TREK FACT FILE - Lukla to Kala Patthar near Everest Base Camp, 140km, height gain 6,000m, 18 days - 12 days on trek. Grade 1C.
TREK PROFILE: Here we follow in the footsteps of great mountaineers and trek towards the world's highest mountain. You will trek through an amazing landscape that belongs to the famous Sherpa people and head into the heartland of the highest region on earth. This trek takes you on the classic Everest approach hike from Lukla to Kala Pattar, an unassuming 5,643m 'bump' on the southern flank of Mt.Pumori (7,145 m). Most people don't realise that EBC at 5,340m is not the best viewing point to see Everest. It is from Kala Patthar you obtain truly spectacular views of the 8,000m giants of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.
THE TRAIL: You will start the trek at around a 2,860m and hit a high point of 5,643m. You will be hiking in the main on well established trails with a day pack. This is a linear route and the egress route simply retraces your ingress footsteps.
Your itinerary will include a brief description of our trip and an outline of your stays and meals provided. We normally only provide a breakfast at all of our city stop over locations as it gives you the opportunity to vary your cuisine by not being tied to hotel menu for your lunchtime or evening meal. We can provide full board trips on requests in particular if any person has any special dietary needs.
H=Hotel, Lo=Lodge, T=Tents, B/L/D=Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 1: KATHMANDU - ARRIVAL DAY (H/D).
You will be met at Tribhuwan international airport, Kathmandu and conveyed your hotel. You will have an evening briefing about your trip and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2: KATHMANDU - CITY TOUR, ACCLIMATISATION AND EQUIPMENT CHECK (H/B).
After breakfast we will have a full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu valley. This will involve a visit to Boudhanath, one of the largest Stupa's in the world and to the historic and beautiful city of nearby Bhaktapur.
Day 03: KATHMANDU TO LUKLA & TREK TO PHAKDING. 2,860m to 2,640m. 4 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
After breakfast you will drive to the domestic airport and fly* to Lukla. This exhilarating flight takes about forty minutes. When the trekking starts you pass Chaurikharka village and descend towards the Dudhkosi Ghat (2,530m). The trail follows the right bank of the Dudhkosi River until we arrive at Phakding. This first day is short for acclimatization reasons. Lunch will be served in Lukla or on the way.
Day 04: PHAKDING TO NAMCHE BAZAAR. 2,640m to 3,440m. 6-7 hrs (Lo/B,L,D).
After breakfast you will trek along and cross the Dudhkosi at Benkar (2,713m), Jorsale (2,804m) and two Hillary bridges at the confluence off the Bhotekosi and Dudhkosi Rivers. You will stop for lunch near the confluence. After lunch it is an uphill climb of over 300 meters to Namche Bazaar. Here there are shops, a health clinic, banks and telephone services.
Day 05: ACCLIMATISATION DAY IN NAMCHE BAZAAR. 3,440m (Lo/B/L/D).
Acclimatisation is important before trekking higher and this is the first of two scheduled stops which allows us to gradually become used to the effects of altitude. We can spend the day by taking a side trip to Thami or Khumjung, by visiting the National Park Visitor Centre on the hill above Namche or by simply resting and browsing in the shops in the town. Namche is a fascinating and famous place, to simply 'hang out' here is reward enough in itself. You can absorb yourself in this fascinating mountain culture and watch the trading of visiting Tibetans or listen to the stories of departing mountaineers.
Day 06: NAMCHE TO TENGPOCHE. 3,440m to 3,875m. 6 hrs (Lo/B/L/D)
From Namche we trek north-east on a direct line to Everest. We start up hill but the undulating* trail continues high above the Dudh Kosi. Ahead of us you will see one of the most beautiful mountains in the Khumbu - Ama Dablam (6,856m) as well as Everest in the far off distance. We pass through the settlement of Sanasa before making our descent to the Dudh Kosi and the village of Phunki Thanga. Of course, 'what goes down must go up', and from here it is a steep long climb up the side of the hill to the saddle on which Tengboche monastery is located at 3,867m. As we enter the grounds of the monastery we are welcomed by the most magnificent mountain view in the world. The long climb seems well worth it as we gaze upon a panorama of Himalayan giants including Everest as it peeks above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge.
*Anything less than ten minutes up and ten minutes down in Nepal is flat so do expect undulating to mean anything from 15-50 minutes of up hill!
Day 07: TENGPOCHE TO DINGBOCHE. 3,875m to 4,410m. 6-7 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
The trail initially descends through beautiful rhododendron forests and reaches a bridge across the Imja Khola where the river rushes through a narrow gorge. From here it is a short walk to the settlement of Pangboche (3,860m). After this point the trail and surroundings become distinctly alpine in appearance as we trek above the tree line. The trail is relatively easy, with a gentle climb towards Dingboche at 4,410m. Dingboche is a long thin settlement nestled below a ridge that separates it from it's neighbour Pheriche. To the east we have fantastic views of Lhotse at 8,501m and the popular climbing peak of Island Peak at 6,189m.
Day 08: ACCLIMATISATION DAY IN DINGBOCH. 4,410m (Lo/B/L/D).
This is the second of our acclimatisation days and it allows us to become adjusted to the thinning air above 4,000m. Whilst by no means compulsory, a recommended aid to acclimatisation is a side trip to Chukung at 4,730m. This is a short hike eastwards up the Imja Khola valley and you are rewarded with fantastic views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Island Peak. Alternatives are to climb the ridge above Dingboche, walk across to Pheriche or walk ahead to Duglha (4,620m), tomorrow's lunch spot.
Day 09: DINGBOCHE TO LOBUCHE. 4,410m to 4,910m. 6 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).We start by slowly ascending to the ridge above Dingboche and continue north wards on a gentle sloping trail to the settlement of Duglha. At this point we reach the terminal moraine of the great Khumbu Glacier and the trail and the surrounding terrain becomes more barren and harsh. After a long rest we continue higher on the moraine up a steep slope to a small flat area where we see a collection of memorials to mountaineers who have died in the Khumbu. Moving on we trek into the Khumbu valley proper and as we turn to the north-east we are greeted by the incredible sight that is the head of the Khumbu valley. From the entrance to the valley we have a fantastic view of the mountains that form the border with Tibet as well as the giants that form part of the Everest massif. The trail follows the western side of the valley and eventually reaches the bleak settlement of Lobuche at 4,910m. As we trek towards Lobuche the huge bulk of Nuptse (7,879m) dominates, seeming to be the highest mountain in the area.
Day 10: LOBUCHE TO GORAK SHEP TO EVEREST BASE CAMP. 4,910M to 5,160m to 5,340m. 8 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
After breakfast we break trail for the relatively short hike to Gorak Shep. From Lobuche we follow the broad valley that runs parallel to the Khumbu Glacier. A gradual ascent enables us to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at high altitude. When we reach the moraines of Changri Nup Glacier we make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns that leads eventually to the surprising glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5,160m) - reached after about three hours of walking. After a quick bite we gear up accordingly to head off towards the Everest Base Camp. The trek to the base camp can be achieved in around three hours and en route we will almost certainly encounter yaks and porters supplying food and equipment to expeditions here. From Everest Base Camp we do not get views of Mount Everest but we are able to see the notorious Khumbu Ice Fall, which is regarded as technically the hardest and most dangerous section of the mountain. The return journey from the Base Camp to Gorak Shep takes the same amount of time. We have an early dinner so that we are able to get up early the next day for the awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan giants from Kala Patar.
Day 11: GORAK SHEP TO KALA PATTAR TO PHERICHE. 5,160m to 5,643m to 4,270m. 8 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
We wake up early the next day for the trek to Kala Pattar (5,643m) to experience a sensational sunrise vista from this amazing vantage point. From the lodge the ascent is quite steep so we start very slowly at a steady rhythmic pace. Kala Pattar is the rocky hilltop below Pumori. It is a tough walk because of the altitude but the view from the top surpasses your wildest imagination. It will probably take a good hour and a half to reach the summit from Gorak Shep. From here Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and Everest, the highest mountain in the world, surround us. About three kilometres away and some 200 metres below, the area of the Everest Base Camp can be seen in a bowl at the bottom of the Khumbu Ice Fall. For many trekkers, reaching Kala Patar is a very emotional experience and it is worthwhile spending as long as you wish in order to savour this special moment. The descent back down to Gorak Shep is easy and once back at the lodge we have a quick drink and head off to the rooms to pack our kit bags whilst breakfast is being prepared. After breakfast we set off to Lobuche and Thugla where we stop for lunch. After lunch we cross the Khumbu Khola and head down the valley below Cholatse to Pheriche, where we stop for the night.
Day 12: PHERICHE TO TENGBOCHE. 4,270m to 3,875m. 4 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
After the rigours of the last few days, today is a relatively short day where we can now look forward to a reduction in altitude and easier going as we retrace our ascent route. You now have a chance to relax now that the hard part is over and concentrate on those aspects of mountain life that may have been overlooked on the way up. From Pheriche we cross the Khumbu Khola River and ascend a short steep trail to the top of a small ridge for great views of Imja Valley, Ama Dablam and Kantega. We then descend to the small settlements at Orsho and Shomare before passing through Lower Pangboche to reach the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River to ascend to our lodge at Tengboche.
Day 13: TENGBOCHE TO MONJO. 3,8750 to 2,850m. 6-7 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
We walk down from the rear of monastery and continue down until you reach Phunki Tenga where you climb up gradually through a forest. Once you are out of the forest you will be walking along a ridge from where you can see down on your left into some of the deepest gorges of Nepal. In spring the rhododendrons will be in bloom making the valley even more beautiful. We will arrive in Namche Bazaar in about 5 hours and trek further down about 1 hour to reach Monjo.
Day 14: MONJO TO LUKLA. 2,850 to 2,860m. 5-6 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
The hike back to Lukla takes about 5-6 hours. This will be the last night for you to get together with all of your fellow trekkers. It will be a good idea that all of the group members go for a farewell dinner party. You can have a good time with two local alcoholic beverages 'Chang' or 'Rakshi.' Feel free to dance with your fellow trekkers in the traditional Sherpa way.
Day 15: LUKLA TO KATHMANDU (H/B).
We take early flight back to Kathmandu but we do advise that this flight can be cancelled or delayed because of weather conditions. We transfer back to the hotel where you can relax and clean up after your trip.Day 16: KATHMANDU - RESERVE DAY FOR FLIGHT CANCELLATION (H/B)
This is the special day for your own leisure. We mainly keep this day free in case of flight cancellation so if the flights are on time then this is a day you can spend doing your own thing or partake in one of the many activities we can offer you on our tour/activity page.
Day 17: KATHMANDU - FREE DAY (H/B/D).
You will have another totally free day today for sight seeing or shopping (try the Thamel area of town). In the evening we will then have a farewell dinner.
Optional: Morning Everest scenic flight for £125 for one hour or a river rafting trip of one day at a cost of £30 or £40 with private transport.
Day 18: KATHMANDU - DEPARTURE DAY (B).
You will be taken to the airport for your flight home.
Flight* If clients want to use a bus to and from Kathmandu and their trek area then this is an option but not from any flight from Jomsom to Pokhara due to time constraints. There will be an approximate £60 saving for each flight and this money will be refunded less the cost of any bus fare (see our dates and prices section). Should any flight not take place due to weather then this will necessitate a bus journey and again your flight monies will be refunded less the cost of any bus fare.
On our trips we include transport to and from the airport on arrival and departure, all transportation or travel in country including any internal domestic flights, all hotel and trekking lodge accommodation, a dedicated AB leader and all in country guides and porters, any park, mountain fees or permits and any sightseeing/tourist entry fees, Breakfasts at all hotel stays will be provided but lunches and dinners will only be provided where indicated. All meals will be provided during the duration of any trek or climb.
All booked activities and the use of any group equipment such as tents, cooking equipment are included but any additional activities booked with our in country providers will be subject to an additional surcharge.
NB: See our essential information page for a complete breakdown of what is and what is not included in your trip.
Food and accommodation breakdown
Hotel = 5 nights, Trekking lodge = 12 nights, (17 nights total).
Breakfasts = 17, Lunches = 12, Packed Lunches = 0, Dinners = 14 (43 meals out of a possible 50).