Everest Base Camp Trek with Bhutan Tour - 20 Days

Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Himalayan Trekkers will greet you and transfer you to the designated hotel.

Check-in at the hotel and relax. The rest of the day, depending upon your arrival, you may choose to roam around the streets of the Thamel. Thamel is a tourist hub in Kathmandu where you can find lots of happenings. Music, Bar, Disco, Restaurants, Hotels and souvenir shopping will keep you busy.

We will allocate some time to meet in our office (also in Thamel) and have further/final trek and tour discussions.

Airport Pickup in a Private Car.

After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up for guided sightseeing of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the valley such as Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Patan Durbar Square. 

Boudhanath Stupa - Boudhanath stupa is one of the oldest monuments in the Kathmandu valley and one of the first monuments with a written history. It is also the largest Stupa in South Asia.

Pashupatinath Temple - Pashupatinath Temple is the most important shrine for Hindus in Kathmandu. Although non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple premises, the surrounding of the temples around the temple is interesting for foreigners.

Patan Durbar Square - Patan Durbar Square is famous for the south Indian style, Krishna temple, the sunken bath, the tall temple of Taleju, and the golden temple. Patan Durbar Square is also famous for carvings done in metal, wood, and stone.

We will take an early morning flight to Lukla, the starting point of the Everest Base Camp Trek where our crew members will be waiting. After being greeted by our local workers and receiving our supplies, your adventure trip begins with a 3-4 hour journey down through terraced slopes and stone fences to the Dudh Koshi river, where you will cross a suspension bridge with multiple prayer flags to our first halt at Phakding. 

Today, we will walk along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River, passing through several woodlands and crossing the river on several tall suspension bridges draped with prayer flags. After walking ahead of Monjo for some time we will head towards the entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park. We will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the mountains including Thamserku (6608m) which spread for miles through the trail and becomes extremely steep after entering the national park area. After a couple of hours' walk on a steep trail, we will reach Namche Bazaar, the famous settlement of Sherpa people, and the gateway to the Everest base camp.

When embarking on a long walk like this, it's critical to take time to acclimate to the high altitude. So, we will rest today for acclimatization as we will be walking uphill tomorrow so getting acclimatized is very essential. For this purpose, we will explore Namche and do a small hike to adjust our bodies. We go for a two-hour hike after breakfast, possibly to Everest View Hotel or Syangboche. As we ascend, the snowy views of Kwangde (6380m), Thamserku (6608m), Kangtega (6685m), Nuptse (7861m), Lhotse (8414m), Ama Dablam (6856m), and even Mount Everest are visible.

Khunde Hospital set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, the local market, and the lifestyle of the people are some things worth observing. The day can be spent exploring Namche Bazar, shopping, drinking wonderful coffee, playing snooker/cards, and so on. There is also a small museum giving you information about Sherpa people, culture, religion and other things related to mountains.

After breakfast, we will head towards Tengboche following the trail going high above the Dudh Koshi. From here onwards, you start getting much better views of the peaks including Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.

We will walk past small settlements hamlets and teashops and reach Phunki Tenga for lunch. We will take a brief rest at this village after lunch and then start the steep climb to Tengboche, famous for the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region. We take a short break at your lodge before continuing on a difficult slope and finally crossing the suspension bridge to reach the Tengboche Monastery. The monastery's usual prayer session begins at 3-4 p.m., and you are welcome to observe it if you wish.

Early in the morning, we can see the stunning sunrise over Mt. Everest, Thamserku, Lhotse, and Nuptse ranges. We will start our trek to Dingboche right after breakfast. We take a little break in Diboche before gently making our way to Pangboche. We then walk for about an hour to get to Shomare from here. From here, our trail ascends sharply to the Dingboche settlement. As we ascend to our today's destination, we'll witness more of the mountain plants and flowers. From this section of the Everest base camp trek trail, the vista of Ama Dablam Mountain is incredibly near and clean.

Today you can rest or explore around the village for acclimatization. You can go hiking to the 5000-meter-high Nzagazong Parbat, where the vistas are breathtaking, which is a great way to spend the day. From here, you can see Island Peak (6189 meters), the tallest trekking peak on Lothse's south slope, Mt. Makalu, and Ama Dablam. We will return to Dingboche after taking in the sights.

After breakfast, the trail leaves Dingboche and heads straight up the meadow facing the Lobuche east and west Peaks, eventually reaching the Khumbu glacier's terminal moraine. 

On our way to Lobuche, we will pass by a number of stone cairns, built as memorials to the Sherpas who passed away while attempting to reach the summit of Mt Everest. This spot gives breathtaking views of Nuptse, Cholatse, Thamserku, and other mountain ranges. We will enjoy the best view of the Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and Mahalangur Himals as the train reaches the Khumbu Glacier moraine. Before continuing to the gorgeous Lobuche, we will stop in a little village named Thukla for a tea break.

This is the most anticipated and thrilling day of your EBC climb. The trail's first portion follows the western side of the vast Khumbu valley, gently ascending through meadows across the glacier moraine. We start after we take breakfast and head towards Gorak Shep where we have lunch and rest briefly. Then, we progress slowly and steadily towards the base camp of the world's highest peak through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. We ultimately make our way to Everest base camp across boulder-strewn terrain after about 4 hours from our starting point. Spend roughly an hour enjoying the campsite, which is blessed with scenic natural beauty, share your delight, celebrate your win, photograph your happy moments, and return to Gorakshep for an overnight stay. 

We begin our journey to Kala Patthar (5545m), the highest peak on this hiking path, early in the morning (before dawn). The precise translation of Kala Patthar is ‘black rock,' and we can appreciate the breathtaking mountain views directly in front of us from this vantage point. It provides a spectacular view of Mount Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other peaks that the EBC could not provide.

We hike down to Gorakshep after an hour at the lookout and eat breakfast. We will then walk downhill for most of the day to Duglha and descend to Pheriche. You can visit The Himalayan Rescue Association and trekker’s aid post once we are at Pheriche. 

This day features views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Amadablam as you descend. We follow the trail along the Imja River and, after crossing it, climb back up through the rhododendron forest to reach Deboche and further to Tengboche. We will descend steeply from Tengboche to Phunkitenga’s suspension bridge, then cross the Dudh Koshi River before climbing for an hour and a half to Kyangjuma for lunch. The trail then rises high above the valley through Shanasa before returning to Namche Bazar.

Today is our final day of trekking in the Himalayas, and we will depart Namche after breakfast. The descent is gentle to the high suspension bridge from Namche, and there are little patches of rhododendron forest along the way. We can revisit some of the former places and locals here as we pass through the villages of Jorsale, Monjo, Benkar, TokTok, Ghat, and Phakding. After lunch at Phakding, we will descend to Chheplung and further continue till we reach Lukla. Lukla is a great place to celebrate the end of an exciting trek. Take a hot shower and a few drinks with your group.

We will reach Kathmandu for breakfast as we will take an early morning flight from Lukla. Our representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You will have some free time after checking into the hotel to do souvenir shopping, get a massage, or take an optional excursion. 

Our agent will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast and transport you to the airport for your journey to Paro International Airport. The flight to Paro is known to be one of the best flights in the world as the journey offers the best aerial view of the Himalayas including the eastern Everest ranges. 

Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by your Bhutanese guide and transfer to your hotel. Paro is still one of the greatest places in Bhutan to go about and visit. The main street, which was recently constructed in 1985, is lined with brightly painted wooden storefronts and eateries.  

After a brief rest and lunch, we will head towards the Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan. The museum has a magnificent collection of both old and new Thangkas, with over 3000 pieces depicting Bhutan's most famous saints and gurus, as well as unique festival masks.

Then, we take a short walk to the Rimpung Dzong often described as the fort with heaps of Jewel. We will also visit Khichu Lhakhang, the oldest monument in Bhutan. By the late afternoon, we reach the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort) built around the mid-17th century in memory of the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetan invaders. Mount Jumolhari (7314m) may be viewed clearly from this vantage point if the weather favors us. We might also explore the traditional Bhutanese farmhouse today.

In the evening, spend some time interacting with the lovely people, shopping for souvenirs, and seeing the town's architecture.

Early in the morning, we start our walk to Paro’s crown jewel and one of Bhutan’s pilgrimages. An hour and a half to the viewpoint and we will be rewarded with a stunning view of the monastery perched dangerously and beautifully on the 900 meters high cliff’s edge. One more hour ascends and we reach the gate of the monastery offering the breathtaking vistas of the Paro valley and the surrounding hills. 

Once we complete our exploration of the monastery we start to head down back to Paro. We take our lunch in a cafeteria located halfway down the hill. After we reach our hotel, we pack our things, check out and drive towards the modern capital of Bhutan, Thimphu city. You can explore the streets, and markets and watch the traffic policeman at the intersections giving hand gestures to the vehicles as it is the only capital in the world with no traffic lights. 

Bhutan's colorful culture and tranquil nature will be on display today. The Late King's Memorial Chorten, the National Library, Drubthob Nunnery, Folk Heritage Museum, the handmade paper factory, the school of arts and crafts where young students learn traditional arts and crafts (Zo Rig Chusum – the thirteen crafts), Gold and Silver Smiths workshop, and the Handicraft Emporium and local handicraft centers are covered today. We will also go to the Motithang Mini Zoo to witness the National Takin Research Centre and other attractions.

You can also go to Thimpu Dzong, Bhutan's administrative capital, in the afternoon

If you happen to visit Thimphu on the weekends, we will go to the Weekend market, where traders from all around the region gather on Friday afternoon and stay until Sunday. Indigenous items, handicrafts, locally created goods, and more can be found here.

After our city tour, we will leave Thimphu and drive towards the former capital, Punakha. On the way, we stop at the Dochu La Pass (3100 m) to relish the stunning 360-degree panoramic mountain vista. There are eye-catching 108 chortens, built in the memory of 108 Bhutanese soldiers who died in a war against Indian Assamese militants in December 2003.

After checking into the hotel, take a walk about the city to appreciate the city's cultural and natural splendor. The vista of the grand Punakha Dzongs in the dusk is breathtaking. You can also take in the breathtaking twilight view from your hotel room.

We will start our journey back to Paro in the morning after breakfast. A couple of hours of the journey goes through the winding road with lush green forest and small settlements. On the route, we will stop at Wangdue Dzong, which stands at 1350 meters and offers a magnificent vista. We will arrive at Paro for Lunch. After that, you'll have the rest of the day to do as you choose. In the evening you can spend time around the local market.

Early morning, you will be transferred to the airport for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Relish the Himalayan scenery from a new vantage point before landing in Kathmandu.

Once in the valley, you may choose to be free on your own or opt to have guided sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the valley including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and others. 

In the evening, you will be picked up for the farewell dinner with the Himalayan Trekkers team in a traditional Nepali restaurant. We will share each of our experiences of the trip ad enjoys the cultural show. 

NOTE: If your onward destination is easily accessible from Delhi, Calcutta, Bangkok, and Singapore, there are connecting flights from Paro to these cities which may be more convenient. 

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight back to your hometown or onward destination. We wish you a safe journey and look forward to meeting you soon.