Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek

Grading: 5-6 (Challenging)

Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek is considered challenging due to high altitudes. The trail is relatively easier following good paths and yak trails but due to the increasing altitude, it’s graded challenging. The trek reaches a maximum elevation of 5545m/18,193ft at Kalapathar with a maximum overnight elevation of 5140m/16,865ft at Gorekshep.

Please be prepared to walk for 6-7 hrs every day on average carrying your backpack, which will consist of your valuable items, water, extra fleece, snacks etc. The trek is challenging and it is a longer trek reaching up to an elevation of 5500m where some of the famous mountaineering Base Camps are located and you need to sleep at an elevation of 5000m+ for 1 night at Gorekshep

No previous experience of trekking is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and adaptable to high altitude conditions. Having a previous experience is definitely beneficial but it is not must to participate for this trip. All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. We strongly advise you to prepare yourself for the trip at least 3 months prior to your trip date by doing regular exercises, going on hiking, running or gym. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable you will find the experience of trekking. All our trip itinerary has been devised keeping every aspect in mind and allows ample time for acclimatization.

All meals are included during the trek from Day 03 to Day 12. We will provide three meals a day (B, L, D) during the trek. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat, Momo (Dumpling) to pizza and apple pie. Despite the fact that meat is available in the teahouses, we prompt against eating it on the trek. The meat has frequently been conveyed in the warmth from lower elevations for a few days before arriving at the teahouses and can cause stomach upsets or disease. During the trek, Breakfast and Dinner will be served at the teahouse/lodge where you stay and Lunch will be along the way.

If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know in advance and we will be sure to pass your message to your guide. For a gluten-free diet, we highly recommend you to bring extra foods especially for breakfast as your options for the breakfast will be limited. Meals worth USD 600-700 are included on this trip. In Kathmandu, only breakfast will be provided to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where what and with whom to eat for lunch and dinner.

Everest Base Camp Trek is a premier trek that most ardent backpackers, hikers, and lovers of wild places aspire to. The trek is graded challenging and training yourself well ahead will definitely improve your performance during the trek. Answering this question can be a challenge because everyone is starting from a different base of fitness, age, lifestyle, and diet (what you eat on a daily basis).

Always consult with your doctor first to establish if you are healthy enough for the challenges of all-day trekking at high elevation for over a week. Once cleared for takeoff, so to speak, consulting with a qualified trainer, and a nutritionist may also prove beneficial, though many do not.

Read this to find out more about how to train for Everest base camp trek. This is an outline prepared to offer some guidance and tips as to how to begin training for Everest base camp trek.

5-star Hotel: 3 Nights, Luxury Lodge: 4 Nights, Teahouse/Lodge: 4 Nights

Kathmandu: 
In Kathmandu, we stay at Hotel Marriott or a similar category. Located in the vibrant city center, near shopping, dining, and attractions, Marriott Kathmandu Hotel offers modern design, 5-star service, and deluxe amenities. Breakfast will be provided in the hotel and your accommodation will be on twin twin-sharing basis, and if you would like to have a single room, upon request you are required to pay a single supplement price as stated in the trip costing. Regardless of whether you’re coming back from the mountains or touching base from the airport, Marriott Kathmandu offers an unrivaled experience with its luxurious facilities.

On Trek:
Our luxury treks are accommodated in the Mountain Lodges of Nepal for three nights at Phakding and Namche. These hotels provide indulgent comforts such as heated beds, en suite bathrooms, spacious rooms with high-quality cuisine, and very warm Sherpa hospitality. All of which are considered luxury in this part of the world. We will stay three nights at the luxury lodges in Phakding and Namche.

Higher above from Namche, your accommodation will be on a semi-luxury lodge for 1 night at Deboche and standard teahouses/lodges with attached/private bathroom for 2 nights at Dingboche and standard teahouses/lodges with common bathroom for 2 nights at Lobuche and Gorekshep. Rooms are fairly basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets but with a wonderful view from your window. All the teahouses/lodges have a spacious warm dining room-lounge. Blankets are generally provided by the teahouse but we will provide a warm sleeping bag to everyone.

Single Supplement:
A single supplement will be charged if someone wishes to have their room. Especially when traveling in a group, we will always pair you with someone of the same sex and similar age to share the room with. A Single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room and it will cost USD 900 per person. A single supplement is only available in Kathmandu and on the luxury lodges on the trek for three nights at Phakding and Namche. Higher above Namche, there is a limited amount of lodging available and during busy months it’s generally impossible to arrange private rooms. This is the case even if you’re willing to pay extra since the lodge owners will not give out a private room if it means someone else goes without a room.

Discover the top reasons why trekking with Highland Expeditions is as rewarding and inspiring as choosing Nepal as your dream holiday destination:

• Safety First: Your safety is our highest priority, and exceptional service is at the core of everything we do. Read more about Safety with Highland Expeditions
• Small Group Sizes: Our group sizes are typically small, with an average of 5-6 participants per group. This ensures a more personalized experience and allows you to connect with like-minded travelers who share your passion for adventureEnjoy personalized attention and a more intimate trekking experience with our small group sizes.
• All-Inclusive Treks: Our trips are all-inclusive, covering everything you need for a seamless experience. This includes accommodations, meals during the trek, permits, staff, transportation, airfare, helicopter fares, and more. With all the details taken care of, you can focus entirely on enjoying your trek without having to worry about anything. We handle all the details, so you can focus on the adventure
• High Success Rate: With our experienced team and strategic planning, your journey has a significantly higher chance of success. We have maintained an impressive success rate of over 98% on our high-altitude trips and have successfully guided adventurers ranging in age from 12 to 78 years
• Financial Security: Book with confidence knowing your investment is protected. We are a high altitude adventure travel company, fully licensed and registered under the Nepal government rules and regulations for tourism.
• Complimentary Gears: We provide free use of down jackets, sleeping bags, and waterproof duffel bags to ensure you’re well-equipped for your adventure. This saves you from purchasing gear for just one trip. All our equipment is high-quality and thoroughly cleaned after every use for your comfort and safety.
• Expert Guides: We take great pride in the team of guides we have got. All our guides are medically trained and speak English fluently.
• Oxygen Bottle: On all our high altitude trips including Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek, a comprehensive first aid kit with backup oxygen is carried, providing an additional safety measure for clients in case of altitude-related emergencies. We carry our own oxygen bottle to ensure they are readily accessible whenever needed. Unlike others who may depend on external sources or charge extra for oxygen during emergencies, we include it as part of our comprehensive safety measures
• 24/7 Support: A dedicated support team in Kathmandu is always available to assist during your trip. During peak season time we have team on standby 24/7 for any support in Kathmandu and Lukla
• High Staff-to-Client Ratio: We maintain a high staff-to-client ratio on our trips to ensure you receive personalized support and attention while enjoying the company of fellow travelers. This also ensures your journey continues smoothly, even if other participants need to turn back or leave the trip for any reason.

Our Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek includes a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu, so you don’t need to drive to Ramechap airport. While most trekkers drive 5-6 hrs to Ramechap to catch a plane flight to Lukla, this trip avoids that and gives you a more comfortable and guaranteed start to your trek with a helicopter flight to Lukla from Kathmandu.

Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of the group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate the trip is 2 and the maximum is 12 people.

The best seasons to trek to the Everest region are Autumn (from mid-September till the end of November) and Spring (beginning of March until mid-May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you ascend higher every day. The nights are cold (between -10C to 5C) and the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 20C).  Mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up in the afternoon and disappearing at night.

Read more about the best time: https://highlandexpeditions.com/best-time-to-visit-nepal/

It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. Carry proof of your insurance with you on the holiday and leave a copy next to your kin. You must ensure that your insurance provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved.

More information: Travel Insurance

We offer hot-boiled water for drinking purposes on our treks to minimize the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles. Please remember to bring a reusable water bottle or Thermos that can withstand hot water, and feel free to ask our guides to refill it during meal times, particularly at breakfast and dinner.

While bottled water is available at lodges, prices may range from USD 1 to USD 3 as we ascend in altitude. Alternatively, you can bring water purification tablets or a filtration device for your convenience.

Daily wake up calls will be between 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. The wake-up time and breakfast time will be decided a night before during the briefing time. The time table for each day will entirely depend on your walking duration for that particular day.

After a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. Before breakfast, you are required to pack your duffel bag as it will be loaded by the porter while you are having your breakfast. After 3-4 hours of walk, we stop for lunch mid-day.  The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, to wash your clothes or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days, we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.

Our luxury Everest base camp trek follows a careful approach with ample time for acclimatization, less trodden route and breathtaking sceneries along the way. With over 30 years of experience in trekking and climbing in the Himalayas, we have carefully tailored each of our itineraries. We put a lot of care into all the details when it comes to executing any of your ventures. Safety is always a priority while travelling with Highland Expeditions and we have applied this strictly on our approach.

Safety is always a priority while travelling with Highland Expeditions. Our Everest base camp trek itinerary is devised keeping every aspect in mind, allowing proper acclimatization, rest days and walking hours. On all our Everest base camp trek, we send supplementary oxygen system and a comprehensive medical kit be it a group of 1 or 12. Besides, we also have a high staff to client ratio on all our treks.

You will only carry your day pack carrying the essential items (Water, Cameras, Extra Fleece, Rain jacket, Sunscreen, Snacks, Valuable Items etc.) that you may need during the walk. The rest of your stuff will be carried by the porter. We provide 1 porter to every 2 participants and we also provide a duffel bag to put your trekking gear.

Each client will receive an individual duffel bag for packing their gear. Our duffel bags have an approximate capacity of 80 liters, and we kindly ask clients to ensure that their duffel bag weight remains under 15 kgs. The baggage allowance for Nepal’s domestic airlines is a total of 15 kg (10 kgs for the duffel bag and 5 kgs for the backpack) but we can offer additional baggage allowance. We request clients to keep the duffel bag weight under 15 kgs due to porter weight restrictions, allowing maximum of 30 kgs weight per porter.

During the trek, clients are required to carry only a day pack containing essentials such as a water bottle, camera, sunscreen, spare jacket, etc. This light load ensures a more enjoyable trekking experience. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will provide clients with a duffel bag, and any additional luggage or items not needed during the trek can be left at the hotel in Kathmandu.

We possess a deep passion for alpine adventure & the outdoors, and with the small professional group we have on board, we’ve notched up experience that spans almost 3 decades on some of the most isolated trails and highest peaks. We take great pride in calling ourselves a ‘high-altitude adventure specialist’ and all this is due to our diverse and qualified team of guides. Most of our guides were born in these parts & have relatives living in other parts of the regions where they were born.

Your trip will be led by a qualified guide with 1 porter for every 2 participants and 1 assistant guide for every 3 participants. Our guides are not only there to navigate the path for you but also to share their experiences and craft a memorable journey.

Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this trip please check our departures section for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people. If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list, we are ready to tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to get you on the trip you want, when you want.

Yes, the Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek is suitable for families. It includes helicopter flights both ways, all-inclusive service with meals, 5-star accommodation in Kathmandu, comfortable lodges along the trail, and experienced guides with a high staff-to-guest ratio. In 2023 and 2024, nearly 20 families completed this trek and consistently gave it a 5-star rating.

We work exclusively with Nepal’s most experienced and safety-certified helicopter operators to ensure reliable flight operations in the mountains. While there are around 12 helicopter companies in Nepal with approximately 35 aircraft in total, we selectively partner only with those maintaining the highest safety ratings. Unlike many providers who choose lower-cost options to cut trip prices, we prioritize your safety and experience by partnering directly with trusted operators and reviewing their safety audit reports. Our flights are given high priority status, which makes a significant difference when weather causes delays or cancellations. This allows for more dependable mountain access and a smoother start and end to your journey.

Please note that in cases of emergency evacuation or prolonged weather disruptions, Highland Expeditions may not have control over the specific helicopter used. Some aircraft may be outside our regular partnerships and may not meet our internal safety audit standards.

Passport: All foreign visitors to Nepal must possess a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity beyond their planned departure date.

Visa: Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) or you can obtain Nepal visa prior to your arrival through the Nepalese embassies, diplomatic missions and consulates near your location. Nepal Visa is also issued at the entry points if you are entering Nepal by land.

Visa Fees: Nepal visa fees are listed below as per the duration.

Multiple entry 15 days – US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days – US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days – US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency

Important Note: It is always advisable to verify the visa requirements upon booking your trip. Visa requirements may vary depending on where you are from and its also recommended to check the transit country requirements as well.

While we share this information in good faith, it is crucial for you to independently verify it and acknowledge that you bear full responsibility for your visa requirements.

Point of Arrival:
Your point of arrival should be Tribhuvan International Airport  located in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Meeting Instructions:
Your meeting point is at Kathmandu’s airport, Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Airport, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), kindly pay your visa fee and proceed to immigration to apply for VOA (Visa On Arrival), customs clearing and then collect your luggage. Outside the arrival hall, please look out for our team member holding a placard stating ‘Highland Expeditions ’ and you will be escorted to your hotel for checking in.

Airport Pickup and Drop:
We will provide airport pickup and drop-off according to your flight schedule. Your airport transfers are organized based on the flight information you provide to us. If there is a change in your flight schedule, please inform us promptly, and we will adjust the transfers accordingly. Upon arrival, please be on the lookout for our team member holding a placard that reads ‘Highland Expeditions’ in the arrival area. You will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Similarly, for your departure, we will take you to the airport in accordance with your flight schedule.

Emergency Contact for Airport Transfers: +9779860763929 (Dawa Sherpa)