Welcome to Nepal! 

Your 15 days Everest Base Camp winter trek with Adventure Mountain Explore Treks and Expedition begins with you arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu- country’s first and the oldest airport.

Upon landing and after the immigration formalities and luggage collection at the airport, one of our friendly company representatives will be there to warmly welcome you and assist  with the transfer to your pre-booked hotel.  Upon reaching the hotel, this representative will also help you to check into the hotel. Once settled, you can take some time to rest and recover from your long journey. 

Later in the day, another company representative will meet you at the hotel lobby for a quick and short trip briefing. In this meeting, we will go over the trek details, settle remaining payments (if any), check your equipment and formally introduce you to your trekking guide, who will guide and assist you on this base camp trek. 

However,  if your flight is scheduled to arrive late in the afternoon, evening or even at night  and if there are any delays, the briefing and introduction meeting will be conducted the next day, after the heritage tour. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring your hotel area at your own pace. 

Overnight in a 3-star standard hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: None

After a comfortable night in Kathmandu and a buffet-style breakfast at your hotel get ready for a full day of cultural exploration. 

This morning, around 9:30-10:00am you will set out on a guided sightseeing tour in a private vehicle. The tour will be guided by a knowledgeable guide who will help you understand the history, traditions and stories behind the sites you visit. You will visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. 

Usually on this tour, the first site you will visit is Swayambhunath, which is also popularly known as the ‘Monkey Temple’, unless you prefer to start at a different site. Swayambhunath is one of  the oldest stupas in Nepal, rich in Buddhist symbolism and spiritual atmosphere. This site also offers sweeping views over the Kathmandu Valley.  

After Swayambhunath, you will explore Kathmandu Durbar Square. This is an ancient palace complex that protects, preserves and showcases centuries-old art, architecture and history. It was also once a set of Nepalese royalty. 

The tour continues to the next site, Boudhanath - the largest stupa in Nepal and a major center of Tibetan Buddhism. Colorful prayer flags, spinning prayer wheels, small surrounding monasteries and peaceful ambiance helps you feel peace and serenity, making it a very memorable stop. 

You will enjoy your lunch here, before moving on to your next destination, Pashupatinath. 

Located along the banks of the holy Bagmati River, the temple of Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a significant pilgrim site for the followers of Hinduism living in and outside Nepal. This visit gives you the opportunity to witness traditional rituals and gain insight into Hindu beliefs and customs. 

After a full day of sightseeing, you will return to your hotel around late afternoon. The remainder of the day is reserved for final trek preparations- picking up any last-minute items, checking and organizing your gear, and making sure everything is ready for the trek that follows.

Overnight stay at a comfortable 3-star standard hotel in Kathmandu. 

Meals: Breakfast

Your day begins early in the morning as your guide comes to pick you up from the hotel. After a short drive, you will be transferred to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan international airport to board your flight to Lukla. Lukla flights are mostly scheduled in the morning because weather conditions are usually clearer and winds are calmer, making flying safer. The airport reporting time is one hour prior to departure. A packed breakfast will be provided for you to enjoy on the way. 

Lukla flights in winter months - December, January and February- are operated directly from Kathmandu, making the journey more straightforward. This short mountain flight is truly unforgettable, offering spectacular views of rolling hills, deep valleys, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The excitement builds as the plane lands at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, infamous as one of the most thrilling and challenging airports in the world. 

Upon arrival in Lukla, you will be met by your porter, who will help organize and carry your luggage throughout this winter Everest Base Camp Trek. After a brief stop to prepare and get oriented, your trekking adventure officially begins. Today’s walk takes you to the village of Phakding, which lies at a lower elevation and north to Lukla. The trail gently descends from the airstrip town of Everest region and winds through small Sherpa villages, stone houses, mani walls carved with prayers and forested paths, before reaching Phakding. It is a gentle and enjoyable hike, mostly downhill, allowing the body to ease into the trekking rhythm. 

After a relaxed first day on the trail, you will reach Phakding and settle in for the night, surrounded by the peaceful mountain atmosphere. 

In Phakding, you will also have your lunch and around late afternoon, hike to a nearby monastery for the day’s acclimatization hike. You will then get back down to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

After an early breakfast at your lodge in Phakding, continuing your winter Everest Base Camp trek you will leave Phakding for Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital of the region. It’s one of the most important days of the trek, as the elevation gain is quite significant. 

The trail starts off gently, winding through pine forest and small villages, with a series of suspension bridges crossing that add both excitement and thrill to the day’s walk. The walk before the Hillary bridge is relatively easy and pleasant, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings at a comfortable pace. Along the way you will pass mani stones, prayer flags, and traditional lodges/teahouses that reflect the deep-rooted Buddhist culture of the region. 

At Monjo, you will officially register to enter the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide will take care of all national park entry formalities while you take a short rest enjoying the surrounding view. From here the trail continues along the river, towards the most iconic crossing of the day- the Hillary Suspension Bridge, hanging high above the river gorge and draped in colorful prayer flags.

After crossing this bridge, the character of the trail changes noticeably. The path begins to climb steeply through the forest making the final ascent to Namche Bazaar challenging, but rewarding. A short climb after the Hillary bridge will also bring you to a viewpoint that offers the first view of Mt. Everest including other peaks. 

Lunch today will be taken at one of the tea houses along the trail, giving you time to refuel before tackling the uphill section. By late afternoon, you will arrive in Namche, a natural amphitheater carved into the mountainside and the main trading hub of the Khumbu region. 

In Namche, you will check into one of the local lodges, enjoy the comfort of the room and enjoy a well-earned dinner. It’s a long but incredibly scenic day, and settling into Namche allows your body to rest and begin the acclimatization process for the higher elevation ahead. Overnight in a lodge at Namche Bazaar. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

This day, on this winter Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary, is a very crucial acclimatization day in Namche as it’s designed to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude. Rather than complete rest, the day is spent on a gentle hike following the principle of “climb high, sleep low”. 

Thus, after breakfast, at your lodge, you will set out on a guided acclimatization walk, with two excellent options to choose from, depending on your pace and interest. Your guide will also advise the best option based on group and weather conditions. 

Option 1: Hike to Everest View Hotel

This is the most  common choice of most trekkers as this acclimatization hike in Namche takes them to Guinness Book of World Records’ highest placed hotels in the world since 2004. But it’s not the only determinant. It’s a short walk that involves steady uphill sections, making it ideal for acclimatization. The viewpoint near the hotel rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and other Himalayan giants (weather permitting). This hike also allows you to enjoy a tea or light refreshment, while soaking in the unbelievable scenery.  

Option 2: Hike to Khumjung and Khunde Village

This hike is slightly longer and more cultural. This acclimatization hike takes you to two culturally rich Sherpa villages- Khumjung and Khunde. The trail ascends gently out of Namche and contours along the hillside, offering impressive mountain views along the way. In Khumjung you can explore the traditional village as well as visit the historic Khumjung Monastery, which is known for preserving what locals believe to be a Yeti scalp. Continuing on to Khunde, you can explore the village getting insight into Sherpa life, culture and high-altitude living and visit Khunde Hospital, established with support from Sir Edmund Hillary. 

Both options allow you to return to Namche by early to mid-afternoon. The remainder of the day is free to rest, explore the lively town, visit local bakeries, browse trekking and souvenir shops or simply relax at your lodge. 

All meals- breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided at your lodge in Namche, ensuring a comfortable and well-paced acclimatization day. Overnight stay in a lodge at Namche. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

After an early breakfast at your lodge in Namche, you will begin the day’s walk toward Deboche, heading deeper into the heart of the Everest region. The trail starts with a scenic and relatively gentle walk along the mountainside toward Sanasa, offering some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the trek. Along this section the stunning Ama Dablam rises prominently, dominating the skyline and the surrounding peaks, providing ample photo opportunities. The gentle trail continues to Sanasa. 

From Sanasa, the trail descends steeply toward Phunki Tenga, located near the Dudh Koshi River. This downhill section can be hard on knees, but the rhythm of the river and shaded forest make it bearable and enjoyable. At Phunki Tenga, you will stop for lunch and take time to rest before the major ascent of the day. 

After lunch, the trail climbs steeply through the dense forest of rhododendron and pine toward Tengboche. It’s one of the most challenging and ruthless uphill sections of the trek that demands about 2 hours of your day’s hiking time, but the peaceful forest, prayer flags and occasional glimpses of the distant peaks help break up the climb. As you approach Tengboche the landscape opens up revealing sweeping views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse. 

Upon arrival in Tengboche, you will visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region. Here, if timing allows, you will observe the monks during their daily prayers, offering a quiet and meaningful cultural experience against the dramatic Himalayan backdrop and also take blessings from them. 

After the monastery visit, the trail continues with a short and gentle walk downhill to Deboche, a quiet settlement nestled among forests and mountains. Here, you will check into a lodge, enjoy dinner and relax after a rewarding day on the trail. 

Overnight stay at a lodge in Deboche. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

After breakfast at your lodge in Deboche, you begin today’s walk towards Dingboche, a meaningful milestone on the trek as you gradually move into higher alpine terrain. This day is special because it marks your first day above the treeline and your first overnight stay above 4000 meters, where the landscape and atmosphere noticeably change. 

Leaving Deboche, the trail gently descends and soon brings you to the last suspension bridge on the way to Everest Base Camp. On crossing it, the route opens up and the dense forests slowly begin to thin. From here, the trail follows the Imja Khola Valley, with towering peaks rising dramatically around you. 

If you wish, there is an opportunity  to take a short detour to visit Pangboche Monastery, which is believed to be one of the oldest monasteries in the region. Despite being small in size, compared to the Tengboche Monastery, this monastery holds deep spiritual significance for the local Sherpa community and offers a quiet, reflective stop along the way.  

Continue further to feel the transition into high-altitude terrain. Trees give way to shrubs, alpine grass and open valleys, with stone-walled fields protecting crops from cold winds. The air becomes thinner, your pace naturally slows and your guide will encourage steady walking and regular hydration- key habits as you move higher. 

Lunch will be arranged along the trail, usually Pangboche or Somare. The final stretch is a gradual ascent through wide open landscapes, surrounded by stunning views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Imja Tse and the beautiful Imja Valley. 

By mid to late afternoon, you will arrive at Dingboche, a beautiful high-altitude village set beneath dramatic mountain backdrops. After checking into your lodge, you can rest, enjoy a warm meal, and allow your body time to adapt to the elevation. 

Dinner and overnight stay in a lodge in Dingboche, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the high Himalayas. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Today is another important acclimatization day, allowing your body to adapt safely to the high attitude before moving further up the valley. As with previous acclimatization stops, the day follows the principle of “climb high, sleep low”. After breakfast at the lodge in Dingboche, you will head out on a guided acclimatization hike. Depending on your energy level, weather and group condition, your guide will offer two well-established options. 

Option 1: Half-day hike to Nangkartshang Viewpoint

This is the most common and highly effective acclimatization hike. After breakfast, you will go up the hill located just above Dingboche, often referred to as the Nangkartshang Viewpoint. The trail is steep but short, making it ideal for altitude adaptation. From the top, you can enjoy a stunning panorama of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, Island Peak and the surrounding Imja Valley. The effort is well rewarded and the guide will ensure a slow but steady pace with ample rest stops. After spending some time at the viewpoint, you will descend back to Dingboche in time for lunch at your lodge. The afternoon is free to rest, hydrate and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings. 

Option 2: Full-day acclimatization Hike to Chhukung Valley

For those feeling strong and wanting a longer day on the trail, this option takes you on a full-day hike to Chhukung, a small seasonal settlement at the head of the Imja Valley. After breakfast, you will leave Dingboche and walk along a wide, open trail with spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Lhotse and the glaciers that flow down from the surrounding peaks. Unlike the first option, this hike gradually gains elevation and provides excellent acclimatization benefits due to the sustained time spent above 4,700 meters. A packed lunch will be carried and enjoyed along the way, surrounded by dramatic high-altitude scenery. After lunch you will retrace your steps to Dingboche, arriving by late afternoon.

Both options are designed to support proper acclimatization while offering unforgettable mountain views. In the evening, you will enjoy a warm meal at the lodge and rest well, preparing your body for higher elevations the following days. Overnight stay at a lodge in Dingboche. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

After breakfast at your lodge in Dingboche, you begin today’s trek towards Lobuche, moving deeper into the high alpine zone of the Everest region. The landscape here is stark and dramatic, with wide valleys, glacial terrain and towering peaks all around. The air is thinner, so your guide will keep the pace slow and steady, encouraging regular breaks and proper hydration. 

Leaving Dingboche, the trail heads north and follows a broad, open path toward Thukla (Dughla). This section of the walk is relatively easy and gradual, allowing you to settle into a comfortable rhythm while enjoying views of peaks such as Cholatse and Tawache and Ama Dablam fading into the distance. The trail crosses dry terrain with alpine grasses and yak pastures, a clear reminder that you are now well above the tree line. 

At Thukla, you will stop for a short tea break and rest before tackling the most demanding section of the day. From here, the trail climbs steeply up to the Thukla Pass. This short but challenging ascent is slow and steady, often requiring frequent pauses. At the top of the pass, you will find a series of stone memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest and nearby peaks. This is a quiet and emotional place, offering a moment of reflection against the powerful backdrop of the Himalayas. 

After the pass, the trail becomes comparatively easier, following a gradual path along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Although the terrain can be rocky and uneven, there are no major climbs and the vast glacial landscape creates a sense of isolation unique to this part of the trek. Snow-capped peaks surround you, and the environment feels raw and remote. 

You will arrive at Lobuche by late afternoon. Lobuche is a small high-altitude settlement consisting mainly of trekking lodges. Here, you will check into the lodge, rest and enjoy a warm meal, and recover from the day’s walk. 

Your guide will also keep a close watch on how you are feeling, as altitude effects can become more noticeable at this elevation. Staying warm, hydrated and well-rested is key here. Dinner and overnight in a lodge in Lobuche. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The most anticipated day of the trek- the day that takes you to Everest Base Camp- is today and begins after early breakfast at your Lodge in Lobuche. It’s a long day of walking at high altitude, thus your guide will ensure a slow, steady pace with regular breaks. 

Leaving Lobuche, the trail gradually ascends along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The terrain is rocky and uneven, with loose stone and glacial debris underfoot, requiring careful footing. As you walk, the landscape feels stark and otherworldly, surrounded by towering and massive Himalayan peaks such as Pumori, Nuptse and Lingtren. 

After a few hours, you reach Gorakshep, the last settlement on the Everest Base Camp route. Here, you will check into a lodge and leave your main luggage. Carrying only a light daypack with essentials such as water snacks, a jacket and your camera. 

After a short rest, you will continue toward Everest Base Camp. The trail from Gorakshep follows the shifting edge of the Khumbu Glacier and is often the most challenging section due to its rugged, up-and-down glacial terrain. Although there is little overall elevation gain, the constant movement over rocks and ice make the walk physically demanding. 

By early to mid-afternoon, you arrive at Everest Base Camp- a truly iconic destination. Depending on the season, you may see expedition tents spread across the glacier, with the towering Khumbu Icefall rising dramatically nearby. While Mount Everest itself is not visible from base camp, standing here among the world’s highest peaks is a powerful and unforgettable experience. 

After spending time at Base Camp taking photos and soaking in the achievements, you will retrace your steps to Gorakshep. The return walk follows the same rugged glacial path, often feeling more tiring due to altitude and long day. 

Upon reaching Gorakshep, you can finally rest, enjoy a warm meal and reflect on a remarkable  day in the high Himalayas. 

Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge in Gorakshep. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

This day begins very early, well before sunrise, as you prepare for the optional but highly rewarding hike to Kala Patthar. Wrapped in warm layers and carrying a headlamp, you set out in the cold morning air. The climb is short but steep and can feel challenging due to the altitude, yet the effort is more than worth it. 

Reaching the top of Kala Patthar (5,550m) at sunrise is often the highlight of the entire Everest Base Camp Trek. From here, you are treated to one of the best panoramic views in the Everest region- Mount Everest standing directly in front of you, along with Nuptse, Pumori, Lingtren and the vast Khumbu Glacier. The changing colors of the peaks as the sun rises create a truly magnificent moment that will be etched in your memory for a lifetime.

After spending time at the viewpoint of Kala Pattthar, you will descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast at the lodge. Once refueled and rested, you will begin the trek downhill leaving the harsh glacial terrain behind. 

The trail retraces your route past Lobuche and Thukla, gradually descending into wider valleys, where landscape gradually softens and breathing becomes easier. Depending on your as well as your group member’s energy level, you will continue down to Pheriche or Pangboche, both of which sit at significantly lower elevations and offer a more comfortable night’s rest.

As you descend, the return of alpine grassland and distant views of Ama Dablam signal your gradual re-entry into the lower elevations. By afternoon, you will arrive at your lodge, where you can relax, enjoy dinner and recover after an intense yet a very rewarding day. 

Overnight stay at a lodge in Pheriche or Pangboche, depending on the day's plan. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Breakfast at your lodge and you begin the long descent back to the Namche town. Today’s walk covers familiar ground, yet feels very different as the increased oxygen and lower altitude make the hike noticeably easier and more comfortable. 

Leaving Pheriche, the trail gently descends through open alpine valleys towards Namche with expansive views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse and Tawache behind you. Continuing past Pangboche, where the landscape gradually transitions from barren high-altitude terrain back to alpine meadows and shrubs. As you lose altitude, the air warms and your pace automatically quickens. 

Crossing the first suspension bridge on the way back, you will gradually enter the woods. Walking past your previously used night stop, Deboche, and the spiritual heart of the region Tengboche, you will steeply hike down through the forest of rhododendron and pine to Phunki Tenga, where you will have your lunch. This makes a perfect place to rest and refuel before the final climb of the day. After lunch, the trail ascends steeply through the dense forest of rhododendron and pine towards Sanasa. From Sanasa, the trail levels out and follows a scenic contour path back into Namche, offering beautiful valley views and a sense of accomplishment as you return to the lively Sherpa town. By mid to late afternoon, you will arrive in Namche and check into the lodge. 

The rest of the evening is free to enjoy a hot shower, explore bakeries and shops or simply relax after completing the high-altitude section of the trek. Dinner and overnight ina lodge in Namche. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Breakfast at your lodge in Namche and you will set out on the final day of your Everest Base Camp Trek, retracing the steps back to Lukla from Namche. While the journey is mostly downhill, it is still a long and active day, so steady pace and careful footing are important. 

Leaving Namche, the trail descends steeply toward the Dudh Koshi River, offering one last chance to enjoy sweeping mountain views before entering the forested sections below. After crossing the Hillary Bridge, you will continue along the familiar path through the forest of pine and rhododendron forests, passing small villages, mani stones and prayer wheels. You’ve seen them before. 

The route gently undulates as you walk through Monjo and Phakding with lunch taken along the way at one of the teahouses beside the trail. The easier terrain and lower altitude make the walk more comfortable, allowing time to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve completed. 

By afternoon, you will arrive in Lukla, where the trek officially comes to an end. No more walking. After checking into your lodge, there is time to relax, enjoy a hot shower, maybe? Or celebrate the success of the  completion of the trek. 

In the evening, you will say a heartfelt farewell to your porters, who have played a vital role throughout the journey. This is often an emotional moment, filled with gratitude, smiles and shared memories. 

Dinner and overnight stay in a lodge in Lukal, marking the completion of an unforgettable Himalayan adventure. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

After an early breakfast at your lodge in Lukla, you will walk to the airport to board your scenic flight back to Kathmandu. The short mountain flight offers one last look at the Himalayas-rolling hills giving way to snow-capped peaks-bringing your trekking adventure to a memorable close. 

Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, your guide will help you transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in , the rest of the morning and early afternoon is yours to rest, relax, enjoy a hot shower, or maybe take a relaxing massage and recover after the days spent in the mountains. 

Later in the day, you may also head out for some souvenir shopping, exploring the local markets for handicrafts, prayer flags, pashmina products or trekking memorabilia. You can also grab your choice lunch at one of the many restaurants around the city, enjoying the comforts of Kathmandu after your time on the trail. 

In the evening, you are cordially invited to a farewell dinner hosted by the company. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the successful completion of your trek, share stories, and reflect on the unforgettable experience of the Everest region. 

Overnight stay at a comfortable 3-star standard hotel in Kathmandu. 

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

Breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu and your winter Everest Base Camp trekking journey comes to an end. 

In Nepal, the airport reporting time for most of the airlines is three hours prior to your scheduled departure. Accordingly, a private transfer will be arranged to take you from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring a smooth and timely departure. 

The standard hotel check-out time is  12:00 noon. If your flight is scheduled for later in the evening or at night, a late check-out can be arranged, subject to room availability and at an additional cost. Our team will be happy to assist you with this arrangement, if required. 

With fond memories of the Himalayas and Nepal’s rich culture, we wish you a safe onward journey and hope to welcome you back again in future for your next trek in the mountains of Nepal in the near future.

Meals: Breakfast