Everest Base Camp Trek for Senior Citizens - 21 days

The morning starts with a buffet breakfast and warm sunbathing on the hotel terrace. After breakfast, one of the Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition team members will come to pick you up, and we will shortly discuss the trip. We will have a short meeting where the trekking guide, the Sherpa, who will lead you thoroughly to the Everest region, will be introduced, along with the porter who takes care of your gear and essentials. The essential gear, such as an oximeter to check pulse rate, a duffle bag, a water purification tablet, and a basic First Aid Kit, will also be distributed. Meanwhile, if you have any other clothing, essentials, or equipment to buy, the guide will thoroughly assist you in finding the best, strongest, yet cheapest options.

At midday, around 2-3 PM, we'll take a drive to Manthali for the Lukla flight the next day. We'll possibly reach the hotel by 6:00 PM, so we have enough time to rest and also be prepared for tomorrow.

Please take note that, at the peak season period, due to heavy flow of airway transfer, and air traffic congestion, the flight way gets diverged to Manthali Airport, from where the lukla flight takes off, that is why we are taking the drive to Manthali today, to get to Lukla Aiport tomorrow.

Today, you will step into your footprint in the almighty Everest region, one of the most iconic, legendary spots in the Himalayas, where the morning begins with an exhilarating Lukla flight, which demonstrates some of the great insights of the mountains and landscapes, welcoming you to their land and territory, lasting for 40 to 45 minutes. As soon as you set foot at the Lukla airport, you can hear and see the chaotic rush hour, with many hikers boosting you up and energising you with positive and motivational energy. After landing, the porter will carry your backpack, and your experienced guide will lead you to proceed and hike further.

Following the roaring sound of the Dudh Koshi River, also known as the Milky River, the trip persists, with a first encounter of the Himalayan peaks, such as Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and the warm smile of the Sherpa locals. As you move forward, via woodlands, several forested trails offer beauty, such as small river streams, in between wooden bridges, Himalayan mules passing over carrying loads, and many hikers along the route, keeping you engaged, and the Tibetan significance with prayer flags, mani walls, chortens, and the high long suspension bridge, swaying with the fresh mountain air, surely amuse you. 

After 3-4 hours of a short hike, we will finally arrive at Phakding, where we will not ascend further on this very day and rest here. Remember a slow, steady, yet efficient pace of walking.

After having an early morning breakfast, the trek leads off towards Jorsalle, a small Sherpa village, located just at the entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park. Moving forward from Phakding, the trail covers the forest area walk, with rhododendrons and pines, and suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. The trail covers the woodland section fully and small Sherpa settlements, where you get to encounter daily activities, like agricultural work, animal husbandry, and may also encounter rare wildlife species. The main highlight is the Himalayan mules, welcoming you on the route, who acts as a major transportation means, for the goods and supplies to the Everest region. Today is a relatively short and easy hike, with a flat section, so it just prepares you for the further upcoming walking days, a crucial way to acclimatize your body.

After getting our permits checked, we will head towards Namche Bazaar and enter the Sagarmatha National Park, famous for the untamed beauty of the diverse flora and fauna, where hundreds of mountains and landscapes reside, and also marked as a UNESCO World Heritage site since the year 1979.

The route from here distinguishes, from the trailhead, than yesterday, as the route becomes a bit steadier and mostly navigates via woodland area, whereas, the highlighted part, becomes, the exciting cross over, through the longest suspension bridge - The Hillary Suspension Bridge, named after the 1st summitter, of the almighty peak of Everest, where, you might even have a first encounter with the Mount Everest, if weather is in your favour. With a slow and normal pace of 6 hrs, the bustling Namche Bazaar welcomes us with many lodges, bars, bakeries, and, surprisingly, live music, as well, which will surprise you in every good possible way.

Known as the capital of the Khumbu region, here, at Namche, you can find any facilities like, ATM, shops to rent and buy gears and essentials, buy snacks, get a quick relax session at relaxing meditation or spa as well, which acts as the best place to rest in and acclimatize, before going higher, to adopt the rising elevation, thus, we will spend here the evening, and tomorrow, the rest day with a short excursion, here at this very spot, at an altitude of 3440 m.

This day is dedicated to acclimatisation. As you hit an altitude of over 3500 meters, it is crucial that your body adapts to the rising altitude and avoids any sort of risk related to altitude sickness. However, resting doesn't mean sleeping all day long, or resting in your bed, or a tea house; a short yet meaningful hike to Everest View Hotel - the world's highest situated 5-star hotel- awaits you, which helps us to cope with the altitude as well. 

Soon after waking up, we will start the hike at the famous hotel of Everest View, at an altitude of 3880 meters, famous for it's luxury amenities, and the terrace breakfast dining area, that showcases, the intriguing view of the highly towering mountains such as Makalu, Lhotshe, Cholatshe, Nuptshe, Everest, Ama Dablam, and many others, in it's panorama form. Standing here, sipping tea or coffee, and having breakfast, savouring ourselves with the beauty of the Himalayas and luxury modern facilities, we will have a good time here, spend well, and get back to Namche Bazaar before daytime, so we get to explore this bustling town even more.

On the other hand, we also have another option: a hike to Khumjung village, which demands 6-7 hours of hiking, back and forth to Namche, famous for the Khumjung Monastery, where the Yeti skull is displayed, which was huge news back then, and other ancient sculptures, arts, and historic culture of the Sherpa communities. The choice is yours! Any of the options stands out as remarkable, helping you to adjust to the rising high elevation. After getting back to the tea house at Namche, ensure you rest and sleep on time, before 8:00 PM, as the day tomorrow demands a bit longer hiking duration, with changing terrains.

The trail, today, leaves the bustling Namche Bazaar behind and proceeds further, navigating through the forested terrains, which leads us to the top of the hill, showcasing the most prominent view of the Everest and Ama Dablam, try to recall, it, it is the same spot, where the paintings are sold, of the Everest region, with a beautiful insight of the Ama Dablam (Mother's Necklace translated in English). Being accompanied by the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the trail proceeds further and takes a downhill walk to Phunge Thanga, where we will rest comfortably tonight.

Improtant: Today’s trek involves a steep ascent. To make the day more comfortable and support better acclimatization, we’ve planned an overnight stop at Phunge Thanga instead of climbing all the way to Tengboche. Staying at this lower altitude gives your body more time to adjust and helps you recover for the days ahead.

Proceeding further with the well-marked trail lasting just 2 hours, today we will make our way to Tengboche, where the biggest monastery within this region, the Tengboche Monastery, resides, which carries a valuable meaning to Sherpa locals and the monks, where the daily prayers, meditation, and festival celebrations are held. Personally, senior hikers find this spot very intriguing, as the place holds a realm of peace and spirituality, a serene moment, and a motivational insight, as it was destroyed twice back then and rebuilt, signifying that sometimes, a broken piece also turns into something so captivating later, so hold it and preserve it. Famous for the spiritual and religious aspects and motivational sight, the monastery also displays the unhindered views of the mountains such as Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

Spending a memorable, good time here in the famous Tibetan monastery, with a brief overview of every historical and cultural feature it holds, we will ascend for just a few minutes and rest our bodies at the cosy tea house, letting ourselves rest and acclimatise to the altitude, staying overnight at Tangboche

After having a delightful breakfast, we'll begin our journey toward Pangboche, followed by a juniper and rhododendron forest, and crossing the Imja Khola River. The surrounding landscapes get wider today, opening expansively as we approach higher, with a front view of Mount Ama Dablam and Everest. The major attraction is the agricultural fields of millets, potatoes, and other local crops where the yaks are grazing, and local Sherpas are engaged in their daily activities.

We will basically reach Pangboche by 12:30 PM, midday; thus, utilizing the remaining time, we will explore the village and also visit the oldest monastery of the Everest region, Pangboche Monastery, with great historical artifacts, sculptures, and even get to see monks' prayers in the evening. 

The trail leads us today towards Dengboche at an altitude of 4410 meters, through Tibetan-influenced settlements, several whitewashed chortens, mani walls, houses flanked by prayer flags, and a crossing over the high long suspension bridge, with a triangular view of the soaring Ama Dablam again and again, in the most prominent angle. In between, the route passes via several villages such as Somare, Milingo, and Orsho, with the most intriguing view of the Imja Tshe River side by side, which keeps you engaged throughout the hike.

With a short descent, we will reach Dingboche, another famous key stopping point, within this territory, which acts as an acclimatisation spot for the hikers and even climbers, letting your body get adapted to the rising high elevation, on the crucial way.

It is also a prominent spot, famous for the unobstructed vista of the thundering mountains and distinct landscapes, where you can clearly notice the changes in altitude and terrain; thus, seniors can capture this moment in writing a notebook and take photographs, enjoying the serene moment peacefully and interacting with other keen-minded hikers as well. Overnight stay at Dingboche

Another acclimatisation day (rest day) has been set here, on this very day, which is fully dedicated to letting your body adapt to the high elevation where we are, a short hike to the famous Nangkartshang Hill at an elevation of 5084 meters, letting your body stretch out a bit and also letting your lungs breathe in cooperation with the thinning air. 

Ascending with a bit of ruggedness and some rocky sections, with almost zero trace of the lush green valley, as the route follows a dry terrain, then, before we reach the top of the Nangkartshang Peak, that unfolds, the most beautiful insight of several mountains including the Cholatshe, Island Peak, and the legendary Makalu Peak, the world's 5th highest peak. The Imja Valley, spreading below the glacier and the landscapes, blending with the snow-capped peaks, will surely leave you spellbound. After clicking some of the great pictures, keeping memories, and having a tranquil hour, we will take a downhill walk back to the tea house at Dingboche and savour the cuisine, especially the hot garlic and ginger soups, to keep us warm and cosy.

As we have a long day ahead, we can also explore Dingboche more, visiting many Tibetan monasteries, mani walls, chortens, and stupas nearby, and try to interact and make friends with locals, learn about their cultures, visit local shops, buy souvenirs, and try local cuisines, making our overnight stay at Dingboche again a meaningful and memorable day.

While many proceed on the hike today towards Lobuche, following the regular standard route, gaining a massive altitude gain, as this is an Everest Base Camp Trek for a senior itinerary, we will ascend slowly and steadily, as from here, the altitude gain is high, hitting more than 4800 meters. Thus, we will gain altitude as little as possible to avoid the possibility of altitude sickness, even if it's a mere one. Also, just to let you know, the terrain from here faces a great transition, changing into a rugged, steep, and rocky section, with many harsh sections; hence, we've set only 4 to 5 hrs of hiking, comparatively shorter than prior days.

Proceeding on the hike from Dengboche to Thukla, with an ascent, we can gain insight into the pastoral land, where the Himalayan wildlife, such as blue sheep and yaks, are grazing around, and also get to encounter many migrating birds as well, if it's springtime. With insight into the captivating mountains, we will attain Thukla (4620 meters), which is just below Lobuche. This short hike remains crucial for seniors and older people to not drain themselves, mentally and physically, and maintain the excitement for the days and body to react well, with an altitude gain, have a warm soup, and a sound sleep at Thukla, gazing at the stars on a clear night without clouds.

After having a fulfilling breakfast today, we will hike towards Dughla, visiting the health post at Pheriche, checking our health, just to ensure that everything is going well with our bodies, and continuing the hike further, following the rugged, steep, and uphill ascent via rugged pathways.

Make sure to follow the navigation of the guide, as the route is a bit rough, with some loose gravel, and try to wear windproof and insulated jackets, as it gets a bit windy after 1:00 PM, as we hit almost 5000 meters elevation, so layer yourself properly. In between, we will also pass by a Tibetan stone, where the names of the legendary summitters, who passed away while ascending the almighty peak of Mount Everest (8848.88) are inscribed. Paying a minute of tribute and showing further respect to the lost lives, we will continue our journey and finally arrive at Lobuche, where we will settle in tonight.

Today, we are one step closer to the almighty Everest Base Camp, as we head to Gorakshep today. Even though many hikers proceed further on the odyssey to the base camp on this very day, we will avoid ascending on this day to avoid the harsh altitude gain in a rapid way. Resting here, at the Gorak Shep, also provides enough time to explore the highlands and get prepared to attain the camp.

The trail follows the steep ascent via the Khumbu Glacier, with some rocky and steep pathways, where the hike lasts for approximately 3 hours only. During the day, we can merrily explore the stopping point and the last village, leading to Mount Everest; in the evening, we will get our pulse rate checked, stretch our legs, do a short meditation, and call it a day, and rest our heads in Gorakshep village.

Finally, the day has arrived to stand at the foot of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, which soars at an altitude of 8848.88 meters, where the route itself is an adventure, as we follow the pathway of the Khumbu Glacier, with several ups and downs. Gradually following the slow pathway, the unhindered views of the mountains and the sparkling vista of the glacier keep us engaged, as we hike slowly, managing our pace. Finally, after approximately 3 hours of hiking, we reach the top. We get to catch the astonishing vista of the towering peaks such as Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, Khumbutse, and the Khumbu Glacier, adding a cherry on top to the beauty.

This is the spot where every dream comes true; standing at such a height despite the age factor, it is an accomplishment itself, and a lifetime moment to cherish forever, with our loved ones. Celebrating the achievement of reaching the foothills of the gigantic global peak, the trip completion certificate will be given to you right after, for hitting a milestone. After spending a meaningful time here, we will get back to Gorakshep for a much-needed rest, as we have to wake up early tomorrow for another remarkable hike.

Another fascinating yet thrilling hike awaits us as we head to the Kala Patthar in the early morning, which also marks the highest elevation of this trip, at 5545 meters, famous for the most iconic Everest viewpoint. The early morning Kala Patthar hike starts around 4 AM and tends to also be a strenuous ascent, climbing with the increasing altitude, more challenging than the EBC; however, it won't be a problematic issue, as our body gets adapted to the rising elevation already, with the slow ascent we had on the previous hiking days.

Upon attaining the pinnacle (top) of the Kalapathar, the sunrise view over Mount Everest, with its 360-degree views, becomes your reward after undertaking such a challenging ascent. It is also known as the best vantage point to get a fish-eye view of the world's tallest peak. Also, attaining such a high altitude is an achievement in itself; thus, celebrate this moment. Then, afterwards, we will take a descent back to Gorakshep, where we will basically have our lunch and embark on a downhill walk to Pheriche for an overnight stay, retracing the same pathway.

Today, we will take a downhill walk to Tengboche, following the same pathways, via woodlands, several villages of Orsho, Somare, Pangboche, and Deboche, and reach the historical village, unraveling the culture of the Sherpa communities and villages, with a distinct vista of several Himalayan peaks, such as Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other Himalayan peaks. Navigating through several yak pastures and forested areas, via rhododendrons and pines, along with the roaring sound of the Dudh Koshi River, and the Tibetan dotted terrains, with mani walls, chortens, prayer flags, and a stupa, we will finally reach Tengboche village, where we will be staying overnight.

After breakfast at Tengboche today, we will retrace the pathway to Namche Bazaar, unraveling the culture of the Sherpa communities and villages, with a distinct vista of several Himalayan peaks, such as Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other Himalayan peaks. Navigating through several yak pastures and forested areas, via rhododendrons and pines, along with the roaring sound of the Dudh Koshi River, and the Tibetan dotted terrains, with mani walls, chortens, prayer flags, and a stupa, we will finally reach Namche, our destination for today.

Soon after having breakfast, we will take a downhill walk towards Monjo, navigating through the woodland area, with the blooming rhododendron forest, and crossing the Hillary Bridge once again, recalling the good memories we had at the start of the trip. Along the way, we’ll enjoy refreshing mountain air and occasional glimpses of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam through the trees. We will again come across the Hillary Long Suspension Bridges and many others in between, with a dramatic river gorge view below. The path then continues along the riverbank before climbing gently to Monjo, a quiet, welcoming village with cozy lodges, making it an ideal place to rest and relax, enjoying the warm hospitality and fresh mountain air, taking an ease at lower altitude today.

Today marks our last day within the Everest region, as we will get back to Lukla, from where our trekking adventure started, which feels emotional, right? Well, it does, after spending more than 2 weeks at the iconic trailhead, accompanied by the Sherpa locals, distinct mountains and landscapes; it's truly, is a heartfelt situation. However, until next time, bidding goodbye to Monjo, we proceed forward via a forested area and the thundering, roaring sound of the Dudh Koshi River, via Phakding. As we get to arrive at Lukla during the day, we will take some time to explore this bustling town, visiting cafes, souvenir shops, nearby stupas, villages, and celebrating the trip completion at the tea house of Lukla, with the porters and guide, for the very last time, within this territory.

After a heartfelt goodbye to the almighty iconic territory of the Everest region, today, we will take a flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla Airport - Tenzing Hillary Airport, gazing over the beauty of the distinct mountains and landscapes. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be driven back to the hotel, and the evening is yours; try to explore Thamel as much as you can, unraveling the bustling side of Nepal. In the evening time we will have a lovely farewell dinner, discussing how your trip went. With the trekking representative and a guide, we would love to hear your reviews and feedback. Your trip completion certificate will also be distributed on the very evening. Thank you for your trust in our team and us, and congratulations on a thrilling accomplishment at the foothills of the world's highest peak.