Phaplu Everest base camp trek – itinerary

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Phaplu (2364 m.), and it takes about 30 minutes;

Trek from Phaplu to Manidingama (Nunthala, 2200m.) 6-7 hours walking.

Transfer to the domestic airport for the flight to Phaplu. Phaplu is a small town with an airstrip. We trek over gentle ascent path all the way to Takshindo Gompa and descending from here we reach Manidingama (Nunthala). There is an old cheese factory at Takshindo.

Day 02: Trek from Nunthala (2200m.) to Bupsa (2350m.), 6-7 hours walking;

The trek starts with gently descent to the Dudh Koshi river (Milk River) for an early two hours passing through agricultural farming land and small Sherpa and Rai settlements. From Dudh Koshi river, our trail is gently ascent all the way to Kharikhola (2050m.) passing through Juving (1680m.) a pretty big Rai village and farming lands. From Kharikhola our trail follows flat path for 45 minutes and then steeply up to the camp (Bupasa) where we could visit Buddhist Monastery in ruined state.

Day 03: Trek from Bupsa (2350m.) to Surkey (2400m.), 5-6 hours walking;

The trek starts with ascend steeply for the early two hours to Khari La Pass (2880m.). While trekking we pass through rhododendron and oak forest including a small Sherpa settlements and tea shops. From this point, we could see excellent views of different mountains such as Numbu (6960m.), Cho-oyu (8201m.), Gyangchung Kang (7922m.) and Thamserku (6629m.). Now, our trail is gently descent and pretty flat to Chaubar (2730m.) passing through Bamboo forest and Puiyan (2770m.) with view of Khumbu Valley as well as beautiful mountains. At the end of the day, our trail steeply descends up to the destination. Surkey is a small Sherpa village at the bottom of the Lukla.

Day 04: Trek from Surkey (2400m.) to Phakding (2652m.), 5-6 hours walking;The first part of the trek is gently ascent for early 2 hours to Chhiplung (2700m.), a junction road to Jiri and Lukla passing through Mushe (2650m.). From this place, the road is quite broad and busy. Now, our trail is almost flat and gently descent and ascent to Phakding. This is a short trek after 3 long days trek. We could hang in and around Phakding village.

Day 05: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.), 5-6 hours walking:

The trail starts along a level path along the right bank. Thamserku looms skyward on the opposite bank. We cross a stream and climb the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route, to arrive at Bengar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. We continue along a path with many ups and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village of Monjo. Now we descend the path of stone steps and return to the right bank over a wooden bridge. After a short climb we come to Jorsale’s teahouse and hotel, also stop at the National Park Service where a park entrance fee is collected. After our departure from Jorsale, we enter a forested mountainside. We follow a short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped valley where the river forks - the right is the Dudh Koshi and the left is the Bhote Koshi that leads to Nampa La. After short distance along the Bhote Koshi, begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazar. As the mountain path zigzags uphill, we will emerge at a ridge top rest area that offers excellent views of Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m.) The climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazar appears ahead as we walk along the path surrounded by pines. Pass the plateau where the Saturday bazaar is held and enter the village. Namche Bazar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Bhote Koshi. The village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.

Day 06: Rest day at Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) for acclimatization.

Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization we walk upto Khhumjung where we can visit monastery. Khhumjung is densely populated by Sherpa community. We can also enjoy the splendid views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, Kwangde and so on. Or we can have an hour walk up to the Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. .There is also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. This museum exhibits Sherpa culture.

Day 07: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3867 m.), 5-6 hours walking;

Leave the village for a climb to the top of a ridge and level mountain path that offers an excellent panorama of Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kangrib. To the right there is a steep cliff that drops down to the Dudh Koshi, faintly visible on the valley floor below. Make our way around a branch ridge, and Ama Dablam (6812m) Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse (7855m) and Tawoche (6501m) suddenly appear. After a gentle descent the mountain path ends; we will come to the fork leading to Gokyo. We descend past two tea houses through the village of Trashinga. Though you cannot see it, we can hear the Dudh Koshi and soon we descend to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga. It is a long climb to Tyangboche; the first half is especially steep. As we climb through the forested zone, the incline eases and a splendid view appear. We continue climbing the mountainside diagonally until we come to the stone gate built by lamas which marks our entry into Tyangboche (3860m). We may use the large plateau in front of the splendid monastery as our campsite. There are a lodge and hotel managed by the National Park Service. Tyangboche is an important lookout point on this course, and the sunset on Everest and Ama Dablam is especially beautiful.

Day 08: Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche (4260 m.), 5-6 hours walking;

Leave Tyangboche and the Khumbu mountains as a backdrop-and descend a rhododendron covered area to emerge to a pleasant level area. Being welcomed by a long Mani stone wall we enter the village of Deboche. We continue to Minlinggo and leave the mountain path to cross over a suspension bridge to the left bank of the Imja Khola. Climb the mountain path while looking up at Ama Dablam and Kantega (6779m) as they appear on the opposite bank. Ascend the chorten-lined route, come to a fork, the upper path passes Pangboche and a monastery, take the lower path to Pangboche Olin and its stone wall-enclosed potato field. Pass through the village and cross a stream to a path skirting a rocky area to terraced hills along the riverbank. The trails climb slowly, winding above the Imjatse River, to a big Mani Stupa. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse with views of the eastern snow capped mountains including the Island Peak or Imjatse (6,189m). Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.

Day 09: Rest day at Dingboche (4260 m.) for acclimatization.

Today is a remarkable day for acclimatization. There are some breathtaking views of the North face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as we explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak. The walk is short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon. We have another option as we can hike upto Chhukum. From here we can enjoy the panoramic view of Island peak, Ama Dablaml, Makalu, Tawoche peak and others. On the same day we come back to Dingboche and have rest.

Day 10: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4930 m.), 5-6 hours walking;

The onward journey leads north for up to 50-minutes until we come to a mani-prayer Stupa. The trail is gentle looking down to Pheriche village below. Today's walk offers views of the Mt.Tawache, Ama Dablam and to the north-Pokalde (5741m), Kongma-tse (5820m) and the great wall of Nuptse. After two hours walk, the trail from Pheriche joins near Dugla (4595m) before a small wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier. We stop at Dugla, for lunch, before continuing for an hour up a steep hill to the top, where there are views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. After a short break, continue trekking up to Lobuche, hidden and sheltered from the wind.

Day 11: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5486m.) via Gorakshep (5180m.), 6-7 hours walking.

Trek up the valley following the rocky moraine path, view icy glacial pond and icebergs down below of Khumbu glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a short downhill walk brings us to Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar (5545m) and Mt. Pumori (7145m.) Gorakshep is the location of the original Everest Base Camp with the new camp being further up the valley. Now the trail winds through rocky path and Khumbu glacier. The view of Nuptse, Lho-La and Khumbutse appears at the front of us. Sometime the avalanche can be seen on the way. After a great moment, we retrace back passing through Khumbu glacier with magnificent views of Lobuche, Cholatse, Mt. Pumori and Tabuche.

Day 12: Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and trek to Pheriche (4243m.), 5-6 hours walking;

We accomplish an early morning climb to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and enjoy the view of sunrise. From Kala Patthar we can have a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and many other mountain peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku and many more.

Pheriche is the place where one can make phone calls to any part of the world. We can see the mountain Yaks in Pheriche. Yaks are normally regarded as the porters in this area. The town of Pheriche is known as windy town. There we can see the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. There is located Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post and foreign volunteer doctors are to provide medical treatment to trekkers as well as local people.

Day 13: Trek from Pheriche to Tyangboche (3867 m.), 4-5 hours walking;

We can have a morning visit to the research center. Then, trek back to Tyangboche, an easier descent passing through rhododendron forest, continue walking Tyangboche. It is a small village with a famous monastery offering you the splendid view of Ama Dablam, green hills and river views

Day 14: Trek from Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m) 4-5 hours walking;

The walk from Tyangboche is mostly downhill on the main busy trail with a few steep climbs for an hour from the bridge at Phungitenga, near to Shanasha. The walk to Namche is very scenic on a long winding path. En route you will visit traditional villages of Khumjung and Khunde. There is an opportunity to visit one of its monasteries, the only monastery that has a Yeti Scalp. From Khumjung village another 30 minutes walk brings us to the village of Khunde, where we can visit the Khunde Hospital funded by Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. After Khunde, a scenic and pleasant walk brings us to Namche for overnight stay.

Day 15: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phakding (2640m.), 4-5 hours walking;

The trails descend steeply for early one and half hours. After that, the path has small ups and down to Phakding through Monjo.

Day 16: Trek from Phakding to Lukla (2886m), 3-4 hours walking;

Our final day's trekking follows the Dudh Koshi back down to Lukla. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the sherpa guides and porters, being offered chhang and Sherpa dance with a memorable trekking experience in mind.

Day 17: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which takes 30 minutes.

We take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.

Cost include

• All ground transportations as per itinerary
• Two Nights hotel accommodations in Kathmandu
• Accommodation in guest house  during the trek
• 3 meals a day while on trek
• A guide & required number of porter(s).
• National park fee
• Trekking gear
• Insurance for Nepali staff Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car.
• Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipments, transportation, local tax for Guide and porter
• Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
• All necessary paper works and national park entry permits
• TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
• Domestic flight KTM-LUKLA-KTM

Cost exclude

• All personal expenses
•  Bar beverages, bottled water,
•  Travel medical insurance
•  Alternative transportation (in case of road blockade),
•  Emergency evacuation by helicopter
•  Meals while in Kathmandu  
•  International airfare  
•  Nepal entry visa
•  Personal shopping and laundry etc
•  Personal trekking Equipments
•  Tips for trekking staff and driver

NOTE: We believe in the quality services. Our major concern is the safety and the well being of our groups. All our trips are run by professionals who are full time employee of our company. They are well trained and certified by Nepal Government. We believe in the best services and make sure to you that we never compromise on your comfort and safety. Further more we request you to put more questions on your planning phase of adventure journey.