Everest Base Camp Trek 15/16 Days
The Everest Base camp is one of the most popular and spectacular treks in the world. The journey begins with an adventurous flight to Lukla (2880m), the gateway to Everest, in a twin otter aircraft offering unique views of the Himalayas.
The Base Camp trek itinerary will take us through traditional Sherpa villages, pine forests, suspended bridges and bring us deep into the hearth of the Himalayas. There will be the chance to visit the incredible Tyengboche monastery, surrounded by the views of the majestic Amadablam and snow capped peaks such as Thamserku, Kangtega, Lhotse, Nuptse, Taboche and the Kings of Mountain Mount Everest.
The objective of this trek is to reach the Everest Base Camp (EBC), at 5380m, from where the expeditions to summit Mount Everest are launched in the Spring Season. The EBC lies on the impressive Khumbo Glacier, which is the first obstacle summiteers have to undertake on their way to the top of the world.
The highest point the trek will reach is the viewpoint kalapathar, at a whopping 5545m, which offers the incredible scene of Mount Everest’s summit and the surrounding Himalayas. Witnessing the sunrise over the snow covered slopes and glaciers of the tallest mountain on Earth is mystical experience.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a once in a lifetime opportunity to stand in the shadow of the tallest mountain in the world. The trekking trails are of easy to moderate difficulty and are recommended for trekkers of all level and fitness. The main challenge of the EBC trek is altitude, which will be overcome by an acclimatisation schedule.
Please note that all itineraries are indicative and will be tailored for each individual trekking group.
Itineraries may also change during the trek as a function of weather forecast and health&fitness of group members. Safety first!
Day 1: Flight to Lukla (2840m) Lukla – Phakding (2610m)
3-4h. A pleasant walk through pine forests alongside the river will bring us to Phakding, the first stop of our journey. Comfortable lodges and cozy tea houses offer a wide range of refreshments and food options.
Day 2: Phakding (2610m) – Namche Bazar (3500m)
5-6h. With nearly 1000m of altitude gain, today is one of the most physical days of the trek. The altitude is still relatively low and the path guides us in and out the pine trees shadows, crossing several suspended bridges, among which the famous Hillary bridge.
Day 3: Acclimatization in Namche Bazar (3500m)
Rest days are designed for acclimatisation. Furthermore, Namche offers the opportunity to gather your last supplies before heading higher up the mountain. Snacks, ATMs, maps, equipment, souvenirs – everything is available here, even an Irish pub (I suggest celebratory drinks on the way down – stay healthy on the way up!). Activities available during the rest day include
- Everest view hotel – with a 1h30 hike, we can get the first view of Everest while sipping warm tea
- Khunde Village – 1h30 hike to visit a traditional Nepali settlement.
- Just rest your legs!
Day 4: Namche Bazar (3500m) to Tengboche (3860m)
3-4h. A short walking day allows for some free time to visit the Tengboche monastery, the largest Gumpa in the Khumbu region. The surrounding Himalayas are the perfect theatre for an immersive experience into Sherpa culture and Buddhist traditions.
Day 5: Tengboche (3860m) – Dingboche (4410m)
5-6h. This is also the first night sleeping over 4000m, drink warm fluids and stay warm. Let yourself be charmed by the rural stone walls and the magnificent Amadablam.
Day 6. Acclimatization in Dingboche (4410m)
The purpose of the rest day is to allow the body to acclimatise to the altitude. A spectacular viewpoint Nangkartshang peak, just above 5’000m, will give us views of Ama Dablam (6812m) and provide further acclimatization.
Day 7: Dingboche (4410m) – Lobuche (4910m)
4-5h. Today’s path brings us close to the 5000m treshold. The amazing Khumbo Glacier appears to our view, and Lobuche peak stands prominent in sight. Take some rest in Lobuche, as the goal of journey is near
Day 8: Lobuche (4910m) – Everest Base Camp (5380m) – Gorakshep (5100m)
5-6h. The path is flat and easy going. Because of the altitude, it is best to take your time and enjoy a slow paced walk while admiring the surrounding peaks and Khumbo Glacier. Gorakshep is the highest place where we will sleep.
Day 9: Gorakshep (5100m) – Kalapattar (5500m) – Lobuche (4900m)
5-6h. Starting well before dawn, it will take two hours to climb to the Kalapattar view point. As the first morning light touches the summit of Mt Everest, the magic of the Himalaya unfolds in front of us. This is truly a unique experience. After dawn, we make our way down to Gorakshep, pick up our bags, and head down to Lobuche. Our journey down begins.
Day 10: Lobuche (4900m) – Namche Bazar (3500m)
5-6h. The descent from Lobuche retraces the path we took to reach the EBC. Have a stop in Tengboche for a coffee and freshly baked pie before continuing to Namche Bazar.
Day 11: Namche Bazar (3500m) – Phakding (2610m)
3-4h. Today we descend approximately 1000m and our tired legs will be rewarded by finally descending below 3000m. Temperaures are higher and the walk is pleasant in the forest and over the suspended Hillary bridge.
Day 12: Phakding (2610m) – Lukla (2840m)
3-4h. A short trek back to Lukla where we will take the flight back to Kathmandu. This is the end of the Everest Base Camp trek! Congratulations and see you again!
Day 13: Reserve day in case of bad weather or flights cancellations from Lukla back to KTM
Prices may vary depending on nr of participants, nr of days, season and special requests – please contact us to prepare the budget of your dream trek!
Trekking + Kathmandu Culture Package 19 Days 18 Nights – Starting from 2’200 USD
Standard Trekking Package 13 Days – Starting from 1’900 USD
- Complete service during trekking:
- Flight to Lukla and back
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with tea and coffe breaks
- Accomodation
- Experienced trek leader (trekking guide) and porters as necessary
- All necessary permits (National park permit, Local entrance, TIMS and insurance of the staff)
- Technical support (equipment check, trek briefing, safety reccomandations)
Excluded during trek:
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (coca cola etc), wifi, phone charge
Kathmandu Culture Package 4 days 3 nights – Starting from 300 USD
- Transport and Accomodation in KTM
- Hotel 3 nights
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- Private vehicle and driver
- Entry fees and guided tours in Kathmandu valley including but not limited to:
- Pashupatinath Hindu temple
- Swayambunath the Monkey temple
- Bouddanath the largest buddhist stupa in the world
Exluded:
Souvenirs, personal expenses, meals (except welcome and farewell)