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Everest Base Camp

The icy summits of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse soar high above Everest Base Camp, one of the most spectacular places on earth.

Photo by Brian McGilloway

Trek to Everest Base Camp

One of the Greatest Mountain Adventures in the World

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Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Lodging
Leader
Extensions
Client Comments

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Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From:	$3895 see pricing
Length:	20 days
Arrive:	Kathmandu, Nepal
Depart:	Kathmandu, Nepal
Lodging:	4 nights in hotels, 15 nights in trekkers’ lodges describe
Meals:	All meals included except 3 lunches and 4 dinners
Activity:	Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level:	15-day trek on moderate to steep trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes between 9,000-18,365 feet explain

Highlights

Hike up the trekkers’ peak of Kala Patar and all the way to Everest Base Camp
Fantastic exploration days at Ama Dablam Base Camp and Chukhung
Paced for maximum acclimatization and supported by an experienced Trek Leader and our own private cook staff at the lodges

Because of our Trek Leader’s vast experience in the area, we used several trails that aren’t known to many trekkers and we were invited into Sherpa homes, which was wonderful. I had been dreaming of this trip for 30 years and now those dreams are fulfilled.Jim A.—Cincinnati, OH

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

If there is one epic adventure on the planet, it has to be the trek to the base of mighty Mt. Everest (29,035'), Mother Goddess of the Snows. This is one of the greatest hikes in the world and the realization of a dream for many. Our perfectly planned trek brings us to the top of Kala Patar (18,365'), a non-technical peak with sensational views of Everest’s magnificent Southwest Face, and then to Everest Base Camp itself by way of the great Khumbu Glacier. En route, we acclimatize and explore with three very special Exploration Days that take us off the main Everest route for spectacular hikes to remote Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,400') and high into the Chukhung Valley. Amazing hikes, stunning Himalayan panoramas, exquisite Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, the delights of Sherpa culture, and accommodations in cozy Sherpa lodges make this an unforgettable adventure. Our own private cook staff travels with us to prepare our meals along the way.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-2
Kathmandu

In this fabled city, we explore golden temples and fascinating artisan markets.

Days 3-6
Lukla / Namche / Tengboche

After flying to Lukla, we trek to the remarkable Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar (11,270'). We have a day to explore this famous Sherpa hub, where yaks roam the streets and bustling outdoor markets are held twice a week. Hiking farther up into the Khumbu Valley, we come to Tengboche Monastery (12,650'), gloriously surrounded by spectacular mountains. Ama Dablam (22,494'), one of the most spectacular peaks in the Himalaya, rises regally just up the valley.

Days 7-10
Ama Dablam Base Camp / Chukhung

The next few days bring us across remarkable terrain seldom explored by most trekkers. Hiking through rhododendron forests, we reach our camp below spectacular Ama Dablam. The next day, we feast our eyes on amazing perspectives of the icy giants of the Everest region on our hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,400'). Heading farther off the main trail, we camp at spectacularly located Dingboche (14,100'), where our options include a hike to the settlement of Chukhung (15,584'), surrounded by massive glaciers, or a hike toward Island Peak Base Camp (16,690').

Days 11-14
Kala Patar / Everest Base Camp

A ridge walk takes us back to the main Everest trail, where we hike up the Khumbu Glacier’s moraine to the yak grazing pastures at Lobuche. On Day 12, we make our much-anticipated ascent of Kala Patar—“Black Rock”—the highest point of our trek at 18,365 feet. Here we experience the classic up-close view of Everest, a magnificent panorama of its entire South Face and most of the West Ridge (one of the best views one can get without climbing it!). The next day, our optional hike to Everest Base Camp grants us the incredible vista of the Khumbu Icefall and a fascinating journey in mountaineering history.

Days 15-20
Lukla / Kathmandu

Trek back to Lukla, fly to Kathmandu on Day 18, and depart on Day 20.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

Temples of Angkor Extension (4 days)
Varanasi and Khajuraho Extension (4 days)
Burma Extension (6 days)
Chiang Mai Extension (3 days)
Phuket Extension (4 days)
Bangkok Extension (3 days)
Taj Mahal and Jaipur Extension (4 days)
South India Extension: The Malabar Coast (4 days)
Kanha National Park Extension (5 days)

What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 6, Very Strenuous. A trek to the base of Everest is one of the world’s great adventures, but also very physically demanding. Most hiking is between 10,000 and 16,000 feet, and the maximum elevation reached is 17,000 feet with optional day hikes up to 18,365 feet. Trail conditions are often rough, not the well-maintained switchbacks you may be accustomed to, and there is a good bit of up-and-down (often 2,000- to 3,000-foot gain or loss in elevation per day). For the most part, you can hike at your own speed; the group will spread out along the trail during the day to cover a normal maximum of 6 to 10 miles per day (4-8 hours of hiking). There are a number of days on this trek when the walks are shorter, as well as rest days, allowing opportunities for day hikes and exploring the villages, monasteries, and the beautiful surroundings.

There are dangers inherent in any expedition traveling to remote wilderness regions, especially when they involve travel to high altitude. These dangers include everything from rock falls to the possibility of a serious fall, accident, or sickness without access to means of rapid evacuation, availability of medical supplies, or adequate medical attention once provided. Our Trek Leader and support crew are experienced veterans of the Nepal Himalaya, but it takes cooperation and flexibility from each participant to ensure a successful trek.

Getting in Shape

Every participant must understand that this trek is truly challenging—you should be in excellent physical condition. Even though trip members carry only a daypack (with camera, jacket, rain gear, water bottle, and other small necessities you may need during the day), we recommend you make a special effort to get in top physical shape for the trip by hiking, running, swimming, bicycling, or engaging in other forms of aerobic exercise well beyond your normal routine. Many activities get heart and lungs into shape, but the most effective way of getting fit for hiking is to hike! Walking up and down flights of stairs is also an effective way to train for the steep ascents and descents in the Himalaya. Bending your knees as you go down stairs will help strengthen your quad muscles. At least two months prior to your trek, we urge you to go on weekend day hikes that involve long uphill and downhill walking.

For this trek, we require your doctor sign the Wilderness Travel Medical Form. Once Wilderness Travel has confirmed your place on the trip roster, no refunds beyond our standard fees will be made if your physician refuses to sign the form. It is very important that you and your physician fully agree that you are physically capable of undertaking a strenuous trek, and equally important that you undertake proper conditioning prior to the trek.

The Trek Leader has the right to disqualify any member from the trip at any time if it is medically necessary, to avoid endangering the group, or if the participant in question is physically unfit for the rigors of the trip. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.

Trek Leader

Our lodge-based treks are led by an experienced English-speaking Trek Leader who is ably assisted by a team of assistants and a trail crew. He and his team have a deep connection with the Himalayas and are wonderful trailside companions, hiking with you throughout each day on the trail, providing good company, and making sure that you are comfortable and hiking at a pace that suits you.

A Typical Trekking Day

Hiking distances on trek are normally measured in hours, not miles, since maps aren’t really accurate enough to assess how far we walk up and down winding mountain trails. On a typical trek day, wake-up is around 7:00 am. After packing up our duffels and having breakfast, we set off on the trail. There is always a guide in the lead and a “sweeper” who trails behind the slowest hiker to ensure that no one is lost on the trail. We ask you not to hike ahead of the leader because trails are often not well-marked. We typically walk for three to four hours in the morning, then stop for a leisurely lunch of an hour or more (either in a lodge or picnic-style at a scenic spot on the trail).

After lunch, we walk for another three hours or so until we reach our next night’s lodging, where we can enjoy a cup of tea and a snack on arrival. On our exploration days, we occasionally have more time in the morning or afternoon near the lodge to rest or for further individual exploration. Temperatures drop quickly as the sun falls behind the peaks, and it’s easy to get chilled after exerting yourself for several hours, so have an extra layer of clothing ready.

Meals on Trek

Our own experienced cook crew is part of the Wilderness Travel trekking staff, and all our meals at the lodges will be prepared by them. Our cooks are trained and offer a good variety of hygienically prepared meals. Our drinking water is always boiled and treated washing water is put out before every meal so you can wash your hands before eating. Meals are a blend of Nepalese and Western dishes. Breakfast is normally a light meal of porridge or granola, with hot milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits, or cookies. Lunches may include potatoes, eggs, curried vegetables, cheese, local-style breads, fruit, tea, hot chocolate or a fruit drink. Dinner is typically soup and a main course such as a noodle dish, or meat or vegetable stew, depending on what is available in local villages. Dessert on trek is usually canned or fresh fruit.

Explanation of Trip Levels

Departures & Leaders

Nov 6-25, 2013 Nima Sherpa
Nov 4-23, 2014

Trip Cost

Prices are for 2013
$3895 (10-12 members)
$4095 (6-9 members)
Single supplement: $675
Forced single supplement: $475
Internal airfare: $375 (subject to change)
more on pricing

Extension Costs
Temples of Angkor Extension
   from: $875
Burma Extension
   from: $2195
Phuket Extension
   from: $725

Trip Cost Includes:

Expert leadership of an experienced Trek Leader
Services of trail staff
Private cooking staff on trek
All meals included except 3 lunches and 4 dinners
Accommodations in Sherpa lodges on trek and in a first-class hotel in Kathmandu
Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and liners for use at the lodges
Land transportation, airport transfers for passengers as noted

Trip Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, internal flights, airport departure taxes, additional costs over and above the cost of the scheduled Twin Otter Lukla/Kathmandu flight if alternative transportation (such as a chartered helicopter) is necessitated by flight delays, hotels en route to or from Kathmandu, transfers for independent arrival or departure, any meals not specified after each itinerary day, optional tipping or gratuities to guide or staff (tipping the trek crew and guide is customary but entirely at your discretion), additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20%
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Hotel Shangri-La

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights),
Days 18 to 19 (2 nights), Kathmandu, Nepal

This well-regarded hotel is renowned for its friendly staff and also has two excellent restaurants. The Shangri-La is located just a 15- to ...
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Sherpa Lodges

Days 3 to 17 (15 nights), Khumbu, Nepal

Rustic but comfortable lodges owned and operated by Sherpa families have been built throughout the Khumbu region. The lodges we have selected for ...
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Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:

Temples of Angkor Extension (4 days)
Varanasi and Khajuraho Extension (4 days)
Burma Extension (6 days)
Chiang Mai Extension (3 days)
Phuket Extension (4 days)
Bangkok Extension (3 days)
Taj Mahal and Jaipur Extension (4 days)
South India Extension: The Malabar Coast (4 days)
Kanha National Park Extension (5 days)

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Nima Sherpa

Nima Sherpa, born in the village of Pheriche (14,340') in the upper Khumbu, is a trekking and climbing guide as well as an Everest summiteer, having reached the top of the world’s highest mountain with the Himalayan Experience Expedition in 2009. Following in his father’s footsteps as a trekking guide, he began his professional life in 2000 and has an impressive record as a Trek Leader, primarily in the Everest region. Besides climbing Everest, he has also climbed Island Peak (20,299') and Lobuche (20,070') and completed the Extreme Altitude Medical Seminar held in the Khumbu region. Nima makes his home in Khunde (12,600'), a classic Sherpa village on the trekking route to Everest Base Camp. He speaks Nepali, Sherpa, Hindi, and English. He has traveled to Norway, and being single, he looks forward to more international travel experiences.