Phaplu-Everest Base Camp
This longer approach to Mt Everest follows in the footsteps of the early expeditions but with a slight variation. To avoid the long bus drive to the original trailhead of Jiri we fly into Phaplu to begin our trek through the much quieter Solu region of the Solu-Khumbu. We cross the Trakshindo La before descending towards the raging river of the Dudh Kosi. We follow the “milk river” north through terraced hillsides and small villages to join the main Everest trail below Lukla. By now you will have had time to adjust to life on the trail and with the benefits of increased fitness make the ascent to Namche Bazaar. Once in the Khumbu region the mountain views improve with every step – Kwangde, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, the “horse saddle” of Kanteiga and of course the summit of Everest itself. We allow ample time for acclimatization and exploration of the area in preparation for the ascent of Kala Pattar (5545m). A down departure from Lobuche sees us wending our way through glacial moraine until the peak comes into view. Finally we reach the summit to be rewarded with the famous view of the south face of Everest. We return via a different route through Pangboche to Lukla for the spectacular flight back to Kathmandu.
ITINERARY:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Trek preparation day, O/N hotel.
Day 03: Early morning fly to Phaplu (2600m).
Day 04: Trek to Ringmu (2800m).
Day 05: Trek to Kharikhola (2050m).
Day 06: Trek to Surke (2339m).
Day 07: Trek to Phakding (2830m).
Day 08: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3444m).
Day 09: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization.
Day 10: Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3875m).
Day 11: Trek to Dingboche (4360m).
Day 12: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization.
Day 13: Trek to Lobuje (4930m).
Day 14: Trek to Gorakshep (5240m) & then to Kala Pathar (5545m). Trek back to Lobuje (4930m).
Day 15: Trek to Pangbuche (3985m).
Day 16: Trek to Khumjung (3779m).
Day 17: Trek to Jorsalla (2800m).
Day 18: Trek to Lukla (2800m).
Day 19: After breakfast, fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. O/N hotel.
Day 20: At leisure in Kathmandu. O/N hotel.
Day 21: Departure.