Everest Base Camp and Kala Patar

18 days - from $1775

The classic trek in the heart of Sherpa country to Kala Patar and the base camp of Mount Everest

When the trails of Nepal were opened, Everest Base Camp became the premier goal for many adventurous walkers. This stunning trek visits both the base camp and Kala Patar (5643m), a viewpoint recognised as the best vantage point to see Mount Everest. After exploring the temples, shrines, bazaars and restaurants of Kathmandu we take an exciting mountain flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. From the airstrip we trek north through pine forest to the bustling Sherpa 'capital', Namche Bazaar, from where we head to the magnificent Thyangboche Monastery. Here, in the shadow of the Everest massif and Ama Dablam and surrounded by mani walls, chortens and prayer flags, our stay is sure to be one of the highlights of our trek. As we ascend, the alpine scenery becomes more rugged and we climb above the tree line to reach Dingboche in the Imja Valley for further acclimatisation and exploration. It is then a steady ascent following glacial moraines to Lobuje and then to our lodge at Gorak Shep, from where we then trek to the historic site of Everest Base Camp. Finally we ascend to the summit of Kala Patar for brilliant views of Mount Everest and a breathtaking panorama of the world's highest mountains, before returning to Pheriche and then on back to Kathmandu.

Highlights

• 17th Century Thyangboche Monastery
• Bodhnath Stupa of Kathmandu - one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world
• Everest Base Camp and the notorious Everest Ice Fall
• Kala Patar (5643m) - the best vantage point to see Mount Everest
• Kathmandu’s hidden old town
• Namche Bazaar – the gateway to the High Himalaya

Itinerary:

Day 1: Kathmandu (1360m)2: Kathmandu (1360m)3: Phakding (2652m)4: Monjo (2835m)5: Namche Bazaar (3446m)6: Namche Bazaar (3446m)7: Thyangboche (3875m)8: Pangboche (4040m)9: Dingboche (4360m)10: Dingboche (4360m)11: Lobuje (4930m)12: Gorak Shep (5160m) - Everest Base Camp13: Kala Patar - Pheriche (4270m)14: Namche Bazaar (3446m)15: Phakding (2652m)16: Lukla (2800m)17: Kathmandu (1360m)18: Kathmandu (1360m)
Included:

• The services of an expert English-speaking local tour leader throughout the tour, and local guides at some sites.

• Return local flights from Kathmandu to Lukla.

• 14-day trek with comfortable lodge accommodation, generally in twin-share rooms with beds with comfortable foam mattresses and pillows.

• Ascent of Kala Patar (5,643 metres).

• Porterage on trek.

• Trek Pack for use on trek valued at over US$500 – kitbag designed with porter comfort in mind, high quality sleeping bag designed for sub-zero temperatures, inner sheet and high-altitude jacket.

• Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar with guides on hand to escort walks.

• Sightseeing (and entrance fees where applicable) in Kathmandu including Bodhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath and the holy Bagmati River.

• Kathmandu airport arrival transfer and transfer on Day 17.

International flights, airport departure taxes, airport departure transfer, visas, insurance, meals not listed, any optional tours and activities during free time, camera fees, excess baggage charges, showers on trek (if available), tips or gratuities and items of a personal nature.

Please allow US$350 for meals.