Everest Base Camp and Lobuche East- 18 Days

Your adventure kicks off the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our team will be there to greet you with a warm welcome and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll either have a short pre-trip briefing the same evening or the next day. This is your chance to meet the guide and clarify anything before the journey begins.

Depending on the season, your flight to Lukla departs either from Kathmandu or Manthali. Once you arrive at the famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport, you’ll enjoy breakfast while your porters prepare. The trek begins on a well-trodden path through pine forests and scattered Sherpa settlements. You’ll follow the Dudh Koshi River and cross hanging bridges before reaching Phakding, your first overnight stop in the Khumbu.

After breakfast, we continue north alongside the Dudh Koshi, crossing several suspension bridges draped with prayer flags. The trail gradually ascends through rhododendron forests and enters Sagarmatha National Park. The final stretch is a steep climb to Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Khumbu. Here, you’ll find teahouses, shops, bakeries, and your first dramatic views of Everest.

To adjust to the increasing altitude, today is a rest day with light hiking. We’ll hike up to the Everest View Hotel for stunning panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Later, explore the Sherpa museum, and learn about mountaineering legends and local culture. Staying active while resting is key to safe acclimatization.

The trail begins with a gentle traverse along the mountainside and gradually descends to the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing a suspension bridge, we begin a steep ascent through pine and rhododendron forests. At the top lies Tengboche, home to the largest monastery in the Everest region. If time allows, you can witness monks in their evening prayer ritual inside this sacred place.

We descend through moss-covered forests to Debuche, cross the Imja River, and climb steadily to Pangboche village. From there, the landscape opens up with views of Imja Valley and the striking south face of Lhotse. After a scenic walk, we reach Dingboche, a high-altitude farming village with stunning vistas of Island Peak and Ama Dablam.

We use this day for active acclimatization. A scenic trail takes us east to the small settlement of Chhukung, nestled below dramatic ice walls and glaciers. From here, the views of Lhotse, Makalu, and Island Peak are mesmerizing. After enjoying the panorama and light snacks, we descend back to Dingboche for rest and rehydration.

Today’s trail climbs the glacial valley, passing yak pastures and alpine scrub. We’ll stop at Thukla Pass, where memorials honor climbers lost on Everest. From there, the trail gradually rises along the side of the Khumbu Glacier. The air is thin, and the walk is slow but steady. By late afternoon, we reach Lobuche, a remote village with stunning views of Nuptse and Lobuche East.

The trail leads along the rocky moraine of the Khumbu Glacier until you finally reach Everest Base Camp, the iconic staging ground for summit expeditions. You’ll stand beneath the towering giants of the Himalayas, surrounded by ice pinnacles and prayer flags. After soaking in this legendary site, we trek back to Gorakshep for the night.

We begin before sunrise to ascend Kalapatthar, the best viewpoint for Mt. Everest. Watch as golden light hits the world’s tallest peak. After plenty of photos, we descend back to Gorakshep, have breakfast, then retrace our steps to Lobuche where we rest and prepare for the Lobuche East summit leg of our expedition.

Today, we trek from Lobuche village to the Lobuche East Base Camp. The first part of the trail is fairly flat, winding through rocky terrain beside the glacier’s edge. As we climb higher, the path becomes steeper and more rugged. The spectacular mountain views all around including Ama Dablam, Tawache, and Thamserku. We set up camp at the base camp, where our team prepares meals and tents for the next phase of the climb.

This is the big day. Before dawn, we start the climb up the steep snow and ice slopes of Lobuche East. The ascent is challenging, demanding focus and stamina as you navigate the steep ridges and glacier terrain. Reaching the summit will be worth it because you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other majestic peaks. After soaking it all in, we carefully descend back to base camp to rest and celebrate the achievement.

This day is reserved as a buffer in case of bad weather during the summit attempt. If the weather forced a delay, today is your chance to try again. Otherwise, use this time to rest, relax, and soak in the mountain environment. You can take this opportunity to visit Namche or Lukla, enjoy good food, and look back on your journey so far.

We begin our descent back to lower elevations today, trekking down from Lobuche through the beautiful Khumbu valley. Passing through mountain meadows and traditional Sherpa villages, we reach Pangboche, known for its ancient monastery and stunning mountain views. The trail is a pleasant mix of downhill and level paths, giving your body a chance to recover.

Continuing our journey downhill, we pass back through Tengboche monastery before returning to the lively hub of Namche Bazaar. The trail winds along ridges and through forests, with views that keep you company on the way down. Namche’s cafés, shops, and bustling streets offer a chance to reconnect with other trekkers and enjoy some comforts after days in the mountains.

Today is the final day on the trail as we descend from Namche to Lukla. The trek is mostly downhill, passing through small villages and forests. Upon arrival in Lukla, you’ll have time to rest, celebrate the completion of your adventure, and perhaps enjoy some last mountain views before the journey home.

Depending on the season, you’ll take a morning flight from Lukla back to either Kathmandu or Manthali airport. From Manthali, a scenic 5-6 hour drive brings you to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Today is the final day of our trip. The Ama Adventure representative drops you at the airport, wishes you a safe journey, and hopes to see you on your next adventure.