Everest Base Camp Trek
Group Discounts |
|
| 1 Pax. | US$ 1680 PP |
|---|---|
| 2-4 Pax. | US$ 1450 PP |
| 5-7 Pax. | US$ 1400 PP |
| 8-10 Pax. | US$ 1350 PP |
| 11-14 Pax. | US$ 1300 PP |
| Over 15 Pax. | US$ 1199 PP |
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
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Gokyo Nepal
Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trekking
- Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned trekker, this trail is ideal for everyone’s hiking needs and abilities. Perfect for all hikers, from amateurs to experts!
- You can participate in various outdoor experiences, from hiking and camping to mountaineering.
- Magnetic view of Everest and encompassing mountains
- Indulge in the beauty of the sunrise over the Himalayan range, take a journey through fascinating forests, cross high mountain passes, and camp near Mt. Everest for an unforgettable experience!
- Immerse yourself within the Sherpa culture and way of life, a remarkable journey that will open your eyes to a unique outlook. It’s an exceptional experience, as you get to experience their culture directly.
Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek
Day: 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
You are cordially invited to Kathmandu, the beautiful capital of Nepal! Our friendly representative will be at Tribhuvan airport awaiting your arrival, ready to help you get to your booked accommodations.
With some time for relaxation, you can stroll through the city streets and get acquainted with the country’s lifestyle, weather, and culture.
In the evening, our team will come to your hotel to orient you about our trip and itinerary.
Day: 2 Fly to Lukla and hike to Phakding
Ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas? Our local guide will be at your hotel bright and early to take you on an adventure. An exclusive car will take you to Kathmandu domestic airport, and you’ll then take a short flight to Lukla, the entrance point of the beautiful mountain range.
As soon as you arrive, Sherpa porters will greet you and kindly take your luggage. This is their way of providing a warm welcome to you.
After a short stay at Lukla, you will begin the first leg of your journey along the Dudh Koshi river in the eastern Himalayas. It will take about 3/4 hours to reach Phakding, a quaint village beside it.
Accommodation: Phakding Mountain lodge or guest house
Hiking: About 9 km (4/5hr – Departure altitude 2800m – Arrival altitude 2650m)
Meal: BF/Lunch/Dinner
Day: 3 Phakding To Namche Bazaar
Embark on an incredible journey today as you follow the tranquil Dudh Koshi River. Be mesmerized by the lush coniferous forests and be exhilarated by the multiple suspension bridges you come across, adding a bit of thrill to your trek!
After you reach Monjo, you will find yourself on the stunning Sir Hillary suspension bridge. After that, a short ascent awaits you, taking you to the Everest national park.
With an easy path from here, you can reach the bustling square of Namche market, where you can bargain for souvenirs or take in the sights and sounds of traditional Nepali culture.
Accommodation: Namche Bazaar Mountain lodge or guest house
Hiking: About 12 km (5/6hr – Departure altitude 2650 m – Arrival altitude 3440 m)
Meal: BF/Lunch/Dinner
Day: 4 Acclimatization
Namche Bazar is a humble village boasting a variety of services like restaurants, banks, bakeries, and an Internet cafe! It is the perfect place to spend a rest day and start the acclimatization process for the following stages of the trek.
With its stunning mountain views, quaint village atmosphere, and plenty of facilities for trekkers, Namche Bazaar is the ideal place to rest and acclimatize before continuing your journey.
Accommodation: Namche Bazaar Mountain lodge or guest house
Meal: BF/Lunch/Dinner
Day: 5 Trek from Namche to Tengboche
From Namche, it’s a short walk to the start of the trek to Tengboche. The first few kilometers are through beautiful forests with a lot of wildlife. After a few kilometers, the path opens up to a stunning valley with glaciers and snow-capped mountains in the background.
Once there, we’ll take a short excursion to the beautiful monastery and surrounding alpine scenery.
Accommodation: Mountain lodge or guest house
Hiking: About 12 km (7/8 hr – Departure altitude 3440 m – Arrival altitude 3855 m)
Meal: BF/Lunch/Dinner
Today you will descend into the valley of Deboche, known for its vast forests of Rhododendron trees. After crossing the Imja river, you will go up along the other side of the valley to reach flatter areas, where there are numerous animals roaming free.
Thereafter you enter Dingboche, which includes a visit to the monastery of Pangboche.
Accommodation: Mountain lodge or guest house
Hiking: About 12 km (6 hr – Departure altitude 3855 m – Arrival altitude 4360 m)
Meal: BF/Lunch/Dinner
Day: 7 Rest day at Dingboche
Take a day off to rest up and get acclimatized. You can take a short stroll to Chukhung village at an elevation of 4730 m and treat yourself to some fresh veggies, fruits, and cheese from the village.
Fancy a break? Our guide will lead you on a leisurely walk along the trail, aiding you adjust to the altitude before returning to Dingboche for dinner. You can end your day by spending the night under a sky full of stars.
Accommodation: Mountain lodge or guest house
Hiking: About 4 hours
Meal: BF/Lunch/Dinner
Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche
Trekking commences from Dingboche, where you will cross the plain dominated by Taboche, Cholatse, and Lobuche Peak. After crossing the plain, your trek continues through thick forests filled with wild berries and plants.
The path takes on a steep climb until it reaches an area dedicated to the memory of Sherpas and disappears mountaineers. From there, you will climb for another hour until you reach Lobuche settlement for an overnight stay before reaching Base Camp on the next day’s itinerary.
Accommodation: Mountain lodge or guest house
Hiking: About 12 km (6 hr – Departure altitude 4360 m – Arrival altitude 4930 m)
Meal: BF/Lunch/Dinner
Day 9: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp
The journey proceeds along the Dudh Koshi River, offering impressive vistas of Pumori and Nuptse. You then move across a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River to reach Gorakshep.
After check-in and lunch at the Gorakshep lodge, you will be transported to the prominent moraine, where a three-hour journey awaits. Prepare to be wowed by glaciers and their incredible power as you make your way through this spectacular landscape to reach EBC.
Upon returning to Gorakshep, you will be treated to a wonderful dinner at the village’s mountain lodge. Enjoy a delicious meal after your time spent in base camp!
Accommodation: Mountain lodge or guest house
Hiking: About 20 km (7 hr – Departure altitude 4930 m – Arrival altitude 5364 m)
Meal: BF/Lunch/Dinner
Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar viewpoint, return Gorak Shep and hike to Pheriche
Kala Patthar is an ideal location to start your day, as it offers you a beautiful view of the sunrise in all its glory. Witnessing the majestic Everest and other stunning mountain peaks from its peak is definitely an unparalleled experience.
Climbing the winding and rocky mountain paths leads you to the peak of Kala Patthar – a journey that takes around two to three hours.
Following a brief stay to admire the area’s spectacular views, you will proceed back to Gorakshep for breakfast. Then, you will resume the same trail from Gorakshep until you reach Pheriche village.
Accommodation: Mountain lodge or guest house
Hiking: About 7 hr – Departure altitude 5364 m – Arrival altitude 4250 m)
Meal: BF/Lunch/Dinner
Day 11: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Starting off the day, you will be heading back to Namche today on a rather lengthy journey through different valleys and villages. One of them is Pangboche, where a visit to the oldest monastery in the region is possible.
Despite the length of the stage, it will be manageable since you will be losing height throughout and well-prepared from the hiking days preceding this one.
After arriving in Kyangjuma, you will embark on a steep but brief journey to Namche. There, you can enjoy dinner and pass the night.
Accommodation: Mountain lodge or guest house
Hiking: About 18 km (7 hr – Departure altitude 4250 m – Arrival altitude 3440 m)
Meal: BF/Lunch/Dinner
Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
After a long and arduous trek, the final destination of Lukla is in sight. As the sun sets, you can finally rest knowing that your journey is almost complete.
Upon arrival, you can take advantage of some much-needed relaxation while your guide reconfirms the next day’s flight. This is the perfect chance to take in all this majestic mountain has to offer before you move on to the next phase of your journey.
Accommodation: Mountain lodge or guest house
Hiking: About 20 km (7 hr – Departure altitude 3440 m – Arrival altitude 2850 m)
Meal: BF/Lunch/Dinner
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla
Get ready for an amazing journey as you take a 30-minute flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transport to your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the chaotic streets of Kathmandu. From exotic street food to centuries-old temples, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Spending a day in Kathmandu, the historical city of Nepal, is a distinctive experience. Make sure to visit the iconic Swayambhunath Temple – frequently mentioned as the monkey temple. Pashupatinath Temple, overlooking the sacred Bagmati river and Bouddhanath Buddhist complex, are must-visits.
Once you are done exploring, you will end the day with a stroll in Durbar Square. This historic place is an abode of numerous temples, palaces, and the Kumari house. As the sun sets, you will head back to your hotel for a parting dinner organized by our local staff at a traditional restaurant.
Meals: BF
Day 15: Departure
Today is the day you’ve been waiting for: your departure day. And while it may be a little bittersweet, the anticipation of finally returning home should be enough to make your trip worth it.
We’ll transfer you to the airport three hours before your international flight so you can make your way through security and into the terminal before your flight departs.
Meals: BF
Best Seasons for Everest Base Camp Trek
The best seasons for the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is typically stable with clear skies, making the trekking experience more enjoyable. Temperatures are milder, and the stunning views of the Himalayan mountains are visible.
- Spring: Rhododendron flowers bloom, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. The weather is mild, and the skies are often clear, allowing for perfect photo opportunities.
- Autumn: This is one of the most popular seasons for trekking to Everest Base Camp. The weather is dry, and the skies are clear, ensuring stunning views throughout the journey.
Trekking during winter (December to February) presents challenges with freezing temperatures and snow, making it difficult to navigate some parts of the trail. Trekking during the monsoon (June to August) is also challenging due to heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides and slippery trails.
Trek Difficulty and Challenges
The Everest Base Camp trek, while physically demanding, is manageable with proper preparation and acclimatization. This trek covers a significant distance, involving long daily hikes through steep and rugged terrain. The trek is especially challenging because of the high altitude, with the base camp sitting at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). Altitude sickness is a concern, and trekkers must follow proper acclimatization procedures to avoid its effects.
Key challenges:
- High altitude: Altitude sickness can occur due to the thin air at higher altitudes. Ascend slowly, rest regularly, and stay hydrated.
- Weather conditions: The weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so trekkers need to be prepared for unpredictable conditions.
- Physical stamina: While the trek is not technical, it requires good physical fitness, as it involves several days of continuous walking on rocky, uneven paths.
Trek Route and Distance
The standard route to Everest Base Camp starts from Lukla (2,840 meters) and follows a well-trodden path to Namche Bazaar, the main trading hub in the Khumbu region. From there, trekkers pass through Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep before finally reaching Everest Base Camp.
The trek route offers stunning views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many others. The route also passes through Sherpa villages, allowing trekkers to experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the region.
Route Overview:
- Lukla to Namche Bazaar: 11 km, 5-6 hours
- Namche Bazaar to Tengboche: 10 km, 5-6 hours
- Tengboche to Dingboche: 11 km, 5-6 hours
- Dingboche to Lobuche: 8 km, 4-5 hours
- Lobuche to Gorak Shep: 4 km, 3-4 hours
- Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp: 5 km, 3-4 hours
The trek is approximately 130 km round trip, typically taking 12-14 days for the journey, with time set aside for acclimatization and rest.
Handling Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a common concern for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. It’s essential to take proper steps to acclimatize to the high altitude.
How to prevent altitude sickness:
- Acclimatization: Spend extra time in Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and other high-altitude stops to adjust to the increasing elevation.
- Rest: Take rest days to allow your body to adapt to the altitude.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated throughout the trek, and avoid alcohol or smoking, which can worsen altitude sickness symptoms.
- Slow and steady: Walk at a slow, steady pace to avoid overexertion.
If symptoms worsen, it’s crucial to descend to lower altitudes immediately.
Physical Preparation for the Trek
While prior experience is not mandatory for the EBC trek, being physically fit is essential. Prepare your body by doing regular cardiovascular exercises such as hiking, jogging, or cycling. Train your muscles by walking on uneven terrain with a loaded backpack to simulate the trekking experience. Trekking to EBC involves long days of hiking, so stamina is key.
What to Expect on the EBC Trek
The EBC trek offers a blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Trekkers will be exposed to stunning views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks, picturesque Sherpa villages, and ancient monasteries.
Key Highlights:
- Sherpa culture: Interact with Sherpas and learn about their unique culture and traditions.
- Monasteries: Visit famous monasteries like Tengboche Monastery, offering peace and insight into the spiritual life of the region.
- Wildlife: Spot wildlife like the Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and pheasants along the way.
- Stunning views: Experience panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other majestic peaks.
The trek combines adventure with luxury. Stay in upgraded lodges, enjoy delicious meals, and benefit from the services of skilled guides and porters.
Group Size for EBC Trek
The Everest Base Camp trek is often done in smaller groups, usually 2-10 people, for a more personalized experience. Smaller groups provide the opportunity for better interaction with the locals and more flexibility in managing the trek. The guide’s attention can be more focused on the needs and well-being of each individual.
Accommodation, Food, and Drink
Accommodation along the EBC trek is provided in teahouses and lodges that offer simple but comfortable rooms. Higher-end lodges are available, particularly in places like Namche Bazaar and Lukla, where trekkers can enjoy more luxurious accommodations.
Meals: Trekkers are provided with three meals per day, ranging from local Sherpa dishes such as Dal Bhat and Momo to international options like pizza, pasta, and soups. The food is nutritious and designed to give trekkers the energy they need.
Water: Always drink purified or boiled water during the trek. It’s important to avoid consuming unfiltered water to prevent illness.
Helicopter Service
For those who prefer a quicker way to return from Everest Base Camp or have limited time, helicopter services are available. The flight from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience, offering a bird’s-eye view of the mountains and glaciers.
Safety on the Trek
Safety is a top priority during the Everest Base Camp trek. Guides and porters are experienced, trained in first aid, and equipped with communication tools like satellite phones to ensure that help is available in case of an emergency. Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially with coverage for high-altitude trekking.
Internet Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available in some lodges along the route, but the signal may be weak or expensive, especially as you ascend to higher altitudes. Stay prepared for limited connectivity and enjoy the natural beauty without distractions.
Entry Permits for the EBC Trek
To trek to Everest Base Camp, trekkers need a Sagarmatha National Park permit and a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System). These permits are handled by the trekking company, saving time and hassle for trekkers.
Conclusion
The Everest Base Camp trek is an incredible adventure that combines physical challenges with unmatched beauty. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-time hiker, the 15-day trek offers a chance to experience the majestic Himalayas, immerse in Sherpa culture, and reach one of the world’s most iconic destinations. The trek is not only about reaching the base camp but also about the journey and the memories created along the way.
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
Yes, the Everest Base Camp trek is suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. Although it is a physically demanding trek due to high altitudes, proper acclimatization and a steady pace will help you reach the base camp. It’s essential to train and prepare your body for the trek in advance.
There is no strict age limit for the Everest Base Camp trek, but it’s recommended for adults between 12 and 65 years old. However, age is not a barrier if you’re in good health, physically fit, and have prior trekking experience or proper guidance. We recommend consulting a doctor before embarking on the trek, especially if you are older or have any health concerns.
Yes, you will need two main permits for the Everest Base Camp trek:
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit: This is required to enter the national park and is available in Lukla or Kathmandu.
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: This helps with the registration and tracking of trekkers for safety reasons. Kabru Adventure Holidays will assist in obtaining these permits for you.
While the Everest Base Camp trek is not overly technical, the primary risks are altitude sickness and harsh weather conditions. With proper acclimatization, preparation, and by following safety guidelines, the trek can be completed safely. Always trek with a guide and stay hydrated to reduce risks.
The Everest Base Camp trek is more accessible and has a more straightforward route, making it ideal for those who want to see Mount Everest up close without venturing into more challenging terrain. If you want to experience the grandeur of Everest, its surrounding peaks, and the Sherpa culture with less strenuous hiking, the EBC trek is the better choice.
The standard duration for the Everest Base Camp trek is 12-14 days, depending on the itinerary, pace, and acclimatization days. This allows you to trek from Kathmandu to Lukla, pass through Sherpa villages, acclimatize, and reach Everest Base Camp while ensuring safety and comfort.
The cost of the Everest Base Camp trek varies depending on the level of service and type of trek package. On average, a standard 12-day trek can cost between $1,200 to $2,500 USD, including permits, accommodations, food, guide, porter, and other logistical services. Luxury options may be higher, offering premium accommodations and amenities.
Yes, snow is common on the Everest Base Camp route, especially during winter (November to February) and the colder months of autumn and spring. The weather conditions can change rapidly, so it’s essential to be prepared for snow and cold temperatures along the trail.
Yes, most teahouses along the trekking route have charging facilities. However, there may be a small fee for using charging stations, especially as you go higher up the mountain. It’s advisable to bring a portable power bank to ensure you have backup charging options.
Wi-Fi is available at certain teahouses along the trekking route, particularly in popular stopping points like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Gorakshep. However, the connection may be slow, and you may need to pay for access. It’s not reliable at higher altitudes, so it’s best to limit your internet use to conserve battery and avoid reliance on connectivity.