Everest Base Camp and Lobuche East Summit Ascent

Arrival in Kathmandu, Yak and Yeti Hotel for two nights (shared rooms).

Today we visit the Monkey Temple, Bodnath Stupa and the Pashupatinath Temple.

After an early start, we fly via Twin Otter to the unforgettable landing strip of Lukla Airport (2,800 meters). Weather permitting, this flight offers outstanding views of the eastern Himalayas. We overnight at Phakding which is just a short three-hour hike from Lukla (2,610 meters).

We continue our trek deeper into the Khumbu region making various elevation gains or acclimatization hikes each day. Our two-night stops at both our Namche Bazaar (3,444 meters) and later Pheriche aid our body’s adjustment. Arriving in Namche, we may see lowland porters, highland Sherpas, and Tibetan people trading food and supplies during Namche’s market time. Hiking time 6 hours approx.

Acclimatization Hike – 3,444 meters sleep.

Today we will pass through the village of Tengboche (3,865 meters), the cultural and religious center of the Khumbu, from where the views are spectacular: the jagged peaks of Thamserku and Kangtega stand to our south and Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam are visible to the north. The Tengboche Monastery is one of the most well-known in the world and the Rinpoche is revered throughout the Buddhist community. Hiking time 7 hours approx.

Our next stop is Pheriche (4,207 meters), famous for its high altitude research center where world-renowned physicians acquire data to analyze the effects of high altitude on human physiology. During our stay, we visit the research center and have time to chat with staff physicians. Hiking time 5 hours approx.

Acclimatization Hike– 4,207 meters sleep.

Situated on the flank of an old lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, as the trail winds through the high tundra and glacial moraine to reach Gorak Shep (5,158 meters), Lobuche is the last inhabited area before Everest Base Camp. Hiking time 6 hours approx.

From Gorak Shep, we will make an ascent of Kala Patthar (5,577 meters), a small peak with excellent views of Everest, Nuptse, and nearby Pumori. Many Everest photos are taken from the summit of Kala Patthar, from where we also look down onto Everest Base Camp. Hiking time 4 hours approx.

Our team will finally hike into base camp and find BBE’s camp, settling in for two nights and a warm welcoming celebration with the climbers and Sherpas. Whilst we are at Base Camp we can walk to the base of the Khumbu Icefall to get a closer view of the route that weaves its way through enormous jumbled seracs. Hiking time 3.5 hours approx.

Today we have a chance to review cramponing, ice axe, and belay skills from Everest Base Camp.

Saying farewells to the trekking team headed for Pheriche, we spend a night back at Lobuche.

Today we make a considerable ascent to high camp, mostly on rocky terrain. Our high, just below crampon point for summit day, has wonderful views. Shared VE-25 tents.

An early start for our summit bid, to climb the south shoulder of Lobuche East before ascending the summit ridge, where we rope up to follow this classic ridge to the 6119m summit where outstanding views of Everest, Lhotse and Nupste, and Ama Dablam await, amongst others. We then continue down to Lobuche East Base Camp for the evening.

We begin our return to lower altitudes and quickly feel the difference in our lungs. Our first overnight stop is at the village of Pheriche, right on the vegetation line. We spend our second night of descent in the now seemingly lush Deboche before arriving back in Namche Bazaar on Day 19.

Our final day of trekking from Namche Bazaar down to Lukla.

Early morning flight to KTM (weather permitting) and free day to relax and enjoy the restaurants of Kathmandu. Yak and Yeti Hotel for two nights.

Free final day in Kathmandu for some final souvenir shopping /  this day must be available in case of delayed flights in or out of Lukla or if weather postpones our trek at any point.