Lobuche East Peak & Everest Base Camp Trek

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4265ft):
Arrival in Kathmandu greeted by Basanta Adventure representative and transferred to Hotel which is usually a walking distance to any good restaurants and shops. We will be given a short briefing on hotel facilities and safety as well as a short introduction to the area.  Next day there will be a comprehensive trip briefing. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 02: Trek briefing in the morning and sightseeing tour of world heritage sites:
After breakfast, trek briefing will take place around 9 am. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you are fully prepared for the trip, introduce guide and any last-minute questions would be answered. We then visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pasupatinath one of the revered holy temple of the Hindus, this temple is also known for its cremation ceremonies that take place next to the holy river Bagmati. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 03: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2610m/8560ft), 3-4 hrs:
Take the morning flight, a thrilling experience to the dramatic airfield at Lukla (2,860m) where we are immediately in amongst the peaks. We will be welcomed by rest of the trekking crew in Lukla airport. The sudden change in altitude can leave some of us quite breathless, but we descend to Chaplung (2680m) before lunch to let ourselves acclimatize more gradually. The afternoon is an easy introduction to the trek up the beautiful Dudh Koshi river valley, passing huge carved mane stones and prayer wheel shrines, to our night lodge at Phakding. The lodges on the first half of the trek are good: twin rooms with comfortable mattresses and nice cozy dining rooms with stoves for cold weather days. The menus include all sorts of wholesome favorites: pasta, noodle and rice dishes with remarkably fresh vegetables, puddings and every variety of hot drinks. The lodges have the same pattern all the way up, but understandably they become a bit more simple right at the top of the trek - though still remarkably good for the location. We always select the best of the standard lodges in each night stop. O/N at Lodge in Phakding (EP)

Day 04: Trek to Namche (3440m/11283ft), 5-6 hrs:
Through blue pine and Rhododendron forests we continue gradually upriver to reach Monzo at the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. Just beyond, after crossing the river on one of the excellent new pedestrian metal suspension bridges, these are the lifeline of mountainous region; we take lunch at one of the tea houses that line the banks at Jorsale (2775m). So far our gain in height has been barely perceptible, but the afternoon sets us a fairly tough challenge, exaggerated by the early stage of our acclimatization. Rising first to cross a marvelous bridge high above the Imja Khola, we then gradually ascend the ridge opposite. And halfway up, we should be able to look out for our first view of Everest ahead. We must also look out for pack-yaks which we will see from now on; generally good natured, we should still keep up-side of these huge beasts - avoiding a playful nudge! We arrive at Namche Bazaar, the Khumbu district capital, built within a natural amphitheatre setting surrounded by peaks, and now a thriving lodge town. O/N at Lodge in Namche (EP)

Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche:
The first of our carefully planned days to allow us to acclimatize naturally. There is plenty to do and explore around Namche, including the Sherpa museum above the village, hike up to Thyangboche etc. O/N at Lodge in Namche (EP)

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft), 5- 6 hrs:  
After breakfast, we trek towards Tengboche. It is an easy walk from Namche to Phunki. Upon reaching Phunki, we ascend towards Tengboche, a village that houses the very famous Tengboche monastery which is the largest monastery of the Everest region. Located amidst the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of "outstanding universal value”), the most sacred and popular monastery of Everest region where every climber receive blessing from high monk before expedition it is draped with the panoramic 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The monastery opens at 3pm so we reach it by three. And, if we are lucky, we might just be able to witness a religious ceremony. O/N at Lodge in Tengboche (EP)

Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4410m/14465ft), 5-6 hrs:
We visit the beautiful Tengboche Monastery in the morning and take pictures of the amazing landscape surrounding it. Then we begin our trek by walking through lush forests of birch, conifers and rhododendrons on an easy path. This picturesque trail then dips down to Debuche, crossing the Imja River before climbing up to Pangboche. (We can either walk in the upper or lower Pangboche trails). We are most likely to choose the upper Pangboche trail as it provides a more pristine view of the Himalayas. We also visit the Pangboche monastery. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River, O/N at Lodge in Dingboche (EP)

Day 08: Acclimatization day at Dingboche:
After breakfast we begin today’s hike to Chhukung by walking through stone-walled fields, Imja Khola valley before walking in glacier moraines. We will be surrounded by Lhotse and one of the most beautiful mountain of Everest regions Ama Dablam Peak. Later, beyond Bibre village we see Island Peak towering above us. The trail ahead is intersected by icy streams. We reach Chhukung, a small settlement in about half an hour from Bibre. From here, directly across the valley is the fantastic view of Ama Dablam and the Amphu Labsa mountains. After having lunch in Chhukung, our climbing leader will check our items of equipment in order to make sure that they are in a good working condition. Chhukung is the best place for hiring equipment for Peak climbing.  We descend to Dingboche to spend the night. O/N at Lodge in Dingboche (EP)

Day 08: Trek to Lobuche (4910m/16105ft), 6 hrs:
Today we start our final approach to the base camp area. It’s easy enough to start with, as we round the ridge above Dingboche by a single chorten, and contours along wide grassy slopes all the way to Thugla (4595m) our lunch stop. Then we climb steeply up the terminal moraine at the snout of the Khumbu glacier, until we come out alongside it at a ridge lined by hundreds of cairns dedicated to the many Sherpas who have lost their lives in attempts on Everest and other peaks. We continue alongside the glacier finally crossing what is now no more than a stream to Lobuche our lodge stop. There are limited individual rooms available here and in peak season we sometimes have to fall back on sleeping in the still very comfortable dormitory of the best lodge. O/N at Lodge in Lobuche (EP)

Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep and visit Everest Base Camp (5140m/16859ft), 6-7 hrs:
We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa attentively. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night's rest.
Your guide will organise a prayer and offer Lungta (Prayer flags) for good health and happiness for all the members. O/N Camping in Classic Base Camp (AP)
Note: Offer Lungta or prayer flags (printed prayers for the peace and good health/happiness) together with our Guide. Offering prayer flag in high passes and sacred sites is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Buddhist culture.
If weather is clear, we should take our chance and go up to Kalapathar for excellent closed up view of Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. Sunset on Everest from here is pure magic, gold to pink catching the tips of the peaks, subtly fading with the light - worth every effort. It turns very cold after losing the sun - wrap up in everything you brought, down jacket and all. Don't forget your head-torch for the descent. O/N at Lodge in Gorakshep (EP)

Day 11: Trek to Kalapatthar (5545m/18192 ft) and Trek back to Lobuche (4910m/16105ft), 7-8 hrs:
We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself.  For those who wish to trek to Kalapathar Peak for the for excellent 360-degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest and other highest peaks. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama. Later trek down to Lobuche. O/N at Lodge in Lobuche (EP)

Day 12: Trek to High Camp (5400m/17,712ft), 3-4 hrs:
From Lobuche, we trek towards Lobuche base camp. After walking some distance on relatively flatter plane, the path to the Lobuche Base Camp gets steeper and rocky. We move forward along the Lobuche Glacier while enjoying great views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega and other Himalayas. From the base camp, we continue on a rocky moraine path to reach the High Camp. After reaching there, we set up our camp, take lunch and rest. For the climb, we usually will be climbing on rock surface for up to around 5770m. After that, we climb on ice and use ropes when necessary. However, the use of the rope and the length depends upon the season and the crevasses. Fixed rope is used most of the times whereas man rope is used when required. The climbing leaders will decide what is best for when. Overnight in Lobuche East High Camp. Pre-Climb Training: Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. We strongly believe that the training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. O/N at camp in High Camp (AP)

Day 13:  Summit day (6119m/20, 075 ft). Return to High camp, 8-10 hrs: 
We wake up early today at around 12 to 1 am and have our breakfast before beginning our climb. It is important we reach the summit before noon because in the afternoon the strong winds in the high lands might become a barrier for a successful summit.  We will most likely be walking on rock surface up to around 5700m after which we climb on ice. We use both fixed rope and man rope as per our leader’s instruction. The climbing surface as well as the length of the rope and depends on the time of the season and the crevasses. Lobuche East offers more panoramic views of the mountains than any other trekking peak. From the summit, you get to enjoy magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, and many more. We spend some time at the summit celebrating and taking pictures, then we get back to the High Camp again for an overnight stay. O/N at camp in High Camp (AP)

Day 14: Extra Summit Day:
There is no such thing as a guarantee of good climbing conditions in the Himalayas, so an extra day maximizes our odds in this normally fair-weather season. If we've done the deed already, we'll decide whether to rest up or move on down. O/N at camp in High Camp (AP)

Day 15: Trek to Pangboche (3930m/12900ft), 8-9 hrs:
After taking our morning breakfast, we trek downhill from Lobuche High Camp and join the Everest Base Camp route at Lobuche again. We take our lunch at Lobuche. From Lobuche we again retrace our path to Pheriche. On the way to Pheriche, we get to enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Ama Dablam in the distance.  From Pheriche, we trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it's spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings. Upon reaching Pangboche we may also consider visiting the famous Pangboche Monastery. O/N at Lodge in Pangboche (EP)

Day 16: Trek to Namche bazaar (3440m/11283ft), 5-6 hrs:
From Pangboche, we retrace our steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, we can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, colorful pheasants etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a chorten, remember to take clockwise of any sacred monument as a respect to local culture. We reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar.  O/N at Lodge in Namche Bazaar (EP)

Day 17: Trek to Lukla (2840m/9315ft), 6-7 hrs:
Steeply down the ridge again to the suspension bridge, we follow the river down the way we came up, as far as Phakding for lunch. In the afternoon we continue down to Lukla. This will be the last night with our trekking crew except trekking Guide, this is best time to tip the staff (not compulsory but it’s a customary), an impromptus little ceremony and always enormous Sherpa smiles. Then something of a party is inevitable. Try local drink called “Rakshi”, please be aware; it does not taste good and is very strong. O/N at Lodge in Lukla (EP)

Day 18: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu, 30 minutes flight:
The flight time to Kathmandu, are schedule for morning normally, because of the wind in the afternoon, sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason beyond our command. Anyway we will fly back to Kathmandu. We will be met by Basanta Adventure representative and transferred to hotel. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, any hire gears will be collected. O/N at hotel in Kathmandu (BB)

Day 19: Day at leisure:
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure and either relax at hotel or explore Kathmandu city, shopping etc. Kathmandu offers varieties of Restaurants and Fast-Foods for food lovers. O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)

Day 20: Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure:
Today holiday extension for another tour or transfer  to the airport for final departure. Tour concludes.