Everest Kalapathar Trekking | Trekking in Everest Kalapathar

Everest Kalapatthar Trekking - 23 Days

Jiri is used to be the only gateway to the Everest region in the past. Nowadays, with regular flights to and from Lukla, treks can be started directly from Lukla allowing more time to explore the mysticism of Khumbu region. Nevertheless, a trek to the Everest region from Jiri is enriching in itself due to the gradual increase in altitude and wonderful views of the mountains and landscape along with warm hospitality of various ethnic groups on the way.

Everest Kalapathar Trekking is considered one of the most rewarding trekking packages in Nepal as it offers us heart-thrilling experiences during the Nepal Trips. This trek is perfect trip for those who wish to experience the true adventure while witnessing the beautiful views of glorious mountains. This trek lets you experience the Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar, the best viewpoint the region while lets you experience the 360 degree panoramic views of peaks around.

Everest Kalapatthar trek is a lifetime adventure exploring the dense forests full with rhododendron, ascending and descending steeply hills, crossing raging rivers through suspension bridges, and throughout the trek, witnessing the spectacular views of mountains. This is the ideal trek to get glimpses of Mount Everest; the sunrise view from Kalapatthar is the most phenomenal moment in this trek; and you cannot ignore the breathtaking 360 degree view of the mountains. And as you reach at the Everest Base Camp, the Everest appears so near that you might want to reach out stretching your hand! This trek is the blend of cultural and spiritual awareness, beautiful experience of natural landscape, and adventure.

Apart from the views from Kalapatthar, this trek gives you the opportunity to explore the Khumbu ice fall region. You shall be amazed by the richness of Sherpa culture and their hospitality. If you are lucky, you might see wild animals like Blue Sheep, Musk Deer, snow leopard, and birds such as Kalij, Munal, Himalayan Pheasant, Danfe, etc. You might want to read some of the ancient books and transcripts of Sherpas at the Sherpa Museum in Namche Bazar.

We begin Everest Kalapatthar Trek after the scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla or the drive to Jiri. We then continue our trek further to various interesting Himalayan destinations. Everest Kalapatthar Trek also takes you to beautiful Gokyo Valley which is the source of grand Dudh Koshi River and many other destinations including Ngozumpa Glacier, the other celebrated view point of Gokyo Ri, famous Cho La Pass, and importantly in the lap of world-highest peak Mount Everest. Everest Kalapatthar Trekking will let you experience the typical Sherpa lifestyle and culture offering you plenty of opportunities to explore wonderful Himalayan ecosystem and biodiversity. You will have wonderful experience when you will visit tranquil and beautiful series of Gokyo Lakes. As Everest Kalapatthar trekking is graded as difficult and challenging trek, only physically fit and experienced trekkers are recommended for this trip. Everest Kalapatthar Trek is considered perfectly suitable trek for those who are physically fit, and who love challenges.

Besides, you will get to explore many other wonders in Khumbu region during this trek. Blue Mountain Travels and Tours organizes Everest Kalapatthar Trek with all required facilities during the Nepal Himalayas Trips. You will have great experience during this trip. Blue Mountain team cordially welcomes you all to Nepal for this Everest Kalapatthar Trekking.

Route

After your arrival at Kathmandu (1,320 m), you shall drive to Jiri (1,905 m). Via Deurali (2,250 m), you shall trek to Sete (2,575 m). Through Junbesi (2,680 m), Nunthala (2,220 m), Bupsa (2,360 m), Surkey (2,400 m), Phakding (2,610 m), you will reach all the way to the Namche Bazar (3,440 m)—the Gateway to Everest. Spending a day for acclimatization at Namche Bazar, you shall head off to Tengboche (3,870 m). The next day, you shall reach at Dingboche (4,360 m) and spend the following day for acclimatization. Via Chhukung (4,730 m), Chhukung Ri (5,550 m), Lobuche (4,950 m), Gorakshep (5,170 m), you will reach at your destination—the Everest Base Camp (5,380 m). Returning back to Gorakshep, you shall head towards another destination—the Kala Pathhar (5,643 m), the next day. Via Pheriche (4,371 m), Phortse Thanga (3,750 m), Khumjung (3,790 m), Thame (3,800 m), Monjo (2,835 m), you shall reach Lukla (2,800 m). The next day after your stay at Lukla, you shall return back to Kathmandu via a 30 minute flight. You shall spend an extra day at Kathmandu, exploring the UNESCO's World Heritage Sites and shopping. If you have time, you can visit to Chandragiri. Next day, you have your return flight back to your home country.

Difficulty

5,643 m is the highest point you will be making in this trek; you shall begin at 1,905 m of altitude. This is a long trek rather than any technical climbing. You might experience vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, and headache in the trek due to altitude sickness. The worst case of altitude sickness is lungs or brain filled with fluid. You need to have proper time for acclimatizing your body. Further, you will have to be slow. Don't make haste to ascend. Just before reaching EBC, you will have to go through the glacial area and some of the areas prone to rock fall. Maintaining appropriate distance between each trekker is important. Further, the weather in the Everest region isn't stable. Sometimes, unprecedented extremely dangerous weather change can lead to immediate evacuation. Avalanche is another possible dangerous problem. 21 people were killed in an avalanche when Nepal was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015. 16 Sherpas were killed in another avalanche during 2014.

If you are well aware of the possible risks in the trek and adopt required preventive measures, these challenges shouldn't stop you from going to the most adventurous trek of all. Take sufficient acclimatization days, go slow, drink plenty of clean water, eat hygienic food, and stay warm, and follow the guide. You are not required to have any perfect bodily fitness to complete this trek. Some prior trekking experience, or some exercises before few weeks to trek will be added advantage. In addition to above considerations, if your body can endure walking for long duration and do not have any knee or ankle problem, this trek will not be any difficult to you.

Food and accommodation

The most popular and pervasive food dishes in the country is Dal Bhat; no matter where you dine, provided it is not a fast food spot, you shall get this dish. Tea houses mostly offer you toast, tea/coffee and eggs for breakfast. Otherwise, you will get fresh chapatti, porridge, pancakes, etc. Sherpa stew is another pervasive item that you will find in every tea house, but the recipe differs. Beside Dal Bhat, you can have noodles, potatoes, pasta, etc. to crab in lunch. You can have fried Mars Bars enclosed in dough for dessert. You might have pretty limited items in menu at high altitude, but the varieties shall appear as you descend down. MoMo or dumpling is the popular food item in Kathmandu. Kathmandu offers you varieties of foods.
You will get all different sorts of hotels at Kathmandu—from very cheap to expensive. Everest base camp trekking routes are pretty busy, therefore, you shall find lots of lodges for stay. A 'hotel' may not provide accommodation, but a 'lodge' shall always provide you accommodation facility. These trekking lodges, tea houses and hotels offers you decent bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Throughout the trail, you will find different sorts of accommodation options available.

Best Season

In Everest region, Nar-Phu valley, Mustang and Dolpo are decent trekking destination during monsoon season. March through to May, and September through to November are the best time to trek to Everest base camp. During autumn and spring season, the weather is clear, the temperature isn't extreme, and offers bright and obstacle-free views. During the spring season, you will be able to witness the spectacular flowers, forests full with rhododendron, fresh plants, and various endangered animals. Walking becomes much more pleasing during this season. Whereas, winter season is also good for trekking. And in fact, October is the busiest season. You shall also meet the mountain climbers during this season.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01 : Drive from Kathmandu (1300m) to Jiri (1350m)
Day 02 : Jiri (1905m.) to Deurali (2705m.)
Day 03 : Deurali (2705m.) to Sete (2400m.)
Day 04 : Sete (2400m.) to Junbesi (2675m.)
Day 05 : Junbesi (2675m.) to Nunthala (2200m.)
Day 06 : Nunthala (2200m.) to Bupsa (2350m.)
Day 07 : Bupsa (2350m.) to Surkey (2400m.)
Day 08 : Surkey (2400m.) to Phakding (2652m.)
Day 09 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.)
Day 10 : Rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization
Day 11 : Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3850 m.)
Day 12 : Tyangboche to Dingboche( 4350m.)
Day 13 : Rest at Dingboche for acclimatization
Day 14 : Dingboche(4350m.) to Chhukung (4730m.)
Day 15 : Chhukung to Chhukung Ri (5546m.) to Lobuche (4900m.)
Day 16 : Lobuche (4900m.) to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep (5180m.)
Day 17 : Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and back to Pheriche (4250m.)
Day 18 : Pheriche to Phortse (3750m.)
Day 19 : Phortse (3750m.) to Khumjung (3790m.)
Day 20 : Khumjung to Thame (3800m.)
Day 21 : Thame to Monjo (2835m.)
Day 22 : Monjo to Lukla (2800m.)
Day 23 : Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.

Details Itinerary
Includes/Excludes
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Day 01 : Kathmandu (1300m) – Jiri (1350m) bus drive
About nine-hours bus ride east of Kathmandu via The trip will begin with an about nine hour bus drive. We will head eastward from Kathmandu and drive along the Arniko highway. The road passes through Bhaktapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Dolalghat and Lamasanghu. From Lamasangu, we will divert towards Jiri leaving the Arniko highway. We pass through lush green forests enjoying the wonderful view of the snow capped mountains. After a drive for about 188 km, we will reach Jiri, a small town named after an ethnic community Jirel.

Day 02 : Jiri (1905m.) to Deurali (2705m.)
Trek from Jiri (1905m.) to Deurali (2705m.) which takes about five and half hours. The beginning of your trek is gently ascent for the first two hours to Mali Danda (2440m.) and then it follows gently descent path to Shivalaya (1800m.) where you could take lunch and hang around. After your lunch, the trail steeply goes up for two hours and rest of the day is gently up to the Deurali. You could enjoy the green scenery as well as some of the snow capped mountains at a far distance.

Day 03 : Deurali (2705m.) to Sete (2400m.)
Trek from Deurali (2705m.) to Sete (2400m.) and it takes about six hours. The starting of your trek is steeply descent for early an hour to Bhandar (2250m.) and then gently descent to Kenja (1600m.) where you could enjoy your lunch. After your lunch, your trek is steeply up to destination. En route, you could enjoy with agricultural farm scenery where locals work hard. In addition to this, you could pass through Sherpa villages with beautiful mountain views.

Day 04 : Sete (2400m.) to Junbesi (2675m.)
Trek from Sete (2400m.) to Junbesi (2675m.) and it takes about six hours. To begin your trek, you should climb steeply for an early two hours passing through Dagchu, Goyem, a small Sherpa settlements. Then your trek starts gently up to the Lamjura Pass (3500m.) through rhododendron forest. After the pass, rest of the trek is gently and steeply descent to the destination. In this route, you could enjoy some of the snow capped mountains such as the "Goa of the Solu". Besides this, you could see some wildlife such as monkey and many species of birds.

Day 05 : Junbesi (2675m.) to Nunthala (2200m.)
Trek from Junbesi (2675m.) to Nunthala (2200m.) which takes approximately six hours. The beginning of your trek is gently ascent for early one and half hours to Phurtung (2900m.). From this place, you could see first view of Mount Everest including Thamserku (6623m.), Kantega (6780m.), Kusum Kangaru (6370m.) and Mera Peak (6650m.) Your trek is flat and gently descent to Ringmo Khola (2500m.). Immediately, your trail is steeply up for one and half hours to the Takshindo La Pass (3100m.). From this point, you could see excellent mountain views. At the end of your trek is steeply descent to the town Nunthala (2200m.) through small Sherpa settlement and forest.

Day 06 : Nunthala (2200m.) to Bupsa (2350m.)
Trek from Nunthala (2200m.) to Bupsa (2350m.) and it takes about six hours. The beginning of your trek is gently descent to the Dudh Koshi river (Milk River) for an early two hours passing through agricultural farming land and small Sherpa and Rai settlements. From Dudh Koshi river, your trail is gently ascent all the way to Kharikhola (2050m.) passing through Juving (1680m.) a pretty big Rai village and farming lands. From Kharikhola your trail follows flat path for 45 minutes and then steeply up to the camp (Bupasa) where you could visit Buddhist Monastery in ruined state.

Day 07: Bupsa (2350m.) to Surkey (2400m.)
Trek from Bupsa (2350m.) to Surkey (2400m.) which takes about five and half hours. At the beginning of the day, you should ascend steeply for the early two hours to Khari La Pass (2880m.) passing through rhododendron and oak forest including a small Sherpa settlements and tea shops. From this point, you could see excellent view of different mountains such as Numbu (6960m.), Cho-oyu (8201m.), Gyangchung Kang (7922m.) and Thamserku (6629m.). Now, your trail is gently descent and pretty flat to Chaubar (2730m.) passing through Bamboo forest and Puiyan (2770m.) with view of Khumbu Valley as well as beautiful mountains. At the end of the day, your trail steeply descends up to the destination. Surkey is a small Sherpa village at the bottom of the Lukla.

Day 8 : Surkey (2400m.) to Phakding (2652m.)
Trek from Surkey (2400m.) to Phakding (2652m.) which takes about five hours. The first part of the trek is gently ascent for early 2 hours to Chhiplung (2700m.) a junction road to Jiri and Lukla passing through Mushe (2650m.). From this place, the road is quite broad and busy. Now, your trail is almost flat and gently descent and ascent to Phakding. This is a short trek after 3 long days trek. You could hang in and around Phakding village.

Day 9 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.)
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) which takes about five hours. This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo(2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri, Tawache peak. You can also visit some of the village monasteries on the way of trekking to Namche Bazaar(3440 m.). Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and holds a busy Saturday market. There is set a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have reached there by crossing the glaciated Nangpa La.

Day 10 : Rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization
Rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization and excursion around the places. Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization you walk upto Khunde Hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or a one hour walk up to the Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town.

Day 11 : Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3850 m.)
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3850 m.) and it takes almost five hours. From Namche, the trail contours around the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Kosi. Now you have a glimpse of first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru . Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, the trail descends steeply to a bridge over the river Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga ( 3250m.).The village has an excellent place for lunch and you can take a short rest before making the steep climb to Tyangboche. Although exhausting due to the zigzag path, the trek has numerous attractions like rhododendron bushes, beautiful birds chirping and superb mountain scenery making your trek exciting. Tyangboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region.

Day 12 : Tyangboche to Dingboche( 4350m.)
Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche( 4350m.) which takes about five and half hours. You gradually descend through a forest, cross the Imja Khola and climb steadily up to the village of Pangboche. This is directly opposite to Ama Dablam [6,856 m], and has exceptional views of the mountain, with the Gompa, mani walls and scattered pine trees in the foreground. As you gradually ascend , you do find thick forests but the trail is full of thorny and juniper bushes. A further two and half hours walk brings us to Dingboche. Here you can see Sherpa people working hard in the agricultural farm.

Day 13 : Rest at Dingboche for acclimatization
Rest at Dingboche for acclimatization and excursion in and around the places. Here you can steeply climb up to Nakartsang Gompa for the rare outstanding view of Mount Makalu ( 8463m.) along with Lhotse, Island Peak, Baruntse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The another option provided is a small side trip to Chhukung which takes about 2 and half hours to go up and 1 and half hours to come back to Dingboche. There are some of the lodges which serve you the delicious food items.

Day 14 : Dingboche(4350m.) to Chhukung (4730m.)
Trek from Dingboche(4350m.) to Chhukung (4730m.) and it takes about three hours. The trail gradually ascends up to the Chhukung. On the way, you can see summer huts made especially for keeping the lives tocks in summer time. Along this, you enjoy the beautiful mountain views in and around the valley.

Day 15 : Chhukung to Chhukung Ri (5546m.) to Lobuche (4900m.)
Trek from Chhukung to Chhukung Ri (5546m.) to Lobuche (4900m.) via Dongla(4620m.) and it takes almost six hours. From Chhukung Ri you can have a view of Mt. Nuptse (7896m.), Mt.Lhotse (8511m.), Baruntse peak (6800m.),Ama Dablam peak(6856m.),Thamserku peak (6608m.), Konde Ri or peak(6187m.), Tawoche peak(6542m.), Cholotse peak (6441m.) and more. Now you begin your trek to Lobuche via Dongla which offers you panoramic view of the mountains along the way. The teahouse at Dongla is a good spot to have lunch, before zigzagging 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 many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche.

Day 16 : Lobuche (4900m.) to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep (5180m.)
Trek from Lobuche (4900m.) to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep (5180m.) and back to Gorakshep which take about six hours. You will have lunch at Gorakshep, take rest and if the trekker feels fine, the participants can walk to Everest Base Camp (5486m.). You will spend about 4 and half hours trek up to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep. The trek is on glacier and snow capped rocks. You can also see many small frozen lakes around the Everest Base Camp and return back to Gorakshep.

Day 17 : Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and back to Pheriche (4250m.)
Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and back to Pheriche (4250m.) and it takes about six hours. Early morning climb to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and enjoy the view of sunrise. From Kala Patthar you can have a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and many other mountain peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku and many more. Pheriche is the place where one can make phone calls to any part of the world. You can see the mountain Yaks in Pheriche. Yaks are normally regarded as the porters in this area. The town of Pheriche is known as windy town. There you can see the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. There is located Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post and foreign volunteer doctors are to provide medical treatment to trekkers as well as local people.

Day 18 : Pheriche to Phortse (3750m.)
Trek from Pheriche to Phortse (3750m.) and it takes almost five hours. The trail descends to Pangboche and now the trail starts turning up and down in every half an hour to Phortse.. On the way there is an opportunity to see wild life in and around the area like mountain goat, musk deer and many species of Himalayan birds. There are village monasteries in Pangboche and Phortse rich in cultural heritage of Sherpa people. Along this, you see an old monastery in Pangboche which is believed to have been established during 16 century. The Pangboche village is known to have highest permanent settlement throughout the year.

Day 19 : Phortse (3750m.) to Khumjung (3790m.)
Trek from Phortse (3750m.) to Khumjung (3790m.) which takes almost five hours. The trail here descends for early twenty minutes and ascends up steeply for almost one hour to Mongla (4000m.). From this spot, you can see the panoramic view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kusum Kangaru, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. Now the trail descends and ascends frequently upto Khumjung. The Khumjung village is said to have the largest settlement of Khumbu region. There is well-equipped high school built by Edmund Hillary in 1960. Not limited to this, there is an old monastery where the skull of Yeti is believed to have preserved. The neighboring village of Khumjung is Khunde where a well equipped Hospital is built by Edmund Hillary in 1964.

Day 20 : Khumjung to Thame (3800m.)
Trek from Khumjung to Thame (3800m.) and it takes about five hours. Thame is a place where you can visit many ancient monasteries. You will be able to experience the real Sherpa culture and at the most, from Thame you can take a glance at the beautiful mountain peaks.

Day 21 : Thame to Monjo (2835m.)
Trek from Thame to Monjo (2835m.) which takes about five and half hours. While trekking from Thame to Monjo you come across few Sherpa settlements and you will meet friendly Sherpa people. Trekking this day is little bit easier in comparison to other days. Monjo is a small village and the area is mainly for agriculture. You can see people being engaged in agricultural activities.

Day 22 : Monjo to Lukla (2800m.)
Trek from Monjo to Lukla (2800m.) and it takes about four hours. This day the trail gradually descends and ascends as well. You cross the Dudh Koshi river over suspension bridges.

Day 23 : Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla which takes 35 minutes.

Costs included during the trip:

All land transports in private vehicle including airport transfers
Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu according to the itinerary package of related treks
Kathmandu sightseeing tour including all entry fees, tour guide and private vehicle
Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
Best available twin sharing lodge accommodation during the trek
Seasonal fruits during the trek
One skilled, professional and friendly guide including his food, accommodation, salary, equipment and accidental insurance
Costs of food, accommodation, salary, equipment and accidental insurance of porters (One porter will be provided for 2 people during the trek)
Round Trip flight :Kathmandu- Lukla and Lukla- Kathmandu including departure taxes
Duffle bag for trekking
Down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek
Trekking map and trip achievement certificate
First aid medical kit
Sagarmatha National Park permits fee
TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System ( please bring 2passport size photos for permit)
Government taxes and office service charge

Costs excluded during the trip:

Meals not included in costs included section
Travel insurance
International Airfare
Optional tours and activities during leisure
Nepal Entry Visa: One can easily obtain the Nepal entry visa after arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Remember to bring 2 copies of passport size photos.)
Drinks (hot and cold), snacks and other personal expenses
Hot shower during the trek
Personal trekking equipments
Tips for trekking staffs and driver ( tips though appreciated not mandatory)