The Kala Pattar trek allows you to share the experiences of the commercial Everest expeditions as they make their way to the Everest Base Camp at the foot of the world's highest mountain. If we are lucky, we may encounter expeditions on their way to the Base Camp. The mountain lies in the Sagarmatha National Park, which is located in the Khumbu Region. This trek ascends gradually through the high valleys of the Himalayas up to Kala Pattar and the Everest Base Camp, located below the famous Khumbu Ice Fall.
We fly from Kathmandu to Lukla between Himalayan peaks, landing on the famous and spectacular airstrip in Lukla. The views form the plane are unbelievable, where it almost seems as if the plane will touch its wings to the side of the mountains. We will start our trek in Lukla, where many commercial expeditions start their ascent to Everest. The trail winds through the "Milk River" valley, climbing and dropping, with stunning views of some of the world's highest peaks emerging around practically every corner. After two days of trekking Mount Everest will appear in the distance. At the end of the day, we will reach Namche Bazaar, which is the main Sherpa village in the Khumbu Region. The following day we will spend in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize our bodies to the altitude. There will be time to explore the area, visit monasteries and the Everest National Park Exhibit.
From Namche Bazaar, we descend toward the river before climbing to the ridge-top village of Tengboche. The magnificent Tengboche Gompa (monastery) remains one of the most important cultural treasurers of the Khumbu Region. We will have unbelievable up close views of the world's highest peaks while in Tengboche.
From Tengboche, the trek continues to village of Pheriche. We will spend an extra day in Pheriche to continue our acclimatization to the altitude. We will get a chance to visit the oldest Gompa in the Khumbu Region; the Nangkartshang Monastery. We will also have incredible views of Makalu, the 5th highest mountain in the world.
The rest day in Tengboche will allow us to gain strength for the toughest couple of days ahead of us to reach our ultimate destination of Kala Pattar. Kala Pattar is a black rocky hill directly across the valley from Mount Everest, from where we will have breathtaking views of Everest. This may be considered the best viewing point of Mount Everest in the world. From the summit of Kala Pattar, we can appreciate the rocky face of Everest, the Khumbu Glacier, the ice fall, the South Col, and the Hillary Step immediately below the summit of Everest. Lhotse, Nuptse, and Changtse in Tibet is visible from the summit of Kala Pattar.
The following day we will reach the Everest Base Camp, which serves as the starting point for many commercial expeditions in their summit of Everest. As we descend, we will continue to experience stunning views of peaks towering above us such as Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kantega, Thamserku, and Tawache. During the descent, we will visit villages along the way such as Dingboche, Tengboche and Khumjung. When we reach Khumjung we will have the option to visit the Khumjung Monastery and the Hillary Primary School (founded by Sir Edmund Hillary).
The following day we will trek to the village of Ghat, where we will set camp for the night by the river. The next day we trek to Lukla, from where we fly back to Kathmandu. You will have one extra day in Kathmandu prior to your departure to the US to shop and do more sightseeing. You will be in the heart of Thamel, which is close to good restaurants and shopping.
Please note that this trek is considered strenuous. We will ensure your safety while experiencing the views of the most stunning mountains in the world. Therefore we have designed this trek to ensure that all group members acclimatize properly with the use of rest days.
The Khumbu Region is known for the Sherpa people residing in the area, and you will be sure to experience the warmth and hospitality of these wonderful people. The Sherpas have achieved their fame from exploits of its men on mountaineering expeditions. The Sagarmatha National Park has an abundance of flora and fauna. The spectacular Rhododendron forests bloom in white, pink or red during the Spring. The Rhododendron trees can reach heights up to 20 meters. Deer can be seen at lower elevations, and Himalayan Tahrs (wild mountain goats) are visible from the trail through Khumjung to Dingboche. The Sagarmatha National Park is a World Heritage Site, and as it is our heritage as well we encourage to keep the area in the condition we found it "clean and pollution free". This will truly be a trip of a life time!
You have the option to spend a few days white water river rafting and participate in a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park for an additional charge. Click here for a detailed description of the white water river rafting and jungle safari.
Click here for the Itinerary – Everest Base Camp.
Click here for a Map of Nepal with the Khumbu Region.