Everest Base Camp (16N\17D)

Today we explore the Kathmandu valley.SWOYAMBBHUNATH: Climb the many steps to Swayambhunath (the monkey temple) with its commanding views of Kathmandu, its whitewashed stupas and its unique synthesis of Buddhism and Hinduism. PASHUPATINATH: It’s a sacred temple complex on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here, monkeys run up and down the steps of the burning ghats, and trident-bearing saddhus draped in burnt-orange and yellow sit serenely meditating - when they are not posing for photos for rupees. BOUDHANATH: The striking Buddha eyes of Boudhanath Stupa watch over a lively and colorful Tibetan community and attract pilgrims from all over the Himalayan Buddhist realm. In the midst of traditional gompas, and hung with long strings of multi-colored prayer flags, Boudhanath attracts Sherpas, Tibetans and tourists alike for daily circumambulations (koras) of the stupa. KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE: Durbar Square, one of the old capitals of the Kathmandu valley, is a synthesis of Hindu and Buddhist temples, stupas and statues, and is often the site of festivals, marriages and other ceremonies.

It takes about 30 minutes to fly From Kathamndu to Lukla and Takes about 3 and half hours to Trek to Phakding (2640 m.), you transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. Lukla is a small town with an airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores. You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the DudhKoshi. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on theopposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.). The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of DudhKoshi to Phakding.

It takes about five hours. The trail starts through a level path along the right bank. Thamserku looms skyward on the opposite bank. You cross a stream and climb the terraced hill from the DudhKoshi route, to arrive at Benkar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. You continue along a path with many ups and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village of Monjo. Now you descend the path of stone steps and return to the right bank. After a short climb you come to Jorsale’s teahouse and hotel, also stop at the National Park entrance counter where National Park fee is collected. After your departure from Jorsale you enter a forested mountainside. You follow a short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped valley where the river forks - the right is the DudhKoshi and the left is the Bhote Koshi that leads to Nampa La. After short distance along the BhoteKosi you begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazar. As the mountain path zigzags uphill, you 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 you travel 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 BhoteKoshi. The village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.

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 you walk uptoKhhumjung where you can visit monastery. Khhumjung is densely populated by Sherpa community...CONT ...You can also enjoy the splendid views of Everest, AmaDablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche and kongde. Or you 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, AmaDablam, Thamserku and KusumKangaru. .There is also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. This museum exhibits Sherpa culture

It takes about five hours. You leave the village for a climb to the top of a ridge and level mountain paththat offers an excellent panorama of Thamserku, Kantega, and KusumKangrib. To the right there is a steep cliff that drops down to the DudhKosi, faintly visible on the valley floor below. As you make your way around a branch ridge, AmaDablam (6812m) Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse (7855m) and Tawoche (6501m) suddenly appear. After a gentle descent the mountain path ends; you will come to the fork leading to Gokyo. Now you descend past two tea houses and through the village of Trashinga. Though you cannot see it, you can hear the DudhKosi and soon you descend to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga. It is a long climb to Tyangboche; the first half is especially steep. As you climb through the forested zone, the incline eases and a splendid view appears. Continue climbing the mountainside diagonally until you come to the stone gate built by lamas which marks your entry into Tyangboche (3867m). You may use the large plateau in front of the splendid monastery as your 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 AmaDablam is especially beautiful.

It takes approximately five hours. Leave Tyangboche and the Khumbu mountains as a backdrop-and descend a rhododendron covered area to emerge to a pleasant level area. Pass a long Mani stone wall to enter the village of Deboche. Go on to Minlinggo and leave the mountain path to cross over a suspension bridge to the left bank of the ImjaKhola. Climb the mountain path while looking up at AmaDablam 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 you enter the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of AmaDablam, Nuptse and Lhotse with views of the eastern snowcapped 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.

This is a remarkable acclimatization day. There are some breathtaking views of the North face ofAmaDablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as you explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak. The walk is short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon. You have another option as you can hike uptoChhukum. From here you can enjoy the panoramic view of Island peak, AmaDablaml, Makalu, Tawoche peak and others.

It takes about five and half hours. The onward journey leads north for up to 50-minutes until youcome to a mani-prayer Stupa. The trail is gentle looking down to Pheriche village below. Today’s walk offers views of the Mt.Tawache, AmaDablam 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. 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.

It takes about seven hours. 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 downhillwalk brings you to Gorakshep, the flat field...CONT...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 appear at the front of you. Sometime the avalanche can be seen on the way. After a great moment, you retrace back passing through Khumbu glacier with magnificent views of Lobuche, Cholatse, Mt. Pumori and Tabuche.

It takes about six hours. Early morning climb to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and enjoy the view of sunrise. From Kala Patthar you 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. AmaDablam, Mt. Thamserku and many more. Pheriche is the place where one can make phone calls to any part of the world. You 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 you 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.

It takes approximately four hours. You can enjoy a morning visit to the research center. Then, trek back to Tyangboche, an easier descent passing through rhododendron forest. It is a small village with a famous monastery offering you the splendid view of AmaDablam, green hills and river views.

It takes about four and half hours. 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 you to the village of Khunde, where you can visit the Khunde Hospital funded by Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. After Khunde, a scenic and pleasant walk brings you to Namche for the overnight.

It takes about five hours. The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay.

Early morning take a flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel. Self-leisure time for shopping.

Transfer to airport for your final departure or Tour Cont..... Tour ends with THANK YOU!