This classic walk through the Sherpa homeland of Solu-Khumbu is moderately-strenuous high altitude trek with a clear-cut goal – to see Everest. Much to their surprise, many people find the snout-like Everest out-ranked by peaks like Ama Dablam and the Lhotse wall. Khumbu is the best region in Nepal for close-up mountain views. This trip features 4 nights in Kathmandu and a 11-day lodge trek to the base of Everest. Gorak Shep is our highest camp from where we hike to Mount Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Patthar, the Black Rock (5 550 m) where we admire the huge South Col of Everest, the tongue of the Khumbu glacier and more than 15 spectacular Himalaya peaks. This is without doubt one of the best mountain viewpoints of the world!
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Day 03: Flight to Lukla & Trek Phakding (2 600 m)
Day 04: Trek Namche Bazaar (3 440 m)
Day 05: Rest day Namche Bazaar (3 440 m)
Day 06: Trek Tengboche (3 860 m)
Day 07: Trek Dingboche (4 410 m)
Day 08: Rest day Dingboche (4 410 m)
Day 09: Trek Lobuche (4 930 m)
Day 10: Trek Gorakshep (5 160 m)
Day 11: Trek Pheriche (4 215 m)
Day 12: Trek Namche Bazaar (3 440 m)
Day 13: Trek Lukla (2 850 m)
Day 14: Flight to Kathmandu
Day 15: Fly out Kathmandu
Pick-up at Tribhuvan International Airport, meeting with your guide and transfer to the hotel. First impressions of Kathmandu (1 350 m) – walk to medieval Kathmandu Durbar Square and explore the beautiful complex of palaces, temples, shrines and courtyards built by the ancient Nepali kings between the 12th and 18th century. We bring you to our office and Thamel – the vibrant tourist area with hotels, restaurants, bakeries and outdoor shops. We get to know each other over a welcome dinner, check formalities and equipment and discuss your itinerary.
Today we discover the highlights of Katmandu and the valley. We adapt the programm to your interests and desires and what you have seen before. Usually, we go to Pasupatinath on the bank of the Bagmati River, where the most important Hindu temples and burning ghats of Nepal are situated. In Bouddhanath we circumambulate together with Tibetan and Nepali Buddhist pilgrims the whitewashed stupa. Our sightseeing usually ends in Patan, the city of Beauty, an astonishing center of fine art and Buddhist and Hindu culture.
We drive to Tribhuvan Domestic Airport to connect our fly to take our flight to Everest region. After breakfast in Lukla (2 850 m) we start trekking through beautiful settlements to join soon the main trail in Churi Kharka. We follow the east bank of the Dudh Koshi- the River of Milk- where you witness the typical Nepal terrace culture, slate roofed houses and views on Kusum Kangaru (5 579 m). We reach Phakding (2 640 m) after 3 – 4 h gentle walking.
Today we make a challenging hike to Namche Bazaar (3 440 m), situated at 6-7 hours walking from Phakding. We climb up along the west bank of the Dudh Kosi to the tiny village of Toktok. We get our first glimpse of Thamserku peak (6 608 m) and reach Benkar (2 710 m). The cliffs above the village are decorated with huge paintings of Buddhist deities. We cross the colorful suspension bridge and enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo (2 840 m). After Jorsale we follow the riverbank over gravel, climb through a pine forest and cross the Dudh Kosi by a big suspension bridge. Then we face a continuous zigzag ascent of 2 hours through dense pine forests. In the early evening we reach the vibrant center of Namche Bazar, on of the most attractive settlements of Solu-Khumbu district.
Rest day in Namche. Optional walk to the Sherwi Khangba Sherpa Culture Museum or dayhike to the Hotel Everest View in Khumjung village (3 700 m) and Khundi Hospital in Khundi Village, the first hospital build in Khumbu Region by Sir Edmund Hillary and Himalayan Trust in 1966.
Trek to Tengboche (3 860 m), 5-6 hour long hike from Namche Bazaar. The first part of trail is a winding smooth path which offers fantastic views on Mount Everest (8 848 m), Thamserku (6 618 m), Ama Dablam (6 814 m). After the trail goes down to the riverbank and then we make a strenuous 2 hour ascend to Tengboche. We walk through rhododendron forests where musk deer and Himalayan ‘tahr’ or mountain goat live. At the rest place you can enjoy the views towards Kantega mountain (6 783 m). Tengboche, is famed for the Buddhist Tengboche Monastery (where you can attend the daily puja), Cafe Tengboche and the view point.
Trek to Dingboche (4 410 m), 6-7 hours walking from Tengboche. We descend through conifer and rhododendron forest to the beautiful settlement Deboche where you have a close view at Ama Dablam. We cross the suspension bridge and look over the surging white waters of Imja River. Soon after a snow white stupa with gorgeous all seeing eyes is mirroring the Ama Dablam, this is a marvelous place for a picture! Then the trail ascents gently to the village of Pangboche (3 860 m), where we climb above the treeline. After, the trail passes numerous farmer pastures with big yak populations before we reach Dingboche valley.
Optional acclimatization trek (5-6 hours) to the remote village of Chhukung (4 730 m) and Chhukung Ri (top) located at 5 550 m. We have magnificent sights at Island Peak (6 189 m), Amphulapche (5 663 m), Baruntse Base Camp (5 400m) and the white ice lake of Imja Tsho.
After ascending 150 m up to the main road, we reach a viewpoint where we have outstanding sights at Tawachee (6 495 m) and Cholatse peak (6 440m). After our lunch camp in Dugla (4 620m) the trail goes directly up the gravely terminal moraine of the Khumbu glaciers for about one hour. The trail leads to a row of memorial monuments of lost climbers and sherpas. The trail then drops a little and follows the western side of the valley to Lobuche. After four to five hours hiking we reach the small settlement of Lobuche which is situated at 4 930 m. We sleep in a lodge at Gorakskhep, a semi-permanent village at the bottom of the Khumbu Icefall.
The ascent to Gorak Shep (5 160 m) becomes steeper and rougher as we cross several moraines. Soon we see the peak of Pumori (7 145m). We also have our first views at Nuptse (7 864 m), Kala Patthar (5 545 m) and Mount Everest. At the right side you look over the Khumbu Glacier, an enormous tongue of ice which marches down the slopes of Everest. We reach Gorak Shep by lunchtime and trek to Base Camp in the afternoon. In total we hike six-seven hours today.
Early morning we climb to Kala Patthar – the Black Rock – located at 5 545 m and marked by a tangle of prayer flags. At this viewpoint – one of the most astonishing views on earth- you have a 360 degree panorama of Himalayan giants from Pumori and Lobuche West to Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. We return back to Gorak Shep via the view points of the ice lakes of Pumori and Everest.
After breakfast we return in 4 hours back to Pheriche located at 4 215 m.
Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3 440 m). We descend approximately 5 hours.
We start this 6 hours during trek with a streneous descent from Namche Bazaar to the Dud Kosi (hard work for the knees), after the path climbs up to Monjo and then runs easily to Benkar, Phakding and Lukla.
After breakfast we fly in about 40 minutes from Lukla to Kathmandu. Arrive at Tribhuvan Airport and transfer to hotel.
Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. We hope you enjoyed your stay!
Extra days:
If you wish to stay longer in Nepal: Traveltimes Treks can offer you plenty of suggestions, we can arrange rafting and safari trips, helicopter flights, mountain biking, multi day tours to old historical city of Bhaktapur, the mountain stations Nagarkot & Dhulikhel or retreats in the serene monasteries of Namobuddha and Kopan.
Or
More Sightseeing in Kathmandu
On this last free day you have plenty of opportunity to enjoy more sights in Kathmandu: you can make a daytrip to the splendid five storied Nyatapola Temple and exquisite woodcarvings like the Peacock window in medieval Bhaktapur, climb the long stairs to the stupa of Swayambhunath (Monkeytemple) or visit the sleeping Vishnu at Budhanilkantha. You can also shop, relax and drink coffee in the bakeries of Thamel or the Garden of Dreams. Traveltimes Treks recommends you plan one extra day at the end of your trekking in case in case of delayed schedules during your travel.
Nepal is like not home. It is exotic, it is wonderful, but it is also different. Great elevation changes, differences in customs and language, menu variations, lodge limitations, and the many other mysteries and wonders of travel in Nepal are all conditions you must be physically and mentally prepared for. The itinerary may change. You may meet unknown hardships as well as unexpected pleasures. Come with an open mind and positive spirit.
For those of you new to trekking, you have a wonderful experience in store. Trekking is walking, generally on good trails, usually up and down (sometimes 900 m a day), carrying only a day pack, through magnificent scenery. The day starts early, and often the bulk of the day’s kilometers are covered in morning hours. The shorter afternoon hike brings you to the site of the lodge to be used that night.
This trip is designed so that an average hiker will require 5-6 hours of hiking per day to reach the evening’s camp. In general this is a moderate trek, but remember that trails are often steep in Nepal and at 3 000 m any hiking can seem strenuous. On some days altitude gains and looses of up to 900 m can be expected. Strengthen your knee muscles and prepare for several days of steep descents of anywhere up to 900 m. Should anyone have altitude problems during this trek, it will be possible to drop down till Namche.
A program of cardiovascular conditioning such as running, swimming, biking or aerobics is essential, but try to supplement your exercise with hiking on steep hills or running up and down steps. The more you can condition by closely simulating the activities of trekking, the better off you will be. While the trip is rated as moderate overall, several days will be strenuous, and good conditioning is essential to your enjoyment of the trek.
Personal gear will be carried by porters. Porters can carry two members’ duffel bags. Since their load is 25 kg, this means that your duffel cannot exceed twelve kilos. We stay in locally owned lodges and will receive an insight into family living. All the guest houses have toilets and cold showers. Some of the guesthouses have hot showers available and every lodge is equipped with solar power systems for lightning. The main common room has a heater, nice in the cold nights.
Remember that, the latitude of Nepal is between 26°C and 30°C so it will warm at the lower elevations (short and T-shirt) while nights will be cool. Day temperatures will be between 10°C and 15°C at the lower elevations and between 5°Cand 10°C at our highest elevations during spring and fall trips (till to -15 °C in winter). Temperatures at night will be cool being mostly between 0°C and – 5 °C except for winter trek where temperatures till – 20°C may occur at night. In December though you will enjoy clear skies and less crowded hiking trails. If you dress warm it’s a wonderful time to come to Khumbu region. During fall trips the weather is generally sunny, although an occasional storm could occur. Spring sees more clouds in the afternoon and the possibility of occasional thunder storms.
This is not a tour where everything can be planned in advance to run like clockwork. You probably won’t experience exactly what is written in the daily itinerary. Often adjustment must be made in the field. We want you to participate in the trip with the clear understanding that things can go wrong. Adventure travel does involve certain risks both emotional and physical. One has to be flexible when traveling in Nepal and have a cheerful attitude.
| Start date | End date | Price | Status | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 20, 2024 | March 6, 2024 |
2050
|
guaranteed | Book Now |
| March 10, 2024 | March 25, 2024 |
2050
|
guaranteed | Book Now |
| April 1, 2024 | April 15, 2024 |
2050
|
guaranteed | Book Now |
| April 20, 2024 | May 5, 2024 |
2050
|
guaranteed | Book Now |
| October 1, 2024 | October 15, 2024 |
2050
|
guaranteed | Book Now |
| October 20, 2024 | November 3, 2024 |
2050
|
guaranteed | Book Now |
| November 5, 2024 | November 19, 2024 |
2050
|
guaranteed | Book Now |
| November 20, 2024 | December 4, 2024 |
2050
|
guaranteed | Book Now |
It was an amazing experience organised by Dawa and guided by RD. I strongly recommend.
I was advised to do the EBC trek with people who are locals and know the region. This advice is absolutely true, I found as the trip went on.
They take care of you like their own, catered to many personal requests. Helped us on many instances. The trip was professional yet fun. We felt cared for and warm.
The next time I trek in Nepal, it’ll be with them again.
Ashim Garg
Me and my friend did Everest Base Camp trek with Travel Times in September 2023 and it was a really good experience.
Dawa Tamang and RD were the most helpful, knowledgeable and fun guides. RD was our guide on EBC and not once in the 12 days that we were him in the mountains of Khumbhu, we felt that he is only our guide and not a friend. He took care of us, understood our hesitations, issues regarding injuries, fatigue, health and accordingly advised us on how to manage them. The mood was light and fun with him around, exactly what we needed. Heck he even cooked food for us because I was dying to eat Rotis. I don’t think any guide would do that for me. Really grateful for that. This is just one incident, there are many which touched us. The guy has some serious passion for trekking and mountains and it shows in the way he talks about them. Exploring the mountains is always fun with such people around. You would miss out on alot if you are stuck with a guide who just takes you from one village to another for 12 days.
If their prices seems a bit more to you, just know that you are giving that extra money for better quality food, stays and most importantly right company for 15 days. It’s not just limited to them but their connections in the area are also good, so you can always expect better services from the places you are staying at.
I know I will come back to travel times for any future treks in Nepal. Mr Dawa also helped us alot from Kathmandu. He sent us money when we were in Nepalese cash crunch.
He briefed us on how the AMS will look like, when we might face it, how to tackle it and all. Sent us fully prepared for everything.
He also arranged a heli ride for us to get us back from Lukla so we could catch our flights back to India on time.
He also had aton of stories to tell us about Kathmandu and around which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The porter, Durga who was with us is also literally a beam of sunshine, always smiling. You could just lit up after seeing him lol.
All in all, EBC was great and we are happy that we chose them for it. Thankyou travel times 🙂 .
I had been to the Everest Base Camp in May 2011. It was one of the best hikes I have been to in the Himalayas. A perfectly arranged hike – itinerary, stops, breaks, food, facilities – all top notch! I am planning a hike soon in Nepal. I will not hesitate even for a moment to contact Traveltimes Treks! Besides, Dawa made it extremely comfortable for us, very friendly, very fit. Matches you at every step. Very jovial person. They made the hike a walk in the park for us!
Pradeep from India
This trek is one of the best experiences of ones life, and there are high statistical odds of delays (so do keep buffer days!). It was a great opportunity to meet such fine and varied set of people. The trek does require some basic physical conditioning (anybody can do it). As one the posters at a tea lodge best summarized about this trek: “Accomplishment is ability largely devoid of self doubt”.
Once we reached Katmandu, we were greeted by Dawa, very enthusiastic and hospitable, frankly I never felt that I was in a different country.
Dawa is one person who really really loved the Himalayas, provided information about the mountains, trails to every level of detail. Dawa loved clicking pictures, infact i have a couple of amazing snaps clicked by Dawa which i will be putting on my wall. He guided us about the right amount of stuff you should take, what to expect, what not to expect, every single day.
The best thing i liked about the program that its well designed, it makes sure that you stretch beyond your comfort level… but not too much that you fall ill. the lodges were really great, especially the one at Namche Bazaar(where we had electrical blankets ;)).
This is a once in a lifetime experience and I am glad to experience it with Traveltimes Treks
Breaking through the digitalised world of Nepal, Dawa and his group showed me how much more there is to Nepal and its magnificent mountains. He led us on the trail of EBC and enroute he made me open my eyes to the raw beauty of Nature! He is patient, ridiculously knowledgeable, and has the strength of an ox! When you are trekking in a new place, it helps to know that there is someone you can count on. Whether it’s about what food to have, the names of every peak, to get the first plane in/out of Lukla, or even to carry you down in case of a minor injury. Dawa is that someone. His positive energy is infectious and his jokes take a path of their own, so look out for them! We have many more places to traverse upon Dawa!
We were referred to Dawa and Traveltimes by our river rafting guide and we were absolutely blessed to have found him. We arranged everything through email and he was very prompt and professional with the replies. He arranged for his brother, Khamsang, to guide us for our short trek to Namche and he quickly became like our younger brother! Can’t wait to return and complete EBC with Traveltimes Trek!
I met Dawa in 2009 and he was one of the most helpful and outstanding guides there. He was there to take care of 30+ undergraduate UK students, and needless to say him and his team did a brilliant job in attending to each individual’s needs. Everything was very well coordinated; Dawa and his team made sure that the trek ran smoothly and that everyone had enough opportunity to reach Everest base camp, while at the same time he was physically present to support those were having problems dealing with high altitudes.
Despite his attentive and responsible nature, Dawa and his team also threw amazing parties – nothing could beat a pub dance in the middle of the Himalayas!
Having an opportunity to be guided by Dawa from travel time treks made my Everest Base camp trek an unforgettable experience.
During our trek in Everest region Dawa explained a lot about the culture of the region , local people and the mountains. He made sure we got to the best viewing points at the right time and enjoyed number of spectacular sunsets and moonlight walks. Additionally his passion for photography and guidance allowed me to capture many of those unique moments on my camera.
He was ready to adjust some parts of the trek to address my particular interests which created a personalized experience and made me fall for Everest region.
As I spend in Nepal 3 months with half of this time in the mountains it is important to mention that his company does not safe the money on accommodation or food for the trekkers. We stayed at comfortable lodges in good quality rooms. Even though the accommodation in the mountains can be sometimes basic where possible he made sure we stayed at the comfortable places (electric blankets in Namche Bazar during winter trek should not be underestimated).
Additionally his company makes sure that other employees (porters) that are hired for the trek are insured , payed proper wage and treated valued member of the trek making your trek contributed to sustainable tourism.
With the experience of 3 months of travel in Nepal I am happy to recommend Traveltimes treks.
I have trekked with Travel Times Nepal to Everest Base Camp and Solu Khumbu region. Dawa is a exceptionally good trek leader, hoisted our group with amazing hospitality, gave us good tip and all help. While on the trek he took care that we get good food, clean water and made us comfortable. Even if you are not the fittest, he organizes the group in such a way that you are not left behind and you enjoy each part of trek. I recommend highly to travel with his team.
Puneet_Goyl (BMC India team member)
We had arranged the Everest base camp trek with Traveltimes Treks & Dawa was our primary guide. We were very impressed with the professionalism, responsiveness, and experience. Dawa and his stuff were a great team to walk this trek with us.
Since Himalayan treks are not simple & easy, and conditions can change quickly, we were assured with the capable hands of Dawa & team.
I first met Dawa 7 years ago as our guide on my university trip to Everest Base Camp. He truly made it an unforgettable trip, providing us with extensive knowledge on the Himalayas and projecting a real passion for what he does. I should also mention that after twisting my ankle he practically had to carry me down the mountain (and put up with my continuous moaning), so I cannot thank his enough for that! Since Everest I have joined him and his company on a day trek over Shivapuri, another great experience and one which I would highly recommend to all! Thank you Traveltimes Treks! See you again soon!
For those of you looking for one of these very special experiences that you can draw energy from later in life, visiting the EBC and climbing Kala Pathar is certainly up there. Absolutely stunning panorama!
Did this back in Dec 2013 and still cherish that memory. Thank you to Dawa and the Traveltimes trek team for a flawless organization and for the enthusiasm, as well as for the photographer tips and top spots.
P. Godin
I had the trip of a lifetime during my Everest Base Camp trek, which was made possible by Dawa (who was our guide) and his team at Traveltimes Treks.
Dawa has extensive experience in trekking the Everest region which clearly shows up in the vast amount of knowledge he possesses, be it about the mountains, the cultural nuances, the cuisines, or the coffee shops. He knows every nook and corner of the region and can instantly tell you the name of each and every peak that you might encounter during your trek.
We were a small group of four with varying levels of stamina and endurance, and therefore different trekking speeds and different requirements. Dawa was extremely accomodative and patient and worked with each of us to ensure that we were well within our own individual comfort zones throughout.
The first thing Dawa told us upon landing in Kathmandu was “The only thing you can expect with 100% certainty in this trek is uncertainty”. Wise words they were, we realised as we got stuck in Lukla for three days due to fog and I was on the verge of missing my return flight to India. When the weather cleared, the first thing the Traveltimes team ensured was that I reached the international airport directly from Lukla so I dont miss my flight.
The next time I am ever in Nepal, there is no second thought who I would approach – it has to be only Traveltimes Treks!
Though I said the visit date is May 2016 (tripadvisor allows me to choose only the past one year duration), actually this great and marvellous EBC trek was done way back in May 2011 and my review comes pretty late. The then trek guide Dawa Tamang of Travel Times is a good professional, helpful, knowledgeable and entertaining guide that I have decided to do the EBC trek again through him with my 12 year old son in May 2017 (two months from now). Though there are many trek operators based out of India and Nepal that you would find on google search, I pulled out the old contacts from gmail and got in touch with Dawa to do the EBC only through him. I am very much impressed with his organizational skills. I hope to have a great time again with him.
About the EBC trek itself, I guess there are many articles published out there on Internet with very clear explanation of the route map, difficulty levels etc. So, I don’t want to rewrite the same here. This review is to help choose the right trekking guide.
– Vidyadhar Kottisa from Bangalore
One of the best treks I’ve ever been to, our guide Rakshak who works with his brother Dawa had become just like a brother from another mother. I never wanted the trek to end. Everyday was a challenge with equally fruitful views.
He is a very good photographer as well, just in case you want yourself to be clicked which I’m sure about!
His words, “Let’s go guys” are profoundly missed.
Will be back soon! 🤘
My trip with Dawa and his brother Pema to Everest Base Camp was a trip of a lifetime! I had such an amazing time. Dawa was an excellent guide! Everything went smoothly and he was so much fun! He did a great job making the tough parts of the trail fun! This was my very first trip to Nepal and he was so accommodating and made me feel very comfortable. I am looking forward to my next trip back to Nepal for more trekking and will DEFINITELY use Traveltimes Treks.
Oct 2022
Traveling in Nepal with Dawa is an excellent experience. He is familiar with the terrain, really passionate about the trip, know every single river, lake or mountain in the way. Very experienced and responsible guide. Know’s all the risk the mountain contain (like weather, height sickness and etc). To conclusion, Dawa is a really nice man traveling with, and making the all experience of travelling Himalaya much happier.
Ben Norman, Israel, Tel Aviv
