Everest Base Camp Stargazing Trek: 15-Day Astronomy Itinerary

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m). Alongside the trek briefing, the astronomer walks the group through the observing plan: which objects are up this month, the moon phase for your dates, and how cold and altitude change the way telescopes and cameras behave. Overnight in Kathmandu.

The short flight to Lukla (2,860 m), then a gentle downhill first day along the Dudh Koshi to Phakding (2,610 m). Lower and more humid than the high camps, this is a night to rest rather than observe.

River trail and suspension bridges into Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, then the switchback climb to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). Namche has some light from the town, but its ridge-top setting still gives a fine first sky.

A "climb high, sleep low" day up to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) and Khumjung, then back to Namche. After dark, the first guided telescope session: an orientation to the season's constellations, the brighter planets, and how to observe comfortably in the cold before the group heads to darker, higher skies.

A forest climb to Tengboche (3,860 m). The monastery ridge, well away from any village lights and open to the sky, makes a memorable if cold spot to take in the rising Milky Way over Ama Dablam on a clear evening.

Down through Deboche, across the Imja Khola, and up into the open alpine bowl of Dingboche (4,410 m). Above the tree line and above 4,000 m, the sky quality takes a clear step up here.

An acclimatisation hike up Nangkartshang (5,083 m) by day for views of Makalu and Ama Dablam. This is the trek's marquee dark-sky night: at 4,410 m with almost no light pollution, the astronomer runs an extended session on the Milky Way, deep-sky objects, and astrophotography, weather and moon permitting.

Up past Dughla (4,620 m) and the Chupki Lhara memorials to Lobuche (4,940 m) on the Khumbu Glacier moraine. A cold, high night; observing is kept short to protect sleep before the Base Camp push.

To Gorak Shep (5,164 m), then across the glacier to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) beneath the Khumbu Icefall. After nightfall, the highest and darkest telescope session of the trek at Gorak Shep — the payoff for carrying the equipment all the way up, though cold and thin air keep it brief. Overnight at Gorak Shep.

★ Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

The pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar (5,644 m) rewards the group twice — the last stars fading in a black sky, then Everest's summit lighting up at sunrise. A long descent follows to the thicker, warmer air of Pheriche (4,240 m).

★ Kala Patthar (5,644 m)

A long descending day back through Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), with easier walking in the richer air below 4,000 m.

The final trekking day down the valley to Lukla (2,860 m) for a last night on the trail and a farewell to the guide, porter, and astronomer.

Morning flight back to Kathmandu (1,400 m), afternoon free, and a farewell dinner. An optional evening visit to a lower-altitude astro-tourism spot such as Nagarkot can be added. A buffer day is wise in case of Lukla weather delays.

A flexible buffer day in Kathmandu that absorbs any Lukla flight delay and doubles as time for sightseeing, or a talk with the astronomer and a visit tied to Nepal's astronomy community.

International departure from Kathmandu, or onward travel in Nepal.