EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK
15-DAY EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK
immersion in nature and culture in the hearT of the himalayas
Trip Highlights
Trek through the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas with a private local guide
Immerse yourself in the people and history of the region
Trek with licensed local guides following responsible and ethical tourism practices
Learn about the diverse flora and fauna along the trekking route
Enjoy full support including porters, sleeping bags, equipment and nourishing meals
Whether your goal is a physical challenge, a mental break, or to immerse yourself in nature, this trek will have you transformed. Our carefully designed itinerary ensures proper acclimatization for a smooth ascent to Kala Patar (5,550m/18,204ft) and Everest Base Camp. Each day is dotted by diverse landscapes, tiny Sherpa villages and ancient culture. You’ll get to know your local guides along the way and see a range of other mountains including Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Kang Tega, Mt. Thamserku and Mt. Pumori.
At the heart of our Everest Base Camp trek is a respect for nature and the community that lives to protect it. Our team is managed by professional, licensed guides following responsible tourism practices trained in Eco Trekking, Intensive Wilderness First Aid, and Conservation & Biodiversity. Throughout the trek, you’ll learn not just about the history of Mt. Everest - or Chomolungma meaning Mother Goddess of the World - but also the unique landscape that shaped the people and culture who call the region home.
Book our 15-day Everest Base Camp group trip or select Everest Base Camp Trek Custom Dates September through November or February through May! Starting at $2495 per person. See all inclusions, itinerary details and complete pricing in the drop downs below.
You can also continue your journey with our 11-day Discover Nepal itinerary as well as our 5-day Welcome to Bhutan excursion.
Trip Inclusions
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2 nights in Kathmandu 3-star hotel
12 nights comfortable mountain lodges and guest houses on the trek
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Arrival/departure transfers + all ground transportation by private vehicle in Kathmandu
Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu)
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Start & end in the vibrant Thamal district of Kathmandu, with a chance to see local sites and immerse in Nepali culture
13 days of trekking designed for slow and steady acclimatization before reaching Everest Base Camp
Experienced, English-speaking Trek Leader also First Aid and eco trained + assistance trek leaders
Tea house stays professionally run by local Nepali and Tibetan families
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Nepalese Welcome & Farewell Dinner
Full board meals during the trek
Breakfast at Kathmandu accommodations
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Sherpa Porters (one porter for every two trekkers)
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Fees and permits & Khumbu Rural Municipality permit
Four-seasonal sleeping bag and down jacket for trekking use
Responsible tourism practices ensuring fair pay and “leave no trace” environmental standards
Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
Community Partner visit + donation to their organization
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International airfare
Nepal visa fees
Meals not specified
Personal tipping to guide, assistance guides and porters
Required travel insurance
Testimonials
DAILY ITINERARY
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Upon arrival at the Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), your driver will transfer you to your boutique hotel in the vibrant Thamel district. Settle in & rest up or explore this pedestrian-friendly area before our Nepalese Welcome Dinner Nepalese specialties.
Meals: D
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We drive to the airport early in the morning to take our flight to Lukla (35 min flight) and meet our other assistance trekking crew members to start our trek. The flight to Lukla itself is amazing, particularly while landing to this little mountain airstrip. After a short break of tea and coffee, we will take an easy walk passing through local Sherpa villages, crossing through the several suspension bridges. The trail mostly follows the river bank of Dudhkoshi River until we reach Phakding where we will have our first overnight stay in our mountain accommodations.
Today is a wonderful experience walking fully immersed in natural surroundings, passing through many local Sherpa villages, crossing through the Buddhist monasteries, traversing rolling hills and crossing a several suspension bridges.
Today’s hike is approximately 3 to 4 hours only, which is relatively short compared to future hikes. Spend the rest of the day strolling through the local Sherpa village surrounding Pjakding as you continue to acclimatize.
Meals: B, L, D
Trekking: Lukla at 2800m/9184ft & Phakding (2652m/8698ft - 3-4 Hours
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After your morning breakfast at lodge at Phakding you’ll start walking for a slightly longer day to Namche. At first, the trail crosses Dudhkoshi River over a long suspension bridge, then walking through beautiful pine forest. After about 2 hours of leisurely walking, we will reach to Monjo and soon thereafter, we will be at the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park, where we will check our permit, then short descent to the Dudh Kosi river again passing lots of Mani stones and in scripts and shortly reach to Jorsale, the last stop before heading up hill to Namche. Since no teahouse is available from Jorsale to Namche portion, we will have our lunch here.
From Jorsale, across the river again with long suspension bridge, then short walking through the riverbank brings you to another deep suspension bridge, which is known as a the Hillary Suspension Bridge. Crossing this bridge connects you to the big hill, which required a tough walk all the way up to Namche. Little more than half walking to this hill, there is a rest point, which gives you a first glimpse of Mt. Everest, it is just amazing.
Namche Bazaar is the gateway to Mt. Everest and is the main trading center of this region. Namche itself is a prosperous town, tourist-shopping hub with all the required trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment.
Meals: B, L, D
Trekking: (3440m/11283ft)- 6-7 Hours
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We will spend a day in Namche Bazaar resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the altitude of 3,440m/11,283ft. You can visit Everest View Point hotel for wonderful panoramic view or stroll around the market. If it happens to be a Saturday, one can see the lively & colorful market of Namche as Saturday is a typical day for people for shopping, exchanging and selling their goods. You will have an opportunity to visit the Sherpa Museum, a great place to learn Sherpa culture and the history of mountaineering. Then you can stroll back to the hotel in Namche for your overnight stay.
Meals: B, L, D
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Today after breakfast we start our trek with a pleasant walk through the mountains, enjoying magnificent views of the mountains.
On a clear day you can see the mighty peaks of Mt. Everest (8848m/29021ft), Nuptse (7861m/25784ft), Lhotse (8516m/27932ft), Lhotse Sar (8282m/27164ft) Ama Dablam (6856m/22487ft) and Thamserku (6623m/21723ft) with views of other entire Khumbu region snowcapped mountains. You are in the land of giants! There is no place like this on earth.
A short descent brings us to the riverside, across the river and then uphill (minimum of 2 hours) through a forested path filled with pine & rhododendron. Our ascent is gradual ups with a couple of steep up and continuous uphill to reach to Tengboche, which is one of the most beautiful places in the Himalayas. It is famous for its amazing views of Ama Dablam Mountain and the Tengboche Monastery, one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries of the Khumbu region. The Mani Rimdu Festival is one of the most famous festivals at this Monastery and you can catch it during the Oct/Nov full moon. Your guide will take you to see these monastery surroundings, chant with Buddhist monks, and enjoy a prayer ceremony.
Meals: B, L, D
Trekking: (3870m/12,684ft) - 5 to 6 Hours
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After breakfast at Tengboche, we will start walking down the trail that descends winding through the rhododendron forest to Deboche and crossing a bridge over the raging Imja Khol River. We’ll hug the valley wall, and then traverse the plains to Pangboche Village (3985m/13070ft) one of the biggest settlement village of Sherpa peoples, where you’ll see typical customs, culture and traditions.
During lunch, you can take a short hike to the Pangboche Gumba over to hill to what is probably the oldest Gumba of Khumbu. Walking onward to Dingboche from here is mostly gradual uphill (another 2 to 3 hours), walking is mostly via the mountain ridge and the vegetation from our previous days gives way to a dry and desert landscape.
Dingboche is at the bottom of the starting of Imja Valley and it is along the side of the Chhukung Village and main get way to the Island Peak (Imja Tse), to Amphu Laptse pass which connects this valley to Makalu Barun National park.
Meals: B, L, D
Trekking: (4410m/14464ft)- 5-7 Hours
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Today is a rest before the last leg of the journey. You can take a full day rest or there are some places where you can go for a day hike, such as the trek to Chhukung (4,730m). It takes approx. 2-3 hours from Dingboche, towards east within the Imjatse Valley. Although the trek is gradual, you can feel the thin air as the altitude gains slowly coming towards Chhukung. At Chhukung, there are few teahouses overlooking superb view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers. When you’re able to tear yourself away, you’ll return to Dingboche for your overnight stay.
Meals: B, L, D
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Today you will tackle the steep incline to the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier while continuing our walk along the rugged route. We’ll take our time today in the high altitude to reach Loboche for an overnight stay. From there you can see the famous Lhotse Ridge looming above the huts.
Meals: B, L, D
Trekking: (4,928m/16164 ft.)- 5-6 Hours
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After breakfast, we'll continue our trek to Gorekshep along a windy and rocky path enjoying the wonderful view of Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse and other magnificent peaks. After check in at lodge & lunch, our adventure continues towards Everest Base Camp and to the Khumbu Ice-fall. The trail passes through rocky dunes and moraine and streams until you reach the base camp.
At Everest Base Camp, climbers gather for summiting Everest during the high expedition season. We’ll explore base camp and its surroundings glacier and return back to Gorekshep for overnight stay.
Meals: B, L, D
Trekking: (5,160m/16,929ft) & Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,320m/17,450ft)- 6- 7 Hours
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The hike up to Kala Pathar starts this morning for sunrise views of the Everest. It takes about 2 hours to reach Kala Pathar - Black Rock - the famous view point). This small peak offers the best views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam along with the entire mountain views of Khumbu Himalayan range. After spending some time here we’ll hike down to Gorekshep and breakfast and then retrace back towards Pheriche for our overnight stay.
Meals: B, L, D
Trekking: (5,550m/18,204ft) & Trek back to Pheriche 6-7 Hours
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Today is an easy day. We’ll enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast before we walk from Pheriche to Phortse, mostly downhill via Pangboche. From Pangboche, the trail is along the cliff side, which is comparatively narrow compare to other trail in Everest Region, and takes about 2 hours to reach to Phortse village. Phortse is a nice little village in the lap of mountain surrounded by beautiful nature. Here again you will be able to visit Sherpa villages and further immerse yourself in the local culture.
Meals: B, L, D
Trekking: (3810/12,497ft)- 4 Hours
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After breakfast we start with a short descent across the river then start a climb to opposite hill to Sanasa and continue to Kyanjuma. From here, you have an optional short trek to Khumjung Valley, a very interesting Sherpa village with well paved stone trail in the village and a monastery with a Yeti sculpture.
In the afternoon, there will be an easy walk to back to Namche. From there, we’ll trek down to the Hillary Suspension Bridge, then on to Monjo for our overnight stay.
Meals: B, L, D
Trekking: (2,850m/9,348ft), 6-7 Hours
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Today we will have slow and relaxed morning before we trek back to Lukla. Walk at your own pace and enjoy the lush green scenery around, passing through the incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa village. After arrival in Lukla and you'll have time to stroll around the areas and guide will re-confirm your flight ticket back to Kathmandu. Enjoy and celebrate the last dinner with your crew members and overnight stay at our hotel. You’ve been through an unforgettable experience, trekking through dynamic landscapes, gazing at mystical peaks and immersing yourself in Himalayan customs and cuisine. Congratulations on your incredible accomplishments these last 13 days!
Meals: B, L, D
Trekking: (2,800m/9,186ft), 4-5 Hours
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After an early morning flight to Kathmandu, our guide will transfer you to your hotel. You have time to relax after long journey, catch your breath and reflect on your Himalayan experience. In evening, we host farewell dinner at one of the finest restaurant in Thamel.
Meals: B, D
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Today you are free and have time for last minute shopping for souvenirs or gifts for to bring home. You will receive a transfer to the Kathmandu airport for your flight home according to your departure time.
Meals: B
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You'll be paired with a roommate of your same gender unless you request your own room.
$2495 per person
$795 “My own room” or single supplement for solo travelers (when there isn’t a roommate)
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$2495 per person
$795 “My own room” or single supplement for solo travelers (when there isn’t a roommate)
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You can continue your journey with our 11-day Discover Nepal itinerary as well as our 5-day Welcome to Bhutan excursion.
Extra nights in Kathmandu, pricing on request
Faqs
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You will reach 5160 meters / 16,925 feet at Gorekshep where you have an overnight stay. Then your final summit will be 5545 meters / 18,188 feet at Kalapathar.
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You’ll have a private vehicle while in Kathmandu, then round trip flights to Lukla for your start and finish.
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Your Trek Leader is English speaking, First Aid and eco trained and you will also have assistant trek leader(s) and Sherpa Porters (one porter) for every two trekkers. Our trek is managed by a team of professionally trained guides who are responsible for all aspects of operation of the trek.
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We will make every effort to keep the trek following the itinerary you received; however, as this is adventure travel in the remote Himalayan region, we cannot guarantee it will be exact! Weather conditions and health conditions of any member of the trekking team could compel us to adjust the itinerary. Please be prepared to be flexible when and if it is necessary.
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For the Everest Base Camp trek plus the Traverse Nepal itinerary you’ll need at least the multiple entry 30-day visa. If you’re doing other add-ons as well (such as Bhutan), you may need the 90-day visa. Be sure to count your days and add on an extra day or two in case of any unexpected flight delays.
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There are three basic components of preparation for this trek: aerobic, strength, and mental. Aerobic conditioning is important primarily because you will trek in thin air, up to 50% less than at sea level. With good aerobic conditioning, you will be able to minimize the potential effects of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS). Hiking for at least two hours per day with some weight on your back is the best way to prepare yourself for trekking. Running, cycling (outdoor or stationary), Nordic track, hill climbing, or any exercise that gets your heart rate into the aerobic range for sustained periods of time will help prepare. Every day you will walk in the Himalayas around 5 to 7 hours and reach an altitude of 5550m/18,204 feet. So, health is a most essential part for your adventure travel.
Terms & Conditions
Please refer to your Registration Packet for complete Terms & Conditions, which can also be obtained by submitting a request to hello@traversejourneys.com
Deposit
A $250-500 non-refundable deposit is required for each traveler to secure the booking (varies by trip). 50% remainder due 30 days from booking. Balance due 60 days prior to trip start. Refer to the Flexible Booking Policy for cases in which the deposit may be transferrable.
Payment
Payments can be made either by 1) full payment on booking 2) Deposit on booking + payment schedule below. Payments will be invoiced via e-mail for credit card or Paypal payment online.
Cancellations Policy
Cancellations, less the trip deposit, are refundable up to 90 days prior to the trip start date unless otherwise specified.
Flexible Booking Policy Specific to COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, Traverse has implemented a flexible booking policy that allows for deposits and payments to be transferrable to the greatest extent possible to new trip dates should a recurrence of COVID-19 render travel impossible due to border closures and related travel restrictions.
Travel Insurance
The trip price does not include travel insurance. Trip protection-style travel insurance that includes travel medical coverage is required for all trips with Traverse. The coverage must have a minimum $200,000 of medical coverage and include injury, medical, evacuation, and repatriation. See more info at https://traversejourneys.com/insurance
Documents, Personal Identification, Vaccinations
Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for all required travel documents including passport, visas, entry or exit fees, and vaccinations. Traveler is also solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. Traverse does not cover the cost or assist in obtaining any of the above, and reserves the right to collect information on all.