Everest Base Camp Trek for Senior Citizens - 18 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, will come to pick you up, where we will shortly discuss the trip. At the office, as the day is set for a full sightseeing tour, regarding the trek, it will be discussed briefly in the evening. This cultural sightseeing tour is dedicated to exploring and unravelling the rich cultural, historical and mysterious side of Nepal, as we get to visit the Seven Famous UNESCO Heritage sites of Bauddhanath Temple, Swoyambunath (Monkey Temple), Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square, where the history, culture, ancient monarchal glimpse, sculptures, arts, and many other historical signifance, has been preserved since ages.

The tour will be guided by a licensed, experienced local guide, so you can expect to experience an authentic taste and insight into the land of the Himalayas - Nepal, not only famous for its highly towering mountains, but also equally intriguing in its rich cultural heritage. Meanwhile, in the evening, 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 gears, 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.

Rest properly at night, with a comfortable sleep, as our adventure begins tomorrow.

Finally, today, you will step into your footprint at 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 step your feet at the Lukla airport, you can hear and see the chaotic rush hours, 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 the 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 Thamrseku, 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 airs, 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.

The trail, today, passes through the forested route thoroughly, where the blooming rhododendrons, white orchids and pines, with a glimpse of the roaring river of Dudh Koshi, and the chirping sounds of birds, will make you fall in nature, even more, not kidding, or exaggerating. After getting our permits checked at the small village of Monjo, we will officially enter the Sagarmatha National Park, famous for the untamed beauty of the diverse flora, 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 the surprisingly, live music, as well, that 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 an acclimatisation day, as you hit the altitude of over 3500 meters, it is crucial so that your body gets adapted to the rising high altitude, and avoids any sort of risk related to altitude sickness. However, resting doesn't mean sleeping all day long, or resting at your bed, or 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 a 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 back, before the 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, that demands 6-7 hours of hiking, back and forth to Namche, famous for the Khumjung Monastery, where the Yeti skull is displayed, which was a 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 to be remarkable, helping you to adjust to the rising high elevation. After getting back to the tea house, at Namche, ensure to 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 in the first half, 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 snowcapped Himalayan peaks, the trail proceeds further and takes a downhill walk to Phunke Thenga, where we will rest comfortably, and have our lunch, with an insight into the Dudh Koshi River, swaying beautifully.

Proceeding the hike, further, after approximately 6 hours of hiking, we will finally reach the village of 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 of spirituality, a serene moment, and a motivational insight, as it was destroyed back then, twice, and got rebuilt, signifying that sometimes, a broken piece also turns into something so captivating later, so hold it and preserve it. Famous for the spiritual, 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 with the altitude, staying overnight at Tangboche.

The trail leads us today, towards Dengboche at an altitude of 4410 meters, with a descent to Deboche (3820 meters), where the pathway navigates us toward the famous Pangboche village, where the trail becomes a more captivating, further, as we get to pass several whitely washed chortens, mani walls, houses, flanked with prayer flags, and a cross over through the high long suspension bridge, with a triangluar 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 massively notice the changes in altitude and terrains, 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 have set, a short hike to the famous Nangkartshang Hill at the elevation of 5084 meters, letting your body to stretch out a bit and also, let your lungs breathe in corporating with the thinning air. 

Ascending with a bit rugged and some rocky section, with almost zero trace of the lush green valley, as the route follows, a dry terrains, than, before, we will 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 back to the tea house, at Dingboche, and savour in the cuisines, especially, the hot garlic and ginger soups, to keep us warm and cosy.

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

While many proceed the hike today, towards Lobuche, following the regular standard route, gaining a massive altitude gain, as this is an Everest Base Camp Trek for 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 the altitude as low 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 hike, comparatively shorter than prior days.

Proceeding 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, 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 the Lobuche. This short coverage of a 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 the stars, at the clear night clouds.

After having a fulfilling breakfast today, we proceed towards Dughla, visiting the health post at Pheriche, checking our health, just to ensure that everything is going well with our bodies, and continue 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 the 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), paying a minute of tribute and res furtherpect to the lost lives, we will continue our journey, and finally arrive at the Lobuche, where we will settle in tonight.

Today, we are one step closer to the almighty Everest Base Camp, as we head to the Gorakshep today, even though many hikers proceed the odyssey further, 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 highland, and getting 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. While during the day, we can mirthfully explore the stopping point, and the last village, leading to Mount Everest, at the evening, we will get our pulse rate check done, 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 lap of the world's highest peak of 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 level. Finally, after 3 hours of hiking, approximately. We get to catch the astonishing vista of the highly 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 despite the age factor, it is an accomplishment itself, and a lifetime moment to cherish forever, or with our loved ones. Celebrating the achievement of reaching the foothill of the global gigantic 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 must-do 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, tends to also be a strenuous ascent, climb with the increasing altitude, challenging than the EBC; however, it won't be a problematic issue, as our body gets adapted with rising elevation, already, with a 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 the fish lens 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 Khumjuma, following the same pathways, via woodlands, several villages of Orsho, Somare, Pangboche, Deboche, and Tengoche, unraveling the culture of the Sherpa communities and villages, with a distinct vista of several Himalayan peaks, such as Mt. Everest, Lhotshe, Nuptse, and other Himalayan peaks. Navigating through several yak pastures, forested areas, via rhododendrons, pines, along with the roaring sound of Dudh Koshi river, and the Tibetan dotted terrains, with mani walls, chortens, prayer flags, and a stupa, we will finally reach Khumjuma, where we will be staying overnight.

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, and reach Namche Bazaar. As we've already settled down in Namche before as well, we'll descend to Monjo, passing through the Sagarmatha National Park. However, so you get to spend a good time, in Namche, we'll have our lunch here, before hiking to Monjo, where we will be staying overnight. Meanwhile, if you want to stay in Namche Bazaar, once again, for the night, then, rather than heading downhill to Monjo, instead, we will settle in here tonight. The choice is yours!

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 a goodbye to Monjo, we proceed forward via a forested area, and the thundering roaring sound of 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, sovuniers, nearby stupas, villages, and celebrate the trip completion at the tea house of Lukla, with the porters and guide, for the very last time, within this territory.

Abiding 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, whereas the evening is yours, try to explore Thamel as much as you can, unraveling the bustling side of Nepal. Whereas, in the evening time we will have a lovely farewell dinner, discussing how your trip went by, 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 us and our team, and congratulations on a thrilling accomplishment to the foothill of the world's highest peak, to exist.

Let us know your scheduled date to return to your home country. One of our airport representatives will come to pick you up from the hotel and accompany you for the departure to the airport