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Overview
Map & Itinerary
Everest Base Camp Trek, an iconic journey on one of the most famous trail in the world offers never ending experience of natural opulence, geological supremacy and insightful cultural discovery.
Trip Highlights
- Journey to the base camp of world's highest mountain and Kalapathar
- Tread on path of Sir Edumnd Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
- Lively villages of legendary Sherpas
- 17 days of pure adventure with full support crew
Trip Overview
Trek to Everest Base Camp got its limelight when Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest for the first time in 1953 and ever since this has been the preferred choice for beginner climbers.
Our trip gets into gear with a warm-up tour of the ancient valley of Kathmandu before we embark on a fantastic mountain flight to the legendary airport built with the help of the famous mountaineer we all know as the late Sir Edmund Hillary, for whose namesake this famous trail of the Everest Base Camp was born. On touchdown at Lukla airport, we meet our senior guide and the other crew members, sort out our equipment and sooner than later, we hit these famous trails to the foothills of the king of all peaks – Mt. Everest. We begin our hike slow & easy by the banks of the clean waters of the Dudh Kosi River, into the soul of Sherpa country on to the thespian high alpine scenery beyond the horizons. We get of the primary trails sometimes and stroll into friendly villages, including the hustling bazaar of Namche. The village town of the Khumbu, Namche is the ideal spot to get well acclimatized; before we make a beeline on routes used by famous mountaineers to reach Everest Base Camp. Autumn and Spring are considered best season for Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar trek.
This trip takes us through Sherpa land past farmed fields and little but lively villages, we have time to acclimatize before reaching amazing high altitude scenery: the great monastery at Thyangboche, views of Ama Dablam, Everest and other grand Himalayan peaks. This trip is not only about Everest Base Camp; we also get the chance to climb Kala Pattar at (5545m) for fantastic views of Mount Everest. Highland Expeditions is proud to offer what we are real sure is the best trek available to Base Camp…in the sublime Khumbu region of Nepal.
Short of time and yet want to trek to Everest Base Camp? Check our Everest Base Camp Trek 14 Days
Why Highland Expeditions?
- Equipment (Down Jacket, Sleeping bag wt liner, Duffel bag) worth of USD 300 provided for trekking
- Comprehensive first aid kit with oxygen backup for all high altitude treks
- Satellite phone for emergency purpose
- Fully guided trek with an expert leader and team of dedicated staff
- Medical trained staff with English language proficiency
- All meals (B,L,D) and accommodation included on trek
- Reasonable price with no hidden cost
- High staff to client ratio on all trips
- Higher success ratioOutline Itinerary
- Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]
- Day 02 : Exploration of Kathmandu and trek preparation [1,350m/4,430ft]
- Day 03 : Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding [2,600m/8,531ft]
- Day 04 : Trek to Namche Bazar [3,450m/11,319ft]
- Day 05 : Rest and acclimatization day [3,450m/11,319ft]
- Day 06 : Trek to Deboche [3720 m/12,205ft]
- Day 07 : Trek to Dingboche [4,412m/14,475ft]
- Day 08 : Rest and acclimatization day
- Day 09 : Trek to Lobuche [4,910m/16,109ft]
- Day 10 : Trek to E.B.C [5,364m/17,559ft] and retrace back to Gorekshep [5,140m/16,864ft]
- Day 11 : Hike up to Kalapathar [5,545m/18,193ft] and retrace back to Pheriche
- Day 12 : Trek to Phortse [3,840m/12,598ft]
- Day 13 : Trek to Namche Bazar [3,450m/11,319ft]
- Day 14 : Trek to Lukla [2,800m/9187ft]
- Day 15 : Fly back to Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]
- Day 16 : In Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]
- Day 17 : International departure
Important Note: Your safety is of imperative concern while traveling with Highland Expeditions. Please take care to note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to your safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather or health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
Dates & Price
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Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions at the exit of arrival hall. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street
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Day 02 - Exploration of Kathmandu and trek preparation [1,350m/4,430ft]
Today we explore Kathmandu on an organized sightseeing tour. This will include a visit to the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. We also visit Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River and home to the most famous Hindu temple in the country. Here we will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) and pilgrims performing ritual bathing, and occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The cremation site here is used by the royal family and also for the simple man living next door. Your early afternoon will be free to relax in the hotel garden or visit Thamel for some curious shopping. You will be given your trek departure orientation in the evening by your trek leader at hotel lobby.
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Day 03 - Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding [2,600m/8,531ft]
After an early morning b/fast, we take the mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla on STOL aircraft. Flight time is about 35 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. At Lukla we are immediately overcome by the scale of the massive peaks that surround the village but this is only an indication of what is to come. After meeting the crew, we head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail and then stay overnight in Phakding.
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Day 04 - Trek to Namche Bazar [3,450m/11,319ft]
We will continue our journey along Dudhkoshi River which will take us through pine forest. After crossing suspension bridges at several points and passing through small settlements of Zapute, Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa, we will reach Monjo. Ahead of Monjo is the entry to the Sagarmatha National Park planned to look after and preserve the fragile mountain environment. Lowering down from the park, crossing another suspension bridge, we will proceed towards high Hillary Bridge located at the foot of the hill. Crossing this bridge, we will climb uphill to the Namche Bazaar. We can get view of Thamserku Mountain. If weather is clear, we can also have first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Kusum Khangru mountains. -
Day 05 - Rest and acclimatization day [3,450m/11,319ft]
We remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large protected hollow. After breakfast, there are a number of options: perhaps a hike up to Everest view hotel, Khumjung and Khunde, or walk towards Thame (3810m) above the beautiful Bhote Khola river valley, or a visit to the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. There is also a mountaineering display and details of the park’s flora and fauna. Your guides will be on hand to offer advice and escort you on your walks. -
Day 06 - Trek to Deboche [3720 m/12,205ft]
We will walk along the glacial water of Dudh Koshi River. The route offers views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and, Thamserku and Ama Dablam Mountains. Our journey continues through the colorful forest of blooming rhododendron to Sanasa. The region is rich in wildlife including musk deer and colorful pheasants. In Sanasa lies the junction point. One of the path leads us to the Gokyo valley while the other branches off to Everest Base Camp. We will take sharp climb to Tengboche monastery which is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. The journey rewards us with close-up views of many surrounding mountains. We will visit the monastery and walk through forest of birch and rhododendron to Deboche
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Day 07 - Trek to Dingboche [4,412m/14,475ft]
We hike through a few Chortens, mani walls and some small villages after which, we haul up for some grub and while enjoying our meals we savor some upfront views of Amadablam towering just above us; We trek via Pangboche, the highest of the true lasting settlements in the valley and reach the regular settlement, the final steepest climb of the day on our way to Dingboche. Agriculture is the chief occupation of locals in Dingboche. We can see fields enclosed by stonewall in Dingboche. Buckwheat, potatoes and barley are the major crops.
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Day 08 - Rest and acclimatization day
This is a day to haul up and rest without being idle. We can stroll around the village and get pally with the local folks with some interesting conversations. This will give us deep insights into the lifestyles and cultures of the local folks in this region. At the same time, we can also relish the landscapes that surround us and we can also catch up on some reading. Our acclimatizing gets a further boost with our hike to Chhukung village. We then do a steep climb up to Chhukung Ri at 5550m [if we feel like it] and as we top it with gasping breath we soon realize the gritty climb was worth the go; the rewards are as lovely as it comes with the natural beauty that greets us for our efforts, the jaw-dropping vistas of Cho Oyu at 8201m, Pumori at 7161m, the gigantic Lhotse wall at 8400m, Amadablam at 6812m, Makalu at 8481m & Baruntse at 7129m all put together set our hearts on top gear as it skips a beat while watching these massive peaks
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Day 09 - Trek to Lobuche [4,910m/16,109ft]
After crossing by some of the teahouses of Duglha, we plod higher onto the pretty risky moraine of the Khumbu glacier, passing a chain of stone monuments built in memory of Sherpas who have died on mountaineering expeditions to Mt Everest. From hereabouts, the trail lowers and goes by the west side of the valley to Lobuche. The sunset on Nuptse from this point is an amazing sight to behold. -
Day 10 - Trek to E.B.C [5,364m/17,559ft] and retrace back to Gorekshep [5,140m/16,864ft]
A real early start is required to reach the Everest Base Camp. It takes several hours as the trail weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the risky route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer's tents 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. On the return leg, we can take a higher route to get a grand view of the Khumbu icefall and the route to the South Col. We return to Gorakshep for a restful night. -
Day 11 - Hike up to Kalapathar [5,545m/18,193ft] and retrace back to Pheriche
Today is the most important part of our trip. We start early at dawn to catch the dramatic views from Kalapatthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mt. Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to expose itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kalapatthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding viewpoints to click pictures. After several hours of ascent, we reach Kalapatthar. From here, we scuttle to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kalapatthar rocks and our eyes take in the unbelievable Himalayan views, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we possibly can with our camera so they can last a lifetime. After this we make our way back to Pheriche with a slow descent; for a good night’s rest which we truly deserve. -
Day 12 - Trek to Phortse [3,840m/12,598ft]
Today we descend down, we revert on our previous route to Pangboche, we will descend from Pangboche and move through series of ups and downs to Phortse. Once again the views of the mountains are magnificent. Phortse can be seen across the valley, a picturesque village set in a patchwork of stone-walled fields. From the stupa we descend on a series of switchback trails to the Dudh Kosi River, 300m below, at Phortse Bridge where we spend our overnight -
Day 13 - Trek to Namche Bazar [3,450m/11,319ft]
We will take gentle descend to Phortse tenga which is a teahouse settlement. We will lower down from hill through the forest of pine and rhododendron. We will cross the wooden bridge over Dudhkoshi River and head towards Sanasa village. From here the trail contours high above the valley and its then a gradual walk to Namche Bazaar for an overnight stay. -
Day 14 - Trek to Lukla [2,800m/9187ft]
Our last day of trek following the Dudh Kosi River down to Lukla. It’s only a gradual walk along the Dudhkhosi river after our steep descent from Namche. We’ll have lunch on our way and we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. Rest of the day is free and you can relax under the warm sun & reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains that have probably helped us re-discover ourselves in ways least expected. This is our final day on these fantastic mountains. Later we celebrate our successful completion of trek with our Sherpa guides and porters who we’ve got to know so well & are now good friends. It’s a pleasure to end this wonderful trip on a happy note. We then slumber into blissful sleep. -
Day 15 - Fly back to Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]
We get up early in the morning, enjoy our b/fast & get ready for the arrival of our aircraft for the flight back to Katmandu. On our touchdown at the Kathmandu airport, we will be met by our office reps and transferred to your hotel. Rest of your day is free to do your own things. -
Day 16 - In Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]
Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or rest at hotel’s beautiful court-yard. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the ‘Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar Trek.’ While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions. -
Day 17 - International departure
Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.
Trip Info Media Gallery ReviewsGiven below are the fixed departure dates for this trip. If the dates don’t match with your schedule, then kindly let us know and we will arrange a private trip customizing the departure dates suitable for you. The cost below is per person on group joining basis excluding the international flights. Group discount is available for booking of two or more than two persons. Kindly contact us if you have a bigger group for the discount.
Trip Start Date Trip End Date Price 17 Sep, 2017 03 Oct, 2017 USD 1650 Available BOOK NOW 24 Sep, 2017 10 Oct, 2017 USD 1650 Available BOOK NOW 01 Oct, 2017 17 Oct, 2017 USD 1650 Available BOOK NOW 08 Oct, 2017 24 Oct, 2017 USD 1650 Sold out BOOK NOW 15 Oct, 2017 31 Oct, 2017 USD 1650 Available BOOK NOW 22 Oct, 2017 07 Nov, 2017 USD 1650 Available BOOK NOW 29 Oct, 2017 14 Nov, 2017 USD 1650 Available BOOK NOW 05 Nov, 2017 21 Nov, 2017 USD 1650 Sold out BOOK NOW 12 Nov, 2017 28 Nov, 2017 USD 1650 Available BOOK NOW 20 Nov, 2017 06 Dec, 2017 USD 1650 Available BOOK NOW 24 Nov, 2017 10 Dec, 2017 USD 1650 Limited Availability BOOK NOW Available BOOK NOW Book Now
My first time in Nepal and it was surely one of the best trip of my life and all this was possible only due to the expertise and great team of Highland Expeditions Nepal. Thank you for your great hospitality and this is only the start of great adventures ahead.
Thank you very much Highland Expeditions and entire trekking crew for making our journey to the Everest Base Camp a memorable one. The hospitality we received from Nepali people and by our guides in particular was incredible. We were well looked right after our arrival until the departure. Well done Highland Expeditions and i will be back.
An amazing 2 weeks walking holidays in Nepal with the fantastic team of Highland Expeditions. Thank you for making it brilliant and couldn’t speak more highly of the service you have provided.
Enjoyed the trek very much. The guide and team pay attention with a smile and they know the trail perfectly. Thanks a lot for everything.
Amazing trip from the start to the end. Team and guides are very professional, kind and attentive always. We really enjoyed this experience.
I definitely will recommend Highland Expeditions.
23 Jun
A photographic journey to Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp Trek, an iconic journey on one of the most famous trail in the world offers never ending experience of natural opulence, geological supremacy and insightful cultural discovery. […]
