Nepal, Everest Base Camp Trek
Trek to Base Camp and up to Everest's breathtaking view-point of Kala Patthar at a dizzying 5545m whilst enjoying the friendly hospitality, enchanting monasteries and stunning panoramas of the Khumbu Valley, on this journey of a lifetime into the fascinating heartland of the Sherpa people
Everest Base Camp Trek
Imp Adventures Everest Base Camp Trek follows part of the classic route taken by most expeditions to Everest since the 1950’s. The trek starts from the remote and high altitude airstrip of Lukla, from where we will walk north east and ascend the Dudh Koshi valley to Namche Bazar, the bustling trade center of the Sherpa region.
We then trek via Tengboche Monastery, the biggest Buddhist monastery in the area and one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Nepal. We will then climb Kala Patthar (5545m) where we will have unobstructed views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many other Himalayan peaks & the impressive Khumbu Glacier.
We will then trek onto the Glacier and visit the legendary Everest Base Camp before trekking back to Lukla and our flight back to Kathmandu.
Trip Information
Dates & Prices: View Prices
Grading: D (more info)
No of People: 7-14
2021 Price Range: £2470
(inc flights and UK leader)
Charity Price: £4940
Book Trip
Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly London- Kathmandu
Day 2 - Arrival in Kathmandu - Free Day in Kathmandu to shop for last minute items and acclimmatise to the intense heat and the hussle and bustle of Nepalese life
Day 3 - Kathmandu - Lukla (2800m):
Temple in Kathmandu
An early morning transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight to Lukla. Flying time is approx 40 minutes and the landing at Kathmandu is one that you will not forget in a long time. lunch at our evenings lodgings, the ‘Himalaya Lodge’. After lunch we will visit the village Gompa (Buddhist monastery), of Lukla, and make an excursion to the villages of Kengma, Chaurikharka, and Mushey to visit schools, Gompas, and other interesting sights. Overnight at Himalaya Lodge.
Day 4 - Lukla - Jorsalle (2740m):
Today we head north to join the trail at Choplung and then along the Dudh Koshi valley to the village of Ghat, passing the villages of Ghat, Phakding and Benkar and following the trail
northwards up the valley to Jorsalle. Over night at a lodge in Jorsalle.
Day 5 - Jorsalle - Namche Bazar (3440m):
After breakfast we cross the Dudh Koshi river and follow the river. A steep ascent brings us to the principal Sherpa village of Namche Bazar. Stay at Namche Guest House.
Day 6 - Acclimatization
A days rest in Namche for acclimatization with a chance to visit the museum housed in the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters. Here there is a very interesting display on Sherpa traditional life and the flora, fauna and bird life of the park.
For the more energetic, there is also time to visit the ‘Everest View Hotel’ with its views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and the other magnificent peaks of the area.
Day 7 - Namche - Kumjung (3700m):
Fron Namche we head West for a short distance towards Gongla before heading North to climb to the spectacular viewpoint of the Edmund Hilary memorial. This lofty memorial to Sir Edmund and his wife and daughter who died in a tragic plane crash at Kathmandu airport in 1975, is one of the most fantastic view pints of the whole trek. We then descend to the unspoilt farming village of Kumjung were we stay at the charming Sherpa Land Lodge.
Day 8 - Kumjung - Deboche 3820m
From Kumjung we follow the main trail to Tengboche, descending gradually through Trashinga village to Phungi Thanga, a small settlement with several water-driven prayer wheels on the banks of the Dudh Koshi.
We lunch on the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. From Phungi the trail climbs steeply, then more gradually through forest up the hillside to Tengboche Monastery. The view from this spot is outstanding.The Gompa and its surroundings are well worth a visit. We then descend a short distance to Deboche where we stay at the Rivelden lodge.
Day 9 - Deboche-Dingboche (4410m):
We start the day by crossing a large open meadow, descending through a forest of Birches, Conifers and Rhododendron to cross the Imja Khola river. The trail now climbs up past some magnificently carved Mani walls to Pangboche Monastery 3900m, the oldest monastery in the region. Our route now takes us beyond the tree line. Much of the vegetation is scrub Juniper, tundra and Windflowers. We Pass several yak herders’ huts and climb over a small ridge before crossing the Khumbu Khola and ascending to Dingboche. Stay at a lodge here.
Day 10 - Dingboche - Pheriche 4240m (Acclimatization day)
Today we make the short but scenic traverse to Pheriche for our 2nd rest day. We have lunch at our fantastic accommodation besides the Himalayan Rescue Association Hospital in time for the 3 o'clock lecture on altitude and acclimatization.
Day 11 - Pheriche-Lobuche (4930m):
From Pheriche we proceed northwest across the flat floor of the valley draining the Tshola and Khumbu glaciers. The stone walled fields of Pheriche are the last we pass.
After two miles we turn right and start to climb the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glaciers. At lunchtime we reach Dhugla. From Dhugla the track climbs over the gargantuan chaos of the Khumbu glacier’s moraine. Eventually, it takes us to the left of the glacier and to the huts at Lobuche. Stay at a lodge.
Day 12 - Lobuche - Gorak Shep 5140m
After trekking up the moraines of the Khumbu glacier, with its simply stunning views we eventually reach the remote outpost of Gorak Shep, following a hearty lunch and a well deserved rest we depart at approx 1530 hrs to make the steep but scenic climb up to the spectacular viewpoint of Kala Patthar 5550m and its outstanding views of Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, Tawache, Pumori Gyachung Kang and the Khumbu Icefall and glacier etc. From Kala Patthar we then descend to Gorak Shep and spend the night there.
Day 13 - Gorak Shep - Base Camp - Pheriche 4240m
After a good nights rest and a good breakfast we trek along the rocky moraines of the Khumbu glacier to visit the final destination of our trek and the amazing location that is Everest Base Camp 5364m. Though of interest, this location is not as spectacular as the ascent of Kala Patthar as there are no views of Everest, but there is a possibility of meeting/visiting famous climbers and their camps and the location and views of the impressive Khumbu icefall and surrounding peaks are truly outstanding.
Return to Gorak shep and onto Pheriche. Over night at a lodge.
Day 14 – Pheriche -Namche Bazar (3440m):
From Pheriche, we walk back along our route in one very long and hard day to arrive back at Pheriche by mid afternoon were we can look forward to a proper shower and bed and the comforts of Namche Bazars many coffee and cake shops.
Day 15. Rest day in Namche Bazar 3440m.
Day 16 – Namche - Lukla:
We follow the Dudh Koshi River downstream until after Ghat, when we start to come up the side of the valley to reach Lukla. Overnight at Himalaya Lodge.
Day 17. Fly back to Katmandu, transfer to Hotel.
Day 18/19/
Free Days in Kathmandu. (City tour of Monkey Temple and Durbur Square)
Day 20/21
Transfer to airport for onward flight back to UK.
What's Included
Flights & Internal flights to Lukla rtn
All internal transport and transfers
All park passes and permits and conservation fees
Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu before and after the trip on a B and B basis sharing a twin room including welcome dinner and celebration dinner at end.
All accommodation and food during the trek on a full board sharing basis (set breakfasts and lunches and a-la-carte dinners if available)
Professional English Mountain guides who are experienced in High Altitude Travel and current and competent first aiders.
Local Guides and Sherpa porters and Yak's to transport main baggage etc
Communications equipment (sat phone) in case of emergency / and Portable Hyperbaric Chamber / First Aid kits
Not included
Lunch/dinner in Kathmandu and beverages throughout (less boiled water on trek)
Airport taxes and Visas
Rescue evacuation, extra road transport/ flight cost incase any member returns earlier, any donation or extra fees, expenses incurred due to unforeseeable circumstances.
Tips and Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Preparation
The Everest Base Camp trek is a serious 'High Altitude' expedition. Whilst everything that can be done to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) will be done, individuals react differently to altitude and as such may have to return to a lower altitude if ill, thereby forfeiting their adventure.
Participants should prepare well for this trek, both physically and mentally and as a guide should be capable of walking for 6-7 hours daily over rocky and undulating terrain at altitude carrying a light pack. A full clothing and equipment list will be sent out to all participants on booking.
All participants will be required to attend a pre expedition briefing prior to departure.
Notes
Having guided this trek several times now I am 100% confident that the above itinerary is the best option for ensuring everybody makes EBC and Kala Pathar with two essential acclimatisation days on the ascent and one on the return leg, these can also be used in case of bad weather or illness which often sees less prepared groups missing out on Base Camp success.
Acclimatisation is vital to any EBC attempt and the key to this is a gradual height gain with essential acclimatisation days added in where appropriate, on this trip your oxygen saturation stats will be monitored each night and action taken if necessary to ensure that you are on track for EBC success. Your leader has been to high altitude (over 5000m) more than 50 times with groups so is very experienced in managing altitude related problems)
The overnight tea houses are the most comfortable on the trek and have been used numerous times by Imp Adventures ensuring that each night we have hot showers and internet (small charge) and our own ‘a la carte’ choice of meal each day (unlike other larger treks who have to all eat the same choice each night due to numbers etc)
Imp Adventures have been using the same excellent local Ground Agent for 10 years now and have always been treated to the most fantastic service and best logistics and local guides and Sherpas availible both on the trail and back in Kathmandu. Time will be made prior to the trek for participants to buy quality Down Sleeping Bags and Down trekking jackets at bargain rates if required.
Clothing and Equipment
EVEREST BASE CAMP CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
The following is only a recommended guide to what you should consider bringing. You will have to decide what you feel is essential. Each participant is restricted to one piece of luggage and one small daypack for the trek. There is a weight restriction for your luggage on the flight to Lukla of 15kg per person but excess baggage charges are not too costly so I would suggest 20kg max between both bags. Excess luggage can be left in Kathmandu hotel on arrival.
Please remember to wear your hiking boots on the plane, as in the unlikely event of your luggage going missing you will still be able to continue with the Challenge.
Footwear
Gortex fabric above ankle hiking boots – water repellent and fully broken in (Berghaus Explorer are ideal)
Waterproof Gaitors in case of deep snow (see my pics on fb)
Approach shoes or light footwear for use in the evenings in Kathmandu.
Sandals or Teevas for use on trek (most people just use their trekking boots)
6 pairs of new medium weight merino wool trekking socks
Clothing
Gortex style waterproof shell jacket with hood - essential
Trekking trousers x 2 and shorts x 2 for the warmer days (Craghoppers Kiwi Stretch are perfect)
Waterproof Goretex / Event trekking trousers - essential (Berghaus Paclite are ideal)
Down or insulated jacket (suitable to -10 which can be purchased on arrival in Kathmandu for 30-50 US Dollars)
Warm fleece casual jacket or wind-shirt
2 x fleece mid layer tops, or substitute one for a ‘hoodie’
3 x long sleeved synthetic or merino wool base layers shirts
3 x short sleeved synthetic or merino wool trekking shirts mixed
Lightweight synthetic or merino wool thermal long-johns + top
Fleece leisure trousers for casual use in huts and rooms as COLD (can buy in Kathmandu / Namche on arrival)
6+ pairs synthetic (not cotton) underwear
1 x very warm pair of down mitts (Can buy in Kathmandu on arrival $10-20)
1 x pair of lightweight wind-stopper fleece gloves
Warm fleecy hat with ear cover (can buy in Kathmandu v cheap)
Peaked/ wide brimmed hat – essential (for sun protection)
Thin skullcap hat to wear in bed (yes its that cold)
Casual clothes for celebration dinner/hotels/travel (can be left at the hotel to avoid carrying on the mountain) – bring fold-up bag to store these in hotel.
Swimsuit (hotel pool at END of trip if you're brave!)
Face mask to prevent Khumbu Cough and dust ingress on trek (We will buy in Kathmandu)
Equipment
100+ liter tarpaulin duffle bag (waterproof bin bags inside for clothing etc)
30 liter small rucksack for carrying personal items on trekking days, with a waterproof liner bag
4 season v warm sleeping bag (Can buy a down -20/30 QUALITY down sleeping bag in Kathmandu for $80-150 on arrival)
Bin liners/waterproof rucksack liners and 'pack it cubes' to keep clothing/equipment dry and to organize equipment into – essential packs
Travel towel
Trekking poles - optional (not recommended)
1 liter wide-mouth nalgene water bottle – essential as bladders freeze above 5000m
Water bladder in addition to bottles if required (not recommended)
LED head torch with spare batteries - essential
Sunglasses with 100% UV protection - essential
Camera with spare lithium batteries and memory cards (charger)
IPod/MP3 Player for traveling / resting
Earplugs
Travel pillow
Electric travel adaptor 2-pin plus booster storage battery if required
Snacks for trekking days (these can be purchased in Kathmandu supermarket)
If picky about eating Nepalese spicy dishes and curry then I suggest bring approx 8 x tins of assorted Tuna, Salmon, Spam, Corned Beef, Pilchards etc.
Mobile telephone with charger and spare battery – (signal good on trail in most places and paid wifi available in most huts)
Combination padlock for large bag
Toiletries
Anti-bacterial alcohol hand gel - essential
Wet wipes for personal hygiene
Toothbrush in plastic case & paste for rucksack
Toilet paper (handy hankies) 10+ packets!
Feminine hygiene products
Sun screen (at least factor 30+), lip balm & after sun / moisturiser
Contact lenses & solutions for wearers. A pair of glasses as back up.
Shampoo and shower products for the hotel and Teahouses
Insect repellent
razor / battery razor
deodorant
Personal first aid kit
Any personal medication that has been prescribed by a GP or clinic
Paracetamol / Ibuprofen / Aspirin (lots)
Diamox tablets for those who have consulted a GP/clinic. See altitude section
Anti-diarrhea tablets (Imodium)
Antihistamines
Plasters / Compeed / blister kit / tweezers / eye drops /
Antiseptic cream
Throat lozenges + Throat medicine –essential to prevent ‘Khumbu Cough’
Flu capsules, Night Nurse / Day nurse - essential
Broad Spectrum Antibiotics such as Ciprofloxin (8 x 500mg capsules)
Rehydration powder (Dioralyte)
Knee supports if needed
Notebook and pen
Documents
Passport and photocopy of passport
Insurance policy and spare photocopy for Nepalese agents.
2 x passport-sized photos
Visa for Nepal – essential (purchased on arrival)
US dollars (we recommend that each person takes approx US$500 + tip money ($100) in mixed small denominations
Travel Insurance certificate and 24hour emergency contact telephone numbers for insurance company
Credit card (visa or MasterCard)
At least 1 (preferably 2) good books or Kindle
Items of interest for local kids and porters – last group bought Halloween Masks, which our guides and kids loved. Bubble blowers, coloring in books and pens etc, board games, cards, action-men, dolls, toys, anything that the kids in the Tea-houses will be impressed with. Aged from 3-16yr old.
Hip Flask for odd tipple if required !!!! (I take a half bottle of Jura)
Travel umbrella (can purchase in Lukla)
