Everest Base Camp

Nepal

Everest Base Camp

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Mount Everest. To the Nepalese it is simply called Sagarmatha, the “sky head”. To the Tibetans it is Chomolungma, the mother goddess of the earth. To the rest of the world it is the most renowned mountain of all. When it comes to spectacular breathtaking mountain panoramas, the Everest Trek is without equal. The walk to Everest Base Camp from Lukla takes you through lush valleys with abundant flora and fauna, past friendly Sherpa villages and Buddhist monastaries, and far above the treeline towards the earth’s highest mountains. Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and Mt. Everest tower above you on this challenging but very rewarding trek.

Sunset on Everest & Nuptse from summit of Kala Pattar

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the Kathmandu Guest House. There will be a short arrival briefing to get you oriented and to take care of the necessary bureaucracy for the trek.

We have a full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and Patan that will give you a good introduction to the Kathmandu Valley and plenty of ideas for further exploration on your own.

Free morning, followed by a major trek briefing. We can also assist you with the purchase or rental of trekking and/or climbing equipment if required.

In the morning we have a spectacular 40 min. flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, perched at 9350ft (2850m) in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal. The flight is bound to be one of the most exhilarating you will ever take. Much of it is only a few hundred feet above the ground, and the views of the river valleys and terraced landscapes below as well as the proximity of some of the world’s highest mountains make it a truly memorable experience. The porters’ loads are organized in Lukla before we head north up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (“Milk River”) to our camp above the river at Phakding (8661ft, 2640m). (3 – 3.5 hours walking)

Today we enter the Sagarmatha National Park before beginning the long, steep climb up to the town of Namche Bazaar (11319ft, 3450m), the main administrative and trading centre for the Khumbu region. Magnificent forests of blue pine, fir, juniper and rhododendron as well as our first views of Everest help ease the climb. Our camp will be at the upper end of Namche to afford the best views (4 – 5 hours walking).

Acclimatization day in Namche. Although this day can be spent relaxing in camp or exploring the tiny shops in the bazaar, the best option for altitude acclimatization is a hike up the valley of the Bhote Kosi (“River from Tibet”) to the west. This is a wonderful pastoral walk, and those who are very keen and well-acclimatized can continue to the village of Thame and its monastery. Camp in Namche Bazaar (3.5 – 5 hours walking).

Morning visit to the colourful Saturday market, where local and Chinese goods (brought over the high passes from Tibet) can be seen and purchased. A short, stiff climb brings us to the small airstrip at Shyangboche before we detour to visit the Everest View Hotel with its spectacular views of the Khumbu Himal including Everest and Ama Dablam. We then descend briefly to our camp in the village of Khumjung (12434ft, 3790m). The afternoon is free to. visit Khumjung Monastery with its famous “yeti scalp” and the Hillary School (1.5 – 2 hours walking)

Staying high above the main trail, we contour and climb to the Mong La with terrific views of Ama Dablam. Camp is in the very traditional Sherpa village of Phortse (12467ft, 3800m) where we may well see Himalayan tahr (mountain goats), danphe (impeyan pheasants) and musk deer. (3 – 3.5 hours walking).

There are stunning views of Tengboche and Ama Dablam during this morning’s ridge contour/climb up the Imja Khola Valley to the village of Upper Pangboche with its ancient monastery. We continue up the glacial valley after lunch, passing some of the Khumbu’s most beautifully carved mani (prayer) stones. Camp is at Dingboche (14271ft, 4350m) at the mouth of the Chukhung Valley. (4.5 – 5 hours walking).

This is the second of our important acclimatisation days. It can be spent relaxing in Dingboche enjoying the scenic views of Ama Dablam, but the best option is a morning hike up the valley to the lodges at Chukhung. This route passes below the massive Nuptse-Lhotse wall and offers marvelous views of the surrounding mountains. Afternoon free in Dingboche. (3 – 3.5 hours walking).

This morning’s hike is relatively short as we continue our acclimatisation process. The trail climbs gradually to our camp in the tiny settlement of Dughla (15092ft, 4600m) nestling below the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier (1.5 – 2 hours walking). There will be an optional side trip to a spectacular viewpoint that overlooks Tshola Tsho glacial lake below Cholatse and Taboche peaks to the south, and also offers an incredible view of the peaks at the head of the Khumbu Valley.

It is a short but steep climb to the lodges at Lobuche (16207ft, 4940m). We have a wild campsite north of Lobuche tonight with particularly impressive views of the sunset on Nuptse. (1.5 – 2 hours walking).

This is a demanding yet very rewarding day. We follow the ablation valley and then negotiate several glacial moraines to reach the lodges at Gorak Shep (16962ft, 5170m). Our goal today is the ascent of Kala Pattar (“Black Rock”), a small peak by Himalayan standards at 18200ft, 5545m. The climb is hard work, but offers the most magnificent mountain panorama possible: Everest (the highest point on the planet at 29028ft, 8848m) towers directly ahead, while Nuptse, Lhotse, Changtse, Pumori and countless other giants loom on all sides. The descent to our camp at Gorak Shep is much easier. (4 – 4.5 hours walking).

Another tough day with great rewards, as we trek along the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp (17600ft, 5380m). This is the closest that you can get to Everest without mountaineering equipment, and there are often several expeditions in Base Camp. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from here is spectacular. It’s then a long descent to the comparatively thick air of our camp in Dughla. (6 – 6.5 hours walking). NOTE: Those doing Island Peak climb will proceed from Lobuche to Dingboche on this day.)

From Dughla, we take a slightly different route down to Lower Pangboche before crossing over the Imja Khola and climbing through lush pine and rhododendron forests to our camp at Tengboche (12664ft, 3860m). This is the site of the Khumbu’s most important Buddhist monastery, and we will have the opportunity to explore the monastery and to observe the monks at prayer and at work. (4 – 4.5 hours walking).

PLEASE NOTE: Those doing the Island Peak climb will trek from Dughla to Chukhung via Dingboche on this day

After a spectacular sunrise, we descend steeply to the Dudh Kosi before climbing to join a ridge contour trail offering farewell views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and other Himalayan giants en route to Namche Bazaar. Another descent brings us back to the Dudh Kosi and our camp in Chumoa (9235ft, 2815m) just outside the National Park. (4.5 – 5 hours walking).

An easy day’s walk brings us back to Lukla for our final night in the Khumbu. Although it may have looked primitive the first time through, Lukla will seem quite modern compared to the isolated villages further up the valley (4 – 4.5 hours walking).

An early morning flight takes us back to Kathmandu, and gives us a last view of the mountains we have just spent two weeks exploring. Overnight at the Kathmandu Guest House.

Free in Kathmandu to continue exploring the valley and surrounding hill towns. We can organise an optional flight over Mount Everest or an optional biking trip around the Kathmandu Valley.

19-20

End of the Everest Base Camp program. Transfer to the airport for your return flight, or start optional trips in India, Tibet, Thailand or other exotic areas!

PLEASE NOTE:: On adventure trips of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary, the leader will decide what is the best alternative taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Synopsis

Trip Grading:

Length: 21 days total, 15-day trek

Max. Altitude: 18,400 ft / 5600m.

Begins/Ends in Kathmandu

Land Cost: $2795 Full-service tented trek (includes everything). Standard "Tea-house" trek is 40% less.

International Airfare: Apx. $1800 (Airfare to Kathmandu).

May 05 - May 25, '13
Jun 02 - Jun 22, '13
Oct 06 - Oct 26, '13
Nov 03 - Nov 23, '13
Dec 22 - Jan 11, '14
Jan 19 - Feb 08, '14

Feb 09 - Mar 01, '14
Mar 09 - Mar 29, '14
Apr 06 - Apr 26, '14
May 04 - May 24, '14
Jun 01 - Jun 21, '14
Oct 05 - Oct 25, '14

Note: Trips start two days earlier and end one day later from North America.

Single supplement: $195

Included in the land cost: Airfare Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu; 15 days trekking in the Everest region including all food and major equipment; 6 nights accommodation in Kathmandu; airport transfers for group flights; one day sightseeing of Kathmandu; services of an experienced trip leader, cook, porters, and local guides.

'FULL SERVICE CAMPING' vs 'TEA HOUSE' trek: THIS IS A FULL-SERVICE CAMPING TREK, WITH PRIVATE KITCHEN, FOOD, AND STAFF, COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT OF "TEA HOUSES". IF YOU WANT TO DO THIS SAME TREK STAYING AND EATING IN "TEA-HOUSES", THE COST IS ABOUT 40% LESS THAN FULL-SERVICE, BASED ON A MINIMUM OF 2 PARTICIPANTS DEPARTING ON ANY DATE YOU WISH. PLEASE INQUIRE.

Note on air ticketing: We use major international scheduled carriers for our trips, including routes that go via Europe, the Gulf states, India, or Asian cities like Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong. We can explain various price and routing options for different airlines when you book and help you choose the best itinerary to fit your budget and time. However, please note that many flights into Kathmandu are heavily booked months in advance during the high season. Reserve your flight as soon as possible even if you can't confirm the trip yet.

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.