Everest Base Camp Classic Trek

Itinerary

What’s the plan?

Day 01 – Flight Kathmandu – Lukla and trek to Phakding – 4 hours

You will board an exciting 30 minute flight to Lukla early in the morning and enjoy the magnificent mountain range as you arrive at Lukla airport. There, you will be introduced to your porter in case you have booked one. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you commence trekking. The hike to Phakding is a fairly easy 3 hour one through the Dudhkosi valley. You will head north from the airstrip to Chheplung (2700m) and cross the ThadoKoshi River on a local-style suspension bridge. Just past the bridge, you can see the peaks Kusum and Kanggru (6367m), which are some of the most difficult peaks to climb. Beyond the ThadoKoshi, the trail climbs towards the Ghat (2590m) and crosses a ridge marked with painted Mani stones. You will continue your ascent until you reach the beautiful village of Phakding where you will stay for the night.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 02 – Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) – 6 hours

You will start this second day through the Valley of Dudhkosi River. You will cross the Dudhkosi River 5 times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags on the way to Namche. After the last bridge, you will continue your ascent, gradually leading to Jorsale. It is a 2h30 climb up to Namche with two view points on the way. You will enjoy a mesmerizing view of Mt Everest when it is a clear day. At Jorsale, you will enter the Sagarmatha National park where you will need to verify your permits. After 5/6 hours of a hard hiking, you will finally reach the main trading center of the region: the famous Namche Bazaar.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 03 – Acclimatisation in Namche – 5 hours

Acclimatization is very important before proceeding higher to avoid altitude sickness. We will be taken for a day’s hike through the villages of Khunde and Khumjung and come back to Namche through the Everest view hotel Khumjung. We can see the head of a Yeti in the monastery of the area. We can also visit the bakery at world’s highest altitude. We get to enjoy the panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and many other mountains on a fair day. Even the view from Everest View hotel is very impressive. We start with a steep one-hour climb to the Syangboche airstrip (3790m), from where we will slowly ascend towards Khunde passing numerous chorten (stone Buddhist monuments). From Khunde, we follow the trail eastwards to Khumjung, the largest village in Khumbu, at the foot of the sacred peak Khumbila. After enjoying lunch at Khumjung, we follow a gradual climb to Everest View Hotel where we will enjoy the splendid mountain views. Then we descend towards Namche (3540m).

Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 04 – Trek to Tengboche (3790m) – 5 hours

Our route for today to Tengboche weaves in and out of side valleys, making small ups and downs, to the picturesque tea shops of Kenjoma, and joins the trail from Khumjung just before a collection of Mani stones. The views of Everest and Ama Dablam are excellent from this part of the trek. We pass the small settlement of Sanasa from where the trail drops towards Phunkithanga (3250m). From here the trail climbs steeply through pine forests and around Mani stones as it follows the side of a hill to the saddle on which the monastery of Tengboche sits at 3870m. The view from here is rightly deemed to be one of the world’s most magnificent sceneries. Kwangde (6187m), Tawachee (6542m), Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse (8501m), Amadablam, Kantega and Thamserku provide an inspiring panorama as the Himalayan giants. We will spend the night in Tengboche.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 05 – Trek to Dingboche (4350m) – 4 hours

You will start your trek with a descent through a beautiful forest, then we cross the Imja Khola and trek through the idyllic village of Pangboche. The route continues through summer pastures to Dingboche. You will spend the night at Dingboche. It is a very relaxing village with lots of mountain views.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 06 – Trek to Chhukung Valley and back to Dingboche – 5 hours

We will start around 8:30am for a nice trek up to Chhukung. You will get a beautiful view of most of the mountains, especially Ama Dablam. The view from Chhukung and further up the valley on the moraines towards Island Peak is tremendous. To the south-west, the eastern face of Amadablam provides an incredible view of the picturesque peak. You will go back down to Dingboche for the night. On our descent we will probably face strong winds.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 07 – Trek to Lobuche (4950m) – 5 hours

We start the day with a climb to the chorten trail. This is a gentle climb that will last about 1.5 hours. Then we get to Thugla at 4600m with a tea house where we will have lunch before climbing the steep part of todays trek for another 1.5 hours. We start to get close to high mountains like Mt. Pumori and Mt. Nuptse after a while as we proceed towards Lobuche where only basic accommodation and food is provided. Then we trek along a broad valley floor to Thugla, leaving behind the Trekkers Aid Post at Pheriche at 4240 m. A western volunteer doctor, supported by The Himalayan Rescue Association is stationed here and offers treatment and consultation to trekkers. When we come out of the valley, we descend to the yak pastures at Lobuche. Overnight at Lodge. The day’s trip takes about 5 and a half hour’s walk.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 – Gorakshep (5.207m) and Everest Base Camp (5,350m) – 7 hours

This morning, we will take a 2 hours hike up to Gorakshep. The first part is nice and easy but one hour later the trail can get really hard. This, fortunately, is compensated by great views of big walls formed by Everest, Nuptse and many other mountains. Once we climb about 150m the trail gets better again. Shortly after we will get to the moraine. Finally, we get to 5160m, the world’s highest settlement at Gorakshep. Once we have lunch, we begin our hike to Everest base camp. We will be walking on a side ridge of the Khumbu glacier. After walking on the ridge for about one and half hours, we cross the Glacier into the Everest base camp area. Today we reach Everest base camp at an altitude of 5360m. We will be able to meet and talk to other mountain climbers at the base camp. We can get a good view of Khumbu glacier and Khumbu Ice fall. From there we can also see the big crevasses the climbers use. After appreciating our own efforts and cherishing our achievements, we start our way back to Gorakshep.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9 – Gorakshep – Kala Patthar (5.643m) – Pheriche (4,250m) – 7 hours

Today we hit Kalapathar and therefore we will leave in the early morning. We will start our 1.5 hours hike early in the morning to enjoy sunrise over Mount Everest and other mountains. We spend some time enjoying the sunrise on the splendid Himalayan ranges, relishing in a unique view and experience and head back to Gorakshep breakfast before we continue to Dzolgla. From Gorakshep -Lobuche it takes about 2 hours and another 2 hours hike will take us to Dzongla from Lobuche. Dzongla is the only place where we can spend the night before we cross the Chola pass.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10 – Pheriche – Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 6 hours

From Debuche, a 1h30 climb takes you to Tengboche, from where you will descend to Phunkithanga at 3200m. Then you will have a final climb towards Namche Bazaar for the final party night, which is also the last chance to have close-up views of the mountains. Following the same way back to Namche is an easy walk. Once you get to Namche you can appreciate a hot shower and wifi, as well as pastries and beers in bakeries and bars.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11 – Trek to Lukla – 8 hours

The trail from Namche to Lukla is mostly downhill to the flat part. You will exit the Sagarmatha National park and reach Lukla after a final effort climbing stairs. You will have the opportunity to have dinner with your guide and porter(s) and celebrate the end of your journey.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12 – Flight Kathmandu – Lukla

You will fly to Kathmandu early in the morning, enjoying really nice views of most of the Himalayan range. Do not forget to choose the seat on the right hand sight of the aircraft. When you will reach Kathmandu airport, we come to our office for a quick debriefing and then you can go back to your hotel to get some rest after this amazing 12 day trek.

Food: Breakfast

Included

Included:

√ Pick up and transfer to and from airport
Your trekking companies able to pick you up from your hotel and return you after the trekking. If you need a transfer to and from the airport in Kathmandu, then this can also be organized.

√ Return flights Kathmandu – Lukla
The trekking begins and ends with an exciting flight. The cost of flights to and from Lukla is included in the price and will be booked by your trekking company.

√ Staying in Lodge or Guest House during the trek
During the trek, we stay in lodges or teahouses. These are simple in nature, but fully equipped. Do not expect too much luxury.

√ English speaking guide and a porter
One porter per two trekkers. This way you don’t have to carry your complete equipment yourself. The guide speaks English.

√ Salary, food, insurance, and accommodation for guide and porter
The total amount covers not only your own basics, but also those of your guide and porter. No unpleasant surprises.

√ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared during the trek. The meals are basic, but will give you enough energy for your appetite. Fruit is also available after each meal.

√ Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea are also organized by the trekking company. Every morning fresh coffee and tea are made. There are scheduled breaks to enjoy this.

√ Permit and TIMS
The total amount includes costs for the permit. This also applies to the TIMS Card, to the Trekkers Information Management System.

√ Down Jacket and Sleeping Bags
In order to pull in the Himalayas as prepared as possible, it is important to bring a good down jacket and sleeping bag. These are provided by your trekking company.

√ Cap, T-Shirt & Roadmap
We also have a cap, t-shirt, and a roadmap for you. Not only are they ideal for trekking, but they are also beautiful souvenirs.

√ Assistant Guide for a Group of over 6 People
If your group is larger than 6 people, we will take an extra assistant guide with you to support you.

√ Altitude Sickness & First Aid Kit
The guides carry an altitude sickness kit to monitor your pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice a day (very useful for monitoring the symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS) at altitude).

√ Helicopter Service in Emergencies
Check whether this is reimbursed by your travel insurance and otherwise take out a supplementary travel insurance package for this.

Excluded:

× Visa for Nepal
Your trekking company will not take responsibility for the travel visa for Nepal. This should be organized by yourself. Contact your local Nepalese embassy for the latest visa information.

× Flights to and from Nepal
The total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Nepal. To get an idea of which airlines are flying on Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), have a look at the website.

× Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast
Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

× Personal expenses
All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.

× Travel Insurance Including Repatriation
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Nepal.

× Tipping
Tips for guides and porters are exclusive. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous and read our blog post about tipping when you are planning to go trekking in Nepal.

× Desserts, Hot Shower, Hot Water, Mineral Water and Wi-Fi
Certain luxuries such as desserts, a hot shower, hot running water, bottles of mineral water and Wi-Fi should be missed during a typical trek in the Himalayas. The water we encounter along the way is drinkable and is heated or boiled by us.

Accommodation

Accommodation

During the trek we stay in lodges or teahouses. The teahouses are basic of nature. Some of them have a squatter toilet, while others provide a western style alternative . Showers do not always have hot water and most tea houses charge for the use of hot water. Some teahouses have access to the internet, but always at extra charge. Please read our blog about the teahouses in Nepal. 

Safety

Safety

Safety is of the utmost importance to us. That is why this is an area in which we simply do not compromise when it comes to keeping the cost of our trekkings low. Our guides have been selected on the basis of their technical competence, proven safety performance, impeccable judgment, friendly attitude and ability to provide useful and expert instructions. They are also very professional and well trained in first aid and personal protection equipment. First aid kits are available on all treks. In addition, the routes are ideally designed to give you enough time to acclimatize.

While the intention is to stick to the described route, a certain degree of flexibility is built in. In some cases it may be necessary to change the route here and there. The mountains are full of surprises, and the weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable. The guides continuously carry out risk assessments throughout the expedition. It is therefore best to plan a number of extra days in Nepal for possible unforeseen circumstances. Read all about altitude sickness here.

Training

Training

Do you make it to your destinations as planned? Often this depends on the unpredictable weather in the mountains. However, it can also depend on your own physical condition.

Do you like walking, have you done trekking at altitude more often and do you sport twice a week on average? With a little extra training, you’ll soon be ready for this beautiful trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas.

Is this the first time that you are trekking at altitude? Make sure you are well prepared. This is important for your safety, but also for that of your team. Make sure you start six months in advance with an hour’s walk twice a week. Read this blog post and get fit for trekking in Nepal.

Packing List

Packing List

Trekking in Nepal requires decent gear. Especially the basics like an 80-90l backpack and quality trekking socks. Read an extensive blog here about what to bring with you.

Documents
– Passport
– Travel insurance
– Boarding passes for flights
– 2 passport photos
– Driving License
– Dollars in cash
– Credit card (make sure you have $500 available on your card
in case evacuation by helicopter is required)

Sleep
– Sleeping bag
– Extra sleeping bag lining

Footwear
– Mountain shoes: 3 or 4 season lightweight
– Slippers or sandals for the city
– Aircraft shoes (optional)

Clothing
– Make sure you have non-cotton clothing for during the trek
– 2 t-shirts with underlayer (e.g. running t-shirts)
– Fleece / softshell jacket
– Waterproof jacket
– Down jacket for warmth
– Travel and citywear
– Underwear
– Trousers for underlayer (optional)
– Waterproof pants
– Trekking pants
– Trekking shorts (optional)
– 2 thick trekking socks
– Lightweight and breathable trekking socks
– Gloves and woolen hat

Accessories
– One backpack: 35 liters
– A duffel bag or backpack with straps to go over your back (Max 8kg weight for the porters to carry)
– Drybag or waterproof cover for your backpack
– Water bottle/thermos: at least 2 litres.
– Sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– Personal medication
– Inhaler, blister plasters, etc.
– General toiletries, contact lenses, spectacles (if necessary)
– Towel
– Electronics
– Headlight, travel adapter, phone & charger
– Lip balm
– Book
– MP3/Music and headphones
– Hand disinfectant, biodegradable wet wipes

Nepal Eco Adventure

Nepal Eco Adventure

Nepal Eco Adventure has office in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal’s most touristic city. Nepal Eco Adventure makes everything possible for its customer satisfaction. Nepal Eco Adventure is a team of experts with the greatest possible amount of experience.

Nepal Eco Adventure serves its customers by offering various attractions in Nepal and thus also provides them with more information about Nepal and its culture. Our manager is also a trekking guide in Nepal, so the whole company exudes the culture of trekking.

We build on experience and invaluable local expertise in the Nepalese Himalayas. Our thorough knowledge of trekking, experienced hikers and tour guides, the ties with TAAN, Nepal Tourism Board, RastraBank Nepal and Company Registration Centre Nepal are the most important points that make your trip perfect, safe and enjoyable.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Season
If you have read our blog post about the best time for trekking in Nepal, you will know that every season in Nepal is suitable for trekking. However, in certain times of the year the one area of Nepal is more favorable than the other. Most people who go trekking in the Everest region and Gokyo Valley do so from March till the beginning of June and from September till the end of December. The Annapurna Region is best enjoyed in March to May and from October all the way to December. Just like Everest, you can trek in Annapurna all year round. The same seasons are most popular when talking the Manaslu Circuit and the Langtang Valley. The Upper Mustang is your choice during the Monsoon season when the rest of the country gets more rainfall. The Upper Dolpo is perfect most of the year, especially from March all the way to November.

Porters
Bookatrekking.com strives to only work with providers who treat porters in a fair manner. Without porters, there is no trekking in Nepal. They are the heart and soul of your adventure and they every day carry part of your gear. Bookatrekking.com always tries to find a balance between an affordable trekking adventure and the fair treatment of porters.

Tipping
Porters are partly dependent on tipping. The cheaper your trekking, the more likely it is that the salary for porters is low. In any case, this must be compensated with tipping. It is an unwritten law in the Himalayas. On your way you will notice that the amount of tipping is a hot topic. At the end of the trek there is an opportunity to give tips. The rule of thumb is to count 10 to 15% of the total amount of the trek. This can be divided into 60-40. The 60% of the amount goes to the guide and 40% is for the porter(s).

Currency and Payment Methods
We recommend you to bring US dollars or euros to pay for your visa, further travel and other costs. It is easiest to travel in Nepal with US dollars. Nepal has reasonable banking facilities with branches of a number of international local commercial banks. Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. ATMs can be found everywhere in Kathmandu and Pokhara. There are ATMs in larger cities during the hikes. However, it is a good idea to bring enough money from Kathmandu or Pokhara as in Nepal you never know if the ATMs will work.

Visa Nepal
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu you can get a tourist visa. USD 25 for 15 days from the date of issue, USD 40 for 30 days and USD 100 for 90 days tourist visa. You need two passport photos. You can apply for an online visa here.

Vaccinations
No immunizations are required vsiting Nepal, but it’s always worth checking which vaccinations are recommended and check you are up-to-date with all your boosters.

Although you can get vaccinations in Kathmandu, it’s generally better (and often cheaper) to get them before your trip. Either way, it’s always worth consulting with your local doctor or nurse for up-to-date travel and inoculation advice at least 6 weeks before your planned departure date.

The main recommended vaccinations for Nepal are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Meningitis. Boosters are also recommended for Tetanus, Polio, Mumps, and Measles.Depending on your travel plans, you may also consider inoculations against Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis B, and Rabies. This is especially important if you have young children, plan to stay for an extended period of time, working in health care, or visiting rural areas and the lowlands of the Terai Region.

How To Book

How does it work?

On Bookatrekking.com you can find and compare the adventures of your dreams. Is this trekking adventure your match? In that case you can proceed to booking. At Bookatrekking.com you make a deposit of 20% of the total amount. You pay the remaining amount on location prior to the trek directly to the trekking company.

Bookatrekking.com uses only the safest payment methods. Once your booking has been received, your place is reserved, your place is safe and you can look forward to your chosen trekking.

After you have made your booking, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with all necessary information and the contact details of the trekking company. If you have any questions or if you want to clarify something, you can obtain information directly from the right person. Of course, you can also always ask us your question. Send us an e-mail on support@bookatrekking.com

The trekking company will also receive your details and can therefore always contact you and provide you with extra information.

Cancellation Policy

Bookatrekking.com is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for you. We understand that life can be unpredictable and that plans may change. In recognition of this, we have created a flexible cancellation policy for our trekkings. You may cancel your trekking reservation free of charge if you notify us at least 14 days prior to the scheduled departure date. If you cancel within 14 days of your start date, you will lose your deposit.

Is it not quite clear yet or do you have questions? Please contact us via support@bookatrekking.com. We are happy to help you.