This trip is similar to the Everest Base Camp Trek – just faster paced. You will complete the trek in 15 days rather than 19 days. The ascent is similar to the Everest Base Camp Trek program (minus one day at Dughla). But the descent to Lukla is in three days rather than five days.
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, hike to the Everest Base Camp the site from where every year hundreds of climbers attempt to reach the summit of the tallest peak in the world. Also climb Kalapathar (18,195 ft) for an up-close view of the south face of Everest. Return to Lukla via Khumjung, one of the largest Sherpa villages.
Our fast-paced Everest Base Camp Trek are all private trips for a date of your choosing.
We do understand that our cost is slightly higher than most Nepali operators but that is because our trips are all inclusive (we do NOT nickel-and-dime on services) and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. Contact us to learn more…
| Day | Description | Overnight | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 2 | Kathmandu – Phakding | Phakding | 2,651m/8,700ft |
| Day 3 | Phakding to Namche | Namche | 3,435m/11,270ft |
| Day 4 | Namche | Namche | 3,435m/11,270ft |
| Day 5 | Namche to Tengboche | Tengboche | 3,931m/12,900ft |
| Day 6 | Tengboche to Dingboche | Dingboche | 4,252m/13,950ft |
| Day 7 | Dingboche | Dingboche | 4,252m/13,950ft |
| Day 8 | Dingboche to Lobuche | Dughla | 4,640m/15,300ft |
| Day 9 | Lobuche to Gorakshep | Gorakshep | 5,212m/17,100ft |
| Day 10 | Gorakshep to Feriche | Feriche | 4,280m/14,100ft |
| Day 11 | Feriche to Namche | Namche | 3,435m/11,270ft |
| Day 12 | Namche to Lukla | Lukla | 2,835m/9,290ft |
| Day 13 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 14 | Explore Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 15 | Final Departure |
Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during dinner.
MEALS: D
Your day will start early today as most flights to Lukla are scheduled for the 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 Everest trek. 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.
DISTANCE: 8.11 kilometers/5.04 miles approximately
Ascent: 836 feet/255 meters
Descent: 1,424 feet/435 meters
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
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.
DISTANCE: 16.72 kilometers/10.39 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
PHAKDING TO JORSALLE (Lunch Stop)
DISTANCE: 10.5 kilometers/6.53 miles approximately
ASCENT: 2,325 feet/709 meters
DESCENT: 2,266 feet/691 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3.5 hours
JORSALLE TO NAMCHE
DISTANCE: 6.21 kilometers/3.86 miles approximately
ASCENT: 2,016 feet/615 meters
DESCENT: 81 feet/25 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 2.5 hours
Today is an acclimatization day. You are free to visit the National Park Museum for great views of Everest and Amadablam or just wander around Namche town.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
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.
DISTANCE: 10 kilometers/6.2 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
From 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.
DISTANCE: 10.6 kilometers/6.59 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
TENGBOCHE TO SOMARE (Lunch Stop)
DISTANCE: 6.32 kilometers/3.93 miles approximately
ASCENT: 1,310 feet/400 meters
DESCENT: 617 feet/188 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3 hours
SOMARE TO DINGBOCHE
DISTANCE: 4.33 kilometers/2.66 miles approximately
ASCENT: 935 feet/285 meters
DESCENT: 153 feet/46 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 2 hours
Rest day for acclimatization. Free to go for a day hike or to just relax
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
Take the high route over Feriche to Dughla. Ascend gently to the ridge above Dingboche for about 45 minutes. The trail then levels till you get on the steep switch-backs to Dughla. 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.
DISTANCE: 9.36 kilometers/5.82 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
DINBGOCHE TO DUGHLA (Lunch)
DISTANCE: 5.47 kilometers/3.4 miles approximately
ASCENT: 987 feet/300 meters
DESCENT: 197 feet/60 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3 hours
DUGHLA TO LOBUCHE
DISTANCE: 3.89 kilometers/2.42 miles approximately
ASCENT: 1,093 feet/333 meters
DESCENT: 150 feet/45 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 2.5 hours
Another short trek day to Gorakshep (2 hours). 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. The hike to Base Camp and back to Gorakshep can take upto 6 to 7 hours.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
LOBUCHE TO GORAKSHEP (Lunch)
DISTANCE: 5.18 kilometers/3.22 miles approximately
ASCENT: 908 feet/276 meters
DESCENT: 258 feet/78 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3 hours
GORAKSHEP TO EVEREST BASE CAMP TO GORAKSHEP (ROUNDTRIP)
DISTANCE: 7.29 kilometers/4.53 miles approximately
ASCENT: 1,112 feet/339 meters
DESCENT: 1,103 feet/336 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 4 to 5 hours
The trek to Kalapathar (18,195ft) 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.
DISTANCE: 12.52 kilometers/7.78 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
GORAKSHEP TO THUKLA (Lunch)
DISTANCE: 8.15 kilometers/5.07 miles approximately
ASCENT: 385 feet/117 meters
DESCENT: 2,120 feet/646 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3.5 hours
THUKLA TO FERICHE
DISTANCE: 4.36 kilometers/2.71 miles approximately
ASCENT: 0 feet/0 meters
DESCENT: 1,094 feet/334 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 2 hours
Descend sharply to the Dudh Koshi river and then ascend to Mong danda. Retrace trail to Namche.
DISTANCE: 20.4 kilometers/12.7 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
FERICHE TO TENGBOCHE (Lunch)
DISTANCE: 10.23 kilometers/6.36 miles approximately
ASCENT: 950 feet/290 meters
DESCENT: 2,064 feet/630 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 4 hours
TENGBOCHE TO NAMCHE
DISTANCE: 10.2 kilometers/6.34 miles approximately
ASCENT: 1,621 feet/495 meters
DESCENT: 2,846 feet/867 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 4 to 5 hours
Retrace trail to Monjo and to Lukla. A contingency day is included for possible health or weather delays.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
NAMCHE TO MONJO
DISTANCE: 6.17 kilometers/3.84 miles approximately
ASCENT: 350 feet/106 meters
DESCENT: 2,279 feet/695 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3 hours
MONJO TO PHAKDING
DISTANCE: 4.82 kilometers/3 miles approximately
ASCENT: 436 feet/133 meters
DESCENT: 1,034 feet/315 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 2 hours
PHAKDING TO LUKLA
DISTANCE: 8.11 kilometers/5.04 miles approximately
ASCENT: 1,424 feet/434 meters
DESCENT: 836 feet/254 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3.5 hours
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu. Day free in Kathmandu.
Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar.
MEALS: B
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 or similar.
MEALS: B,L,D
Transfer to airport for departure. (B)
Per person price (valid until December 31, 2020)
1 person: US$2,800
2 – 5 persons: US$2,240 per person
6 or more persons: US$1,960 per person
Single supplement: US$300
US$ 150 discount on this trek for 2019. Ask for promo code.
Payment policy:
Cancellation policy:
All airport transfers, One full day sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary and entrance fees to monuments. Three nights twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Tibet (3 star) in Kathmandu, Round trip airfare: Kathmandu to Lukla, Meals as indicated in the itinerary, Lodge trekking as indicated in the Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary, Three meals a day, Boiled water for your bottles two times a day, Use of Steripen to sterilize water, Guide and staff wages, equipment and meals, Guide and staff insurance, Sagarmatha National Park Fee, Solukhumbu Community Fee, Gamow Bag (High altitude pressure chamber)
Your international airfare, Nepal Visa, Meals not indicated in the itinerary, Tips and gratuities, Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you), Travel insurance (Required), Other expenses of a personal nature
If you don’t have 15 days to spare, we can shorten the trip by 3 days (total trip – 12 days) by arranging a helicopter to fly from Gorakshep to Kathmandu. This would be an additional $5,000 and would be a viable option if there are 3/4 participants in the group.
If you don’t want to do a fast-paced trek, we would recommend the 19 day Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary. The 19 day version has an extra day for the ascent and two additional days for the descent.
If you’re short on time but don’t wish to do a fast paced trek to high altitude, check out our Everest – Tengboche Monastery trek. This trek goes up to Tengboche Monastery with excellent views of Everest.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious trek with en suite rooms, Western toilets and daily showers, our Luxury Everest Trek is a good option for you. We use Everest Summit Lodges and Yeti Mountain Homes which are at a far superior standard than other lodges on the trail with a garden area, comfortable lounge and a professional staff.
If you have more time and wish to be more adventurous, check out our Ultimate Everest Trek that crosses the Cho La pass taking you from the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo lake and the Renjo La pass taking you from Gokyo lake to Thame. Both passes do not require any climbing skills though they can be icy at times.
If you’re looking to climb a Himalayan 20’er (first or otherwise), check out out our Island Peak climb.
And, YES, we would be happy to custom-design any of our program for you for a minimum of two participants.
I wanted to post a note on your website to say what an absolutely wonderful time we had on our trek and to recommend yourselves to others. We enjoyed the trip enormously and Manju is possibly the most patient and kindest man I have ever met – nothing was ever a problem for you or your team – thank you!
Jwalant,
Thank you again for everything.
The trip was an experience of a life time. Everything was so well organized. your staff are friendly and just awesome people to be around.
we change our trip around and they were able to assist in all our needs!
thank you again.
Igor Bekker
New York, NY
A quick note to thank you for all of your hospitality in Kathmandu and for organising such a great trek forus.
We will wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone wanting to do a trek in Nepal. Also, happy to provide references for potential trekkers.
Please pass on our regards to Budi and the other guys. Give us a shout if you’re ever visiting the UK.
