Budget Everest Base Camp Trek – 11 Days

In the early morning we take the spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m), flying parallel to giant Himalayan Mountains bordering Nepal and China (Tibet). The flight time is about 40 minutes and we land at an airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing we have time to explore the village while our Sherpa crew sort and load our trekking equipment. In the afternoon we begin our trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka (2713m) at Thalsharoa (2680m). The walking is easy and after passing through the many small village like, chheplung, Thadokoshi goon, Nurning ,chhuthaea, Dukdingma(2492m), it is a short walk to Phakding.

The last Population had counted nationwide in AD. 2011, Namche has households: 480 & population: 1,540.We remain at Namche Bazaar for a second night to allow for proper acclimatisation to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village situated in a large protected hollow. It gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. Today a limited amount of trade still exists at Namche and Tibetans are often seen in the village trading rugs and Chinese-made goods, clothing, salt and dried meat. It is recommended that you take the opportunity to see both the sunrise and sunset views from the national park headquarters above the village. The stunning vista includes a superb panorama of the Khumbu peaks and great views of Everest. After breakfast, a variety of options exists. Perhaps a walk towards Thami (3810m) above the beautiful BhoteKhola River Valley or a visit to the national park headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. There is also a mountaineering display and information on the park’s flora and fauna. Your guides are one hand to offer advice and escort you on walks.

Walk flat ascend through Kyangjuma. From there we descend till Phunki Tenga. we ascend steeply at first and then contour high above the valley, enjoying excellent views of Thamserku and AmaDablam (6856m) from the top. About an hour’s walk from PhaunkiTenga, We are now trekking beyond the tree line. We are now at higher altitudes and it is important to take notice of our trek leader’s advice and recommendations regarding rest and fluid intake.

At frist, 15 minutes descend to the deboche. Genteelly, ascend flat along the ImajaKhola river band. After cross the suspension bridge need to ascend to the pangboche.Our route follows the trail high above the ImjaKhola, passing the tea houses at Orsho, before again crossing the ImjaKhola and old glacial moraines to our lodge in the settlement of Dingboche. Here we find a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds. The scenery is once again spectacular and although Everest has disappeared behind the Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge, the huge peaks that tower above the eastern end of the valley are ample compensation. We are now almost completely above the tree-line. In clear conditions, look out for spectacular sunsets here and on AmaDablam, the south face of Lhotse to the north, and also Island Peak in the centre of the valley.

In the morning we ascend the small ridge behind the village above the Pheriche valley. From the top, Tabuche(6367m) and Cholatse (6335m) make for a striking scene, as they seem to lean forwards from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuche Peak (6119m) and the snowfields of the Cho La dominate the skyline. The walking is now generally fairly flat on wide-open fields but do take your time and ensure you are well hydrated. Late in the morning we cross the KhumbuKhola at Dughla (4620m) and take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off Everest. In the afternoon, there is a solid and quite steep climb on a rocky trail to the top of the moraines. On the crest of the ridge, you pass a line of memorial cairns, built in memory of the Sherpas and climbers who have died on various Everest expeditions over the last fifty or so years. From here the view is spectacular, Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m) are seen at the head of the valley, whilst Everest is hidden behind the towering walls of Nuptse and Lhotse. We follow the valley stream to our lodge at Lobuche, arriving early afternoon. Today is a tiring day but the fantastic scenery makes it all very worthwhile. In addition, our time spent at higher altitude in the Gokyo area will doubtless have helped our acclimatization process.

As the trek to GorakShep is relatively short, we have the opportunity for a leisurely breakfast before beginning the day’s walk From Lobuche. We follow the broad valley that runs parallel to Khumbu Glacier. A gradual ascent enables us to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at high altitude. When we reach the moraines of ChangriShar Glacier, we make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns that leads eventually to the surprising glacial sands of GorakShep (5140m) – reached after about three hours of walking. After a quick bite we gear up accordingly to head off towards the Everest Base Camp. The trek to the base camp can be achieved in around three hours and if trekking in the popular climbing period of March to May, we will almost certainly encounter yaks and porters supplying food and equipment to expeditions here. From Everest Base Camp we do not get views of Mount Everest, but we are able to see the notorious Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western side, which is regarded as technically the hardest and most dangerous section of the mountain. The return journey from the Base Camp to GorakShep takes the same amount of time. We have an early dinner so that we are able to get up early the next day for awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan giants from Kala Patar.

We wake up early the next day for the trek to Kala Patar (5545m) to experience sensational sunrise views from this amazing vantage point. From the lodge the ascent is quite steep, so start very slowly and try to ascend at a steady rhythmic pace. Kala Patar is the rocky hilltop below Pumori. It is a tough walk because of the altitude, but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. It will probably take an one hour and a half to reach the summit from GorakShep. Although lower viewpoints can provide views that are almost as good.Pumori(7165m), Nuptse(7861m), Lhotse(8414m), Lhotse Shar(8393m), AmaDablam(6856m), and Mt. Everest(8848m) the highest mountain in the world, surround us. About three kilometres away and some 200 metres below, the area of the Everest Base Camp can be seen in a bowl at the bottom of the Khumbu Ice Fall. For many trekkers, reaching Kala Patar is a very emotional experience and it is worthwhile spending as long as you wish in order to savors this special moment. The descent back down to GorakShep is easy and once back at the lodge we have a quick drink and head off to the rooms to pack our kit bags whilst breakfast is being prepared. After breakfast we set off to Lobuche and Thugla, where we stop for lunch. After lunch we cross the KhumbuKhola and head down the valley below lobuche to Pheriche, where we stop for the night.

 In the morning after Breakfast, we descend slowly via Pangboche and Tengboche. After Tengboche path will lead through beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir till Phunki Tenga(3250 m). After a welcome break and perhaps a cup of tea too then we cross the Dudh Kosi River’s bridge and ascend to Trashinga(3380m) & continue ascend till Kyangjuma(3550 m). Here can have lunch break. Gently flat way descends till to Namche Bazzer. We enjoy a leisurely departure from Namche Bazaar with a final opportunity to visit the shops in the bazaar.

We descend steeply down to the large suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River. We follow the trail through Jorsale and back to Monjo. In the afternoon it is a short walk via Benkar through blue pine and rhododendron forest, with great views of KusumKangaru(6367m), where we take lunch in Phakding. This is our last day of trekking, where it is only on the valley before making the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. Perhaps enjoy a hot shower! In the evening we enjoy a farewell dinner, followed by a few celebratory drinks and dancing with our teams.

We rise early in the morning to be ready for the arrival of our aircraft for the flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu we are met and transferred back to our starting hotel.