The Everest Base Camp Trek is located amidst some of the most spectacular scenery to be found on the continent and it is not for the faint-hearted. The trek starts from Jiri, Shivalaya or the Sherpa village of Lukla, and uses the traditional expedition route to Khumbu, the capital of the region. The route then continues along the Imja Khola River to the valley below Everest. From there the trek continues on the original route taken by the first expedition to climb Everest until reaching your final destination–Everest Base Camp.
Trek to Everest Base Camp passes through a collection of small villages, allowing you to get a feel for the region and its peoples. The photographic opportunities are limitless thus enabling you to capture and relive your experience upon your return home. Inspiring views include–Khumbu Glacier, Everest and Nuptse, alpine scrub and junipers of the Sherpa region, and the pine forests and rhododendron flowers of the valleys.
We always plan our Everest Base Camp Trek to allow enough time to ascend Kalapattar, the primary viewing point for Everest. The trek also includes the amazing hike to the Khumbu Glacier, home of Everest Base Camp and the icefall. Most of our clients would agree that this is the highlight of their experience and an essential component to the trek. Everest Base Camp Trekcan be done throughout the year and arranging your trip through Nepal Hiking Team will ensure a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 01–Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu
You will be welcomed by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Our airport representative will explain the program upon arrival. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast
Day 02–Trek preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Sightseeing of World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley including–Kathmandu Darbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Pasupatinath Temple. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast
Day 03–Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2652m/8699ft) 3 hrs
Early morning transfer to airport for Lukla flight. The flight into Lukla is a lifetime experience in itself. The airfield is at high evaluation and the difference between the two ends of the runway is about 60 meters! Trek to Phakding with green landscape & view of Kusum Kangraru. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
Day 04–Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283ft) 6 hrs
We follow the Dudh Kosi, ascending through Himalayan pine and Doedar cedar forests, to the celebrated village of Namche Bazaar. The village of Namche is a historic trading post where Nepalese and Tibetan traders exchange salt, dried meat and textiles. Besides being a superb place to shop for traditional crafts, Namche remains the central trading post in the Khumbu, attracting Himalayan and lowland merchants. You will spend two days in Namche for acclimatization, visit local markets and spend time with your team. On the hike we capture our first glimpses of Everest and neighboring peaks. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
Day 05–Namche Bazar - Everest View Hotel - Return
This is a day for acclimatization; we will hike to Syangboche Airport (3700m), the supposed to the highest airport in the world. Then continue climbing to Everest View Hotel for great panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Tawache etc. On the way back visit Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
Day 06–Trek to Tengboche (3860m/12660ft) 5 hrs
The flat and easy trail leads towards the view of Mt. Everest, then descends deep into the Dudh Kosi Valley at Pungki Thanka; from here it ascends the right flank of the Dudh Kosi valley to Tengboche Monastery (3860m). It is the spiritual center of the Khumbu; the climb is long, but more than adequately compensated by views of Mt. Amadablam and on a clear day, views of Mt. Everest and its surrounding peaks. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
Day 07–Trek to Dingboche (4410m/14464ft) 5 hrs
Descend through a beautiful forest then cross the Imja Khola and trek through the village of Pangboche (3900m); perhaps today is the most interesting trekking because you will not lose altitude like on other days and you will enjoy views of Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Lhotse & other peaks; the route continues through pastures to Dingboche, known as the 'summer valley'. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
Day 08–Dingboche to Nagerjun (5100m/16728ft) and return
This would be your second acclimatization day that requires about 6 hours of trekking to an altitude of 5100m. After breakfast you ascend Nagerjun (5100m), a hill located on the flanks of the Chhukung valley directly above Dingboche. The main aim is to climb high and sleep low. The foot path becomes steep at times, resulting in a physically challenging day – ascending the hill could take up to 5 hours at altitude. From this altitude there are good views of Lobuche East (6119m), Lobuche West (6145m), Taboche Peak (6367m), Thamserku (6608m), Kangtega (6685m) and Ama Dablam (6856m). On a clear day you could even see Makalu, the world’s fifth highest mountain, including great views of the Pheriche Valley. After a short rest, you start the descent back to Dingboche – the walk at altitude takes about 2 hours. After lunch you should take a well deserved rest, afternoon temperatures could drop rapidly as the sun sets over the mountain tops. You will spend a second night in Dingboche. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
Day 09–Trek to Lobuche (4910m/16105ft) 5 hrs
Trek along a broad valley floor to Dughla, passing the Trekkers Aid Post at Pheriche (4240 m), staffed by western volunteer doctors and supported by the Himalayan Rescue Association which offers treatment and consultation to trekkers. Continue up the valley, gaining altitude. Come out of the valley to descend to the yak pastures of Lobuche (4910m). Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
Day 10–Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17594ft) then back to Gorekshep (5181m/16994ft) 8 hrs
After a short climb through meadows, look down on the Khumbu Glacier. Straight ahead is Kalapattar - the best vantage point to view the entire south face of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. After couple of hours we will get at Gorekshep, and continue our journey to Everest Base camp. There is not much elevation gain, but there are a lot of ups and downs and, combined with altitude, this can be a tiring portion- but the journey is worth it. After approximately 3 hrs of hiking you will arrive at Base Camp and enjoy views of the Khumbu Glacier and icefall, where Everest expeditions begin. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
Day 11–Hiking to Kalapattar (5545m/18188ft) - Gorekshep - Pheriche (4210m/13809ft) 7 hrs
The day starts with a hike up to Kalapattar (5545m), the best viewpoint to witness Mt. Everest and the spectacular Himalayan range. Then trek back to Gorekshep for hot breakfast and then descend to Pheriche (4210m). Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
Day 12–Trek to Namche (3440m/11283ft)) 7 hrs
Easy walk along the Imja Khola, short climb to Tengboche, descend Pungki Thanka and complete steep to Kyangjuma, and easier trail to Namche. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
Day 13–Trek to Lukla (2800m/9184ft) 7 hrs
The trek continues along the Dudh Kosi River to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla where you will catch your return flight to Kathmandu. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
Day 14–Fly back to Kathmandu
30-minutes amazing scenic fly back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast
Day 15–Leisure day in Kathmandu,
in case of bad weather in the mountain. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast
Day 16–Approximately 3 hours
Before the scheduled flight a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. “Farewell”
Upon Arrival
When you arrive at Tribhuban International Airport, our staff will greet you and transport you to your accomodations. After resting, the next day you will have a sightseeing tour of the city's most influential cultural landmarks. Before departing for your trek, we will review your itinerary, introduce you to your guide and help with the final preparations for your journey.
Accommodations
You will be spending three nights at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast and whileEverest Base Camp Trek, we provide the best available lodges/guesthouses on a twin-sharing basis. We provide private bathrooms with hot shower whether possible normally at Phakding, Namche and Lukla.
Some guesthouses are basic with shared washing and toilet facilities. If you are travelling in a group, you will share a room with someone else of the same gender from your group. If you prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference on request and pay a supplement. Keep in mind that there are several places which do not allow single accommodations during peak season, but we will try our best to accommodate your preferences if possible.
Meals and Drinking Water
We provide quality food in sufficient quantities (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from guesthouses chosen from a menu. During the Everest Base Camp Trekking; your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive due to the extreme locations. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy bottled mineral water from local lodges and shops en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.
The general travel information that may help your journey to and through Nepal make comfortable and hassle free.
Visa requirement:
Nepal entry visa–you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
International flight accessibility to Nepal:
Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport in Nepal situation in Kathmandu, capital city of Nepal.
Flying From Europe–Best connecting to Kathmandu are Silk Air via Singapore, Etihad from Abu Dhabi, Qatar Airways via Doha, Thai Airways via Bangkok, Dragon Air via Hongkong. Flying From USA–North West or Cathay Pacific to Hongkong and connect with Nepal Airlines (RA) to Kathmandu.
Flying From Australia–Silk Air and Dragon Air connect directly to Kathmandu or fly by Quantas to Bangkok and connect with Thai Airways to Kathmandu.
Airport tax–Airport tax is not applicable for international flight. NRP 200 per person per sector is payable for domestic flight only.
Customs Formalities
All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs of the port of entry. Personal effects are permitted free entry. The duty on articles brought by the visitor varies according to the volume and value of the goods. A tourist may bring in dutiable goods, such as tobacco and liquors, within the prescribed quantity free of duty. Carrying narcotic, arms, ammunition are strictly prohibited.
Tourists are required to fill up disembarkation and embarkation cards upon their arrival and departure.
Green Channel
Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.
Import
Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarettes (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in the following articles free of duty on condition that you take them out with you when you leave–binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.
Export
It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here. The Department of Archaeology at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or carried out of the country.
Currency and Foreign Exchange
The unit of the Nepalese Currency is Rupee. 1 Nepal Rupee = 100 paisa. Nepal rupee notes come in Rs. 5, 10, 20, 50, 500, 1000. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the foreign exchange counters at the airport. It is advised to exchange foreign currency only through the banks and authorized forign exchange. Daily foreign rates as determined by Nepal Rastya bank are published on daily newspaper or its official site www.nrb.org.np
Travel Insurance
It is strongly advised to have travel coverage insurance while traveling to Nepal. You should leave a copy of your insurance while you are away on tour.
High Altitude sickness:
Whilst on the trek, one can suffer mild to serious symptoms of high altitude sickness which is also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Major initial symptoms of high altitude sickness are Nausea, vomiting Loss of appetite, Insomnia/sleeplessness, Persistent headache, Dizziness, light headedness, confusion, Disorientation, drunken gait, Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs, Slight swelling of hands and face, Breathlessness and Breathing irregularity, Reduced urine output. Symptoms of AMS can appear at altitude above 300 meters. As we ascend in the mountain, air pressure becomes thin and consequently the amount of available oxygen also falls. Adequate acclimatization is always recommended in the mountain. Plenty of daily liquid intake is essential to minimize AMS effect. Our trekking team crews also carry First aid Kit along with them. In case of any difficulty When trekking in the Himalayas, you will be suggested to halt the trek rest at the guesthouse or if the symptoms cause any serious concern, it is necessary to descend to the lower altitude. In case of emergency, you will be immediately airlifted to Kathmandu city for further treatment.
