Himalayan peaks seen from base camp
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Everest Base Camp, Nepal

April 20 - May 5, 2024 | US$3,795 per person

USD $3,795 per person sharing

Join Maggie and Pema, on an adventure of a lifetime to stand toe-to-toe with the world’s tallest peak, Mt. Everest. The route to Everest Base Camp is probably the most famous trek in Nepal, boasting panoramic mountain views (including Everest, Ama Dablam, and Kangtega) as you wind your way through friendly and vibrant Sherpa villages, where we will lodge and dine in local tea houses. With climbing season underway, you will pass busy porters and meandering yaks ferrying equipment to base camp for those daring few attempting the summit. Our final destination is Everest Base Camp (5380m/17600ft), which sits on a barren glacial moraine beneath the unforgiving Khumbu Icefall. For those with extra energy scramble to the top of Kala Patthar (5558m/18236ft) for a spectacular view of Everest and the awe-inspiring glacial environment below.

woman wearing headband overlooking mountains

April 20, 21: Flight to Kathmandu

  • 1350m/4428ft

Meet Maggie and Pema at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on April 21st, where you will be provided with transportation to a hotel in the bustling and vibrant neighbourhood of Thamel.

 

April 22: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding

  • 4 hours
  • 2729m/8954ft

Rise, Shine & Trek – Catch an early morning flight to Lukla to begin our trek towards Phakding. From the plane, catch views of the eastern Himalayas (about 200km of them!). After arriving in Lukla, the group will meander through a picturesque valley to the village of Phakding.

 

April 23: Phakding – Namche Bazaar

  • 6 hours
  • 3450m/11316ft

Cross several suspension bridges over the swift waters of the Dudhkoshi River, before beginning the long climb up towards Namche Bazaar. During your climb, spot Everest through the pine forests. Namche is the main trading center of the Khumbu region giving local communities and trekkers access to a weekly Saturday bizarre, email service, money exchange, equipment shops, and even German bakeries and Irish pubs! Also located here are the Sherpa Museum and the National Park Headquarters.

 

April 24: Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

  • All day
  • 3450m/11316ft

Rest and explore the surrounding villages of Khumjung and Kunde. When visiting Khumjung, stop for lunch and say hello to Sonam Futi Sherpa’s family (Maggie’s friend) at Hidden Village Lodge. On your way, be greeted by the sights of the beautiful Ama Dablam (6170m; means mother’s necklace). After lunch, it’s just a short walk back to Namche Bazaar. Before leaving, be sure to check out the very first school and hospitals set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary himself.

April 25: Namche Bazar – Phortse

  • 6 hours
  • 3840m/125986ft

Early morning views of Mt. Everest as we slowly ascend towards the small farming village of Phortse. Re-fueling at Mong-La, we will descend towards the river crossing before one last uphill push to our evening’s destination. Our one-night stay will be hosted by Maggie’s friend Pemba Sherpa (Mountain Climber & Everest summiter) and his family, who will show us around the brand new Khumbu Climbing Centre – the first climbing centre of its kind in this region, training the future generations of Everest climbers (Phortse is home to over 65 successful Mt. Everest summiters)!

 

April 26: Phortse – Dingboche

  • 6 hours
  • 4410m/14468ft

Towards Everest we go! As you skirt the mountain, keep a keen eye to capture a glimpse of grazing Musk Deer and the Danphe (Himalayan) pheasant. Across the valley, you’ll also be met with beautiful views of the Tengboche monastery and Thamserku (3865m). A slight downhill section to Pangboche will wind us through stone walled villages before reaching our final destination for the night, Dingboche. We call these ‘slight downhill’ sections, ‘Nepali flats’ – you’ll understand when we get there!

April 27: Acclimatization at Dingboche

  • 5550m/18208ftt

Take some much-needed rest and explore the village of Dingboche. Or if you’re legs and lungs are up for it venture out for an acclimatization hike to the top of Chukkung Ri. This rocky trekking peak sits high above the village of Chhunkung, and on a clear day boasts fantastic views of Imja Tse, Ama Dablam, Makalo and Nuptse that you won’t get anywhere else.

 

April 28: Dingboche – Lobuche

  • 4 hours
  • 4908m/16104ft

Onwards… and UPWARDS! This is what trekking is all about: amazing views, laboured breathing, and the prospect of a comfortable teahouse lodge with some delicious food at the end. In this section, take your time and pace yourself, rushing here will reduce your reserves for later stages. And why not stop and take an extra few pictures anyway, right?

 

April 29: Lobuche – Base Camp – Ghorakshep

  • 9 hours
  • 5380m/17600ft

Setting off early, we’ll arrive at the final mountain settlement of Ghorakshep for a quick breakfast before pushing on towards Mt. Everest Base Camp. The slow, but rewarding trudge along the glacial morraine will leave you feeling proud and accomplished: YOU DID IT! Be sure to click a snap of the iconic Everest Basecamp sign and the panoramic views of the vast valley peppered with tents. Settle in for a quick break at camp, as you imagine having to spend months here on an expedition(!) before heading back down to Ghorakshep for the night.

 

April 30: Ghorakshep – Kalapatthar – Pangboche

  • 9 hours
  • 5558m/18236ft

For those who stored reserves, arise for an early start to witness the sunrise from Kalapatthar (the highest point of the trip). Fingers crossed for clear skies to capture breath-taking photos of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori and the Khumbu Glacier. Then rejoin the remainder of the group for breakfast in Ghorkshep before beginning the slow decent towards Pangboche (3985m).

May 1: Pangboche – Jorsalle

  • 6 hours
  • 2740m/8989ft

Wake up, feeling revitalized by the new levels of oxygen! Descend towards the village of Jorsalle. While on the way, we’ll pass through Tengboche to visit the Tengboche Monastary (the largest in the region) to pay respect to the mountain gods and Buddhist Lamas. We’ll snuggle in for a cozy evening sleep at Friendship Lodge situated along side the babbling Dudh Kosi River.

 

May 2: Jorsalle – Lukla

  • 7 hours
  • 2860m/9383ft

Leaving Jorsalle we have a fairly easy day retracing our steps. A few ‘Nepali flats’, but nothing too rigorous, allowing you to enjoy the views, stop for tea, and perhaps do a little shopping for souvenirs along the way. Once in Lukla, we will celebrate the end of our trip with a final, end-of-trek party and dinner!

 

May 3: Lukla – Kathmandu

  • 1350m/4428ft

Early flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, fingers crossed the weather is in our favour!

 

May 4: Final day – Debrief

Maggie and Pema say good-bye to the group! Kathmandu excursions are available for those interested. In case of bad weather at Lukla, flights may be delayed for a day (or so). If the flights go to plan, there are plenty of options to roam the valley, shop, and explore the monasteries and gompas of Thamel.

 

May 5: Flight from Kathmandu back home

Transfer to the airport in time for your April 6th departure flight back home, with some amazing photographs and memories from this incredible region!

PLEASE NOTE: Above day-to-day itinerary may change, depending on weather and flight delays.

Included:

  • Airport pick-ups and transfers to and from hotel
  • Three nights in a 3.5 Star hotel in Kathmandu (double occupancy; breakfast included).
  • Pasang Lhamu gaonpalika and Sagarmāthā National Park fees
  • Round trip domestic airline tickets (Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu).
  • Breakfasts in Kathmandu hotel, all meals on trek, hot drinks, teahouse lodging accommodations during trek (double occupancy), guide and porters, and hot water on trek.

Not included:

  • International airline tickets
  • Beer and alcoholic beverages, laundry service, showers (are available in lodges for extra fees), mineral water
  • Tips for guide and porters at end of trek
  • Single Supplement of US$ 250 (if you want your own room)
  • Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation insurance (recommended)

Travel with a purpose on a socially responsible safari.