Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel.
Everest Classic Trek Guided Itinerary
This 20 day trip starts in the lower Solu Khumbu and goes all the way to Mount Everest, a longer route which shows more of the region and the Sherpa people.
Route mini map
Trip snapshot
Days20
Distance170 km
Total climb1510 m
High point5545 m
What this trip is like
This 20 day trip starts in the lower Solu Khumbu and goes all the way to Mount Everest, a longer route which shows more of the region and the Sherpa people.
Stay style: Operator-led Nepal lodge or expedition itinerary.
Food and support: Operator-managed meals and trekking-day food pattern.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 2
Kathmandu
Kathmandu city sightseeing plus trek briefing.
Day 10
Namche Bazaar - Debouche - Rhododendron Glade
Namche Bazaar to Debouche near the famous Thyangboche Monastery. The path out of Namche is initially steep and then opens out into a high valley, passing through villages like Pangboche before negotiating two steep hills. After this it is a short walk to the beautiful rhododendron glade where you will find the lodge.
Day 13
Dingboche - Lobuche
Dingboche to Lobuche. Trek up the high valley to Lobuche which is alongside the huge Khumbu Glacier. You can now easily feel the effects of the thin air as the hike takes us up to the Thukla Hills where there are many stupas erected in memory of Sherpas who have died on expeditions. Few plants live up here and it will be much colder in the evenings. It is important to walk slowly and listen to your body. Fatigue from lack of oxygen to your muscles is common, but some people may feel nauseous and suffer from headaches. Drink lots of liquid and keep warm, give your body maximum opportunity to recover.
Day 14
Lobuche - Gorak Shep - Everest Base Camp - Gorak Shep
Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest base camp, then back to our lodge at Gorak Shep. Hike on the glacial moraine to the final settlement of Gorak Shep. The views here are spectacular; Nuptse dominates the other side of the valley, behind which the black triangular peak of Everest is just visible. The giant wall of ice ahead is the border with Tibet. Gorak Shep is the last outpost, a small collection of huts just below a hill called Kala Patthar. After lunch we continue to Everest Base Camp to stand at the base of our planets highest peak, arriving at the small tented city where climbers congregate to climb the mountain is a surreal experience. There is a network of paths between the camps, a bakery, and a chance to have a chat with people. Before returning to Gorak Shep which is our final destination and traditionally the finest viewing point for Everest itself.
Day 15
Kala Patthar Summit - Lobuche - Pheriche
Early morning climb to the summit of Kala Patthar to see sun rise behind the peak of Everest. The climbing route through the Khumbu Icefall, into the Western Cwm and up the Lhotse Face to the South Col is clearly visible, with the SE ridge to the top on the right hand skyline side of the summit block. This is a tough walk in the cold and not to be underestimated. Take warm clothing. Back at the lodge for breakfast and a walk back to Lobuche and down to Pheriche.
Day 18
Weather Day
Additional Weather Day
Day 19
Lukla - Kathmandu
Lukla flight to arrive in Kathmandu in the morning. Or, if you prefer you can walk for an additional day and then travel back to the city by road (min 2 extra days required).
Day 20
Departure
Depart Kathmandu