Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp (EBC) is the main attraction of Nepal's Khumbu Region and famous as the site of the main camp for the first successful ascent of Everest in May, 1953. That ascent was accomplished by New Zealand's Edmund Percival Hillary and Nepal's own Tenzing Norgay from Thame village of the Khumbu region. Nowadays, Everest Base Camp is still a major base of operations for climbers on the southern route to Everest’s summit (a northern route begins in the TIbetan Frontier). The exhilarating feeling of reaching this historic site will be remembered for a long time to come of pleasant memories of adventure in the Himalaya. We hope that you will join Secrets of the Himalaya for your memorable journey to base camp of the world's highest peak -- Everest.

The Secrets of the Himalaya Everest Base Camp Trek also includes a side-trip to one of the best viewpoints in the Himalaya, Kala Pattar (4250 m, 13,945 ft), with unobstructed views of Everest and nearby mountains, and below it all lies the valley of the meandering Khumbu Glacier and scenic alpine landscape through which the glacier (very, very slowly) flows.

Along the way, while trekking up to EBC, the non-stop, jaw-dropping Himalayan scenery includes view after view of many majestic, snow-dressed peaks soaring into the skies including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nupste, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Thamserku, Kangde, Makalu, Baruntse and many more peaks towering above the trails and providing an otherworldly backdrop to the whole trekking journey.

The Khumbu Highlands of the Everest Base Camp Trek are populated by Sherpa, renowned high mountain people. The Sherpa, many of whom still follow a customary way of life in this area are also known as Tigers of the Snow for their climbing prowess in the Himalaya. The EBC Trek allows insight into the Sherpa mountain lifestyle. Regal monasteries are perched near the highland Sherpa settlements and offer opportunties for sacred discoveries, too. Exotic wildlife in these highlands include the musk deer, Himalayan thar, snow leopard, snow cock, and pheasant (many people also lay claim that the fabled yeti resides somewhere in the Khumbu). Read more about the Yeti in Nepal's Everest Region (written for Nepal's leading culture magazine ECS Nepal by Secrets of the Himalaya founder Alonzo Lyons) -- Cracking the Yeti Myth

There are several options to begin the trek to Everest Base Camp including a trek in from Jiri -- trekking in from Jiri adds another week to the itinerary. Additionally, trekking from Jiri helps with trekking fitness and acclimatization for the higher realms. The Jiri option follows the historic footsteps of Hillary and Norgay when they trekked in to base camp for their victorious expedition over sixty years ago. That said, our typical Secrets of the Himalaya itinerary is to fly into the region by way of the mountain airport at Lukla and begin the Everest Base Camp Trek.

The trail follows from Lukla follows along the Dudh Kosi (Milk River) up to the famous Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is considered the gateway of the Khumbu Region. The settlement is located in a natural amphitheater with an astonishing spectacle of surrounding mountains. We take a rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar that includes the option of hiking to Kunde and Khumjung, two enchanting sister villages in a highland meadow a short hike from Namche Bazaar. The journey continues to Tangboche Gompa (monastery), with unforgettable views of Ama Dablam, also known as, ‘The Matterhorn of the Himalaya’. The Everest Base Camp Trek route also passes one of the original Sherpa villages in Nepal, fascinating Pangboche village and much more. The following is a story about the region's traditional medical practices: Sowa Rigpa, The Tibetan Art of Healing

The final settlement on the base camp route with trekker lodges is known as Gorak Shep. From here we make day trips to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar viewpoint. Secrets of the Himalaya has many more options in the area for people interested in exploring more of the Khumbu, including the chance to climb a Himalayan peak (please inquire using the form below for more information on special peak climbing packages, including Island Peak, aka Imja Tse, Nepal's most climbed Himalayan mountain as well as at himalayasecrets@gmail.com).

The standard 16-day itinerary includes extra days to acclimatize and fully enjoy the experience of the astonishing Everest Region. Modifications for people with less time are available, too. Just let us know your timeframe and flexibility, and we can adjust the trek according to preferences.

The best season for trekking in the Everest area is considered to be October to late November and March to early June for the clearest weather and views, and actually, all seasons are open for a visit, athough winter season will be very cold and requires sufficient extra clothing and the summer monsoon will have more cloud cover than usual and likely showers and even snows. (Please find more about Nepal's seasonal variety here, When to Visit Nepal.)

Contact a Himalayan specialist anytime for more questions or concerns and booking details using the inquiry form below (or himalayasecrets@gmail.com). We truly look forward to hearing from you, and ultimately, Secrets of the Himalaya hopes to be given the opportunity of guiding you along the Khumbu Region's most famous trek, The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek. We our sure that you will be satisfied with the experience and our services. Adventure is calling in the HImalaya, and Secrets of the Himalaya is ready to answer that call in the Everest Region with you.

Please Note: We strongly advise visitors flying into and/or out of the Everest Region at Lukla to include extra days in their international travel itinerary to ensure that they have the time to meet their scheduled international departure from Kathmandu. Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are regularly delayed by weather. These delays sometimes last days. In such cases, we will always do our best to re-schedule flights to/from Lukla upon first availability. However, the chance of delayed flights and sometimes even cancellations are real. Therefore, we recommend that you please schedule at least two extra days into your international flight schedule to avoid possible conflicts with departure date from Nepal and consider travel insurance, too. In the event of extended delays, an option is to arrange a helicopter evacuation at extra cost. Nevertheless, it is also likely that there are no delays to/from Lukla. In that case, if you have scheduled extra days and have free time in Kathmandu, then we can suggest and arrange for sightseeing tours and other activities.

Experience the Everest Region's main attraction Everest Base Camp (EBC) on the trekking journey of a lifetime. Read about a dazzling, record-breaking adventure that began in Nepal's Everest Region (written for Nepal's leading culture magazine ECS Nepal by Secrets of the Himalaya founder Alonzo Lyons) -- Flying Snow Leopards of Nepal

Your adventure in Nepal awaits...

Day to Day

Day 01Arrival at Kathmandu’s International airport (1350 m / 4450 ft)Welcome to Nepal. You will be greeted at the arrival area of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu's international airport by our representative and escorted to your hotel. Take time to refresh yourself after your international travel. The first evening is open to enjoy as you like, rest and relax at the hotel or explore the surroundings.

Day 02Full Day Tour, Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley After a leisurely breakfast, our skilled guide leads a tour of Kathmandu Valley’s highlights and attractions, including magnificent World Heritage Sites of cultural and historical significance. After the tour, we will hold a pre-departure discussion with our Trek Leader and staff.

Day 03Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), trek to Phakding (2,650 m / 8,690 ft) After an early morning breakfast we transport you to the airport for a brief, scenic flight to the mountain settlement of Lukla. There, our tour leader will introduce the porters and staff and we then start the first day’s hike up the Dudh Kosi (Milk River) Valley to our destination of Phakding. After settling into the lodge, according to your interest, we can take a side trip to a village monastery.

Day 04Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,435 m / 11,270 ft)The trek continues up the valley with sneak peaks of the snowy mountains. We enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo village and enjoy a lunch break before continuing to trek through pine trees to the bustling Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar has immense views of surrounding peaks and the valley below.

Day 05Rest & acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar We take a chance to get used to the increased altitude with an acclimatization rest day before forging ahead. If feeling fit and fine, we start by exploring Namche with an abundance of lodges, restaurants and souvenir shops. We can visit the national park visitor center above town which has information on the region’s history and its mountains, plants and animals. We have an optional hike to Khunde and Khumjung over a ridgeline with beautiful views of the peaks on the way, including Mount Everest. Kunde and Khumjung are Sherpa communities with monasteries which we can visit before returning to Namche Bazaar for our overnight stay under the stars which, on clear nights may seem close enough to touch.

Day 06Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867 m / 12,887 feet) After a leisurely breakfast in Namche, we begin our trek to Tengboche a settlement with a famous monastery and magnificent views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and more along the way and at Tengboche, too.

Day 07Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4360 m / 14,304 feet) We start our trekking with an easy descent through rhododendron forest, passing a nunnery at Debouche to a bridge over the Imja River with stunning views of Ama Dablam. We then reach mani walls with Buddhist prayers inscribed in stone as we arrive at the village of Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the Khumbu . Our route continues rising, passing Shomare and seasonal pastures to reach Dingboche.

Day 08Rest & acclimatization day at Dingboche Today gives us a chance to rest and relax while we acclimatize before going higher. The day offers optional hikes to nearby viewpoints and the valley that leads to Imje Tse (Island Peak). The sights include breathtaking, unforgettable views of the surrounding peaks with the massive Lhotse-Nuptse head wall and the north face of Ama Dablam leading the show.

Day 09Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4930 m / 16,175 ft) The onward journey ascends north to a mani wall and stupa monument and then an easier hike above Pheriche village and the valley below to a bridge over a river emerging from the Khumbu Glacier. We continue steeply up a lateral moraine of a glacier to pass memorials for climbers and views of Mt. Pumori and the peaks west of Everest. After a short break, we continue to the lodges at Lobuche.

Day 10Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep (5184 m / 17,008 ft)This will be a long but rewarding day. We start by following a glacial moraine with amazing views of its wide path below the trail. We break for lunch at Gorakshep, where we can drop off most of our gear at the lodge before a hike to Everest Base Camp, the ultimate destination of this trek and closest place to the world’s highest peak without needing mountaineering skills and equipment. Our heartiest congratulations, you made it! The view of the famous Khumbu Icefall is outstanding. After spending sometime at Base Camp we return to Gorakshep for the night.

Day 11Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar and trek to Pheriche (4252 m / 13,950 feet) After a hot drink at the break of dawn, we begin the climb to Kala Patthar (5550 m, 18,208 ft) to witness the views of a spectacular sunrise on Mt. Everest. The highest peak on the planet is right in front of you and other peaks in the panorama from Kala Patthar include Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and many more. After taking in the rewarding sights, we trek down to Gorakshep for a lunch break and then descend back to Pheriche.

Day 12Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (4360 m / 14,304 feet)After breakfast in Pheriche, we have a leisurely hike back to Pangboche and Tyangboche passing through a rhododendron grove on the way. We take a lunch break before continuing to Namche Bazaar.

Day 13Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,850 m / 9,350 ft)This is our last day of trekking in the Khumbu Region. It is a pleasant return hiking to the mountain village of Lukla where our trek began. In Lukla, we have a celebration with the crew and friends you have trekked with over the days gone by. We hope that you enjoy a last merry night in these beautiful mountains.

Day 14Fly from Lukla to KathmanduWe are scheduled for an early morning flight back to Kathmandu and the rest of the time is available to explore on your own, search for souvenirs for friends and loved ones back home, and relax and enjoy yourself after the high elevation trekking.

Day 15Leisure day in Kathmandu (buffer day for flight from Lukla)This is a extra day in the itinerary to buffer against delays flying into or out of Lukla airport. Rest, relax and enjoy the day as you will, perhaps exploring the sights of the lively tourist hub of Thamel and searching for mementos and gifts for friends and family. If you might like to add on an extra tour, the we can arrange something more structured. In the evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Day 16Transfer to the international airport for your final departure Our representative will escort you to the airport for your departure back home. We are sure that you will have enjoyed the experience and our services. As you travel to your own country, hopefully you will remember us and Nepal very fondly. Farewell friend.

Cost Include

Vehicle transportation to and from your trip arrival point, for example, from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel in the city; Pokhara airport or bus station to hotel in Pokhara.
Three-star (or above) accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (breakfast meals are included).
A sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley with professional guide and entrance fees to World Heritage Sites, Palace Squares and temples.
Round Trip flight between Kathmandu and Lukla*
Tea–house accommdation during journey.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the journey.
Trained, certified and experienced guide with assistants (we typically provide one porter per two clients--weight limits apply).
Fees and taxes for entering Sagarmatha National Park.
Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card (necessary in all trekking areas).
First Aid Kit and supplies
Farewell Meal following the journey and typically, on the eve of your international departure
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*Please Note: We strongly advise visitors flying into and/or out of the Everest Region at Lukla to include extra days in their international travel itinerary to ensure that they have the time to meet their scheduled international departure from Kathmandu. The flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are often delayed by weather. These delays sometimes last days. We will always do our best to re-schedule flights to/from Lukla upon first availability. However, the chance of delayed flights and sometimes even cancellations are real. Please schedule at least two extra days into your international flight schedule to avoid possible conflicts with departure date from Nepal and consider travel insurance. In the event of extended delays, one option is to arrange a helicopter evacuation for extra fees. Nevertheless, the chances that there are no delays to/from Lukla are also likely. In that case, if you have scheduled extra days and have free time in Kathmandu, then we can suggest and arrange for sightseeing tours and adventure activities and others options.

Cost Exclude

International travel to and from Nepal.
Major meals other than breakfast while staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Personal Expenses, for example, laundry expenses, extra drinks and extra snacks, telephone calls.
Personal clothing and gear.
Personal toiletries.
Travel Insurance and Medical Insurance with rescue coverage.
Extra fees at tea-houses and trailside lodges, for example, extra fees for hot shower, fees for recharging electronic equipment, alcoholic drinks, laundry and similar personal expenses.
Tips for crew and staff along the journey.
Unforeseen expenses due to cancellation of events and activities because of circumstances beyond our control, for example, weather delays, trail changes, political disruptions, illness of a group member and similar events beyond our control.

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Everest Base Camp Trek - EBC Trek