Everest Base Camp Trekking Via Renjo_La & Cho_La Pass

Detail itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and trip preparation – 1,300m/4,264 ft.
Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from BG Travel and Trek will greet you warmly. After completing customs procedures, including securing your visa, you’ll collect your luggage and meet the representative, who will escort you to your hotel. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by BG Travel and Trek, showcasing flavorful Nepalese cuisine and offering a glimpse into the country’s culinary traditions.

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.
After breakfast, we set out on a guided tour to explore Kathmandu’s historical and spiritual landmarks, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights include the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa (commonly known as the ‘Monkey Temple’), and Bouddhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world. In the afternoon, we gather for a pre-trek meeting, where we’ll meet our trek leader and team members. BG Travel and Trek will provide valuable insights into the trek ahead and address any questions. The evening will be spent in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 3 – 4 hrs
After breakfast, we proceed to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), the gateway to our trek. The 40-minute flight offers stunning views of lush green landscapes and snow-capped mountains. Landing at Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport, surrounded by towering peaks, is an exhilarating experience. Upon arrival, we meet the rest of our team, finalize preparations, and begin our trek. Passing through the vibrant village of Lukla, we head toward Phakding. To support acclimatization, the hike is kept short, but those interested can take an optional side trip to a nearby monastery. We spend the night in Phakding.

Day 04: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3440 m/11,280 ft): 5 – 6 hrs
The trek winds through a beautiful pine forest, following the Dudh Koshi River and crossing several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. As we move forward, breathtaking views of Mt. Thamserku (6,618 m) come into sight. We pass through the villages of Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo before arriving at the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint. The trail then climbs through lush forests and over bridges, eventually leading to the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep two-hour climb rewards us with our first view of Mt. Everest rising above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We pause at Chautara to soak in the views before trekking another 1.5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and the region’s main trading hub. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 05: Acclimatization Day – Namche Bazaar: 3,440m/11,284ft.

On this acclimatization day, we follow expert advice to stay active and avoid idleness. There are several options to make the most of the day, including a hike to Thame, a visit to Khunde, or exploring Namche Bazaar at leisure. Namche Bazaar is the central hub of the Everest (Khumbu) region, featuring government offices, ATMs, internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a lively market on Fridays and Saturdays. To aid acclimatization, we take a short trek, gaining a few hundred vertical feet during the day.

Our guides lead us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters, where we learn about the first Everest summiteers, Sherpa culture, and the region’s unique flora and fauna. A side trip to Khumjung includes a stop at the Syangboche airstrip and the Everest View Hotel, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. In the Khumjung Valley, surrounded by peaks like Kongde and Thamserku, we visit a renowned monastery housing a yeti scalp and explore the Hillary School. After enjoying lunch, we descend back to Namche Bazaar for an overnight stay.

Day 06: Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft) – 5 – 6 hrs.

After breakfast in Namche Bazaar, the trek to Tengboche begins, offering magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and close-up vistas of Thamserku. The trail follows a gradual route with some ups and downs, showcasing stunning panoramas of the majestic Himalayas. Along the way, you may encounter wildlife such as pheasants, musk deer, or herds of Himalayan Thar.

The path descends gently to Kayangjuma and continues toward Sansa, a key trail junction leading to both Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. As the trek progresses through pine forests, you’ll cross a suspension bridge adorned with colorful prayer flags over the Dudh Koshi River, arriving at Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with teahouses and an army post nestled in the alpine woods.

After a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga, the trail ascends steeply through pine forests, leading to Tengboche. Renowned for its spectacular close-up views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest, Tengboche is also home to the largest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region. At around 3 p.m., you’ll have the opportunity to visit the monastery and witness the serene ceremony. Overnight accommodation is at a lodge in Tengboche.

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft): 5 – 6 hrs

With the stunning mountains as a backdrop, Tengboche Monastery is even more breathtaking in the morning light—perfect for capturing photographs of the monastery and the surrounding scenery before starting the day’s trek. Taking the upper trail for enhanced views, you’ll head toward Pangboche village, passing chortens, Mani walls, and small villages along the way. Lunch offers not only delicious food but also an up-close view of the majestic Mt. Ama Dablam.

In the afternoon, the trek continues northward to Pheriche or eastward along a trail beneath the towering north face of Mt. Ama Dablam. The walk is relatively moderate as you enter the serene Imja Valley. As you near the confluence of the Lobuche River, the valley gradually opens up. Descending to the river, the trek ends with a challenging climb, the steepest of the day, leading to Dingboche. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a charming patchwork of fields surrounded by stone walls, designed to protect crops such as barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight stay at Dingboche.

Day 08: Dingboche – Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 5-6 hrs.

After breakfast, the trek resumes with a climb to Duglha through the Khumbu Khola Valley. The journey along the arid terrace offers stunning views of mountains surrounding you on all sides. Along the way, you reach Dusa, a yak herder’s settlement, where the valley begins to narrow. Continuing through Phulung Karpo, the campsite of the first successful Everest Expedition in 1953, you can spot Chola Lake nestled above. The prominent sight of Mt. Pumori (7,138 m/23,418 ft) adds to the breathtaking scenery as you progress.

The trail descends and curves, with Mt. Pumori disappearing from view and a roaring stream coming into sight. Crossing a small wooden bridge, you begin the ascent to Duglha, rewarded with views of Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Thamserku, and other towering peaks. After lunch in Duglha, the trek continues with a steep climb up the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The path weaves through boulder-strewn slopes, leading to Chupki Lhara, a dramatic ridge with incredible mountain views. At the summit of the ridge, memorial stones adorned with prayer flags honor Scott Fischer (an American mountaineer) and Babu Chiri Sherpa (a Nepali mountain guide) who lost their lives on Everest expeditions.

From the ridge, the trail descends to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, revealing spectacular views of peaks such as Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and Mahalangur Himal. While the towering Mt. Everest remains hidden, Mt. Nuptse looms majestically to the right as the trail crosses the glacier. Passing a murmuring stream, the increasing effects of high altitude become noticeable. Overnight stay at Lobuche.

Day 09: Lobuche – GorakShep [5170 m/16,961ft]-Everest Base Camp [5364 m/17,594 ft]-GorakShep: 8 – 9 hrs

The trail to Gorak Shep follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, passing the distinctive pyramid signpost. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of the north ridge of Everest and breathtaking vistas of Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbutse, and Mt. Nuptse. A brief ascent takes you to Thangma Riju, where a 360-degree panorama of snow-covered peaks unfolds. The trail then climbs steeply up through the torrent of the Changri Glacier, with the first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath Mt. Pumori, appearing ahead.

As you reach Gorak Shep, snow-capped mountains surround you, including the towering Mt. Everest. After a quick lunch and rest, you set out toward Everest Base Camp, passing the remnants of the once large Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing along the trail, you’ll encounter memorials to the Indian army mountaineers. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the climbers who brave the perilous Khumbu Icefall. Brightly colored mountaineer tents, especially in spring, stand out against the gray surroundings. While Everest itself is not visible from Base Camp, you can see the towering peaks of Nuptse, Khumbutse, and Pumori.

While the sunrise view from Kala Patthar is iconic, the sunset view is considered even more spectacular. It is highly recommended to visit Kala Patthar for the sunset on this day. As the sun sets, the rays illuminate the snow-covered peaks, creating an unforgettable sight. Trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar can do so with the help of guides and Sherpas to witness this incredible sunset. You’ll spend the night at a local lodge in Gorak Shep.

Day 10: GorakShep – KalaPatthar – Dzongla [4280 m/14,070 ft]: 8 – 9 hrs

Today marks the pinnacle of our journey. We begin early in the morning to witness the breathtaking views from Kala Patthar, capturing the first rays of sunlight illuminating Mount Everest. Be prepared for a pre-dawn departure in the cold temperatures (ranging from -10 to -14°C), with the possibility of chilly winds along the way.

As we ascend, familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse rise to the east, while Everest slowly comes into view, emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. We make several stops at spectacular viewpoints along the way to catch our breath and take photos. After several hours of climbing, we finally reach Kala Patthar. From this vantage point, we scramble up a rocky outcrop near the summit, marked by cairns and prayer flags.

At the top, we take in the awe-inspiring Himalayan panorama, with majestic peaks stretching in every direction. We capture as many photos as we can and savor the view with our minds, ensuring this unforgettable experience lasts a lifetime. Once back at Gorak Shep, we enjoy breakfast and wait for the rest of the group to return.

For those heading to Everest Base Camp today, an early breakfast will be provided to begin the longer hike (4-5 hours) to the Base Camp. Afterward, we reconvene for lunch in Gorak Shep before heading out in the afternoon for a walk to Dzongla.

Day 11: Cross Chola Pass and Trek to Thangnag (4800m.)

Today, we cross the Chola Pass, a challenging yet rewarding part of the trek. The path is steep and rocky, requiring careful navigation over boulders. The climb is strenuous but offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the glacier below. Once at the top of the pass, we are treated to magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

After crossing the pass, we begin our descent on the other side, making our way toward Thangnag for an overnight stay. The descent is long, but the stunning mountain scenery continues to inspire as we trek toward our resting place for the night.

Day 12: Tangnag to Gokyo
We continue our trek along the glacier route, heading toward the first of the Gokyo Lakes. The terrain becomes easier as we walk along a flatter path, following the Dudh Koshi River toward Gokyo. The village of Gokyo is located near the third lake, and as we reach this point, the natural beauty of the area becomes truly mesmerizing. In the windy valley, you’ll be awestruck by the serene beauty of Dudh Pokhari Lake, surrounded by majestic peaks and the pristine landscape.

Day 13: Rest day at Gokyo

Today is a rest day in Gokyo, giving you the chance to explore the beautiful Gokyo Valley and its surroundings. Gokyo, a key trade center, is home to Sherpa-run lodges that provide excellent services to trekkers. Located alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, Gokyo offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

You have two exciting options for excursions today:

1. You have two fantastic options for excursions today:
   1. Side Trip to the Fifth Lake via the Fourth Lake – This scenic hike takes you past the Fourth Lake to the Fifth Lake, offering a peaceful and stunning environment as you explore more of the Gokyo Valley.
   2. Hike to Gokyo Ri – This hike takes around four and a half hours and begins just after first light. Gokyo Ri, located above the village on the northern edge of the lake, offers some of the most spectacular views in the Everest region. The ascent is steep, but as you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu gradually come into view. The panoramic vista from the top is often regarded as one of the finest in the Everest region, with some trekkers even claiming it’s better than the view from Kala Patthar.

   After your excursion, return to your lodge in Gokyo for an overnight stay.

Day 14: Cross Renjo La Pass (5400m.) Lunde
Today, you set out early to cross the Renjo La Pass. As you reach the top, you’re rewarded with incredible views of Everest, Lhotse, and the surrounding peaks. The panoramic beauty of Gokyo Lake and the village below the Ngozumpa Glacier stretches out before you. After taking in the stunning scenery from the pass, you begin your descent down a stone staircase, making your way toward Lunde. You’ll stay overnight in Lunde, reflecting on the magnificent views you’ve witnessed.

Day 15: Lunde to Thame
Today’s trek takes you downhill to Thame, a beautiful village set amidst a stunning landscape. As you descend, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of peaks such as Thamserku, Kantenga, Kusum Kangguru, and others. Thame offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the village and visit its historic monastery, which has stood for about 300 years, adding depth to your trekking experience.

Day 16: Thame to Namche Bazaar
Today’s trek begins with a relatively flat trail, followed by a descent to Thamo. In Thamo, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Khari Gompa, a monastery where both nuns and monks reside. After exploring the village, the journey continues back to Namche Bazaar. Upon arrival in Namche, you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this lively mountain town, with its shops, cafes, and markets. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar, soaking in the unique charm of this bustling hub.

Day 17: Namche Bazaar-Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 6 – 8 hrs

The trail today descends steeply, so it’s important to move at a slow and controlled pace as you navigate the rocky terrain. You’ll cross suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, and the path gradually levels out. As you descend, you’ll be treated to changing views, with open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and distant snow-capped peaks. Passing through Sherpa villages, you’ll notice the strong presence of Buddhism, with prayer stones and flags adorning the landscape.

Upon reaching Lukla, you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs, reflect on the incredible experiences of the past weeks, and celebrate the successful completion of your trek. Overnight stay in Lukla, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure.

Day 18: Lukla – Kathmandu

Today, we catch an early morning flight back to Kathmandu, bringing our unforgettable mountain journey to a close. Once in Kathmandu, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. If you’d like to purchase souvenirs or gifts, you can visit local shops or head to Thamel, a vibrant area known for its variety of traditional Nepalese goods. BG Travel and Trek’s guides can help you with this short excursion, or you can explore independently.

In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our trek and to reflect on the memorable experiences we’ve shared. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 19: Leisure day in Kathmandu.
The itinerary includes a spare day in Lukla to account for any potential bad weather, providing flexibility in case of flight delays or cancellations. This extra day ensures that any unforeseen challenges due to weather conditions can be managed, without affecting the overall schedule of the trek. This buffer helps ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, even if conditions change unexpectedly.

Day 20: Final departure to your home country.