Everest Base Camp with World Heritage Sightseeing Tour – 15 Days

• Drive Duration: 3-4 hours
• Meal: Breakfast
• Highest Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,600ft)

On the second day of your trip, you’ll embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. This day provides an opportunity to explore the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and the Durbar Square. Each of these iconic sites offers a glimpse into Nepal's spiritual and cultural significance. Swayambhunath provides sweeping panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, while Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, where pilgrims gather to circumambulate the structure, performing rituals as they pray.

A visit to Pashupatinath, a sacred temple for Hindus, allows you to witness traditional religious ceremonies on the banks of the Bagmati River. The temple complex is a serene and spiritual place, offering a deep understanding of Nepal’s religious traditions. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historical landmark filled with beautiful architecture, ancient temples, and palaces. The exploration of these sites is an enriching cultural experience that offers insight into the diversity of Nepal before you begin your trek.

• Flight Distance: 138 km (86 miles)
• Flight Duration/ Trek Duration: 25-30 minutes / 3-4 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft) & Phakding (2,610m/8,563ft)

On Day 3, you’ll board a scenic flight to Lukla, the starting point for your trek to Everest Base Camp. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is a thrilling experience, taking you over the Nepalese Himalayas with dramatic views of the peaks. Lukla (2,860m) is a small town with a renowned airport nestled amidst the mountains. Once you arrive, your trek begins with a descent to Phakding (2,610m), a charming village situated in the Khumbu Valley. The trek to Phakding is around 3-4 hours, offering gentle inclines and beautiful views of the surrounding forests, rivers, and mountain peaks.

As you walk through the village of Lukla, you’ll see traditional Sherpa houses, prayer wheels, and mani stones, reflecting the strong Buddhist culture of the region. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and offers a glimpse of snow-capped mountains as you move through dense rhododendron forests and suspension bridges. Phakding is a peaceful village and a great place to acclimatize to the altitude. After checking into your lodge, you can relax and enjoy the serenity of the place before preparing for the next leg of your journey to Namche Bazaar.

• Trek Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440m /11,283ft)

The trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the bustling hub of the Khumbu region, takes you through more challenging terrain, lasting around 5-6 hours. Starting from Phakding, the trail passes through lush forests, crosses the Dudh Koshi River several times on suspension bridges, and follows a winding path up the valley. The trek offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks, including Thamserku and Kantega, which gradually become visible as you ascend. The landscape is a mix of forests, pastures, and traditional Sherpa villages, each with its unique character and culture.

As you approach Namche Bazaar, the first major settlement in the Khumbu Valley, the landscape becomes even more rugged and alpine. Namche is a vibrant Sherpa town known as the gateway to Everest and the Khumbu region. It’s a great place to acclimatize and prepare for higher altitudes. Here, you’ll find modern amenities, such as cafés, shops, and guesthouses, yet it retains a traditional, remote feel. Upon reaching Namche, you can explore the local markets, visit the Namche Bazaar Monastery, or take in the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.

• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440m /11,283ft)

An important day for acclimatization, Day 5 in Namche Bazaar will help your body adjust to the higher altitude before continuing the trek. You can take a short hike to Khunde and Khumjung, two traditional Sherpa villages located above Namche. From these villages, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas, including Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. Another option is to hike to Everest View Hotel, one of the highest hotels in the world, which offers stunning views of Mount Everest.

In the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax in Namche. You can visit the Sherpa Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region, as well as the mountaineering history that led to the first ascent of Mount Everest. Namche Bazaar is also a great place to stock up on any supplies you may need for the journey ahead. It’s essential to take it easy today to ensure you are well-prepared for the higher altitudes that lie ahead.

• Trek Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Tengboche (3,870m /12,694ft)

After a day of rest, you’ll continue your trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m), which is about a 5-6 hour trek. The trail descends slightly before beginning a gradual climb through magnificent pine forests and rhododendron trees. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages and cross several suspension bridges over raging rivers. As you trek, you’ll have spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Lhotse, with glimpses of the breathtaking mountain scenery surrounding the Dudh Koshi River.

Tengboche is famous for its Tengboche Monastery, one of the largest in the Khumbu region. This sacred place offers views of some of the highest mountains in the world. After arriving at the monastery, you can explore the peaceful grounds and experience the spiritual atmosphere that surrounds it. You may even witness a Buddhist prayer ceremony if you’re lucky. The evening in Tengboche is peaceful and the ideal time to reflect on the incredible views of Mount Everest and Ama Dablam that surround you.

• Trek Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Dingboche (4,410m /14,470ft)

From Tengboche, you will trek to Dingboche (4,410m), a stunning village in the Khumbu Valley. This is a 6-hour trek, which will gradually take you to a higher altitude. The trail offers stunning views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and the other Himalayan peaks as you pass through lush forests and cross rivers. The route is well-marked, but the ascent can be challenging due to the thinning air. As you climb higher, the landscape changes, becoming more barren and alpine, with stone houses and yak pastures dotting the scenery.

Once in Dingboche, you’ll be surrounded by magnificent mountain views, including the towering Lhotse and Island Peak. The village is situated in a high-altitude desert-like landscape, with rocky paths and sparse vegetation. It’s another great spot to acclimatize and rest for the day. There are plenty of opportunities to take short hikes around Dingboche to further adjust to the altitude, such as hiking to Nangkartshang Peak, which offers fantastic views of Everest and the surrounding Himalayas.

• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Dingboche (4,410m /14,470ft)

An essential acclimatization day, Day 8 will be spent in Dingboche, where you can rest and allow your body to adjust to the high altitude. This is important for preventing altitude sickness before continuing your trek higher up. Dingboche is the ideal location for day hikes, as the area is surrounded by incredible views of the Himalayas. A popular option is to hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m), which takes about 3-4 hours and provides stunning views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Island Peak.

After your morning hike, you’ll have time to relax in the village, explore the local tea houses, and soak in the peaceful surroundings. The air is thin, so it’s essential to take it easy and not overexert yourself. This day of rest will ensure you are in peak condition for the next stage of the trek to Lobuche.

• Trek Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Lobuche (4,940m /16,207ft)

On Day 9, you’ll trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m), which will take around 5-6 hours. This is a more strenuous section of the trek, as you begin to approach the highest altitudes of the journey. The trail winds through the Khumbu Glacier, offering spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, and other Himalayan peaks. The route is mostly above the treeline, passing through rocky, barren landscapes and exposed areas with high winds and chilly temperatures.

Once you reach Lobuche, the small village is a welcome sight, with stunning views of the Himalayas surrounding you. The altitude will begin to feel more noticeable, so it’s important to continue resting and hydrating. The evening can be spent preparing for the final leg of the trek to Everest Base Camp.

• Trek Distance: 14.9 km (9.2 miles)
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Everest Base Camp (5,364m /17,598ft)

Today marks one of the most exciting days of the trek, as you will reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m), the ultimate destination for trekkers. The trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp will take around 7-8 hours, following a challenging yet rewarding path. You’ll walk along the Khumbu Glacier, cross through rocky moraines, and ascend gradually to Gorak Shep, where you’ll take a short break before heading to the base camp.

When you finally arrive at Everest Base Camp, the moment will be nothing short of magical. The expansive glaciers, towering peaks, and the sheer magnitude of Mount Everest will take your breath away. After spending some time at Base Camp, you’ll return to Gorak Shep for the night. The excitement of the day will stay with you as you reflect on the incredible journey you’ve undertaken.

• Trek Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft)

Day 11 begins early with a pre-dawn hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m), one of the most iconic viewpoints in the entire Everest region. This strenuous ascent typically takes about 2-3 hours from Gorak Shep, and it’s essential to start early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Everest. As you climb, the air becomes thinner and the temperatures colder, but the anticipation of the stunning views of Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Nuptse (7,861m) keeps your spirits high. The summit of Kala Patthar provides an unobstructed panoramic view of the entire Khumbu Icefall and Everest Base Camp, making the early morning rise well worth the effort.

Standing at the top, you will feel on top of the world, gazing at the Himalayas in all their glory. The sunlight gradually illuminates the snow-capped peaks, casting long shadows over the valley below. The experience is surreal, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment that encapsulates the essence of trekking in the Himalayas. After taking in the majestic views and capturing some photographs, you will begin your descent back to Gorak Shep for a quick rest and some tea before continuing on your trek to Pheriche (4,371m). This trek, which takes around 4-5 hours, is a descent through the rugged terrain, offering different perspectives of the mountains as you head back down the valley. Upon arrival in Pheriche, you’ll feel a sense of relief and satisfaction after reaching such an iconic viewpoint. The rest of the day is yours to relax, recover, and allow your body to adjust to the decreasing altitude.

• Trek Distance: 13 km (8 miles)
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440m /11,283ft)

On Day 12, you will descend from Pheriche back toward Namche Bazaar. The trek is around 6-7 hours, and the change in altitude from the high-altitude landscapes to the relatively lower altitudes is refreshing. As you trek down, the thinner air of the high altitudes gives way to the more oxygen-rich atmosphere of the lower valleys. The descent allows you to take in the diverse range of scenery, from the stark, rugged mountains to the lush forests and vibrant Sherpa villages that line the valley. Along the way, you’ll pass through small settlements like Tengboche, where you may choose to stop for a short break or to explore the famous Tengboche Monastery once more.

As you continue the trek toward Namche Bazaar, the Dudh Koshi River accompanies you along the way. The sound of the river flowing adds a sense of tranquility to the descent, and the route is dotted with prayer wheels, mani stones, and Buddhist stupas, reinforcing the deep spiritual connection of the region. By the time you reach Namche Bazaar, the bustling town will feel like a welcome return after several days at high altitudes. Namche, as the gateway to the Khumbu region, offers a chance to relax, enjoy a warm meal, and even visit the local market to shop for souvenirs or recharge with fresh supplies. The evening in Namche Bazaar is a great time to reflect on your Everest adventure as you reminisce about the incredible sights you’ve encountered along the way.

• Trek Distance: 17.9 km (11.2 miles)
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
• Altitude: Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft)

The next leg of your trek takes you from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, the starting point of your Everest Base Camp trek. This leg of the journey takes around 6 hours and follows a similar route to the one you took at the start of the trek. The trail offers a gradual descent, and while the ruggedness of the terrain is less intense than in the higher elevations, it still requires attention and focus. You’ll pass through familiar villages and suspension bridges, with the Dudh Koshi River running beside you as you make your way toward Lukla.

As you approach Lukla, the scenery becomes more vibrant, with lush forests and small farms dotting the landscape. Upon arrival in Lukla, you’ll have some time to rest and celebrate the completion of your trek. Lukla is a lively town with a collection of tea houses, restaurants, and shops where trekkers from around the world gather to recount their experiences. The feeling of accomplishment is palpable in the air, as Lukla represents the conclusion of your Everest Base Camp trek. After checking in at your lodge, you can reflect on the transformative journey you’ve just completed or explore the town before preparing for your return flight the following day.

• Flight Distance: 138 km (86 miles)
• Flight Duration: 25-30 minutes
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
• Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,600ft)

Day 14 marks your return to Kathmandu. After breakfast in Lukla, you will board a morning flight back to the capital. The flight is an exhilarating experience, as you’ll once again have the opportunity to witness the Himalayas from above. The descent into Kathmandu offers sweeping views of the valleys, rivers, and terraced hillsides that make Nepal so unique. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for some rest and relaxation after your journey.

You’ll have the rest of the day free to explore Kathmandu, revisit some of the places you saw earlier in your trip, or do some last-minute shopping. Kathmandu’s vibrant streets, full of temples, markets, and local shops, offer the perfect way to unwind after a challenging but rewarding trek. In the evening, you might enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow trekkers to celebrate the completion of your adventure, recounting stories and experiences from the past two weeks in the Himalayas.

• Drive Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Meal: Breakfast
• Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,600ft)

On the final day, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home. The memories of your Everest Base Camp trek will stay with you forever, from the breathtaking sunrises over Mount Everest to the feeling of standing at the foot of the world’s highest peak. As you leave Kathmandu, you’ll carry with you not only incredible photographs and stories but also a deep sense of accomplishment. Safe travels and farewell, until your next adventure in the majestic Himalayas.