Everest Lobuche Trek – 13 days

The trail meanders through pine forest, along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing many suspension bridges via the Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo and Jorsale: entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park and permit checkpoint, with tranquil views of glistening Thamserku (6,618m/21,714m). The trail continues along the riverbed to the confluence of the Bhote and Dudh Koshi Rivers. It then climbs steadily, crossing the high Tenzing- Hilary suspension bridge with inspiring glimpses of Everest and the Nuptse – Lhotse ridge. A final three hour ascent through pine forest leads to the prosperous trading and administrative town of Namche Bazaar.

This is a scheduled acclimatization day on the trek. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and health experts recommend a stop for at least one extra night. Be active and roam rather than laze around: climb high and sleep low is the acclimatisation advice. Namche Bazaar has ATMs, cyber cafés, delicious restaurant food and bakeries, plus a colourful market each Friday evening and Saturday morning. Visit the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park Visitor’s Centre on the hillock: with informative displays on Sherpa culture, local flora and fauna. Take an entertaining side trip to the large traditional Sherpa village of Khumjung (3,780m/12,402ft): with fine views of Thamserku, Kangtega, Ama Dablam and Everest – in a sea of lesser peaks.

After breakfast, our trail leads moderately flat with superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku, Khangtaiga. The trail continues high above the river showcasing wild lives spot of musk deer (a herd of Himalayan Thar) colorful pheasant (Danphe, National bird) to small Sherpa village Kyangjuma. Our trail seperates from regualr Everest Base Camp crowed highway toward a ridge Mung La (3,978/13,050ft) with stunning view of Himalaya at perfect Lunch time. Drop don to lower section of Gokyo Valley to beautiful terraaced village Phortse. Whole day sounds like safari trek and backdrop Himalayan tranquility.

Leaving Phortse, we choose the high trail, considered to be one of the most beautiful trails with outstanding view of enormous mountain and deep valley. Out trail above the glacial river and grazing musk deer merges Everest Highway route right on the bridge and continue to Pangboche with closer views of towering Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,495ft). The trail then follows the river as it rises to its confluence with the Lobuche Khola and continues up to Dingboche: the last year-round Sherpa settlement. Different views of Ama Dablam rise above terraced fields of barley, buckwheat and potatoes. The fields are walled to protect crops from icy winds and animals during the short growing season.

It’s another scheduled rest day of the trek. This increases your fitness and oxygen level into thin air. A day hike returns 4/5 hours aback Dingboche village up to Nangkartshang Hill (5090m/16,700ft) is perfect destination to acclimatize. Trail leads with the breathtaking landscapes and marvelous view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Imjatse peak (Island peak), Makalu and tremendous view of the valley.Although the trek is Steve ascend, you will feel worth to hike for acclimatization and scenery. the thin air as the altitude gains slowly towards Chhukung.

After breakfast, our trail climbs to ridge with the towering view of Tawache peak & Cholatse. Trail continues through the Yak grazing pasture to Dhukla (4620 /15158ft) crossing a wooden bridge on roaring stream. Trail leads steep up to gravely terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier for about one hour, then bears left to the group of memorialsto lost climbers and Sherpas, including Scott Fischer who died in the 1996, Everest disaster. This place has awesome view of Khumbutse (6623m), Lingtren (6697), Pumori (7145 m) and Mahalangur Himal.Everest is hidden behind the towering wall of Nuptse an Lhotse. Follow the valley upstream about an hour to Lobuche.

Today, our trek follows windy and rocky path with crest of north ridge to Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, etc. Trail continues along side of Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep. Check in to Hotel, Lunch and afternoon set out to visit world’s highest base camp Everest Base Camp. Base camp has no view of Mt. Everest but fantastic view of Khumbu Icefall and colorful camp site of Everest expedition during expedition season. Trek back to Gorakshep for overnight.

Early morning, climb 2-3 hrs. up to Kala Patthar (5545 m/18192 ft) to see first day sun light from top of the world (Mt. Everest) This is milestone of the trek to inspect panoramic view with the fantastic sunrise over Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nupte, Mt. Ama Dablam and many more After accomplish Kala Patthar, trek down to Gorakshep and retrace down to Pheriche to the warmer and better night sleep.

Today, our trail goes back to the tree line area and re-steps to Pangboche. The famous Tengboche monastery has still much to see and make sense to halt a night which breaks and relief to EBC sore legs. Being it a pious Buddhist settlement, the wild life is unharmed so there is possibility to encounter some wild animals such as musk deer, mountain goat, Pheasants etc.

After breakfast, our trail drops down to Dudh Kosi river to Phunki Tenga and rise up to Kyanjuma where we skipped EBC trail. About 3 more hrs considerably easy walking bring to Mountain Hub Namche Bazar and get yourself a break with drinks and some celebration to feel vacation.

From Namche, descend to more comfortable altitudes and the friendly farming villages from Jorsale through to Cheplung. Round off the adventure with the final 700m, 35min ascent to Lukla: and say goodbye to your porters.

After an early breakfast, take the return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel End of the trip.