EBC Hidden Valley Trek

The journey to Hidden Valley Everest Base Camp Trek begins with an incredible adventure to Lukla from Kathmandu. Early in the morning, our representative will pick you up from your Hotel and drop you off at the domestic airport in Kathmandu. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes 30 minutes and passes over rolling hills, lush valleys, and towering peaks. Once you land at Lukla, the cool mountain air will greet you.

The trekking journey begins on the same day. On this day, you’ll hike towards Phakding, which is relatively short. The trail winds through beautiful landscapes with pine forests, rivers, and small Sherpa settlements. You’ll cross a suspension bridge along the way. A 3 hours of gentle walk from Lukla takes you to Phakding. Your dinner and overnight stay are at the Lodge of  in a room with a private attached bathroom.

How are you feeling waking up with the sound of chirping birds and crisp air? Indeed, it feels incredible and fresh, right? With these feelings, have a hearty meal at the lodge where you are staying. After breakfast, get ready for today’s journey. Leaving Phakding, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, weaving through pine forests and the small Sherpa settlements of Monjo and Jorsalle.

However, you should check your Sagarmatha National Park permit at Monjo’s checkpost. Afterward, the trail continues and crosses the iconic Hillary suspension bridge. The final part of the trek is a steep uphill climb, but every step is worth it as the view of touring peaks becomes more spectacular. After a 6-7-hour trek, you’ll reach Namche Bazaar, a prominent hub of the Khumbu region. You’ll settle into Namche’s lodge, which has a private attached bathroom, for overnight and dinner.

The trek leads you to Everest View Hotel after breakfast at Namche Bazaar. The day’s trek begins with a steep climb at first, but as you ascend, the views of the surrounding mountain make every step worthwhile. You’ll reach the Everest View Hotel within 1-2 hours of the hike (3,880m). You’ll have lunch at the Hotel, enjoying the best panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse.

After relaxing and having lunch at the Hotel, the trail gently descends towards the traditional, hidden, quiet Sherpa village, Khumjung. As you get to the village, you’ll see famous green-roofed houses, stone walls, and terraced fields. You can visit Khumjung Monastery and Edmund Hillary School in Khumjung village. Your dinner and accommodation point is at the lodge of Khumjung. You’ll cover 5.4km on the day and walk for 4 hours.

After breakfast at Khumjung, you’ll begin your trek towards Phortse. The trail initially climbs gently, enjoying views of the green-roofed houses of Khumjung behind. As the trail continues, the majestic peaks of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega will accompany you. The trail passes through enchanting rhododendron forests and juniper trees.

You’ll cross a few suspension bridges on the way, with each offering incredible views of the Dudh Koshi River flowing below. After a few hours of trekking, you’ll descend to Imja Khola River. From there, the trail climbs steeply towards Phortse village. It takes 4-5 hours to get to Phortse from Khumjung village through a scenic trail. You’ll have dinner and a comfortable sleep at the tea house of Phortse.

Day fifth takes you to one of the prominent landmarks of the Everest region, Ama Dablam Base Camp. After a hearty breakfast at Phortse, leave the village and make your way towards the day’s destination. The trail climbs gently with a stunning view of the Dudh Koshi River and the surrounding valleys. After a few hours of trekking, you’ll get to Pangboche village, where you’ll stop for rest and lunch. In the village, you can visit the Pangboche Monastery. 

From Pangboche, the trail turns steeper as it ascends towards Base Camp of Ama Dablam. The route takes you through alpine meadows with grazing yaks across rocky terrain. 5-6 hours of trek from Phortse, you’ll get to Ama Dablam Base Camp. The base camp offers a jaw-dropping vista of the mountain’s southwest face. Stay at a lodge of Ama Dablam. 

After having a delicious morning meal while soaking in the incredible view of the mountain peak at Ama Dablam Base Camp, you’ll begin your walk towards Pheriche. The trail leads back down to Pangboche, returning through the previous route. The route offers stunning views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Everest, and Lhotse.

Stop at Pangboche for lunch and then continue to descend further. The trail leads you to wide-open valleys, and the terrain transitions from alpine meadows to a more open landscape. It takes 6-7 hours to get Pheriche from Ama Dablam Base Camp. Your overnight and dinner are at Pheriche’s tea house.

Day seven is your acclimatization day, which helps you adjust to the changed environment and temperature. On this day, you’ll go for a short hike to a nearby high ridge, Nangkarsthang Peak, at an elevation of 5,085m/ 17,018ft. The hike serves a dual purpose, allowing trekkers to adjust to the thinner air and soak in the beauty and tranquility of the Everest region. The ridge is well-known for offering idyllic stupas with a peaceful ambiance and spiritual touch.

Similarly, the ridge offers panoramic views of Pheriche village, neighboring Dignboche village, and towering snow-capped peaks, including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. After a pleasant time at the ridge, you’ll return to Pheriche. In your remaining time, you can interact with locals and learn about their way of living. During the day, you trek for around 3km for 3 hours. Sleep peacefully at the same lodge you had slept last night.

You’ll leave Pheriche after breakfast with fresh energy from the crisp mountain air. The trail meanders through rocky terrain, surrounded by the stunning mountains of Ama Dablam and Cholatse. A few hours of walk from Pheriche takes you to Thukla (Dughla); there, you’ll stop for lunch and a short break. After lunch, continue your walk and get ready for the real challenge: a steep climb up to Dughla Pass (4,620m). After the pass, the trail levels out a bit and offers glimpses of the Khumbu glacier.

You’ll reach Lobuche after covering 8.6km and walking for 5 hours. By the time you reach there, you’ll be tired but delighted. Towering peaks of mountains surround the Lobuche village, providing a visual feast and removing all tiredness. Stay overnight at the lodge of Lobuche.

Today is the day you have been eagerly waiting. Start your day early in the morning and head toward Gorakshep from Lobuche. As you head towards Gorakshep, the trail becomes rugged, winding through moraines and Khumbu glacier debris. As you move further, the sight of the mountain seems closer.

It’s a steady uphill climb and quite challenging, especially at the Lobuche Pass (4,940m). About 2-3 hours of trek from Lobuche takes you to Gorakshep. As you get to the village, feel up with a warm meal, drop bags at the tea house, and make your way towards your ultimate destination, Everest Base Camp. Leaving Gorakshep, you’ll follow the trail alongside the Khumbu Glacier. The terrain becomes rocky and uneven, so you must trek carefully.

Finally, after hours of trekking, you’ll reach the Everest Base Camp. Stand at the foot of the world’s highest mountain, soak in its beauty, feel a sense of accomplishment, and take photos. After spending time at Base Camp, you’ll trek back to Gorakshep. On the day, you’ll walk for 7-8 hours, covering 15km. Have dinner and spend overnight at the tea house of Gorakshep.

It’s another remarkable day on your journey to Everest Base Camp. Your day begins in the pre-dawn hours, leaving Goarkshep with a headlamp. With the accompany of crisp air and stars, continue your walk through the steep ascent. After 2 hours of ascending from Gorakshep, you’ll get to Kapatthar. As you get to the vantage point, the panorama of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and Lhotse will appeal to your eye.

By the time you reach the summit of Kalapatthar, it will be the time of sunrise; thus, your eyes will be blessed with the spectacular vista, where the sun’s first ray hits the tip of the mountains. Take your time to feel the sense of achievement, and capture the moments. Afterward, descend to Gorakshep and have breakfast.

The trek back to Pheriche and the section is mostly downhill. The trail retraces through the Khumbu Glacier moraine and passes through Lobuche and Dugla. Reaching Pheriche feels like a homecoming. You’ll trek for 7-8 hours on this day, covering 15km. Stay overnight at the lodge of Pheriche.

It’s another day of returning from the EBC Hidden Valley trek. After breakfast at Pheriche, start descending towards Namche Bazaar. The trail winds through rhododendron forest with occasional views of Mount Ama Dablam. After a few hours of trek, you’ll reach Pangboche and have lunch there.

From Pangboche, the trail descends further and reaches Tengboche. If time permits, stay at the village and visit the prominent monastery of the region; from Tengboche, the trail continues with a steep descent through lush forest. Crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River, you’ll reach the day’s accommodation point, Namche Bazaar. It takes 7-8 hours to get to Namche Bazaar from Pheriche.

The twelfth-day trek marks the conclusion of the incredible adventure of the EBC Hidden Valley Trek. You’ll begin your downhill trek after a hearty meal at Namche Bazaar. The trail passes through the villages of Jhoesalle and reaches Monjo, where you’ll exit the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoints.

The trail then descends to Phakind, where you’ll stop for a while and have lunch. After lunch, continue your walk and get to Lukla. Namche Bazaar to Lukla descent takes approximately seven hours. You’ll spend the night in Lukla‘s lodge, preparing for your flight back to Kathmandu the next day.

It’s time to return from the Everest region. Start your day early and check in at the Lukla Airport. We’ll try to board your morning flight as it has the best weather, and flight delays are likely less at the time. You’ll bid farewell to the entire region. As the plane takes off from the runway, you’ll feel excitement and nostalgia.

After 30 minutes of aerial flight, you’ll land at Kathmandu Airport. You’ll have much time left after getting to Kathmandu; utilize it to explore the nearby well-known areas and experience the nightlife of Thamel. Overnight at the Hotel of Kathmandu.