Everest Base Camp

WHAT TO EXPECT

HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY 

While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes has other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgable guides, to make sure we can change any plans if required.

• Day 1:

  Arrive in Kathmandu

  After arriving at Kathmandu, we spend the day resting and preparing for our adventure. There is also time to experience the delights of Kathmandu itself.

• Day 2:

  Flight to Lukla (2900m) and Trek to Phakding (2660m)

  We meet our trusty crew for the expedition at Lukla airport. The day’s trek places us at the entrance to the Everest National Park in Monjo (2835m) and the adventure truly begins.

• Day 3:

  Trek to Namche (3440m)

  After entering the national park we walk next to the giant Dudi Kosi River before we wind our way slowly and steadily uphill to the Sherpa capital city Namche Bazaar, crossing some impressive bridges along the way.

• Day 4:

  Acclimatization Day in Namche (3440m)

  Rest day in Namche Bazaar. Here we let our bodies get used to the increase in altitude. Some may take a gentle stroll to the Everest Hotel (3900m) to take in some of the breath taking views of the mountains, while others may wander the energetic streets of Namche to experience the shops and, if you’re lucky, the Tibetan Market.

• Day 5:

  Trek to Pangboche (3900m)

  It’s back on the trail as we make our way around the mountainside, sharing the trail with Yaks and Porters carrying supplies up and down the valley. We pass incredible viewpoints and, from this point on, it feels like we are truly in the Himalaya. We drop down to the Dudi Kosi River again before we climb to the famous Thyangboche Monastery. There is time to explore this wonder of the Khumbu and to take in the history of the Lamas. Inside are beautiful wall hangings, ornate carvings and a giant Buddha. If the team is fortunate, it may be possible to see the Lamas praying which is a tremendously moving experience. We move down the hill a little to Pangboche to spend the night nestled among the rhododendron trees in a quiet setting.

• Day 6:

  Trek to Pheriche (4270m)

  A day that is dominated by the views of Ama Dablam (the ‘Matterhorn of the Himalaya’). We head further into the Khumbu area and reach Pheriche. Here we stop for lunch and perhaps meet some of the high altitude Sherpa from the climbing team. They all live in this tiny village under Ama Dablam. From here we have a short trek to where we stay with the Step Father of Namgel (another of our high altitude Sherpa) in his beautiful lodge.

• Day 7:

  Acclimatization day in Pheriche (4270m)

  A well earned rest day in Pheriche. Just like we did in Namche, we let our bodies catch us up. If the weather allows, we can hike up above the village to a small summit that is strewn with prayer flags. Or of course we can simply rest, drinking the famous homemade fruit juice unique to this lodge.

• Day 8:

  Trek to Lobuche (4930m)

  We leave Pheriche and contour around the hillside to Dzugla, once again crossing the Dudi Kosi river en route, this time on simple wooden planks. From Dzugla we climb the hill that puts us among the climber’s memorials. This is an area where stones have been piled to remember those who have died in the nearby mountains. It is a haunting and touching place and no-one passes without feeling moved by what they see and feel. A mellow walk takes us into Lobuche and our resting place for the night.

• Day 9:

  Trek to Gorak Shep (5184m) and attempt at Kalar Pattar Peak (5585m)

  A short trek gets us to Gorak Shep, where we spend the night. This was the site of Base Camp for the 1953 Everest expedition, and also the world’s highest ever cricket match in 2009. After lunch we will climb Kala Pattar to reach the top as the sun sets on the highest mountain in the world. The views are simply stunning.

• Day 10:

  Everest Base Camp (5350m) – Return To Gorak Shep (5184m)

  Base Camp itself. Close your eyes as we descend onto the glacier and try to picture Hillary back in ’53 as we ponder our own achievement. When the group is lead by our summit guide, you will also get the fantastic opportunity to spend a night at Base Camp with the Everest climbing Team, swapping your stories with theirs. The team will spend a whole day at Everest Base Camp to truly experience what expedition life is like. We can explore the lower part of the icefall or simply rest and take it all in.

• Day 11:

  Trek to Pheriche (4270m)

  After saying goodbye to the climbing team, we retrace our steps down the valley to Pheriche to spend the night.

• Day 12:

  Trek to Deboche (3600m) – or continue on to Namche (3450m)

  Depending on how fresh our legs are we’ll either stop off at Deboche or continue to Namche.

• Day 13:

  Trek to Namche (3450m)

  Based on how well we did the previous day, we may already be in Namche enjoying some well earned rest and buying some presents to take home.

• Day 14:

  Trek to Lukla (2900m)

  Last day of trekking for us, as we make our way back to Lukla. This should be an easy day but our tired bodies and the final section of uphill can make it feel like hard work. We arrive at the Paradise Lodge for a good meal and a small party with our Nepalese crew, reflecting on our experiences.

• Day 15:

  Flight to Kathmandu

  Return flight to Kathmandu, where again we will be met at the airport and taken back to the luxury of the hotel and the familiar smells of the city of Kathmandu.

• Day 16:

  Departure

  PLEASE NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is an adventure in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, conditions of the trail, and the health of team members can all contribute to changes. Your Guides and their Sherpa assistants will make every effort to keep to the itinerary but please understand if things need to change a little.