Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar Trek

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 at Tribhuvan International Airport, our local 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.

After breakfast at the hotel, commence the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar square, Swayambhunath stupa and Patan Durbar square.

SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA: Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hillock 02 kilometres west of Kathmandu overlooking the valley. The oldest written reference to the stupa dates from the 5th century, but it could have existed much earlier. Moreover, a legend has it that the stupa evolved spontaneously at the time of the Kathmandu valley's creation. Swayambhunath is famously known as as "the Monkey Temple" owing to the presence of a large number of monkeys around the area.

THAMEL: Later, get on a rickshaw (tricycle) for an interesting 20-minute ride to the tourist hub of Thamel. Travelers and the locals consider it a tourist haven. Its filled with narrow streets, all lined with budget hotels, small shops selling everything from food and provisions to clothes, carpets, walking gears, music CDs, DVDs, handicrafts, paintings which make it an ideal place for souvenir shopping. The area also has some very good restaurants when you need to stop for munching.

KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE: The durbar square with its arrays of temples, courtyards, monuments and the ancient palaces of the former Nepali Royals is located in Basantapur in the heart of Kathmandu city, the country's capital. Chief attractions here include Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari; the temple of Ashok Vinayak dedicated to lord Ganesh (elephant headed deity), and Kal Bhairav, the God of Wrath. There is a giant pagoda of 'Kasthamandap', a structure which is said to have been built out of a single tree. The name of the capital 'Kathmandu' is said to be actually derived from 'Kasthamandap'. 

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE: Located 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, the Patan city popularly known as 'the city of artisans' accommodates a magnificent square housing the palace buildings of the then royals, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples - a display of Newari architecture that had reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Malla kings. It is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments. 

Overnight stay at the hotel.

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. Dinner & overnight at the lodge in Chumoa.

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. Dinner & overnight at the lodge in Namche.

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. Dinner & overnight at the lodge in 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 in Khunde.

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 in Thyangboche.

Walk down about 30 minutes 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 in 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 breath-taking 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 in Dingboche.

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 in 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.

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 in Pangboche.

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 in Mong-La.

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.

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.

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.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Boudhanath, and Bhaktapur.

BOUDHANATH: One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal; Boudhanath is a spherical stupa structure imposing at a height of 36 meters with three massive Mandala style platforms. Located 08 kilometres east of Kathmandu, the stupa with four pairs of eyes at the four cardinal directions is believed to be keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. Built on an octagonal base inset with 108 prayer wheels, the shrine is ringed by the settlement especially of the Tibetan refugees who entered Nepal in the 1950s. They have developed the place into a 'Mini-Tibet' ever since.

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE (listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO): A former capital of the valley, it was once a flourishing city on the trade route to Tibet. It has preserved its traditional character better than the other two cities, due to its more isolated location. It is regarded today as a classic showcase of medieval Nepalese town life. It is situated in the east of Kathmandu valley about 14 km. away. It today retains much of its beauty in ornate woodcarvings and in the famed Golden Gate.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

In the morning, Alkof Holidays representative will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, to board a flight to your home or onward destination.

YES. We can customize your Nepal Holiday Package, as per your interest, and preferences.

On arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, Nepal, our local representative will be there at the airport holding a placard of your name for identification. We shall also provide you list of emergency 24 hours contact numbers for any emergency.

Although tipping in Nepal is not compulsory, doing so is a nice gesture. We do recommend tipping at various instances, but tip higher only when you are very happy with the service. Tip can given after completion of the services from 5$, 10$ or more as per your choice and depending on how much satisfied & happy you are with the service provider.

With Alkof Holidays, you get 24X7 personal assistance from your local dedicated tour manager in Nepal. You can contact him over the Phone/WhatsApp. You can also contact us over Phone, WhatsApp, Skype, or Email.