Overview
Trek to Everest Base Camp, the renowned climbers’ camp below the icy majesty of Mt. Everest (29,035')! Our perfectly paced trek includes special Exploration Days along the way that add adventure as they help you acclimatize. Atop the trekkers’ peak of Kala Patar (18,365'), you’ll have epic views of Everest’s Southwest Face and the 10-mile-long Khumbu Glacier (the world’s highest glacier), and you’ll hike right to Everest Base Camp at 17,600 feet, where the steep Khumbu Icefall makes a spectacular backdrop. Our Trek Leaders, who were born in this celebrated region, bring us into the heart of Sherpa culture, and our private cook staff keeps us well fueled for the adventure. This is the way to experience the top of the world!
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 1-2
Kathmandu
We explore some of the most fascinating sites of the city, including Bodhnath, the 1,400-year-old Buddhist stupa that attracts pilgrims from across Asia.
Kathmandu - Days 1-2
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!
Days 3-6
Lukla / Namche / Tengboche
A mountain flight brings us to Lukla (9,350'), and we hike through the classic villages of Namche Bazaar, Khunde, and Khumjung, exploring Sherpa culture and enjoying Himalayan panoramas at every turn. Trails through rhododendron and juniper forests lead us to Tengboche Monastery (12,650'), spiritual center of the Sherpa people, where the unrivaled backdrop is the spire of Ama Dablam. Overnights are in Sherpa lodges.
Lukla / Namche / Tengboche - Days 3-6
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
As we trek higher, our special Exploration Days bring us to Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,400'), nestled beneath one of the most photogenic mountains in the world, and to the small settlement of Chukhung (15,584'), surrounded by massive glaciers. We also explore on hikes to Island Peak Base Camp (16,690') or even as far as the peak of Chukhung Ri (17,772').
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
From the summit ridge of Kala Patar (18,365'), we are rewarded by uninterrupted views of the highest mountain on Earth and the magnificent Himalayan giants that surround it. Those who wish to can also hike beside the Khumbu Glacier up to Everest Base Camp itself.
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
Our descent brings us to Phortse, home of the Khumbu Climbing School for Sherpas, founded by mountaineer Conrad Anker, which WT proudly supports. Continue to Namche and down 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
