Mount Everest's soaring summit has always attracted adventure lovers and adrenaline junkies from all over the world, and this Everest Base Camp tour also makes it possible for the regular traveler to explore this natural wonder with a highly experienced and licensed trekking guide.
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal and for good reason. A breath-taking flight to Lukla airport, stunning Himalayan scenery, the world's biggest glacier, thrilling trekking passes and warm hospitable Sherpa culture, together with hundreds of year old monasteries are some of the main attractions of the Everest Base Camp trek.
Trekking to the foot of the world's highest peak is not easy but with some willpower and an ability to walk 6-7 hours a day plus a couple of rest days in between, it's entirely possible. The reward for all the hardship will be majestic mountain views and pristine nature. The trek will take you through stunning landscapes, ethnic settlements, old Buddhist monasteries at Monjo, Namche, Tengpoche and Panboche, and ultimately to the midst of towering peaks including but not limited to Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Kang Tega, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Kusum Kangaro, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lhotse, Lobuche Peak, Island Peak, Mt. Makalu and of course the breathtaking Mt. Everest itself towering to an altitude of 8,850 meters.
We look forward to take you on a trek of a lifetime. Please see the itinerary for a day-by-day route.
Our representative from Image treks will be at the airport and then you will be transferred to the hotel. Trek preparation begins with the trek leader with the tour briefing by the trek leader and then will go out dinner at the traditional Nepali restaurant
Stay: Hotel Royal Singhi
We fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (2,800m), and set off on the first short leg of our trek, heading northwards up the valley of the Dudhkoshi (or 'milk river'). We descend from the small plateau, down into the forested valley. The trail offers some tantalizing views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2,652m), where we spend our first night
Stay: Sherpa Guide Lodge
Whats included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Heading out of Phakding we follow the Dudh Koshi northwards. This day's walk takes us through magnificent forests with glimpses of the mountains ahead. We cross the river several times by bridges as we pass through the villages of Benkar, Monzo and Jorsale. A final bridge brings us to the foot of the steep climb to Namche. Halfway up this ascent, we may get our first glimpse, cloud-permitting, of the summit of Everest appearing majestically behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse. A last 300m of climbing brings us to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and the main town in the area. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre. It has a weekly market on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning but the town bustle all day every day with trekkers, coffee shops, bakeries and stores selling all kinds of trekking and climbing gear as well as Tibetan souvenirs.
Stay: Green-Tara Lodge
Whats included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
We climb steeply out of Namche past the airstrip at Shyangboche, to the Everest View Hotel, the highpoint of our day at 3,880m. Built by the Japanese this spectacularly situated hotel with wonderful views of Everest and Ama Dablam is an ideal place for a tea break. Descending through forest we come to Khumjung, where we have lunch close to the Sir Edmund Hillary School. After lunch, we walk up to Kunde and visit the Edmund Hillary Hospital. The twin villages of Kunde and Khumjung are set below Khumbila, the rocky peak sacred to all Sherpas. For much of the walk, we have great views of Ama Dablam and other Himalayan giants. We walk back down through Khumjumg, to the monastery. Sadly, it was damaged in the earthquake but is now being repaired. Inside is a small box and after paying the entry fee (which goes towards the repairs) we will be shown the only Yeti skull in the world! Descending to the main trail we spend the night at Kyanjuma
Stay: Green-Tara Lodge
Whats included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
This morning we descend to the river; we cross it at the little settlement of Phunki Thangkha at 3,250m, then climb steeply through the forest to Thyangboche at 3,867m. We will be here by lunchtime and in the afternoon we will visit the famous monastery. The sunset and sunrise on the fantastic panorama of mountains surrounding us are not to be missed - Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam provide a wonderful backdrop to our teahouse. Look out for Himalayan Tahr in the forest surrounding the monastery
Stay: Tengboche Guest House
Whats included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
We descend through the forest to debuche and a little further on we cross the rushing Imja Khola, whose valley we now follow. Climbing steadily the trail enters Pangboche, at 3,900m, the highest permanent settlement in this valley. Ascending the valley, we have lunch at Shomore, after which we leave the trees behind and cross a wooden bridge at the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Kholas. A short steep climb brings us to Dingboche, at 4,530m, a summer settlement where great peaks surround us.
Stay: Peaceful Lodge
Whats included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
We spend a day at Dingboche to continue our Acclimatisation. Those adapting well to the altitude can climb Nangkartshang Peak at 5,100m for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawoche and Ama Dablam.
Stay: Peaceful Lodge
Whats included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
The trail climbs steeply out of Dingboche past a chorten and ascends the valley gradually to Dugla at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here we have a short, steep climb up to Chukpo Lari, a beautiful, yet poignant place where there is a line of memorials in tribute to the climbers who have died on Everest and from where we have a beautiful panorama of the peaks lying on the Nepal-Tibet border. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuje, a tiny hamlet with a few teahouses. The sunset on Nuptse is not to be missed.
Stay: Northfield Guest House
Whats included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
A very long, hard day today as we leave very early, following the Khumbu Glacier northwards to Gorak Shep (5,184m). The trail undulates up and down the moraine with some short steep sections. The trail is rocky in places as we are now on the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. It will take us about 3 hours to reach Gorak Shep where we will have a rest and something to eat. From here to base camp and back there are no lodges so we will fill our water bottles and take some snacks for the walk to Everest Base Camp. We start by walking across the sandy flat at Gorak Shep and climb onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier. The trail ascends the side of the glacier for a couple of hours before finally descending onto the rocky glacial moraine itself. The trail winds up and down through fascinating ice sera to the area known as Everest Base Camp, where in spring, we might see in the distance some of the expedition teams as they prepare to climb the mountain. From the Base Camp we get fantastic close up views of the Khumbu Ice Fall and we can appreciate just how difficult it is for the climbers to negotiate a route through the huge blocks of ice. Nuptse towers above us and Pumori rears up behind us. After a short photo stop by the Base Camp rock we retrace our steps to Gorak Shep.
Stay: Buddha Lodge
Whats included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Another hard day as we climb steeply above Gorak Shep to the small peak of Kalapatthar, 'Black Rock', at 5,545m from where we can look down over the base camps of the various Everest expeditions. This climb affords a magnificent view of the Khumbu Glacier and above all a close-up view of the world's highest mountain. We return to Gorak Shep and retrace our steps to Lobuje for lunch and then continue on down the valley to the lower altitude of Pheriche for the night. Please note that the walk to Everest Base Camp and the climb of Kalapatthar are both very tough. Sometimes we may change the order in which we tackle the walks depending on the group's ability and weather conditions).
Stay: Tea-House
Whats included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Descending through Pheriche, we cross a small bridge and have a short climb before descending to join the main Imja Khola Valley. We follow the valley down to Pangboche through an alpine meadow landscape. We drop down to the rushing river then walk through the peaceful rhododendron forests to the village of debuche from where we climb back up to Thyangboche on the ridge for lunch. We descend off the ridge to Phunki Tenga and walk back to Kyanjuma, where we spend the night
Stay: Green-Tara Lodge
Whats included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
The walk to Namche Bazaar takes us along a beautiful undulating trail high above the Dudh Koshi. We have some time in Namche and after lunch we descend through Namche Bazaar and pick up our outward trail again to Monzo, where we stay tonight.
Stay: Kailash Guest House
Whats included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
We retrace our steps to Chaunrikhara where we start the last climb to the airstrip at Lukla.
Stay: Everest Lodge
Whats included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
We fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. Free day in Kathmandu to explore the city. Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu (it is also a spare day to allow for any delays in the flights to or from Lukla). You may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Bodnath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. We offer a full range of sightseeing tours, which can be booked and paid for locally. Please see the Optional Excursions section within the Trip Notes or the Exodus notice board in the hotel in Kathmandu
Stay: Royal Singhi
Whats included: Breakfast,Lunch
It’s a time to say good bye. Hope you had really good time with our team and hoping to see you in a next adventure with image treks.
Stay: Hotel Royal Singhi
Whats included: Breakfast
Visas Nepal
Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15-day visa and £35 for a 30-day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US$25 for 15 days, US$40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports, there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you). You must first join the queue to pay the visa fee and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90-day visa stamp. If you use the paper form to obtain a visa on arrival then you will also need one passport photo (a photo is not required if you use the electronic registration machines but we recommend you bring one with you anyway in case, for any reason, the machines cannot read your passport). There can be long queues for visas on arrival. Non UK nationals should check requirements with their nearest embassy (a few nationalities are not permitted visas on arrival).
Vaccinations Nepal
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.
There is low to no risk of malaria throughout Nepal and antimalarial tablets are not usually advised although may be considered for certain higher risk groups; you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. The risk is highest in the low lying southern ‘terai’ districts bordering India.
A yellow fever certificate is only required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of transmission.
Dengue fever is a known risk in Nepal. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for further advice on AMS.
Eating and Drinking
Breakfast is included throughout the trip. On trek the breakfast will be a set menu usually consisting of porridge, toast and egg. Any additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. We do not include lunch and dinner on trek allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. The menus in the lodges are almost identical to one another but offer a varied choice, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie.
Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises some curried lentil dhal and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos; a type of Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed, filled with meat or vegetables.
Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges, and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend using hand sanitiser.
If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.
Drinking Water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.
We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.
A few villages along the Annapurna Sanctuary route have safe drinking water stations selling UV treated water for Rs40-50 per litre but these are not always open.
All teahouses will provide cold water free of charge, if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it with. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).
SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Better still, a SteriPEN will pay for itself over the course of the trek and you won’t leave behind a single plastic bottle – you will end up spending the same or even less than you would on bottled water, plus you can keep it for future trips.
If you prefer not to invest in a SteriPEN, the teahouses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle.
Weather
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 30ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go. Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking. There can be snow in Annapurna Base Camp at any time of year.
Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as to minus 5ºC at the higher altitudes.
Winter: December to end February. Despite the colder conditions this is an ideal time to trek in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear especially in December and the mountain views are at their best. Nights will be very cold with temperatures down to minus 10ºC at Annapurna Base Camp but days are pleasant and sunny. The trails are also much less busy at the time of year. In Kathmandu maximum daytime temperatures are 19ºC.
Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons and there can be some rain. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 30ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring. The Annapurna region is famous for the rhododendrons in spring. Snow can be expected in spring on the way to and at the Base Camp.
Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
Is this trip for you?
This trek is graded as moderate/challenging (level 4) and comprises 11 days point-to-point walking with full porterage throughout. Please read a description of our Activity Levels found on our website.
The maximum altitude is 4,130m and the average is 2,440m - we ask you to refer to the 'altitude warning' within the Trip Notes. This is one of the best-paced trekking routes in Nepal for acclimatisation - the ascent is gradual, most nights are spent at low to medium altitudes (below 3000m) with only two nights spent at high altitude (over 3500m).
This is an ideal trek for those who are confident of their physical fitness, although most of the more challenging walking is on the last approach to the Sanctuary itself. Some previous trekking experience and physical preparation, such as hill walking, is recommended.
seven hours a day, although there are some shorter and longer days. There are numerous stone staircases to be climbed and descended on this route and we would not recommend this trek to anyone with weak knees. There are prolonged ascents and descents on some days (in excess of 1000m). We highly recommend using trekking poles. The trail crosses approximately five modern suspension bridges; all have mesh sides and none are particularly long or high, however, anyone with a strong fear of heights or vertigo may find them difficult.
Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated exclude lunch stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Things you should Equip.
General
- 4-season sleeping bag (We can provide one if you need it but has to be returned after the trek.)
- Duffel bag (We will provide one complimentary Ace the Himalaya duffel bag which is yours to keep.)
- Daypack
- Down jacket (Must have for mornings, nights and evenings, and for altitudes above 4,000 m; We can provide it if you need one but has to be returned after the trek.)
Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes
- Sun hat (We will provide you a complimentary Ace the Himalaya hat.)
- Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck warmer
- Hand
- Liner gloves
- Heavier shell gloves
- Core Body
- T-shirts
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
- Synthetic sports bras (For women)
Lower Body – Legs
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
- Water/windproof trousers
- Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
- Heavyweight socks
- Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
- Light shoes/sneakers/sandals
- Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
- Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Please note our guide will carry the first-aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personalized first-aid kit as well.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
- Miscellaneous, but Important!
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
- Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in Kathmandu just in case if you need to change the date of your flight.)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
Optional
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player
- Binoculars
- Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and also batteries)
- Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman
This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for cheaper prices.
Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.
Day WIse Details:
|
Day |
Distance |
Duration |
Altitude |
Destination |
|
1 |
- |
- |
1400m |
Kathmandu |
|
2 |
8.0km/5.0miles |
3 - 4 hours |
2,650m |
Phakding |
|
3 |
15.0km/9.0miles |
6 - 7 hours |
3,450m |
Namche Bazaar |
|
4 |
10.0km/6.0miles |
4 - 5 hours |
3,450m |
Namche Bazaar |
|
5 |
6.0km/4.0miles |
7 - 8 hours |
3,870m |
Thyangboche |
|
6 |
10.0km/6.0miles |
6-7 hours |
4,360m |
Dingboche |
|
7 |
8.0km/5.0miles |
4-5 hours |
4,360m |
Dingboche |
|
8 |
8.0km/4.0miles |
4-5 hours |
4,940m |
Lobuche |
|
9 |
13.0km/8.0miles |
6-7 hours |
5,170m |
Gorek shep |
|
10 |
14.0km/9.0miles |
7-8 hours |
5,170m |
Pheriche |
|
11 |
13.0km/8.0miles |
7-8 hours |
3,440m |
Namchebazzar |
|
12 |
11.0km/7.0miles |
4-5 hours |
2,900m |
Manjo |
|
13 |
13.0km/8.0miles |
4-5 hours |
2,800m |
Lukla |
COST INCLUDES DURING THE TRIP:
- All airport/hotel transfers
- Domestic flights both way form Lukla -kathmandu
- *** Hotel in Kathmandu
- Accommodation and meals (B, L, D) during the trek and Accommodation on BB Basis in Kathmandu.
- Pickup and drop to start your trek and from ending point to your Hotel in Kathmandu or destination
- An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (6 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging.
- All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit)
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All government and local taxes
COST EXCLUDE DURING THE TRIP:
- Meals not specific in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
- Travel insurance, visa charge.
- International airfare
- Alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks and water, soft drinks etc.
- Hot showers during the trek
- Personal trekking equipment
- Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is respected but it is not obligatory)
Notes: Payment should be complete 25 % of total amount in advance on booking. Full amount must be paid before your trip starts. Cancellation should be made 48 hours earlier than departure and 25% cancellation charge is appropriate beside Tax, transportation, permits and others fixed expensive. In case of incomplete Trekking / Tour / Rafting / Climbing / Expedition / Jungles safari / or others days due to the client’s own problem the amount not refundable. Extra days then mentioned packaged will be payable.
Note: These can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.