First Day Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek

The first day of the Everest Base Camp trek commenced with an exhilarating flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The 30-minute journey treated us to breathtaking mountain vistas. Upon landing in Lukla, we trekked to Phakding, a charming village nestled along the Dudh Koshi river, experiencing the rich Sherpa culture and picturesque landscapes. Below are the major highlights of  first day of Everest Base Camp Trek.

Flight to Lukla: A Journey to the Top of the World

Major attraction of first day of Everest Base Camp Trek is undoubtedly the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.  The thrill of soaring high above the majestic snow-capped mountains and verdant hills marked the inception of my extraordinary journey to the base camp of the world’s tallest peak. Embarking from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla is a breathtaking experience, offering a 200-kilometer Himalayan panorama that unfolds over just 30 minutes. It’s a dawn flight that gifts you with a picturesque view like no other.

As the aircraft prepares for its descent, anticipation surges through the passengers. The very essence of the adventure lies in the dramatic elements of the journey: a remarkably short runway, the extreme altitude of Lukla, the snug cabin quarters, and the unpredictable weather conditions. It’s an exhilarating yet heart-pounding experience, akin to riding the roller coaster of the skies. But, rest assured, the seasoned pilot and the attentive cabin crew make this adventure not just thrilling but comfortable and reassuring.

Undoubtedly, this flight stands out as one of the most adventurous aerial journeys I’ve ever embarked upon.

Lukla, often called the ‘Gateway to the Himalayas,’ holds a significant place in mountaineering history. It was this very route that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Sherpa traversed on their historic ascent of Mount Everest. In the spirit of giving back, they constructed Lukla’s first runway to facilitate access to the area and support local schools. In 1999, further improvements were made, enhancing flight safety. Subsequently, the number of tourists exploring the beauty and conquering the summit of Mount Everest surged.

Encounter with Lukla Flight

Lukla Airport, nestled at a lofty altitude of 2,850 meters above sea level, is one of the world’s tiniest airports. In Nepal, a delay of one to two hours is not uncommon, owing to the whims of mountain weather. To maximize our chances of clear skies, we aimed to depart between 6 am and 9 am.

Upon arrival at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, I was spellbound by the jaw-dropping vistas that surrounded us. After touching down, we promptly met with our porter, while the aroma of breakfast beckoned from a quaint Lukla restaurant.

Trekking to Phakding

Following a hearty breakfast in Lukla, our journey of Everest Base Camp  continued with a short trek to Phakding on very first day of the hike. Although our ultimate destination was the higher altitudes, this particular day’s trek saw us descending along the banks of the Dudh Koshi river en route to Phakding.

The distance between Lukla and Phakding spans roughly 6.2 kilometers, a journey that unfolded over a leisurely 3 to 4 hours. The lower elevation of Phakding provided a gentle start to acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness, which often plagues those journeying to higher altitudes.

En route, we traversed picturesque villages like Chhepulung Ghat and Thado Koshi, offering fleeting glimpses into the unique Sherpa culture of Nepal. Traditional houses, ancient temples, serene monasteries, sacred stupas, colorful prayer flags, and prayer walls adorned our path. The trail even led us across a series of suspension bridges, suspended high above roaring rivers.

First day of Everest Base Camp Trek  also brought us face to face with caravans of yaks, donkeys, and dedicated porters, providing an opportunity for memorable encounters and captivating photographs.

Phakding: A Haven for Trekkers

Phakding, a charming village nestled in the heart of the Khumbu region of Nepal, serves as a vital stopover for trekkers en route to Mount Everest Base Camp and  Gokyo Ri . At an elevation of 2,610 meters, Phakding stands as a welcoming outpost for trekkers, offering comfortable guesthouses to cater to the needs of weary travelers.

First day trek of Everest Base Camp Trek end in Phakding Village with  well-deserved rest, and we settled in for the night in one of the village’s cozy guesthouses, eager for the adventures that awaited on the journey ahead.

In the heart of the Himalayas, our journey had begun, and with every step, the allure of the world’s highest peak drew us closer. Each moment in Lukla and Phakding painted a vivid picture of the beauty and culture that makes first day of Everest Base Camp Trek  treasure trove for adventurers like us.

Read our blog of Second Day highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek