Mt. Chooyu Basecamp (Nepal Side) Trek

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu's airport, our representative from Altitude Experts Trips & Expedition will warmly greet you and escort you to your pre-arranged hotel in the vibrant area of Thamel. Take your time to settle in and explore the bustling streets of Thamel, where you'll find various shops, restaurants, and amenities.

In the morning, we finalize our trip preparations, including last-minute shopping and packing. Alternatively, we can arrange a half-day city sightseeing tour to Kathmandu's world heritage sites, such as Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Due to air congestion at TIA, which operates a single runway for both domestic and international flights, all flights to and from Lukla are redirected to Manthali Airport, Ramechhap during the peak seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). This change, mandated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, helps alleviate the heavy air traffic at TIA. In the morning, we finalize our trip preparations, including last-minute shopping and packing. Alternatively, we can arrange a half-day city sightseeing tour to Kathmandu's world heritage sites, such as Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the afternoon, we embark on our journey to Everest, starting with an approximate 4.5-hour drive to Manthali in a private vehicle. The route follows the B.P. Highway, passing through Bhaktapur and Dhulikhel. We gradually descend towards Khurkot, where the Tama Koshi and Sun Koshi Rivers converge. Following the Sun Koshi River, we then continue alongside the Tama Koshi River almost to Manthali. Upon arrival in Manthali, we check in at a resort for an overnight stay and enjoy dinner to conclude the day's journey.

Today, due to new regulations, the flights to Lukla will likely operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap District. An early morning start requires waking up at 2 a.m. to embark on a four-hour drive from Kathmandu to Manthali. From there, you'll take a breathtaking 20-minute flight to Lukla. Upon landing in Lukla, our professional trekking team will be there to welcome you. You'll be served a hearty second breakfast before commencing your first-day hike in the Himalayas. From the airstrip, our trek begins with a scenic walk through Lukla Bazaar. Passing Chheplung, Thadokoshi, Ghat, and other picturesque villages, we make our way to the charming village of Phakding, surrounded by terraced fields and stunning views of the Khumbi Yulha and Dudhkoshi Rivers.

Continuing our journey, we traverse suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and enter the Sagarmatha National Park. Passing through Benkar, Chumo, and Monju, we make our way to Jorsale for lunch. Afterward, we cross the highest suspension bridge in the valley and ascend steeply through the pine jungle, catching our first glimpse of Mount Everest. Finally, we reach Namche Bazaar, a vibrant Sherpa village with various attractions.

Today is a crucial acclimatization day in our trekking journey. We start with a hike to Hotel Everest View, where we are rewarded with stunning vistas of the Himalayas from the world's highest mountain Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, and Thamserku. On the way, we visit Sagarmatha Next, a unique center where artists from around the world create souvenirs from the trash collected in the region. Through VR technology. You can experience the Everest climb, adding an exciting and educational dimension to our journey. After soaking in the views, we descend towards Khumjung, home to the first school built by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1960. Khumjung and the nearby Khunde village are nestled together at the base of Khumbi Yulha and are known as the "green valley" because all the roofs are painted green, except for the monastery, which is red. We then continue our descent back to Namche Bazaar.

The trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame offers an incredible journey through the heart of the Khumbu region, showcasing both natural beauty and rich Sherpa culture. The distance covered on this trek is approximately 10-12 km one-way, and the elevation gain is around 400 meters as you ascend from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Thame (3,820m). The trek begins with a relatively gentle ascent, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.Along the way, you'll pass through small Sherpa villages, lush forests of pine and rhododendron, and vibrant terraced fields. The route also offers excellent views of Thamserku and Kongde Ri. As you approach Thame, you’ll be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the Sherpa people. Thame is not only a picturesque village but also the home of legendary mountaineers such as Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, Apa Sherpa, and Kami Rita Sherpa, who have made remarkable contributions to the mountaineering world. The village is also home to the Thame Monastery, a sacred place for Buddhists and an important cultural site for the region. This trek allows you to connect with the serene beauty of the Khumbu Valley while experiencing the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the Sherpa villages.

On the seventh day of the trek, we begin our journey from Thame (3,880m) and make our way to Arya Village (4,710m), passing through the picturesque landscapes of the Khumbu region. The trail initially takes us to Marlung, a charming village situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters. The trek to Marlung involves a pleasant three-hour walk alongside the serene Bhotekoshi River, offering stunning views and an opportunity to pass through several traditional Sherpa villages, including Thameteng, Ong, Yilajung, and Taranga. Marlung is an ideal spot to pause for lunch, where trekkers can enjoy a hearty meal accompanied by a warm cup of tea or coffee while soaking in the tranquil mountain surroundings.

After lunch, the trail ascends gently toward Arya Village, which lies approximately 3.5 kilometers away. The two-hour hike offers a gradual climb, allowing trekkers to adapt to the increasing altitude. Arya Village, once primarily used as a yak herding settlement, has transformed over time with the growth of tourism. Today, it features two comfortable lodges, providing convenient accommodation for visitors. By the end of the day, we will have covered approximately 11.5 kilometers and ascended around 800 meters. The serene atmosphere and the charm of Arya Village make it a perfect place to rest and prepare for the next stage of the trek.

Today marks the second acclimatization rest day of our trek. After breakfast, we embark on a hike toward the Renjo La Pass, enjoying breathtaking views of the Nangpa Valley and the surrounding peaks, including the Kongde Range, Ama Yomjoma, and Kyajo Ri. The uphill hike takes approximately 3–4 hours, reaching an elevation of around 5,000 meters, and offers ample opportunities to soak in the stunning alpine scenery. After completing the hike, we return to Arya Village for the night, where we rest and prepare for the next stage of our journey.

Today, we will trek a total of 9.5 km over the course of 4 hours, with an elevation gain of 200 meters. The route features a gentle ascent, taking us through scenic landscapes, with the first 3.5 km covered in approximately 2 hours. Along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to catch our first view of Mount Cho Oyu from the Balte viewpoint. The sight is truly spectacular and marks a significant point of the trek.As we continue, we’ll pass the picturesque Khatikha Pond, where we can observe yaks grazing peacefully, creating a serene atmosphere. After a satisfying lunch, we will walk on a flat section for about 1 hour, taking in the views at the base of Ghyajung Thak (Dragkya Chhulung, 5630m). This area offers breathtaking scenery and a sense of tranquility. By the afternoon, we will be near Sumna Phug, which is the junction of the routes leading to Nangpala and Cho Oyu Base Camp. However, we must exercise caution as we navigate through a landslide-prone area for about 30 minutes. Upon reaching Sumna Phug, we’ll find a large, deep cave that was once used by Tibetan traders as a resting place during their travels. This cave offers a glimpse into the history of the region and provides a unique stop along our journey.

Today, we’ll begin with a late breakfast before embarking on a 6 km trek that ascends a maximum of 200 meters over the course of 4-5hours. We will follow the trail along the side of the Lumbasumba Glacier, ensuring not to deviate towards the path leading to Nangpala Pass, as this area is a junction between the routes to Nangpala and Cho Oyu Base Camp. The trail is narrow and unclear, so it is crucial to stay on course. Along the way, we will be surrounded by stunning mountain views. To the right, we will see the ridge of Sumna Peak (5980m), while in front of us stands the impressive Mt. Nangpa Gosum (5810m). To the right, we will also catch a glimpse of Mt. Lunak Ri (6895m) and the Lumbasumba Glacier. This glacier, which flows from the base of Mt. Nangpa Gosum and Mt. Cho Oyu, is an awe-inspiring 10 km long and 750 meters wide.

As we approach Homi Tsho, a flat and smooth area with a small pond, we will stop to set up camp above the pond for the night. Omi Tsho, which means "Milky Pond," sits at an altitude of 5100 meters. This tranquil spot is a good place to rest, and there is a chance to spot wildlife such as Tibetan wolves and snow leopards in the area.

Today is a significant day as we reach the long-awaited Cho Oyu Base Camp. After a breakfast, we begin our trek, ascending just 200 meters over 3 hours towards Chooyu Basecamp. We will cover 3.5 km of rugged terrain, following a narrow and unclear trail that requires our full attention. It is important to be cautious, as the paths are faint and can easily be missed. We will be walking in the 15° northeast direction, and although the trail is not clearly visible at times, our direction will keep us on track toward the base camp.

As we progress, the views become increasingly spectacular. On our right, we will see the towering Sumna Peak (5980m), with the majestic Mt. Nangpa Gosum (5810m). Mt. Lunak Ri (6895m) will dominate the landscape, while the Lumbasumba Kharka area will provide additional stunning vistas. The route will lead us to the end of the Lumbasumba Glacier, where we will finally reach the Cho Oyu Base Camp, situated at an altitude of around 5,300 meters. Once we arrive at base camp, we will take time to appreciate the magnificent view of the southwest face of Mt. Cho Oyu, one of the most impressive sights in the region. This is a perfect spot for taking photographs and soaking in the grandeur of the surrounding peaks. After spending some quality time at Cho Oyu Base Camp, we will retrace our steps back to Homi Tsho, where we will camp for the night. The return journey offers another opportunity to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes before settling in for a peaceful evening at camp.

Today, we begin our return journey, retracing the same path we took on the way up. Our trek will take us for 5-6 hours as we descend the valley, heading back toward Arya. As we make our way down, we will continue to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, with the majestic peaks of Sumna Peak, Mt. Nangpa Gosum, Lunak Ri, and the vast Lumbasumba Glacier framing the landscape.

The peaceful environment along the way will offer a sense of serenity, with the occasional sight of yaks grazing in the meadows, adding a tranquil touch to the trek. As we move closer to Arya, we will witness the gradual changes in the terrain and feel the calming atmosphere of the valley.

This return trek provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey to Cho Oyu Base Camp and savor the beauty of the Himalayas. After reaching Arya, we will rest and prepare for the next leg of our adventure.

After enjoying breakfast, we begin our journey back to Lukla. We will follow the same trail we took during the first two days of our trek, connecting Namche and Lukla. As our trek ends, we look forward to celebrating this memorable adventure with a special farewell dinner in the evening. This joyful gathering will be enhanced by the harmonious sounds of traditional Nepali folk songs, including the enchanting "Resam Firiri." This celebration is a fitting way to say goodbye to our trekking group's breathtaking landscapes and camaraderie. During the dinner, your guide will collect gratuities from the group and ensure they are distributed among the hardworking staff, expressing our appreciation for their dedication and support throughout our journey. As we close this incredible adventure, it will be a time for reflection, gratitude, and camaraderie.

Depending on the scheduled flight time, we will head to the airport for our journey back to either Kathmandu or Manthali, based on your flight destination. Upon our arrival at the Kathmandu or Manthali airport, our attentive staff will be ready to ensure a smooth transition and transfer you to your designated hotel. Later in the evening, we will gather for a memorable farewell dinner in the vibrant Thamel district. This will be an excellent opportunity to reflect on our adventures, share stories, and savor the unique flavors of Nepali cuisine.

Depending on your flight schedule, our staff will arrange your transfer from the hotel to the airport for your departure. This concludes your remarkable Everest Base Camp Trek, filled with breathtaking landscapes, challenging trails, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Himalayas. We hope you leave with cherished memories and a strong sense of accomplishment, unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Himalayas. We hope you depart with treasured memories and a sense of accomplishment.