A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Brace yourself to set up and continue the legacy of legendary mountaineers whose feet once set on the same universally endued rich terrain of the Himalayas. The acclaimed Mountain Everest Base Camp trail extends to over 120 kilometers taking you on a two week journey through a pristine oasis of tranquility.
The Sagarmatha National Park is about more than boasting to friends about visiting the highest mountain on the planet. The trail proffers backpackers with four of the world’s eight-thousanders, including Everest (8,849m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m). As you fly into Lukla, a series of so wild, so stark, yet so alluring mountains begin to gradually unveil themselves to you. Acclimatize while feasting on traditional cuisines in Sherpa teahouses and finally, with blessings offered by revered monk’s, embark on an unrivaled journey of its kind. Familiarize oneself with Gokyo villages in the obscure valleys of the Khumbu region or explore the shimmering ice trail of Cho La pass that is followed by an ascent towards Kala Pattar, to witness the long-awaited and unprecedented view of the one-and-only Everest!
Rain or Shine, our Sherpa guide will assure a safe and sound experience right through the heart of the Himalayas, allowing you the time you need to reflect on the vistas of verdant landscapes and skyline-silver lakes in the middle of cave quiet valleys, gaze into the crystal clear, high altitude lakes of the Khumbu glacier, and familiarize yourself with the traditions and culturally rich land of Sherpas.
Trip Highlights
- Sagarmatha National Park: A protected area in the Himalayas dominated by snow-capped mountains including Mount Everest (Sagarmatha, or Chomolungma in the local Sherpa language), and encompasses glaciers, valleys, and trails. It is home to many species of rare animals and birds like the snow leopard, musk deer, and red panda.
- The Solukhumbu region is the homeland of the Sherpas, Buddhist people who migrated there from the Tibetan plateau around the 15th century. Get acquainted with the rich culture, tradition and mountaineering history of the guardians of the Himalayas, the Sherpa people.
- Lukla airport, also known as the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is situated atop a cliff and drops off downwards at the end of the runway and is sure to be the most adventurous flight you’ve ever undertaken in your life.
- Namche Bazaar, also known as the gateway to Mount Everest, is famous for being a trading point and a resting place for trekkers. Visible from this town are the mountains KongdeRi (6,187m) and Thamserku (6,623m). A fascinating Sherpa Museum sits atop Namche Bazaar.
- Get to know more about Buddhism, as you will find many monasteries in the region. One of the most famous being the Tengboche monastery. It is a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Sherpa community, and trekkers often visit to receive blessings for a successful journey from the Buddhist monks who reside there. You can visit the Khumjung monastery to take a look at the alleged Yeti’s scalp!
- The sacred Khumbila mountain (5,761m), roughly translated as "God of Khumbu", is one of the high Himalayan peaks that people are not permitted to climb due to its holy association. However, it can be enjoyed in the backdrop during this trek.
- Kala Patthar, a notable landmark located above Gorakshep, provides spectacular views of Everest, Nuptse, and Changtse as well as glimpses of the northern flank and summit of Lhotse. Kala Patthar (5545m) is considered the highest altitude most will reach without a climbing permit, which must be obtained in Kathmandu, at the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
- The Khumbu Glacier is located between Mount Everest and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. With elevations of 4,900 m (16,100 ft) at its terminus to 7,600 m (24,900 ft) at its source, it is the world's highest glacier. The Ngozumpa glacier, sitting below the sixth highest mountain in the world Cho Oyu in Nepal, is considered the longest in the Himalayas, at a length of 36 km (22 mi)!
- You will witness four of the six highest peaks in the world in the trail– Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 meters), Mt. Makalu (8,470 meters) and Cho Oyu (8,201 meters) and many other known peaks.
- Everest Base Camp, is where the journey to the top of the world starts. With 360-degree mountain views (mountains as far as the eye can see!), this is the REAL taste of the Himalayas.
- If you happen to do this trek in spring, then magnificent rhododendron blossoms await you from the lower stretches between Lukla and Namche. Trust us, it’s worth considering to plan your trek for this time because the experience of trekking through these blossoms is amazing!
- Gokyo Lakes are crystal clear lakes where beautiful fairies fly at midnight. Renowned as the highest freshwater lake system in the world, Gokyo Lake is endearing and a must-go place to visit in all seasons. Relish the utopian ambiance as you approach the yogi still lakes in the core of a cold, frozen desert!
Want the ultimate cultural experience?
Why not Plan Your Trip to coincide with local festivals such as Dmje, Mani Rimdu, Buddha Jayanti (Birthday of Lord Buddha), Gyalpo Lhosar (Tibetan New Year). Just Contact Us to find out more about these festivals and when they fall each year.
