indian himalayas
...everyone has their own Everest to climb...
The trek to Everest Base Camp follows the most iconic journey in the history of mountaineering. From the early 1920s, reaching Mt. Everest's summit was the undisputable challenge of its time, and it wasn't until the 1953 expedition that it's coveted trophy was claimed. Many lives were lost in the race for the summit, and reaching the highest point on earth continues to be the one of the most sought-after prizes.
Everest Base Camp sits at 5'642m. A relatively low altitude when compared to the mountains surrounding it, yet it stands taller than any mountain within Europe and many others across the globe. Trekking to 'EBC' is a high-altitude expedition; Reaching this historical landmark is no walk in the park, and is an achievement to be hugely proud of, and a journey to never forget.
I only run bespoke, private expeditions, so please Get In Contact for further information and prices.
A typical itinerary is set out below. Alternative dates can be arranged.
Everest Base Camp sits at 5'642m. A relatively low altitude when compared to the mountains surrounding it, yet it stands taller than any mountain within Europe and many others across the globe. Trekking to 'EBC' is a high-altitude expedition; Reaching this historical landmark is no walk in the park, and is an achievement to be hugely proud of, and a journey to never forget.
I only run bespoke, private expeditions, so please Get In Contact for further information and prices.
A typical itinerary is set out below. Alternative dates can be arranged.
Typical itinerary:
15th November - Depart UK > Arrive Kathmandu
Our first day of expedition sees us depart early from the UK. Once arrived in Kathmandu we set about going through a detailed trip itinerary, conducting a complete kit check, and discussing crucial health and safety elements for our time on the trail. We will have the chance to collect any additional equipment from town, exchange money if required, and experience some of the local area.
16th November - Trek Day 1: (Depart Kathmandu > Arrive Lukla) Lukla > Phakding
We wake early to board our flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2800m). Our flight is on a fixed-wing Dornier/Twin Otter, and weaves a spectacular line through the mountains. After an exciting landing, we organise our luggage with our local mountain crew before heading through the busy village. Quickly we are onto the mountain trail and the views are as good on foot as they were from the plane. A wonderful, descending journey brings us to our first overnight teahouse on our trek, situated in the lovely village of Phakding (2600m).
17th November - Trek Day 2: Phakding > Namche Bazaar
After a wonderful night we set out on the trail and soon pass through the Khumbu National Park gate. We share the trail with Nepalese locals, as well mountain yaks! Our journey brings us to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi river, and once crossed, we continue to the base of 'Namche Hill'. A final climb finds us arriving in the hub of Namche Bazaar (3400m), the capital of the Khumbu region and our base for two nights.
18th November - Trek Day 3: Namche Bazaar > Thame > Namche Bazaar
Today serves as an acclimatisation day. From Namche Bazaar (3400m) we head north west, along a beautiful, quiet valley, to the village of Thame (3800m). After visiting the monastery we re-trace our steps back to Namche Bazaar (3400m). We will pass through here on our descent and therefore it is recommended that souvenirs be purchased on the return journey.
19th November - Trek Day 4: Namche Bazaar > Thyangboche > Deboche
We leave Namche Bazaar (3400m) and contour around the mountainside, above the Dudh Kosi river. Beautiful views of Mt. Everest (8818m) greet us as we round the corner, before the trail descends to meet the Dudh Kosi. Beyond our crossing point we make a steep but short climb to Thyangboche (4000m), home of a famous monastery. From here we descend once again to the village of Deboche (3700m).
20th November - Trek Day 5: Deboche > Pangboche > Dingboche
As we continue on our journey we pass beautiful rhododendron plants, and on arriving in Pangboche (4000m), we are stunned by the most incredible views of Ama Dablam (6800m), one of the most aesthetic mountains in the world. We continue up the Imja valley, passing through Pheriche (4350m), before reaching the picturesque farming village of Dingboche (4400m).
21st November - Trek Day 6: Dingboche > Lobuje
Our steps are re-traced initially to Pheriche (4350m), before continuing up a broad valley. We pass the Cho Lo glacier before climbing steeply to the tongue of the Khumbu glacier, the highest glacier in the world and the one which flows from Mt. Everest (8818m). After our ascent levels off, we soon arrive in the beautiful village Lobuje (4950m). The scenery is stunning, with the summit of Lobuje East (6119m) towering above us, and the Kongma La pass, one of the 'three passes', visible opposite.
22nd November - Trek Day 7: Lobuje > Gorak Shep > Everest Base Camp > Gorak Shep
The day we have been waiting for! Today you will stand where Sir Edmund Hillary and Norgay Tenzing once stood, prior to becoming the first two recorded humans to stand at the highest point on earth, and claiming Mt. Everest's coveted prize. We will begin today with a short ascent, before negotiate easy, rocky terrain to a viewpoint above Gorak Shep (5200m). A short descent brings us to our teahouse, before we embark on the final few kilometres to Everest Base Camp (5642m). Congratulations! All the effort has been worth it, you have made it to EBC! Here you are rewarded with awe-inspiring views into the 'Western Cwm', where climbers will embark on their summit bids, as well as the south col where Camp IV is situated, and, of course, the summit of the world. At the same time you will marvel at Lhotse (8516m), the fourth highest mountain in the world, and the striking ridgeline of it's neighbour Nuptse (7861m), as well as Pumori (7161m) to the west. After soaking up the sights we head back down to Gorak Shep, and to a well-deserved rest.
23rd November - Trek Day 8: Gorak Shep > Kalar Pattar > Gorak Shep > Lobuje
Today provides another opportunity to trek up to Everest Base Camp (5642m), yet most people choose to take in a sunrise ascent of Kalar Pattar (5550m). This does mean waking up before dawn, however the views as the sun comes up are absolutely breath-taking. Watching the sun hitting top few metres of the summit of Mt. Everest (8818m) before hitting anything else, and the subsequent alpenglow stretching far and wide, is a sight you will never forget. After returning to Gorak Shep (5200m) we pack up our things and make the return journey to Lobuje (4900m).
24th November - Trek Day 9: Lobuje > Pangboche
Onwards and downwards now. We take one final look at the impressive valleys and mountains surrounding us, before taking the trail back down to Pheriche (4350m). Rather than stopping in Dingboche (4400m), we instead continue down to the quaint little village of Pangboche (4000m) where we spend the night.
25th November - Trek Day 10: Pangboche > Khumjung > Namche Bazaar
Our return journey to Namche Bazaar (3400m) takes a wonderful detour today. A short climb sees us arriving in the village of Khumjung (3800m), home of the Khumjung school, built by Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalayan Trust. After passing through the village we continue down to the Everest View Hotel, where we can stop for refreshments. As the name suggests, this stopping point provides us with one final chance for incredible views to Mt. Everest (8818m), and our final chance to take those life-lasting photos, at least for this trip! After arriving in Namche Bazaar (3400m) we use the remaining time in the afternoon to shop for souvenirs.
26th November - Trek Day 11: Namche Bazaar > Phakding
After a relaxed start, and depending on our arrival time the previous day, we have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs, before heading down the 'Namche Hill' and back along the recognisable trail to Phakding (2600m), where we stayed over a week ago! Time flies when you're having fun!
27th November - Trek Day 12: Phakding > Lukla*
Our final day in the Khumbu. Although having returned through the National Park gate yesterday we still have a few hours of trekking to bring us back to Lukla (2800m) and where we can catch the flight back to Kathmandu. You will likely have forgotten a few of the sights from earlier on in the trip, and reversing along the trail provides us with another perspective of the journey. With mixed feelings we round the few final corners to where we will spend our final night in the mountains.
*On some occasions we may have the opportunity to fly back to Kathmandu tonight. This will depend on how busy the airport is and whether there is availability at the hotel. In this instance there will be an additional cost for the price of an additional night an the hotel.
28th November - Depart Lukla > Arrive Kathmandu
The early flight from Lukla (2800m) sees us return to Kathmandu with plenty of time to explore the local area. We can visit attractions such as the Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, or Swayambhunath Stupa (the monkey temple), as well as take the opportunity to visit local markets and purchase souvenirs before our departure tomorrow.
29th November - Depart Kathmandu > Transit
For the final time during our trip we awake in Nepal. We have a short amount of time to explore the local vicinity and prepare for our departure. After lunch we make our way to the airport to board our flights back the UK.
30th November - Transit > Arrive UK
After our overnight flight we arrive back in the UK. After such an awe-inspiring experience we share our final, emotional goodbyes, at least for this trip! Most people are planning their next one in between snoozes on the plane...
"I had the pleasure of teaming up with Alex for a summit of Island Peak in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Alex planned our ascent, sorted out all the gear and permits, and guided me along the route to the top. His positive and patient attitude made him the perfect guide. I also joined him on the trek to Everest Base Camp, and once again his company was hugely welcomed."
N. Polta (Island Peak, Everest Base Camp)
N. Polta (Island Peak, Everest Base Camp)
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