Everest Leisurely Trek: The Everest Base Camp Leisurely of 16 days combines breathtaking panoramas of the world’s highest mountains with unique Sherpa culture, a big territory with very few inhabitants. The trip starts from a flight from Kathmandu Lukla, a charming settlement with spectacular vistas of the mighty Himalayas. Upon landing at the Lukla airstrip, you’ll begin your Everest Base Camp trek. The trails of the region are well established, with tea houses providing various types of facilities. Following this well-established route, you can reach the settlements of Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorakshep, and finally, the base camp itself.
Overview
The Everest Base Camp Leisurely Trek will be a memory that you will cherish for a lifetime, where there are stories at every turn, with some of the most beautiful locations on earth where destinations come to life. Like most places, if you travel the back road, you’ll see something else. In this Everest Base Camp Leisurely Trek, you’ll see the side of the country that does what it does and it is to capture your imagination not just the mountains but the people you meet.
The Everest Base Camp Leisurely Trek takes you along the same historic trails once navigated by iconic climbers such as Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa during their historic ascent of Mount Everest. This classic route, steeped in mountaineering history, also served as a vital path for traders and merchants in the past.
Throughout the trek, you’ll journey across a diverse and captivating landscape. The trail meanders through lush, dense forests, remote alpine regions, and rugged mountain terrain. You’ll traverse glacier moraines, navigate folds of ancient glaciers, and marvel at pristine lakes and roaring rivers.
This leisurely trek provides an opportunity to experience the grandeur of the Himalayas at a relaxed pace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region. As you travel, you’ll have the chance to explore new vistas, encounter unique local communities, and create unforgettable memories.
Important Note
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Itinerary
Kathmandu Valley
The flight into Nepal is breathtaking with views of endless rows of mountains and lush hills. Once you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport and are done with your immigration formalities, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our representative from the Alpine Club of Himalaya who will drive you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own.
Kathmandu: Pashupatinath Temple
After breakfast head on a full-day sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu valley also known as, the “city of glory.” The valley has various attractions that you can choose from, visit Durbar Square, the epicenter of religious and cultural life, an area filled with old temples and palaces having historical significance with glorious old architecture. Some of the sights include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap, and Kumari Ghar a home to the Living Goddess.
Afterwards headtowrds Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as the monkey temple, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley, with panoramic view of the mountain ranges to the north. Next, proceed towards Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, this massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. Later we visit Boudhanath, another Buddhist Stupa and one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal directions, watching for the righteous behavior of mankind and for human prosperity.
Lukla Airport
Catch an early morning exciting flight from Kathmandu Airport to Lukla witnessing views of mountain giants. Lukla, a picturesque mountaintop Sherpa settlement is the starting point of your trek. From Lukla head towards Phakding, descend towards the Dudh Koshi River passing through various settlements of Chheplung, Ghat, Sano, and Thulo Gumela and Chorten and monasteries of Drangdrak Gompa and Pema Choling Gompa with breathtaking views of sacred mountain peaks of Kumbila and sister summit Kusum Kanguru. No one is permitted to climb this sacred mountain, making it one of the few unclimbed summits in the Khumbu area.
Phakding is nestled at an elevation of 2,610 meters a small Sherpa settlement hidden in the heart of the Dudh Koshi Valley. Once you reach the settlement head towards your tea house and rest later explore the area.
Namche Bazaar
Today you’ll be heading to Namche Bazar known as the "Sherpa capital”. After breakfast head to the trail crossing through the hamlet of Zamphute and Tok Tok witnessing rays of morning sun dazzling Thamserku peak. The trail passes the Dudh Koshi, a milky glacial river up to Monjo crossing number of suspension bridges and the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge .
Arrange your permits for inspection before you approach the Sagarmatha National Park entrance a UNESCO world heritage site, after your permits are checked head down alongside the Dudh Koshi River to Jorsale. After a brief rest, head towards Namche Bazaar on an uphill trail on a steep path to an amazing high bridge over the Dudhkoshi River gorge, and just before this bridge, the Dudhkoshi is met by its tributary, the Bhote Koshi. As you gain altitude, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, from here Namche is a short hike away.
Today is your acclimatization day at Namche Bazar, as you gain altitude your body must acclimate to the thinner air at greater elevations. The settlement has various vantage points for acclimatization hikes.
Head up to any vantage at dawn and dusk to witness the breathtaking view of the Himalayas. The rays of the sun illuminate the snow-covered peaks of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and Lhotse, Later explore the Sherpa Culture Museum to learn about Sherpa culture, traditions, and customs.
In the afternoon explore some of the finest bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and shops around Namche which you’ll not find in most of the trekking trails of the country.
Pangboche
Today’s trail between Phortse and Pangboche is not the main trail, so the pathway is narrow and has sheer drops at various portions so take it slow and take caution. Pangboche is a major settlement inhabited all year round consisting of two villages upper and lower Pangboche.
Lodges are widely available in lower Pangboche and have various riverside stone-walled agricultural fields. The oldest monastery in the Khumbu region, the Riwa Gompa is located in upper Pangboche. Most trekkers pass through lower Pangboche on the way up and visit upper Pangboche while returning from Kala Patthar. Once you reach Pangboche head towards your tea house and rest.
Dingboche
After an early breakfast following the Imja Khola, the trail climbs towards the village of Shomare and crosses the tree line, from where the terrain changes into arid dry landscapes with patches of conifers, scrub, and isolated pastures lands. From here cross the grazing lands and dotted stone huts passing the settlement of Orsho and Tsuro Wog, from here the trail descends to a point near the confluence of Imja Khola and Khumbu Khola. Finally climbing a low ridge you’ll reach the sprawling hamlet of Dingboche a cold and windy region with sub-zero night temperatures even in summer.
Dingboche
Today is your second day of acclimatization, the settlement has various vantage points ideal for acclimatization excursions. After breakfast hike to Nagarjuna Peak 5,089m. It was marked by one very important personal record as I was able to Climb Nagarjuna Peak standing at a staggering 5,089m (my 1st ever Peak above 5,000m). This was part of my acclimatization day before my next destination which is Lebuche Village at 4,900m. Later we comeback to the Hotel and will have free and leisure evening. Stay overnight. Meals- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
On today’s trail to Lobuche, you’ll find yourselves in the lap of the Himalayas with mountains on all sides capturing your imagination, you’ll pass through Dusa where you’ll see herdsmen’s uninhabited stone huts, from here head towards Dughla and then to Chupki Lhara where you’ll see large heaps of stones with prayer flags a memorial for the mountaineers who perished on a mission to climb Mt. Everest and other peaks around the region. After a brief ascends, you’ll get a view of Chola Lakes' pristine blue waters. From Chupki Lara, the trail descends to the Khumbu glacier moraine walk alongside the three great peaks-Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Pumori. A final stretch along a murmuring stream and you’ll reach the settlement of Lobuche.
Our guest during Everest Base Camp
Today’s trek is long, and tuff so starts early, the first part of the trek takes you past high Himalayan pasture lands and grassy terrains with rocky and scattered boulders, all along you’ll witness views of snowy walls of lofty mountains ahead. The 60 meters/200 feet ascent takes you to the top of the lateral moraine wall of the Changri glacier, to a leveled spot called Thangma Riju from where you’ll witness a spectacular 360-degree panorama view of the Himalayan giants of Taboche, Lobuche, Pumori, and the rest of Mahalangur Himal peaks, along with views upto Tibet and Nuptse on the eastern horizon.
The trail from here crosses the moraine of the Changri glacier and later joins the Khumbu glacier from the west, you’ll have to traverse on the steep stony slopes to reach Gorak Shep so take extra caution. As you reach Gorak Shep you’ll catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar.
From Gorak Shep leave your heavy backpack and move towards Everest Base Camp walking alongside the banks of shallow blue waters of Gorak Shep lake, with views of the Changtse peak, and the Lho La peak in close proximity. Cross through glaciers, icefalls, frozen pools of meltwater, exposed icy walls, and large boulders towards the Everest Base Camp. After exploring the base camp descend back to Gorak Shep for the night.
Kalapatthar
Today you’ll be heading towards the famous vantage point of Kala Patthar, often flocked by trekkers passing this trail. Start early after a light breakfast passing through the wide sandy bed of a dried lake traversing through a steep zigzags trail and ascending up a steep trail to witness views of Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse. As you climb higher, you’ll witness a grand view of the Khumbu glacier and Nuptse massif, a final stretch to the summit of Kala Patthar will provide you with views of endless rows of the high mountains including Mt. Everest. After spending a brief time at the summit retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep, Lobuche, and from Dughla head on a different trail towards Pheriche along Khumbu Khola. Once you reach Pheriche head towards your tea house and rest.
Tengboche Monastery
From Pheriche, the trail descends to Tsuro Wog after crossing a bridge across the Khumbu Khola. From Tsuro Wog you’ll again start descending passing various settlements of Orsho, Shomare, and upper Pangboche, and finally to Tengboche. Tengboche village is home to the world-famous Tengboche monastery, the Everest region’s largest monastery with views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku one the backdrop. Explore the area after you check-in at your tea house.
From Tengboche, move towards Phunki Tenga and descend to Sanasa and Kyangjuma, and then finally to Namche Bazar. Along the trail, you’ll pass across subtropical wet hill forest of rhododendron, the mixture of conifers, oaks with orchid and moss-draped trees, and miles of undergrowth. Once you reach Namche Bazar head towards your accommodation and later explore the area, there are various restaurants and pubs around the area.
Today start walking to Namche Bazaar on a downhill hike along the Dudh Koshi River route before arriving at Lukla, cross multiple suspension bridges, and pass through various ancient monasteries and settlements. Once you arrive at Lukla rest later and celebrate your last day in the mountains.
Kathmandu
After early morning breakfast, head towards the Lukla Airport and fly back to Kathmandu. The picturesque flight from Lukla to Kathmandu seems like a delight, once you arrive at Kathmandu you’ll be driven to your accommodation. The valley has various tourist attractions, head out on a guided tour or explore the city on your own. Later in the evening join in for a special dinner program to mark the end of your adventure with your guide and our representatives.
Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA)
Today you’ll be returning back to your country. The Alpine Club of Himalaya representative will drop you at the airport three hours before your flight departs. If you prefer to stay longer, you can consult us for short tours such as game drives at National parks, rafting, mountain biking, Tibet, India, or Bhutan tours, etc.
Meals: Breakfast
If you have any inquiries or require assistance and further information about this trip or any other trips, please feel free to contact Alpine Club of Himalaya.
NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.
