13 Day Nepal Mount Everest Group Trek

DAY1. ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU AND TRIP PREPARATION 1300M

Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Sunny Treks & Expedition (Tibet Travelers) will pick us up from the airport and take us to our hotel. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek Guide, and other team members will join from Lukla. We can use this time to ask any questions about our trip to the management and trek leader. 

During the 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (9,186ft), we enjoy one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating on a hillside surrounded by high mountainous peaks. At Lukla, a gateway destination from where our trek begins, we meet our other crew members and start packing and arranging with them. From Lukla, we start trekking. At one hour’s gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900ft), a sacred mountain that has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we then gradually descend until we reach Phakding and spend the night.

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day3. PHAKDING TO NAMCHE BAZAAR  3438M (11KM, 5-6 HOURS) 

Walking through a beautiful pine forest, we follow the trail north up the valley of Benkar. Then, we cross Dudh Koshi River and go on passing Chumoa to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. Then crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep ascent brings us to the prime heartland of Sherpa village - Namche Bazaar. At one hour’s distance to reaching Namche Bazaar, if the weather permits, we can view the sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse.  Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY4. NAMCHE BAZAAR TO TENGBOCHE 3870M (10KM, 5-6 HOURS)

This segment of the trek includes the famous descent to the Dudh-Koshi River and the equally renowned ascent along with the rhododendron forests to Tengboche. While descending to Dudh Kish River, we enjoy the views of mountain tops like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and so on. Upon reaching Tengboche, we visit Tengboche Monastery-the largest monastery in the region and soak in the views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. Overnight in Tengboche. 

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day5. TENGBOCHE TO DINGBOCHE 4360M ( 9KM, 5-6 HOURS)

We descent and trek through forests filled with a variety of lush trees – birch, conifers, and rhododendrons. This journey again rewards us with tremendous views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The scenic trail dips down to Devuche, crosses the Imja River, and takes us to Pangboche. The upper Pangboche trails reward us with a more pristine view of the Himalayas and the Pangboche Monastery. The trek moves ahead towards the Imja Valley, Lobuche River, and ultimately begins climbing up to Dingboche. At Dingboche, we see a beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight at Dingboche.

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY6. DINGBOCHE ACCLIMATIZATION

Dingboche is a favorite stop for trekkers and climbers headed to Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, or Imja Tse. The village is beautiful with an array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the cold wind and grazing animals. We spend a day at Dingboche for acclimatization. We take day hikes to either Nagarjun Hill or Chukkhung Valley for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache, and Ama Dablam.

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY7. DINGBOCHE TO LOBUCHE 4940M (7KM, 5-6 HOURS)

We start the day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we climb up a steep trail to Chupki Lhara, where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest.  Next, we continue to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and find ourselves facing several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and Mahalangur Himal. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day8. LOBUCHE TO GORAK SHEP 5170M (13KM, 6-7 HOURS)

We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence, it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to the thin air at a high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine, and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night's rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep. However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is recommended that we visit Kala Patthar today during sunset. As the setting sun's rays strike the snow-capped mountains, the resulting scenery is incredible. Therefore, for those trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar today instead of the next day, please inform your guide, and he/she will coordinate accordingly. 

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY9. GORAK SHEP TO KALA PATTHAR 4288M ( 16KM, 7-8 HOURS)

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return to Pheriche for a good night's rest.

Those participants who will visit Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start early as the Everest base camp hike takes longer than the walk at Kala Patthar. After returning to Gorak Shep, both the groups will have lunch together; afternoon time is taken to descend to Pheriche for a good night's rest. 

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY10. PHERICHE TO NAMCHE BAZAAR 3440M (20KM, 6-7 HOURS)

We trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the prayer-flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests. In the woods, we may come across colorful pheasants and mountain goats. The path eventually reaches Sansa from where we can enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse mountains. We also pass winding trails then through a forest before reaching Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner.