Adventure on the original route to the world’s highest mountains through scenic Solu and Khumbu valleys
Overview
Mode of Trekking: Hotels and lodges along the route.
Trekking Grade: Moderate to adventurous.
Highest Elevation: Kalapathar – 5,550 m | Everest Base Camp – 5,364 m
Activities: Cultural tours, scenic trekking, optional exciting flights
Region: North Mid-East Nepal – Solu and Khumbu regions
People & Culture: Predominantly Buddhist Sherpa tribes; lower areas feature a mix of Hindu and Buddhist ethnic groups.
Trekking Duration: 18 Nights & 19 Days (Jiri to Lukla)
Total Trip Duration: 22 Nights & 23 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Best Seasons:
March to May – flowering season
October to December – mostly clear skies, but cold mornings and nights
Trek possible year-round except during monsoon (June to mid-September)
Trip Introduction
The Classic Everest Base Camp Trek offers a unique journey through both the lower Solu region and the high Khumbu valley, showcasing the great mid-eastern Himalaya. This route takes you to remote and isolated villages that many modern trekkers miss due to the popularity of flights to Lukla.
The trek follows the original trails used by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary during their historic Everest ascent on May 29, 1953. Starting from Kathmandu, the adventure begins with an overland drive to the beautiful town of Jiri. From here, the trek passes traditional Sherpa and hill tribe villages rarely visited by today’s main trekking flow.
You will trek through scenic villages like Bhandar, Kenja, and Sete, ascend Lamjura La Pass through dense rhododendron, pine, magnolia, and oak forests, and visit Sherpa villages like Junbesi with views of Numbur Himal. The journey continues across Takshindo La to the raging Dudh Kosi River, before entering the high Khumbu valley through Surkhe, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar.
After rest and acclimatization in Namche, the trek ascends through Thyangboche Monastery and its panoramic surroundings, leading to the arid, glacier-strewn landscapes of Everest Base Camp. Here, you’ll witness the dramatic Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks before climbing Kalapathar for unforgettable, close-up views of Mt. Everest.
The trek concludes in Lukla with a scenic flight back to Kathmandu, leaving you with lasting memories of adventure and the timeless beauty of the Himalayas.
Highlights
- Trek along the classic route to Everest Base Camp, following in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary.
- Enjoy fabulous daily scenery on the trail with grand views of snow-capped peaks.
- Explore both the southern and northern sides of Everest in the Solu region and high scenic Khumbu valley.
- Witness a stunning panorama of the world’s highest peaks, including close views of Mt. Everest from the top of Kalapathar (5,550 m).
- Walk through serene alpine woodlands featuring rhododendron, magnolia, oak, and fir tree lines.
- Marvel at the massive Khumbu Icefall and glaciers at Everest Base Camp.
- Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Sherpa people and visit traditional Himalayan villages.