Everest Base Camp Trek (Lukla to EBC)
The approach to Everest Base Camp is clearly the focus of many trekkers when they come to Nepal. This high austere region on the border with Tibet with its brilliant light and azure skies contains many possible treks and variations, but the magnetic draw towards Everest is paramount and the views from either the peak of Kala Pattar near to Everest Base Camp or from Gokyo Peak near the Gokyo lakes reveals fabulous views of many of the great peaks with heights in excess of 8000 metres: Cho Oyu (8153m), Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8501m), Makalu (8475m).
The majority of trekkers fly into the narrow airstrip at Lukla (2800m) but unless time is limited, it is highly recommended to take a bus to Jiri from Kathmandu and then walk in to Namche Bazaar on a tough trek of about ten days, through spectacular scenery as the trail cuts across the flow of the river valleys through forests of pine and rhododendron. This also provides good acclimatization and assures you that you will not suffer from flight cancellations on the Kathmandu to Lukla route.
A winter trek in this region is possible. In recent years there has been a tendency for drier winters to occur as the normal moist airflow from the Mediterranean has been interrupted or delayed. However, sudden snowfall can occur at any time at the higher altitudes. Trekking in winter, from December to February, has the advantage that the trails are practically empty, whereas it is acknowledged that in the peak trekking season in September to November, the lodges on the Everest Base Camp trek are packed and the trails very busy.
Whenever you decide to come, it must be remembered that this is a high trek, so acclimatization is normal at Namche Bazaar (one day) and perhaps an extra day further on as well.
Everest Base Camp Trekking Itinerary:(Lukla to EBC) |
||
Day 01: |
|
Kathmandu by flight to Lukla. Trek to Phakding (2830m). |
Day 02: |
|
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3480m). |
Day 03: |
|
Namche Bazaar acclimatization day. During the day, you can hike to Thame for beautiful Himalayan views and wildlife, and visit the Tibetan Monastery or hike to Everest View Hotel for superb views of Everest (8848m). Overnight at Namche Bazaar. |
Day 04: |
|
Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3890m). |
Day 05: |
|
Tyangboche to Pheriche (4250m). |
Day 06: |
|
Pheriche to Lobuche (4910m) |
Day 07: |
|
Lobuche to Gorakshep (5180m). After lunch continue to Everest Base Camp (5500m) and overnight at Gorakshep. |
Day 08: |
|
Early morning hike to Kala Pattar (5545m) for superb Himalayan views including Everest 8848m, Lhotse 8516m, Nuptse 7855m,Pumori 7161m, Changaste 7550m, Lingterin 6679m, Amadablam 6856m, Thamserku 6723m, Kantega 6685m, Kusum Khagaru 6367m, Kongde 6011m, Khumbila 5761m (Deity of the Khumbu), Twache Peak 6367m, Cholaste 6335m ,Island peak 6179m, Lobuche 6145m, Pokalde Peak 5806m, Honku South Peak 6119m. Lunch at Lobuche and overnight at Dingboche (4345m) |
Day 09: |
|
Dingboche to Tyangboche (3890m) |
Day 10: |
|
Tyangboche trek to Namche Bazaar |
Day 11: |
|
Namche to Phakding (2830m) |
Day 12: Day 13: |
|
Phakding to LuklaFly from Lukla to Kathmandu |
|
|
||