Everest Base Camp Trek – …Of hiking to the foothills that is the base point to the mightiest mountain on earth…the Mt. Everest…& trails that meander into some of the most stunning landscapes on earth…which is why this trek is called a ‘Classico…’
This is a classic venture that takes you through the heart of Sherpa country right to the foothills of the mighty Mt. Everest…with trails that lead to splendid wonders, serene monasteries & majestic landscapes…
Geographical knowledge of the land you will tread:
The Everest region is one of those unique and fabulous destinations in Nepal, trekkers and mountaineers delight in their travails to this region. It offers a fascinating and enjoyable environment. This trek begins with a scenic flight to Hillary’s Lukla. It passes through many traditional farming villages, with beautiful views of the highest snow-capped peaks in the world, and continues on to Kalapathar, the highest point of the trek, for a breathtaking panorama of peaks and glaciers, including Mt. Everest, which seems only a stone’s throw from where Kalapathar is. Everest Base Camp has been designed to be supple, enabling you to enjoy and immerse yourself in the magnificent natural surroundings of this fantastic area, at your pace. The trip includes all the highlights of Sagarmatha National Park, including Namche Bazaar, Khumbu, which is the Sherpa capital, an unmatched view from Kalapathar (5,545 m.), and the ever-exciting Everest Base Camp, which is an extraordinary viewpoint for Nuptse, Everest, and Lhotse. This trek gives sufficient time and opportunity to visit Buddhist monasteries, both at Khumjung, one of the oldest in the area, and at Thyangboche, one of the newest, as it was rebuilt after being burned to the ground.
All along this part of the trail, villages are interspersed with wonderful forests of rhododendron, magnolia and giant firs. In both the early autumn and late spring, the flowers on this portion of the trek make it the kind of walk you will remember for a long, long time.
Trekking in this area has grown to immense proportions; ever since the first expeditions to the Nepalese side of Everest occurred in the 1950s. The trek follows the Dudh Kosi valley route with an ascent up to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. From Namche, you traverse along a high path from where you have the first good view of Everest. You head towards Thangboche Monastery located on top of a mountain ridge and then descend the Imja Khola and continue to the villages of Pangboche and Pheriche. After that you arrive at the Khumbu Glacier. The trek through the glacier takes you first to Lobuche and then to Gorak Shep, where you finally reach your destination, Everest Base Camp at the foot of the Khumbu ice falls. The EBC trip is the kind that warms your heart to nature & brings you closer to God for all the good reasons…for many, this is an avoidable adventure…
General information related to your trip:
TRIP GRADE - Moderate to fairly challenging
Longer treks going right into high mountain country, to some of the famous mountaineering Base Camps over high passes. Physically quite tiring, involves approx 6-8 hours trekking along rocky ridges of high Himalayan peaks. No previous experience is required, you should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercise and enjoy walking in the high altitude conditions.
TREK TYPE
Tea House or Lodge trek
Includes: Accommodation in Lodge, guide, porters and all meals
ACCOMMODATION
Trekking in the Everest region does not need tremendous logistics in terms of accommodation as you will find plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. Facilities in tea houses are limited but good enough to offer you a comfortable stay and hygienic meals. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in local lodge available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required rooms for the group (rooms cannot be booked in advance). Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is the order of the day.
We have a pool of hotels in Kathmandu under 3 Star categories which we provide to clients in connection to this itinerary, unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice. You can check on the description of such hotels through our website.
MEALS & DRINKING WATER
On this trek we provide standard breakfast, lunch and three course dinner, tea or coffee will also be included with each meal. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive.
Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy packaged water (bottled mineral water) from local lodge and shop en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.
LUGGAGE WHILE TREKKING
During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porter or yaks. Please keep your luggage as light as possible around 12 to 15 kg. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket etc. You can leave your valuable items at your hotel while trekking. Many hotels have a locker system and provide a deposit slip for the valuables kept under the hotel’s safekeeping.
TREKKING CREW
On tea house trek you will be accompanied by a team of local crew whose aim is to make the trek as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. The crew consists of a local leader (Sirdar or Headman) and a team of porters to carry all your gear. On average, there will be a ratio of one porter to every two trekkers. Sirdar speaks reasonable amount of English, good enough to explain you about the places, local culture or any sight that catches your eyes.
GROUP SIZE
We bring together a small group of like minded people to give them a memorable and insightful travel experience with an invaluable opportunity to interact with each other in a fun-filled environment. Our travel group generally comprises of maximum 12 members. We need a minimum of 2 participants to run our fixed departure dates. For private trips, no minimum and maximum apply.
If you would like to travel independently or with your friends, families and colleagues, you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient time frame for any number of people (min 1 max 100 at a time).
PERSONAL EXPENSES
Everest region is more expensive than the other regions in Nepal, as most of the goods have to be shipped by airplane and then carried to their final destination by porters.
On this fixed scheduled trek breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas) tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places).
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise you to allocate 5 – 10% of the total tour cost as tips.
FLIGHT / LAND TRANSFERS
The starting point of the trek is in Lukla which is connected by a 45mins flight from Kathmandu. We will arrange the transportation from your hotel to the airport (Kathmandu). On your return to Kathmandu our bus will take you back to your hotel.
COMMUNICATION
There are a couple of telephone facilities in the Everest region up to Namche Bazaar. Cell phones work fine up to Tengboche.
If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others, we can provide you a mobile satellite phone (rental charge on request).
TREKKING / CLIMBING EQUIPMENT
For trekking in the Everest region, you will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun cream and day pack.
For climbing: down-jacket, plastic boots, crampons, ice-axe, headlight, harness, jumar, carabiners, belay device, prussiks are the main equipments required.
A comprehensive list of equipments will be provided once you book your trip.
TYPICAL DAY ON TREK
Each morning after packing our bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book.
On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.
MEETING AND GREETING IN KATHMANDU
You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a ‘meeting and greeting’ service at the Airport. You just pass through the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard that states either ‘Hiking Himalayas Treks’ or your own name.
CLIMATE & BEST TIME TO GO
The best season to trek to the Everest base camp region is autumn (from mid-September till November’s end), and spring (from the beginning of March until mid-May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher every day. The nights are cold (between -10 C to 5C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 20C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Trekking during the monsoon and winter is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited, upper parts and high passes could be covered with snow during winter.
March, April, October and November are the most favored months. Let us know the best date that is convenient for you, & we’ll do the rest.
Just get friendly with us at: info@hikinghimalayas.com, we’d be glad to help with any queries you have.
Recent pictures of Everest Base Camp Trekking.
Trip duration 16 days
Trip grade: moderate to fairly challenging but thrilling to the core…nature is yours down here…
Activity: Sightseeing & Trekking
Starts In Kathmandu
Trek type: : TH (Tea House / Lodge)
Accommodation: Hotel, lodge (tea house)
Transportation:Flight and car
Maximum altitude: 5357m at Everest BC
Best Time for Trek except during monsoon [July & August]
Itinerary Details:
Day 01 - Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02 - Kathmandu Sightseeing
Day 03 - Flight to Lukla & trek to Phakding
Day 04 - Trek to Namche (3450m)
Day 05 - Rest day in Namche
Day 06 - Trek to Tengboche [3864m]
Day 07 - Trek to Dingbouche [4450m]
Day 08 - Rest day in Dingbouche
Day 09 - Trek to Lobuche [4930m]
Day 10 - Trek to Gorak Shep - EBC(5337m) back to Gorakshep
Day 11 - Trek to Kalapather [5565], back to Pheriche
Day 12 - Trek to Kanjuma [3550m]
Day 13 - Trek to Phakding [2650m]
Day 14 - Phakding to Lukla
Day 15 - Flight to Kathmandu
Day 16 - Depart home from Kathmandu
Your Itinerary in Detail:
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. And as your plane hits the tarmac, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Welcome drinks will be served and over night at your hotel.
Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significance. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath. At eventide, you will be briefed about your trip.
Day 3 Flight to Lukla - Trek to Phakding [2656m]
A flight to Lukla and a landing on a steep mountain runway brings us to the start of our trek at the village of Lukla [2850m]. After meeting the crew, we head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail and then stay overnight in Phakding
Day 4 Trek to Namche [3450m]
From Phakding, we cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. We then take a steep hike to Namche. If the weather is clear, we get the first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La.
Day 5 Rest day in Namche
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. To acclimatize, you visit Khunde Hospital set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take a one hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town.
Day 6 Trek to Tengboche [3867m]
From Namche, the trail contours on to the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Kosi. We get our first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, we descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga. The village is an ideal stopover for lunch. Here we can rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche. Although the hike up the zigzag path is tiring, it presents us with many beautiful sights of rhododendron bushes with beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. A spectacular panorama of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam rising in the horizon can be seen from the campsite.
Day 07 Trek to Dingbouche [4455m]
We descend downhill through a forest, cross the Imja Khola and climb steadily to the village of Pangboche. This village is directly opposite Ama Dablam [6,856 m], and has exceptional views of the mountain, with the gompa, Mani walls and scattered pine trees in the foreground. A further two hours walk brings us to Dingbouche.
Rest Day at Dingbouche
This is a day for rest and acclimatization. We also get to wander up the valley to look at a lake, the Tshola Tsho and the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. We can climb up 5100m which is called Nagarjuna Hill onto the ridge overlooking ,Great Views of Ama Dablam ,Mt Makalu ,Dingboche for the view of the Imja Valley and the incredible south face of Mt.Lhotse,Island Peak etc….
Day 09 Trek to Lobuche [4930m]
We continue up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawache on the left. We then turn right and take a steep climb towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. The tea house at Duglha is a good spot to have lunch. The trail zigzags up through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine. At the top of this climb there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche.
Day 10 Trek to Gorak Shep [5184m]-EBC (5337m) back to Gorakshep
To reach our next stop, we follow the Khumbu Glacier. The trail offers superb views of the surrounding mountains, especially where the path is forced to rise to cross a tributary glacier. We stop for lunch at our Gorak Shep. Later in the afternoon, we go to Everest Base Camp. It takes 5 hours as the trail weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. On the return leg, we can take a higher route to get a spectacular view of the Khumbu icefall and the route to the South Col.
Day 11Hike to Kala Patter (5565m) and Trek to Pheriche [4252m)]
Early Morning we hike to Kala Patter which is one of the finest viewpoints Of Mt. Everest,including Nupte,Amadamlam,Pumari,Lola,Lhumbute,Lingten etc…Today’s trek is mostly downhill. As we retrace our steps to Duglha and descend to Pheriche, we arrive at The Himalayan Rescue Association, a trekker’s aid post and worth a visit...
Day 12 Trek to Kanjuma [3550m]
We continue to follow the river and, after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forest to Tengboche. Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants to be seen. From Tengboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi. At Phunki Tenga, we get to see the water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Kanjuma for the night.
Day 13 Trek to Phakding via Namche [2650m]
We continue down to follow the river and, after crossing it, climb back up & down to the Phakding via Manju,Banker,Toc-Toc.
Day 14 Trek to Lukla [2800m] our last night in the outback
Our final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi down to Lukla. This last evening calls for a celebration because this is our last day on these fantastic mountains that were home to us all of these days. We have a party with our Sherpa guides and porters who've got close to us over the weeks & are now good friends. We sample some 'chang' (locally brewed mountain beer) . Altogether, this is an end to a merry trip on a merry note. After supper, we relax under the starry skies on a moonlit night & reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains that have probably helped us re-discover ourselves in ways least expected. We then slumber into blissful sleep.
Day 15 Fly to Kathmandu
We pack up early and head for the airstrip to hop a flight back to Kathmandu
On touchdown, the rest of your day is free to do your own things. You could do some last minute shopping and packing, or send a few post cards home or even go down for a stroll to Thamel, an internationally known hub for tourists in Asia.
Day 16 Depart Kathmandu
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game drive at National parks, do some wild-water rafting, a Tibet tour or even mountain biking, etc - please don't hesitate to let us know). We would be glad to help you. Thank you for doing this venture with us & it's been wonderful knowing you over the weeks. Please do stay in touch in the months ahead. Bon Voyage & take care!!!
Service Includes:
- • Pick up and Drop by Car
- • Welcome and farewell dinner
- • All accommodation and meals during the trek
- • A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley (Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Swayambhu, and Kathmandu durbar square) including tour guide and entrance fees
- • Domestic flights and airport departure taxes
- • An experienced English-speaking ,Trained, educated ,professional and friendly staff (Guide & Porter) including their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, flight ticket and airport tax
- • Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Himalayan Legend Trek kit bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, trekking *map and trekking Poles
- • All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS )
- • A comprehensive medical kit
- • Portable Altitudes Chamber (PAC) for safety measures
- • All government and local taxes
Service Excludes :
- • Nepal visa fee
- • International Airfare to and from Kathmandu
- • Hotel in Kathmandu
- • Excess baggage charges
- • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
- • Travel and rescue insurance
- • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, Hot and cold drinks, shower etc)
- • Tips for guides and porters
Notes:All the trekking itineraries are flexible and can be revised in order to best meet your requirements i.e. your time, interests etc. Hence, please suggest us your preferences so that we can prepare the program accordingly and quote the price for the same. You are kindly requested to always feel free to contact us for any information that you require. Your queries are always welcomed and we will be privileged to furnish you with the required information.
The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend for Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list; rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we are feel necessary for your comfort and convenience. However, we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable.
Head
Sun hat or scarf
Light or warm fleece hat.
Sunglasses
Upper Body
T-shirts (4)
Light and expedition weight thermal tops
Fleece jacket or sweater
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
Hands
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Lower Body
Underwear (4)
Hiking shorts (4)
Lightweight cotton long pants
Light weight thermal bottoms
Fleece or wool pants
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet
Thin, lightweight inner socks (4)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
Accessories
Sleeping bag rated -10C. to -20C
Headlamp and batteries
Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
Water bottles
Toiletries
Small wash towe
Optional Items
Swiss Knife
Playing cards/backgammon/chess set
Books (Highly Recommended)
Binoculars
