Everest Base Camp Trek
Duration: 16 Days
Difficulty: Grade 5
Cost: £2,750
Deposit: £275
Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas, Everest Base Camp stands as a beacon of adventure and endurance, challenging those who dare to tread its rugged terrain. At a breathtaking altitude of 5,280 meters, it’s served as the launch pad for countless mountaineering expeditions and the backdrop to iconic tales of climbing among the highest peaks of the world.
Our journey through the Khumbu region is a destination in its own right, for thirteen exhilarating days, we traverse the iconic trails, immersing ourselves in its ancient Buddhist culture and stunning natural beauty. From lush rhododendron forests to picturesque Sherpa villages, each step takes us higher into the Himalayas where the air becomes thinner and we are surrounded by giants.
Guiding us every step of the way are our seasoned Sherpa guides, whose intimate knowledge of the Himalayas is matched only by their boundless passion for the mountains. Their expertise ensures our safety and comfort, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the awe-inspiring surroundings of the Sagarmatha National Park.
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You will be met at the airport and have a short drive to reach our hotel in the bustling centre of Kathmandu. Today is a day to rest after your journey as well as a day to meet your guides and fellow travellers.
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After a stunning flight to Lukla, we begin our journey towards Everest base camp with a steady hike to Phakding, passing through bustling Sherpa villages and terraced farms while following the Dudh Koshi River.
Distance: 7.5km
Total ascent: 190m
Total descent: 400m
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We continue along the Duhd Koshi River crossing it five times on suspension bridges with the final bridge being the famous 135m high Hillary Bridge.
After the bridge it is a steep ascent to reach the lively town of Namche Bazaar, considered to be the capital of Sherpa culture.
Distance: 11km
Total ascent: 1,280m
Total descent: 480m
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Today we go for a short hike around Namche Bazaar in the morning and hopefully get our first views of Mount Everest. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the cafes and shops or relax while taking in the views.
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As we leave Namche and begin our hike we are met with views of Ama Dablam towering over us as well as the south face of Lhotse and Everest.
We travel through the village of Mong, the birthplace of Lame Sange Dorje, where we stop for lunch before crossing the Dudh Koshi River and the final ascent to Phortse, our home for the night.
Distance: 10.5km
Total ascent: 850m
Total Descent: 470m
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As we leave Phortse we traverse a balcony trail to Pangboche where we can visit the oldest Gompa in the Khumbu region. As our trek continues along the valley, ascending towards Dingbouche we leave the trees behind us, heading into higher altitudes.
Distance: 14km
Total ascent: 1,200m
Total descent: 700m
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Today is our second rest day to help us acclimatise to the high altitude. We go for another short walk in the morning followed by an afternoon of sampling cake at one of the many bakeries and cafes in Dingbouche. Alternatively, you can challenge the Sherpas to a game of snooker on one of the full-sized snooker tables in Dingbouche while questioning how they managed to get them up there.
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As we make our way towards the Thukla pass, we leave Dingbouche and follow another stunning balcony trail with panoramic views of multiple 6000m peaks. After a steep ascent, we reach the Everest Climbers’ Memorial before our final couple of kilometres into Lobuch. At almost 5,000m we are very much in the high Himalayas and the excitement of being surrounded by big mountains is present.
Distance: 8km
Total ascent: 660m
Total descent: 60m
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As we follow the Khumbu Glacier we travel along the lateral moraine on an uneven trail catching glimpses of base camp as we go. We pass Gorak Shep and stop for a lunch break before our final leg to base camp. As we get closer to base camp the legendary Khumbu Icefall comes into view shortly before we drop down onto the glacier and reach base camp. Upon reaching base camp, we celebrate our achievements while being surrounded by the world’s highest mountains.
It’s then time to retrace our steps back along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep where we spend the night.
Distance: 11.5km
Total ascent: 430m
Total descent: 190m
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Today there is the option to rise early and hike to the summit of Kala Patthar 5,645m. With 460m of ascent, Kala Patthar is certainly not easy, however, those who go for it are rewarded with incredible views of Everest bathed in the pink and yellow glow of sunrise.
After breakfast at Gorak Shep, we begin our descent back to Thukla where we break away from the trail we ascended and head down to our home for the night in Pheriche at 4,270m. Having descended almost 1000m from Gorak Shep we can feel the benefits of the thicker air.
Distance: 12km
Ascent: 70m
Descent: 1,020
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Today is always a special day for the group as we descend bellow 4,000m and back into the trees.
We have the chance to join the monks for their afternoon prayers at the Tengboche Monastery, the most important monastery in the Khumbu region.
On a clear day, we can look back up the valley to see the south face of Lhotse and the summit of Everest.
Distance: 10.5km
Total ascent: 370m
Total descent: 770m
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We descend sharply from Tengboche to the Dudh Koshi River before a steep ascent takes us back onto a familiar trail. Following this trail back to the comfort of Namche Bazaar, we spend the afternoon relaxing in one of the many cafes reflecting on the adventures of the last few days.
Distance: 9km
Total ascent: 390m
Total descent: 730m
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We continue our descent today, dropping down back to the lush green forest and terraced farms below Namche, then following the river back to Phakding.
Distance: 11km
Total ascent: 430m
Total descent: 1,350m
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Our final day in the mountains sees us ascending back up to Lukla where we spend our final evening with our fabulous team of Sherpa guides celebrating our achievements and reflecting on the experience.
Distance: 8km
Total ascent: 415m
Total descent: 220m
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Today we travel back to Kathmandu where we will head out for a celebratory dinner to reminisce and enjoy our last night together.
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Today we say goodbye to each other as we begin our journeys home. Depending on flight times there is the opportunity for some sightseeing in Kathmandu before you leave.
