Travel Facts
- Country Name
- Nepal
- Capital
- Kathmandu
- Coordinates
- 28 00 N, 84 00 E
- Area
-
- Total: 147,181 sq km
- Land: 143,181 sq km
- Water: 4,000 sq km
- Elevation Extremes
-
- Low: Kanchan Kalan 70 m
- High: Mount Everest 8,850 m
- Population
- 28,901,790
- Demonym
- Nepali
- Climate
-
Month High Low Rain Jan 63 36 Feb 70 37 Mar 77 48 Apr 81 52 May 82 61 Jun 82 66 Jul 82 68 Aug 81 68 Sep 79 66 Oct 77 54 Nov 70 46 Dec 66 37 - Time Zone
- NPT (UTC+5:45)
- Currency
- Rupee (NPR)
- Voltage
- 220 V
- Calling Code
- +977
Nepal: Ascent to Everest Base Camp
- Expedition Type [ Mountain Trekking ]
- Difficulty [ Strenuous ]
- Activities [ Hiking ]
- Duration [ 19 Days ]
Expedition Timeline
Mount Everest is both seductive and unforgiving, with colossal snow-covered peaks and dark, seemingly bottomless crevasses that are constant reminders of the sheer and inconceivable scope of this mountain. Ascend thousands of feet on a 14-day climb, as the mountain's majesty tests your body, mind and soul each day. Your slow, steady trek reveals wild rushing waters underneath the Imja Khol River suspension bridge, a stunning rhododendron forest, terminal moraine and a rubble-covered glacier. Each night, overnight in comfortable teahouses and lodges.
- DAYS 1-2
Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal (4,383 ft.)
You start your expedition by acclimatizing for two days in Kathmandu. Stay at the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, overlooking Boudhnath stupa. After settling in, join your expedition team for a trek briefing, followed by an afternoon tour of Nepal’s capital city, which features no fewer than eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On day two, visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal, and the iconic Boudhanath, possibly the world’s largest Bhuddhist stupa. Also visit the ancient city of Patan.
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu [ B L D (Day 1: D) ]- DAY 3
Kathmandu/Lukla (9,448 ft.)/Monjo (9,300 ft.)
Board an early-morning Twin Otter flight to Lukla to begin your trek. Lukla was originally built by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust as an emergency evacuation runway for casualties brought to the Trust’s hospital at nearby Kunde. Depending on the visibility, you might catch a glimpse of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu — the world’s third-, fourth- and fifth-highest mountains. At Lukla, meet your Sherpas and take your first steps along the trail that the Dalai Lama called "the steps to heaven."
Everest Summit Lodge [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 5 hours- DAY 4
Monjo/Namche (11,317 ft.)
Set off after breakfast along the bank of the Dudh Kosi (Milk River) as it tumbles down, white with glacial suspension, from the high Gokyo Lakes. Pass through the Ghat Village and cross the river on a suspension bridge. After crossing the Dudh Kosi again, the trail climbs half way to Namche Bazaar, where a gap in the trees offers your first sight of Everest. If the weather is clear, the top of the southwest face is visible behind the long Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge.
Zhamling Guesthouse [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 3 to 4 hours- DAY 5
Namche
After two days of hiking, rest for a day in Namche, adjusting to the altitude and soaking up the beauty of the surroundings. The secret of safe acclimatization is to "climb high, sleep low," so, if you have the energy, climb the hill behind Namche to Sagarmatha National Park headquarters for some spectacular views.
Zhamling Guesthouse [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 2 hours- DAY 6
Namche/Mende (11,810 ft.)
Return to the hiking trail this morning for a beautiful hike to Thame, the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay (the Sherpa who made the first ascent of Everest with Hillary in 1953). Pass the small village of Phurte, home to a large chorten (temple) and prayer walls. Continue trekking to the head of the valley and the town of Mende, where you take a small path that passes above the villages of Dramo and Thomde. This path eventually dovetails with the trade route used by Tibetans to trade at Namche Bazaar; here, the path becomes an airy traverse with huge, dark cliffs overhead and large drops to the river below. After reaching pretty Thame, return to Mende.
Everest Summit Lodge [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 5 to 6 hours- DAY 7
Mende/Tashinga (11,320 ft.)
Follow a shorter trail today, one that goes above Namche Bazaar. From this vantage view, enjoy spectacular views of the beautiful valley ahead. Gradually trek down, first to the village of Khunde, and then to Khumjung, one of the most beautiful villages in Khumbu.
Everest Summit Lodge [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 6 hours- DAY 8
Tashinga/Pangboche (12,992 ft.)
The trail from Tashiga descends steeply down the Dudh Kosi River, where you cross a suspension bridge in the lee of a giant overhanging cliff. En route, watch for the beautifully hued Danphe pheasant, the elusive musk deer and small herds of the Himalayan mountain goat. Continue to Phunki Thanga and climb all afternoon through rhododendron forest until you reach Tengboche, the religious center of the region. Explore the area and its awesome panoramic views of the Himalayan giants and Everest before making the descent to Imja Khola River and the lovely village of Pangboche. You are rewarded with spectacular views of Ama Dablam (21,965 ft.), which stands startlingly close.
Everest Summit Lodge [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 4 to 5 hours- DAY 9
Pangboche/Dingboche (14,300 ft.)
The trail here climbs slowly, winding above the Imjatse River to the area’s main stupa (temple). Walking at a moderate pace, you enter the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse (25,790 ft.) and Lhotse (27,890 ft.). Arrive in Dingboche, a large and important town in the Chhukung Valley that is set amid a lovely patchwork of barley, buckwheat and potato fields.
Local Lodge [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 3 hours- DAY 10
Dingboche/Chhukung (15,583 ft.)/Dingboche
Hike up the Imjatse Valley to Chhukung, a small summer settlement that is the staging place for trekkers attempting to climb Island Peak (20,305 ft.). The sights from Chhukung are very picturesque and you see the south face of Lhotse, eastern face of Ama Dablam along with other peaks. This hike is one of the highlights of your trek. After spending some time in the area, return to Dingboche.
Local Lodge [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 5 hours- DAY 11
Dingboche/Loboje (14,100 ft.)
Today you head north in a gentle hike through the grass-carpeted valley. The walk offers spectacular views of Mount Tawache, Ama Dablam and the great wall of Nuptse. Around Dugla, your trail dovetails with the one from Pheriche. After lunch at Dugla, continue up a steep hill, pausing for panoramas of Mount Pumori and others west of Everest. Arrive in Loboje, a town sheltered from the increasing winds at this altitude.
Himalayan Chain Resort [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 6 hours- DAY 12
Loboje/Everest Base Camp (17,598 ft.)/Gorakshep (16,925 ft.)
Today is the culmination of your journey — the day you reach Everest Base Camp. After an early breakfast, the trek up the valley follows a rocky moraine path. Soon you are leaving the moraines behind and follow the streams of the glacier. Directly before you is the great Khumbu Icefall, a slow tumble of ice boulders spilling out from the Khumbu Glacier. Not far from the foot of the icefall lie the moraine islands of Everest Base Camp, final staging area for many an assault on the peak, and the goal of your expedition. As the day slips along, retrace your steps down the glacial streams and return to your lodge in Gorak Shep.
Yeti Inn / Buddha Lodge [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 8 to 9 hours- DAY 13
Kala Patthar/Pheriche (18,192 ft.)
An early start takes you on a trek to Kala Patthar, a minor peak festooned with prayer flags that offers one of the best views of Everest. The gradual walk turns into an uphill climb, until you reach a spot where, surrounded by a crown of peaks, you take in the grandeur of the magnificent mountain scenery. Return to Gorak Shep, Loboje and Pheriche, an easy trail going mostly downhill.
Local Lodge [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 8 to 9 hours- DAY 14
Pheriche/Tashinga (11,320 ft.)
Heading down now, the going is easier and the pace faster. Descend via Debuche to Pangboche.
Everest Summit Lodge [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours- DAY 15
Tashinga/Monjo (9,300 ft.)
This morning, leave Tashinga behind and climb to a level path with several switchbacks before reaching Namche Bazaar. After lunch in Namche, explore the town and then continue on to your descent into Monjo. Cross the Sir Edmund Hillary Bridge before returning to your lodge.
Everest Summit Lodge [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 5 hours- DAY 16
Monjo/Lukla (9,380 ft.)
Head back toward the trailhead at Lukla, bidding farewell to this incredible setting, the villages and the people of the Khumbu hills and valleys. Make your final climb into Lukla.
Everest Summit Lodge [ B L D ]
Approx. trekking time: 6 hours- DAYS 17-18
Lukla/Kathmandu
Fly to Kathmandu, with a final opportunity for an aerial view of the mighty mountains. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore this fabled city on your own. The next day, visit the ancient royal city of Bhaktapur, ninth-century fortified town with stunning medieval art and architecture. Afterward, drive out to the Changu Narayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Celebrate your successful expedition tonight when you attend a farewell dinner.
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu [ B L D ]- DAY 19
Depart Kathmandu
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.
[ B ]
Departure Dates & Pricing
Prices are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy. Alternate Departure Dates can be arranged. Prices are subject to change.