everest base camp, nepal

This outstanding trek to the base camp of the

worlds highest mountain will take you through
the lush valleys of Sagarmatha National Park,
with time to explore its villages and
monasteries. Eight of the worlds fourteen
8,000m+ peaks are situated in the Nepalese
Himalayas. The highest of them all, standing at
8,848m, is Mt. Everest.
Your trekking adventure begins at Lukla, where
you will trek to the Sherpa capital of Namche
Bazaar. You will have plenty of time to
acclimatise to the altitude, following the trail
across numerous rivers. Your trek leads uphill
from Thyangboche, where you reach your goal
of Everest Base Camp with its glacial floor and
sunlit valley. If you have any energy reserves
you can aim for the highpoint of Kalapathar
(5,647m) with breathtaking panoramic views of
the surrounding peaks and glaciers including
Mt. Everest. Having completed the challenge,
you will have the chance to explore the city of
Kathmandu and its many temples and bazaars.
Please note that this challenge is graded
extreme due to the altitude and length of the
days, and a very high level of training and
fitness is required.
Day 1: Depart from London - Kathmandu, Nepal
You will be flying from London to Kathmandu. Our
Charity Challenge representative will be at the
airport to assist you with check-in.
Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu
After landing at Kathmandu you will be met at the
airport by a Charity Challenge local agent who will
transfer you to your local hotel. Dinner & overnight
at a local hotel in Kathmandu (you can leave spare
kit here while you trek).

Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla & Trek to TokTok (2,652m) 10 - 12 kms

After an early morning breakfast you will be
transferred (20-30 minutes) from the hotel to the
domestic airport, where you will board a small
aircraft for the sweeping panoramic flight to Lukla
(45mins). Please note this flight can be subject
to delay or cancellation due to weather
conditions. The itinerary is put together with a
number of acclimatisation/rest days so that if
your flight were delayed for up to three days,
you should still be able to complete the
challenge. If flights are unable to take off after
three days, we would implement an alternative
Himalayan trekking itinerary.
Please also see the important information
about the standards of aviation in Nepal, at the
end of this itinerary.
Once in Lukla you will have time to explore, pick up
any last minute kit, and to rest and acclimatise,
while the Sherpa crew sort and divide the camping
equipment and baggage onto the Ghopkyo (mix
breed of Yak & normal cow, as the Yak cannot
survive below 3000m).

After lunch you will begin your 4hr trek along a

pleasant trail, with a few steep climbs from Tarhe
Khola, where you have a superb view of the
Kusum-Kangru (6,369m) crossing. After a short
climb, you reach Ghat village, and after another
2hrs of trekking you arrive at Tok-Tok village
where you will camp overnight.
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 1012kms
Todays 7-8hr trek continues on from Tok-Tok.
After crossing the suspension bridge over the
Dudh-Kosi River, the walk is pleasant with a few
short uphill climbs, and with magnificent views of
Thermasarkhu (6,608m). From the village of
Benkar, you will cross the long suspension bridge
over the Bhote-Koshi River once more, and then
continue on this trail until you arrive at the small
village of Monjo. Monjo is situated below the
magnificent peak of Thermasharkhu and near to
the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. After a
few minutes walk from Monjo, you will reach the
entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, where your
trekking permit is checked. From here there is a
short descent to Jorsale village, the last village and
the only place to shop at until Namche Bazaar.
You will continue to trek by the river until the last
bridge over the Imjatse River is reached. From
here the walk is along a winding uphill path all the
way to Namche Bazaar, with views of Kwangde
peak and its other sister peaks to the east and with
Kusum Kangru behind you as you climb. There are
also views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse wall, Lhotse and
a closer view of Taweche peak. You will rest at
Thop Danda, before trekking the last 1-2 hours to
the famed Namche Bazaar, with its colourful
houses situated in an amphitheatre shaped bowl.
Overnight camping at Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Acclimatisation Day at Namche Bazaar

Suggested activities include a short walk uphill to
the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters, a
magnificent spot perched on top of Namche
Bazaar with spectacular views of the surrounding
snow-capped giants and the valleys way down
below. There is also a museum with a wealth of

information regarding the history of the Himalayas,

its geography, culture, mountaineering history and
flora and fauna. You can choose to walk up to the
Everest View Hotel, where stunning views of
Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam present a
spectacular vista. You can then enjoy the
afternoon at leisure and stay again at the camp at
Namche Bazaar.

Day 6: Trek to Thyangboche (3,867m) approx

10kms
Today your 6hr trek follows a winding trail, with
great views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama
Dablam and a close-up view of Tharmserkhu,
along the way. You will come to a busy place
called Shanasa. In this area there is a much higher
chance of seeing the beautifully coloured Danphe
pheasant (Impeyan pheasant), the national bird of
Nepal, as well as the elusive musk deer, and
sometimes even a herd of Himalayan Thar
(mountain goat). From Shanasa, the trail descends
to the Imjatse River at Phungitenga (3,250m), a
small settlement with a couple of teahouses in the
midst of alpine woods of mostly silver fir blue
pines, rhododendron and some magnolia and birch
trees. At Phungitenga there are a number of
beautiful prayer wheels propelled by water from the
nearby streams. The walk from here is strenuous
for an hour on a sloping trail through shaded
woods until a small religious monument of prayer
stones covered with rhododendron leaves and
junipers is reached. From here the walk is uphill for
another hour, with views of Thermasarkhu and
Kangtenga. Tyangboche is one of the most
beautiful places in the Himalayas, and the first
thing that you will see is a big Ghompa
(monastery), situated in a large field, a hub for the
campsites, teahouses, and lodges that surround it.
Above looms the peak of Ama Dablam, and
beyond that, Mt. Everest. Mt. Lhotse and Lhotse
Shar can be viewed to the North East.
From Tyangboche you pick up the trail and
descend through a forest of birch, fir, juniper and
rhododendron to Deboche (3,650m), with further

views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Nuptse and

Lhotse along the way. Overnight camping.
Day 7: Trek to Dingboche (4,358m) approx
12kms
Today you trek for approx 6-7 hours. Leaving
Deboche, you will take a path leading past the long
prayer mani wall, reaching a small bridge over the
narrow gorge of the Imjatse River. Here the trail
diverts, with a short uphill walk to the upper
Pangboche village, where an old monastery is
located. After a gradual walk downhill which brings
you back to the main trail, you continue with a
short climb to Shomare, a small settlement with
fantastic views of Ama-Dablam. We lunch here.
Your trail continues Eastwards for an hour, before
splitting into two routes; the north going to
Pheriche and the second leading east beneath the
towering north face of Ama Dablam. The trail
climbs slowly, winding above the Imjatse River,
until you come to a big mani stupa. From here you
descend into the Imjatse Valley, beneath the
mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse,
with views of the eastern snow-capped mountains.
Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields
enclosed by stonewalls protecting the crops of
barley and potatoes from the cold winds and
grazing animals. Overnight camping.

Day 8: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche

Day 8 is an acclimatisation day. You will have the
opportunity to take a walk up onto the ridge above
Dingboche where you will have some spectacular
views across the valley and the Imja Khola, if you
wish. The day can also be spent visiting a
monastery in Dingboche, exploring the Imja Khola.
There are some breathtaking views of the north
face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge
as you explore this beautiful valley that leads up to
Island Peak. The days walk is usually short, giving
you time to relax in the afternoon. Overnight
camping.
Day 9: Trek to Loboche (4,928m) approx 8kms
Todays trekking with take 5-6 hours. Your onward
journey leads north for about 40-50mins until you
come to a mani prayer stupa. The trail from here

slopes gently, looking down to Pheriche village

below. Today's walk offers views of the
Mt.Tawache, Ama Dablam and to the north
Pokalde (5,741m), Kongma-tse (5,820m) and the
great wall of Nuptse. After a walk of 1-2hrs the
trail from Pheriche joins another near Dugla
(4,595m) before a small wooden bridge over the
river of Khumbu glacier. You will stop at Thukla, for
lunch, before continuing for an hour up a steep hill
to the top. As you summit the hill you enter a
memorial ground of prayer flags and monuments,
dedicated to climbers who have lost their lives
attempting to reach the lofty pinnacles of these
majestic mountains. From here you have unrivalled
views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of
Everest. This is a good spot for a short break.
There is another 1-2hrs of trekking up to
Loboche, hidden and sheltered from the wind.
Overnight camping.

Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep (5,288m) approx

5kms
Following a rocky moraine path, you will climb
above the glacial pond and icebergs of Khumbu
glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a short
downhill walk brings you to Gorakshep on the flat
field below Kalapatthar (5,545m) and Mt.Pumori
(7,145m). Gorakshep has two teahouses, and used
to be a base camp in the early 50's when Edmund
Hilary led his expedition to Mt. Everest.
Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,357m)
and back to Gorakshep approx 4.5kms
Today you will reach Everest Base Camp. You will
continue towards the Khumbu Ice-fall. The path
from here can be misleading; follow the lead Sherpa
as every year the trail changes due to the
movements of the glacier. The walk is strenuous,
due to the high altitude and thin air, and passes
over rocky dunes, moraine and streams, eventually
reaching base camp. Everest Base Camp is lively
with commotion during the high expedition season.
A great view of the Khumbu icefall awaits you. After
a celebration here you will retrace the journey back
to Gorakshep for your overnight camp. Todays
journey will take you some 6 hours.

Day 12: Ascent of Kalapatthar (5,647m) & trek

back to Pherice approx 14 kms
This morning you will have the option to ascend to
the summit of Kalapatthar. A few minutes of easy
walking on the sandy fields brings you to the base
of the peak. The climb to the top is mostly steep
and takes approx. 3 hours. The view of Everest
from the top of Kalapatthar is beyond imagination,
making the strenuous climb more than worthwhile.
After enjoying the view you descend and continue
towards your overnight camp in Pheriche (4,245m).
Day 13: Trek to Phungitenga 15 kms
Your journey back down today takes you through
Pangboche, as you continue your journey back
along the Imjer-Tse gorge and up to Tyangboche.
From here you descend back down to the
settlement of Phungitenga, where you camp
beside the raging torrent of the Dudh Koshi River.

Day 15: Trek back to Lukla

Your final days walking is a pleasant 5 hour walk,
with a few short uphill climbs before descending
back down to the Bhote-Koshi River, crossing it
three times. Stopping in Phakding en-route, you
then cross the river and begin your final leg of an
epic journey. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will
bring you back to the busy village of Lukla, where
you spend the night at a campsite.
Day 16: Lukla to Kathmandu
This morning you fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.
You will have the afternoon to relax and do some
souvenir shopping in Kathmandu. This evening you
will enjoy a celebratory meal with your team.
Day 17: Kathmandu
Today you are free to relax and enjoy Kathmandu
Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 14: Phungitenga to Chumoa 11 kms

From Phungitenga you have a steep climb away
from the river as you make your way back towards
Namche. The walk takes you along winding tracks,
through a landscape of pine forests and steep
valleys. The views are magnificent as you follow a
relatively easy path towards the Sherpa capital.
Stopping in Namche for lunch there will be time for
some last minute shopping before you continue
down, taking the long path back to the river.
Retracing your steps you cross the river once more
and head through Jorsalle, towards the park
entrance at Monjo. From here you have a short
walk to your campsite for the evening, at the small
settlement of Chumoa, before your return to Lukla.

Day 18: Arrive UK

This morning, you will transfer to the airport for
your return flight to the UK, arriving later in the day.
N.B. The itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to
unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, the strength of the
group and so on. We will do our very best to keep to the set
itinerary; however we cannot be held responsible for any last
minute changes that may occur. In all such circumstances, your
expedition leader will have the final say.
Should you suffer from vertigo, it is worth considering that on most
mountain treks there will be occasional exposure to sheer drops.
Please contact our team if you would like further advice.

Important Note re aviation standards

in Nepal

relatively complex position of the runway in Lukla

means that flying in Nepal, especially on this route,
comes with known risks.

In September 2012 a plane crashed in Nepal in

which seven British citizens died. Following this
incident, Charity Challenge and the Royal
Geographical Society convened a meeting to
discuss the issues of internal flights and the various
carriers that provide these services. This meeting
was attended by senior representatives in the
adventure travel and aviation industries. As a
result, a large scale audit of the various internal
airlines used within Nepal was carried out by some
of the largest travel companies in Europe, using an
independent aviation safety expert.
As a result of this audit, Charity Challenge now only
use one of three airlines in Nepal who passed this
specialist aviation audit. For emergencies only we
also have a list of approved helicopter companies
which have passed our own due diligence
processes.
Your safety is our primary concern. As a result of
these due diligence processes, we are confident
that we have done all we can to ensure that your
Everest Base Camp trek operates to the highest
standards of safety that can be reasonably
expected in light of the overall airline safety
standards in Nepal.

Optional Extension:
Chitwan National Park, elephant ride and
Canoe Safari. (4 days, 3 nights)

Fly to Chitwan National Park.

Enjoy jungle activities: elephant ride
through the jungle, bird watching tour and a
nature walk.
Rest at the resort and watch elephants
bathing from a dug-out canoe.
Enjoy 2 nights staying in a resort in or near
the park

Please note that on 05 December 2013, the EU

banned Nepalese airlines from operating in EU
airspace. Following this, the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office also updated the Safety &
Security Air Travel section of its advice for Nepal
to reflect that all Nepalese air carriers had been
placed on the EU banned list, preventing them
from flying into EU airspace. Charity Challenge
strongly advises you to read their current travel
advice for Nepal which provides a detailed
overview of the known risks about flying in Nepal.
This blanket ban on all Nepalese airlines flying in
EU airspace does not mean that airlines are
prevented from flying in Nepal. However, the
downgrading by the EU follows a number of air
related incidents in recent years highlighting the
countrys poor record in aviation safety and reflects
known concerns regarding the Nepalese Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA) which does not operate to
same rigorous international safety standards as the
EU. The stated objective of the EU ban is to put
pressure on the Nepalese CAA to improve their
aviation safety management systems and bring
them into line with internationally accepted
standards.
Additionally, the hostile mountainous environment
and suddenly changing weather as well as the

To find out more information, visit the Everest Base

camp challenge page on our website or click on
extensions in your members area.