The Ultimate Everest Base Camp trek takes in the best of the Khumbu and Everest. We have chosen this route to enable trekkers with a little more time available to complete an impressive circular route that guarantees similar stunning views to that of our Classic Everest trek, and more...

We approach Everest via the sacred lakes of the Gokyo Valley, visit the magnificent viewpoint Gokyo Ri (5350m) and cross the famous Cho La Pass (5420m) on the South side of Everest. Joining the main Everest trail we make our way up to the historic Everest Base Camp. Here we are encircled by a grand amphitheatre of rock and ice, a truly spectacular setting. We don’t miss the opportunity to ascend the famous summit Kala Pattar (5554m) where the views towards Everest and the surrounding peaks are breath-taking. We then return to Lukla along the resplendent Khumbu Valley, with its diverse wildlife and vegetation, as well as its rich culture, where villages and rustic dwellings have seemingly scrambled up to perch atop rocky outcrops and vertiginous ledges. A truly memorable experience closely following the footsteps of legendary mountaineers.

If you are shorter on time you could consider the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Days 1/2 Depart UK and arrive Kathmandu the following evening. Transfer to hotel close to the famous bustling, Thamel district of Kathmandu and within easy walking distance of the Monkey temple.

Day 3 An early morning transfer to Ramachap, to then take a short internal flight that takes us to the tiny airstrip town of Lukla and the gateway to the Sherpa Kingdom. After lunch we walk along the typically stony path that descends from the forested terraces of Lukla right into the Dudh Kosi valley and the brightly painted lodges of Phakding. Good views of Kusum Kanguru's North Face (6367m). 2 hours walking.
If the flight is delayed due to poor weather this will become the sightseeing day scheduled for the end of the trip.

Days 4/5 Into the Sherpa capital and heart of the Khumbu, Namche Bazaar. You will now be becoming familiar with local protocol for passing chortens, mani stones, Yaks, spinning prayer wheels etc. and enjoying the hustle and bustle of trekking and everyday life that exists on the 'Everest Trail'. At Monjo we enter Sagarmartha National Park. 5 to 6 hours walking.
It is important to have a couple of nights and a rest day in Namche before proceeding any higher. You can spend day 5 taking short walks up to Thame or Khumjung, visiting the Everest, Ama Dablam and Pumori viewpoints or just relaxing and exploring the narrow streets of the busy Sherpa capital.

Day 6 We head NE up the side of the Dudh Kosi. We climb steeply out of Namche, turn the corner and are immediately presented with superb views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. 4 to 5 hours walking.

Day 7 This is a short walk in distance but involves a height gain of 420m so it is important to do this slowly to aid acclimatisation. 4 to 5 hours walking.

Days 8/9 This again is another shortish day, level to start with, but with an overall height gain of 400m it is worth taking it slow. 5 to 6 hours walking.
More acclimatisation on day 9 spent absorbing the views from the ridge above the village and relaxing.

Day 10 As you walk to Gokyo taking in views of Cho Oyu, the World's sixth highest mountain, you will pass the two Gokyo lakes and end your day at Gokyo village at 4790m. 5 to 6 hours walking.

Day 11 Ascent of Gokyo Ri (5340m). This peak gives fantastic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Latse, Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. No rush and the rest of the day free for relaxation and sampling Gokyo’s finest bakery. 3 to 5 hours walking.

Day 12 Today we cross 1km of glacier to its eastern side and continue to the lodges at Dragnag at the foot of the valley leading towards the Cho La pass. 3 to 4 hours walking.

Day 13 A long day as we head over the Cho La pass (5368m). A steep climb through boulders leads to the pass from where we are rewarded with more spectacular views. We descend to Dzongla. 8 to 10 hours walking.

Day 14 A short walk from Dzongla to join the main Everest trail where we get our first close up views of mountains at the head of this valley. We head up to Lobuche. 4 to 5 hours walking.

Day 15 A long walk next to the Khumbu Glacier brings us to the crossing of the Changri Glacier and on to the summer yak pasture of Gorak Shep for lunch. We then continue up to the historical Everest Base Camp and return to our lodge in Gorak Shep. 6 to 8 hours walking. 6 to 8 hours walking.

Day 16 An early start and steep climb brings us to the top of the famous Kala Pattar (5550m) for views of Everest, Lhotse and Nupste. This is the highest point on the trek. We descend to Lobuche after lunch. 3 to 5 hours walking.

Day 17 Descend from Lobuche to Debuche. Enjoy the lower altitude walking and the teahouses. 5 to 8 hours walking.

Days 18/19 Two more days’ walking back to Lukla using different paths much of the way, visiting Tengboche Monastery and spending the night at Namche Bazaar. 4 to 6 hours walking each day.

Day 20 Fly Lukla to Ramachap. Then transfer back to the comforts of our hotel in Thamel and the enjoyable hustle and bustle. This is a good time to buy souvenirs and try your hand at haggling with the local shopkeepers. Time to celebrate!

Days 21/22 Spare day in case of bad weather and time for sightseeing in Kathmandu. Sightseeing tours can be arranged and would include visiting the temples of Bodnath, Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath and Durbar Square. Simply wandering around the huge array of shops, markets, cafes, bars and restaurants in Thamel is a fascinating experience. Depart Kathmandu in the evening of Day 22, return to UK the following day.

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