The Khumbu or Everest region is the most popular trekking area in Nepal. It would probably be the most popular destination, but it is more difficult to get to Solu Khumbu than to the Annapurna area. To get near Everest, you must either walk for 10 days or fly to Lukla, a remote mountain airstrip where flights are notoriously unreliable.
Solu Khumbu is justifiably famous, not only for its proximity to the world's highest mountain (8848 metres), but also for its Sherpa villages and monasteries. The primary goal of an Everest trek is the Everest base camp at an elevation of about 5340 metres. But you cannot see Everest from the base camp, so most trekkers climb Kala Pattar, an unassuming 5545-metre bump on the southern flank of Pumori (7145 metres).
Other than the problem of access, the other major complication to an Everest trek is the high likelihood of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This potentially deadly disease, commonly known as altitude sickness, is caused by climbing too quickly to a high elevation. Be sure to read the section on mountain sickness in the Health & First Aid chapter if you are planning an Everest trek. If you suffer symptoms of altitude sickness and cannot go to base camp, you can still make a worthwhile trek to less ambitious destinations such as Namche Bazaar, the administrative headquarters of the Khumbu region; Khumjung or Thami, more typical Sherpa villages; or Tengpoche Monastery. From Tengpoche you will have an excellent view of Everest and its more spectacular neighbour Ama Dablam (6856 metres).
Trekking Itinerary
Day 01/ Kathmandu to Phakding
An early start takes us to Tribhuwan International Airport for the 30-minute flight to Lukla (2804mtrs). On arrival at the airport by our guide will brief us and introduce our porters before we begin our trek towards Phakding (2610mtrs). 3 hours.
Day 02/ Phakding to Namche Bazaar
We continue our trek heading towards Namche Bazaar, which is at an altitude of 3535m. 5:30 hours
Day 03/ Namche Bazaar
Known as the Gate way to Everest we will spend today here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning air. As well as a short trek there is a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people to visit. More importantly, from here you will get the first proper glimpse of Everest and the surrounding mountain, the day allows time to observe and reflect the journey ahead. 5 hours.
Day 04/ Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
We trek to an altitude of 3850m today. On reaching Tengboche your guide will tell you about the local monastery situated here. The group will be taken to observe the prayer ceremony either in the evening or morning depending on how the days trekking went. 5:30 hours
Day 05/ Tengboche to Dingboche
Our trek continues to climb as we head to the altitude of 4310m taking our time so not to be affected by the thinning air. 5:30 hour.
Day 06/ Dingboche
Our second acclimatization day includes a visit to the nearby Chhukung Valley where the group will be taken to Chhukung Ri (5546m). This point offers fantastic views of the fifth highest mountain Makalu. After appreciating the surrounding scenery we trek back to our camp in Dingboche, relaxing in the evening. 5 hour
Day 07/ Dingboche to Lobuje
Today our trek climbs to 4910m. 5:30 hours
Day 08/ Lobuche to Gorak Shep
Day 09/ Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep.
Today we reach our goal by trekking to Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5363m. After appreciating our efforts and photographing the achievement we return to Gorak Shep. 5 hours
Day 10/ Hiking up Kalapathar and overnight at Pherbuche
After reaching Base camp our aim today is to trek Kalapathar . We start early to reach the viewpoint that offers some of the best views of Mount Everest as well as other panoramas of the surrounding mountains. We then descend to Pherbuche. 6 hours
Day 11/ Trek to Namche Bazaar
We continue our descent to Namche Bazaar. 6 hours
Day 12/ Namche Bazaar to Phakding 4 hours
Day 13/ Phakding to Lukla
Our final day of trekking returns us to the town of Lukla, where the overnight stay gives you time to explore the town as well as reflect upon the mountains you have recently visited for one last time before heading back to Kathmandu. 3 hours
Day 14/ Lukla to Kathmandu
Breakfast. We will walk about 5 minutes to airport to catch our return flight to Kathmandu. The planes leave at 7:30 am and takes 35 minutes. At noon free
Note: The itinerary may flexible during the trek depending upon the clients requirements and fitness.
