- Nepal
- 17 Days
- Mar-May/ Sept-Nov
- 70 miles
Everest Base camp
Overview
The Everest Base Camp Trek is an iconic and challenging adventure that takes hikers to the foot of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. This two-week trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp (5350m /17500ft) takes you through picturesque villages and valleys. Situated in the Khumbu region of Nepal, you’ll get a glimpse into the Sherpa way of life.
Days are filled with sensational walking, while evenings are rewarded with hot food and conversation with like-minded people around the dining room. The mind-blowing mix of natural beauty, fascinating culture, warm hospitality of local people, and a personal sense of achievement makes the Everest Base Camp Trek one of the most extraordinary experiences of a lifetime.
Highlights
- Spend 4-nights in Kathmandu and visit the ancient and sacred UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are so alive with spiritual vibration.
- Take an eye-opening flight to Lukla – the gateway to the Everest region.
- Enjoy a 12-Day guided trek to the foot of the world’s tallest mountain, Mt Everest.
- Expereince awe-inspiring vistas of the world’s tallest peak as well as other majestic Himalayan giants like Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
- Trek through picturesque Sherpa villages and valleys, forests, and glacial moraines with breathtaking scenery.
- Encounter the unique Sherpa culture and thier warm hospitality as you pass through traditional Sherpa villages and gain insights into their way of life, adding a rich, cultural dimension to your trekking experience.
- Enjoy the sights and sounds of yaks and donkeys constantly passing on the trail with bells around their neck gently ringing to alert you they are passing by.
- Visit the Tengboche Monastery – the most important monastery in Nepal and gain insight into Tibetan Buddhism.
- Stand in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers and witness the buzzing energy of climbers as you marvel at the Khumbu Icegall, and soak in the sheer magnitude of the place that serves as the
Included
- 4 nights at 4* Hotel in Kathmandu
- 12-nights accommodation at local mountain lodges during trek
- Domestic round-trip flight: Manthali - Lukla - Manthali
- Private land transport for sighteeing and airport transfers
- Meals as per itinerary: 17 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 13 dinners
- Guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with entrance fees
- Professional trekking guide and porters
- Trekkers registration & National Park fees
- Guide and porters' insurance
- First-Aid Kit
Excluded
- International Airfare
- Airport taxes and excess baggage fees
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages & meals not specified
- Bottled Water (boiled and colled drinking water is provided on trek)
- Tips for your guide, porters, cook and crew, & drivers
- Optional Activities
- Personal Expenses
- Visa Fees (US $50 for one month)
Day 1: Arrive in Kathamandu/ Transfer to Hotel
Arrive in Kathmandu (1350m/ 4430ft) and you’ll be picked up at the airport by our representative at Kathmandu Airport (TIA) and taken to your hotel. Later, you will meet your trekking fuide who will brief you about the trek.
INCLUDED:
— Airport Transfer
— Meals: Dinner
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 2: Sightseeing to World Heritage sites in Kathmandu
Today, you’ll spend the day visiting the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu. The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in Kathmandu Valley. Its elegant architecture, refined culture, colorful bazaars and simple hospitable people are what makes this place special.
Explore the enchanting Soyambhunath Stupa, situated on a hillock overlooking the picturesque Kathmandu Valley. Known as the ‘Monkey Temple,’ this ancient and mystical shrine boasts a golden spire that graces the skyline. It holds a special place among all the holy sites in Kathmandu.
Next, venture to Kirtipur, an ancient Newar town perched on a hill. Stroll along its paved streets, lined with charming red-brick houses and tiled roofs, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere. Marvel at the temple squares that showcase the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Lastly, don’t miss a visit to Patan, the first city of Nepal. Known by its ancient name, Lalitpur, meaning the city of beauty, Patan is steeped in history. Wander through its streets and be captivated by its incredible collection of exquisitely carved temples and palace courtyards.
Immerse yourself in the cultural riches and architectural wonders of these remarkable places, each offering a unique glimpse into the heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast
— Guided Tour and Entrance Fees
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 3: Drive to Manthali / Fly to Lukla / Trek to Phakding (2650 m/ 8700 ft), 3.5 hours
Plan on a very early start (2-3am) this morning to depart Kathmandu and drive 4 hours to the Ramechhap Airport where you’ll take a flight to Lukla, situated at an elevation of 2,800 meters (9,185 feet).
Upon reaching Lukla, you’ll have time to enjoy a hearty breakfast and prepare your gear before commencing your trek. Your duffle bag will be taken care of by a porter, who will carry it throughout the journey.
The first leg of your trek takes you to Phakding, covering a distance of 5 miles (approximately 3 hours of trekking). As you traverse this scenic route, you’ll pass through terraced fields and quaint Sherpa hamlets, all while following the meandering Dudh Koshi River. Enjoy the pleasant walk as you soak in the natural beauty and immerse yourself in the Sherpa culture along the way.
Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: 5 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m/ 11,287 ft), 6 hours
The day starts with a scenic walk along the river, passing through the lovely villages of Benkhar, Jorsale and Monjo. After the permits check at Monjo, you will cross the Dudh Khosi River on a suspension bridge, then climb 600 meters (200 ft) uphill to Namche Bazaar. This climb is one of the hardest climbs of the trek, but the show pace walking with rest from place to place makes it less tiring and helps for acclimatization. By the time you get to Namche Bazaar, you’ll be ready for a rest.
Namche Bazaar is the Sherpa capital and gateway to Everest. This impressive village was a trading center for Tibetan Yak caravan trading. Today, Namche Bazaar is a trekkers’ hub with gear shops, banks, ATM machines, internet cafes, bakeries, a pub, and restaurants.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: 7 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar/ Explore Village
Today is a rest day at Namche Bazaar to give you time to acclimate to the altitude. Visit the local museum and explore the beautiful Namche village.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar/ Optional Day Hike
Today is a rest day at Namche Bazaar to give you time to acclimate to the altitude. After breakfast, hike to Thamo Village and return to Namche in the afternoon.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 7: Trek to Tengboche (3870 m/ 12,700 ft), 6 hours
Today, you will begin your walk on a scenic winding trail to Sanasa, and then down to the Dudh Khosi River again, across the suspension bridge and another uphill climb to the Tengboche monastery. Tengoche means “Great High Place” in the Sherpa language. The Tengboche monastery is an important monastery in the region. The abbot of the monastery is a reincarnation of a Tibetan lama, north of Everest. This afternoon, you’ll spend some time visiting the Monastery.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: 7 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 8: Trek to Dingboche (4410 m/ 14,470 feet), 5 hours
Today’s walk takes you through the alpine forest and along the Imja River where you’ll start to see a change in the vegetation. The yellow shrubs replace the lustrous green trees. The journey towards Dingboche is picturesque. The trail drops down to the riverbed, crossing the Imja River before climbing up to Dingboche, a typical Sherpa village that offers spectacular mountain views.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: 6 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 9: Acclimatization Day at Dingboche w/ Optional Day Hike to Nangkartshang Hill (5100 m/ 16,728 ft)
Spend the day resting for acclimatization. You can opt to go for a short 45-minute hike to Nangkartshang (also known as Nagarjun Hill) to have even better views of the world’s fourth (Lhotse) and fifth (Makalu) highest as well as Kangtega, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Taboche, Cholatse and more. Alternatively, you can choose to do a day hike to the Chukung Valley.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche (4930 m/ 16,175 ft), 5 hours
The trail to Lobuche climbs the ridge above Dingboche, passing a chortens (Buddhist shrine), then descends to Thukla – a broad terrace above the Khumbu Khola valley. From Thukla, the steep trail climbs onto the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier. When you reach the pass, you will see a line of memorials in tribute to the climbers who have died on Everest. The panorama of the peaks from this point is beautiful. From the memorial, the route descends a little and follows the side of the valley to Lobuche.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: 4.5 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 11: Trek to EBC (5350 m/ 17,550 ft) – Gorakshep (5160 m/16,930 ft), 8 hours
Today is both the hardest and most rewarding day of the trip. From Lobuche, keep climbing for approximately two hours to arrive at Gorak Shep where you are treated to yet another beautiful view of the highest mountains in the world. After a short rest, head towards the Everest Base Camp. It is about 5 hours roundtrip from Gorakshep to EBC. Enjoy the blissful moment of standing at the base of Mt Everest with amazing views of the surrounding mountains Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori, before returning to Gorakshep for the night.
Note: You also have the option to camp on this night at EBC rather than staying in a mountain lodge.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 8 hours
Distance: 9.5 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 12: Climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,190 ft) / Return to Pheriche (4370 m/ 14,340 ft), 8 hours
Today is another important day. After breakfast, you’ll climb to Kala Patthar Peak for one of the most close-up and formidable views of Mt. Everest and several other high peaks. The world’s highest peak is barely 6 miles from Kala Patthar. This rocky peak offers outstanding scenery before you descend back to Lubuche, Thukla, and then to Pheriche for the night.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 8 hours
Distance: 8 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m/ 11,287 ft), 7 hours
Today will be another long day as we make the trek back to Namche Bazaar.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: 12 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 14: Trek to Lukla (2800 m/ 9185 ft), 7 hours
As we continue our journey down the mountain, we’ll return to Lukla for an overnight stay.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 8 hours
Distance: 12 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu/ Transfer to Hotel
This morning, we’ll fly to Ramechhap and then drive back to Kathmandu for a very comfortable night’s sleep in a cozy bed. This will most likely be the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had in your life!
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 16: Sightseeing to World Heritage sites in Kathmandu
Today, you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bhaktapur, known as the “City of Devotees.” The town square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights some of the finest medieval art of Nepal. Then, you’ll visit the UNESCO site of Boudhanath. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in the world and a site of great veneration and Tibetan culture. Afterwards, visit the Tibetan Monastery and painting school.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 17: Depart from Kathmandu/ Airport Transfer
Today is departure day and there are no scheduled activities. At the appropriate time, a representative will pick you up and take you to the airport for your return home or to your next destination.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast
ITINERARY DISCLAIMER
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However, it is subject to change and does not form a contract between parties. While it is our intention to adhere to the route described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. Occasionally, our itineraries change due to weather or other circumstances that are beyond our control. This includes regulations surrounding COVID-19. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and are subject to vary.
- Our local travel partner for EBC Trek is a Sherpa-owned company licensed by the Nepalese government and they’ve been operating expeditions on Mt Everest for the past 25 years.
- Our guides are highly experienced and know how to get you to your destination with utmost comfort and safety. They are caring, understanding and experienced to handle your individual needs. They are aware of the nature of adventure, sustainability, and social responsibility.
- With years of experience, we have gained firsthand knowledge about the importance of acclimatization. This is why we allow 3 nights at Namche Bazaar (3440m/ 11,287 ft) instead of 2 nights. It ensures you are well acclimatized and helps to ensure you reach EBC without any altitude problems. It also allows for an opportunity to explore the fascinating Sherpa villages during the acclimatization process.
- On the trek, you’ll experience local food and culture and spend nights at traditional mountain lodges run by warm and friendly Sherpa families. The accommodations at the mountain are not luxury, but our carefully selected lodges are clean, comfortable and provide better services. We book rooms with an attached bathroom wherever possible, but at a few higher places, bathrooms are shared, but in adequate numbers. How showers are few – and where they are available, you have to pay for the privilege. We do not recommend taking showers at higher and colder places. Instead, you can use wet wipes.
- The food on the mountain consists of such staples as bread, butter, porridge, eggs, noodles, rice, lentils, curries, and vegetables. We recommend eating high-carb foods which provide energy and warmth and less meat as it may not be fresh at higher altitude.
- It is possible that the flight to and from Lukla may be delayed for a few hours or even cancel due to bad weather conditions. You should mentally be prepared for such delays or cancellations. In case of flight cancellation, we will try to get on the next day’s flight, but getting an early flight for the next day may not be possible during the high season. We can also arrange the flight by helicopter with an additional cost. Usually travel insurance will cover these types of delays. We have made our itinerary in a way that it does not affect your trekking program even if the flight gets postponed for one or two days.
- Travel insurance is mandadory for the Everest Base Camp Trek. A minimum of $200,000 in emergency medical and evacuation, including repatriation, is required to participate in any of our trips. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance which provides coverage for trip interruption, flight cancellation, and loss of baggage.
- We are aware of the negative impacts of travel and we choose our travel partners based on their commitment to social development and environment preservation. Our guides are responsible for ensuring that the guests understand the nature of the environment that they are in and minimize the impact they may have.
Level 5: Challenging
Our Challenging Trips are intended for physically fit individuals who are seeking a challenging experience. Previous trekking experience is not required for EBC, but you should be able to hike 4-6 hours a day at a moderate pace over hilly terrain with a light day pack. Your duffle bag will be carried by a porter. You can walk at your own pace with a small backpack and take rest breaks. ‘Slow and steady’ is the key to achieving this climb and enjoying the trek. If you do not have a habit of walking at hom, you should walk briskly for 45 to 60 minutes a day for two weeks prior to the trip. Cycling, swimming, climbing stairs or hills, and doing some squats are also very good training for the trip.
Once we receive your enquiry, we will reach out with a calendar invite in order to schedule a time to talk about your trip. A deposit is required once the itinerary is approved.
From $2,470
For group size of 2-4 people
