Everest Base Camp Trek with Bhutan Tour - 5 Days

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)

Your Everest Base Camp Trek adventure begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal. Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by your trekking agency representative. After a quick meet-and-greet, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the bustling Thamel area, a hub for trekkers and travelers.

Once settled, you'll have time to relax and recover from your journey. If time permits, take a stroll through the streets of Thamel, where you’ll find an array of shops, trekking gear stores, and cafes offering both local and international cuisine.

In the evening, you'll meet your trekking guide for a pre-trek briefing. Here, you'll review the itinerary, discuss essential details, and ensure all your permits and gear are in order. It's also an excellent opportunity to address any last-minute questions.

Highlights of the Day:

A warm welcome in Kathmandu.

Exploration of Thamel’s lively atmosphere.

Pre-trek briefing with your guide.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Meals Included: None (plenty of dining options available in Thamel).

Prepare for an exciting adventure that will take you through the majestic landscapes of the Himalayas!

Day 2 Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

Highlights of the Day

A scenic flight to Lukla, one of the world’s most thrilling airports.

Begin the trek through the beautiful Dudh Koshi River valley.

Pass vibrant Sherpa villages and monasteries.

Early Morning:

Flight to Lukla (30-40 minutes): Start your adventure with a breathtaking flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The plane ride offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including peaks like Langtang, Gauri Shankar, and Numbur.

Arrival in Lukla: Land at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, where you'll meet your trekking crew and prepare for the journey ahead.

Morning Trek:

Trek Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours.

The trail begins with a gentle descent through rhododendron forests and small villages. Pass through Cheplung (2,700m), where you get your first view of Mount Khumbila, a sacred peak for the Sherpas.

Lunch Stop:

Enjoy a hearty meal at a local teahouse along the trail, with traditional Nepali dishes or international options to suit your preference.

Afternoon Trek:

Continue walking through scenic paths along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing picturesque suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags.

Arrive at Phakding (2,610m), a small, charming village surrounded by pine forests.

Evening:

Settle into a cozy teahouse, where you can relax, enjoy a warm meal, and get to know fellow trekkers.

Spend some time exploring the village or visiting local monasteries before resting for the night.

Tips for the Day:

Stay hydrated and move at a steady pace to acclimatize properly.

Double-check your gear after the flight to Lukla to ensure everything is intact.

Charge your electronics and refill water bottles for the next day’s journey.

Overnight Stay: Teahouse in Phakding

Distance Covered: Approx. 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation Gain: Downhill to Phakding, then minor ascents and descents
Total Time: 3-4 hours of trekking

Day 3 Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft)

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Duration: 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 820 meters (2,690 feet)

Morning

Breakfast at Phakding: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your lodge. The morning will be relatively calm as you prepare for the trek ahead.

Depart from Phakding: Begin your trek by crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, heading toward Monjo. The trail follows a pleasant path through pine forests and small villages.

Mid-Morning

Crossing the Suspension Bridges: On the way to Namche Bazaar, you will encounter several famous suspension bridges, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The crossing over the river can be a memorable experience, with some bridges being quite long and high.

Pass through Monjo (2,835m): Monjo is a small village where you will stop to check in at the Sagarmatha National Park entrance. This is a good place for a brief rest and to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Lunch

Lunch Stop at Jorsale (2,830m): After passing through Monjo, the trail leads you to Jorsale, where you can take a break and enjoy a nutritious lunch before continuing the steep climb to Namche.

Afternoon

Climb to Namche Bazaar: From Jorsale, the trail begins to ascend more sharply as you move toward Namche. The climb to Namche Bazaar is one of the more strenuous parts of the trek, but the reward is breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and other peaks.

First View of Mount Everest: As you near the top of the hill just before Namche, you’ll get your first glimpse of Mount Everest, which is a thrilling moment for many trekkers.

Arrival at Namche Bazaar

Check-in at Lodge: Upon arrival in Namche, check in at your lodge, and take some time to rest and acclimatize. Namche is a vibrant town and the largest settlement in the Khumbu region, with several shops, cafes, and hotels. It serves as an important hub for trekkers and mountaineers.

Explore Namche Bazaar: In the afternoon, take a short walk around Namche. You can visit the local market, shop for supplies, or simply enjoy the views of the surrounding peaks.

Evening

Dinner at Lodge: Enjoy a well-deserved dinner with a selection of international and Nepali dishes at your lodge.

Rest and Acclimatize: Spend the evening relaxing and adjusting to the altitude. Staying hydrated and well-rested is key to a successful trek.

Day 4 Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

On the trek to Everest Base Camp, one of the key stops for acclimatization is Namche Bazaar, located at 3,440 meters (11,290 feet). The rest day in Namche is essential for your body to adjust to the higher altitudes and prevent altitude sickness. Here’s what you can expect and do during your acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar:

1. Rest and Relaxation

Take the day easy and avoid strenuous activities. This allows your body to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels at this altitude. Relax in your lodge, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and hydrate well.

2. Explore Namche Bazaar

Strolling around Namche Bazaar: This vibrant Sherpa town is a bustling market hub. You can explore local shops selling trekking gear, Tibetan crafts, souvenirs, and more.

Visit the Namche Bazaar Monastery: A short walk will take you to the old monastery, where you can experience the spiritual ambiance of the area.

Sherpa Culture Museum: Learn about the region’s history, culture, and the Sherpa people through exhibits and displays.

3. Hike to the Everest View Hotel

A popular acclimatization hike is to the Everest View Hotel, which sits at 3,880 meters (12,730 feet). This short, moderate hike offers spectacular views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks in the Khumbu region. It's also an excellent opportunity to observe how your body reacts to higher elevations.

4. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-rich meals. Altitude can affect your appetite, but try to eat as much as you can to keep your energy up.

Eating foods high in carbohydrates, such as potatoes, rice, and pasta, can provide the fuel needed for the days ahead.

5. Monitor Your Health

Pay attention to how your body is feeling. Mild headaches, fatigue, and loss of appetite are common at altitude, but if you experience nausea, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, it’s important to seek medical advice and consider descending to a lower altitude if necessary.

6. Adjust to the Altitude

The purpose of this acclimatization day is to allow your body to adjust to the thinner air. It’s not just about resting—it’s about optimizing your chances of reaching Everest Base Camp and beyond by giving your body time to adapt.

7. Optional Short Treks

For those who feel good, there are several short hikes around Namche Bazaar to aid acclimatization:

Hike to Khunde and Khumjung Villages: These villages are just a short distance from Namche and provide an opportunity to learn about Sherpa culture and visit historical sites, including the Khumjung Monastery.

Overall, the acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar is a perfect balance of rest, exploration, and gentle activity to ensure you're ready for the challenging trek ahead.

Day 5 Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 meters / 12,664 feet)

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)

Duration: 5–6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights:

Scenic Views: From Namche, you’ll start by heading out on a gentle ascent through beautiful pine forests. Along the way, you'll get stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other peaks as you approach Tengboche.

Himalayan Flora & Fauna: The trail passes through rhododendrons and pine forests, where you may spot wildlife such as Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and the occasional pheasant.

Riveting Landscapes: You will cross several small villages, including the village of Phunki Tenga, where you can stop for tea or snacks. The trail also crosses suspension bridges, offering dramatic views of the Dudh Koshi River.

Tengboche Monastery: The destination, Tengboche, is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. The monastery sits majestically against the backdrop of Everest and Ama Dablam, and you can visit it to experience the local Buddhist culture. If you time your arrival right, you might witness a prayer ceremony or blessing.

Altitude: This day is important for acclimatization, as you’re gaining altitude. Though it’s not too strenuous, it’s good to stay hydrated and take it slow.

What to Expect:

Tengboche Village: This is a small village with a few teahouses and lodges. The locals are welcoming, and you'll enjoy a warm meal and a cozy place to stay. The area is relatively quiet compared to the bustling Namche Bazaar.

Evening Views: As the sun sets, the peaks around Tengboche, especially Ama Dablam, light up in golden hues, creating a spectacular sight.

Acclimatization Tips:

Rest and Hydrate: Stay well-hydrated and eat well to help your body adjust to the altitude.

Pace Yourself: Take it easy and don’t rush. The goal is to slowly increase your altitude while giving your body time to adjust.

This part of the trek is memorable for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual atmosphere at the Tengboche Monastery. It provides a perfect balance of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.