EVEREST BASE CAMP

An early morning stunning flight to the gateway to the region of the legendary Sherpas. Start trekking north towards Phakding - meandering trails lined with stoned walls.

Following the torrent of the Dudh Koshi, the trail climbs north through forests of rhododendron, magnolia and giant firs, to the village of Jorsalle for lunch, before ascending to Namche Bazaar, the largest village often called the ‘Sherpa Capital' of Khumbu.

Today is for acclimatisation to the high altitude; adjust by exploring the local markets, mingle with the people, walk up to the Everest view point, breathing deeply and happily lazing around in sunshine.

The trail now forks northeast along a tributary valley with the mountain views opening up to become very dramatic as the steep climb approaches the holy ground of Tengboche. Monastery, yak pasture and world’s highest sacred institution combined! Amazing views, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Everest.

Trekking past the Gompa, which holds the famous Yeti scalp, at Pangboche, are the summer yak pastures and here lies no doubt as to the Spartan lives of Sherpas. Beyond this, it is as well to understand that overnight sleeping facilities can reflect the harshness of our surroundings. Much of the walking in this area is of comparatively gentle gradient, although a leisurely pace is anyway recommended due to the high altitude.

A second acclimatisation day, with optional hikes to Nagajun Hill (approx. 5,050m) or Chukung village, with fine views of Ama Dablam, Makalu and other peaks, interspersed with lakes and glaciers.

Ascending at a sensible pace, traversing ice covered torrents, to Lobuche where stone houses sit amongst a frozen wilderness of stunning beauty and where exists a thrilling sense of closeness to our ultimate goal.