Everest Base Camp Trek with Bhutan Tour

Continue beside the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through Toktok, Benkar and Monjo. Your permits will be checked near the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park.

After Jorsalle, the trail crosses the impressive Hillary Suspension Bridge and begins a sustained uphill climb through pine forest. On a clear day, you may receive your first distant view of Mount Everest before reaching Namche Bazaar, the principal trading centre of the Khumbu region.

This important acclimatization day helps your body adjust before continuing above 3,500 metres. After breakfast, hike towards Syangboche and Hotel Everest View, situated at approximately 3,880 metres.

In clear weather, the route provides excellent views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and surrounding peaks. Depending on your fitness and the weather, the walk may continue towards Khumjung before returning to Namche.

The afternoon is free to rest, explore the market or visit the Sherpa Culture Museum.

Follow the scenic trail above the Dudh Koshi Valley with views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. The path passes through Kyangjuma before descending through forest to Phunki Tenga.

After crossing the river, begin a steady climb through rhododendron and pine forest to Tengboche. In the afternoon, visit Tengboche Monastery, the principal Buddhist monastery of the Khumbu region, subject to its opening hours.

Descend through the forest to Deboche and cross the Imja Khola before climbing gradually towards Pangboche. The trail continues through increasingly open alpine terrain, with Ama Dablam dominating the landscape.

After passing Shomare and crossing another river, make the final gradual ascent into Dingboche. The stone-walled fields surrounding the village protect crops from the strong Himalayan winds.

A second acclimatization day is essential before travelling towards Lobuche and Gorak Shep. After breakfast, take a gradual hike onto the ridge above Dingboche.

Depending on the weather, trail conditions and your physical response to the altitude, the guide may lead you towards a viewpoint between approximately 4,700 and 5,000 metres. The ridge offers views of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Island Peak and the surrounding valleys.

Return to Dingboche for lunch and spend the afternoon resting and hydrating.

Walk gradually towards Dughla, also known as Thukla, across open alpine terrain above the Pheriche Valley. After crossing the stream, climb steeply to Thukla Pass.

At the top are stone memorials dedicated to climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives in the Himalayas. Continue along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier towards Lobuche, surrounded by dramatic views of Nuptse, Pumori, Lingtren and Khumbutse.

Begin with a gradual but demanding walk beside the Khumbu Glacier towards Gorak Shep, the final settlement on the classic EBC route. After reaching the lodge, take a short rest and continue towards Everest Base Camp.

The trail crosses rocky glacial moraine and requires careful walking. At Everest Base Camp, enjoy views of the Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks. Expedition tents are normally present only during the principal climbing season. Trekkers do not enter the Khumbu Icefall.

After spending time at Base Camp, return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Weather and physical conditions permitting, begin before sunrise for the climb to Kala Patthar. The ascent is steep and demanding, but the summit area provides one of the best panoramic views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and the Khumbu Glacier.

After returning to Gorak Shep for breakfast, descend past Lobuche and Thukla towards Pheriche. The lower elevation and wider valley generally make breathing and sleeping more comfortable.

Continue descending through the valley towards Pangboche and Deboche. Pass Tengboche and descend through forest to Phunki Tenga before making a final ascent towards Kyangjuma.

The trail then follows a more gradual route back to Namche Bazaar. This is a long walking day, but the lower altitude and increasing vegetation mark your return towards the lower Khumbu.

Descend steeply from Namche towards the Hillary Suspension Bridge and follow the Dudh Koshi River through Jorsalle, Monjo and Phakding.

Although much of the route descends, several shorter uphill sections remain, including the final climb into Lukla. On arrival, check into the teahouse and spend the evening with your trekking team.

This day is intentionally reserved between the EBC trek and Bhutan tour. If poor weather delays the flight from Lukla, it provides an additional opportunity to return to Kathmandu without immediately losing the Bhutan programme.

When the Lukla flight operates on schedule, the day is free for rest, personal activities or optional Kathmandu sightseeing. Any optional sightseeing, guide service and monument entrance fees are additional unless agreed in advance.

Transfer to Kathmandu airport and fly across the Himalayas to Paro. On a clear day, the flight can provide spectacular mountain views.

After completing immigration formalities, meet your Bhutanese guide and drive to Thimphu. Depending on the flight arrival time, visit sites such as the National Memorial Chorten or Buddha Dordenma before checking into the hotel.

Explore selected cultural and historical attractions in Thimphu. Visits may include Buddha Dordenma, the National Memorial Chorten, a traditional arts or heritage centre and Tashichho Dzong, depending on opening hours and official events.

After sightseeing, drive back through the Thimphu Valley to Paro. On arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy time to explore Paro town.

After breakfast, drive to the trailhead and begin hiking to Taktsang Monastery, commonly known as Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is built into a cliff approximately 900 metres above the Paro Valley and is Bhutan’s most celebrated cultural landmark.

The trail climbs steadily through pine forest to the cafeteria viewpoint. Continue to the principal viewpoint before descending the stone steps, crossing the waterfall and climbing the final section into the monastery complex.

After visiting Tiger’s Nest, descend to the trailhead. If time and energy permit, visit Kyichu Lhakhang or explore Paro town.