Compare Everest Base Camp Trek in Comfort by World Expeditions vs Mera Peak Climbing and Amphu Labcha Pass by Himalayan Glacier Adventure

Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson Hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

meals : Array

Day 2 Free day in Kathmandu or drive to Ramechap (approx 5 hours).

Depending on the season, you will either have a free day to explore Kathmandu's bustling streets and significant landmarks or embark on a bus ride to Ramechap, a small town that operates flights to Lukla, the gate way trekking in the Everest region. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or Private eco-camp *NB: Domestic flights to/from Lukla may operate from Manthali Airport, Ramechap during spring and autumn trekking seasons (March to May and October to December). This is determined by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and dates are subject to change. Your leader will brief you on flight arrangements locally.

meals : B

Day 3 Fly Lukla (2800m). Trek to Ghat (2530m). Walk approx 2 hours

We have an early start with a short flight to STOL airstrip at Lukla. The Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla was established by Sir Edmund Hillary to help access the Everest region and the Sherpa people. It is a picturesque flight with marvelous views of the Eastern Himalaya. Once at Lukla we are immediately presented with views of huge peaks surrounding the village, offering a glimpse of what is to come. Our crew assembles and we head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat, passing through small villages and rows of dahlia trees to our first overnight campsite at Ghat. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 To Monjo (2850m). Walk approx 4-5 hours

Today we cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named "Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river) because of its colour. Sections of today's walk are through pine forest and cleared areas reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. We pass small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading goods and trek-gear along the trail. A dzopko is a yak-cow crossbreed while a yak is a full-blood long haired male, more commonly found at higher altitudes. Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree-line as they rise above the deep river valley. Shortly after leaving camp we cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary stream to the Dudh Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kangru (6369 m) can be seen to the East, at the head of the valley. Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-West, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde Ri (6093 m) rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises majestically, seemingly from the river floor. We will see our first Mani walls today. These stone structures are a compilation of many stone tablets, each with the inscription "Om Mani Padme Hum" which translates to "Hail to the jewel in the lotus", and is mantra (chant) venerated by Buddhists and Brahmans alike. Buddhists will walk to the left of these Mani Walls and chortens, but you may notice that people of the lowlands who have no knowledge of Buddhism do not follow this practice. The allure of the mountains is hard to resist, but we must be patient, as it is very important to acclimatise slowly and thereby fully appreciate our time at higher altitude. Today's walk is not a long one, and you will be eager to press on. Slow down, and enjoy the journey. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 To Namche (3440m). Walk approx 4-5 hours

This morning we cross the green/aqua waters of the Dudh Kosi and pass through the gates of the Sagamartha National Park. The establishment of this national park is a significant attempt to stem the use of fire-wood in the area. Self-contained trek groups must use only kerosene fuels for cooking, a philosophy we follow everywhere in Nepal, whether we are in a national park or not. Tea-houses and lodges are encouraged to use kerosene, yak dung or electricity but unfortunately continue to use mostly fire-wood for cooking, heating and for hot water for trekker's showers. This practice continues to deplete the forests. We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa "capital" of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes through forest of pine to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader's stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Overnight: eco-lodge

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 To Kyangjuma (3550m) - Walk approx 3-4 hours

Our trek will start with an incline to Syangboche airstrip and along the ridgeline towards Everest View Hotel. We are welcomed with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtega, Ama Dablam and many more. After a quick break, we continue towards Khumjung and visit Sir Edmond Hillary’s famous “Schoolhouse in the clouds.”This school was the first in the entire Khumbu region being built in 1961 with the help of the Sir Edmund Hillary and the Himalayan Trust. The school originally opened with only two classrooms but has since expanded to cater for over 350 students. We descend and follow the trail for approx 25 minutes to our new exclusive campsite at Kyangjuma. For those who are feeling the early effects of altitude can opt for a shorter acclimatization walk of around 2 hours directly from Namche to Kyangjuma. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 To Pangboche (3930m), walk approx 6-7 hours

The walk to Pangboche is one of the most spectacular trekking days in Nepal. The trail starts with a gradual descent through rhododendron and pine forests as we approach a suspension bridge to cross the Dudh Kosi. We start our climb through pine forests to the top of a long ridge which flows from the summit of Kantega. If we are lucky, we may come across local wildlife including the Himalayan Thar, Musked Deer and the vibrant Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. A traditional gateway and chorten welcomes us to the village of Thyangboche. From the steps of the Monastery we will be rewarded to a clear view of Everest between Nuptse and Lhotse as well as Peak 38, Shartse and Ama Dablam. Thyangboche is considered the spiritual heart of the Khumbu Valley and the monastery was re-built with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary after being decimated by a fire in 1989. We continue down hill to Deboche for lunch before making our final push to Pangboche. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 To Dingboche (4360m), walk approx. 3-4 hours

We follow the Imja Khola to stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Kantega, Thamserku, Ama Dablam and Nuptse as we descend into the valley and cross the suspension bridge. As we reach the town of Shomare, we gradually ascend above the tree line where the terrain becomes increasing sparse, barren and dotted with high altitude shrubbery. The views of mountains are spectacular as we reach our overnight campsite at Dingboche, situated just beneath the impressive Ama Dablam. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Rest day in Dingboche

An important acclimatisation/rest day today with the option of hiking high up to the ridge overlooking the village, or perhaps up to Chukung Village. Excellent views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Chukung Peak and Imja Tse (6189m) are had from both in the valley or from the ridge above the camp. Massive glaciers drape beneath cliffs that soar up to 3,500 metres in this dramatic valley. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 To Lobuche (4930m). Walk approx 6 hours

We are gaining altitude and it is important that we move at a slow, steady pace. The slopes are quite barren now as we move above the tree line. Views of different peaks, such as Cholatse and Lobuche, unfold before us in this contrasting and spectacular landscape. We move up the Dhugla Ridge and onto moraine towards the Khumbu Glacier. Rock cairns can be seen, many of which are dedicated to the memory of climbers attempting the high mountains of the area, including Everest. The temperatures drop here as we are more exposed amongst this glacial moraine. We enjoy spectacular views all day today of Pumori and Nuptse. The hill above the town affords fine sunset views of Nuptse. Overnight eco lodge (please note that single supplements cannot be guaranteed at Lobuche during peak periods).

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 To Gorak Shep (5288m) & Base Camp (5360m). Walk approx 7-8 hours

We trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier as the path winds over the rocky moraine towards the settlement of Gorak Shep. We are high, among the glaciers of the world's highest peaks. Following our arrival at Gorak Shep we have an early lunch before we commence our trek to Everest Base Camp. In the pre monsoon season many expeditions can be seen at base camp and this excursion is one of the highlights of the trek. Overnight lodge (please note that single supplements cannot be guaranteed at Gorak Shep during peak periods).

meals : B,L,D

Day 12 Kala Pattar (5545m), & trek Dingboche (4330m), walk approx. 7-8 hours

Kala Pattar is not a Nepali name but a Hindi name and translates to "black rock". From these black rocks atop the hill the views are spectacular. Most eyes are locked on the mass of Everest and its rocky buttresses immediately before us. Many of the famous ascent routes are quite clear. Below us the Khumbu Glacier snakes towards the icefall and Western Cwm. We can see the area where expeditions set their base camp but the original site was at Lake Camp, now known as Gorak Shep. Take a look in every direction and soak it in. The view south and our route out is particularly beautiful. In the afternoon we make the return trek to our exclusive eco-comfort camp at Dingboche, soon after setting off we reach the site of a row of cairns to Sherpa climbers who died on Everest, before we continue to the small settlement at Tugla. Our path on an old lateral moraine takes us to the sheltered village of Dingboche and our permanent camp. To the east at the head of the Imja Khola valley sits the pyramid peak of Imja Tse (6189 m). This afternoon we can walk up the ridge behind Dingboche for sunset views of Nuptse, Lhotse and Chhukung Peak.

meals : B,L,D

Day 13 To Kyangjuma (3550m). Walk approx 7 hours

There may be a tendency to rush as we gradually descend downhill but there is still much to appreciate. We follow the Imja river and eventually cross the Pheriche river to our lunch stop at Deboche. We continue after lunch through serene rhododendron and birch forests to reach Thyangboche monastery and our overnight camp at Kyangjuma. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 14 To Monjo (2850m), walk approx. 5-6 hours

If the weather is clear, the mountain views as we approach Namche Bazaar are outstanding. As we approach the end of our trek, we have time to peruse the tibetan shops for souvenirs or even wander the Sherpa capital and relax with a coffee. Leaving Namche we descend through the forest towards the Dudh Kosi, and continue our return journey crossing and re-crossing the river. It will seem like a long time since we ascended through the villages on our first days of the trek, as we have witnessed many stunning views on our trek into the highest mountain range in the world. We exit Sagarmatha National Park and reach Monjo for our overnight camp. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 15 To Lukla (2800m). Walk approx 5-6 hours

Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle climb to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunsets of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a perfect time to celebrate a successful journey and say thanks to the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here. Overnight: eco-lodge.

meals : B,L,D

Day 16 Fly to Kathmandu or return via Ramechap

We start the day with a stunning morning flight over forests and villages to Kathmandu directly or to return via Ramechap. Upon arrival, you be will be transferred back to the Radisson Hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon free. There will be plenty of time to relax or do some last minute shopping/sightseeing. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

meals : B

Day 17 Trip concludes Kathmandu

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport.

meals : B

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)

Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

We complete our custom formalities at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterwards, there is a Himalayan Glacier representative waiting for us at the gate who will take us to our hotel.  We can then spend the rest of the day taking a rest. In the evening, we get to try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu: trip preparation

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)

Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

We rest for most of the day and unpack. We visit Himalayan Glacier’s office in the afternoon. Our climbing leaders will check our set of climbing equipment to make sure that they are in good condition for our coming journey. We also get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Fly to Lukla, trek to Paiya (Chutok)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Maximum Altitude: 2,730m/8,957ft

Flight: 40 min Hiking: 5-6 hrs

We catch an early morning flight to Lukla and begin our trek to Paiya after landing at the Tenzing-Hillary airport in Lukla. We walk on a jungle trail, cross a bridge over the Handi Khola and reach Surke Village. From here we continue moving south and cross the Chutok La pass before reaching the small settlement of Paiyan, also known as Chutok. Overnight in Paiya.

Day 4: Paiya to Panggom

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking: 5-6 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 2,846m/9,338ft

We descend for a while and reach a small bridge. From here the trail is slippery until we cross the Kari La pass. We walk through rhododendron and bamboo forests on a narrow mountain trail. On today’s trip we also get to be in awe of the Dudhkoshi Valley. We continue our trek to Panggom Village whose settlers are dependent on farming and trading. Overnight in Panggom.

Day 5: Panggom to Ningsow

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking: 4-5 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 2,863m/9,394ft

We begin our trek after breakfast. After trekking out of Panggom, we cross the Panggom La pass. Then we ascend, walk on a steady path and turn north. We cross Peseng Kharka Khola first then after walking for sometime, reach Peeng Kharka Danda. We cross Ningsow Khola (stream) before reaching the Ningsow Village. Overnight in Ningsow.

Day 6: Ningsow to Chhatra Khola

From Ningsow, we climb first then descend for a while and climb some more to reach Ramailo Danda. From here we get extraordinary views of Mera Peak and Salpa. After ascending and descending on our trail, we enter the Makalu Barun National Park. Our trail from here to Chhatra Khola is called Pasang Lhamu trail. On the way, if we are lucky, we might even come across the elusive Red Panda. Overnight in Chhatra Khola.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking: 7-8 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 2,800m/9,187ft

Day 7: Chhatra Khola to Kothe

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking: 6-7 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 3,691m/12,110ft

We walk towards the north on the main trail to Mera Peak. After walking on a trail next to the the Majang Khola, we merge with another trail which moves alongside the Hinku Khola. Our trail moves straight ahead towards Tashing Ongma which has seasonal tea shops. We continue our trek and cross the bridge over the Sanu Khola before reaching Kothe. Overnight in Kothe.

Day 8: Kothe to Thaknak

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking: 3-4 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 4,358m/14,299ft

We trek along the ridge of the Hinku Khola in the shadow of Mera Peak. We take lunch at Gondishung, the summer herders’ settlement in the west bank of the Hinku Drangka. Beyond Gondishung, we pass a 200-year-old Lungsumgba Gompa where we can find Mera Peak scripted in rock along with its route to reach Mera. A short walk takes us to Thaknak, which is a summer grazing area with primitive lodges and shops. Overnight in Thaknak.

Day 9: Thaknak to Khare

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Maximum Altitude: 5,045m/16,553ft

Hiking: 2-3 hrs

Leaving Thaknak, we follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka, which offers spectacular views of Charpate Himal. The trail climbs through moraines to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar glaciers, and then climbs more steeply to Khare. From here, we can see the northern face of Mera Peak which will be an amazing experience. After lunch we can hike in and around Khare. Overnight at Khare.

Day 10: Khare: Acclimatization and pre - climb training

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Maximum Altitude: 5,045m/16,553ft

We have a separate day set aside solely for acclimatization and basic training just to prepare ourselves better for the Mera Peak climb. Our climbing leader will help us polish our basic climbing techniques and demonstrate the best ways to use our climbing gears like the ice axe, harness, ascender climbing boots and crampons. The training will also include learning the best technique to use the rope for climbing up and down. Overnight in Khare.

Day 11: Khare to Mera High Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping (Camping)

Climbing: 6-7 hrs

Maximum Altitude:5,780m/18,964ft

We walk through a boulder-strewn course on a steep trail to reach the Mera Peak Base Camp. From here, we continue further through the Mera La pass to reach the Mera High Camp. Our path is along a rocky trail, which can be hazardous if it has recently snowed, as there are a number of crevasses here. We make our way to the top of the rock band, which is marked by a large cairn. Then set up a high camp while enjoying excellent views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, the south face of Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang and Baruntse. Overnight at Mera High Camp.

Day 12: Summit Mera Peak, trek to Kongma Dingma

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping (Camping)

Climbing: 10-11 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 6,461m/21,199ft

We wake up around 2 in the morning for breakfast. It’s going to be very cold in the beginning but we get warmer as we continue up the glacier and onto a peculiar ridge. The first rays of the sun hit the big peaks in an amazing red glow. The route is still non-technical as we slowly climb higher into the ever-thinning air. The slope steepens for a section behind the ridge and the summit comes back into view. At the foot of the final steep summit cone, we may attach to a fixed rope depending on the conditions. The summit is only a few meters away. From the summit, we take in amazing views of the mighty Himalayas including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Cho-Oyu (8,210m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Nuptse (7,855m), Chamlang (7,319m), Baruntse (7 ,129m) and others. Later, we retrace our steps back to the high camp where we rest for a while before descending to Kongma Dingma. Overnight in Kongma Dingma

Day 13: Kongma Dingma: rest day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Maximum Altitude: 4,850m/15,913ft

We take the much needed rest in Kongma Dingma today.

Day 14: Contingency

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping (Camping)

Maximum Altitude: 4,850m/15,913ft

There is no guarantee that we will have favorable weather on our planned day for the summit. Therefore, this day is set aside as a contingency in case we are unable to summit the Mera on day 12 due to bad weather conditions or any other unanticipated reason.

Day 15: Kongma Dingma to Seto Pokhari

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking: 5-6 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 5,035m/16,520ft

We head up into the upper yak pastures of this incredible remote valley. All morning the great flanks of Chamlang dominate our left, and the spire of Baruntse comes into view beyond. The terrain is remarkably benign, especially considering we are actually heading directly into the very epicenter of the highest group of mountains in the world. The valley floor remains broad and straight, only gradually rising to the blind alley of peaks ahead. It is almost a shock to realize that the two majestic mountains we are heading straight towards are none other than Everest and Lhotse. Overnight in camp at Seto Pokhari.

Day 16: Seto Pokhari to Amphu Labcha Base Camp (South)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking: 5-6 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 5,650m/18,538ft

This is one of the remotest parts of the Himalayas, so we rarely see any trekkers en-route except if it is a very high tourist season. From Seto Pokhari we move ahead and pass through several lakes that occupy the upper Hunku Basin. After walking past Hunku Pokhari, our trail is next to the magnificent Hunku Glacier. We continue further with another lake close by to our trail. Overnight in Amphu Labcha Base Camp.

Day 17: Amphu Labcha Base Camp to Chhukung

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking: 9-10 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 4,730m/15,519ft

We cross the Amphu Labcha La pass (5,845m) then walk across the Amphu Labcha Glacier. Lhotse Shar Glacier and Imja Glacier are nearby. Our trail also half circles the Imja Tsho lake before walking on the main Island Peak trail. Moving further ahead, we are also in the vicinity of the Ama Dablam Glacier before reaching Chhukung. Overnight in Chhukung.

Day 18: Chhukung to Namche Bazaar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking: 5-6 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 3,438m/11,280ft

We begin our descent to Namche Bazaar after breakfast. We reach a sparse settlement of Bibre and cross a bridge over the Imja Khola. Our trail passes through beautiful villages, grasslands and cross several bridges before reaching Namche Bazaar. There is an amazing view point a little further from our trail at Dingboche.  Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 19: Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking: 6-7 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 2,800m/9,187ft

We begin our trek to Namche Bazaar today on a rocky terrain.  It is mostly a downhill trek on a trail alongside the Dudh Koshi River. We cross several suspension bridges, pass by several monasteries and villages before reaching Lukla. After reaching Lukla we spend the rest of the day taking a rest as today will be our last day on the mountains. Overnight in Lukla.

Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)

Flight: 40 min

Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

The flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning due to safety reasons. After reaching the capital city, we have the rest of the day off to past the time as we please. We could take a rest in our hotel room or shop for souvenirs for our loved ones. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our Mera Peak Climbing and Amphu Labcha Pass. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 21: Final departure

Meals: Breakfast

We check our hotel room for one last time and make sure that we have not forgotten to pack any of our belongings. A Himalayan Glacier representative will take us to the Tribhuwan International Airport 3 hours earlier before our scheduled flight.