Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

Trip at a Glance

  • Trip Name: Classic Everest Base Camp Trek
  • Trip Code:
  • Trip Duration: 22 days
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Activities: Everest Trekking
  • Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu and 3 meals during the trek
  • Best Season: March to May & Sept - Dec
  • Country: Nepal
  • Max Altitude: 5,545m
  • Group size: 1-12

Trip Overview

Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

Are you looking for a trek to Everest base camp but in a different way? The way that the trekkers in the past did is the best way to do it differently than most trekkers today. Take the old trekking route to the base camp as Classic Everest Base Camp Trek and enjoy the adventure.

This trek gives you some wonderful experiences of how people walked to the base camp of the highest mountain on earth. When you go on this adventure, you need to walk for longer than the regular Everest base camp trek from Lukla.

What is Classic Everest Base Camp Trek like?

Although it is a trekking trip to the Mt. Everest base camp, it is different because of the route it takes. It takes a week of more trekking days than the normal trekking adventure from Lukla. Classic Everest Base Camp Treks start from Jiri instead of Lukla. The trail passes through the middle hills of lower Solukhumbu and goes towards Phakding to meet the regular trail.

When you are on this trek, you will get to explore the region that most trekkers to the base camp miss. The wonderful part of the trek between Jiri and Phakding offers an amazing start of the trek. It avoids the flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and takes you on a drive to Jiri from Kathmandu instead. As the trek starts from Jiri, some people also call it Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek.

Adding a few extra days on the trek to the base camp and doing it like in the past makes this adventure classic. Although the trip gets longer with the additional trekking days, you need to go for it if you can.

Why Classic Everest Base Camp Trek?

You will not regret going on this trek if you –

  • Love to spend more time in nature and the mountains
  • Want to explore the route that trekkers in the past walked on
  • Have enough time to go for it
  • Love to explore the beautiful middle hills in the region

 

 

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu (1,350 m/4,428 ft)

Transfer to the hotel after arriving at the airport in Kathmandu. On the way to the hotel, a short explanation of the program will be given by the representative of Step On Himalaya. Overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: n/a

Day 2: Trek preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour (1,350 m/4,428 ft)

Sightseeing of World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. Overnight guesthouse, breakfast included.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

Day 3: Kathmandu to Jiri (2,370 m/7,774 ft) Duration: 8-9 hours

Start of the trek to the Everest Region via Jiri, a beautiful hill station of Nepal. Wandering around the surrounding area. A mini-explanation about the Acclimatization will be provided by the trekking guide of Step On Himalaya. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Jiri to Bhandar (1520 m/4985 ft) Duration: 7-8 hours

Enjoying the ups and downs the hill of the Jiri, a beautiful countryside, passing through the farm fields, you reach a small village at Bhandar. You can wander around the surrounding villages to know about their lifestyles, cultures, and traditions.  Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Bhandar to Sete (2500 m/8200 ft) Duration: 7 hours

The trail descends to the Likhu Khola crossing the river at 1580m heading to Kenja. Initially, it is quite steep to Lamjura La pass then it traverses to Sete and a Gompa at 2575m. The trail continues through the Sherpa villages. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Sete to Junbesi (2675 m/8774 ft) Duration: 7 hours

Gradually you will ascend to the Lamjura La pass at 3530m. On the way, you can view the snowy trails and frost or with blossoming rhododendrons in the spring, reaching Goyem at 3300m. Lamjura La pass is the highest point between Jiri and Namche Bazaar. Now, descending to Tragdobuk at 2860m after lunch at the pass, you will reach the beautiful Sherpa village of Junbesi at 2675m. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Junbesi to Nuntala (2345 m/76916 ft) Duration: 7 hours

The first glimpse of Mt. Everest is seen as you ascend to a ridge at 3080m, then to Salung at 2650m. There are a hospital and airstrip at Phaplu and the district headquarters and bazaar at Salleri. After leaving Salung, you will first descend and then ascend to the Ringmo Khola at 2650m, Trakshindo pass at 3071m then descending to Nuntala at 2320m. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Nuntala to Khari Khola (2194 m/7196 ft) Duration: 6 hours

The trail to Khari Khola continues descending to the Dudh Koshi (Milk River) then climbing up through several Sherpa villages, terraced fields, and forests. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Khari Khola to Puiyan (2890 m/9479 ft) Duration: 6 hours

You will reach Puiyan slowly ascending Sherpa villages, a forest inhabited by monkeys, and then passing through a narrow canyon. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Puiyan to Phakding (2652 m/8699 ft) Duration: 6 hours

Trek from Puiyan to a ridge at 2800 meters, then descending to Surke following the trail towards Phakding. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m/11283 ft) Duration: 6 hours

The ascendant trek to Namche Bazaar following the Dudh Koshi, through Himalayan pine and cedar forests, is exciting. The Sherpa traditional villages of Namche are a historical trade center where Nepalese and Tibetan traders exchange salt, dried meat and textiles. It is a shopping center for traditional crafts. Acclimatization day will predict the further program to resume. Visiting around the local markets is fun. On the hike, you will have the first scenic views of Everest and neighboring peaks. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Namche Bazar and Everest View Hotel (3867 m/12687 ft)

The day of Acclimatization. Hike to Syangboche Airport (3700m) which is supposed to be the highest airport in the world followed by climbing to Everest View Hotel for great panoramic views of the Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Tawache, etc. The Sherpa Culture Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery are the highlights of Namche Bazaar. Please notify your trekking guide from Step On Himalaya if there is any problem regarding Acclimatization or your stay or trekking. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Namche to Tengboche (3860 m/12660 ft) Duration: 5 hours

Today’s program of the trip is to reach the Tengboche which lies on the right side of the Dudh Koshi valley. You will walk down to the Dudh Koshi Valley at Pungki Thanka. Thought the trek is lengthy, the stunning views of Mt. Everest. Mt. Amadablam and many more will compensate it. After reaching the Tengboche, you will stay Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Tengbuche to Dingboche (4410 m/14464 ft) Duration: 5 hours

After descending from Tengboche, you will head to Dingboche, known as the “Summer Valley” at an altitude of 4410m through the traversing the Imja river and the Pangboche Village at 3900m height. Amazing views of the mountain ranges will fascinate the travelers.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Hike to Nagerjun (5100 m/16728 ft) and return Dingboche, 6 hours

As you get higher, acclimatization is necessary for the further trip. Hiking to Nagerjun at 5100m height is an amazing experience and to have clear views of Lobuche, Thamserku, Taboche, Ama Dablam, Mt. Makalu (the 5th highest mountain). After spending some time at the Nagarjuna, you will head back to Dingboche via the Chhukung valley. Resting at the Guesthouse and then enjoying the meals.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Dingbuche to Lobuche (4910 m/16105 ft) Duration: 5 hours

After walking 5 hours from Dingboche, you will reach Lobuche passing through the yak pastures. On the way, there is a Trekkers Aid Post located at Pheriche, 4240m run by a volunteering team of Western doctors. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364 m/17594 ft) Duration: 8 hours

On day 9, the destination is to reach the Everest Base Camp and then return to Gorekshep. You will walk down to the Khumbu glacier through the amazing nature. On the ascends and descends, you can have an amazing glimpse of the Khumbu icefall. After way back to Gorekshep from the Everest Base Camp, you will rest at the Guesthouse enjoying our meals.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Hiking to Kalapattar (5545 m/18188 ft) - Gorekshep - Pheriche (4210 m/13809 ft) Duration : 7 hours

The cardinal day to reach Kalapatthar, the best vantage point for the most fascinating views of the Mount Everest along with the Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Chagatse, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Pumori, etc. The hike leads back to Gorakshep and walks down to Pheriche. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Pheriche to Namche (3440 m/11283 ft) Duration: 7 hours

A hike descending to PhungkiThanka along the Imja River, via Kyangjuma way back to Namche Bazaar. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Namche to Lukla (2800 m/9184 ft) Duration: 7 hours

A walk along the steeps crossing the suspension bridges above the Dudh Koshi then ending the trip at Lukla for the day. The enchanting views of the plains, rhododendron forests, snow-covered peaks are very mind relaxing. A celebration can be organized for the success of the memorable trip to the Everest region. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,350 m/4,428 ft)

A 30-minutes amazing scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

Day 22: Farewell

To reach the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight. The representative of Step On Himalaya will take you to the airport in a private vehicle. Sayonara and hope to serve you again. Best wishes from Step On Himalaya team.

Accommodation: n/a

Meal: Breakfast

Service Includes

  • Local Sim card is given by the representative upon arrival at the airport (if more than 3 members in a group)
  • All the necessary ground transportation in a private vehicle for sightseeing and airport transfers
  • Accommodation in twin sharing basis in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Accommodation in the best available twin sharing basis in the lodges/tea houses during the trek; the facility of private bathrooms with hot shower is usually available at Phakding, Namche and Lukla
  • All 3 meals on board with tea/coffee during the trek
  • Entrance fees to the different heritages of Kathmandu
  • Entrances fees of Sagarmatha National Park
  • TIMS Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System (Please submit 2 passport size photos for making the permit)
  • An experienced, friendly, English speaking trekking guide and porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Salary, food, accommodation, equipment, travel and medical insurances for all the trekking staff
  • Flight fare for the round trip from Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu
  • First Aid medical kit
  • All the local and government service charges
  • Step On Himalaya T-shirt, trekking map and trip achievement certificate
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek
  • Duffle bag for the trekking

Service Excludes

  • Medical and Travel Insurance
  • Emergency Evacuation or Rescue Service charges
  • Meals that are not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section
  • International air tickets and Nepal Entry Visa Fee
  • Hot shower during the trek except for Phakding, Namche and Lukla
  • Personal expenses like Cold drinks, bottled water, snacks, etc.
  • Personal trekking gears and equipment
  • Tips and perks for trekking staffs
  • Any other specified expenses that are not included on “Price Includes” section