Trek to Everest Base Camp 16 days

Tour Type
Adventure
Location
Nepal
Total Duration
16 Days/ 15 Nights
Trip Grade
Moderate
Max Elevation
5545M
Group Size
2-10 pax
Best Time
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov

Description

Introduction

The Everest Base Camp trek is a dream journey for many adventure enthusiasts around the globe. This trek offers a unique combination of natural beauty, fascinating culture, and a sense of accomplishment as trekkers stand at the base of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. This article provides a detailed guide to the 16-day Everest Base Camp trek, covering every aspect from preparations to daily itineraries, ensuring you are well-prepared for this life-changing adventure.

The allure of the Everest Base Camp trek lies not only in the physical challenge but also in the opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich culture of the Sherpa people and to witness some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the serene heights of the Himalayas, this trek offers a journey through lush forests, picturesque villages, and rugged mountain terrain. Each step brings a new perspective and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Trekkers will have the chance to visit iconic landmarks, such as the Tengboche Monastery, where the spirituality of the mountains is palpable, and Kala Patthar, a vantage point offering unparalleled views of Everest’s majestic peak. Along the way, you’ll encounter a vibrant tapestry of wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard and the colorful pheasant, Nepal’s national bird.

Preparing for the Everest Base Camp trek involves more than just physical training. It requires careful planning, from securing the necessary permits to packing the right gear. Understanding the route, acclimatization processes, and the cultural etiquette of the region is crucial for a successful and respectful journey. This guide will walk you through each stage of preparation, providing tips and insights to help you make the most of your trek.

Whether you’re an experienced trekker or embarking on your first major hike, the Everest Base Camp trek promises an adventure of a lifetime. It challenges your physical limits, enriches your soul, and leaves you with memories that will last forever. Join us as we explore this remarkable journey, step by step, ensuring you’re ready for the heights and the beauty that await on the path to Everest Base Camp.

The Best Time to Embark on the Everest Base Camp Trek

Wondering when the best time to embark on the Everest Base Camp trek is? The trek is feasible during two primary seasons: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer stable weather conditions, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making them ideal for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

The Trekking Experience: Highlights and Accommodation

Embarking on the trek to Everest Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that takes you through awe-inspiring landscapes and introduces you to the unique Sherpa culture. The trek usually starts from Lukla and follows a scenic trail through picturesque Sherpa villages, suspension bridges, and high-altitude terrains. Throughout the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to witness iconic landmarks and natural wonders that will leave you in awe.

Here are some of the highlights of the Everest Base Camp trek

Namche Bazaar: This bustling Sherpa town is a popular stop along the trek. Known as the gateway to the Everest region, Namche Bazaar offers a vibrant atmosphere, local markets, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Tengboche Monastery: Located at an altitude of 3,867 meters (12,687 feet), the Tengboche Monastery is a significant spiritual site for Sherpas and trekkers alike. The monastery offers breathtaking views of Mount Everest, and you may have the chance to witness a Buddhist ceremony during your visit.

Khumbu Icefall: As you approach Everest Base Camp, you’ll encounter the Khumbu Icefall, a treacherous section of the climb. This frozen cascade of ice is both awe-inspiring and challenging, reminding trekkers of the sheer magnitude of the journey.

Conclusion

The Everest Base Camp trek offers an unparalleled sense of achievement as you reach the base camp itself, standing at an impressive elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). Here, you’ll witness the towering majesty of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, and its neighboring peaks, including Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.

Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-time adventurer, the Everest Base Camp trek promises an unforgettable experience. By planning your budget, selecting the right time, and making the necessary preparations, you can embark on a safe and rewarding journey. So, pack your bags, prepare for an incredible adventure, and let the mighty Himalayas leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Everest Base Camp 15 Nights 16 Days

  • Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu.

    Our representative will receive you from international airport and transfer to the Hotel. Evening: Briefing about the trip in the hotel.

  • Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu

    We begin the sightseeing tour by our visit to Boudhanath Stupa; a place of worship for the Buddhist, the shrine is one of great importance to the Buddhist religion. Here we shall visit monasteries and watch the monks in prayer. We will continue and make our way to Pashupatinath temple, considered one of the holiest sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple holds great importance as a place of worship to the Hindus. It forms a major part of the people on a day-to-day basis. Here you can watch devotes offering prayers and watch the activities that are undertaken in the temple premises. The afternoon is free for shopping and leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

  • Day 3Fly to Lukla (2827m) and Trek to Phakding(2610m).

    Early in the morning we fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m). The flight offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas as we fly parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibetan China. After landing we will meet with our porters for the trek. We will have time to explore the village before starting the trail. The trek starts with a descent towards the Dudh Koshi River where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar. The walking is easy and we will soon reach our lodge at Phakding. 4-5 hours trek. Overnight at Lodge.

  • Day 4 Climbing to Namche Bazaar(3440m):

    We will ascend slowly on the route to Everest Base Camp. Advancing slowly will ensure acclimatization. We shall tread slowly from Phakding crossing the river to walk through tracts of blue pine and rhododendron forest that is very spectacular in the spring months when the flowers are in bloom. We will cross the Dudh Koshi at Benkar and enjoy great views of the snow peaks Kusum Kangaru and Thamserku. After Monjo the trek will be a little strenuous as it will involve more walking with a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. From here, it is a short walk to the entrance of the National Park where our permits are checked before we descend quite steeply to Jorsale. The trek continues upstream on a flat terrain to the confluence of the Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers. After crossing a large suspension bridge high above the river we climb steeply to the village of Namche Bazaar 3440m. A slow and steady pace is recommended on this section of the climb and we are encouraged to make the most of the fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Taweche come into view. The effects of high altitude will slow down your pace a little, thus we encourage you to advance slowly. In Namche, we move into our lodge in the midst of the village and the rest of the afternoon is free to bargain for artifacts or embrace the spectacular scenery. 6-7 Hours. Overnight at Lodge

  • Day 5 Leisure in Namche Bazaar

    We will spend a day in Namche Bazaar resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the altitude of 3,450m. In the morning, there is the option of walking up to the Everest View Hotel 3,900m, returning to Namche for lunch. Overnight at Lodge

  • Day 6Trek to Tengboche(3867m)

    From Namche, the well-worn Everest trail contours around the side of the valley high above the Dudh Koshi. As we follow the path, we will get our first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu: Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, we will cross the Dudh Koshi River and make a steep climb to Tengboche (3867m), home of an impressive monastery. We have plenty of time to look around Tengboche and in a relaxing lodge.  5-6 hours trek. Overnight at Lodge

  • Day 7 Trek to Dingboche(4410m)

    In the morning we will visit the monastery before descending through forest of birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron. The walking today is uphill yet done very slowly to adjust to the altitude thus pace yourself slowly. After crossing the Imja river the trail heads to the village of Pangboche, backed by the peak of Ama Dablam, where we will take lunch. Later our trail climbs through open alpine hillsides before we re-cross the Imja River and old glacial remains to our lodge in Dingboche 4410m. 6-7 hours trek. Overnight at Lodge

  • Day 8Dingboche - Acclimatization Day

    Before we ascend any higher we will take a day to relax and acclimatize, thus exploring the beautiful Imja Khola Valley. Dingboche is located in a patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops. An ascent of the hill behind our lodge will showcase great views of the fifth highest mountain in the world, Makalu, which is not visible from the valley floor. A walk up the valley towards Chukkung is worthwhile. The views are fantastic in this valley; to the north is Lhotse, Island Peak in the centre of the valley, and the crimped ice-walls of unnamed peaks that line the southern end of the valley form a hauntingly beautiful sight. Unfortunately, Everest is not visible from the village. Overnight at Lodge

  • Day 9Trek to Lobuche(4930m)

    Today the walk is relatively tiring up the valley to Lobuche so we advise you take your time and are well hydrated. From Dingboche we ascend the small ridge behind the village above the Pheriche valley. From the top, the peaks of Taweche and Cholatse dramatically line the valley to the west. To the north, Lobuje Peak and the snowfields of the Cho La can be seen. At Dughla we take a light lunch at the foot of the huge moraines of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off Everest and in the afternoon we will climb steadily to reach a ridge with a line of cairns, built in memory of the Sherpas and climbers who have died on various Everest expeditions over the last 50 years. From here the view is enthralling, Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and across the border in Tibet, Changtse are seen at the head of the valley, whilst Everest is hidden behind the towering walls of Nuptse and Lhotse. We then follow the valley stream to our lodge at Lobuje 4930m where we will be arriving early afternoon. 4-5 hours trek. Overnight at Lodge

  • Day 10Trek to Gorak Shep(5200m). Hike uphill to Kalapatthar(5545m) for sunset view

    After breakfast we follow the broad valley running parallel to the Khumbu glacier. The trail ascends only gradually to the moraines of the Changri Nup Glacier but from here we make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns that leads eventually to Gorak Shep 5200m. After lunch we will set off uphill to Kalapatthar at 5545 meters to experience a comprehensive sunset views from this amazing point. It will probably take a good hour and a half to reach the summit from Gorak Shep, although lower viewpoints will provide views almost as good. Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and Everest. As we will be descending in fading light, do take a head-torch for this excursion.  6-7 hours trek. Overnight at Lodge

  • Day 11Trek to Everest Base Camp(5364m) and return back to Lobuche

    We will advance early to trek along the glacier to Everest Base Camp, which takes around 3 hours. If you are trekking in the popular climbing period of March to May you will almost certainly encounter yaks and porters supplying food and equipment to expeditions here. From Base Camp we do not get views of Everest but we will be able to see the notorious Everest Ice Fall which is regarded as the hardest and most dangerous section of the mountain. We return to Gorak Shep for an early lunch before re-tracing our steps to Lobuche. Be prepared for a strenuous day. The trek to Base Camp is optional so if you are feeling tired you can rest at Gorak Shep instead. Overnight at Lodge

  • Day 12 Trek to Tengboche.

    Following the main Everest trail down the beautifully scenic valley, we pass through Pangboche and climb to the monastery at Tengboche. 7-8 hours trek. Overnight at Lodge

  • Day 13 Trek to Monjo

    We continue our trek leading back through Namche Bazaar. We should have enough time in Namche to shop and relax in the bakery with a coffee and a cake, or even to check the Internet. A steep descent for 600m/2,000ft down Namche Hill leads to the suspension bridge crossing the Dudh Koshi River and the small village of Monjo (2,835m/9,300ft). Monjo a quieter place to stay than Namche and it also means our porters have a less strenuous walk back to Lukla the next day. 6-7 hours trek. Overnight at Lodge

  • Day 14Trek to Lukla

    The trail now flattens out and we cross the river twice more before a rising traverse up the hill-side, past numerous tea-houses to Lukla. 3-4 hours trek. Overnight at Lodge

  • Day 15 Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

    An early morning flight to Katmandu. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. End of the program.

  • Day 16Final departure

    Airport transfer for final departure

Date & Cost

Dates
Departure - Arrival
Duration
No. of days
Availability
Space
Trip Cost
per person
October 5, 2024 - October 20, 2024 16 5 Seats Left $ 1480
October 15, 2024 - October 30, 2024 16 8 Seats Left $ 1480
November 1, 2024 - November 15, 2024 16 6 Seats Left $ 1480
November 15, 2024 - November 30, 2024 16 8 Seats Left $ 1480
November 25, 2024 - November 16, 2024 16 10 Seats Left $ 1480
December 2, 2024 - December 17, 2024 16 10 Seats Left $ 1480
December 7, 2024 - December 22, 2024 16 10 Seats Left $ 1480

Include

  • * Airport transfers
  • * Twin sharing accommodation at standard hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu
  • * Guided sightseeing tour in private vehicle as per the program
  • * Domestic flight of Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
  • * Twin sharing accommodation at trekking lodge during the trek
  • * Food (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), Drinks (Tea or coffee) during the trek
  • * Trekking guide/Sherpa, Porters and their insurance
  • * All permit and entrance fees
  • * First aid kit
  • * One cultural dinner program

Exclude

  • * International flights
  • * Nepalese visa
  • * Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • * All soft and hard drinks during the trek
  • * All personal items and equipment
  • * Tips for staffs
  • * Emergency medical and rescue insurance
  • * Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • * Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary

Trip Note

  • Is the Everest Base Camp trek difficult?

    The Everest Base Camp trek is considered moderately challenging. It requires a good level of physical fitness, as you'll be trekking at high altitudes and navigating varied terrain. Proper acclimatization and preparation are key to successfully completing the trek.

  • What should I pack for the Everest Base Camp trek?

    Some essential items to pack include sturdy trekking boots, warm and moisture-wicking clothing layers, a good-quality sleeping bag, a backpack, a down jacket, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a first aid kit. It's also recommended to carry some snacks and water purification tablets.

  • What is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?

    The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November. During these periods, the weather is generally stable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, providing optimal conditions for trekking.

  • Is altitude sickness a concern during the trek?

    Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a concern during the Everest Base Camp trek due to the high altitudes involved. It's important to acclimatize properly by taking rest days and ascending gradually. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of AMS and seek medical attention if necessary.

  • Are permits required for the Everest Base Camp trek?

    Yes, permits are required for the Everest Base Camp trek. These include the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits help support conservation efforts and ensure the safety of trekkers.

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