Budget Everest Base Camp Trek

Itinerary

Day-by-day route outline

Open each day to see the route notes, overnight rhythm, altitude cues, and the small details that help you understand how the journey actually flows.

1. Day 1

   Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding

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   Route notes

   Altitude: 2,652m/8,700ft Time: 30-35 minute flight and 4 hours walk Welcome to Amigo Treks and Expedition P. Ltd. Today is your first day with Amigo family. Therefore,  we send one of the company representatives to pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and transfer you to the airport (in a private vehicle), to board an early morning flight to Lukla. After about 30-35 mins of scenic flight, the plane lands the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. At Lukla, you will first be introduced to other trekking members awaiting your arrival at Lukla. In the mean time, the luggage will also be prepared for the porters. Once everything is set, the trek towards the village of Phakding begins downhill on a stone paved trail that passes through plenty of prayer rocks and small settlements like  Lomdza, Thalsharoa, Chheplung, Thado Koshigoan,  and Nurning; before reaching  the village of Phakding. On reaching Phakding, the remaining day can either be spent relaxing at the lodge or exploring the surrounding areas. Overnight at a lodge in Phakding. (Highlights of the day: A scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla; a thrilling landing experience on one of the most dangerous airports in the world, at Lukla; beautiful views of a flourishing village of Lukla; some of the striking rural scenes; the trail accompanied by small Sherpa settlements, ancient monasteries, Chortens, Mani Walls, and prayer wheels; the spectacular first view of Kusum Khangkaru from ThadoKoshigaon and the Kongde RI from Phakding; the village and 500 year old monasteries in Phakding.)

2. Day 2

   Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

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   Route notes

   Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft Time: 5-6 hour Today, from Phakding, we walk all the way up to the Namche Bazaar. Crossing the first suspension bridge across the Dudh Koshi River at Phakding and now following the west bank of the river, we proceed towards the second bridge; leaving the settlements like Thulo Gumela, Gumela, Zam Fute, Nyambua Thyang, Toktok and Bengkar behind. The trail is accompanied by the beautiful view of the forest of  Rhododendron and Magnolia. We cross the second bridge, get to the east bank of the river and ascend towards the third suspension bridge, which is over the Monjo River. After crossing the bridge, a gentle ascent will take us to Monjo -a gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. Our team leader will take care of the required national park formalities. Meanwhile, we can enjoy the tea houses and explore the nearby monasteries. We enter the national park and gently descend to the Larja Dobhan, where we cross another bridge across the Dudh Koshi River. A quick ascent from the bridge takes us to a viewpoint that presents the first view of the Mt. Everest. A steep ascent from the view point will take us to Namche Bazaar. The remaining day can be spent exploring the market at Namche. Overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar. (Highlights of the day: Small, yet beautiful settlements like Zam Fute, Gumera, Toktok, and Bengkar; refreshing view of the forest of Rhododendron and Magnolia; an experience of a number suspension bridges; monasteries, especially at Monjo; the very first view of the Mt. Everest and the stunning views of other peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse and Mt. Kusum Khangkaru.)

3. Day 3

   Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar

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   Route notes

   Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft As we are already above the altitude of 3,000m, acclimatization becomes essential, before ascending the further altitude. In order to properly acclimatize to the thinning air, we need to remain active. Therefore, we either visit the nearby villages like Khunde and Khumjung, for the purpose of exploring the monasteries, hospital and school or hike up to the old Sherpa Village of Thame. These villages exhibit the culture and lifestyle of traditional Sherpas. If we have time, we can also visit the museum, National Park Headquarter or simply enjoy the internet services, bakeries and cafes. Overnight at a lodge in Namche. (Highlights of the day: Beautiful settlements of Khunde, Namche, Khumjung and Thame that exhibit the lifestyle and culture of the Sherpa people living in the Khumbu region, a number of monasteries and Chortens; stunning views of Mt. Everest, Shyangboche panorama; Museum, the National Park Headquarter, and other modern facilities like high speed internet cafes, bakeries, restaurants and coffee shops.)

4. Day 4

   Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

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   Route notes

   Altitude: 3,867m/12,684ft Time: 5-6 hour Today we walk all the way from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche. Leaving Namche, we march up to the ridge, past the Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa. Enjoying the eye-catching views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Kangtega & Thamserku, we walk up to the village of Khyangjuma. The trail winds and descends passing the longest Mani Wall in Khumbu and passes through the forest of Rhododendron, past Sanasa. We continue to walk down until we reach a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga. We cross the bridge and climb steeply through the forest of Rhododendron and pine. The steep trail becomes gentle as we walk out of the forest, up till the Tengboche monastery. We will be left with enough time, which can be spent exploring the monastery and the surrounding areas. Overnight at a lodge in Tengboche. (Highlights of the day: Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa; the very first view of Mt. Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Kangtega and Thamserku; refreshing rhododendron forest; the sight of water-driven prayer wheels from Phunki Tenga; impressive structure of the Tengboche monastery, Mani  stones surrounding the monastery, the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, Manjushri, and Maitreya; the scripture of Kangyaur, the mural and Thangka paintings and sculptural collections that date back to the 20th century; a few small Chortens and the panoramic view of the Himalayan mountains, including Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku and Tawache.)

5. Day 5

   Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

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   Route notes

   Altitude: 4,358m/14,295ft Time: 5-6 hour    Dingboche is the destination set for the day. Following the stone steps, we gently descend to Deboche and then to the bridge over the Imja River, past Milingo. On crossing the bridge, we will be greeted by a big Chorten at Chaturje. A steep hike, past few Chortens and monasteries will take us to another bridge at Somare. From Somare, following the west bank of the Imja River, we head towards another bridge on a flat trail that passes through the alpine meadows and yak herds. We cross the bridge and climb the last vertical climb of the day, which eventually takes us to the village of Dingboche. We spend the remaining day exploring the attractions of Dingboche and enjoying the mountain views. Overnight at a lodge in Tengboche. (Highlights of the day:Experience of lush forest, tough climbs, Alpine meadows; the sight of monasteries, Chortens and kilometers of stone wall covering the Imja Valle; grand views of Mt. Lhotse, Ama Dablam and internet cafes and the world’s highest Billiard Parlor.)

6. Day 6

   Acclimatization at Dingboche

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   Route notes

   Reaching Dingboche means we are already above the altitude of 4,000 meters. Therefore, this acclimatization is a very essential part of this trip, before attempting further altitude. For the purpose of better adaptation to the altitude and the air, we either spend our day exploring the Dingboche village or hike up to Chhukung, towards the Island peak or climb the Chhukung RI. Later in the evening, we relax and prepare our muscles to hike the remaining distance and altitude. Overnight at a lodge in Dingboche. (Highlights of the day: Magnificent views of Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Makalu, and Baruntse from Chhukung RI; view of Nuptse, Lhotse Nup, Lhotse and Ama Dablam glacier and the summer settlement of Dingboche and Mani stones.)

7. Day 7

   Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche

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   Route notes

   Altitude: 4,928/16,164ft Time: 5-6 hour After a day’s rest at Dingboche, a gentle climb takes us to Dusa, from where we continue up till Palrung Kharka. We now cross a bridge across the stream and hike towards the Thokla Pass, past the tombstones. Enjoying the view of the terminus of the Khumbu glacier, we follow the terminal moraine and later the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier, until we reach Lobuche. Overnight at a lodge in Lobuche. (Highlights of the day: Memorials of Sherpas that perished on the glacier of Mt. Everest; spectacular view of Mt. Pumori, Khumbutse, Lingtren and Mahalangur Himal; Khumbu Glacier and the spectacular view from the Thokla Pass.)

8. Day 8

   Trek from Lobuche-Gorak Shep- the Everest Base Camp-Gorak Shep

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   Route notes

   Altitude: 5,320m/17,450ft EBC, 5,160m/16,929 Gorak Shep Time: 7-8 hour Everest Base Camp is the destination of the day. From Lobuche, following the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier, we walk towards the Lobuche Pass, past the terminus of the Lobuche glacier and Pyramid. From the pass, we hike down to the junction of Changri Nup, Changri Shar and the Khumbu glacier. We walk across the glacier to reach Gorak Shep. Leaving our luggage at the lodge, we hike all the way up to the Everest Base Camp, following the new moraine route. The route to the base camp is rocky and glacial. The base camp is marked by flapping prayer flags. After spending some time at the base camp, we hike all the way down to Gorak Shep. Overnight at a lodge in Gorak Shep. (Highlights of the day: 360 degree vista of snowy mountains like Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur Himal, Khumbutse, Nuptse; stunning view of Kala Patthar, the Everest Icefall, and the Everest Base Camp.)

9. Day 9

   Hike to Kala Patthar and trek to Pheriche

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   Route notes

   Altitude: 5,550m/18,204ft Kala Patthar, 4,358m/14,295ft Pheriche Time: 7-8 hour The Mt. Everest cannot be seen from the base camp. In order to get the pleasant view of the Mt. Everest, we need to hike up to Kala Patthar. As we intend to reach the view point of Kala Patthar around the sunrise time, we wake up early and quickly hike up to the view point Kala Patthar. After about 1-2 hour walk, we reach the viewing point, which greets us with the magnificent views of the Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori and Ama Dablam. The morning sun rays striking the mountain top simply makes the mountain glow golden. We spend some time here, and then get back to the lodge at Gorak Shep and hike all the way down to Pheriche, past Lobuche pass, Pyramid, Lobuche, Thokla Pass, Palrung Kharka and Phulaji Kala. Overnight at a lodge in Pheriche. (Highlights of the day:Heavenly sunrise view from Kala Patthar; the superb views of the surrounding mountains like  Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori and Ama Dablam and the distant view of the base camp from Kala Patthar, the views of the glaciers like Changri Nup, Changri Shar and the Khumbu glacier and a tough, rocky trail.)

10. Day 10

    Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

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    Route notes

    Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft Time: 7-8 hours Leaving Pheriche, we get back to the three passes trail enjoying the accompanying stone walls and Chortens, traverse Jamdang and the Pheriche Pass. The trail drops easy downhill till the Pangboche village. From Pangboche, we walk down to the riverside, cross the bridge across the Imja River and continue to climb up to Tengboche. A steep descent from Tengboche, through the forest of Rhododendron and Pine, now leads us to the bridge across the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga. After passing the settlements like Sanasa and Khyangjuma, an easy flat trail will take us to Namche Bazaar. The evening can be spent enjoying the modern facilities like high speed internet cafes, bakeries or even a hot shower at the lodge in Namche Bazaar. Overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar. (Highlights of the day: Beautiful settlements like Pangboche, Deboche, Tengboche, Sanasa and Khyangjum; views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Kangtega and Thamserku; beautiful forest of Pine and Rhododendron; sights of the monasteries, Chortens and Mani walls, and the modern facilities like hot shower, internet cafes and bakeries at Namche.)

11. Day 11

    Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

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    Route notes

    Altitude: 2,652m/8,700ft Time: 7-8 hour Lukla is the destination set for the day. Leaving Namche, the trail drops from Namche Hill to the suspension bridge across the Dudh Khoshi River, at Larja Dobhan. A gentle ascent from the bridge will take us to the exit point of the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. After a few check out formalities, we drop down to Phakding, crossing three more suspension bridges across the Dudh Koshi River. Since, this is the last day of the trek; we walk all the way up to Lukla, past various small Sherpa villages, monasteries, Chortens and open plains and the rural landscape. On reaching Lukla, you can either spend the remaining time with the crew members or opt for some lone time to recollect the memories made during the past few days. The night will be spent at a lodge in Lukla. (Highlights of the day: Last views of the Mt. Everest and Kongde RI, forest of rhododendron, roaring Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers, a dozen of Sherpa settlements exhibiting the lifestyle and culture of Khumbu Sherpa people, sights of  a number of monasteries, Chortens and Mani walls decorated with prayer flags.)

12. Day 12

    Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

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    Route notes

    Altitude: 1,300m/4,264ft Time:  30-35 min Today, with our heart and mind full of pleasant memories we bid farewell to the Khumbu region of Nepal and fly back to Kathmandu. The flights are scheduled early in the morning. Our Sherpas will carry your luggage to the airport, while other formalities will be taken care by the team leader. You can enjoy your breakfast and the surrounding views from Lukla. Once the plane lands the airport, we will directly board the plane and fly back to Kathmandu, enjoying the scenic flight. From airport, you will be escorted to the hotel in Kathmandu, in a private vehicle. The remaining day can be spent according to your choice. Around the afternoon, we once again meet at our office to discuss the trek and the feedback, after which you can get back to your choice accommodation in Kathmandu. (The usual day for a trek: Every day, our guides will come to wake you up at around 7:00-7:30 am. In case of special days like sunrise viewing day, our guides will wake you up early in the morning. After breakfast the day’s walk begins, which fist continues until your guide finds a good place to stop for lunch. Lunch break is around mid-day, 12:00 -1:00pm and the time duration is about one hour. After lunch, we continue to walk till the destination set for the day. On reaching the destination your guide will help you find a good lodge for overnight stay. After dinner and before going to bed your guide will brief you regarding the next day’s schedule. Moreover, while walking, you can also request your guide to slow down and stop at the place, where you want to take snaps. The lunch hour can also be postponed, on request.)

Departures

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Reviews

Guest feedback from recent departures

Stuart Everitt

GB

★★★★★

We had a wonderful trek with Amigo Treks to Everest Base Camp. Our guide, Kishor was a total superhero and truly the fifth member of our trekking team. He negotiated a myriad of challenges to bring us the trip of a lifetime that we were hoping for. I wouldn't hesitate to travel with Amigo again and I would always seek him out. Such a lovely, family man with a cheery smile and a reassuring knowledge of altitude sickness and its effects. Manesh, our porter was fabulous too. Smiley, hard working and really keen to help out and learn. We all fell in love with Nepal, Kishor and Manesh.

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Amigo trip

Stuart Everitt

GB