TREK TO Everest Base Camp
This is the centerpiece of IMT’s treks and serves as a template for our clients’ custom designed experience into the world’s greatest mountain range. Your journey begins in Kathmandu where you are introduced to the vibrant and colorful Nepali culture. After a day or so, our clients fly to Lukla, the gateway to the Himalaya and the Sagarmatha National Park of northeast Nepal. On an IMT trek, you have the option of detouring off the main trail, for example, to the beautiful mountain village of Phortse, home of the Khumbu Climbing Center as well as all of IMT’s high-altitude guides. We will take you into the homes of our Sherpa friends and families for a traditional meal and allow you to experience the intimacy and warmth of Sherpa culture. IMT also offers our clients the option of spending a day at the Monestary in Tengboche where all of IMT’s guides have lived and studied for many years. For those interested in Tibetan Buddhism, IMT can provide you with an opportunity to spend private time with some of Tengboche’s spiritual leaders and teachers at this world-renowned center of Tibetan Buddhism. Your trek through Sagarmatha National Park will take you past the towering peaks of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and of course Mount Everest or in Tibetan, Chomolungma “Goddess Mother of the World.” We hope that IMT’s philosophy of designing great and individualized treks is what you are looking for. We think this is the right way to experience the Himalaya – on your own terms created specifically for your individual goals and objectives.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Day 1
Your IMT adventure in Nepal starts upon landing at Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu. After clearing customs and gathering your duffle, you are met by your IMT Sherpa guide and our Kathmandu support team. Right from the airport your adventure begins. As you are driven through the hectic streets of Kathmandu to your hotel, you will experience firsthand, the vibrant hustle and bustle of this intriguing and culturally significant city. IMT’s clients stay at the beautiful and historic Kathmandu Guest House — a terrific place in Kathmandu to begin your journey. (This is the same hotel the Beatles and George Harrison stayed in when they visited Kathmandu.) It is located in the heart of Thamel, Kathmandu’s most vibrant and exciting neighborhood.
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will review your gear and clothing. Although you should have everything you need, experience shows that sometimes our clients need another layer, batteries, etc. Everything you could possibly require is available at the many stores in Thamel which cater to trekkers and climbers. After your gear check, and depending on your own individual schedule, you can take a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Your private guide takes you to Basantapur Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple), Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Bouddhanath Stupa. At each stop you will learn the history and significance of these Buddhist and Hindu sacred sites. After lunch we return to Kathmandu Guest House to rest up.
Day 3
Most treks to Everest Base Camp start with an annoying and uncertain wait (often for days depending on the weather) at Tribhuvan Airport for the short flight to Lukla. IMT clients have the option to travel to Lukla via chartered helicopter. The flight from Kathmandu is a memorable one with fantastic views of the Eastern Himalaya. Upon arriving at Lukla, we proceed directly to the world-famous European Bakery and Café for a great Cappuccino and slice of apple pie. Then we begin the trek. The first day of trekking of approximately 4 hours is quite relaxing, descending to the Dudh Kosi river that flows from the Himalaya’s highest peaks. We take a lunch break along the way. The well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat and passes through small villages until we arrive at the small village of Phakding (2652m) and overnight at a tea house.
Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar. Another active day of trekking as we cross and re-cross the thundering Dudh Kosi on suspension bridges and through forests of Himalayan pine to Monjo and the entrance to Sagarmartha Park. We continue on up the hill to Namche and after another two or so hours arrive at Namche Bazaar (3440m).
Day 5
Easy acclimatization morning in Namche with a short afternoon hike to the Hotel Everest View. Opened in 1971, Hotel Everest View has been listed on the Guinness Book of World Records since it is located in such a high elevation. We will enjoy a tea or coffee on the deck behind the hotel and enjoy a beautiful panorama of Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam. We will also visit Sherwi Khangba, the Sherpa Culture Museum. This museum consists of a reconstruction of a traditional Sherpa household, with artifacts and everyday objects. This will provide an introduction to historic and present day Sherpa life and customs.
Day 6
Trek to Tengboche. Several hours of trekking, descending down to Phunki, and across the Dudh Kosi river. Lunch break, then climb up the hill to Tengboche monastery (3867m) where we will spend the night.
Day 7
Acclimatization day. Tour of the Tengboche monastery and puja ceremony with Rinpoche.
Day 8
Trek to Pheriche From Tengboche. At first, we descend to Deboche (3757m) and then ascend 2 hours to Pangboche, a large sherpa village where we will visit a local monastery and have lunch. After lunch, we ascend to Pheriche, approximately another two hours. Overnight in lodge at Pheriche (4243m).
Day 9
Trek to Lobuche. The trail leads upward and into a grassland and then continues upwards to a suspension bridge to Thukla. Then to Lobuche pass and into Lobuche approximately 5 hours. (4,930 m)
Day 10
Trek to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp. This is the day we make it to Everest Base Camp! Today’s trail will be up and down. After breakfast, we will trek to Gorak Shep over the wide trails and with the view of the Khumbu glacier and the world’s highest mountains. After arriving at Gorak Shep, and a short break, we head to Everest Base Camp. Towering overhead will be views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse, and Lingtren. Return back to Gorak Shep for the overnight.
Day 11
Trek to Kala Pathar and back to Pheriche. On the 11th day, early in the morning, we will climb up to the pass at Kala Patthar. From Kala Patthar there are spectacular 360-degree views of the world’s highest peaks along with Khumbu Glacier. Climb back down to Gorak Shep and then descend to Pheriche. Pheriche is located in another beautiful valley surrounded by rocky hills and mountains. You’ll spend a night at Pheriche.
Day 12
Trek to Namche Bazaar. Today, we trek back to Namche Bazaar. Again, by following the Dudh Koshi river, you will encounter the tree line and return through the same trail. You’ll stop at a different place for a tea break and lunch break. The trek takes you across the suspension bridge and through forests of Himalayan pine and rhododendron and back into Namche Bazaar. Overnight.
Day 13
Trek back to Lukla. After a long hike, approximately 8 hours, you’ll reach Lukla. Once you reach Lukla, you can celebrate your achievement and cherish your amazing journey. Overnight at the Paradise Lodge and Restaurant in Lukla.
Day 14
Helicopter to Kathmandu from Lukla and transfer back to Kathmandu Guest House. Overnight.
Day 15: Transport to Tribhuvan Airport.
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