Everest base camp trek

Trip introduction

Trek Name: Everest base camp
Best Season: Autumn (Sep – Dec) & Spring (Feb – May)
Transport: By flight Kathmandu/ Lukla/ Kathmandu
Accommodation: Tea houses
Grade: Strenuous
Highest point: 5545m
Duration: 15 days
Group-size: Min 1 to Max 10 persons
Himalayan Sights: Mt. Everest, Amadablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and more

 

Recommended Equipment

The following are what we advise you obtain in the way of equipment and gear before trekking in Nepal, and are meant to keep you mobile and comfortable in a range of expected weather conditions. Trekking gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu at cheaper prices, remember Nepal is the home of Mount Everest, there is plenty of choice and our staff can assist you with the necessary arrangements. Except for your day pack, all luggage will be carried by porters. There is an allowance of 33lbs/15kg per person. Additional personal items not needed for the trekking portion of the trip can be checked in the hotel’s storage room for no extra cost.

Head

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Head torch

 

Upper Body

  • Cotton T-shirts or Thermals
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Down jacket

 

Lower Body

  • Lightweight cotton pants (long)
  • Waterproof Pants

 

Feet

  • Thin inner socks
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  • Comfortable Hiking boots

 

Hands

  • Gloves

 

Accessories

  • Sleeping bag rated to – 20°C
  • Trekking bags/duffel bag
  • Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
  • Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
  • Water bottle or camel bag
  • Toiletries
Itinerary

Day 01 – Kathmandu: Arrival and trip preparation
1,350m/4,428 ft
Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Pinnacle treks will pick us up from the airport and take us to our hotel. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. We can use this time to ask any questions about our trip to the management and trek leader. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Pinnacle treks. For dinner, we will try excellent Nepalese cuisine which will introduce us to the country’s food culture.
Included meals: Dinner

Day 02 – Kathmandu: Sightseeing Day
We’ll meet up today bright and early after breakfast for a full morning of sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. The capital and surrounding geographical area contain more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than anywhere else on Earth, and we’ll be visiting some of the highlights. Bring your camera as we tour Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath (the ‘monkey temple’), and Durbar Square. Afternoon and early evening bring a final briefing and preparations for trekking.

Day 03 – Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
2,651m/8,700ft – Duration: 8km, 3 – 4 hours trek
During the 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (9,186ft), we enjoy one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating on a hillside surrounded by high mountainous peaks. At Lukla, a gateway destination from where our trek begins, we meet our other crew members and begin packing and arranging with them. From Lukla, we start trekking. At one hour’s gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900ft), a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we then gradually descend until we reach Phakding and spend the night.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04 – Phakding to Namche Bazaar
3,438m/11,280 ft – Duration: 11km, 5 – 6 hours
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, we follow the trail north up the valley of Benkar. Then, we cross Dudh Koshi River and go on passing Chumoa to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. Then crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep ascent brings us to the prime heart land of Sherpa village – Namche Bazaar. At one hour’s distance to reaching Namche Bazaar, if the weather permits, we can view the sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse.  Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05 – Acclimatization Day – Namche Bazaar
3,440m/11,284ft
There are plenty of things to do around Namche Bazaar, and we can spend a day here acclimatizing. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Khumbu region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. Our guides can take us to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar. Hiking to Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with a sunrise view and the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. If we are interested in a day hike, we trek to Khumjung village (12401ft)-a beautiful village with a Sherpa settlement. In exploring Namche Bazar, we observe traditional Sherpa life, Khumjung Hillary School and enjoy flora and fauna found at such altitude. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06 – Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
3,870m/12,694ft – Duration: 10km, 5 – 6 hours
This segment of the trek includes the famous descent to the Dudh-Koshi River and the equally famous ascent along the rhododendron forests to Tengboche. While descending to Dudh Kish River, we enjoy the views of mountain tops like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. Upon reaching Tengboche, we visit Tengboche monastery-the largest monastery in the region and soak in the views of Everest, Ama Dablam and other peaks. Overnight in Tengboche.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07 – Tengboche to Dingboche
4,360 m/14,300 ft – Duration: 9km, 5 – 6 hours
We descent and trek through forests filled with a variety of lush trees – birch, conifers and rhododendrons. This journey again rewards us with tremendous views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The picturesque trail dips down to Devuche, crosses the Imja River and takes us to Pangboche. The upper Pangboche trails reward us with a more pristine view of the Himalayas and the Pangboche Monastery. The trek moves ahead towards the Imja Valley, Lobuche River and ultimately begins climbing up to Dingboche. At Dingboche, we see a beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight at Dingboche.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08 – Dingboche: Acclimatization
Dingboche is a popular stop for trekkers and climbers headed to Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam or Imja Tse. The village is beautiful with an array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold wind and grazing animals. We spend a day at Dingboche for acclimatization. We take day hikes to either Nagarjun Hill or Chukkhung Valley for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache and Ama Dablam.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09 – Dingboche to Lobuche
4940 m/16,207 ft – Duration: 7km, 5-6 hours
We start the day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we climb up a steep trail to Chupki Lhara, where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest.  Next, we continue to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and find ourselves facing several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Lobuche to Gorak Shep visit Everest Base Camp 
5,170 m/16,961ft and 5,364 m/17,594 ft – Duration: 13km, 6-7 hours
We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence, it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is recommended that we visit Kala Patthar today during sunset. As the setting sun’s rays strike the snow-capped mountains, the resulting scenery is incredible. Therefore, for those trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar today instead of the next day please inform your guide and he/she will coordinate accordingly.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar to Pherice
5,545m/18,192ft and 4,288m/14,070ft – Duration: 16km, 7-8 hours
We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14°C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Pheriche for a good night’s rest.

Those participants who will visit Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start early as Everest base camp hike takes longer than the hike at Kala Patthar. After returning to Gorak Shep, both the groups will have lunch together; afternoon time is taken to descend down to Pheriche for a good night’s rest.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 – Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
3,440m/11,280 ft – Duration: 20km, 6 – 7 hours
We trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the prayer-flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests. In the forest, we may come across colorful pheasants and mountain goats. The path eventually reaches Sansa from where we can enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse mountains. We also pass winding trails then through a forest before reaching Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 – Namche Bazaar to Lukla
2,800m/9,186ft – Duration: 19km, 6 – 7 hours
The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Overnight in Lukla.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 – Fly to Kathmandu
We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenir shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15 – Final departure
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Pinnacle Treks will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Inclusive/Exclusive of costs

Inclusive of costs

  • Airport pick up and drop
  • Sightseening in Kathmandu valley (by car or jeep)
  • 12 days adventure, 12 days include 3 meals a day
  • 3 nights of accommodation in Kathmandu, breakfast included
  • Round trip flight fare Kathmandu to Lukla
  • Domastic airport taxes
  • Accommodation while trekking
  • National park permit
  • TIMS (traveler security) Card
  • Fully-licensed, English-speaking guide
  • Porter service (if needed)
  • Local and government taxes
  • Office expenses
  • Farewell dinner

Exclusive of costs

  • Your insurance (compulsary for your safty)
  • International air fare
  • Beverages, water, beer, chocolates
  • Shower, charge for your equipements, laundry
  • Personal gears and clothing (aviable on hire)
  • Tip for guide porter
  • Incurred in emergancy evacuation/road block due to any reason
  • Drinks and snacks while walking
Why book the trek with us?

Why you should book the tours with Pinnacle Trek?

  • Best price with better hospitality
  • You have a big group? We can help!
  • Local experienced guide and porters
  • Top-notch customer service
  • Depature date is guaranteed
  • We can help you to make it fits for your budget
  • We can customize the trip for your need
  • 15 years of experiences of trekking field
Cancellation Policies

Cancellation Policies

We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your deposit minus a $170 cancelation fee. Once we have booked your flight between Kathmandu and Lukla your deposit is non-refundable. If your travel dates change we can generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least 7 days advance notice.

 

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