Trek to Everest Base Camp
Overview
What's Included?
- Airport Transfers & Local Transport
- Expert Local Guides & Porters
- 2 Nights in a Hotel in Kathmandu
- 12 Nights in Local Teahouses
- Return Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla
- 14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches & 13 Dinners
- Park Fees & Permits
- Sherpa Cooking Class & Massage in Namche
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Soft Drinks, Alcohol or Drinking Water
- Tips for Guides & Porters
- Personal Equipment & Clothing
- Souvenirs
Trip Highlights
- Everest Base Camp: A bucket-list item for any trekker or traveller, EBC is the top ticket item on this trip. However it’s far from the only highlight…
- Flight to Lukla: The scenic (and nerve-wracking) flight into Lukla on a tiny plane landing on a runway carved out of the mountain.
- Summit Kala Patthar: Did you know you’ll have the opportunity to summit a 5,644m mountain. That’s just 251m less than Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Daily Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal! Our team will be waiting for you as you emerge from the airport into the hustle and bustle of colourful Kathmandu. We'll whisk you off to your guesthouse in Thamel, get you checked-in and then depending on your energy levels after a long flight, suggest some ways to get you acquainted with the neighborhood! There's bars, restaurants and enough trekking shops to kit out the biggest of expeditions so you'll plenty of opportunity to explore.
Meals Included: None
It'll be an early start this morning with a packed breakfast en route to the airport to catch our flight into Lukla. It's only a 35 minute or so flight but it's pretty scenic. Try and grab a seat on the left side of the aircraft to get the best views. In Lukla, we'll have a quick pit stop to meet our porters, get loaded up and have your first cuppa in the mountains! We're deliberately going to take it pretty slowly today - we've got a couple of weeks of walking ahead of us so no need to rush! We'll pass through the National Luminary Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate, marking the start of your trek to Everest Base Camp (and also the first of the police checkpoints en route!). Lukla's also a good chance to grab anything you might have forgotten as things are only going to get more expensive as you head further up into the mountains. Our destination today is Phakding and 3-4 hours of leisurely walking on an undulating trail will get us to our first teahouse.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Time to get used to early starts - we'll be up with the break of dawn and kick-off our first full-day in the Himalaya with a hearty breakfast (apple porridge is a favourite) before handing over our bags to our porters. We'll mostly be protected from the sun by the trees in the forest that the trail runs through this morning. We'll pass children on their way to school (or more likely, they'll pass us!) and donkeys carrying supplies up and down the trails. As we enter the Sagarmatha National Park with an obligatory photo at the entrance gate we'll start winding our way downhill beefore hitting Jorsale which will be our lunch stop and fuel us up for the afternoon's challenge - the climb up to Namche! This is a challenging uphill section that leaves the river behind and climbs up through the trees, over the iconic HIllary suspension bridge and into the town of Namche Bazaar; our home for three nights as we acclimatise to the altitude. You might even catch your first glimpse of Mt Everest.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
One of the mantras for successfully acclimitising to the altitude is to climb high and sleep low. Another is to go slowly and another is to get plenty of good rest. So, this is what we'll be doing in and around Namche for the next couple of days. We'll have a slightly more leisurely start this morning because after breakfast we'll be walking towards Syangboche on an acclimatisation walk. The aim of the day is to stay hydrated, enjoy the views and get plenty of nourishment including with a lunch stop at the Everest View Hotel. We'll head back down to Namche and have plenty of time to find a bakery (apple pie anyone?), a sunny spot for an afternoon nap or a willing accompice for a hand of cards.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We've built in a second acclimatisation day in Namche for a couple of reasons. Firstly, you've come a long way to trek to Base Camp so why not give yourself the best possible chance! Secondly, in the event of any delays caused by weather or sickness, we've got some extra time to play with. It also means we get to do some fun stuff in Namche! Food is a massive part of the travel experience and just because you're up and over 3,000m it doesn't mean you can't enjoy some good scran! This time though, you're going to be helping to make it as part of the traditional Sherpa cooking class we'll be doing and to learn about the ingredients and cuisine of the people that occupy these mountains. We'll have a bit of time to digest before you're in for your next treat - a massage! It's not all just about self-indulgence though - not only will your massage help with recovery, you'll also be suppoorting a sustainable tourism initiative.The organisation we use trains locals in remote areas to become professional massage therapists which provides them with seasonal employment and income in a fulfilling role.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Right, back on the trail! We'll be heading to Tengboche today. It's a steep start up and out of Namche. We'll circle prayer wheels and round stupas before the path flattens out and stretches along the hillside. We'll get great views of Ama Dablam (possibly the best looking mountain in the world if it's possible to measure such things!) and weave in and out of rhododendron forests. A lunch stop along the way will give us the energy boost we need to power our way up the steep forest trail ascent to Tengboche. After we arrive (and enjoy a cup of tea of course) we'll have time to explore the bakeries and monastery of Tengboche.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We're off to Dingboche today and into yak country if you've not already come across some of these impressive beasts yet. We're going to start off with a downhill walk through the trees before the wooden brudge over the Imja Khola marks the start of an uphill stretch up towards the village of Pangboche which offers stunning views and a good spot for a tea break and an al fresco lunch if it's not too windy. It's then a relatively short walk up to Dingboche, where we'll spend the first of two nights.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This is another acclimatisation day and a good chance to wash your socks! Depending on how energetic you're feeling there's a couple of acclimatisation walks for us to choose from. It might be a short hike up Nagarjun Hill or a longer trek through the valley towards Chukkung for close up views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Island Peak (which might be on the list for your next visit to Nepal!).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We're going to be ascending around 500m today and it's pretty much straight up from the start as we head up Dingboche hill. We'll get some stunning views here as we pass through the rocky mountain trails and grand Himalayan peaks loom over us. We'll stop in Dughla for another hearty meal before starting on the trail again. It's a poignant afternoon as we'll pass through the memorials dedicated to climbers who've lost their lives on Mt. Everest. As Lobuche Peak starts coming into view we'll also near our destination; Lobuche. As the altitude increases our tea houses start becoming slightly more basic but we still get the same warm hospitality and the dal bhat will taste as good as ever!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today's the day! We're going to have a trek through the rocky and often other-wordly landscape that paves the way to Everest Base Camp. We're going to take our time and have a stop at Gorakshep for lunch before taking the final moments of our journey to EBC. It can be windy, cold and the trail provides no shelter from the sun so make sure you're prepared. It's all worth it once we reach Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Glacier looms large. We've got plenty of time here for photos and to soak in the atmosphere. If it's climbing season we might get to see the camps set up to cater for the people making their rotations up the world's highest mountain. We'll then retrace our steps to Gorakshep for a very well-earned rest!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today's one of our favourite days of the trip. Fresh from the success of reaching EBC the day before, we'll have a spring in our step and be out of bed before dawn. We're going to set off for the summit of Kala Patthar and catch (hopefully!) one of the best sunrise views over Mt Everest that you can get. Your morning walk in the dark will be accompanied by the eerie sounds of ice cracking from nearby Nupste and as the dawn breaks we'll be treated to the golden spectacle of the sun rising over the snowcapped peaks all around you. Spectacular but windy and cold, we'll head back down to Gorakshep for a warm breakfast and begin our descent down to Periche.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
What goes up must come down and we'll be mostly retracing our steps over the next three days. That means a different perspective on the same landscape however and the mix of heading downhill and lower altitudes mean you might have even more time and energy to enjoy the views! It is a long day today though and we'll be walking for around 6-7 hours to get to the now familiar surroundings of Namche Bazaar where there will be plenty of opportunity to revisit your favourite bakery, find the local puppy population, pick up some souvenirs or simply relax!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
It's our last day trekking today. It's going to be a bittersweet moment. Whilst we're usually a bit sad to be leaving the mountains behind, it's normal to start getting transfixed on what awaits us in Kathmandu; warm showers, comfortable beds, cold beers and whatever meal we're dreaming about! It's a really pleasant days' walk though so take the time to savour it as we cross suspension bridges, walk alongside rivers and emerge from the forest as we stroll back into Lukla 11 days after leaving.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Fingers crossed the weather is clear and we'll be on one of the morning flights back down to Kathmandu. We're normally back in Kathmandu with plenty of time for you to spend the day as you'd like. Sight-seeing, spa visits, food, drinks and shopping all await before we reconvene in the evening for a celebration dinner at a traditional restaurant near Thamel, celebrating the end of what's hopefully been a successful and unforgettable adventure!
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
And that's a wrap! Feel free to head off any time. If you've got an early-start then we'll sort you out with a packed breakfast otherwise take your time and enjoy the hotel's hospitality before checking-out and heading off on your next adventure!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Where We'll Stay
We’ve taken on the tough task of staying at some of the best hotels and guest houses around the world to hand pick those that we think you’ll love. They’ll always be locally-owned where possible. Below are some examples of where you’ll be staying on your trip, although please note, we don’t guarantee which hotels or guesthouses we use. On this trip, most of the time we’ll be staying in teahouses. These are often basic with twin rooms, shared facilities and communal dining. They’ll always be clean, provide great hospitality, have breathtaking views and be a welcome place to get some rest after long days on the trail! Some of them even come with resident earth dogs!
Like the sound of this trip, have a question or want to check something before you book? Maybe even have a great idea to customise this itinerary? Get in touch and start your adventure!
Interactive Route Map
Check out the interactive map of this trip below. You can simply zoom in and have a look at the route.
Or, if you’re wanting to get a feel for the route or to dive into the daily details then click on any of the steps and you’ll be redirected to our Polarsteps page.
What is Polarsteps?
We’ve loaded all of our itineraries onto Polarsteps. It’s an app that can help you plan, track and relive your travels. We’ve used it to display our trips in all their glory but anyone can easily create on-the-go mementos of their adventures.
Carbon Emissions
This trip emits approximately 265 kg of carbon per person. This includes emissions from transport, accommodation, food, activities, and the operations behind the scenes to run the trip.
What does this mean?
This is roughly the same as driving a typical petrol car from London to Edinburgh and back.
It’s equivalent to the carbon emissions from heating an average UK home with a gas boiler for about 10 days during winter.
Our Approach
We recognize the significant carbon emissions from international travel, but we believe that the positive impact on the countries and communities we visit outweighs these challenges. We provide this estimate to help you make informed decisions about your carbon footprint and consider any offsets you may wish to support.
More Information
What's the fitness level required for this trip?
We grade all of our trips to try and make it easy to understand the fitness levels required. These are broad guidelines however so you’re welcome to chat to us about any specific concerns you might have.
You’ll find more information about these levels here and you can find the difficulty rating for this specific trip at the top of the page.
What if someone under the minimum age wants to travel?
It might not be an issue. Some destinations such as Rwanda have firm rules in place about how old people should be in order to visit the gorillas. In other destinations it’s more of a guideline.
Please do contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Can I customise this trip in any way?
- adding in extra days or cutting out a day here or there;
- squeezing in other destinations or removing them;
- starting or finishing the trip in a different place;
- staying in a hotel or guesthouse that we don’t list as an option.
What are your payment terms and is my booking financially protected?
Yes, absolutely. Here’s a link to where you can read more about how we are an ABTOT member and have an ATOL licence and what this means for your financial protection when booking a trip with us.
Deposits vary from destination to destination and from trip to trip. Generally speaking we require a deposit of 25%. This amount may be higher for certain trips where more services that usual need to be booked and paid for in advance (such as gorilla permits in Rwanda). Deposits are non-refundable.
Balance payments are required up to 70 days prior to travel.
If you need to cancel your booking, the following fees will apply based on the time before your scheduled departure:
- Immediate loss of deposit (25% of total cost) upon cancellation.
- 50% of the total cost if cancelled after the balance is paid and up to 45 days before departure.
- 75% of the total cost if cancelled 30 to 45 days before departure.
- 100% of the total cost if cancelled within 30 days of departure.
These fees compensate for expenses and bookings made on your behalf in anticipation of your trip.
Which airport do I need to fly into and out of for my trip to Nepal?
Your trip starts and ends in Kathmandu. You will need to book flights to arrive and depart from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). This is around a 20-30 minute drive to the hotel you’ll be staying at.
How do I find out which hotels, meals and activities are included?
Unfortunately we can’t provide an exhaustive list of everything included in the ‘What’s Included’ section of this page as we include a whole bunch of stuff on our trips!
If it’s in the itinerary and we’ve not explicitly said that it’s an optional activity, then yes – it’s almost certainly included. If you’re not sure, please ask.
The meals that are included are all listed on the daily itinerary.
For the accommodation, we’ve got a shortlist of properties that we use. You can get a sense of the types of accommodation we use higher up the page in the ‘Where We’ll Stay’ section. We cannot guarantee any specific properties for your trip as it’s based on availability. If you are wanting to specifically request a property then please get in touch as we’re able to customise our trips.
How much should I tip in Nepal?
Tips are not included in any of our trips. They are entirely discretionary but in most cases are expected by the teams that will be looking after you. We know it can be daunting to work out exactly what to give so whilst this guideline hopefully helps, please remember that it’s a completely personal choice and you should feel free to tip more or less based on the quality of service that you receive.
Trekking Guide: $10-$20 USD per day
Porters: $5-10 USD per day
Drivers: $5-10 USD for short trips; $10-15 USD for full-day services.
Again, tipping is not compulsory and please only do so if the service you’ve received warrants it. It’s hugely appreciated and a way for the teams looking after you to supplement their income.
What should I know about the possible cold climate?
This trip spends time in locations where there might be significantly cold temperatures (below freezing) during the day with further temperature drops at night. You might be staying in poorly insulated accommodation in rural locations. It’s important that you are adequately equipped and that you remain sufficiently hydrated and nourished.
Our guides are trained to mitigate the risks associated with undertaking activity in cold weather but you should be aware of the risks and ensure you’re appropriately prepared.
What should I consider about trekking at altitude?
A lot of our trips spend considerable time above altitudes of over 2,500m. Some people may experience symptoms associated with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It’s really important to note a couple of things. Firstly, past experience at high altitudes is not necessarily an indicator of how you’ll fare in the future. Secondly, our itineraries have been curated and our guides have been trained to mitigate the risks associated with trekking at altitude. However, due to the nature of trekking at altitude it’s vital that you report any symptoms to your guide immediately. It’s also important that you have travel insurance covering you up to the maximum altitude at which you’ll be trekking.
What information will I receive after I book?
After you book, we’ll get to work confirming that the dates you’ve selected are completely available.
There are extremely rare circumstances that may mean we’re unable to confirm your booking. These circumstances are limited to events beyond our control or not being able to secure the services that you wanted to book.
In the extremely rare event that we’re unable to confirm your booking you will be offered an alternative itinerary or a full refund without any fees. Please do not book any non-changeable travel plans until you receive the confirmation from us. This will be within 72 hours.
A detailed Trip Dossier will then be sent to you after you make your booking. It’ll contain all the information you might need to help you pack and get prepared for your trip, including information on visas, vaccinations, packing and training.
We encourage you to refer to the UK Government’s official travel advisory service when planning your trips. You can find the FCDO advice here.
And when you travel, we work closely with local experts to put together the best itineraries. We’ve worked with them exhaustively to provide safe adventures at great value. They know their destination better than we ever could so you’ll be in good hands! You can read a bit more about why we will only ever have locally-led trips here.
Book Now
Whether you’d like more information about this itinerary or to customise it to exactly what you want to do, drop us a line and let us know your plans!
