Nepal | Teach & Trek: Everest Base Camp

You will be met on arrival in Kathmandu by your group leader & be transported to your guesthouse. The first day is kept free to relax and unwind after a long flight before heading out to get to know the rest of the group over dinner and a few drinks.

Notes:

• Accommodation Type: Guesthouse
• Highlights: Free Time & Group Welcome Dinner
• Airport Meet & Greet Included

We visit the home of the living goddess, Kumari. Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is one of three Durbar Square’s in Nepal. Once a place for royalty, the square is now a UNESCO listed cultural site complete with palaces and pagodas rich in arts and wooden craft that once flourished in the 14th century. Next is an exploration of Swayambhunath Temple, or commonly called Monkey Temple. There’s a reason this beautiful structure is called Monkey Temple. The many monkeys scattered throughout the temple seem to run the joint, and are extraordinarily cheeky! Be careful, or you could find your phone in the hands of a monkey with an obsession for taking selfie shots.

What really sets this incredible temple apart from others? It’s the perfect example of religious harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism. This is living proof that religions can coexist, an amazing feat in itself.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Highlights: Guided exploration of Durbar Square & Swayambhunath Temple

Today is about balance between culture and nature. We begin with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, a famous and sacred Hindu temple dedicated to an incarnation of the Hindu god Shiva. Pashupati is a much-revered god in the Hindu world, especially in Nepal, where he is unofficially regarded as a national deity. Next we explore Boudhanath; one of the largest stupa’s on the planet! After a rooftop lunch we make our journey towards Nagarkot; a 2-hour voyage through winding roads & stunning scenery. Nagarkot is the perfect location to end the day as you watch the sun set over the Himalayas. It also provides your first glimpse of what you came here to conquer, Mount Everest.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Highlights: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, Rooftop Lunch & Nagarkot Village

Get up before dawn and watch the sunrise over the Himalayas before our journey to Bhaktapur; where the second of the Durbar Square’s is located. Bhaktapur, also known as ‘City of Devotees’, along with Kathmandu and Patan, is one of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Exploring this medieval city is like stepping into the past as terracotta monuments, carved wood columns, palaces, and temples with elaborate carvings crowd the city. All of which is set below the scenic backdrop of the Himalayas. In the afternoon we return to the city of Kathmandu where the remaining hours are free for you to explore the tourist Mecca of Thamel; the first stop for any budding trekker.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Highlights: Bhaktapur Medievil City & Free Time in Thamel

We begin the day with an early morning flight to Lukla, situated 2804 meters above sea level. The 45-minute flight offers some truly spectacular views of the Himalayas before you touch down at Tenzing & Hillary Airport (Named after Everest’s first summiteers). After landing you will have some free time to explore the village of Lukla, drink some tea & take some photos as your crew sorts & loads the all important trekking equipment. After a small safety briefing and an introduction to your porters it’s time to gear up and commence the trek. This begins with a fairly gentle introduction to trekking as you begin your descent towards the DudhKosi River. You’ll then pick up the main trail and head towards the first overnight stop at the village of Phakding (2652m).

Notes:

• Accommodation: Tea House
• Meals Included: B, L, D
• Total Hiking Time: Approx 3 Hours
• Altitude Gain: 190m

After breakfast the day begins with a four hour climb high into the mountains, crossing a dozen exhilarating wire suspension bridges on the way. Once entering Sagarmᾱthᾱ National Park (Sagarmᾱthᾱ is the Nepalese name for Everest), the trail climbs steeply, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After a quick lunch break we hike for another two hours before reaching Namche Bazaar (3446m), a town known as the ‘Sherpa Capital’ and the ‘Gateway to Everest’.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Tea House
• Meals Included: B, L, D
• Total Hiking Time: Approx 6 Hours
• Altitude Gain: 830m

Today is perhaps the most important day of the trek as we focus on acclimatizing to the high altitude – ascending and descending in small increments in order to adjust to the now-thinning air. The saying is “climb high, sleep low” and is the surest way for the body to adapt to high altitude. The Sherpa people are regarded as the best suited to low oxygen environments, and as part of your acclimatization process you will have the opportunity to visit a museum celebrating Sherpa customs.

Today you will also get your first view of Mount Everest, serving as a backdrop to a large statue of Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary on the world’s first ascent of Everest. Among mountaineers, Tenzing is regarded as one of the bravest and most heroic Himalayan climbers of all time.

Namche Bazaar serves as an important meeting point for most trekkers on their way to conquer Everest. The village situated on a mountain crest has many quality restaurants, lodges, shops, pharmacies, banks & bakeries. It is also the last chance to check your equipment and hire any additional gear needed.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Tea House
• Meals Included: B, L, D

Winding our way along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi, you will be exposed to the magnificent views of nearby snowy peaks, including Everest itself. Upon reaching Tengboche we will stop by a local monastery. Inside you will find ornate wall hangings, a six-meter sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments & robes of the Lamas. Trekkers will also have the chance to experience a traditional prayer ceremony inside the Buddhist Monastery.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Tea House
• Meals Included: B, L, D
• Total Hiking Time: Approx 6 Hours
• Altitude Gain: 360m

From Tengboche, we will cross another wire suspension bridge over the ImjaKhola, and then climb up to Pangboche where lie thousands of Mani stones – large boulders carved & painted with Buddhist mantras. The uphill trek continues to the quaint Sherpa village of Dingboche, which offers spectacular views of Lhotse, Island Peak & the steep ice summit of AmaDablam. Here we are sure to trek slowly, easing safely into the thinning air.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Tea House
• Meals Included: B, L, D
• Total Hiking Time: Approx 6 Hours
• Altitude Gain: 600m

During a day spent acclimatizing to even higher altitudes we will trek up to Chhukum Valley via the ImjaKhola valley. Here you will see some truly spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, the most dramatic of which is Lhotse’s massive south wall. At night, we return to Dingboche to rest up before our final few days of ascent towards Base Camp.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Tea House
• Meals Included: B, L, D

The trail continues along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, passing by stone memorials for Sherpas who have all perished on their journey to the summit. After paying our respects, we will continue our ascent to Lobuche, at an altitude of 4190m. The final walk into Lobuche, with snowy mountain ranges flanking the trail on every side, is the Everest trek at its most photogenic. Get those cameras handy!

Notes:

• Accommodation: Tea House
• Meals Included: B, L, D
• Total Hiking Time: Approx 6 Hours
• Altitude Gain: 500m

After a night spent in Lobuche we hike up to Kalapattar (5550m), followed by a downward slope to Gorakshep (4250m). Approaching 5000 meters, altitude sickness becomes a serious threat. To counter it, we will walk slowly and ascend gradually today. During this hike you will have amazing views of Nuptse, Lobuche and many other peaks, as well as a first glimpse of the Khumbu Glacier, a gnarly river of solid ice that stretches far ahead and twists upwards into the base of Everest.

The afternoon will be spent ascending Kalapattar, a 5550 meter peak that offers budding photgraphers the best views of Everest. The ascent is demanding, but the reviews are equally rewarding. We reach the peak just in time to see a spectacular sunset and panoramic vistas of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori & Chagatse, among others. This is a once in a life-time experience with astonishing views that will stick with you forever. After some opportunities for photo’s we will descend back to GorakShep for dinner and rest before the big day.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Tea House
• Meals Included: B, L, D
• Total Hiking Time: Approx 7 Hours
• Altitude Gain: 1360m

TODAY’S THE BIG DAY: EVEREST BASE CAMP! We pick up where we left off yesterday, walking along the Khumbu Glacier, which will lead us right to the foot of Everest. Everest Base Camp marks the highest point climbers can get without highly specialized mountain equipment and special permits. Depending on the time of year there might be one or more expeditions camped there, preparing for their summit assault. After some time exploring Base Camp & some unforgettable photo opportunities we will make our way to Periche for the night.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Tea House
• Meals Included: B, L, D

After a night spent in Periche, we take the trail down to Orsho and continue on to Pangboche Village. Here we will explore the oldest monastery in the region. According to legend, it contains the scalp and bones of a Yeti. Leaving the mountains behind us we will make the gradual descent back to Tengboche.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Tea House
• Meals Included: B, L, D
• Total Hiking Time: Approx 6 Hours
• Altitude Gain: 500m

Descending from Pangboche Adventurers will have one more chance to visit Tengboche Monastery for those that missed it. After breakfast you will have a chance to explore more of Tengboche before continuing our descent to Namche Bazaar, and then on to Manju.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Tea House
• Meals Included: B, L, D
• Total Hiking Time: Approx 6 Hours

The last part of the trek will return you back to Lukla. Take this time to reflect on your experiences and celebrate with your fellow trekkers. YOU CONQUERED EVEREST BASE CAMP!

Notes:

• Accommodation: Tea House
• Meals Included: B, L, D

Take in your last glimpse of the mountains before your flight back to Kathmandu. After transport to your hotel & check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the intricacies of Kathmandu. Finish with a celebratory dinner with your fellow trekkers.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals Included: B, L, D

Today is a free day for you to rest & recuperate from your epic Adventure. Spend the day exploring the bustling streets & alleyways that make Kathmandu a haven for thousands of trekkers every year. Don’t forget to dabble in many of the delicious local foods, including our favourite; momo’s.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Guesthouse

Spend the next week volunteering at an ongoing community project: helping victims of the earthquake by lending a helping hand to a community rebuild project, or teaching English to those less fortunate. In the days ahead you will work alongside fellow Volunteers on projects including: teaching English, planting trees or building schools, among others.

Notes:

• Accommodation: Home stay
• Meals Included: B, L, D

After returning from the Community Project back to Kathmandu it is your final free day & night before you depart. This is your last chance to take in all that Nepal has to offer & grab those last minute souvenirs!

Notes:

• Accommodation: Guesthouse

There are no activities planned for today. You may depart at any time.

Notes:

• Extra nights accommodation can be organised upon request.
• Only travelers leaving on this day will receive a free airport transfer.