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Tour Overview
This outstanding trek to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain will take you through the lush valleys of the Sagarmatha National Park, with time to explore its villages and monasteries and to sample the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people.
Sagarmatha National Park is located to the northeast of Kathmandu in the Khumbu region of Nepal and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979.
There are just 14 peaks in the world that exceed 8,000m in height, and eight of them are situated in the Nepalese Himalayas. The highest of them all standing at 8,848m is Mt. Sagarmartha (Mt Everest) but there are many other well-known peaks including Lhotse, Makalu and Manaslu separated by deep gorges and glacial lakes.
Your trekking adventure begins at Lukla, where you will trek to Phakding and onto the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. The only means of transportation between the Sherpa villages is by foot, so the paths are well trodden. You will have plenty of time to acclimatise to the altitude, following a trail alongside and across numerous rivers to Thyangboche with incredible views of Mt. Khangtiaga, Mt. Thamserku and the Nuptse-Lhotse wall, with Mt. Everest soaring high above them.
Your trek leads gradually uphill after Thyangboche, with constant views of the magnificent Mt. Ama Dablam (6,900m) and other huge snow-capped peaks. You will reach a highpoint at Kalapathar with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers including Mt. Everest - just a stone’s throw away.
Your descent will take you through traditional Sherpa villages, before returning to Lukla via Thyangboche and Namche Bazaar. Having completed the challenge, you will have the chance to explore the city of Kathmandu and its many temples and bazaars.
You will be flying from London to Kathmandu. Our Charity Challenge representative will be at the airport to assist you with the check-in and any last minute questions.
Day 2 | Arrive Kathmandu
After landing at Kathmandu you will be met at the airport by a Charity Challenge local agent who will transfer you to your local hotel. You will then have the chance to rest and do a bit of sightseeing. Dinner & overnight at a local hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3 | Fly Kathmandu to Lukla & Trek to Phakding (2,652m) – 8-10 kms
an early morning breakfast you will be transferred (20-30 minutes) from the hotel to the domestic airport, and board a small aircraft for the sweeping panoramic
flight to Lukla (45mins). Please note this flight can be subject to delay or cancellation due to weather conditions. The itinerary is put together with a number of acclimatisation/rest days so that if your flight were delayed for up to three days, you should still be able to complete the challenge. If flights are unable to take off after three days, we would implement an alternative Himalayan trekking itinerary. Once in Lukla you will have time to wander around & pick up any last minute kit or rest after your journey & acclimatise, while the Sherpa crew sort and divide the camping equipment and baggage onto the Ghopkyo (mix breed of Yak & normal cow, as the Yak cannot survive below 3000m). After lunch you will begin your 3-4hr trek along a pleasant trail most, with a few steep climbs from Tarhe Khola, where you have a superb view of the Kusum-Kangru (6,369m) crossing. After a short climb, you reach Ghat village, and after another 1½hrs of trekking you arrive at Phakding village for the overnight camp near the bank of the Dudh-Kosi River.
Day 4 | Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 12-13kms
Today’s 5-6hr trek continues on from Phakding. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh-Kosi River, the walk is pleasant with a few short uphill climbs and then downhill, with magnificent views of Thermasarkhu (6,608m). From the village of Benkar, you will cross the long suspension bridge over the Bhote-Koshi River once more, and then continue on this trail of trekkers, Ghopkyo and porters, before finally arriving at the small village of Monjo. Monjo is situated below the magnificent peak of Thermasharkhu and near to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. After a few minutes walk from Monjo, you will reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, where your trekking permit is checked. From here there is a short descent to Jorsalle village, the last village and the only place to shop at until Namche Bazaar. You will continue to trek by the river until the last bridge over the Imjatse River is reached. From here the walk is along a winding uphill path all the way to Namche Bazaar, with views of Kwangde peak and its other sister peaks to the east, with Kusum Kangru behind you as you climb higher. There are also views of the Mt. Everest - Nuptse wall, Lhotse and a closer view of Taweche peak, which can be seen all the way up to Thop Danda, where there's a resting stonewall for the porters and trekkers. There is still another 1-2 hour walk, which brings you to the famed Namche Bazaar, with its colourful houses situated in an amphitheatre shaped bowl. Overnight camping at Namche Bazaar.
Day 5 | Acclimatisation Day at Namche Bazaar
Suggested activities include a short walk uphill to the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters, a magnificent spot perched on top of Namche Bazaar with spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped giants and the valleys way down below. There is also an interesting museum with all kinds of information regarding the history of the Himalayas, its geography, culture, mountaineering history and information on flora and fauna of this region. A more active morning can be spent walking up to the Everest View Hotel, where stunning views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam present a spectacular vista. You can then enjoy the afternoon at leisure and stay again at the camp at Namche Bazaar.
Day 6 | Trek to Thyangboche (3,867m) – approx 10kms
Today your 5hr trek takes the trail leading along a winding path with great views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and a close-up view of Tharmserkhu. You will come to a busy place called Shanasa, in this area there is a much higher chance of seeing the beautifully coloured Danphe pheasant (Impeyan pheasant) the national bird of Nepal, the elusive musk deer, and sometimes even a herd of Himalayan Thar (mountain goat). From Shanasa, the trail descends to the Imjatse River at Phungitenga (3,250m), a small settlement with a couple of teahouses in the midst of the alpine woods of mostly silver fir blue pines, rhododendron and some magnolia and birch trees. At Phungitenga there are a number of beautiful prayer wheels propelled by water, from the nearby streams. The walk from here is strenuous for an hour on a winding trail through shaded woods until a small religious monument of prayer stones covered with rhododendron leaves and junipers is reached. From here the walk is uphill for another hour, with views of Thermasarkhu and Kangtenga. Tyangboche is one of the most beautiful places in the Himalayas, and the first thing that you will see is a big Ghompa (monastery), before a large field with campsites and teahouses, lodges beneath the peak of Ama Dablam with Everest looming above, and the Nuptse wall to the north with Mt. Lhotse and Lhotse Shar to the north east and many more peaks all around you. From Tyangboche you take the trail & descend through a forest of birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron and comes out at a lovely spot at Deboche (3,650m) with further views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. Overnight camping.
Day 7 | Trek to Dingboche (4,358m) – approx 12kms
Today you have 5-6hrs of trekking today takes the trail & descends through a forest of birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron and comes out at a lovely spot at Deboche (3,650m) with further views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. From Deboche you will walk past the long prayer mani wall, the path is gradual until you reach a small bridge over the narrow gorge of the Imjatse River. The walk continues gradually uphill most of the way, as you come to a large mani wall gate. A little further from here the route diverts going to the upper Pangboche village, where an old monastery is located. After a gradual walk downhill which brings you back to the main trail, you continue with a short climb to Shomare a small settlement with fantastic close-up view of Ama-Dablam for lunch. Following a pleasant break here your journey continues eastwards, after an hour walk, before a small wooden bridge the road splits two ways again; the north going to Pheriche and the second leading east beneath the towering north face of Ama Dablam. The trail climbs slowly, winding above the Imjatse River, until you come to a big mani stupa. From here onwards the walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse with views of the eastern snow capped mountains. Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stonewalls protecting the crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight camping.
Day 8 | Acclimatisation day in Dingboche
Today is a very important acclimatisation day. For those that wish, you can take a walk up onto the ridge above Dingboche where you will have some spectacular views across the valley and the Imja Khola. The day can be spent visiting a monastery in Dingboche exploring the Imja Khola. There are some breathtaking views of the north face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as you explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak. The days walk is usually short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon and laze in the sun. Overnight camping.
Day 9 | Trek to Loboche (4,928m) – approx 8kms
Today’s 4-5hr onward journey leads north for about 40-50mins until you come to a mani prayer stupa. The trail is gentle looking down to Pheriche village below. Today's walk offers views of the Mt.Tawache, Ama Dablam and to the north Pokalde (5,741m), Kongma-tse (5,820m) and the great wall of Nuptse. After a walk of 1½-2hrs the trail from Pheriche joins another near Dugla (4,595m) before a small wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier. You will stop at Thukla, for lunch, before continuing for an hour up a steep hill to the top. As you summit the hill you enter a memorial ground of prayer flags and monuments dedicated to climbers who have lost their lives attempting to reach the lofty pinnacles of these majestic mountains. From here you have unrivalled views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. This is a good spot for a short break. There is another 1½-2hrs of trekking up to Loboche, hidden and sheltered from the wind. Overnight camping.
Day 10 | Trek to Gorakshep (5,288m) & Everest Base Camp (5,357m) – approx 14kms
Today is the day for your final destination of this adventurous journey at the foot of Number One. The first hours walk is gradual and up the valley at the end of the grassy field, a short 20 minutes climb. The walk from here follows the rocky moraine path, as you walk you can see the icy-glacial pond and icebergs down below of Khumbu glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a short downhill walk brings you to Gorakshep on the flat field below Kalapatthar (5,545m) and Mt.Pumori (7,145m). Gorakshep has two teahouses, and it used to be a base camp in the early 50's Edmund Hilary expedition to Mt. Everest. After a break here at Gorakshep you will continue towards Expedition Base Camp and to the Khumbu Ice-fall, the path from here can be misleading; follow the lead Sherpa as every year the trail changes due to the movements of the glacier. The walk is strenuous due to the high altitude and thin air and it passes over rocky dunes and moraine and streams, until you reach the base camp. Expedition Base Camp is lively with commotion during the high expedition season. A great view of the Khumbu icefall awaits you. After a celebration here you will retrace the journey back to Gorakshep for your overnight camp. Today’s journey will take you some 9 hours.
Day 11 | Ascent of Kalapatthar (5,647m) & trek back to Pherice – approx 14 kms
This morning you have the option to ascend to the summit of Kalapatthar. A few minutes of easy walking on the sandy fields brings you to the base of the peak, then a steep climb for 45 minutes brings you to the near level field. The walk from here is gradual till you reach the rocky spot after an hour and from here another steep climb to the top for another ½hr. At the top of Kalapatthar is a small rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Mt.Pumori, the view from here is beyond imagination as Everest looks within a stones throw distance. Between the summit of Nuptse, Lho-la and Lhotse on the back, the panoramic view from this spot is something to cherish, and you feel it’s worth the hard climb up to here and to feel at the top of the world. All of the higher snow capped giants that dominate will be all around you. To the south Khumbu glacier sweeps below you, and you can also see Everest Base Camp down below on the moraine of Khumbu glacier, when the expedition season is active. After a great moment with the panoramic view you descend and continue towards your overnight camp in Pheriche (4,245m).
Day 12 | Trek to Phungitenga – 15 kms
Your journey back down today takes you through Pangboche continuing your journey back along the Imjer-Tse gorge and up to Tyangboche. From here you descend back down to the settlement of Phungitenga, where you camp beside the raging torrent of the Dudh Koshi River.
Day 13 | Phungitenga to Chumoa – 11 kms
From Phungitenga you have a steep climb away from the river as you make your way back towards Namche. The walk takes you along winding tracks, through a landscape of pine forests and steep valleys. The views are magnificent as you follow a relatively easy path towards the Sherpa capital. Stopping in Namche for lunch there will be time for some last minute shopping before you continue down, taking the long path back down to the river. Retracing your steps you cross the river once more and head through Jorsalle, towards the park entrance at Monjo. From here you have a short walk to your campsite for the evening, at the small settlement of Chumoa before your return to Lukla.
Day 14 | Trek back to Lukla
Your final day’s walking is a pleasant 5 hour walk, with a few short uphill climbs before descending back down to the Bhote-Koshi River, crossing it three times. Stopping in Phakding en-route, you then cross the river and begin your final leg of an epic journey. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to the busy village of Lukla (9,200ft), where you spend the night at a campsite.
Day 15 | Lukla to Kathmandu
This morning you will fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. You will have the afternoon to relax and do some souvenir shopping in Kathmandu. This evening you will enjoy a celebratory meal with your team.
Day 16 | Kathmandu
Today you are free to relax and enjoy Kathmandu or you can take part in individual activities: Mountain Flight to Everest – approx US$145 per person inclusive of airport transfers to be paid locally. Sightseeing Tour – approx US$ 20 per person inclusive of half day sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhnath Stupa with the service of a guide, transport and applicable entrance fees – to be paid locally.
This evening you will transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your return flight home to London, UK.
Day 17 | Arrive UK
Arrive London, UK.
OPTIONAL Chitwan National Park Extension summary:
Chitwan National Park is the oldest national park in Nepal situated in the subtropical inner Terai, lowlands of South-Central Nepal. The park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1984. The park covers a pristine area with a unique ecosystem of significant value to the world. There are more than 43 species of mammals in the park and is especially renowned for the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, the tiger and the gharial crocodile along with many other common species such as gaur, wild elephant, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, pangolin, gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard and python. There are also over 450 species of birds in the park. Among the endangered birds are the Bengal florican, giant hornbill, lesser florican, black stork and white stork.
Day 16 | Kathmandu
After the rest of your group depart for the UK, you will overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 17 | Transfer to Chitwan
After breakfast, you will fly or drive (dependent upon what you have paid for) to Chitwan National Park. You will drive on the main Kathmandu - Pokhara scenic highway and continue along the Trisuli River. Upon arrival at Chitwan, you will be met by a lodge representative and transferred to your Jungle Lodge by jeep. After a welcome drink you will enjoy a brief orientation of the jungle and lodge. After lunch you will proceed into the jungle on elephant back or take a jungle walk with a naturalist guide. This evening you can relax at the bar or by the fire with slide shows or a Tharu Cultural Dance show followed by dinner. Overnight at Jungle Lodge.
Day 18 | Elephant Ride and Canoe Safari
After an early morning wake up call you can begin with an elephant ride, bird watching tour or a nature walk. After a few hours of activity you will return to the lodge for breakfast and a rest. You can then continue your experience by watching elephants bathing from a dug-out canoe ride and more jungle activities. Overnight at Jungle Lodge.
Day 19 | Bird watching and Elephant Ride
After another early morning wake-up call you will proceed into the jungle for the mornings’ activities; bird watching, nature walk or elephant ride. You then return to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast you will transfer to the airport to fly to Kathmandu or drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 20 | Kathmandu
This afternoon you will transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your return flight home to London
Our Trusted Partner's Responsible and Sustainable Travel Policy
Welcome to the world's biggest industry. By the year 2010 it is forecast that more than one billion people will take an overseas holiday - and you may be one of them. The impact of tourism has already been immense and it will increase. The travel industry can bring many benefits to local communities, including an injection of cash and employment for local people, preservation of native habitats and indigenous wildlife, and cultural exchange. However, without care, tourism can also have a negative impact: destruction of natural habitats; diversion of scarce resources; disturbance of wildlife; and the violation of tribal peoples' rights.
At Charity Challenge we aim to set responsible tourism standards within the industry.
Charity Challenge has been officially recognised for our efforts in the developing world, making a positive contribution to communities in desperate need. Highly commended in the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2007, in the category of Best Tour Operator for Poverty Reduction, we were commended for our work helping to raise in excess of one million pounds for Habitat for Humanity Great Britain through our house building communitychallenges in Sri Lanka, South Africa, China and India. The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, now in its third year, aims to recognise individuals, companies and organisations in the travel industry that are making a significant commitment to the culture and the economies of local communities. Today, communitychallenge participants have helped to build more than 400 houses, in five countries across three continents, helping those often living without access to running water, electricity or proper sanitation facilities.
We were also commended for our work by Queens Award for Enterprise in the field of Sustainable Development, for our communitychallenge application with the following feedback:
“The company, which provides a series of inspiring team challenges that develop and motivate staff, aimed at providing assistance to the developing world and fundraising for charity, is to be commended on producing an application that shows evidence of a thorough and committed understanding of all aspects of sustainable development, both within the company itself and in its core business activities. It is clear that sustainable development is at the heart of the business. The examiners were thoroughly impressed with the company’s commitment to social sustainability; in this rapidly expanding market, it represents outstanding performance and is an example to others.”
"I would like to compliment Charity Challenge for the sensitive way that the local community benefit from the financial aspect of tourism such as the water supply and education system in Tanzania." room for improvement
We are supporters of Tourism Concern and are constantly looking for ways to improve our operations to further benefit the local communities in which we operate. As such, we welcome your thoughts on any ways you feel we can improve our responsible tourism.
support for local projects
As part of our commitment to the local communities we interact with during our challenges, we donate approx US$500 per group to a local community project. Examples of the projects we are funding include the following:
Vietnam: SOS Children’s Villages began nearly fourty years ago in Ho Chi Minh City. Some families are so poor that they cannot look after their children so they end up living on the streets, begging for money and food or are sent out to work. Government figures suggest there are over 21,000 children living on the streets in Vietnam. SOS Children’s Villages care for over 16,000 children in Vietnam and have twelve SOS children’s Villages and 31 related projects throughout Vietnam. Our support helps to fund the ongoing work of the charity.
Nepal: Many people in Nepal live in extreme poverty with nearly 40% of the population earning less than US$1 per day. One in thirteen children die before reaching the age of five, and over a quarter of children do not go to primary school. One of the projects we have helped to fund through Plan International is supporting girls who are forced into working as domestic servants by their family’s desperate poverty.
Plan is helping them to return to their families and continue their education. Nearly 1,000 girls have been rescued and are now receiving an education with help from Plan. local community support
We employ local guides, porters and other essential support staff and we try, where possible, to use locally owned accommodation. This way, local challenge costs can truly benefit the local community. We train our overseas support teams thoroughly in all aspects of our responsible tourism policy. sustainable development
A leading UK government body responsible for sustainable development recently commended Charity Challenge for its thorough and committed understanding of all aspects of sustainable development. It added: “It is clear that sustainable development is at the heart of the business. In this rapidly expanding market, it represents outstanding performance and is an example to others.”
what we do
We aim to set responsible tourism standards within the travel industry and to minimise the impact of our challenges on the environment within which we operate.
We ensure that every challenge we run benefits both the charity being supported, and also the local communities with whom we interact.
The social, economic and environmental impact of our challenges is considered at all stages of planning a challenge. Our responsible tourism policy covers our operations in the UK, whilst on the challenge and also advises travellers how they can minimise their impact on the environment and benefit the host communities as much as possible. in the UK office
In the office we also make are careful of carbon emissions through the power and electricity we use. We cut down our carbon by ; energy
• PC screens are on energy saver mode
• PC's, printers and copiers etc. are turned off at night
• Energy saver features on all printers and photocopier are made use of
• Digital photography is used where possible to reduce chemical use
• We offset the equivalent of the expected carbon emissions from our office operations through Future Forests waste
• Paper is always reused where possible before recycling
• Staff are actively encouraged to avoid wasteful printing
• Recyclable waste (white paper, cardboard, other paper, glass, plastic) is all separated for recycling
• Staff who do not have relevant recycling collections at home are encouraged to bring their materials to the office where they can be collected and recycled properly
• Files, folders and other such stationery are always reused to their full potential
• No polystyrene or plastic cups are used in the company, glasses and mugs are provided
• We actively focus on email and web based sales communication
• Printed company materials are now always printed on paper from fully sustainable forests transport
• Public transport is used for work travel wherever possible
• Staff are encouraged to walk or cycle to work
• We offset the carbon emissions for all staff air travel if on business
• Staff are encourage to offset their carbon emissions from flying, for private travel
About our Trusted Partner
Charity Challenge is the UK's leading adventure travel company specialising exclusively in the organisation, leadership and administration of inspirational fundraising expeditions. We operate more than 120 challenges each year for around 3,000 participants, and have so far helped to raise somewhere in the region of £15million for over 900 charities.
Our expeditions include treks, mountain bike rides, mountain climbs, white water rafting, sailing, horse riding & communitychallenges. They take place in Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. They cover three different difficulty levels, ensuring there really is something for everyone.
Working very closely with many of the countries leading charities, Charity Challenge carries out all of the expedition administration meaning that even the smallest of charities can benefit from a dynamic and hugely popular fundraising tool.
At Charity Challenge we place great importance on responsible tourism. Our commitment extends to helping the local communities you will visit. We employ local guides, porters and other essential support staff and always try and use locally owned accommodation. We ensure that the experiences are positive for the local people & their community by making a donation from the profits of each expedition to a local community project within the country that the expedition takes place.
We are renowned for our professional conduct and concern for participants' safety at every step of the adventure. We offer comprehensive advice during the booking process and provide a full support package including notes on fitness training, travel tips, vaccinations needed, visa information, high altitude info, responsible travel guidance and fundraising ideas.
Mount Everest : Everest Base Camp Trek at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Mount Everest
Gokoyo River : Everest Base Camp Trek at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Gokoyo River
Culture of Nepal : Everest Base Camp Trek at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Culture of Nepal
Crossing the bridge : Everest Base Camp Trek at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Crossing the bridge
Women on a mission! : Everest Base Camp Trek at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Women on a mission!
Lunch time : Everest Base Camp Trek at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Lunch time
Spectacular views : Everest Base Camp Trek at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
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