Mt. Everest Base Camp & Kalapatthar
Reaching Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar is a lifelong dream for many trekkers — and for good reason. The trail winds along the foothills of the world’s highest mountains, offering unforgettable views of Mt. Everest and numerous other towering seven- and eight-thousanders.
Your journey begins with a scenic flight to Lukla (2,800 m), the gateway to Everest. From here, the trek follows terraced farms and traditional Buddhist villages, with the snow-capped peaks always in sight.
The highlight awaits at Kala Patthar, where breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, its neighboring giants, and the mighty Khumbu Glacier unfold before you. Along the way, you’ll walk through the very heartland of the Sherpa people — guardians of the high Himalayas and renowned for their warm hospitality.
Highlights of Mt. Everest Base Camp & Kalapatthar
🏔 Everest Dreams Fulfilled
Reaching Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar is a lifelong dream for many trekkers. The trail winds beneath the world’s highest mountains, with unforgettable views of Mt. Everest and other towering Himalayan giants.
✈️ Scenic Flight to Lukla
Begin your adventure with a thrilling flight to Lukla (2,800 m), the gateway to the Everest region.
🌄 Panoramic Views from Kala Patthar
Stand at 5,545 m and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Everest, neighboring peaks, and the mighty Khumbu Glacier — one of the trek’s most iconic highlights.
🙏 Sherpa Heartland
Walk through traditional Buddhist villages and terraced farms, immersing yourself in the warm hospitality and rich culture of the Sherpa people.
At a Glance
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Duration: 16 days
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Activities: Trekking · Culture
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Maximum Altitude: 5,545 m
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Best Season: March · April · May · September · October · November
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Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
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Difficulty Level: Medium – Strenuous
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Places to Visit: Kathmandu · Everest Region
Upon arrival in Katmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by the representative from Rural Journeys and transferred to hotel by private vehicle.
Although the fertile Kathmandu Valley has been inhabited for thousands of years, its rich and varied cultural legacy essentially began during the 14th century under the Malla Dynasty. Patronized by the nobility, Newar artisans constructed temples, monasteries and elaborate courtyards that constitute a fascinating architectural history.
Rest of the day at leisure or stroll around the hotel
Evening: Briefing about the prorgramme along with questions/answers session with tour/trek leader.
Overnight at the hotel
Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square also called the 'City of Glory’. Visit includes, Durbar Square, Kumari Ghar - Home to the World's only living Goddess. A short visit to Bhairab - the God of destruction, Taleju Temple - built in 1549 AD and Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Thereafter visit Swoyambunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist Stupas in the World, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Thereafter, visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist Stupa said to be one of the largest in the world.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 03: Fly Kathamndu to Lukla | Trek Lukla – Phakding (2650m) | 30mins flight/3-4hrs trek
Early transfer from hotel to domestic airport to board Lukla flight. Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2800m). This flight provides a magnificent entree to the trek. Upon arrival set up your baggage's and start your first day trek. It is an easy walk through several villages to Phakding, where you will have your lunch/dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight at the lodge
Early transfer from hotel to domestic airport to board Lukla flight. Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2800m). This flight provides a magnificent entree to the trek. Upon arrival set up your baggage's and start your first day trek. It is an easy walk through several villages to Phakding, where you will have your lunch/dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight at the lodge
After breakfast we follow the Dudh Kosi for about 2 hour and then climb slowly up a steep trail to Namche. As we climb, we enjoy our first views of Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8383m) - the big three.
Overnight at the lodge
Overnight at the lodge
Acclimatization day at Namche Bazar. We enjoy a rest day here to allow for maximum acclimatization on our way to Everest Base Camp. A pleasant day can be spent exploring the village, talking to the Sherpas and simply enjoying and marveling at the incredible scenery or excursion to Khumjung village one of largest villages within Khumbu area after Namche Bazaar, Khunde and Khumjung villages located on a wide and scenic glacial valley at the bottom of holy Mt. Khumbila. At Khumjung visit its oldest monastery, where you can get a glimpse of Yeti scalp kept safe and secure in a glass box where visitors can have a look with donations for monastery welfare.
Overnight at the lodge
Today we walk along a very pleasant trail under the soaring peak to Thamserku and steadily descending to the Imja River where there are a series of water driven prayer wheels. We climb steadily for about 2 hours to Tengboche Monastery (3875m) and the views from here are magnificent. The Monastery is literally surrounded by mountains. Yaks graze on the small meadow and the monks drone through their prayers. Surely, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the world.
Overnight at the lodge
Overnight at hotel
We move up the Imja river valley to Pangboche (3900m). We stop here for lunch and visit the Monastery and look at the 'Yeti Sculpt'. In the afternoon we continue on to the summer village of Dingboiche (4360m). The scenery all day is superb.
Overnight at the lodge
Another rest and acclimatization day at Dingboche. This rest and acclimatization day should give you an excellent chance of ascending Kala Pathar, the Base Camp of the Everest. From these yak herders' village, there are a number of interesting excursions. A 2 hours walk to the huts at Chukung (4700m) will take you to the glaciers flowing off Nuptse and Lhostse.
Overnight at the lodge
We walk up a small ridge and then contour around the base of the Khumbu Glacier and have a light lunch at Dhungla (4600m). From here we have a short steep climb to the terminal moraine of the glacier from where the views are stunning. Overnight stay at the foot of the Lobuje Ice Fall (4930m).
Overnight at the lodge
Today, we climb Kala Pathar. The actual distance is not so far but we take it very slowly to compensate for the altitude stopping at Gorekh Shep (5288m) for a light lunch. We then take the climb to Kala Pathar (5545m) from where one can see the Everest Base Camp is just down. This is a hard pull but the view from top surpasses anything you can imagine. All around us flow huge glacier ice. The mountains of Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m) and Khumbutse (6623m) separate us from Tibet, and just over the Lho La pass. We see the huge rock of Changtse (7550m) in Tibet itself. But the queen of them all - Sagarmatha (mt. Everest) towers over everyone. This is the Roof of the World. We return to Lobuje for overnight stay.
Overnight at the lodge
We retrace our steps along the glacier to Pheriche (4260m) and stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we take the lower trail to Debuje.
Overnight at the lodge
Descending to Imja River we climb to Namche for lunch passing the towering Kongde Ridge. Afterwards continue descend and reach Monjo for overnight.
Overnight at the lodge
Trek back to Lukla.
Overnight at the lodge
After early breakfast at lodge fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight at hotel
Fullday at leisure or free for individual activities or explore Thamel which is known by its narrow alleys crowded with various shops and vendors. Commonly sold goods include food, fresh vegetables/fruits, pastries, trekking gear, walking gear, music, handicrafts, souvenirs, woolen items and clothes. Small grocery stores, budget hotels, restaurants, pubs and clubs also line the streets.
Overnight at the hotel
Free till departure transfer to international airport for onward flight