Destination : Nepal (Everest Region)
Duration : 17 Days
Style of Trip : Lodge Trek
Kathmandu : 4 nights
Trekking : 12 nights
Breakfast : 16
Lunch : 00
Dinner : 00
Everest Base Camp Trek has been rated as one of the best adventures in the world by trekkers and adventurers. It has captivated intrepid men and women since the 1920s and has become once in a life time dream trips to be fulfilled. The view of mighty Mt. Everest (8,848m), the highest peak in the world along with several other lofty peaks in the region are magnificent. Besides the gigantic Himalayas, while trekking to Everest base camp you pass through colorful prayer wheels, the swinging bridges, beautiful Sherpa Villages, age old Buddhist monasteries and farmlands. The combination of natural beauty, interesting culture with warm Sherpa hospitality and one desire to be in the foothill of the World’s highest peak has made this trek one of the most popular trek in the world.
The Khumbu region of Nepal is where the Everest Base Camp Trek trail falls. This trek can be approached via different routes with each one dictating varied number of days required for this trek. Our 13 days Everest Base Camp trek program given below is the straightforward approach flying in and out of Lukla which is the most popular one. Trek commences with an exciting 35 minutes mountain flight to Lukla from where the trek begins. Trail passes through swing bridges, colorful prayer wheels to the several Sherpa villages, age old monasteries with the magnificent views of the gigantic Himalayas, finally arriving at Everest Base Camp 5,360 m. The most glorious part of this trek is getting a glimpse of South Face Of Mt. Everest from Kalapathar peak during the sunset which is absolutely spectacular. Whereas the Everest Base Camp itself has no views.
You retreat back to Lukla via the same trail to catch a flight back to Kathmandu. The 13 days Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary prepared below is straight forward program but allows some days for acclimatization in between.
- Sightseeing tours of Buddhist Monastery, Hindu Temple & and Old Palaces
- Ample acclimatization periods in between trek days
- Beautiful Sherpa villages and monasteries around Everest region
- Introduction to the cultural and religious practices of the Sherpas
- A visit to the famous Tengboche Monastery
- Fantastic sunset views over the Mt. Everest from Kala Pathar
- Views of the entire south face of Mt. Everest
- Panoramic views of Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lobuche West (6,145m), Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Everest
- A visit to the Everest Base Camp
You will be warmly greeted by our representative at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu upon your arrival. After escorting to your designated hotel in the city you’ll be assisted in checking into your room. Before checking in, the timing and location for a briefing session concerning your trip will be arranged. After such briefing, which will include a quick check of your personal trekking gears by our experts, you’ll have the afternoon/evening of that day all for yourself.
Overnight in a hotel.
Includes: Transfers on a Private AC vehicle & Accommodation
In the morning after breakfast and preparation of the trek, the city guide will pick you up and then drive you to SWAYABUNATH stupa which is perched atop a hill on the western edge of Kathmandu valley. This is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas said to be 2,000 years old. After we drive 18 km east to an ancient palace of BHAKTAPUR filled with monuments, most terra-cotta with carved wood columns, palaces and temples. We end our day with a visit to Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine PASHUPATINATH. We will have some time to do last minute shopping before leaving for the trek.
Overnight at the hotel
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, sightseeing tours with Local English speaking guide, entrance fee and private transportation
Our trek program commences today with an exciting 35 minutes mountain flight to Lukla (2,800 m) from where we start walking through the beautiful mountainous Sherpa land. Our nearly 6 hours walk today will reach us to village of Monjo (2,840 m). Walk will be through villages, community forest, crossing rivers on a metal suspension bridge with Kusum Kangru peak (6,367 m) towering at the backdrop; mani walls, chortens & boulders carved with Tibetan mantras and brightly painted prayer wheels.
Overnight at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, staff, Necessary permits, airport transfers
The walk today to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) will comprise of around 4 hours. Initially the trail is gentle but gets you involved with high and long climbs at later stages actually taking you from a safe altitude to an area which can pose risks of altitude sickness. Hence, avoiding exhaustion by taking your time and moving slowly is advised. Trail passes through enormous granite bluff, carved with mantras in huge Tibetan characters, crosses Dudh Kosi river on a suspension bridge then walk through pine forest to famous Namche Bazaar for an overnight stay.
Overnight at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, staff, Necessary permits
Today is a rest day for acclimatization before proceeding towards higher elevation. This day can be spent exploring the Namche Bazaar, Musuem, Sherpa Cultural Center and get some excellent view of the Himalayas. Also the option is doing a day hike to some large Sherpa villages of Kunde and Khumjung from where you can get the great views of mighty Everest.
Overnight at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, staff, Necessary permits
After breakfast, we climb towards the east following the Dudh Kosi (river) again, high above the riverbed. Then our trek descends to Phunki Tenga at 3,250 passing through some Sherpa villages like Sanasa and Tashinga. After, we climb steeply then walk through rhododendrons and conifers forest to Tyangboche at 3,870m. Here you will be rewarded with panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Also here you will have a chance to visit one of most famous Tyangboche Monastery. This is one of the most sacred monastery for the Sherpa community. After, we will descend down bit further to Debuche for our overnight stay.
Overnight at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, staff, Necessary permits
Today we follow the trail which goes through dense rhododendron forest then drop down to cross the wooden bridge hanging above Imja Khola. After the trail climbs to Pangboche through mani wall and white stupa. From the trail, you can have a great view of the Ama Dablam mountain. Continue following the trail of the Imja Khola past an enormous mural of Guru Rinpoche to the small Sherpa village of Shomare for lunch break. Then we walk very gradually for couple of hours gaining altitude to quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche. From here you can have a great view of Lhotse, Island Peak and Ama Dablam mountains.
Overnight at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, staff, Necessary permits
By now your body has been quite acclimatized, yet it is always a good idea to spend another night at Dingboche. This will prepare you considerably for a climb to a higher elevation. So today we visit a small summer settlement called Chhukung (4,730 m) with an option open for climbing up the Chhukung Ri (5,800 m). Once atop the Chhukung Ri, you can have magnificent views of the Island Peak (6,189 m), towers of Mt. Lhotse above the north, Amphu Laptse Pass (5,780 m) flanked by the immense ice walls dominating views towards the south.
Overnight at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, staff, Necessary permits
On our way to Lobuje (4,930 m) today, we come across magnificent views of Tawachee and Cholatse (6440 m). Lobuje which is a summer village boasts several hotels and its trail is reported to be the habitat of the snow leopard and the renowned “Yeti”.
For nearly an hour the trail climbs straight up the rough terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier covered with parched and desolate surroundings with fingers of ice and snow dropping down sheer mountain walls on all sides. The area has rows of stone monuments built in memory of Sherpas who died in an avalanche during the 1970 Japanese skiing expedition on Everest including BabuChhiri Sherpa (10 times Everest summitter) & Scott Fisher who died in 1996 Everest disaster. While crossing the ridge from here, you will have a great view of the Pumori peak (7,165 m) before continuing our climb up to the north over loose moraine and finally arriving at Lobuje.
Overnight at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, staff, Necessary permits
It’s going to be quite an ordeal today, in terms of both mental and physical exhaustion, as we further climb towards higher altitude. But don’t you fret already, because while walking through the ‘off beaten’ trail via the Italian Project, you will be pleasantly rewarded with fantastic views of the Khumbu glaciers, Mt. Pumori (7,400 m), Lola and Link Tring(Tibetan mountains), Nuptse and the mighty Mt. Everest.
Upon arriving at Gorak Shep around lunch time, you will have nearly 3 hours break. After enjoying your lunch you will gradually start your climb to Kala Patthar (5,545 m). Once atop, you can then watch awesome views of the sunset unfolding over the Himalayas, which momentarily will make you feel like you’re actually in Heaven. The view of course is subject to weather conditions.
Overnight at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, staff, Necessary permits
Today after breakfast we trek to the base camp (5,360 m) of the world highest mountain Mt. Everest (8,848 m). Start from the north end of Gorak Shep, than follow the trail across the Khumbu Glacier where you’ll see numerous prayers flags wedged between rocks at the bottom of the Khumbu Icefall (5,340 m).
In comparison to your ascent to Kala Patthar you had the previous day; the trek to the Everest Base Camp is not going to be anything spectacular – landscapes, close up views of Khumbu Ice Falls, Khumbu Glacier and the base camp of highest peak are the main sight of this trip. In the spring time you’ll be greeted with an atmosphere which is fascinating in itself. You’ll see climber groups from various countries eating, reading, playing cards, strumming guitars and doing everything possible to kill their time while they wait for the green signal to commence their climb to the summit. Return back to Gorak Shep pick up gears and then walk down to Lobuje for an overnight stay.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, staff, Necessary permits
Today we retreat back the same route down to Debuche, through moraine, gushing stream, following the west bank of Imja Khola and through rhododendron forest to Debuche. As we will be retracing towards the lower altitude so we cover more ground. Overnight in the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, staff, Necessary permits
Continue retracing back by walking down to Phunki Thenga then climb the ridge towards Namche Bazaar. From here we descent down to Dudh Kosi which is quite hard as it gives lot of pressure to your knees. Cross high suspension bridge then the path runs mostly level to Jorsale and then climbs to Monjo. Overnight at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, staff, Necessary permits
Today is the last day of our walk down to Lukla. The trail goes down the valley then passes through villages of Phakding and Chopling to reach Chaumrikharka. After we begin the final climb of the trip to Lukla for an overnight stay.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, staff, Necessary permits
After breakfast we fly to Kathmandu. We will receive you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel once again. Overnight at the Hotel.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation, airport transfers
You have this day all for yourself to do your leisurely activities. You may shop around for souvenirs, get body/feet massage, take a walk to the nearby areas around the vicinity of Kathmandu valley or just wake up late and laze around in your hotel room. Also this day will act like a layover day in case of flight cancellation etc. Overnight at the hotel.
Includes: Breakfast, Accommodation
After breakfast we will transfer you to the airport as per your international flight schedule and bid farewell.
Includes: Breakfast & airport transfer
- 04 nights twin sharing accommodation on BB basis in a medium class hotel
- 12 nights/13 days Everest base camp trek with Crew & porter support, simple accommodation on twin sharing basis and hot water bag above 4000 m.
- 16 breakfast
- 01 day sightseeing tour of Swayambunath, Bhaktapur and Pashupatinath with local English speaking guide, private transportation and entrance fee during the sightseeing tour.
- All arrival/departure transfers
- Insurance for staff and porters
- Waterproof duffle bag
- 30 days Nepal Visa can be obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport upon payment of US $ 40.- cash. Passport should be valid atleast for 06 months on the day of departure from Nepal and 01 passport size color photo. For online visa application log on to http://www.online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/
- Flight ticket KTM/LUA/KTM US $ 360- net per person(subject to change without any prior notice)
- Excess baggage US $ 1.40 cents per kg (Rs. 100.- per kg subject to change without any prior notice
- TIM’s Card (Permit) = US $ 10.- net per person (subject to change without any prior notice)
- Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Fee = Rs. 2,000.- per person i.e. around US $ 18.- net per person
- Conservation Park Fee = US $ 35.- net per person(Subject to change without any prior notice)
- Meals during your stay in Kathmandu (Lunch & Dinner)
- Meals during your trek
- Shower, internet
- Your personal gears for the trip i.e. sleeping bags, trekking gears, personal medicines etc
- Insurance – as this is an adventure trip it is important to have an insurance coverage for health, life, accidents and helicopter rescue in case of emergency evacuation.
- Any extra cost incurred in case of delay or cancellation of flight, any political turmoil, natural disaster
- Entrance fee for visiting monasteries etc
- Anything not included in our include box
Equipment Check List
Following are the equipment list for Everest Base Camp trek. This list is just a guideline but you can adjust it according to your needs and interests. Most of the listed gears can be hire or purchase in Kathmandu. You can find various qualities of trekking gears in Kathmandu market some are locally manufactured whereas the other are imported from China and are obviously of better quality. Also you can get high quality gears in some of the branded stores in Kathmandu.
For your information that at the start of the trek, apart from your day pack, your luggage will be carried by a porter – so the weight of the bag should not exceed 15 kg per person.
EQUIPMENT LIST :
General :
- Duffle or Rucksack bag – around 70 ltrs (with lock)
- Day pack 25 ltrs.
- Down Jacket (You can bring your own or can be rented in Kathmandu)
- 4 Season Sleeping bag – 30 d (You can rent it in Kathmandu)
Upper Body – Head/Ears/Eyes
- Shade hat or baseball cap
- Warm woolen hat that cover your ears
- Balaclava – the lightweight, thinner variety
- Glacier glasses 100% UV protection with side shields and a hard – sided storage case. This is to protect your eyes from the stronger rays of the sun due to the thinner atmosphere which can cause a painful condition known as snow blindness. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient. If you wear prescription glasses, speak to your doctor about prescription glacier glasses, perhaps with transitional lenses.
- Headlamp – Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they are lithium batteries so that they will last in the colder temperatures. These are indispensable for getting around at night, reading etc.,
Hand
- 1 pair liner gloves thin wool or synthetic, useful alone on mild day or as a layer inside other gloves/mitts for additional warmth.
- 1 pair warm gloves (heavier fleece or wool)
- 1 pair shell gloves or mitts Gore-Tex is preferred for keeping hands dry.
Core Body
- 4 Cotton T-shirts
- 1 Synthetic t-shirt
- 2 long sleeve
- 1 expedition weight long underwear top
- 1 Water & Wind Proof Jacket
Lower Body – Legs
- 2 pair lightweight long underwear – capilene or other synthetic
- 1 pair soft shell pants – synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable
- 1 pair trekking pants. Waterproof/breathable, gore Tex or equivalent is best.
- 1 pair cotton pants
Feet
- 4 pair of liner socks, synthetic or capilene
- 3 pair heavy weight socks to be worn over liner socks
- 1 pair light weight socks, a good option for the lower/warmer parts of the trail
- 1 pair medium weight water proof hiking/trekking boots. Ensure a good fit with layered socks and you have wore then before to get used to it (otherwise you will get lots of blister)
- 1 pair of sneakers. Good during staying in the lodge and in Kathmandu
- 1 pair of sandals
- 1 pair of hiking gaiters, good for keeping dust and rocks out of your shoes/boots as well as keep your feet dry.
Medicines and First Aid Kits
- Extra strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolarride) 125 or 250 mg tablets for altitude sickness
- 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band aid, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band aides, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.
Miscellaneous :
- Water bottle (1 Ltr)
- Lip Balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks.
- SPF 40 is recommended and should be relatively new since it loses its effectiveness over time
- Pocket knife or small Swiss Army type
- Water purification Iodine tablets or Polar – pure crystals
- Toiletry kit. Be sure to include hand wipes, liquid hand sanitizer & towel.
- 3-4 large durable plastic bags, for keeping miscellaneous gear dry inside you pack. Also nice for separating clean from dirty laundry
- Ear plugs
- 1 pair of adjustable trekking poles
- Books, Cards
- A pee bottle for men to avoid that chilly late night trip
- Digital cameras but you must keep the batteries warm when not in use.