Everest Base Camp Trek
OVERVIEW
Everest Base Camp Trek in eastern Nepal is one of the most spectacular and iconic hikes of all, with trekkers from all points of the compass gravitating towards the natural allure and legend of the world’s highest (8848 m) and most famous peak. It’s an experience that encompasses more than just mountains, as the trek offers a golden opportunity to observe the region’s mix of classic Tibetan and Sherpa cultures, a host of regional dialects, and the deeply devoted Buddhist beliefs of the area. Throw in a slew of waterfalls and perfect scenery, abundant wildlife, Khumbu Glacier, and of course the majestic presences of Everest and Lhotse, and you have the makings of one of the most remarkable treks in the country.
Synonymous with the name of Everest — other than Hillary of course — has always been the name of the people most closely associated with the mountain and its conquest, the Sherpas, a hardy people of cheery disposition, resolute manner, and boundless reserves of energy, with a capacity for carrying stunning loads up the steep and hazardous slopes that frequently amazes visiting climbers. Starting with the most famous of all, Tenzing Norgay, they have gradually shifted from essential support roles on climbing expeditions through the years to a complete mastery of the mountains, with some like Kami Rita Sherpa assuming iconic status within the country in recognition of climbing Everest over twenty times.
COUNTRY
Nepal
DURATION
15 Days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Hard
ACTIVITY
Trek
GUIDE
English Speaking Nepali Trek Leader
PRICE
US$ 2500
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Taking in the glory of towering peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Amadablam, Nuptse, Pumo Ri, and other giants of the region, as well as Khumbu Glacier
- Stunning sunsets and panoramic views from Kala Patthar
- Visiting historic Everest Base Camp, home to a host of legendary tales and climbers
- Experiencing the mixture of Tibetan and Sherpa culture, as well as monasteries such as Tengboche
- Visiting the historic and intriguing Namche valley and the weekend market, the hidden valley of Khumjung, Everest View Hotel
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Sagarmatha National Park
- Pristine flora and fauna
ITINERARY
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DAY 1 | Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Arrive at the airport and be transferred to your hotel. An introduction to your trekking program, then the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the sights, sounds, and culture of Kathmandu.
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DAY 2 | Free day for final trekking preparation.
Free day for final trekking preparation and spend your day as you prefer.
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DAY 3 | Kathmandu to Lukla by scenic mountain flight and trek to Phakding 4-5hrs/8km.
A magical scenic flight takes us to Lukla in the morning, and from there we begin the trek with a hike to the day’s first destination, Phakding.
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DAY 4 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar 6hrs/11km.
Our day starts by following the Dudh Koshi River and crossing over the Edmund Hillary Suspension Bridge, then heading towards Sagarmatha National Park and the checkpoint at Monjo. The path ascends markedly until it eventually leads us into Namche Bazaar, the regional capital of the Sherpa district
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DAY 5 | Acclimatization day in Namche.
A rest day to allow the body to acclimate to the high-altitude conditions. Namche is perfect for the situation, as there’s plenty to do in the scenic town including visiting Khunde Hospital, the local medical facility set up through Edmund Hillary’s charitable work in the area, taking in the panoramas from Everest View Hotel, visiting the Sherpa Cultural Museum, or hiking up to Khumjung Valley and its monastery, complete with the display of its famous Yeti scalp
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DAY 6 | Namche to Tengboche 5-6hrs/9km.
The trail leads away from Namche Bazaar through a series of small villages and a suspension bridge en route to Phunki Tenga and then climbs through a series of switchbacks and dense rhododendron forests to Tengboche. The village is famous for its monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region, and is justly known for its long association with mountaineering expeditions to the area.
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DAY 7 | Tengboche to Dingboche 6hrs/11km.
The day begins by descending gradually through more woodland until we cross another suspension bridge and climb steadily towards Pangboche and Sumare, the formidable presence of Ama Dablam keeping us company all the way. Mani walls and a monastery greet our arrival in Dingboche, Lhotse, Island Peak, and other mountains adding their stunning profiles to the view.
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DAY 8 | Another acclimatization day.
Another mandatory rest day, with hikes to Chhunkung Ri, Nangar Dzong, or Dolma Ri providing ample opportunities to bask in the glorious panoramas of each viewpoint.
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DAY 9 | Dingboche to Lobuche 6hrs/10km.
With plenty of rest from the previous day, our bodies are fully prepared for the next stretch towards Thugla, where we pass numerous cairns and monuments dedicated to the many Sherpas and climbers who have perished on Everest’s slopes. Further along on the trail through the barren terrain, we come to Khumbu glacier at the foot of the famous mountain and marvel at the terrible beauty and chaos of the inexorable mass of ice. The day finishes with our arrival at the jumble of buildings that make up the remote outpost of Lobuche
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DAY 10 | Lobuche to Gorak Shep 7hrs/11km, then hike to thrilling Everest Base Camp (5364m/17598ft) and back to Gorak Shep for overnight.
Our trek reaches its climax today with the much-anticipated arrival at Everest Base Camp, truly one of the most memorable experiences in Nepal. The morning is spent traversing Khumbu Glacier and heading to Gorak Shep, where we typically pause for a well-deserved meal and the extraordinary views before heading out again for the journey’s reward, our arrival at the historic base camp, temporary home through the decades to some of the most legendary figures in the annals of mountaineering. After pausing to drink in the astonishing spectacle, and perhaps view the latest expeditions mounting their challenge, we reluctantly turn around and make our way back to Gorak Shep for our night’s rest.
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DAY 11 | Early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5550m/18209ft), then descend to Pheriche 5-6hrs/18km.
Everest may not be within our reach but Kala Patthar is on hand to give added meaning to the visit via unmatched views of the entire Khumbu basin and a sense of accomplishment in scaling the peak. After returning for breakfast and retrieving our trekking gear we hit the trail once more for the pronounced descent to Pheriche.
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DAY 12 | Pheriche to Namche 7hrs/19km.
Though the trail is a familiar one the hike back to Namche Bazaar provides a different perspective on the scenery, as well as the more relaxed journey that comes from a gradual descent
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DAY 13 | Namche to Lukla 7hrs/19km.
Our final day on the trail, easing back to Lukla along the Dudhi Koshi and its suspension bridges. Once at Lukla we can finally throw off our backpacks, take a relaxing shower, and sit back to savor the heady accomplishment of making it to the foot of Everest.
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DAY 14 | Lukla to Kathmandu by flight then enjoy with final shopping, drinks, meal etc.
After breakfast, we take a flight to Kathmandu where you’ll have enough time to savor the city’s treasure’s one last time before getting together for a farewell dinner with friends before departure.
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DAY 15 | Departure
Farewell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs
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Cost Includes
- Complementary airport picks up and drops off
- Complementary welcome dinner
- Two-night stay on arrival in Kathmandu with breakfast included (twin share basis)
- All necessary trekking permits such as Sagarmatha National park, TIMS card, etc.
- Flights to and from Lukla
- All accommodations during the trek
- Three meals a day during the trek
- A cup of tea or coffee each time with the meal
- Fresh fruit each day if and when available
- First-aid kit
- Staff insurance, meals, accommodation, equipment, transportation, etc.
- Agency service charge and government tax/VAT
- Certificate of achievement
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and Nepal visa fee
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
- Personal Insurance, personal expenses, loss of property and theft, etc.
- Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries entrance fee, etc.)
- All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, Wifi, etc.
- Tips to staff
FAQs
Everest Base Camp Trekking Accommodation
Tea house hotels are plentiful within the infamous Everest Region of Nepal, with a range of quality available to you depending on your preference and needs. At lower elevations, you can choose more fully equipped tea houses with electricity, Wi-Fi, and ensuite bathrooms with hot showers and toilets. There are also more rustic, basic tea houses available, especially at higher elevations, that have simple rooms and basic services. Bathrooms might be shared and have a squat-style toilet. At these tea houses, you can pay a small fee for services such as Wi-Fi and hot showers.
Food at Everest Base Camp Trek
Food in the Everest Region of Nepal is delicious and plentiful. Along the well-loved and well-traveled route to Everest Base Camp, there are many tea houses offering a range of options to suit your preferences.
- Breakfast: You can enjoy local chapati bread or Tibetan bread with curry or go for more familiar eggs, porridge, muesli, or pancakes. This trek is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, but if you have any other dietary restrictions, you can let us know, and your guide will communicate with the kitchen staff.
- Lunch & Dinner: You can choose from a variety of local dishes, including Dal Bhat (rice, vegetable curry, and lentil soup with unlimited refills!), fried rice or noodles, Mo Mo (local dumplings), Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), spring rolls, or western dishes like burgers, pasta, pizza, and potatoes.
Telephone
Most tea houses have phone service and mobile reception; however, due to the nature of being in the mountains, it can be unpredictable. If you would like, you can purchase a data SIM card in Kathmandu before you depart. NCELL is a recommended provider that offers 3G internet services in the Everest region.
Internet
Many tea houses have wifi to purchase for around 3-5 dollars per day, which is paid in local Nepali Rupees. Please be aware that internet services may not be completely reliable due to weather and other issues.
Device Charging
Despite trekking deep into the Himalayas, most of the tea houses have either electricity or solar power. Depending on the tea house, you might be able to charge your devices in your rooms. Otherwise, you can pay a few dollars (paid in local rupees) to charge your battery in the main dining hall. Carrying a power bank is recommended during your trek in the Everest region.
Transportation
All transportation fees and arrangements are included in your trekking package when you book with us. To commence your journey, you will catch a stunningly scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (30 minutes).
Porter
Our tailor-made packages do not include a porter, so you can make the decision based on your own needs and preferences. Although not necessary, having a porter can make a massive difference in the enjoyment of your trek. If you are new to trekking at high altitudes, then we would recommend having a porter in the Everest region carry your bag. One porter carries the bags of two people (around 20kg) so that you can carry a small daypack. If you are undecided, we would be happy to discuss porters in more detail when you book your trek.
Travel Insurance
It is one of the most important things you’ll need overseas, particularly when trekking in Nepal. A policy that covers loss and theft, medical and hospitalization, evacuation from high altitude, and adventure activity coverage are among the basics you’ll need. A wide variety of policies are available, so make sure to shop for the best possible options. You need to have a policy that’s specific to the maximum height on your trek, bearing in mind that several companies place restrictions on that score—Look closely at the fine print so that you’re sure to get the right coverage, especially in the event of an emergency such as altitude sickness—helicopter evacuations are horrendously expensive.
Also note that most medical treatment and facilities in Nepal, such as hospitals, require payment upfront or approval from your insurance company, so it’s wise to choose a policy that pays the bills directly rather than lumping the burden on you and leaving it till later for the insurer to reimburse you.
Nepalese Currency and Payment
The currency of Nepal is the rupee. The ideal currencies for exchange are those of the USA, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, and Singapore, as well as the Euro, any of which can be readily exchanged in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted in major tourist-class hotels, restaurants, airlines, and larger stores in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Pokhara, etc. A surcharge of 3.5% is typically levied on all purchases or payments.
ATMs are also very common in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with Thamel being a particular area of focus for their use. Some ATMs only allow a daily maximum of Rs 10, 000 to be withdrawn, while others allow for as much as Rs 35, 000. A charge of USD 4 is usually applied per transaction, on top of which your own bank may also apply a fee of its own.
Can I get an on-arrival visa in Nepal?
On arrival in Nepal, you can obtain the requisite visa at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, or you can choose the alternative of applying for it at the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country before departure. The visa is also available at land-based points of entry such as Birgunj, Kakarbhitta, Bhairawa, Belhiya, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, and Mahendranagar. The Kodari Pass is the access point from Tibet where the visa can be obtained.
While you can use different modes of payment at the visa fee counter, we advise you to bring cash in the following currencies: US dollars, euros, Swiss francs, pound sterling, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, and Japanese yen. Credit card payments are also available nowadays.
As per a recent update, the visa fee costs you the following amounts:
- Multiple entries for 15 days—USD 30 or equivalent
- Multiple entries for 30 days—USD 50 or equivalent
- Multiple entries for 90 days—USD 125 or equivalent
- You should also have a minimum of six months of validity remaining on your passport.
- Visa extensions are available from the offices of Nepal Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
For more details, please go through the Nepal immigration website.