Mount Everest Base Camp Trek
For an epic adventure, take on the world's tallest mountain and
trek to Everest Base Camp. You will experience mind-blowing
Himalayan views of snow-capped mountains and huge glaciers, the
rich and vibrant Sherpa culture, and stay in tea houses in remote
mountain villages. This is the most famous and well-known trek in
the world.
A small airplane will fly us from Kathmandu to Lukla, the
gateway to the Everest Region. On board we will have an excellent
view of Mount Everest and the Himalayas. Out of the 18 days
of the trip we will spend 14 days in the mountains trekking, which
includes 3 acclimatisation days where we will sleep at the same
teahouse and altitude as the previous night. During the
acclimatisation days, you have the option of exploring remote
villages, putting your feet up and relaxing, or doing a side trek
for the day in the surrounding mountain trails.
This trek is physically demanding due to the altitude. Trekkers
who know they struggle with high altitudes should consider the
Everest Base Camp Longer Acclimatisation Trek. This trek is 7 days
longer and the altitude increases more gradually.
We will stay in hotels in Kathmandu and tea houses in the
mountains. Due to the altitude, the nights can be cold; however,
there is nothing more refreshing after a hard day's trekking than
sitting around the roaring fires in the teahouses enjoying a warm
drink in a relaxed atmosphere.
Mount Everest Region
The Mount Everest Region is the most well known region and
second most popular trekking destination in Nepal. When trekking to
Mountain Everest, the tallest and most famous mountain in the
world, you will be following in the footsteps of famous
mountaineers on their quest to conquer the highest peak on earth.
The locals refer to Mount Everest as "The Goddess Mother of the
World", a reflection of the sheer size, beauty, and power of this
mammoth mountain.
Mount Everest Terrain
The Mount Everest region is largely composed of rugged terrain
and awe-inspiring views of the dramatic mountain range, Nepal's
largest glaciers, ice falls, high altitude lakes, and ancient
monasteries. There is an abundance of teahouses with good
facilities (you will not usually walk more than an hour without
passing one) as well as hospitable Sherpa communities. Here you can
experience the rich culture and way of life of elite mountaineers
and Mount Everest experts.
Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar
Contrary to popular expectations, there is no view of Mount
Everest from Everest Base Camp. The spectacular views are actually
seen from Kala Pattar. First we will trek to Everest Base Camp to
see the tents of mountaineers preparing for their ascent, and then
we will trek to Kala Pattar for the highlight of your trek.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, and
sightseeing (1350m)
When you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be collected from the
airport and transported to your hotel. If you arrive early in the
day, you can explore the city, rest in your hotel, or indulge in
the tasty cuisines served up by the abundance of appetising
restaurants and cafes that cater to Western tastes. There is also a
wonderful array of artisan shops selling everything from masala
teas to luxurious pashminas to traditional Buddhist tankas
(paintings that represent the images and stories of the
Buddha).
Kathmandu is a chaotic, yet charming city that can be an
experience in itself. Many tourists become simply enthralled while
wandering its labyrinthian streets and watching its unique city
life unravel before them.
In the evening there is a group welcome dinner of traditional
Nepalese food.
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and then trek to
Phakding (2640m)
We fly from Kathmandu (1350m) to Lukla (2886m) in a small
airplane and we will see an amazing aerial view of Mount Everest.
The flight lasts about 40 minutes, and from Lukla we will trek for
3 hours to Phakding (2640m). Depending on the time of our morning
flight, we may have breakfast in Kathmandu or Lukla. From Lukla, we
will have great views of Kusum Kangru (6369m). The trail to Phaking
has numerous ascents and descents through forests and rocky
cliffs.
Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m): 5
hours
The distance between Phakding and Namche Bazaar is not that far,
however, the high altitude can make this trek difficult. The best
strategy is to trek at a slow and gentle pace. Namche Bazzaar is a
large town surrounded by two great valleys, Dudh Kosi and Bhote
Kosi. It is also the gateway to Mount Everest. There are
well-stocked markets and shops giving you one last chance to buy
anything that you may have forgotten.
Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
(3440m)
We will spend a second night at Namche Bazaar, which is a great
place to spend an extra when acclimatising. Even if you feel
fantastic, it is important to sleep at this altitude as it will
help in your ascent to Everest Base Camp. During the day, you can
hike to the Sherpa village of Thami or Khumjung, or you can choose
to relax and explore the mountain village of Namche.
Day 5: Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3860m): 5
hours
On the trek to Tengboche, we will experience our first great
views of the Everest, Lhoste, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam peaks. The
trail has a steep descent towards a bridge over the Dudh Kosi. Then
we climb up a zigzagging path through rhododendron bushes. There
are some superb mountain sceneries towards Tengpoche, which is
famous for its legendary monastery - the largest in the Everest
Region.
Day 6: Acclimatisation day in Tengboche (3860m) -
optional side trek
This is the second day and night we will dedicate to
acclimatisation. You can hike to Pangboche, climb the hill in
Tengboche for great views, or explore the monastery. Without a
second day of acclimatisation, you are likely to suffer from
headaches or more severe symptoms of altitude sickness further up
the trail.
Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Pheriche (4312m): 5-6
hours
The trail starts with a steep descent through woods towards a
suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River. Then we begin a steady
climb up to Pheriche via Pangboche, which houses the most ancient
monastery in the region.
Day 8: Acclimatisation day in Pheriche (4312m) -
optional side trek
As it is important to ascend slowly we spend another day
acclimatising . As such, we will spend our third and final
acclimatisation day in Periche. There are many day hikes you can
take from here, or you can simply have a day of rest and save your
energy for the days to come.
Day 9: Trek from Pheriche to Lobuche (4920m): 4-5
hours
The trail continues up the wide valley beneath the impressive
peaks of Cholatse (6440m) and Tawoche (6542m). Afterwards, the
climb gets steeper to reach the foot of the Khumbu glacier. It then
zigzags up through the boulders of the glacier terminal moraine.
Here there are superb views of Nuptse.
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche, Everest Base Camp (5400 m), and
then back to Gorakshep (5140m)
The trail continues along the side of the Khumbu glacier. The
path becomes rocky and awkward as we keep climbing across the
moraine. The sugar loaf dome of Pumori (7145m) lies directly ahead.
On the right-hand side, Nuptse rises in a sheer spire and behind it
is an elusive sight of Everest.
You will have all afternoon at Gorak Shep to rest. You may also
choose to continue on for an additional 6 hours to Everest Base
Camp and back. Contrary to popular expectations, Everest Base Camp,
whilst still a fascinating place, does not provide any views of
Everest. It is the following day at Kala Pattar that you get
the amazing panoramic views.
If you are feeling tired and suffering from any altitude
symptoms, it is recommended that you save your energy and rest for
the following day's trek to Kala Pattar, one of the highlights of
the trip.
Day 11: Hike up to Kala Pattar (5545m) and then retrace
our steps back to Lobuche (4920m) via Gorak Shep: 7
hours
Making the most of the clean morning air, we will trek to Kala
Pattar. This is one of the most rewarding parts of the trip, as it
is from here that you get the most impressive views of Everest. We
will follow an intricate route threading its way between crevasses,
almost translucent ice pinnacles, and over moraine ridges.
We will glimpse an unforgettable vista from Kala Pattar: Ama
Dablam, Makalu, Nuptse, Lhotse, and the impressive black pyramid of
Everest. We will then retrace our steps to Gorak Shep and return to
Lobuche.
Day 12: Trek from Lobuche to Dingboche (4410m): 5
hours
In Dingboche, we will earn well-deserved views of Ama Dablam,
Cholatse, Cho Oyo, Island Peak, Lhotse, and Makalu. We will trek
through high pastures and small stone villages of Sherpa summer
houses used by the Sherpa in yak herding season.
Day 13: Trek from Dingboche to Tengboche (3860m): 5
hours
From Dingboche, we will descend the Imja Khola Valley. As you
are descending over 5000m to below 4000m, you should notice a
difference in your body and most probably you will feel that you
have more energy.
Day 14: Trek from Tengboche to Namche (3440m): 3
hours
This is the same route as Day 5, but in reverse. There are some
superb mountain scenes from Tengpoche towards Namche, and you will
be able to see experience them for a second time.
Day 15: Trek from Namche to Lukla (2840m): 5-6
hours
As we have acclimatised and will be descending even further, we
will trek the same route as the first two days, but in one day. You
will be exposed to great views of Kusum Kangru (6369m) along this
route.
Day 16: Flight from Lukla (2840m) to Kathmandu
(1310m)
We will take a morning flight to Kathmandu. The afternoon is
free for you to relax and explore the city, buy souvenirs from many
artisan shops, visit the attractions, or indulge in the tasty
cuisines served up by Kathmandu's many cafes and restaurants.
Day 17: Sightseeing in Kathmandu or free
day
We always include an extra free day in Kathmandu as on occasions
there are flight delays from Lukla and we like to be cautious.
Kathmandu is also an exciting city to explore.
Day 18: Free day and fly home
What is included in the trip?
Airport transfers
Trekking permits
All accommodation - hotels in Kathmandu and teahouses in the
mountains
Guides and porters
Return flights to Lukla airport (foothill of Everest region)
Rooms are based on 2 people sharing a twin
room.
If you are a solo traveller you will be matched with another
solo traveller of the same gender. In the tea houses in the
mountains occasionally the rooms are based on an occupancy of 3.
This is determined by the tea house and the rooms available. If
required a singles supplement can be paid so that you have your own
hotel in Kathmandu.
What is not included in the trip?
Visa for Nepal - see FAQ 2
International flights
Personal travel insurance - see FAQ 9
Food - please budget £18 per day
Equipment such as a rucksack, boots, and a sleeping bag
Fitness levels and altitude
The altitude of the Everest Base Camp Trek is what makes the
trek classification strenuous. How you will cope with high altitude
is largely determined by genetics, therefore a trekker with the
same fitness level as another trekker may find the trek less
demanding. The trek requires a reasonable degree of fitness as you
will be walking up to 6-7 hours on certain days. A moderately fit
person who can manage a long and hard day's walk (6 to 7 hours), or
an intense exercise class such as a spinning class, will be
suitable for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
To combat the possibility of developing altitude sickness
symptoms, our porters will be carrying your heavy items, we will
have frequent breaks, there will be 3 days of acclimatisation where
we stay in the same village for 2 consecutive nights, and we
recommend taking anti-altitude sickness tablets called Diamox or
Acetazolamide (generic equivalent). Diamox, widely used by
trekkers, helps the body to adjust to increased levels of carbon
dioxide due to the higher altitude. As recommended by the NHS, a
dosage of 125mg to 250mg twice daily starting two days before the
trek is generally appropriate. Once you have reached the highest
altitude, you should continue the dosage for 3 more days.
Diamox can be easily purchased in Kathmandu and we can take you
to the pharmacy when you arrive. Alternatively you can get Diamox
from your doctor, or at the Nomad travel store
in the UK. It is often cheaper to purchase Diamox or Acetazolamide
in Kathmandu. Individuals worried about their physical
capacity due to chronic illness or how about taking Diamox should
consult their doctor.
Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar
Contrary to popular expectations, Everest Base Camp, whilst
still a fascinating place, does not provide any views of Everest.
It is the following day of trekking at Kala Pattar that you get the
spactacular panoramas, and this will be one of the highlights of
your trip. If you are feeling tired and suffering from any altitude
symptoms, it is recommendable that you save your energy and rest
for the following day's trek to Kala Pattar.
Flights and potential delays
Due to adverse weather conditions, your flight from Kathmandu to
Lukla (the airport in the Everest Region), or flight from Lukla to
Kathmandu, could be delayed. Therefore we include two days extra
for sightseeing.
During these two days, we will explore Kathmandu and Baktapur,
an ancient Newari town in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley. There are many
interesting temples, stupas, palaces, and parts of the city to
explore. Kathmandu is an experience in itself with its chaotic, yet
inspiring way of life.
Acclimatisation days
During your acclimatisation days, there are side trails and
places to visit, such as monasteries, so you will certainly have
activities to engage in if so choose. Many trekkers may just what
to relax, rest, acclimatise, and build up their energy for the days
to come.
Temperature and sleeping bags?
As the temperature gets as cold as -12 degree Celsius at night
in high altitude, a season 4 or 5 sleeping bag is recommended.
Season 1 = +5 degrees Celsius
Season 2 = 0 degrees Celsius
Season 3= -5 degrees Celsius
Season 4 = -10 degrees Celsius
Season 5 = -15 degrees Celsius
Do not worry about the cold, in the day at the highest altitude;
temperatures can get up to 12 degrees Celsius.
Our guaranteed tours start on Saturdays on (arrive on
this date):
2013
9th March (fly home 26th March)
13th April (fly home 30th April)
5th October (fly home 22nd October)
£995BOOK NOW26th October (fly home 12th November)
£995BOOK NOW9th November (fly home 26th November)
£995BOOK NOW16th November (fly home 3rd December)
£995BOOK NOW
2014
15th March (fly home 1st April)
£995BOOK NOW12th April (fly home 29th April)
£995BOOK NOW4th October (fly home 21st October)
£995BOOK NOW8th November (fly home 25th November)
£995BOOK NOW
Can't find a suitable departure date?
Create your own departure date when
booking a trek.
When is the best time to go?
October to November
October to November is the start of the dry season and is the
most popular time to visit Nepal as the monsoon has recently
finished, leaving a green and lush countryside, fresh and clean
air, and clear views of the Himalayan.
December to February
In December and January the temperature is very cold but
visibility is still good. With fewer tourists on the trails, this
is a preferred time to visit for some tourists. However, the cold
can make high altitude treks more strenuous than normal. Some
treks, such as the Annapurna circuit, are often closed due to snow,
but shorter and lower altitude treks are a delight at this time of
year. February is still very cold but is warmer than December and
January.
March to May
February to April is the second most popular time to visit. The
weather gets warmer, so high altitude treks are not as difficult.
Visibility is still good, though not as crystal clear as between
October to November. Nepal's flowers, however, come alive at this
time of year.
June to September
Tourists should not visit Nepal in this period as it is
extremely hot and dusty, with temperatures often above 30°C. It is
also the monsoon season. Daily rain makes most trails muddy with
leeches and the Himalayan views are not as clear.
My
incredible trek up the audaciously breath-taking mountains of the
Himalayas, where I met some of the craziest and unforgettably
amazing people ever. Food cooked by the power of burning Yak Dung,
relentless chocolate eating for energy,
and fitness creeping upon me by the day! 
This was an amazing trip.
The logistics were very smooth both in the UK and in Nepal, and
could not be improved on. The equipment provided was brand
new. Nepal in December was so beautiful and so quiet. It was not
even as cold as we expected. It was so fantastic!
I had a fantastic time trekking up
to Everest. Thank you kindly, I enjoyed my guide's company,
Dendi Sherpa was a delight to trek with, and so helpful.
Dipen who's company I really enjoyed, made my last two days in
Kathmandu very pleasant (when I was initially thinking I would have
rather have stayed up in the mountains)
There were people with varying levels of fitness,
myself being the slowest of the group. It was nice that I did not
feel pressured to keep up with the young fitter members...I had one
of the guides walk with me and on many days the company of a couple
of the others in the group who also want to take in the sights at a
more leisurely pace
