Treks
Preparation
Nepal: Everest Base Camp Trek
17-Day Trek/Tour
On this page: Overview |Itinerary | Pricing
See also: 9-day Luxury | 18-Day Luxury | 12-Day Trek | 17-day Trek/Tour
Overview
This 13 day trek begins with an "eye opening" flight to Lukla at 9184ft (2800m). The trek passes through the picturesque Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar culminating in the "ascent" of Kala Patthar - 18,187ft (5545m) from where the classic views of Everest and its surrounding peaks are available. Most of the trek is spent above altitudes of 3000 meters. Although this is a short trek, by Nepal standards, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the culture of the Sherpas, visit ancient monasteries and learn how Lamaistic Buddhism influences Sherpa life. We shall stop at any of the numerous teahouses, sip a glass of sweetened tea or Chang (millet beer) and get a taste of hospitality unique to the Sherpas. Beautiful, multi-hued prayer flags, prayer wheels and intricately carved mani stones line every hilltop, rock wall and trail side singing prayers to the gods with every breeze and every passing travelers.
Group Departures 2009
- Mar 29 - Apr 14
- Apr 05 - Apr 21
- Apr 26 - May 12
- May 10 - May 26
- Sep 13 - Sep 29
- Sep 27 - Oct 13
- Oct 11 - Oct 27
- Oct 25 - Nov 10
- Nov 08 - Nov 24
Itinerary in Brief
| Day 01: | Arrive in Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel. |
| Day 02: | In Kathmandu. Visit Pashupatinath & Boudhanath. |
| Day 03: | Kathmandu – Lukla (9184ft/2800m). Trek to Monjo |
| Day 04: | Trek to Namche Bazaar (11,283ft/3440m) |
| Day 05: | Rest day in Namche |
| Day 06: | Trek to Tengboche - (12,684ft/3867m) |
| Day 07: | Trek to Dingboche (14,465ft/4410m) |
| Day 08: | Trek to Chhukung (15,518ft/4730m) & back to Dingboche |
| Day 09: | Trek to Lobuche (16,170ft/4930m) |
| Day 10: | Climb to Kala Patthar ((18,187ft/5545m) and back to Gorakshep (16929ft/5160m) |
| Day 11: |
Trek to EBC & back to Pheriche (13,907ft/4240m) |
| Day 12: |
Trek to Tengboche |
| Day 13: | Trek to Jorsale |
| Day 14: | Trek to Lukla (9184ft/2800m) |
| Day 15: | Lukla –Kathmandu |
| Day 16: | In Kathmandu, Visit Swayambhunath & Kathmandu City |
| Day 17: | Final Departure |
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel.
You will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu. Visit Pashupatinath & Boudhanath. Hotel
In the morning you will visit Pashupatinath & Boudhanath. The afternoon is free for you to make the final preparations for your trek or do some exploring on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Pashupatinath: Situated 5 Kilometers east of Kathmandu city, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style has gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Rivers Bagmati. Entrance in the temple is strictly forbidden to all non-Hindus. Also you will see the cremation grounds behind the temple.
Boudhanath: It is one of the holiest stupa in Buddhist power places in Nepal, and one of the biggest stupas in the entire world. With its four pair of eyes in four cardinal directions, it keeps watch for righteous behavior and human property.
Day 03: Kathmandu – Lukla (9184ft/2800m).Trek to Monjo. Lodge
Early morning transfer to airport for your flight to Lukla. The flight to Lukla is a lifetime experience in itself. The airfield is on a slope and the difference between the two ends of the runway is about 197ft (60m). Meet with your sirdar and the rest of the crew. You will need to identify your luggage which is made into loads. While you have lunch, your crew will load these on the animals or get it ready for your team of porters. After lunch, trek for few hours along the Dudh Kosi river to the village of Monjo. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (11,283ft/3440m). Lodge
The trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley to Jorsale, where the trail officially enters the Sagarmatha National Park. There is an entrance station just beyond the village where trekking permits are checked and National Park fees are collected. Continue along the trail, crossing the Bhote Kosi River to begin the steep climb up to Namche Bazaar 3500 m.,the administrative center of the Sagarmatha National Park and the hub of Sherpa society. Remember to look out for glimpses of Mt. Everest from the trail on the way to Everest. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 05: Rest day in Namche. Lodge
Today is a rest day in Namche for acclimatization. However, you will spend the day with a short trek to Thame. In the evening, back to Namche. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche - (12,684ft/3867m). Lodge
The trail leads past the large sherpa settlement of Khumjung and then descends deep into the Dudh Kosi Valley at Pungki Thanka. The trail then ascends the right flank of the Dudh Kosi valley to Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, spiritual center of the Khumbu. The climb is long yet compensated by views of Mt. Amadablam and on clear days you can get the views of Mt. Everest and its surrounding peaks. Amadablam means "Mother's Charm Box" and is named after the little box that Sherpa women wear around their necks. It is also one of the most beautiful mountains in the Himalaya. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (14,465ft/4410m). Lodge
Descend through a beautiful forest then cross the Imja Khola and trek through the village of Pangboche. The route continues through summer pastures to Dingboche. You will spend the night at Dingboche. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 08: Trek to Chhukung (15,518ft/4730m) & back to Dingboche. Lodge
Today you will trek to Chhukung. The view from Chhukung and further up the valley on the moraines towards Island Peak is tremendous. To the south-west, the eastern face of Amadablam provides an unusual view of this picturesque peak. This short trek is one of the highlights of the trek. It is a fast trip back down the valley to Dingboche for the night. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 09: Trek to Lobuche (16,170ft/4930m). Lodge
Trek along a broad valley floor to Dughla, leaving behind the Trekkers Aid Post at Pheriche (13,907ft/4240 m). A western volunteer doctor, supported by The Himalayan Rescue Association is stationed here and offers treatment and consultation to trekkers. Continue up the valley gaining altitude. Come out of the valley to descend to the yak pastures at Lobuche. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 10: Climb to Kala Patthar ((18,187ft/5545m) and back to Gorakshep (16929ft/5160m). Lodge
This morning, you can hike up the Kala Patthar for unobstructed views of Mt.Everest and its surrounding peaks. Most of the famous photographs of Everest were taken from atop this "bump" on the landscape. In the afternoon, retrace your steps to Gorakshep. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 11: Trek to EBC & back to Pheriche (13,907ft/4240m). Lodge
The walk to the base camp from Gorakshep is about approx. 3hrs. From the base camp, we will descent towards Pheriche. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 12: Trek to Tengboche. Lodge
Easy walk along the Imja Khola with a visit to the gompa at Pangboche, then a short climb to the Tengboche Monastery. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 13: Trek to Jorsale. Lodge
It is approx. 6 hrs trek from Tengboche to Jorsale. . Overnight at Lodge.
Day 14: Trek to Lukla (9184ft/2800m). Lodge
You will trek down along the gorge of the Dudh Kosi to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla to catch your return flight to Kathmandu. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 15: Lukla –Kathmandu. Hotel
Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16: In Kathmandu. Visit Swayambhunath & Kathmandu City. Hotel
In the morning, visit Swayambhunath and Kathmandu City. Afternoon is free for you to do last minute shopping or rest. Overnight at the hotel.
Swayambhunath: It is one of the world's greatest Buddhist Stupas. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases, are the never sleeping eyes of Lord Buddha, always keeping a close watch over the Valley from the top of a hillock. It lies 3 km west of the city and situated about 77m above the level of the Valley. It is said to be 2000 years old. The stupa, which forms the main structure, is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gild. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagodas temples.
Kathmandu City: Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kasthamandap – the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree.
Day 17: Final Departure.
Pricing
Prices per person in U.S. dollars land-only for 17 day tour:
| 2-5 people: | $1325 |
| 6-9 people: | $1035 |
| 10-12 people: | $925 |
| Single room supplement: | $155 |
| Local payment: | $245 (Lukla flight) |
Cost Includes:
- Arrival and departure transfers.
- Meet assistance at the airport.
- 04 nights hotel accomodation in Kathmandu in sharing twin on bed and breakfast basis.
- 12 nts/13 dys camping inclusive of two men tent, foam mattress, kitchen tent, dinning tent, toilet tent, folding chairs/tables (all trekking standard), sirdar, sherpa staff, porters, trek transfers, cook, 3 meals a day, gamow bag, and conservation fees.
- Necessary transfers for Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight.
Local Payment:
- Local payment includes the airfare (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu),local transfers and park fees where applicable. Local payment must be made on the day of your arrival in cash or traveler's check.
Cost Excludes:
- Nepal entry visa (single entry - US$ 30.00 per person, valid till 60 days from the date of entry - visa fee subject to change).
- International airport tax is $27.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu except while trekking, refreshments, tips, bottled drinks and bar bills.
- Sleeping bags (can be hired in Kathmandu for US$ 3.00 per person per day)
- Insurance and rescue of any form.
- Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides and reasons beyond our control.
- Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost.