated to stunning scenery along the way. The trail takes us through enchanting rhododendron forests, and if we are trekking during the spring season, we will be greeted by the vibrant colours of blooming rhododendrons, a truly mesmerising sight. Tengboche village is our destination, and it is home to the renowned Tengboche monastery, the largest and most historic Buddhist gompa in the Everest region. The monastery holds great significance and is situated within the Sagarmatha National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the monastery, we can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. If we arrive in Tengboche before 3:00 pm, we may have the opportunity to witness a Buddhist religious ceremony, as the monastery opens its doors at that time. After our arrival, we will check in at a local teahouse in Tengboche, where we will be accommodated for the night.

On the fifth day of the Everest Base Camp Trek, our route takes us through the villages of Pangboche, Somare, and Dingboche. As we descend, we traverse lush forests adorned with beautiful rhododendron trees. Crossing a long suspension bridge over the sparkling waters of the Imja Khola river, we are greeted by the majestic presence of towering white mountains such as Lhotse and Ama Dablam on the horizon. Continuing our trek, we descend further to Debuche and cross the Imja River, eventually reaching Pangboche. Opting for the upper Pangboche trail, we are treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan panorama, and we have the opportunity to visit the Pangboche Monastery. Along the trail to Dingboche, we will encounter numerous mani stones—stones adorned with Buddhist mantras—arranged by the path. It is customary to keep these stones on our right-hand side as we pass by. We proceed towards the Imja Valley and cross the Lobuche River before ascending to Dingboche. Along the way, we will traverse wide expanses of terraced fields where crops like barley and potatoes are grown. Finally, we will arrive in Dingboche, where we will select a comfortable lodge to spend the next two nights, providing us with ample time to rest and acclimatise to the altitude.

At this stage of our Everest Base Camp Trek, it is essential for our bodies to acclimatise to the higher elevation. However, we won't remain idle. We will embark on a climb up a ridge located behind the village of Dingboche, which offers a spectacular vantage point to witness six of the world's tallest peaks. We can marvel at the majestic Cholatse and Taboche peaks, while to the northwest, more Himalayan peaks rise above the Khumbu Khola Valley. Notable among them are Lobuche West, Lobuche East, and Lhotse, which dominate the landscape. Another spot on the ridge provides a picturesque view of the Imja Khola Valley and the charming Dingboche village. In the evening, we can indulge in a meal at one of the local bakeries in Dingboche. As the sun sets, we will be treated to a breathtaking scene of the windswept peaks of the mountains and the stone-walled terraces of Dingboche, creating a lasting and exquisite memory that will stay with us for years to come.

After a well-rested morning and proper acclimatisation, we will embark on today's hike, ready to continue our adventure. The trail begins with a gradual climb through small villages and temporary settlements of herders. As we ascend, we will be greeted by familiar mountains such as Ama Dablam and Nuptse, but it's also worth taking the time to identify lesser-known peaks like Kongma Tse and Taboche, each adding to the awe-inspiring landmarks on our journey towards Mount Everest. As we progress, the valley begins to narrow, leading us closer to Dusa and then Dughla. Just after passing through Dughla, we will pause to pay our respects at a series of memorial stupas dedicated to the climbers who have lost their lives on these challenging mountains. We will also pass by the campsite that was used during the first successful Everest Expedition in 1953. From there, we will continue our trek towards Lobuche, where we will spend the night. The prospect of a hot meal and a restful night's sleep at the teahouse will be a well-deserved reward after today's efforts on the trail.

Gorak Shep, along with Namche Bazaar, holds a special place in the Khumbu region. Our morning begins with a hike along rocky glacial moraines, leading us to Gorak Shep. We will pause there for a quick lunch before continuing our journey towards Everest Base Camp. Following a rugged path, we make our way to our ultimate destination, with the winds of the world's highest mountain whispering in our ears. As we reach base camp, it's time for celebration! We will have ample time to revel in the mesmerising Himalayan panorama that unfolds before us. After immersing ourselves in the beauty of the surroundings, we begin our return journey towards Gorak Shep, where we will spend the night.

We rise early in the morning to embark on the trek up to Kala Patthar. The surroundings are dark and cold, likely accompanied by chilly winds. The trail is moderately steep, but we maintain a comfortable pace. This short but invigorating early-morning hike rewards us with a 360-degree panorama of breathtaking views. We can marvel at the legendary Himalayan peaks and glaciers, including Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Taboche, Thamserku, and many others. Kala Patthar offers an even better vantage point to observe Mount Everest than we had yesterday. After spending some time at the summit of Kala Patthar, we make our way back to Gorak Shep, which is relatively easier than the ascent. Once in Gorak Shep, we indulge in a leisurely breakfast before commencing our return journey. We retrace our steps all the way back to Pheriche, following a familiar and comfortable route that we have previously hiked in the opposite direction. Along the way, we will pass through familiar landscapes, eventually reaching another cosy teahouse where we can enjoy a hot meal and relax for the night.

We descend through a hillside covered with vibrant rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing a bridge adorned with prayer flags over the Dudh Koshi River, we continue our trek along the Dudh Koshi gorge, swiftly descending through pine forests. Along the way, we may come across colourful pheasants and mountain goats. Eventually, we reach Sansa, offering breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse mountains. Passing through winding forest trails, we finally arrive at Namche Bazaar. There will be ample time to shop and explore before dinner, as Namche offers a wide range of fascinating souvenirs. We will spend the night in Namche Bazaar.

The trail descends steeply, so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. Upon our arrival in Lukla, we can stretch our sore legs and reminisce about the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We can enjoy our last evening in the mountains, sharing stories and memories with our fellow trekkers and guides. Overnight in Lukla.

After the arduous mountain trek, we will board an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we can choose to relax or engage in souvenir shopping. If we desire to explore different parts of Kathmandu, our guides will be available to provide assistance. In the evening, a farewell dinner will be arranged to commemorate our achievement. Our overnight stay will be in Kathmandu.