Everest Base Camp Trek


Mt. Everest as seen from Kalapathar (Photo: Jacob Wendte)

Everest Base Camp Trek (19 days, 18 nights)

Towering Himalayan peaks from Everest to Ama Dablam, picturesque Sherpa villages, and sacred Buddhist monasteries - aspects that define the magical and inspiring landscape of the Khumbu region in eastern Nepal. Khumbu is the home of Mount Everest (8,850m) - better known as Sagarmatha among Nepalis and Chomolongma among Tibetan -speaking communities. Located in the Sagarmatha National Park, many visitors come to this region to glimpse the world's highest peak but come away with much more: an appreciation of the local people who make their home in this high and difficult landscape, a spirit of adventure that brings them back to the Himalayas, and other individual and personal experiences.

On the Everest Base Camp Trek, as you hike through villages of the famous Sherpa people, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains that rise above the clouds. From Gorakshep at 17,100 ft., your highest camp on the Everest Trek, hike to the Everest Base Camp the site from where hundreds of climbers attempt to reach the summit of the tallest peak in the world every year. Also climb Kalapathar (18,195 ft) for an up-close view of the south face of Everest. Return via Khumjung, one of the largest Sherpa villages. The Everest Base Camp Trek ends in Lukla from where you fly out to Kathmandu.

Read article on the Everest Base Camp Trek by previous Crystal Mountain Treks trekker, Perry Buck, published in the Birmingham post.

Before you choose a trekking company, make sure you know what is included and what is not. Read suggested questions you should ask our competitors at the bottom of this page.

Itinerary

Day 01 - Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during dinner. (Dinner)

Day 02 - Kathmandu

Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will be accompanied by our in-house city guide. In the morning, visit Bodhanath, the Stupa of a Million dew drops, to watch monks and devotees circumambulate the largest stupa in the world. Then visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Drive to Patan for lunch in the garden of the Patan Museum Café. After lunch, visit the well-maintained Patan Museum storing ancient Nepali artifacts, followed by a tour of Patan Durbar Square. Drive back to Kathmandu. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 03 - Kathmandu to Phakding (2,600m/8,700 ft.)

Your day will start very early today as most flights to Lukla are scheduled for the early morning hours. Be ready for a wait at the airport as your flight can be delayed due to weather. The flight is approximately 25 minutes and the landing at Lukla airport is very dramatic. After a brief stop at Lukla, set off on your hike to Phakding. Past Lukla, descend to Chaurikharka and continue on a fairly level trail to Choplung. Continue on a descending trail to Ghat. There is a monastery, numerous prayer wheels, mani stones and a chhorten at Ghat. Whenever possible, please remember to turn all prayer wheels in a clock-wise direction and to walk on the left side of shrines and manes (i.e. keeping these sacred objects to your right. From Ghat, it is approximately 20 minutes to Phakding. Overnight local lodge. (All meals)

Day 04 - Phakding to Namche (3,420m/11,270 ft.)


Mani stone (Photo: Jenny)

The day's trail follows the Dudh Koshi until you begin your ascent to Namche. Pass several villages to Monju. Before reaching Monju is the village of Chumoa where in the 1970's, an eccentric but creative Mr Hagayuki lived without a visa for almost 10 years - farming and running the Hatago Lodge - before being deported. Just beyond Monju is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park where your park permit will be checked. Depending on the time you reach this point, lunch will be either at Monju or the village of Jorsalle inside the park.

Past Jorsalle, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi and crosses it only to recross it at the base of the hill which climbs up to Namche. The climb is long and steep. The switchback trail is well-worn and wide through a pleasant pine forest.

Overnight lodge. (All meals)

Day 05 - Namche (3,420m/11,270 ft.)

Today is an acclimatization day. You are free to visit the National Park Museum or wonder around Namche town. Overnight lodge. (All meals)

Day 06 - Namche to Tengboche (3,870m/12,900 ft.)

Climb to the top of Namche Bazaar, then walk on a fairly level trail to Kenjuma and Sanasa. Here there are extensive displays of souvenirs to tempt you. Bargaining is very much in order! The trail descends to Dudh Koshi which must be crossed to reach Phungi Tenga. There is a now-deserted army post here. Past this point, the trail ascends to Tengboche monastery through conifer and rhododendrons forests.

Visit Tengboche monastery in the evening or watch the setting sun cast its last rays over Everest if the skies are clear. There is also an eco-centre with historical and cultural exhibits in the monastery compound. If monks are performing prayer ceremonies when you visit, please do not take flash photos or otherwise disturb the ceremonies. Overnight local lodge. (All meals)

Day 07 - Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m/13,950 ft.)

Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche Monastery with Mt. Thamserku in the backgroundFrom Tengboche, the trail descends steeply to the small village of Debuche, where quietly tucked away in the trees is a nunnery. Well past Debuche, cross the Imja Khola and climb to the village of Pangboche. Past Pangboche, the trail climbs to Shomare and then to Orsho on a shelf above the river. Beyond Orsho, the trail divides, the left leads to Pheriche and the right to Dingboche. We will take the trail to Dingboche in the Imja valley.

From today, you will start to notice the change in the landscape. Forests give way to arid landscape with shrubs. Overnight local lodge. (All meals)

Day 08 - Dingboche (4,360m/13,950 ft.)

Rest day for acclimatization. Free to go for a day hike or to just relax. Overnight local lodge. (All meals)

Day 09 - Dingboche to Dughla (4,620m/15,100 ft.)

Take the high route over Feriche to Dughla. Today is a half day. Overnight lodge. (All meals)

Day 10 - Dughla to Lobuche (4,930m/16,200 ft.)

Another short trek day today. Climb directly up the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier into an area dedicated to climbers who have perished on Khumbu's mountains. Past this point, it is a very gradual incline to Lobuche. After you have settled in at your lodge, you are welcome to visit the varioius memorials to those who have perished on Everest, or hike up one of the ridges above the village for excellent views of Nuptse and Lhotse. Overnight HCR lodge. (All meals)

Day 11 - Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,160m/17,100 ft.)

Another short trek day. Begin the climb today by ascending gently through meadows in the Khumbu valley. Then cross several steep moraines while also walking on an active glacier. Gorakshep is situated on a sandy and flat section that served as base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest expedition. Continue to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorakshep. Overnight lodge. (All meals)

Day 12 - Gorakshep to Lobuche/Feriche

Sunrise over Nuptse, Everest on the left.
Sunrise over Mt. Nuptse (Everest is the peak in the middle).

The trek to Kalapathar (18,195 ft.) is the final high-altitude climb of this trip, as a result of which you will perhaps achieve the highest reward for your perseverance. The trail ascends steeply to Kala-Pathar, but the view from here is one you are unlikely to forget. Return to Gorakshep and descend to Feriche. Overnight lodge. (All meals)

Day 13 and 14 - Khumjung

Descend sharply to the Dudh Koshi river and then ascend to Mong danda. Follow the slopes of Khumbila towards the hidden valley of Khumjung. At Khumjung, visit the Khunde Hospital and then the Khumjung School - both projects of the Himalayan Foundation. Overnight lodge. (All meals)

 

Day 15 - Khumjung to Monjo

Descend to Monjo. Overnight lodge. (All meals)

Day 16 - Monjo to Lukla

Last day of trekking to Lukla. Overnight lodge. (All meals)

Day 17 - Lukla to Kathmandu

Fly Lukla to Kathmandu. Day free in Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast)

Day 18 - Kathmandu

Monkeys at a temple
Monkeys at the Pashupatinath Temple in Katmandu Full day of Sightseeing in Kathmandu: visit Swayambhunath, the monkey temple. Then drive to Bhaktapur, the city of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (All meals)

Day 19 - Depart for home

Final departure. (Breakfast)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Price includes:

  • Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
  • Motivated staff (Read about our “Redefining staff care" initiative)
  • All airport transfers
  • Two full days sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary and entrance fees to monuments.
  • 4 nights twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Tibet (3 star) in Kathmandu.
  • Airfare: Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Lodge trekking as indicated in the itinerary
    • Rooms with attached bathroom in Lukla and Namche.
    • Three meals a day - you choose from a menu (no set meal)
    • Boiled water for your bottles three times a day
    • Guide and staff wages, equipment and meals
    • Guide and staff insurance
  • Sagarmatha National Park Fee
  • Gamow Bag (High altitude pressure chamber)

Price does not include:

  • Your international airfare
  • Nepal Visa
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you)
  • Your travel insurance (Required)
  • And other expenses of a personal nature

Group at Everest Base Camp

Photo: Our trekking group of Germans, British, Australian and Americans (with Nepali staff) at the Everest Base Camp - May 2011. (Photo courtesy: Perry Buck).

 

 

While historically the majority of our trekkers have been Americans, in 2011 we were happy to provide trekking services to significant number of British, Australian and German trekkers.

 

 

 

 

TO BOOK THIS TRIP:

A completed reservation form must be either faxed to us or scanned and emailed as an attachment.

Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com
Fax: 977 – 1- 4412647

You must also send us a non-refundable deposit of GBP/EURO/AUS$ 300 per person through bank transfer. Wire details will be provided. The balance must be paid on arrival, either in traveler’s checks, cash or by credit card (VISA card only). If you plan to pay by credit card, the payable amount will be converted to US$ and a 3% surcharge will be added.

Download reservation form (Word)»

Cancellation policy:

- Cancel 30 days prior to the beginning of the trip, deposit valid for any trip undertaken within a year with us in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India.
- Cancel 0 - 29 days, prior to the beginning of the trip, forfeit trip deposit.
- No refunds once trek begins.

Currency of payment:

Prices are guaranteed. You may choose to pay in US$ or your country's currency. If you pay by credit card, you will be charged in US$. A 4% transaction fee applies for credit card transactions.

North American clients:

Please book this trip with our US based sister company - Grand Asian Journeys. (Separate booking and cancellation policy applies.)

Grand Asian Journeys
PO Box 608
Indianola, WA 98342
Toll Free: 1-888-586-7750
Email: info@grandasianjourneys.com

Altitude sickness

The Everest Base Camp trek does involve sleeping and hiking at high altitude. We will, as we do for all high-altitude treks, provide a GAMOW bag for the Everest Base Camp trek.  A GAMOW bag is a portable hyperbaric chamber that looks like an inflatable extra-large sleeping bag. The effective altitude inside the inflated GAMOW bag is about 5000 feet lower than the altitude you are at; it has been very effective in the past in relieving headaches and other symptoms of altitude sickness.

Everest Base Camp Trek videos

Plane landing in Lukla.

Links to Perry Buck's May 2011 Everest Base Camp Trek video journal on You Tube:

- Everest Diary Part I
- Everest Diary Part II

REFERENCES:

Crystal Mountain Treks organizes treks and tours in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet for hundreds of satisfied travelers every year. Our previous trekking clients have included travellers from the USA, UK, Australia, France, Germany and Russia. Feel free to ask us for references who can tell you about their experience with us. We may be able to get you in touch with a previous client from your native country.

TREK RATING:

The Everest Base Camp trek is rated strenuous and involves trekking at high altitude (4 on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being easy and 5 being challenging). Highest altitude reached on this trek is 5,545m/18,192 ft. at the summit of Kalapathar. Highest overnight elevation is 5,160m/17,100 ft. at Gorakshep. The entire trip involves a lot of up and down. Physical conditioning is required. Nothing prepares you for hiking like hiking. So besides hitting the tread-mill or the stair-master at the gym, do include hiking in your training regimen which should begin at least two months prior to the trek if not earlier.

No technical climbing experience is required for participation on this trip.

WHY BOOK WITH CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN?:

There are over 500 and counting trekking companies in Nepal plus numerous adventure companies based outside of Nepal selling treks in Nepal. We are aware that you have lots of options. But, we believe there are reasons we stand out from our competitors. Our most compelling argument is that we provide the BEST VALUE. When you book with us, cost of all your meals on your trek are included. You may choose anything or any amount from the menu. A lot of trekking companies have hidden costs - cost of meals while on the trek are not included. Or if they are included, you can only order one/two items. Prices at lodges in the Everest region are highly inflated and each meal can cost more than GBP 5 per person on average meaning an additional GBP 150 per person on the full Everest Base Camp Trek. Also, we provide boiled water for your water bottles at breakfast, lunch and dinner. With other companies, this would be extra (GBP 3 - GBP 6 at Gorakshep - for one liter of water). All these costs add up very quickly. With us, you also see and experience more than the average trekker. All our guides and managers are passionate about our work and our country. OUR GUIDES ARE OUR BIGGEST ASSETS. We enjoy showing and sharing our country with you. Just ask our previous clients who've all become our friends. We've listed more reasons why we are different here...

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK OUR COMPETITORS:

- Is boiled water for drinking provided? Is it included in the trek cost?
- Can I order as much water as I need or is the per day quantity limited?
- Are all my meals on the trek included?
- Can I order as many items from the menu? Or am I only limited to certain items?
- What if I am still hungry because the potions are small? And I need the extra fuel at altitude.
- Is a Gamow Bag (Pressurized altitude chamber) provided?
- Are the porters provided meals? Or do they have to buy their own meals?
- What kind of gear do you provide the porters?
- Are the porters provided with good hiking boots? Or do you only provide canvas or army shoes?
- Are the staff insured?
- If required will you pay for staff helicopter evacuation which I understand Nepali insurance companies don't cover?

While these issues may sound trivial on paper, these are all very important once you are on the ground and trekking. Ask our previous clients what they think about these issues and what we deliver. Upon request, we are glad to provide references from the UK, Australia, Germany, USA and Canada.

OTHER TREKS IN THE EVEREST REGION:

EQUIPMENT:

No technical climbing equipment is required for participation on the Everest Base Camp trek. A clothing list will be provided to you. We are also happy to provide duffel bags, down jackets and sleeping jackets for our clients for no charge. We do only have a limited stock and will provide these on a first-come, first-served basis.

FLYING TO NEPAL:

Flying from the UK:
Most economical options are either flying through Abi Dhabi (Etihad Airlines) or through Delhi (Jet Airways and Air India). Other options include flying through Bahrain on Gulf Air and through Doha on Qatar Airlines.

Flying from Australia:
Your best options are either flying through Bangkok (Thai Airways), through Singapore (Singapore Airlines), or through Delhi (Jet Airways).

Check out the following sites to compare prices for flights to Nepal:

www.kayak.com
www.sidestep.com
www.cheapoair.com

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

Proof of purchase of medical evacuation insurance is REQUIRED for participation on this trek. In case of acute mountain sickness (AMS) or other severe problems, the guide will contact us and we will arrange immediate evacuation by helicopter. Your helicopter evacuation and medical expenses can easily range from $5,000 to $12,000. It makes sense to purchase travel insurance.

While purchase of trip cancellation and interruption insurance is NOT required, it is HIGHLY recommended. Besides coverage for obvious reasons, it will also cover your added expenses if, due to bad weather, you are required to take a helicopter instead of a plane back to Kathmandu from Lukla.

NEPAL TREK PREPARATION:

Click on the link for useful information that should help you better plan/prepare for your trekking journey in Nepal. This page will be continually updated based on client feedback/experience: NEPAL TREK PREPARATION

QUESTIONS:

Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com

Phone
Land Line: + 977 1 4416813

Mobile phone: + 977 98410-00724

Or feel free to provide us your Skype address/telephone number and a time convenient for you and we would be glad to call you from Kathmandu to answer your questions.