In December 2018 I lead a group of 34 people on the Everest Base Camp trek for Skyline Events.
For photographs of this expedition see Nepal – Everest Base Camp Trek, December 2018
This expedition is arranged by Skyline Events
11 December Fly from Manchester to Kathmandu
12 December 2018 Arrive Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! Meet and greet with local crew. Overnight hotel.
13 December 2018 Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
We catch a morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla(2840m), the most renowned mountain airstrip in the world! Upon arrival we meet our mountain crew and porters who will carry our luggage throughout our journey before we begin our trek along the undulation trail to Phakding, which is situated at 2,600m. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 4-5 hours trekking.
14 December 2018 Trek to Namche Bazaar
Today we trek into the Sherpa capital and heart of the Khumbu. The trail up the hill is steep but we will take the climb slowly and enjoy the surrounding views of the valley and river before we enter Everest National Park. After the formalities at the park entrance we continue up hill to Namche which is built on the steep side of the mountain. Overnight at 3,440m. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 6-7 hours trekking
15 December 2018 Acclimatisation day in Namche
With Everest now in sight, it’s time for us to acclimatise before we continue our trek. Today we’ll walk up to the Everest View Hotel and visit the Hilary Museum to learn more about the region’s mountaineering history. Tonight we’ll stay at the lodge in Namche. Overnight local tea house.
16 December 2018 Trek to Phortse
This morning we leave Namche along the classic route to Everest which contours the hillside high above the Imja Khosi and offers an amazing insight into the life and culture of the Sherpas. Today we’ll enjoy spectacular views of many peaks in the area including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and the beautifully shaped Ama Dablam (6,812m). Tonight we stay in Phortse (3,810m), home to a number of Sherpas who have reached Everest’s summit. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 6-7 hours trekking.
17 December 2018 Trek to Dingboche
Today we will feel the high-altitude as we climb above the Imjatse River. From the top of this climb we’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Imjatse Valley which we’ll trek through as we descend into Dingboche (4,410m), with the mountains of Nuptse, Lohtse and Ama Dablam looming above us. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 6 hours trekking.
18 December Acclimatisation day in Dingboche
Today we take a short acclimatisation walk and then rest to help aid acclimatisation. Overnight local tea house.
19 December 2018 Trek to Lobuche
We head North above the village of Pheriche and stop for lunch before taking on the steep hill to the top. Today we will pass beautiful prayer flags fluttering in the wind before we follow the valley into Lobuche(4,900m) and our lodge for the evening. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 5 hours trekking.
20 December 2018 Trek to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep
This will be a challenging hike but is undoubtedly the highlight of the challenge as we make our way to Everest Base Camp (5,380m). It will be a tough climb but we will be rewarded with spectacular views. After a stop at camp with breath-taking scenery, including the Khumbu icefall, we will make our way back to Gorakshep which will be our place of rest for the night! Overnight local tea house. Approx. 5 hours trekking
21 December 2018 Trek to Kala Pathar
Today we will attempt to summit Kala Pathar (new summit 5,650m), our highest point of the trek, and witness the incredible views of Everest and the Khumbu Icefall. We will spend some time at summit so we can revel in our incredible achievement and take in the beautiful views. This will give us the chance to reflect on the awe-inspiring journey we have accomplished so far and take in the majestic mountains around us. From here we return to Pheriche or Orsho for a well-deserved sleep! Overnight local tea house. Approx. 8-12 hours trekking
22 December 2018 Trek to Tengboche
After a hearty breakfast we set off from Pheriche or Orsho and make our way onwards to Tengboche (3,840m), taking in the stunning views of the now familiar Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse – some of the most beautiful peaks in the Himalayas. We’ll visit Tengboche Monastery and the Sherpa Heritage Foundation to soak up the wonderful culture of this popular village, Overnight local tea house. Approx. 3-5 hours trekking.
23 December 2018 Trek to Monjo
Leaving Tengboche, we will pass yak herders cottages and high peaks as we make our way to Monjo (2,860m). We will have a slow descent as we lose 1,000m with Monjo standing at 2,800m quite a dramatic change from our previous night’s lodgings! Today will see us making our way over suspension bridges, taking us along beautiful paths and past tea houses as we make our way into Monjo. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 7.5 hours trekking
24 December 2018 Trek to Lukla
This will be our final day trekking and will be a pleasant day to end our incredible challenge! We make our way through small villages on our final climb as we trek towards our final destination of Lukla (2,840m) where we can enjoy our last evening with the Sherpa guides and porters and thank them for a wonderful adventure. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 5 hours trekking
25 December 2018 Fly back to Kathmandu
Today marks the end of our unforgettable trek as we leave Lukla and the breath-taking Himalayas behind and fly over to Kathmandu where we can enjoy a well deserved rest in our hotel. Overnight hotel.
26 December 2018 Free day in Katmandu
27 December 2018 Transfer to airport for flight home.
