Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal is a famous EBC adventure that attracts many trekkers each year. It lasts about 12 to 14 days, starting with a flight to Lukla. The trek, Trekking Group goes through Sherpa villages, lush forests, and high bridges, offering stunning views of Mount Everest and other peaks. The landscape changes from greenery to alpine and glacier-filled terrain as you approach Everest Base Camp.
Nepal
14 Days
Easy
Trekking
5500m
Spring - Autumn
Hotel-Lodge
Included
kathmandu-lukla/Lukla, Kathmandu
Trekking to the Roof of the World Everest
The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is a dream for many adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers around the globe. Situated in the heart of the majestic Himalayas, this trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a sense of accomplishment as you stand at the base of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. This trek is not just about reaching the destination but also about experiencing the journey itself, which is filled with stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people.
The EBC Route
The trek to Everest Base Camp typically begins with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, one of the world's most challenging airports. From Lukla, the journey progresses through picturesque Sherpa villages, lush forests, and roaring rivers. Key stops along the route include Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep before finally reaching the base camp.
Kathmandu - Phakding: The first day’s trek from Lukla to Phakding is relatively short and helps in acclimatization.
Namche Bazaar: Known as the gateway to Everest, Namche Bazaar is a bustling market town where trekkers can rest, acclimatize, and explore the local culture.
Tengboche: Famous for its stunning monastery, Tengboche offers panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks.
Dingboche and Lobuche: Higher altitude stops where trekkers adjust to the thinning air and enjoy spectacular landscapes.
Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp: The final stretch to EBC is challenging but immensely rewarding, offering breathtaking views of the Khumbu Icefall and the surrounding peaks.
Acclimatization and Preparation
Acclimatization is crucial during the EBC trek to prevent altitude sickness. Trekkers usually spend extra days in places like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to adapt to the high altitude. Proper physical preparation, including cardiovascular and strength training, is recommended before embarking on the trek. It's also essential to stay hydrated, maintain a steady pace, and follow a balanced diet during the journey.
Cultural Experience
The Everest Base Camp trek is not just a physical journey but also a cultural immersion. The route is dotted with Buddhist monasteries, chortens, prayer wheels, and fluttering prayer flags, reflecting the deep spiritual connection of the Sherpa people with the mountains. Trekkers have the opportunity to interact with the local Sherpa community, known for their resilience, friendliness, and mountaineering expertise. Visiting the Tengboche Monastery, participating in local festivals, and observing traditional lifestyles add a rich cultural dimension to the trek.
UNESCO World Heritage
The trek passes through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse ecosystems. Trekkers can witness a variety of flora, including rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and unique high-altitude plants. The region is also home to various wildlife species such as the Himalayan tahr, musk deer, snow leopard, and numerous bird species, including the colorful Danphe (Impeyan pheasant), Nepal's national bird.
Challenges and Rewards
The Everest Base Camp trek is considered moderately difficult, requiring a good level of fitness and determination. The challenges include long walking hours, steep ascents and descents, and the effects of high altitude. However, the rewards are immense. Standing at the base camp of Mount Everest, surrounded by towering peaks, is a surreal and humbling experience. The sense of achievement, the stunning views, and the bonds formed with fellow trekkers and locals make the journey unforgettable.
The Everest Base Camp trek is more than just an adventure; it's a transformative experience that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and personal accomplishment. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a passionate nature lover, the journey to Everest Base Camp promises memories that will last a lifetime. Embrace the challenge, soak in the beauty, and let the Himalayas leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Lukla weather and flight information
We would like to inform you regarding the Lukla flight details which may affect your itinerary. During peak seasons, (including March, April, May, October and November) the flight to Lukla will be operated from Ramechhap/Manthali due to air traffic expansion, which is about a 5 to 6-hour drive from Kathmandu. Whereas, during non peak seasons, (including January, February, June, July, August, September, and December) the flight is operated from Kathmandu.
Itinerary
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Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Either a morning transfer to Kathmandu airport or a very early departure (around 2 a.m.) for Ramechhap airport and breakfast organized on your arrival before your flight to Lukla. This visual flight, which can only be carried out in good weather conditions, offers a magnificent panorama of the Himalayas. On arrival in Lukla, the organization of loads with porters and sherpas then the start of the trek.
NB:
- Depending on the congestion at Kathmandu airport, the Nepalese Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) may decide to operate all flights to Lukla either from Kathmandu airport or from Ramechhap Manthali airport.
- If the flight is canceled for weather reasons, it will be postponed until the next day. You will spend an additional day at the hotel in Kathmandu or Ramechhap.
Positive altitude difference: 200 to 350 m.
Negative altitude difference: 400 m.
4 to 5 hours of walking.
Accommodation: lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast- Lunch - Dinner
Transfer: 4 to 5 hours drive and 15 minutes flight (from Ramechhap) or 30 minutes drive and 45 minutes flight (from Kathmandu).
Right bank, left bank of the Dudh Kosi (the "river of milk"), the path cut into the rock and lined with crops rises abruptly to Namche Bazar. The capital of the Sherpa country is the heart of the Khumbu region and is home to many small shops, Tibetan souvenirs, etc.
Positive altitude difference: 850 to 1050 m.
Negative elevation: 150 to 300 m.
5 to 6 hours of walking.
Accommodation: lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Day of acclimatization and discovery of the villages overlooking the capital of the Sherpa country. Climb through a small forest towards Syangboche. On the heights, the first discovery of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, and all of upper Khumbu. Passage to Khumjung and Khunde. Possibility to visit Khumjung Hillary High School and Khunde Hospital: both establishments were built on the initiative of Sir Edmund Hillary. NB: the possibility of a quieter day if you wish.
Positive altitude difference: 700 m.
Negative altitude difference: 700 m.
5 to 6 hours of walking.
Accommodation: lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast
Leaving Namche, the path climbs above the houses to reach the ridge line. Passage of a small pass, then descent to the village of Khumjung. Superb view of the prince of the place, Ama Dablam. Continue to Phortse.
Positive altitude difference: 860 m.
Negative altitude difference: 580 m.
6h30 walk.
Accommodation: lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch- Dinner
A long stage that familiarizes your body with altitude. The route offers an almost permanent view of Ama Dablam but also Thamserku while climbing regularly. We pass Pangboche, which until the arrival of tourism was one of the last permanently inhabited high-altitude villages. Many Pangboche villagers have gone on expeditions to the highest peaks and Everest. Porters, then high-altitude sherpas, and finally guides for those who have made their dreams come true. The village has also paid a heavy price to the mountain. You enter the heart of upper Khumbu, and the landscape becomes more mineral. Dingboche (4400m) marks the intersection of the Chukhung and Everest valleys.
Positive altitude difference: 900 m.
Negative height difference: 250 m.
7 to 8 hours of walking.
Accommodation: lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast
A short day dedicated to acclimatization where the main thing is to control your speed and enjoy the spectacle around you. Between Ama Dablam (6856m), the south face of Lhotse (8516m) and Baruntse (7129m), the landscapes are grandiose before reaching Chhukhung (4730m), the last village before the Island Peak base camp. Then we go back down to Dingboche.
NB: As the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is subject to weather hazards, a delay in the rotation day is possible. This day can be used as a reserve day.
Positive altitude difference: 350 m.
Negative altitude difference: 350 m.
4 to 5 hours of walking.
Accommodation: lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast
A high mountain pasture climbs gently up to the Thukla ridge, at the foot of Lobuche Peak. A final steep climb takes you to Lobuche. Before you, Nuptse, Pumori, and Langtren raise their sparkling peaks.
Positive altitude difference: 530 m. 6 hours of walking.
Accommodation: lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Always along the moraines of the Khumbu glacier, a chaotic path brings us to the real base camp of Everest. We are at the foot of the famous "Ice Fall" which climbers take to reach the coveted summit...maybe we will have the chance to see some of them...Falls of seracs, the grandeur of the peaks that surround this legendary place. there is a great atmosphere in these fantastic landscapes. Then return by the path that descends to Gorakshep (5,160 m)
Positive altitude difference: 550 m.
Negative altitude difference: 150 m.
7 hours of walking.
Accommodation: lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast- Lunch- DInner
We climb the slopes of Kala Pattar as the sun rises over the summit pyramid of Everest. The Belvedere is a shoulder at 5543 m, located at the bottom of the southern spur of Pumori. From this unique point of view in the heart of Khumbu, we share a moment of quietude, and magic, facing the giants of the earth. The lights reveal the tapered ridges, the lace of ice and gigantic vertiginous slopes of snow which gradually change from orange-red to sparkling white. The spirit filled with these wonders, we approach our journey back. We retrace our steps to Thokla and branch off towards Dingboche The descent is tasty, a hot drink in Gorak Shep, a break in the sun in the mountain pastures of Lobuche, our eyes fixed on the North faces of Ama Dablam, Taboche, and from Thamserku.
Positive elevation: 70 m.
Negative altitude difference: 1130 m.
6 hours of walking.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals included: Breakfast- Lunch-Dinner
We lose altitude and find more populated lands. The descent takes place on the sunny side of the valley, facing Ama Dablam and the duo Thamserku and Kantega. Mani and chortens again punctuate the path. We cross two important villages, Pheriche and Panboche. In the latter, nestled in the middle of pines and junipers, a monastery shelters a curiosity: the scalp of a yeti... We continue our descent towards the bottom of the valley, carpeted with pines and rhododendrons, a haven of a small Himalayan ungulate, the musk deer, before going up to the monastery of Tengboche. Founded in 1919, it is perched on a spur, a perfect belvedere over Ama Dablam and the great wall of Nuptse and Lhotse. Rapid descent in a beautiful forest. Crossing a footbridge at Phunki, before a slow ascent then a balcony path leading to Namche Bazar
Positive altitude difference: 300 m.
Negative altitude difference: 1200 m.
5h30 walk.
Accommodation: lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast
We soon taste the gentle warmth of the lower valleys as we descend the wooded gorges of the Dudh Khosi before going back up to Lukla where we thank the team of porters. We spend our last evening in the heart of Khumbu.
Positive altitude difference: 750 m.
Negative altitude difference: 350 m.
5 hours of walking.
Accommodation: lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Today you leave with your guide to discover the Kathmandu valley. In Pashupatinath, you discover the most important Hindu temple in Nepal. Built on the banks of the Bagmati, the most sacred of Nepal's rivers, Pashupinath and its ghats are a great place of cremation. You leave the mystical atmosphere of this Hindu city for Bodnath, one of the main Buddhist shrines in the Kathmandu region and one of the largest stupas in the world. Finally, you discover either the ancient royal city of Bhaktapur or Patan, its Durbar Square and its wooden temples in the shape of pagodas.
free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
Trip Included
- AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP: Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
- ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis.
- WELCOME DINNER: One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
- PERMITS: All necessary paper works: Trekking Permit
- STAFF INSURANCE: Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
- MAP: Region Trekking map.
- MEMBER TRANSPORTATION: flight By plane Kathmandu- Lukla and Lukla to kathmandu as per itinerary)
- MEMBER LUGGAGE: Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
- FOODS & LODGING : 3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.
- GUIDE: Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
- PORTER: Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
- STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE: All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
- MEDICAL KIT: Comprehensive Medical kit.
Trip Excluded
- INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
- NEPAL VISA FEES: The Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
- LUNCH & DINNER: Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu & Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
- EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA: Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- INSURANCE: Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
- PERSONAL EXPENSES: Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
- PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
- TOILETRIES: Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
- FILMING: Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
- INTERNET SERVICE: Internet facilities during the trek are not included.
- TIPS: Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
- EXTRA: Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of force majeure. your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.
Trip Organization
Your Guide
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the group's safety. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow, and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations: 15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
In addition, the Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will accommodate in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
Hotel Ramada: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Everest base camp trek
For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
Water: provide tablets (Hydroclovazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that required short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
your personal trekking gear
- woolen hat 1
- fleece hat 1
- T-shirt 3
- Thermal full t-shirt (base layer) 2
- Fleece jacket 2
- Down jacket
- light insulating wear (mid-layer) 1
- Gore-Tex jacket 1
- Thermal Trouser (base layer) 2
- Trekking trousers (flexible ) 2
- down pant 1
- Gore-Tex pants 1
- Gore-Tex gloves 1 pair
- thin/warm gloves 2pairs
- Rain punch 1
- woolen shock (thick) 3 pairs
- sandal 1
- camp shoes (sports shoes) 1
- Trekking boot 1
- sun /glacier glass (uv protect ) 2
- snow gaiter (also buy in Nepal ) 1
- sleeping bags or liners (if possible ) 1
- personal first aid
- pocket knife` 1
- washing soap, towel, tooth pest/ brush
- sun lotion enough +30 /50 & lip guard 1+1
- Trekking poles (u can buy in Nepal as well) 1 pair
- headlights, water bottles, Thermos 1+1+1
- books, a camera, playing cards
