Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek

On arrival in Kathmandu, at an altitude of 1,400 meters or 4,593 feet above sea level, you are met by our representative and transferred to your luxury hotel. This city combines ancient traditions with modern energy and greets adventurers from all parts of the world with open arms.

Refreshed in your accommodation, you can either spend a leisurely day roaming in noisy streets of Thamel, with their colorful shops and restaurants, or you can get active in exploration. This is the acclimatization to the surroundings, altitude, and unique cultural atmosphere that Nepal's capital offers. This is the quiet before the storm—the adventure—and hence provides just the right opportunity to get your mind and body ready for the forthcoming trek.

Today, explore Kathmandu's rich tapestry of cultures on this exciting guided tour to the many iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites here. Starting from the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, by the river of Bagmati, where ancient rituals and spiritual practices take place, you will be driven afterwards to the serene Swayambhunath Stupa perched on top of the hill overlooking panoramic views of the city, otherwise called the Monkey Temple.

Afterward, you will be driven to the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in the world. You will see with your own eyes the real deep spiritual energy that pulses within a sacred place like this as you circulate around the stupa with spinning prayer wheels among monks and devotees.

After that, this day finishes off with a visit to ancient Durbar Square's visit, where you get to see intricate Nepalese architectural peculiarities and feel the atmosphere. You check into the hotel for a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming trek. Now is the time to go through your gears, to be perfectly prepared for the forthcoming adventure ahead toward Everest Base Camp.

It begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m/9,383 ft). This 35-minute flight by itself will be a kind of adventure as you get to see the Himalayas right above the clouds. From Lukla, after meeting your crew, start the trek towards Phakding.

The climb to Phakding—2,610 meters at 8,562 feet—is rather gentle in the morning. You pass through beautiful Sherpa villages and lush green scenery. Along the way up, you will find plenty of mani walls, prayer wheels, and small chortens that seem to bring a spiritual feel around here. You will reach Phakding by late afternoon, where you will overnight at a comfortable lodge to rest for next day treks.

Today, you will head to Namche Bazaar, which is the hub at the gateway to the high Himalayas. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and crosses several suspension bridges festooned with prayer flags flapping in the mountain breeze. The vegetation changes from dense forests into more open, rugged terrain as one treks up.

The last climb up to Namche is steep and quite challenging, but once again the reward at Namche Bazaar is more than worth it: deluxe accommodation at the Hotel Namche with electric blankets that will envelop you in comfort after a day of lively atmosphere amidst this famous Sherpa town, which trekkers from all over the world flock to.

Acclimatization is very important at this level of trek, and hence today will be spent around Namche Bazaar and its vicinity. Today you will have a short ascent to the Everest View Hotel, which is located at 3,880 meters (12,730 ft) with the view of panoramic Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.

Now take time to absorb these magnificent views, then trek back down to Namche Bazaar. You have the rest of the day free to explore the local market, drop by the Sherpa Museum, or just relax at your hotel. It all comes with acclimatization to the altitude while getting to know the Sherpas amidst their rich culture and warmth in this very colorful town, situated on a mountain.

Then, leaving Namche Bazaar far behind, you will continue to go up to the important spiritual center in Khumbu, Tengboche Monastery, which is located at 3,860 meters (12,664 feet) in altitude. You will have a calm and banded path that passes through pine and rhododendron forests.

The view becomes more magnificent towards Tengboche with Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, and other imposing peaks standing in a magnificent array. Then after lunch, you will visit the monastery and observe a prayer ceremony. Take time to indulge in the tranquility of the place. Lodge with good facilities nearby for the night to have peaceful and inspiring surroundings in your heart.

You are going to climb high today, up to Dingboche, a nice village at an altitude of 4,410 meters, which is equivalent to 14,469 feet. First, you will slide through the forests and then cross by the Imja Khola River. The path slowly and progressively boosts upwards to Dingboche. The higher it gets, the lesser the trees will be; open, rugged terrain.

From Dingboche, one can view Lhotse, Island Peak, and other neighboring mountains. Checking into your lodge, you will feel the warm hospitality of this region even inside the lodge. You definitely will feel the altitude here. Rest, drink plenty of water, and permit your body to acclimate. In the serene and beautiful surroundings of this high-altitude village, this would be the most perfect setting for a night stay.

The day today will also be spent in Dingboche for acclimatization at this altitude. A day hike to Nangkartshang Peak, rising to 5,083 meters or 16,676 feet, has been programmed. This long, hard hike does offer panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Island Peak, giving you some of the most breathtaking vistas of the entire trek.

After this hike, you will be back in Dingboche, where you can spend your remaining day sleeping or exploring the village. This extra day is important for acclimatization; with this, you will have given your body the opportunity to increase altitude while keeping the risk of altitude sickness at bay. You will be refreshed for the next journey up the trail by evening.

Today, the trek continues to take you higher and higher, eventually landing in Lobuche at 4,940 meters (16,207 feet). The route becomes rougher and more desolate, with towering peaks looming above you on every side. Memorials line Thukla Pass, by which you shall stop—a serene and moving tribute to the climbers who lost their lives on Everest.

It's a bit of a challenging walk due to the high altitude and thin air, but the dazzling views of Pumori, Nuptse, and other peaks constitute an appropriate reward. Late in the afternoon, you will be arriving at the base camp of Lobuche, where you will be staying in the warm and homely Mother Earth Resort. You will be cosseted into the warmth provided by the lodge as you ready yourself for the last push towards Everest Base Camp.

It is the highpoint of your trek—the journey to Everest Base Camp, 5,364 meters/17,598 feet. The trail is rough and rocky; the air thinner; but the excitement of arrival at Base Camp will keep you going. At its foot now, you will be in the presence of the world's highest mountain, right in front of the famous Khumbu Icefall, with intimidating Himalayan giants surrounding you.

Next you will spend some time in Base Camp taking pictures and soaking up the unreal atmosphere. Then you'll descend to Gorakshep 5,164 meters/16,942 feet for the night. Stay overnight at Yeti Resort, relax, and reflect upon the monumental achievement of reaching Everest Base Camp, a dream realized in the Himalayas.

It's going to be an early start, so you can hike up to Kala Patthar (5,545 meters, 18,192 feet). This viewpoint commands breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of Mount Everest, more so during sunrise when the first light touches the highest point. Though the climb up is steep and demanding, what you see from top—nearly 360 degrees around you—will leave you in a daze.

From the viewpoint, you descend to Gorakshep, then further downhill to Pheriche, at 4,250 meters, where the sense of relief is palpable as you drop down to lower altitudes. Overnight stay at Pumori Resort where, in the thick air, the comfort of the lodge helps revive you from your strenuous ascent of Kala Patthar.

You'll do the trek back down to Namche Bazaar today, passing through familiar landscapes in the region of Khumbu. Much of this is downhill, and therefore easier, so you can take in the views and reflect on the journey you've been through. As you get closer to Namche, there will be a feeling of returning home to this bright, bustling market town.

Again at Hotel Namche, indulge in a plush deluxe room with all the comforts that you have come to enjoy. Such an evening you want to relax, socialize with fellow trekkers, and celebrate—hat-raising to success—the very culmination of your trek to Everest Base Camp. You can feel the energy of Namche Bazaar as a fitting setting to sit back and reflect on the various adventures you have traversed.

The descent from this day onwards begins, initially along parts of some of the beautiful landscapes and villages that marked its beginning. By now, the path has become quite familiar, and added impetus is afforded by getting back to Lukla.

Finally, settle into the teahouse in Lukla and catch your breath. This evening, your last in the mountains, is for reflection and celebration. Your fellow trekkers catch up with you to relive voyage stories. A person may very well feel rather fulfilled having just completed one of the most renowned journeys on the planet.

You'll take a short, picturesque flight back to Kathmandu in the morning and bid farewell to the peace of the mountains. Back in the city, you will be driven back to your hotel, where you resume the comfortable routine of city life. You will have the rest of the day free to spend at leisure for more sightseeing or shopping.

Your return journey to Kathmandu is surely going to provide some time to relax and reflect, following up on those mental and physical highs of the walk. This evening you can do whatever you like, have your last dinner in the city, or just sit back and think about this amazing trip that brought you to the foot of Mt. Everest.

After your Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek is over, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward departure flight. On the last day in Kathmandu, it's time to bid farewell to Nepal, taking back a lot of unforgettable memories and the sense of satisfaction gained from completing such an extraordinary journey.

On your way out, you will be thinking of those breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and the challenges one overcame during your trek. The spirit of the Himalayas will stay in one's spirit, reminding one of the more amazing adventures one had undertaken and bonding that happened in the process. Safe journey, and may it turn out to be as smooth as the one which got you to these majestic mountains.