Region :- Nepal
Duration :- 13 Days
Grade :- Difficult
Max Altitude :- 18,200 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- N/A
The Everest Base Camp Trek, is one of the most famous Trek in Nepal, which is famous for its fantastic mountain peaks and the beauty on the hills. Most of the places to this spot go through ridges and trails, but you would have ample space to rest and have meal on your way. And one of the best things about this place is that you don’t have to worry about being lost, as you can ask anybody for the next village. The people here are very friendly and offer help and support even to strangers. The people who live here are mostly shepherds and understand English; some even speak it fluently.
You can come to this destination all around the year as people trek in all seasons; however the best time to come to this area is between March to mid may and between Septembers to mid November. Many people do not prefer coming here in winters as the weather is very cold and the snow all around may make your trekking experience difficult. In such conditions, it would not be possible to go to higher altitudes. At higher altitudes, the lodges may even be closed due to the weather and you might have a difficult time in finding a place to rest and spend the night. Therefore it becomes a mandate to carry your tents along. Not to mention, the nights may get very cold and you would have to carry some extra clothes to keep you warm.
During the summers, the season is wet and the peaks are lost in the clouds. Therefore April and May might just prove a good time to go around this place. You can enjoy the tree and shrubs blossoming in this season, with Rhododendrons in particular. This adds a spectacular color and beauty to the surrounding. However the views are much better if you plan a post monsoon trek than a pre monsoon trek because the rain and wind clear the dust which blows from the terrain. However while trekking to this area; it is mandatory to visit the Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS), particularly if you are going to Khumbu region.
Most of the lodges and restaurants in the Khumbu region only accept the Nepalese currency. As the place is relatively cheaper than India in terms of currency value, you can expect a budget of Rs. 1000-1500 per person per day for accommodation and meals. The price would increase for these amenities as you go to higher altitudes. Different items have different charges according to the availability and product.
The preparation before trekking to this area should be adequate. Beside some of the few obligatory items like hiking boots, warm clothes, UV sun-block etc, there are a lot of things that you need to carry on your way ahead. A lot of stuff that you might not have considered taking along are mentioned here; these things may seem unnecessary at first but would enhance your trekking experience once you start your trip. Firstly, you must carry water-disinfecting drugs which can be found n Kathmandu.
This would help in treating your own water bottles which you can fill from nearby lakes and rivers. It would also save your money on buying new water bottles every time. You should carry soft and light shoes, also known as Kung-Fu shoes. After you have trekked for a long time, you would have a great pleasure in slipping in your light weight shoes and going around the place. You can wear them, in and around the villages. Carrying a light weight knapsack is also a great idea as you would be able to fit in your camera and other stuff in it, like a few clothes or even e sleeping bag; if you plan to spend the night in the open.
Light weight sleeping bags are a must even though most lodges offer you blankets. It is very common fact that these blankets have a terrible stink and might just not be comfortable enough. It is also advised that you carry a high- quality sleeping bag which can give a comfortable temperature even at -10 C°. You should take along with you, band aids and other sticking plasters as even the most small and unattended blister or wound may turn a wonderful walk into as painful as hell. Do not leave any blister or wound untreated as there are high chances of an infection. Duct tapes are also a good alternative to band- aids. And to enjoy the great view of the mountain and the terrains, binoculars are a must. It would help you to spot the most vibrant and exquisite views of nature in the form of flora and fauna.
You can hire a porter as well for the journey who would help you in carrying your backpack and other stuff. If you are strong, then you do not generally need one, but if you do hire a porter, it directs cash into the needy and poor families of the villages. Most of the porters are honest in this area but you should still take care and use your power of judgment to choose the best and loyal among many. An unconcerned and careless choice may just ruin your entire vacation.
If you are thinking of hiring a guide, it is advised not to do so if you are trekking up to Tengboche or Pangboche. Above that point, you might have to consider hiring one. The guides would help you in explaining the local sights and guiding you through the path in nights. They might prove to be of great help if you fall ill or suffer any infection or discomfort. The guides generally speak English and other regional languages and also have an official license to operate. however, you should remember that carrying your bags is not a part of their job. But like porters, they manage their own accommodation and meals unless you invite them to join your group. It would definitely be a pleasure thought to get accustomed to their way of living and culture.
Day 1 :- Arrive Kathmandu
- Altitude: 4,600ft/1,400m
- Check-in Hotel (12:00 noon) (Stay is included in the cost)
- Spend the day exploring the streets of Kathmandu
- A short briefing session will be done in the evening
Day 2 :- Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
- Altitude: Lukla 9,350ft/2,860 m – Phakding 8,500ft/2,600m
- Early morning fly to Lukla (30 minutes)
- Trek to Phakding 9km/ 4 to 5 hours
- Easy and Gradual descent
- Cheplung is village on the way from where you can see Mt. Khumbila
- You can buy or refill your water bottles from tea houses on the way
Note: Flights to Lukla are prone to delay due to weather, keep one or two buffer days
Day 3 :- Phakding to Namche bazaar
- Altitude: Namche bazaar 11,300ft/3,450m
- Trek: 10km/ 7 hours
- Moderate level of climb and steep climb before Namche bazaar
- Namche bazaar is the capital of the Khumbu region
- First Everest view point will come today
- You can spot Kongderei and Thamserku peak
- Monjo village is the midpoint of the today’s trek
- Swiss suspension bridge on Dudhkosi river is one of the attraction which is the life line of Khumbu region
- Today you will enter into the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Day 4 :- Namche Bazaar (Acclimatisation day)
- Today is the acclimatisation day
- You can hike up to Sherpa Cultural Museum to get a view of Everest and Ama Dablam
- It’s worth it to explore the town, good place for trekking gear
- ATMs, internet cafes, shops, restaurants are available at extra cost
Day 5 :- Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
- Altitude: Tengboche 12,650ft/3,850m
- Trek: 8km/ 5 to 6 hours
- Mixed ascent till Phunki Tenga
- Steep ascent after Phunki Tenga to Tengboche
- Tengboche has a biggest monastery in the area
- You can attend a prayer ceremony held by the monks to invoke protection on your expedition
- Cross another high bridge at the village of Phunki Tenga
Day 6 :- Tengboche to Dingboche
- Altitude: Dingboche 14,250/4,350m
- Trek: 9km/ 6 to 7 hours
- Gradual descend and little bit of ascent after Lobuche River to Dingboche
- Trail passes through lush forests of birch, confer and rhododendron trees
- The route offers the amazing views of Ama Dablam towering above you
- The trail cross the Imja River to reach Pangboche
- Continue the Imja Valley and Lobuche River before ascending to Dingboche
Day 7 :- Dingboche (Rest Day)
- A rest day will help you to acclimate to the high altitude
- A small hike will show you the world’s six tallest peaks including Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu
- From another location you can see the Imja Khola Valley and Dingboche village
Day 8 :- Dingboche to Lobuche
- Altitude: Lobuche 16,200ft/4,950m
- Trek: 7km/ 6 hours
- Tricky climb on moraine and rocky terrain
- You can visit the Memorial Shrine
- The top of the ridge is filled with prayer flags and stones which are memorial shrines for climbers who lost their lives on Mt. Everest
- As you will crossing Khumbu Glacier you can also see Mt. Nuptse
Day 9 :- Lobuche to Gorakshep (Excursion to EBC)
- Altitude: Gorakshep 16,900ft/5,150m & Highest Point 17,550ft/5,350m
- Lobuche to Gorakshep 6km/ 5 hours
- Gorakshep to EBC 3km each way
- It's Everest Base Camp day today
- Good steep climb to Gorakshep
- It takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach Gorakshep
- Lunch is at Gorak Shep
- A steeper climb to Everest Base Camp
- The trek to Everest Base Camp is not very difficult
- Trekker stop point is just before the actual base camp
- Most tour groups are not allowed to enter or stay in EBC
- Make sure you carry your day pack since you’ll need water
- You can enjoy amazing views of Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori mountains from the base camp
- Overnight in Gorak Shep
Note: drinking water at Gorakshep is chargeable. We don’t include drinking water on the trek which you can buy a number of places for between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp). A better solution is to buy water tablets in Kathmandu/Pokhra for around $2 and treat the water
Day 10 :- Hike upto Kalapatthar and retreat trek to Pheriche
- Kalapatthar 18,200ft/5,550m - Pheriche 14,100ft/4,300m
- Gorak Shap to Kalapatthar 2km each way/ 3 to 4 hours
- Gorak Shap to Pheriche 15km/ 6 to hours
- Steep climb to Kalapatthar (Difficult)
- Gradual descent to Pheriche
- Start early in the morning to avoid the early morning clouds
- Kala Patar is the rocky hilltop below Pumori
- Views from the summit: Everest, South Col, Lhotse, Makalu, Khumbu glacier & icefall, Pumori and Everest Base camp
- Breakfast at Gorak Shep after Kalapatthar hike
- Pheriche is a village situated above the Tsola river
- Hospital in Pheriche, run by the Himalayan Rescue Association with the help of volunteers
Day 11 :- Pheriche to Namche bazaar
- Altitude: Namche bazaar 11,300ft/3,450m
- Trek: 15km/ 7 to 8 hours
- Moderate, continuously descent and short ascent just before Namche bazaar
Day 12 :- Namche Bazar to Phakding to Lukla
- Phakding 8,500ft/2,600m
- Trek: 19km/ 7 to 8 hours
- Moderate, continuously descent till Phakding and gradual ascent to Lukla
- Start your trek early in the morning, as it’s a long day trek
- Stop at Phakding for lunch
- Stay in Lukla
Day 13 :- Fly back to Kathmandu
- Morning fly to Kathmandu (30 minutes)
- Your trek to Everest Base Camp is over
- Spend the day in Kathmandu or fly back to your home
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu is included in the cost
Note: weather conditions may cause flight cancellations. Delays are possible any time of year but are more typical on summer departures. Keep one or two buffer days
Who Can Participate:
Here are the fitness criteria one has to match absolutely for conquering this Trek with us:
- Experience of any high altitude trek, at least 1 trek.
- The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
- A goods carrying benchmark relevant in this expedition, the climber should be able to carry a 10 to 15 kg expedition bag pack.
- Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have these conditions mentioned above.
What is included in the tour
1. Accommodation: (Sharing basis)
• Day 1 and 13 Hotel in Kathmandu.
• Day2 to 12 Teahouse.
2. Flights: (According to Itinerary)
• Kathmadu to Lukla.
• Lukla to Kathmandu.
• Domestic airport transfers for Lukla.
3. Support:
• 1 English Speaking Guide.
• Assistant Guide
4. All meals during trek: (As per the itinerary)
• Day 2 Lunch to Day 13 Breakfast
5. All necessary permits and entry fees.
6. TIMS card.
7. High-altitude sleeping bag.
8. First aid medical kits, oxygen cylinder.
9. Store room facility in Kathmandu for extra luggage.
10. Insurance of Trekking Guide and porters.
11. Services from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
What is NOT included in the tour
1. Extra Expenses.
• Any kind of personal expenses.
• Porters for the personal bag*.
• Wifi, charging batteries and hot showers.
• Customary gratuities for guides & porters.
2. Nepal entry visa (approximately $40 USD) only for foreigners (Not for Indian).
3. Unforeseen cost due to flight cancellation, weather conditions etc.
4. Evacuation and medical expanses*.
5. Mineral Water
6. Travel and Trek insurance (we suggest to get travel insurance from ASC360)
7. All costs not outlined under "What's included".
