Nepal: Kathmandu & Everest Base Camp

Namaste! Welcome to Kathmandu. Today’s agenda is limited to an essential meeting at 5PM, where you’ll meet your group leader and discuss the journey ahead. This will be followed by an optional dinner near our hotel where you can start getting to know your fellow travellers. PLEASE NOTE: travel delays are possible given the destination, so please fly in the day before if possible.

To kick off our adventure, we’ll begin with a tour of Kathmandu. We’ll visit the Monkey Temple (Swoyambhunath), the sacred Hindu Pashupatinath Temple, and the Boudhanath Stupa. The afternoon includes a guided walk through Durbar Square, where one of the Kingdom’s royal palaces awaits. As Nepal was recently hit by a massive earthquake, some of these sites may remain under construction. That said, tourism dollars are vital to the reconstruction of these ancient sites, and the city remains a fascinating place to visit.

Rise and shine! Our Nepalese adventure is off to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (2,800m/9,200ft) to begin our trek through the valley of the Dudh Kosi (or ‘milk river’). We’ll descend into the forest and cross several tributary streams on our way to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), a settlement where we’ll spend the night. Most of our tea houses feature private rooms, en-suite washrooms, and hot running water you’ll warmly relish. While the rooms aren’t heated, you’ll be given an electric blanket or a surprisingly effective hot water bottle to keep you toasty through the night.

Approximate hiking time: 3 hours

This morning’s journey takes us through more magnificent forests that are ablaze with flowers every spring and fall. Prepare for several ascents and descents, but know that you’ll get your first glimpse of Mt Everest. Once we reach Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,300ft), there will be time to explore the town, or to kick back with local beer while soaking in the view.

Approximate hiking time: 6 hours

After a morning hike we’ll lunch at the Everest View, once said to be the world’s highest hotel. We’ll then carry on to Tashinga (3,400m/11,100ft) for the night, a tranquil village set amidst pine forests, with breathtaking views of the Dudh Koshi Valley.

Approximate hiking time: 5 hours

Today our hike begins with a short descent and bridge crossing, followed by a steep ascent through a shaded, cool forest. This takes us to the village of Thyangboche, from which we’ll descend to the end of the tree-line, followed by one more climb to Pangboche (3,930m/13,000ft) where we’ll spend the night. The Lama Sange Dorje (who brought Buddhism to the region) is said to have flown here from his Tibetan monastery, over the Himalayas no less.

Approximate hiking time: 4 hours

Passing through yak pastures before the area’s true sparseness reveals itself, we’ll encounter few villages, the odd wildlife, and perhaps a sherpa on our way to Pheriche (4,280m/14,500ft). For the next few days, the simple tea houses will reflect our serene surroundings… allow yourself to be immersed in this Buddhist calm.

Approximate hiking time: 4 hours

Today offers the opportunity to rest or partake in our optional (but highly recommended) acclimatization hike. We’ll either visit Nagajun Hill (5,050m,16,570ft) or Chukkhung village, soaking up views of lakes, glaciers, and famous peaks like Ama Dablam and Makalu.

Approximate hiking time: 5 hours

Moving at a sensible pace, we’ll traverse ice-covered torrents to Lobuche (4,930m/16,175ft), where stone houses sit amidst a frozen wilderness of stunning beauty. Sleep well and dream about tomorrow’s ultimate goal: Everest Base Camp!

Approximate hiking time: 5 hours

What a day! It’s our final assault towards Everest Base Camp (5,367m/17,600ft)—capture the moment with some selfies and share the glory with your fellow travellers. After the celebration, we’ll descend to the frozen lakebed of Gorakshep (5,160m/16,930ft), with stop at the world’s highest glacier (Khumbu).

Approximate hiking time: 8 hours

Without doubt, the best place to see Everest is from Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,190ft), and we’ll be there at sunrise for a breathtaking moment that truly leaves you feeling the world at your fingertips. We’ll then revisit the sandy expanse of Gorakshep on our way back down to Pheriche (4,280m/14,500ft).

Approximate hiking time: 7 hours

Today we return to Tashinga (3,400m/11,100ft) via Tengboche for lunch. It’s a gentle descent that crosses the Dudh Koshi torrent, which is fed by the Khumbu Glacier. Leaving behind alpine meadows, we’ll make our way through Deboche and Pangboche, with a chance to visit the region’s largest, most revered monastery.

Approximate hiking time: 6 hours

Retracing our steps from the beginning of our journey, we’ll spend tonight in Monjo (2,700m/8,860ft) at the newest, most luxurious of our tea houses. Sit back, relax, and savour your second last night in the Everest region!

Approximate hiking time: 5 hours

The final day of hiking includes a trek back to Chaunrikhara. We’ll leave the main trail for a short climb to Lukla, where our base camp adventure began! Why not treat yourself to a beer as we revel in the glory of our time together in the Himalayas?

Approximate hiking time: 5 hours

Today we fly back to Kathmandu. When we arrive we’ll check into a deluxe hotel in a quieter part of Kathmandu for some well deserved R&R. The rest of your day is free to enjoy the hotel’s incredible pool (designed to resemble a 12th century Malla Dynasty bath!), enjoy the stunning spa or further explore the capital city.

Today offers more free time, and flexibility should we encounter flight delays or cancellations from Lukla. However, if everything proceeds as planned, we’ll have many excursions to consider, such as a visit to the stunning town of Bhaktapur, which is hard at work recovering from the 2015 earthquake. There will also be an optional farewell dinner, followed by before drinks on the town. A second evening will be enjoyed in our hotel where you can take another dip in the pool or rest your weary legs in the library.

There are no activities planned today—this simply allows time given the possibility of flight delays or cancellations from Lukla. Thank you for joining our gay Nepal adventure! Safe travels!