Everest Base Camp Via Arun Valley

Arrival Kathmandu (1275m)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will complete your customs formalities such as visa processing. We suggest looking for our representative at the arrival gate holding an Everest View Treks and Expedition display board. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Manang or a hotel of a similar category, including bed and breakfast.

Domestic Flight to Tumlingtar (45 minutes, 410 m) then Trek to Katike Ghat (523 m) – 5–6 hours walk, Overnight at Tent Camp

Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar early in the morning to start the trek through the Arun Valley. Enjoy beautiful views of the city, the Himalayas and the terraced fields below. After arriving in Tumlingtar, begin the trek. The mountains in the distance are Chamalang to the left and Makalu to the far right.

Follow the small road through a series of small lively villages and colorful tea-houses. Many locals will share the trail as well as trains of mules carrying cardamom, the biggest cash crop in the region. After about an hour, reach a fantastic suspension bridge with side ties stretching across the wide Arun River. Then descend to the sandy riverside peppered with boulders.

Following the river closely, pass terraced rice fields, buffalos, thatched huts and villagers working in the fields. Have lunch at Chewa Besi and continue to Katike Ghat, a village known for bees and honey. Overnight at a normal tea house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Gothe Bazaar (2,247 ft / 685 m)

Start the morning with an easy 20-minute walk to the lovely village of Balwa Besi, where you cross a small river. Then begin climbing through a lush tropical forest of cardamom, banana and papaya trees and past thatched huts to a chautara (local rest-spot), which is a spectacular viewpoint high above the hazy valley and the Arun River. You then have quite a climb before lunch.

Contour around hillsides and climb to Marduwa, a small hamlet, passing more terraced fields and clusters of ochre and cream mud-brick houses built in the local style. Stop for lunch near Nepali Danda (also called Charlissay). Reach the intersection of the old trail from Dingla and, after contouring around a hillside, join a larger trail near a cluster of banyan trees.

The forest thickens as you ascend and then drops back down to the Irkhuwa River, crossing two bridges and following a riverside trail for another hour or so to Gothe Bazaar. Here, the inhabitants are Gurung and Rai. Overnight at a normal tea house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Salpa Phedi (4,986 ft / 1,520 m)

After breakfast, head towards Lankuwa village and then further on to Dhobani, a village of paper-makers. Delicious tangerines are sold along the trail by local villagers so pick up some for the day. Cross the river on a flexing bamboo bridge and trek through several small picturesque whitewashed villages with thatched roofs. Pass through Lankuwa village and then start the steep uphill climb to Dhobani. Along the way, keep an eye out for the traditional fishermen with their long bamboo nets.

Continue through a thick tropical forest, climb the 'waterfall steps' and eventually reach Tala (Lower) Phedi, where paper is also made. Stop for lunch before hiking another hour uphill along a lovely trail backed by undulating grasses, rocks and fruit trees. Reach Salpa Phedi where you'll overnight at a normal tea house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Guranse (Chayaksila) (9,842 ft / 3,000 m)

Start the morning with a steep climb up stone steps through upper Salpa Phedi then keep climbing with increasingly amazing views down the valley. It will take several hours of climbing to reach Jau Bari, a village that grows the best barley in the region. Here, there is a Sherpa monastery just below a lovely Sherpa-run campsite. Stop for a breather then continue past terraced fields and through rhododendron forests. Pass the turnoff for Salpa Lake and stop overnight at a local porter stop with several Sherpa houses. Overnight at a normal tea house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Sanam (9,317 ft / 2,840 m)

The Salpa Bhanjyang Pass (11,023 ft / 3,360 m) marks the border of Solu Khumbu and the Sherpa region. It's a short ascent to get here, just over an hour to the chorten-topped windy pass where there are wonderful views of snow-capped Karylung Peak. Descend steeply through the forest following a small stream and several mani walls to the Lidung Khola. Cross to the north bank then continue to a few local teahouses. An hour or so afterward, reach the picturesque Sherpa village of Sanam, a lovely village with traditional Sherpa houses and terraced fields. Overnight at a normal tea house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Gudel (6,446 ft / 1,965 m)

Leaving Sanam, contour along a high trail with broad views, first reaching Duire (Tiu), a group of simple lodges. Soon afterward, arrive at the rustic gompa at Nimtsola. Here, Sherpa influence ends as you enter the land of the Rai. The trail is now larger. Finally, reach the buffalo huts and terraced fields of the large Rai village of Gudel, a bustling and interesting place. The village of Bung and the Naulekh mountains are visible in the distance as is Mera Peak. Descend steeply on slate steps to a campsite at the back of a local teahouse, your stop for the night. Overnight at a normal tea house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Kiraunle Gompa (8,333 feet/ 2,540 m).

Today is a long but rewarding day. Begin by steeply descending past rice paddies and cardamom plants to the river far below. Cross a long bridge and begin the equally steep ascent to Bung. Following the stream on a rock trail, ascend a switch-backing trail after crossing the Hungu Khola. Bung means 'beautiful flower' in the Rai language and is indeed a lovely large village, renowned for its tongba (millet beer). The entrance to the Makalu Barun National Park is just past the school in the village. Continue to trek with great views and cooler temperatures until reaching a grassy plateau, your lunch stop. After a bit of 'off-trail' climbing, arrive at the recently built Kiraunle-Chambaling Gompa, your stop for the night. Overnight at a normal tea house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Najing Dingma, via Surkie Pass (10,072 feet/ 3,070 m).

Today there is another pass crossing, which takes two and a half to three hours to reach the crest. Head straight to the ancient moss-covered chortens and mani walls on the ridge, pass through a rhododendron forest. At the intersection by the teahouses, head up towards the Surkie Pass (10,072 ft / 3,070 m). There are better views at the sightseeing platform just above the narrow pass ridge, from where you'll be able to see Karylung, Khatang and Numbur mountains. Afterward, the descent is steep down along a rocky trail and through a bamboo forest, but you'll soon arrive at your overnight destination, Najing Dingma. This tiny hamlet and grazing area has a few small teahouses and shops set on a flat green section of the hillside. See 'Variations' section below for alternative routes on days 8, 9 and 10. Overnight at a normal tea house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Pangom (9,350 feet/ 2,850 m).

Today is another day of steep climbs and a pass. Descend from Najing Dingma for an hour through leafy woods to Gai Kharka, a small village of only a few thatched huts. Continue descending steeply to the rickety bridge high above the Inkhu Khola. From here, make the steep ascent up a path, about which the owner of a nearby teahouse said: "It's so steep that even the monkeys fall off!" It takes two to three hours to reach the next village, but as you gain altitude you are also treated to spectacular views of the Inkhu Valley with Mera Peak looming ahead.

Shubuche (8,727 ft / 2,660 m) is a large village spread over the hillside, marked by Tibetan prayer flags. From there, it will take another hour of climbing to reach the two small teahouses below the pass, and another hour to reach the Pangum La (or Satu La) pass (10,416 ft / 3,175 m). From the pass you can see the trail from Jiri, the Trakshindo La and the incredibly scenic Sherpa village of Pangom below. After another half hour's walk, reach your scenic campsite at the back of a friendly Sherpa lodge.

Pangom is home to a few nice lodges, the Hillary School, fields marked by wooden fences and a Tibetan Buddhist gompa. Enjoy a fantastic sunset across the wide open valley with Karylung rising majestically in front across the Dudh Kosi, the 'milk river' that leads to the Khumbu region. Overnight at a normal tea house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Puiyan (8,956 feet/ 2,730 m).

Heading out of town past the long rows of old mani walls, you can look out at the hilltop villages of Bupsa and Karikhola in the distance. Instead of walking towards them, veer right on a smaller wooded trail towards the small hamlet of Kharte, about 2.5 hours away, and then the Khari La, a wide pass. It will take a good hour and a half of contouring and climbing to crest the pass (10,088 ft / 3,075 m), but the views are amazing from the top.

Have your first view of the sacred Sherpa peak Khumbu Yul Lha (Khumbila), Gyachen Kang and then Kusum Kangaru just around the corner. It is a quick descent on a rocky trail to the main Jiri trail, and then another half hour leads to the charming village of Puiyan, your stop for the night. Overnight at a guest house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Phakding (8,713 feet/ 2,656 m)

The trail now leaves the tributary valley and heads more directly north towards Chaurikharka (8,900 ft / 2,713 m). Before ascending, the main trail crosses a spectacular deep gorge with a high waterfall (7,900 ft / 2,408 m). Chaurikharka, a large scattered village with a monastery and a high school, is the breadbasket of the Khumbu area as the land is fertile and crops like barley, wheat and green vegetables are grown.

After this village, the trail from Lukla joins that towards Phakding. The path becomes quite busy with trekkers, porters and pack animals. Several hours of walking along a scenic trail bring you to Phakding. Overnight at a guest house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Namche Bazaar (11,318 feet/ 3,450 m).

From Phakding, cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, which was established to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. From there, take a steep hike to Namche. If the weather is clear, you will get your first glimpse of Everest. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market as well as numerous shops lodges and restaurants. Overnight at a guest house including meals (B/L/D).

Rest day in Namche.

Namche is tucked away between two ridges amid the giant peaks of the Khumbu. It is an ideal place to spend a day acclimatizing to the altitude. To help acclimatize, visit Khunde Hospital established by Sir Edmund Hillary or take a one-hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche for views of Ama Dablam Nuptse Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the National Park Center and Museum just above the town. Overnight at a guest house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Tengboche (12,687 feet/ 3,867 m).

From Namche, the trail contours along the side of the valley high above the Dudh Kosi. Get your first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu from here, including Everest Lhotse Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing several villages and numerous tea shops, descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga, an ideal stopover for lunch and a rest spot before climbing steeply to Tengboche. Although the hike up the zigzag path is tiring, it presents many beautiful sights, including rhododendron bushes, beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu, and a great spot for taking photographs. A spectacular panorama of Everest Lhotse and Ama Dablam can be seen from the campsite. Overnight at a guest house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Dingboche (14,304 feet/ 4,360 m).

On the way to Pangboche village, choose the upper trail for better views. Pass several chortens, mani walls and small villages. The lunch stop not only serves delicious food but also allows a fantastic close-up of Ama Dablam (6,856 m / 22,493 ft). In the afternoon, walk north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Ama Dablam. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as you approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. Descend to the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. On arrival, notice the beautiful fields enclosed by stone walls growing barley, buckwheat and potatoes. Overnight at a guest house including meals (B/L/D).

Rest day in Dingboche.

Taboche, Lobuche West and Lobuche East. Spend your second acclimatization day at Dingboche. A breakfast with an Ama Dablam view to the south is memorable. Climb the ridge to the north behind the village for an ideal acclimatizing excursion. From the top, you can see three of the world's six highest peaks - Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu as well as Cholatse. Overnight at a guest house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Lobuche (16,174 feet/ 4,930 m).

Continue trekking up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawache on the left. Turn right and climb steeply towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. The teahouse at Duglha is a good place for lunch. The trail zigzags up through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine. At the top of this climb there are many stone cairns built as memorials to the Sherpas who have died climbing Mount Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier to eventually reach a cluster of houses at Lobuche. Overnight at a guest house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Gorak Shep (17,007 feet/ 5,184 m),Hike to Kalapathhar.

To reach Kala Pattar, follow the Khumbu Glacier. The trail offers superb views of the surrounding mountains especially where the path is forced to rise to cross a tributary glacier. Stop for lunch at the overnight camping place, Gorak Shep and afterward climb up to one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region, Kala Pattar. As the light begins to fade, descend gently to the camp at Gorak Shep and have an early night in preparation for the trek to Everest Base Camp the next day. Overnight at a guest house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Everest Base Camp (17,575 feet/ 5,357 m) and Back to Pangboche

A very early start is required to reach the Everest Base Camp as it takes several hours to weave through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. On the return, take a higher route for a spectacular view of the Khumbu Icefall and the South Col. Return to Pangboche. Overnight at a guest house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Namche Bazaar.

Continue to follow the river and after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forests to Tengboche. Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants to be seen. From Tengboche, descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi. At Phunki Tenga, see the water-driven prayer wheels before making your way back to Namche. Overnight at a guest house including meals (B/L/D).

Trek to Lukla (9,186 feet/ 2,800 m)

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. By today we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this charming mountain air. Although we are travelling the same route down, we feel completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests and in the distance snow-covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayer flags while we walk through the villages. On arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smiles on their faces! Overnight at a guest house including meals (B/L/D).

Fly From Lukla to Kathmandu.

We board our flight and make the exciting 35-minute journey back to Kathmandu. This day can also serve as a spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla which may delay or cancel the flight. Upon arrival, you will have time to relax after the long journey and take back your breath and rest at your hotel, marking the end of your Arun Valley to Everest trek. Overnight at hotel including breakfast (B/B).

Fly home farewell friend.

You are saying goodbye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today. We hope you enjoyed the tour with us and are sure you will return for another adventure in the Himalayas. Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from EVT will transfer you to the airport. On your way home, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.