Everest Base Camp Trek via Phaplu - 15 Days - 15 Days

This Trek via Phaplu follows the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. This route provides an unbeatable combination of natural beauty and cultural splendor. The immense contrasts in altitudes, type of vegetation, and mix of lifestyles are the main highlight of the EBC Trek via Phaplu. One can enjoy beautiful mountain views, verdant terraces, and Himalayan streams and waterfalls as the trail crosses through villages and landscapes covered by rhododendron, magnolia, and giant forests. It’s long and strenuous but the trek takes us through a great mountain country and beautiful villages. This trail passes through classic middle hills country that is blissfully free from the crowds that mob the trail further north. Facilities on this trek are basic but adequate. Even though the trek begins at just 2200m/7218ft, it climbs to 5545m at Kala Patthar, a dark mound of mountain rubble that provides the best views of Mt. Everest, and drops as low as 1500m at the Dudh Koshi crossing east of Nuntala. Starting from Phaplu, the route passes through the Sherpa villages of the Solu Khumbu, many of them having beautiful Buddhist monasteries. The height gain is gradual making it easier to acclimatize. After a rest day in Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital, the trail continues to the famous Tengboche Monastery. The aim of it is to climb Kala Pattar, from where the southwest face of Everest can be clearly seen, as well as aside Trekking trip to Everest Base Camp. The return trek leads to Lukla for the flight back to Kathmandu where our Everest Base Camp trek via Phaplu will be finished.

Day 1: Drive to Phaplu and short trek to Takshindo (3,071m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average trekking time 2-3 hours
Trekking started with driving to Phaplu from Kathmandu followed by a short hike to Takshindo. The journey is filled with beautiful sceneries leaving the busy roads behind. Phaplu is mainly a Sherpa settlement area with guest houses and airport as well. While trekking towards Takshindo, the trail offers extraordinary landscape. There are also a cheese factory that manufactures dairy and cheese made from the mountain lifestyles. Overnight in Takshindo. Average trekking time 2-3 hours.

Day 2: Trek to Kharikhola (2,194 m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average trekking time 6-7 hours
Before continuing the journey further on the trail we visit the Takshindo Monastery to see the cultures of people living here. After that, begin to descend alongside the Dudh Koshi River followed by an uphill climb through forests, terraces fields and frequently appearing Sherpa villages towards KhariKhola. The journey is also a great way to learn about the Sherpa Buddhism culture that is so prevalent in the mountains. Overnight in Khari Khola.

Day 3: Trek to Puiyan (2,890 m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average trekking time 5-6 hours
Today the journey begins with an ascend towards Puiyan. The trail today passes through small villages and forests followed by a narrow canyon before arriving at Puiyan. Small stone houses with colorful Buddhist prayer flags compliment us with extraordinary views while trekking. In the background, snowcapped mountains rise majestically. Sherpa women farming with the traditional costumes is common while trekking in this region. Overnight in Puiyan.

Day 4: Trek to Phakding (2,692 m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average trekking time 5-6 hours
Ascending continues on this day as well. Trekking ahead at a ridge at 2,800 meters from where we trek to Surke. The trekking trail is considerably flatter and meanders along the contours of the valley through thick scented mossy forests. The trail further cuts deep into the steep rocky side of the valley where you can come across mule caravans making their way alongside you. The trail finally joins the Dudh Koshi river valley and enters the settlement of Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.

Day 5: Trek to Namche Bazzar (3,440m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average trekking time 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we head to the famous NamcheBazzar walking through the dense Rhododendron and Pine forests and along with the terraced fields. Here we finally enter the Sagarmatha National Park crossing the Dudh Koshi River twice on this day. We will see yaks throughout the trail to Namche carrying goods to be transported in different parts of the Everest Region. We will always have Nupla (5,885m), KongdeRi (6,093m), and Thamserku (6,808m) in the background rising majestically throughout the day. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

Day 6: Acclimatization day (day hike to Shyangboche at 3,833m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average trekking time 2 hours.
Today is a rest day in Namche Bazzar for acclimatization. Due to the thinning air, it is important to spend an extra day in Namche Bazzar to be familiar with the climatic condition. During the day you can hike up to the Everest View Hotel in Shyangboche for mesmerizing views of AmaDablam and Mount Everest.

Day 7: Trek to Thyangboche (3,780m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average trekking time 4-5 hours
At the beginning of the day, we trek over the ridge that offers splendid views of AmaDablam. Mount Everest can be clearly seen on the horizon before enter the Rhododendron forest and descend on a smooth track. We will cross the raging Dudh Koshi river once again and continue our trek to the famous monastery in Thyanboche which is considered a spiritual and cultural center of these highlands. The monastery was first built in 1912 but later it was destroyed by fire in 1989. It has been recently rebuilt with the assistance of Sir Edmund Hillary. There is a high possibility of seeing wild animals like musk deer, wild goats, and pheasants in the forest during the trek as this area is a devout Buddhist region. Overnight stay in Thyangboche.

Day 8: Trek to Dingboche (4,365m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average trekking time 4-5 hours.
Begin the day by climbing uphill to ImjaKhola then followed by an easy walk along a wide-open path to a tiny sherpa settlement called Pangboche (3,901m). You will meet Sherpas who have successfully summit Mount Everest and the number is more than the rest of the world combined. We will also visit an ancient monastery where Lama Geishi gives his blessing to those who attempt to climb the world’s tallest mountain. The trek goes on an uphill path through the valley with stunning mountains all around. Overnight stay in Dingboche.

Day 9: Rest at Dingboche (4,350 m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Side trip around Chhukkung Valley.
Spend an extra day in Dingboche to acclimatize with the altitude. During the day we will hike around Dingboche or around Chhukkung valley. Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 10: Trek to Lobuche at (4,955m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average trekking time 4-5 hours.
After breakfast, we start walking on a drier landscape above the treeline with wonderful mountain views of Cholatse, Lobuche, and Pumoriinfront of us. Many Rock Cairns can be seen while passing Dugla Ridge which is dedicated to the departed soul of those who died attempting to conquer Everest. We then move in the direction of Khumbu Glacier which is also the longest in Nepal. The night in Lobuche will be comparatively cold as we will be more elevated and exposed to the upper slopes of the valley.

Day 11: Trek to GorakShep (5,395m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average trekking time 7-8 hours
The initial trail is a rocky moraine of the Khumbu glacier heading high towards the settlement of Gorakshep. We will stop in Gorakshep for lunch and proceed to the Everest Base Camp for the 360-degree Himalayas views that include some of the famous mountains like Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,745m), Lhotse (8,516m). Overnight stay in Gorakshep.

Day 12: Climb Kalapattar and trek to Pheriche (4,252m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average trekking time 8 hours.
Today we trek up to the famous Everest viewpoint of Kalapattar at an elevation of 5,545m above sea level. If the weather is promising we will be seeing an extraordinary view of the black pyramid that is Mount Everest. The view from Kalapattar is beyond the explanation and the Everest almost looks unclimbable. After spending some time in Kalapattar, we trek down to Pheriche for an overnight stay.

Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average trekking time 7-8 hours.
After successfully trekking up to the Everest Base Camp we unwaveringly descend down to Namche Bazar. We walk through the villages of Orsho, Shomare, Pangboche, and Devoche. A short break in Pangboche visiting the famous Pangboche monastery, the oldest in the region. The view throughout the day is pleasing.

Day 14: Trek to Lukla (2,652m) with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Average trekking time 6 hours.
Return back to Lukla as we retrace our footsteps along the Dudh Koshi River. The beautiful and smooth path through rhododendron and pine forests reaches Lukla after climbing out of the river valley. We spend the last night in mountains.

Day 15: Fly Back to Kathmandu with breakfast
Fly back to Kathmandu after we said goodbye to our supporting crew members. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free and easy. This day also acts as a buffer day in case of flight cancellation to or from Lukla due to weather conditions.

Cost Include

All airport/hotel pick up and drop in private car/van
Drive to Phaplu by jeep
14 Nights stay in lodge/guest house during trek
Kathmandu city tour in private car/van
An experienced English speaking Trekking Guide and a Porter during the trek
Salary, food, insurance, and lodging cost for guide and porter (2 trekkers-1 porters)
During the trek, we will have Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Tea/Coffee each time only
Welcome or Farewell Meals and Breakfasts while in Kathmandu
National Park Permit and TIMS for Everest
Airfare from Lukla to Kathmandu and domestic flight departure taxes
Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag to be returned to the office after trek completion
ACH Kitbag and T-shirt for you

Cost Exclude

Nepal entry visa fees
International airfare and departure tax
Bar bills, laundry, and other expenses of personal nature
Travel insurance including evacuation
Meals in Kathmandu
Tips for local staffs, guides, and porters
Desserts, Mineral Water, Hot Shower, Hot Water, Wi-Fi