Nepal: Everest Base Camp

We arrive in Kathmandu, the heart of Nepal. A moment before landing, a breathtaking view unfolds from the airplane window: a quiet valley immersed in greenery and snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas on the horizon. At the airport, we get our visas, check into the hotel, and spend the evening in an atmospheric restaurant, enjoying Nepalese dishes accompanied by the sounds of live traditional music.

Today we obtain special permits for the trek and receive a briefing regarding the route, equipment, and details of the journey. In the afternoon, we will visit the spiritual sites of the capital: we will try to see the living goddess Kumari, and also walk around one of the greatest Buddhist shrines — Boudhanath Stupa, to clear our karma a bit before heading into the Himalayas.

Early in the morning, we head towards Manthali, from where we fly to Lukla — one of the world's most famous mountain airports. After a short but very scenic flight, we begin our trek.

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The first day follows the Dudh Kosi river through forests, suspension bridges, and Sherpa villages. The next day, we'll ascend to Namche Bazaar — the main settlement of the Everest region and the true gateway to the high Himalayas.

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We spend an acclimatization day in Namche and take a radial hike higher into the mountains. This is where you truly get your first real panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The route then leads through Tengboche – one of Nepal's most famous Buddhist monasteries. The forests gradually disappear, and the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and high-altitude.

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We gradually gain altitude amidst rocky valleys, glaciers, and rugged high-altitude landscapes. We spend another acclimatization day in Dingboche before the final push to Base Camp. The route then leads through the mountaineers' memorials in Thukla to Lobuche, and the next day to Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp.

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Today, the main goal of our route awaits us - Everest Base Camp (~5364 m).
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This is where expeditions to the highest peak on the planet begin. The trail runs along the Khumbu Glacier amidst the rocky high-altitude terrain, surrounded by the giant walls of the Himalayas, expedition flags, and the atmosphere of a true high-altitude adventure. After resting and taking photos, we return to Gorak Shep.

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At dawn, we ascend Kala Patthar (~5545 m) - the best viewpoint of the entire route. From here, a classic panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse unfolds.‍

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After the ascent, we begin the long descent through Pheriche and Namche Bazaar. With each passing day, trees, oxygen, and warmth return. We spend our last night in the mountains in Lukla.

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Morning flight from Lukla and return to Kathmandu. After the mountains, we are once again greeted by the bustling streets of Thamel, a hot shower, and a celebratory dinner with the team.

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We have a reserve day built in for weather and flight delays from Lukla, which are common in the Himalayas. If everything goes according to plan, we'll have a free day in Kathmandu for rest and souvenir shopping before flying home, with hearts full of impressions and memories of the Himalayas.