Nangkarsang Peak and Khongma La Pass: 16-Day Everest Base Camp Trek

Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Preparation Day
Today you will explore the historical and cultural sites of the Kathmandu Valley with our guide. After breakfast in the morning, you will visit Buddhist and Hindu temples including Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath which reflect the local culture and traditions of Nepalese society. In the afternoon, you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. In the evening, you will return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla – Trek to Phakding (2,700 m)
Prepare your luggage for the trek the day before your flight. You will arrive at Tenzing-Hillary Airport early in the morning and have breakfast in Lukla. Porters will meet the group in Lukla and are assigned to carry luggage, with one porter for every two clients.

Today, we trek to Phakding on a straightforward trail. Leaving Lukla, we follow the Dudh Koshi River downhill. The route connects to the Namche Bazaar trail just above Chaurikharka (2,713 m / 8,900 ft). Along the way, we pass the small village of Ghat before arriving at Phakding after a brisk hike.

Helicopter Option: You have the option to book a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla for an additional USD 550 per person based on a five-person sharing basis. This is a convenient alternative to avoid the long drive to Manthali Airport during peak trekking seasons (March, April, May, October and November).

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
From Phakding, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and reaches Zamphuti, offering excellent views of Thamserku Peak. The trail then climbs to Chomoa, the site of an agricultural project, providing an interesting insight into the farming lifestyle of the local people.

From Chomoa, the trail ascends to Monjo (2,840 m) and enters Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park (1,148 sq km, established in 1976). Continuing uphill, you will reach Jorsale (2,830 m) and after a long climb with views of Mt. Everest peeking over the ridge of Nuptse (7,879 m), the trail arrives at Namche Bazaar.

Accommodation: Guest house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Namche Bazaar

Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Trekking at high elevations can lead to altitude sickness and other serious health issues making acclimatization essential. The first acclimatization day of this trek is scheduled in Namche Bazaar, the main trading center of the Everest region managed by the Sherpa community. Here you can explore local shops offering trekking equipment, handicrafts and find accommodations such as hotels and guesthouses.

During the day we focus on acclimatization by taking short hikes to nearby destinations. Visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum to learn about the history and traditions of the Sherpa people. Afterwards hike to Syangboche Airport, the highest airport in Nepal and Hotel Everest View, one of the highest hotels in the world offering some of the best viewpoints in the Everest region. From here enjoy breathtaking vistas of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and surrounding peaks.

Namche to Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m)
The trail to Tengboche is rocky and involves a descent early in the day followed by a climb up to Tengboche. Begin the trek along the Dudh Koshi River and enjoy the enchanting sight of the surrounding mountains. Continue to Phungi Thenga passing through a beautiful rhododendron forest.

Further along the trail, you will arrive at Tengboche with breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Nuptse. The stunning scenery of rhododendron forests, glaciers, rivers and monasteries along the Everest Base Camp trail is highly rewarding. Upon arrival at Tengboche, visit the Tengboche Monastery and observe Lamas performing a prayer ceremony either in the morning or evening.

Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m)
After spending the night in Tengboche, we begin the trek to Dingboche in the morning. The trail passes through Deboche and the alpine forest, crossing the Imja Khola via a suspension bridge. Along the way, you will notice a wall inscribed with stones. Later in the day, enjoy a captivating view of Ama Dablam.

The trek continues as we ascend to the village of Pangboche and follow the trail leading into Imja Valley. Finally, we arrive at Dingboche village after completing the ascent.

Dingboche Acclimatization Day – Hike to Nangkartsang Peak (5,083 m) and Return
After the initial acclimatization at Namche, today is a rest and acclimatization day in Dingboche. Adapting to the increasing altitude and changing environment is essential to prevent altitude sickness.

Today we hike to Nangkartsang Peak, where the view of Ama Dablam is truly awe-inspiring. After completing the acclimatization hike, you can explore the village or relax at the teahouse.

Dingboche to Kongma La Pass (5,540 m) and Descent to Lobuche (4,900 m)
This is a challenging day as we cross Kongma La Pass. The trek begins on a relatively flat section in the valley before ascending a steep path along the crags of the ridge near Nuptse. From the pass we descend sharply to the Khumbu Glacier. After crossing the glacier we continue on to Lobuche.

Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,100 m) – Tea/Coffee/Soup Break, Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Return
Today’s trek consists of two main sections. First, we hike from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and then continue to Mount Everest Base Camp. After breakfast, we leave Lobuche, following the Khumbu Glacier trail while enjoying magnificent views of Mt. Nuptse. We soon reach the village of Gorak Shep.

From Gorak Shep, we continue along a challenging trail with rugged terrain to Everest Base Camp. Along the way, enjoy captivating views of Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall. Upon reaching the base camp, you are rewarded with panoramic vistas of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse and surrounding peaks. Being at the base of the world’s highest mountain is an unforgettable experience. During peak seasons, you may encounter expedition teams and climbers. Afterward, we retrace our path back to Gorak Shep.

Early Morning Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) and Descent to Pheriche (4,240 m)
Today we hike to the highest point of the Everest Base Camp trek, Kala Patthar. The trek begins early in the morning to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the towering mountains. Kala Patthar offers an exceptional vantage point for stunning views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and Mount Everest.

After enjoying the spectacular scenery and capturing memorable moments, we descend to Gorak Shep and continue the trek along the route down to Pheriche village.

Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,450 m)
After a hearty breakfast, we begin the descent to Namche Bazaar, retracing the trail taken earlier. Along the way, we pass through Pangboche village and continue past Tengboche village. We cross a suspension bridge and follow the forest trail until we arrive at Namche Bazaar.

Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,850 m)
The Everest Base Camp trekking adventure concludes today as we make our way to Lukla. After breakfast, we depart from Namche Bazaar and hike back to Lukla. As this is your final day in the Everest region, take some time to explore the village and celebrate the unforgettable moments experienced along the trails.

Lukla to Ramechhap/Kathmandu by Flight and Transfer to Hotel
After the trek, take a flight from Lukla to Ramechhap or Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal, we offer trips to popular destinations such as Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and Kathmandu Cultural Heritage Tours. We also provide outbound tours to Tibet, India and Bhutan. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a fine restaurant.

Visit Bhaktapur and Return to Hotel
Today, visit Bhaktapur, locally known as Khwopa and historically called Bhadgaon. It is located in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley, approximately 13 kilometres from Kathmandu. Bhaktapur is the smallest city in Nepal and also one of the most densely populated. After exploring the city, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Final Departure Home
Today marks the conclusion of our 16-day Everest Base Camp trek. One of our airport representatives will accompany you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. We bid you farewell and hope you will visit Nepal again.