Adventure Travel around Nepal's Everest Basecamp

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Nepal

Everest Base Camp and Mani Rimdu Festival

Trekking

(21 Days)

There is no greater mountain than Everest, the world’s highest peak at (29,028ft/8848m). This special departure is to Everest Base Camp, the foot of the mighty Everest summit and it’s designed around the colourful and noisy Mani Rimdu Festival, a religious ceremony performed by the monks of The Chiwong and Tengboche monasteries. Sherpas trek for many days to witness this important event. After exploring Kathmandu, we fly to Lukla where we begin 16-day trek through Sherpa country. We hike along cultivated fields and through small villages, through the Khumbu Valley, savouring the high mountain views from our selected campsites.

We follow the Dudh Kosi before the hard work begins as we climb up to Namche Bazaar. There are rest days at the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar and Dingboche village, set below the spectacular peak of Ama Dablam to take in the festival and help adjust to the altitude. Once we reach Loboche, the temperatures will have dropped and we’ll be walking amongst icy rivers in a winter wonderland. From here, it’s the stretch to Base Camp and lastly the final highlight, Kalar Patar (18,300 ft/5545m) with intoxicating views of Everest and the Khumbu Glacier cascading below. This trek is designed to fulfill the dream of many trekkers to experience the historic route to the base of the world’s highest mountain.

Trip Highlights

Mani Rimdu Festival
Reaching Everest Base Camp
Cultural Encounters with the Villagers
Trekking through the snow Peaked Himalayas

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

After clearing Nepalese immigrations a BikeHike Adventures representative will be awaiting you and will transfer you to a comfortable hotel in Thamel, an area of the city close to the Royal Narayanhity Palace. The afternoon is free to explore the streets of bustling Kathmandu. Thamel is one of the best areas of Kathmandu for shopping and has many great restaurants and pubs.

Day 2: Kathmandu (Sightseeing)

After a leisurely breakfast to help alleviate any jetlag we set off to visit 3 heritage sites in Kathmandu. First we drive to the big stupa of Boudhanath, one of the religious sites primarily for Buddhists. Next is Pashupatinath, the famous Hindu temple, also known as the temple of Vishnu. If we’re lucky we may see a Hindu cremation or religious ceremony. The last site is the ancient palace of Durbar Square, a world the UNESCO heritage site. Kathmandu valley has 3 cities that include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square. We end with a walk back to our hotel through the old narrow streets with lots of local markets and shops. In the evening, we have a group briefing in preparation for our Everest Base Camp Trek. (B)

Day 3: Everest Base Camp - Phakding

We wake at the crack of dawn and transfer to the local airport to catch a Twin Otter flight to Lukla (9,200 ft'). Our trekking crew will be awaiting for us here and will transfer us to the start point of our trek. After final preparations, the adventure begins. We set off on foot past Chaurikharka village, and descending towards the Dudhkosi Ghat (8450 ft/2,530 meters). We follow the right bank of the Dudhkosi River right to our first camp at Phakding. This first day is short for acclimatization reasons, trekking distance is approximately 4 hours. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Everest Base Camp - Namche Bazaar

Our Sherpas wake us with a 7am tap on our tents this morning. We have a few minutes to wake-up before gathering in the dining tent for a hearty hot-cooked breakfast. Afterwards we depart our campsite and follow the river, crisscrossing back and forth over wooden bridges at Benkar (8950 ft./2,713 meters), Jorsale (9253 ft./2,804 meters) and two Hillary bridges at the confluence off the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi Rivers. We’ll stop for lunch near the confluence. After lunch, it is an uphill grudge over a 1000 ft./304 meters stretch towards Namche Bazaar. There’s a park check post here with a few shops, a health clinic, banks, and telephone services. Walking distance is approximately 6 to 7 hours. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Everest Base Camp - Namche Bazaar

The sounds of temple horns and yak bells awaken us this morning. As we crawl out of our tents to a brilliant sunrise we’re surrounded by snowy mountain over 20,000’ high -Kwangde (20,930'), Thamserku (21,856'), and Kangtega (22,240'). Today is a layover day for relaxation and acclimatization. There’s time to relax and wander around the shops and Sherpa houses today, observing Sherpa culture and their lifestyles in this beautiful valley surrounded by craggy hills and majestic snow-capped peaks. At some point we’ll venture out for a gentle day hike to the Everest View Hotel (12,400 ft/3750 meters) to acclimate and get some stunning views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam (22,943’) and Mount Everest (29,028’). Overnight camping in Namche Bazaar.

Day 6: Everest Base Camp

Today we descend gradually towards the Phunki Tenga Bridge on The Dudh Kosi River. Our lunch stop will be near the Stupas and some teahouses. The trail now is quite steep except for the last few miles before reaching Tengboche Monastery. A visit to the Monastery and calling on the Head Lama (priest) if possible is worthwhile. From here, Everest is visible flanked by Lhotse and Nuptse. Beautiful snow-capped Tawoche on the West and Ama Dablam on the East appear so close. Trekking distance is approximately 6 hours. Overnight camping in Tengboche.

Day 7: Everest Base Camp – Mani Rimdu Festival

Today is the second last day of the Mani Rimdu Festival at the Tengboche Monastery. The festival consists of 9 days of ceremonies and meditation. We are here to attend the last day of the Mask Dancing Section of the festival. Today, the Big Lama gives the ONG, which is the blessing prayer to the people, and the locals give offerings to the Rimpochem, the Big Lama. It is one of the most exciting and colourful days of the festival, busy with many locals. The next day is the dancing day. Mani Rimdu generally starts on the first day of the ninth month with the prayers to the gods of all the four directions.

Day 8: Everest Base Camp - Tenboche (Mani Rimdu Festival)

Today is the last day of the Mani Rimdu Festival and it concludes with a special blessing ceremony given by Tengoche Rinpoche to the public and the world renowned Mask Dances performed by the monks at Tengboche Monastery. We will watch the festival today and ascend tomorrow. Overnight camping in Tengboche.

Day 9: Everest Base Camp – Pangboche (Trekking)

Today we hike across the Imja Khola Valley, then make our way to the Khumbu Khola on a wooden bridge that ascends to rejoin the upward trail. This trail is where the wild Tahr (mountain goat) is often spotted. We hike through the rhododendron village of Debuche. Pangboche Village has a very old monastery, one of the oldest in the Khumbu region. We'll visit the monastery. Trekking approximately 6 – 8 hours.

Day 10: Everest Base Camp - Dingboche(Trekking)

Today is the next hike to Dingboche. We cross through the village of Somare at the elevation of 4000 meters. Trekking approximately 4-5 hours.

Day 11: Everest Base Camp - Dingboche

Today is a “rest day”, but with so many day hikes possible, you may find it tough to rest. One favorite option is to hike to Nagarjung Danda at the elevation of 16,830 ft/5100 meters. This day is designed for acclimating, to hike high by day and sleep at a lower altitude. It’s a great day for sleeping in, washing, photography, writing in your journal and simply absorbing the intoxicating scenery.

Day 12: Everest Base Camp - Lobuche (Trekking)

Today we ascend gently through alpine scrub and yak pastures to Thukla (15,156' ft/4590 meters). Our primary gain of elevation is on the Thukla pass, where we reach the Summiteers memorial. The trail drops a bit and follows the western side of the valley to Lobuche, a summer village that boasts several well-stocked hotels. We hike above the Pheriche valley towards the village of Lobuche, our next camp site. Trekking approximately 6 - 8 hours.

Day 13: Everest Base Camp - Gorekshep (Trekking)

We have a relaxing morning before setting off for a 3-hour trek up to Gorekshep (17,100 ft./5181 meters).This tiny “village” consists of a couple of small stone huts residing in the shadow of Kalapathar Ri (18,190’). We arrive about 1 p.m., set camp,have lunch and load up our packs with warm clothes and a flashlight. From here we'll up up to Kalapathar at approximately 18,150 ft/5500 meters and then descend on a windy hike to our camp in Gorekshep. Trekking: 5-6 hours or more expected.

Day 14: Everest Base Camp - Lobuche (Trekking)

You may choose to hike 3-4 hours to the official Mt. Everest Base Camp or join one of the Sherpas going back down the trail. This is really a spare day to allow for weather, serendipity, acclimatization and further exploration. Trek to Lobuche: 2 hours; trekking to Everest Base Camp, Overnight at Lobuche: 8 hours.

Day 15: Everest Base Camp - Debouche(Trekking)

Today, we trace our route back to Debouche, the village into the dense forest of rhododendrons. Overnight camping in Decuche.

Day 16: Everest Base Camp - Khumjung(Trekking)

From Debouche we join the main trail above Tengboche and continue on down to Khumjung. The trail crosses the Imja Khola towards the dense rhododendron forest of Debouche. After a gentle hike up to Tengboche from Debouche, we can view our next camping village of Khumjung. After a 40 minute hike down towards the Khumbu Khola, and hike up towards Sanasa, and then towards Khumjung. Walking distance is approximately 6 – 7 hours.

Day 17: Everest Base Camp - Monjo (Trekking)

Today, our camping destination is Monjo, just below Jorsale. Our hike mostly comprise of moving downwards, from Syanboche to Namche and then towards Jorsale. After we cross the Larcha Dovan Bridge, we are on the low land of Jorsale. Trekking 6 hours.

Day 18: Everest Base Camp – Lukla (Trekking)

Our last leg of the trek is hiking to Lukla from Monjo. We will stop for lunch either at Thado Koshi or further towards Lukla. Todays hike starts off fairly easy, and then after lunch it’s an uphill slog moving higher towards Lukla. Our hiking distance is approximately 6 – 7 hours.

Day 19: Lukla – Kathmandu

We have another very early morning transferring to the airport in Lukla to catch a flight back to Kathmandu. We’ll be met upon arrival and transferred to our hotel in Thamel for a well-deserved hot shower, clean clothes and a warm cozy bed. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and explore Kathmandu on your own. (B)

Note about flights: Our tours run during the best weather conditions of the year and there is an extra day at the end of the trek to allow for poor weather, sightseeing and shopping. Flights to and from Lukla are not always dependable. Weather conditions may cause flight delays or cancellations or even necessitate chartering a rescue helicopter for evacuation. Costs of any evacuation are in addition to any previously paid air/land costs and are not included; therefore we highly recommend the purchase of cancellation Insurance.

Day 20: Kathmandu (Leisure)

This day is your own. Kathmandu Valley is fascinating, and there is much yet to see and explore. (B)

Day 21: Departure

You’ll be transferred to the international airport for your flight back home.

Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.


Hotel	Camping
4 Nights	16 Night