Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar Trek

Stay – Kathmandu

It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. Upon arrival, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Welcome drinks will be served and rooms will be provided after check-in process. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Kathmandu

After breakfast at the hotel, commence the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city, Swayambhunath and Patan city. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Kathmandu city: Kasthamandap, the source of the name Kathmandu means ‘made from the timber of a single tree’. Also known as Kantipur, the capital Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal's art and culture. It is a place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments. Kathmandu Durbar Square with its arrays of temples, Seto Machhindranath and the ancient palace of the former Nepali Royals enriches your experience of the centuries old civilization.

Swayambhunath Stupa: Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hill. The main stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire crowned by a pinnacle of Copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The hill of Swayambhunath is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. You’ll get a scenic view of Kathmandu city from there.

Patan city: Located about 5 km south of Kathmandu, Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. A destination for connoisseurs of fine arts, Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments. Patan is believed to have been built in the third century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty later expanded and enriched by the Licchavi and the Malla rulers in the medieval period. Patan Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. The former Royal palace complex is the centre of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a beautiful museum. One remarkable monument here is 16th century temples dedicated to the Hindu go Krishna, built entirely of stone.

Stay – Chumoa

We fly from Kathmandu to Lukla [2800m], a small airstrip high above the Dudh Kosi valley. After meeting our trekking crew and sorting out our gear, we begin the trek by descending to Chaunrikharka and heading up the Dudh Kosi valley to Chumoa. Overnight at the lodge

Stay – Namche

From Phakding, we cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. We then ascend up to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. Overnight at the lodge.

Stay – Khunde

Our first stop for the day was at the Khumbu Bijuli small hydro power plant below Thame. This plant provides the electricity for Thame, Namche, Khunde and Khumjung. It is a model project originally funded by Austrians but now run entirely by Sherpas. Later we trekked back through the village of Thamo and take our lunch near at Phurte, near a stupa that we visited the day before on our way out to Thame. After lunch we began the long but beautiful journey to Khunde and witness Khunde Hospital, which has been funded primarily by the Canadian Himalayan Foundation for many years. Overnight at the lodge.

Stay – Khunde

Today we hike from Khunde to Tengboche. Tengboche we will gaze up valley toward the plume blowing off Sargamartha, (Everest). Overnight at the lodge.

Stay – Thyangboche

This morning, looking across the valley, you can see the path sloping diagonally up towards the famous monastery of Thyangboche, but first you have to descend to the river. This takes half an hour to an hour, descending steeply in a series of zigzags to the Dudh Kosi river. Here you cross a suspension bridge in the lee of a gigantic overhanging cliff (10498ft/3200m). A little way further on is a small hamlet, Phunki Tenga, where you could stop for a cup of tea. It is 2-3 hours from the bridge to reach the monastery at a slow, even pace. At first you climb steeply up through a pine forest, thankfully in the shade, and then emerge to walk up a long gentle straight path that rises like a ramp to the monastery.

Emerging at the top, there is a mandala gateway and a huge chorten which are passed before your first sight of the gompa. The setting is nothing short of magic and it is incredible to think that the temple was burnt down only a few years ago and was re-built largely through the efforts of the Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. There is a very good Visitors Centre and in the afternoon it is possible to sit down inside the temple for afternoon prayers. Conch shells are blown, the monks arrive and visitors are expected to sit quietly on the right hand side of the temple. A small donation is appreciated. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Stay – Dingboche

Walk down about 30 mintues and again walk flat and walk uphill about 1 hour and reach Pangbouche, after Pangbouche walk gradual up and reach Somare from here walk up and after crossing the Imja Tse river walk up to Dingbouche. On the way you will see the views of Thamserku, Tauche, Khangtega, Amadablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Stay – Dingboche

Today is a very important acclimatisation day. For those that wish you can take a walk up onto the ridge above Dingboche where you will have some spectacular views across the valley and the Imja Khola. The day can be spent visiting a monastery in Dingboche exploring the Imja Khola. There are some breathtaking views of the north face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse - Nuptse ridge as you explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak. The days walk is usually short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon and laze in the sun. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Stay – Lobuche

Today’s 4 – 5 hr onward journey leads north for about 40 – 50 minutes until you 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 (5,741m), Kongma-tse (5820m) and the great wall of Nuptse. After a walk of 1½-2 hrs the trail from Pheriche joins another near Dugla (4595m) before a small wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier. You will stop at Thukla, for lunch, before continuing for an hour up a steep hill to the top. As you summit the hill you enter a memorial ground of prayer flags and monuments dedicated to climbers who have lost their lives attempting to reach the lofty pinnacles of these majestic mountains. From here you have unrivalled views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. This is a good spot for a short break. There is another 1 ½ - 2 hrs of trekking up to Loboche, hidden and sheltered from the wind. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Stay – Lobuche

Early morning after cup of tea/coffee start for Excursion Kalapathaar (5550m) from Lobuche the way is gently up about 1 hour to get to the glacier point and about 1 and hours we will have to walk on the glacier trail in right side lies the Khumbu glacier and opposite in the front Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Khumbuche, Lingtren, Pumori and many others all round mountains and valley of the glacier, that we will be able to see from here the Kalapathaar. In 2 hours we get to the place of Gorakshep where we will have breakfast and enjoy the Sunshine and all round mountains views. After breakfast start climbing for Kalapathaar, it take around 2 to 3 hours to get kalapathaar summit depends on your walking pace and back to Gorakshep and Lunch in Gorakshep and after lunch same way back to Lobuche. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Stay – Pangboche

Across the valley from the lodge, one can see the trail climbing diagonally up towards the famous monastery of Tengboche. Descend to the small hamlet of Phunki Tenga, beside the Dudh Kosi. From here we cross a bridge before beginning a steep ascent for about an hour and a half. This section of the trek is through rhododendron and pine forest, so it is well shaded and cool. From Tengboche, see magnificent views of Everest and surrounding. After visiting the monastery, relish the views and lunch at the local lodge famous Everest Bakery. Continue downhill to Deboche, to cross a bridge - this also marks the end of the tree-line. The trail then gradually ascends to the overnight stop at Pangboche. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Stay – Mong-La

The trek started we kept up a good pace and reach in Machermo within 2 hours. After the 1st lake, the glacier ends and the Dudh Koshi which emerges from it, cuts a steep V-shaped valley through the jagged mountains on either side. It is much more scenic route than the Imja Khola valley up to Gorak Shep. A half hour further on we arrived in Luza where we stopped for lunch. After lunch we again prepare for trek to Mong-La straddling a pass at 3973m. It is one of the places on this trek that, if you get the chance, you really should try to visit. The views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kang Tega were particularly spectacular from here. One can witness amazing mountain views and a precarious outlook over the Dudh Koshi that was almost enough to bring on vertigo. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Stay – Monjo

Today we trek from Mong-La to Monjo. While trekking from Thame to Monjo we come across Sherpa settlements and interact with the friendly Sherpa people. Upon arrival at Monjo, we get into one of the best lodges of the area. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Stay – Lukla

This morning you will depart Monjo and continue your descent along the Dudh Kosi, before making a final ascent to reach the Lukla plateau by mid afternoon. On arrival in Lukla you will have time to relax and celebrate the completion of your trek. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Stay – Kathmandu

Early in the morning board a flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. Upon arrival at domestic airport, our representative will pick you up from the airport and drive to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Kathmandu

After breakfast at the hotel indulge on your own activities or go for last minute shopping at Thamel. In the evening enjoy farewell dinner with cultural programs at Nepali local restaurant. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, Alkof Holidays representative will transfer you to Kathmandu airport to board the flight to your home or onward destination.