Everest Base Camp 15 Days

After breakfast, you will embark on a combined sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, accompanied by a city guide. Kathmandu, known as the city of temples, and Bhaktapur, the oldest city in Nepal, are both rich in historical monuments, which you will explore selectively due to the half-day time constraint. You will have the opportunity to visit significant sites such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, and Changu Narayan Temple, along with highlights in Bhaktapur. Additionally, Mountain Ascend Treks offers you the choice to visit Pashupatinath Temple, Monkey Temple, and more, prioritizing your preferred locations. Your experience is our top priority, and we strive to accommodate your wishes.

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
   While in Kathmandu, be sure to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by ancient architecture. Although much of the square was damaged in the 2015 earthquake, many structures still stand, and some are undergoing restoration. Take in the beautiful traditional Nepali architecture and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Admire the Kumari's residence, which was untouched by the earthquake, where the living goddess resides until puberty. If you’re fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of her as she passes by a window.

2. Boudhanath Stupa
   Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most significant stupas in Nepal, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the city. Visiting this sacred site, you’ll find it to be a hub of Tibetan Buddhism, surrounded by numerous monasteries. Marvel at the stupa's vast base, crowned with a large dome and the impressive golden triangular spire at the top. Admire the vibrant statues that decorate the dome and the enigmatic painted eyes on the tower. It is believed that circumambulating the stupa can help absolve you of sins. The structure was significantly damaged during the April 2015 earthquake, necessitating extensive reconstruction.

3. Pashupatinath Temple
   Pashupatinath is one of the most revered Hindu temples globally and is located just 5 kilometers east of the city center. This intricately decorated pagoda houses the sacred Linga, a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Historical records suggest the temple has been in existence since before 400 AD. Devotees often perform rituals and take holy dips in the Bagmati River, which flows beside the temple.

4. Bhaktapur
   During your visit to Bhaktapur, an ancient city within the UNESCO-listed Kathmandu Valley, you’ll discover a rich blend of Nepali culture and history. The city is home to countless pagoda temples, historic structures, and monuments, which, although some were affected by the 2015 earthquake, still enchant visitors. Wander through Bhaktapur's narrow, pedestrian-only streets to explore traditional pottery, handicrafts, and the renowned local yogurt. The city’s squares come alive with celebrations nearly every month, featuring live music, dance, and traditional rituals.

After the tour, we will drive to Nagarkot, which will take approximately one hour.

From Kathmandu, you will take a flight to Lukla, the entry point to Mt. Everest. In favorable weather conditions, there are typically 18 to 20 flights daily to Lukla, which has been renamed Tenzing-Hillary Airport in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Only pilots with at least seven years of aviation experience are authorized to operate small aircraft to Lukla. Upon arrival, your journey continues to Phakding, where you'll traverse through verdant forests, rolling hills, and valleys, enjoying stunning views of the mountain known as Kusum Kangru.

From Phakding, you will make your way to Namche by following the path alongside the Dudh Koshi River. The trekking trail winds through forests of pine and cedar, where you'll encounter traditional Sherpa villages along the way. Eventually, you will arrive in Namche, a bustling hub where Tibetan and Nepali traders converge to exchange goods such as salt, dried meat, and textiles. This village is the largest Sherpa settlement in Nepal, boasting numerous shops and restaurants.

Today is designated as an acclimatization day, during which we will hike to Syangboche Airport (3700 m), likely the highest airport globally. From there, we will continue our trek to the Everest View Hotel, where you can enjoy stunning vistas of iconic peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Tawache, and numerous other named and unnamed mountains. On our way back, we will stop at the Sherpa Culture Museum, where you can explore traditional clothing and musical instruments of the Sherpa community, as well as photographs of Mt. Everest.

The trekking path we will take today descends into the Dudh Kosi Valley before ascending again, ultimately leading us to Tengboche. This village is home to the renowned monastery of the Everest Region and requires about five hours to reach. The majority of the trek involves climbing, which may leave you feeling fatigued. However, the breathtaking views of the world’s most beautiful mountain, Ama Dablam, will likely make you forget your exhaustion. Additionally, you will also catch sight of Everest, the tallest mountain on the planet.

During today’s trek, you will pass through forests, encounter the Imja Khola river, and visit the village of Pangboche, all while enjoying continuous views of the mountains. You’ll see well-known peaks in the Everest Region, including Ama Dablam and Lhotse, alongside other majestic summits. Ahead lies a pasture known as Summer Valley, from which you will continue your journey to reach Dingboche.

From Dingboche, you will set out toward Nagerjun, a hilly village located on the slopes of the Chukkung Valley, positioned just above Dingboche. The trail leading to Nagerjun is steep and can be quite exhausting. However, from the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of several mountains, including Lobuche East (6119m), Lobuche West (6145m), Taboche Peak (6367m), Thamserku (6608m), Kangtega (6685m), Ama Dablam (6856m), and Makalu (8463m), which is the fifth highest mountain in the world.

From Dingboche, we ascend toward the Khumbu Glacier, where you'll encounter prayer flags and memorials dedicated to climbers and guides. Our trek continues as we make our way to the moraine, enveloped by magnificent peaks including Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and the Mahalangur Himal range. Afterward, we will descend to the yak pasture located near Lobuche.

We traverse alongside Gorak Shep Lake and ascend to higher altitudes where the air becomes thin. Along the way, we encounter rocky dunes, moraine, and streams before finally arriving at Everest Base Camp. From this location, you'll be treated to stunning views of the mountains, including Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori, as well as the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall. These are just a few highlights of the Short Trek to Everest Base Camp. We will spend the night at Gorak Shep.

The trek to Kalapathar takes you to the premier viewpoint in the Everest Region, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Everest. When the sun illuminates the snow-covered peaks, including Everest, they take on a stunning golden hue. After enjoying the views, we will descend back to Gorak Shep and Pheriche. Other notable mountains visible from this vantage point include Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse. You'll find yourself capturing numerous photos at Kalapathar, as the panoramic vistas of Mt. Everest present a perfect opportunity to soak in the moment.

Today's trek is characterized by its moderate yet easy nature, offering picturesque views as we descend through forests of rhododendron, pine, and juniper. The trail leads us to the Dudh Koshi River and the Dudh Koshi gorge, where we may spot pheasants and mountain goats. Continuing onward, we reach Sansa, where breathtaking views of peaks like Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse await. However, before arriving in Namche, the path takes on a winding shape.

The trekking path leads down into the valley, taking you across suspension bridges spanning the Dudh Koshi River. This segment is relatively easy, and we will primarily be walking alongside the river. Eventually, this trail connects with Lukla, where we will board our return flight to Kathmandu, known as the city of temples. It is in Lukla that we will reflect on completing one of the world’s greatest treks in just 15 days.

We take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you can choose to relax or indulge in some souvenir shopping. If you'd like assistance, Mountain Ascend Treks is happy to help with your shopping needs. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a Nepali restaurant, where you can experience traditional Nepali dance, music, and songs. Additionally, there are plenty of other activities to explore in Nepal, such as jungle safaris, biking adventures, and scenic mountain flights.

Today marks the final day of your journey. We will ensure that you arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in a timely manner for your departure, typically around three hours prior to your flight. We will stay connected with you via email. Given that Nepal is known as one of the most affordable tourist destinations globally for various activities, Mountain Ascend Treks is always prepared to assist you with any needs you may have.