Overview
The trek to the legendary climbers’ camp below the soaring flanks of Mt. Everest (29,035'), Mother Goddess of the Snows, is one of the greatest hikes in the world—and we do it without camping! Our lodge-based trek is perfectly paced as it leads us up to Kala Patar (18,365'), a hiker’s peak with sensational views of Everest’s Southwest Face, and to Everest Base Camp itself by way of the great Khumbu Glacier. En route, we acclimatize with three very special Exploration Days off the main Everest route for hikes to Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,400') and the Chukhung Valley. Unbelievable Himalayan panoramas, atmospheric Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, getting to know the welcoming Sherpa people, and accommodations in cozy lodges make this the perfect high mountain adventure. Our own private cook staff travels with us to prepare our meals along the way.
One of the best trips of my life: unbelievable scenery, wonderful organization, smoothly run. I had pretty high expectations going in, but it ended up even better than I'd hoped.
— John O., Palo Alto, CA
Days 1-6
Kathmandu / Lukla / Namche / Tengboche
We visit the temples and bazaars of Kathmandu, then fly to Lukla and trek to the welcoming Sherpa mountain villages of Namche Bazaar, Khunde, and Khumjung, enjoying our first Himalayan panoramas. Trails through rhododendron forests lead us to beautiful ridgetop Tengboche Monastery, spiritual center of the Khumbu Valley, set below the snow peaks of Kangtega and Thamserku. Overnights are in Sherpa lodges with private rooms and private or shared facilities.
Kathmandu / Lukla / Namche / Tengboche - Days 1-6
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 25-minute walk or a quick tuk-tuk ride from the bustling bazaar of the Thamel district. After a busy day exploring the city, relax in the hotel’s peaceful garden, take a dip in the swimming pool (designed after a traditional Nepali royal bath), or have a drink around the fireplace at the hotel’s cozy Lost Horizon bar. You can also treat yourself to a relaxing massage!
Sherpa Lodges, Khumbu
Days 3 to 17 (15 nights), Khumbu, NepalRustic but comfortable lodges owned and operated by Sherpa families have been built throughout the Khumbu region. The lodges we have selected for this trip offer a big step up in comfort from camping. They are a wonderful way to experience local hospitality and gain an insight into the lives of the Nepalese people. Each night, you’ll have a private room but only some of the lodges feature private bathrooms. Others have common bathrooms shared with other guests. These will have basic toilet and washing facilities. Several have only squat-style toilets, and hot water may not be available at every lodge. We provide you with good quality sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and liners for extra comfort at all of the lodges. We also bring our own private cooking staff with us so all our meals will be prepared for us by our own Wilderness Travel trained cooks.
Days 7-11
Pangboche / Ama Dablam Base Camp / Chukhung Valley
Our special Exploration Days bring us up to the remote wilds of Ama Dablam Base Camp and high into the Chukhung Valley, with fantastic views of Lhotse, the fourth highest peak in the world, just south of Everest.
Pangboche / Ama Dablam Base Camp / Chukhung Valley - Days 7-11
Sherpa Lodges, Khumbu
Days 3 to 17 (15 nights), Khumbu, NepalRustic but comfortable lodges owned and operated by Sherpa families have been built throughout the Khumbu region. The lodges we have selected for this trip offer a big step up in comfort from camping. They are a wonderful way to experience local hospitality and gain an insight into the lives of the Nepalese people. Each night, you’ll have a private room but only some of the lodges feature private bathrooms. Others have common bathrooms shared with other guests. These will have basic toilet and washing facilities. Several have only squat-style toilets, and hot water may not be available at every lodge. We provide you with good quality sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and liners for extra comfort at all of the lodges. We also bring our own private cooking staff with us so all our meals will be prepared for us by our own Wilderness Travel trained cooks.
Days 12-13
Kala Patar / Everest Base Camp
Our hike to the top of Kala Patar (18,365') rewards us with awesome views of Everest’s Southwest Face and the enormous faces of Lhotse and Nuptse. The next day, we have the option to hike farther to Everest Base Camp (17,600'), below the Khumbu Icefall.
Kala Patar / Everest Base Camp - Days 12-13
Sherpa Lodges, Khumbu
Days 3 to 17 (15 nights), Khumbu, NepalRustic but comfortable lodges owned and operated by Sherpa families have been built throughout the Khumbu region. The lodges we have selected for this trip offer a big step up in comfort from camping. They are a wonderful way to experience local hospitality and gain an insight into the lives of the Nepalese people. Each night, you’ll have a private room but only some of the lodges feature private bathrooms. Others have common bathrooms shared with other guests. These will have basic toilet and washing facilities. Several have only squat-style toilets, and hot water may not be available at every lodge. We provide you with good quality sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and liners for extra comfort at all of the lodges. We also bring our own private cooking staff with us so all our meals will be prepared for us by our own Wilderness Travel trained cooks.
Days 14-20
Lukla / Kathmandu
We descend back to Pangboche, with its ancient monastery and views of Ama Dablam, then into the Imja Khola Valley to the charming village of Phortse. Continue to Namche and on to Lukla, fly to Kathmandu on Day 18, and depart on Day 20.
Lukla / Kathmandu - Days 14-20
Sherpa Lodges, Khumbu
Days 3 to 17 (15 nights), Khumbu, NepalRustic but comfortable lodges owned and operated by Sherpa families have been built throughout the Khumbu region. The lodges we have selected for this trip offer a big step up in comfort from camping. They are a wonderful way to experience local hospitality and gain an insight into the lives of the Nepalese people. Each night, you’ll have a private room but only some of the lodges feature private bathrooms. Others have common bathrooms shared with other guests. These will have basic toilet and washing facilities. Several have only squat-style toilets, and hot water may not be available at every lodge. We provide you with good quality sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and liners for extra comfort at all of the lodges. We also bring our own private cooking staff with us so all our meals will be prepared for us by our own Wilderness Travel trained cooks.
Hotel Shangri-La
Days 18 to 19 (2 nights), Kathmandu, NepalThis well-regarded hotel is renowned for its friendly staff and also has two excellent restaurants. The Shangri-La is located just a 25-minute walk or a quick tuk-tuk ride from the bustling bazaar of the Thamel district. After a busy day exploring the city, relax in the hotel’s peaceful garden, take a dip in the swimming pool (designed after a traditional Nepali royal bath), or have a drink around the fireplace at the hotel’s cozy Lost Horizon bar. You can also treat yourself to a relaxing massage!
Everest Base Camp
Highlights
Highlights
Details
15-day trek on moderate to steep trails, 4-8 hours a day, altitudes between 9,000-18,365 feet
