Trip Introduction
Mount Everest rises above them all! At 8850m it is the jewel of the crown in the Himalayas. It is known as Chomolungma which translates as “Lady Goddess of the Wind” by the Sherpas and Tibetans, and as Sagarmatha as “Churning stick of the Ocean” by the Nepalese. Mount Everest or the Khumbu region is in the Sagarmatha National Park which is World Heritage Site as it home to four of the worlds highest peaks. Everest Base Camp Trek is the most adventurous and thrilling trek to people who are interested in trekking.
The Everest Base Camp trek became popular shortly after the first mountain summit by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. So you might be following in the footsteps of many. But finding your own adventure this iconic trek is a challenge for most but the rewards. The experience will out way any blisters or tiredness you might encounter!
The Khumbu region is home to the Sherpa people who have become famous throughout the trekking world. With their roles in climbing the peaks when walking through the villages and at Namche Baazar the Sherpa Capital you will be able to observe and learn about these fascinating people and their culture.
As all Nepalese, they are welcoming and will ensure your stay and trekking is the unforgettable experience you wish for. The program consists of 13 days trekking and the rest of the time we will base in Kathmandu. Many other companies do the Everest Base Camp trek in 12 days. But we believe that having the extra day helps in acclimatization.
What's included
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Four nights accommodation in a three star Hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast. This will be for the two nights before trek and two nights after trek.
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All accommodation whilst on trek.
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You are able to choose any food, any tea and coffee from menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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Trekking permits and National Park fees if needed.
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Internal Flights for members , Guide and Assistant Guide.
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All Domestic airport taxes.
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Trekking Leader, Guides accommodation and food.
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Porter accommodation and wages while on trek.
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Trekking Leader, guides and porters insurance.
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An English speaking tour guide for Kathmandu sightseeing
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Private transportation in Kathmandu including all airport arrivals and departures. This is also for the sightseeing tours.
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All government Taxes and service Charge.
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Medical Supplies (First aid Kit)
What's excluded
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Flights to and from Nepal.
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Visa to Nepal. (Available when you land)
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Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.
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Extra night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu if arrive early or late departure.
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Personal expenses( bar bills, coke, beer, bottle of water, phone call, laundry service etc.
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All the hotel accommodation or meals in Kathmandu.( in the case return early from trek due to any reason).
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Tip for Guides and Porters.
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Your insurance.
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Day 01:
Arrival In Kathmandu (1300m).
Welcome to the country of Top of The World! As you arrive in Tribhuvan International Airport, our representatives will receive you and transfer to the hotel and check into the hotel there is time for a cup of tea, shower and then a chance to see the tourist district of Kathmandu by night as we go for dinner before an early night!
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Day 02:
Kathmandu Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1300m).
A day in Kathmandu where we will take you to Swayambhunath which is a Buddhist stupa and Monastery, which is over 2000 years old and one of the oldest in the world. Here is a great chance to see across the valleys, see some monkeys and begin to learn about this fascinating country. The afternoon will be spent getting for the trek and some time to relax and make sure all the kit and packing is complete. Also the first time you can go shopping which in Thamel is an adventure in itself!
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Day 03:
Kathmandu to Phakding (2653m) Trekking time 3 hours
After an early breakfast we will head straight to the airport where we will fly to Lukla. The flight is about 40 minutes but one that you will never forget as we fly over the foothills of the Himalayas. We will arrive and as porters are employed to carry the luggage we will have chance for a cup of tea before starting the trek. Lukla is 2800m above sea level and we will be trekking to Phakding which is 2653m. It is a short trek around 3 hours- through local villages and alongside a river.
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Day 04:
Phakding to Namche (3440m) Trekking time 6 to 7 hours
Today we begin the trail up the valley alongside the river. A easy morning trekking and we will be in Monjo (2835m) in time for lunch.This afternoon is where the uphill really kicks in! the reward is worth it as it is the first time you will get a view of Mount Everest . Today we enter the Sagarmatha national park and then we cross the Dudh Kosi river and through to the village of Jorsale. After this the steep climb up to Namche begins and it is at a well timed rest stop where we will see Everest. We will be in Namche on time and a well deserved rest. There are many shops here and a chance to relax and any supplies needed. Namche is at 3440m and so is where the altitude can sometimes start to effect people.
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Day 05:
Acclimatisation at Namche (3440m).
We will stay in Namache for an acclimatisation day with a walk up to a village Khumjung which is interesting to see village life and also you get great views of the mountains. As we will be walking higher to around 3780m this will also help in the acclimatisation process.
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Day 06:
Namche to Tengboche (3860m) Trekking time 5-6 hours
oday we make good progress both in distance and in height as we finish in Tengboche which is 3860m. We will go through villages and see Nepalese Sherpa life and you will have many glimpses and photo opportunities of both Everest and also Ama Dablam. We will mainly Tengboche which is the religious heart of the Sherpa region. There is a monastery here which is the largest in Khumbu region. You will get a chance to visit here learn about the religion and the culture of the region. About half & hour exploring will go to Tengboche lodge for overnight stay.
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Day 07:
Tengboche to Pheriche (4200m) Trekking time 5-6 hours
Today we will trek to Pangboche which is the highest all year round settlement in the region and sits at 3800m. It is a good walk and we go through the forest and many mani stones. There is also one of Nepal’s infamous bridges to go before we reach Pangboche. We will have a tea break here! We will continue our trek and go through the 4000m mark and landscape changes and as walk through alpine meadows the tree line disappears and the scenery changes. Pheriche is at 4240m above sea level due to its location can be a windy place so warm clothing will be needed here.
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Day 08:
Acclimatistion at Pheriche (4200m).
As we have passed through a major altitude barrier it is important for us to have another acclimatisation day here so we will stay in Pheriche for a second night. Taking a walk in the day higher and then coming back down will prepare the group for what is to come.
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Day 09:
Pheriche to Labuche (4930m) Trekking time 5-6 hours
Today we will gain 700m and so the hard work put in yesterday with the acclimatisation walk will pay off as we stroll up the valley and it is easy to look back and see how far we have come. In the afternoon we will come to an area called Chukpilhara and here there are stone monuments to climbers and mainly Sherpas. It is a place that will stay in your memory as a testament to the danger of the mountains. Lobuche is at 4930m.
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Day 10:
Labuche to Gorak shep (5160m) Trekking time 8-9 hours
We will trek after breakfast to Gorak Shep which was the first base camp for the climbing of Everest in the 1950's. It is at 5160m above sea level. After a rest and lunch at Gorak Shep we will trek onto the Everest Base Camp which is used now. As we are going in May this is peak climbing time for the summit so it will be good time to see it as it should be full. We will descend back down to Gorak Shep for an early night.
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Day 11:
Gorak shep to Phiriche (4200m) Trekking time 8-9 hours
We will get up early at 5am and after a cup of tea we will climb to Kala Pattar which is the peak of our trek at 5545m. The early morning will provide memories of Everest and her neighbours which will stay with you forever. We will spend time on the top giving everyone the opportunity for photos and to soak up the experience. After this we will descend back to Gorak Shep for lunch and then after that we will walk back down to Pheriche where we will spend the night.
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Day 12:
Pheriche to Tengboche (3860m) Trekking time 4 hours
We will continue back down the valley and as we full our lungs with oxygen and as we descend anyone who has suffered will continue to feel better. We will spend Over night atTengboche.
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Day 13:
Tengboche to Namche (3440m)Trekking time 5 hours
Again we will descend and even the up hills will become easy as we feel the benefit of the altitude trekking. We will walk back through Namche and if all is well we will have time to stop the shopping you wish you had bought on the way! Maybe even a second piece of the famous Apple Pie!
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Day 14:
Namche to Lukla (2800m) Trekking time 4 hours
An early start to walk and The trail descend steeply for about one and a half hours. After that the path has small ups and down to phakding via Monjo. A relatively easy and short walk for your last steap trekking and we will be in Lukla hopefully 4 pm ensuring plenty of time for a wander through the village there is even a Starbucks
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Day 15:
Lukla to Kathmandu (1300m)
An early start to the airport and weather permitting a flight back to Kathmandu. We will arrive back to hotel mid morning and a welcome shower and clean clothes will be waiting for you. The rest of the day will be at your leisure with lunch, shopping in the Thamel and adjusting to civilisation!
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Day 16:
Kathmandu sighteeing (1300m)
Today after a leisurely start we will continue the tour of Kathmandu by visiting the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. Boudhanath stupa is a world heritage site and a place which is an amazing place to see Buddhism and understand more about not only the religion but the Nepali culture.A group dinner will be had in the evening to celebrate the end of the trek.
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Day 17:
Departure Day
Return to the home. Extra days are available at your own cost but we will be happy to arrange this for you.
FLIGHT
For all the Everest Treks you will be flying from Kathmandu to Lukla and then at the end of the trek, you will need to do the return flight. This flight is very weather dependent and can be delayed or cancelled at short notice if the weather is not suitable for this mountain flight. At Top of the World Treks, we will do our best to manage this situation and if your flight is cancelled we will do all we can to get you on the next available flight. It maybe is possible for a helicopter to be charted but this will be at an extra cost and up to the group at the time. We plan extra days into our itineraries in case this happens but you are also welcome to plan extra days if you wish.
We can arrange sightseeing and tours in Kathmandu if you wish on these extra days. If the weather continues to see cancellation then it must be decided on the group whether to continue to wait or transfer the trek to another region such as Annapurna or Langtang. We will fully advise you if this becomes the case.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Please be aware that your safety while in Nepal is our number one propriety. All itineraries are subject to change if there are safety concerns, health concerns of people in the group and/or weather concerns. This will be decided by the trek leader but we will always discuss the options with the group where possible to ensure peoples wishes are taken into account, however, the Treks leader decision is final.
Book our fixed departures
Equipments
1. Equipment Check – List
What clothing and equipment to take is one of the things that people worry the most about! We can advise you and help you and it does of course depend on the time of year, the area, the altitude and how many days you are trekking/climbing. When you arrive in Kathmandu we will go through all your equipment to ensure that it is correct for your trip. In Thamel (the tourist area of Kathmandu where you will be staying) there is an abundance of shops seeling equipment and clothing so if anything is forgotten it can easily be sourced.It is also possible to hire climbing equipment and also items such as down jackets, and sleeping bags saving you a large purchase.
The following equipment list is suggested and necessary for both camping and tea house treks. Use this list as a guide line.The basic check list should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag, should weight no more than 15kg. Please remember this is just a check list and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed bellow.
2. GENERAL CHECK – LIST
The following basic check list should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag, should weight no more than 15 kilograms. Please remember this is just a check list and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed bellow. Use your own experience and judgment to make your decision.
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- Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
- Fleece jacket or pullover.
- fleece wind –stopper Jacket (optional)
- Waterproof sheel jacket (preferably breathable fabric)
- Lightweight thermal gloves.
- Underwear (4)
- Shorts (2)
- Lightweight cotton long trousers / pants .
- Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms.
- Sun hat or Scarf.
- Warm fleece hat or light balaclava.
- T- shirt (2)
- Thin, light weight (inner socks) (4).
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees ¾ season
- Head lamp (eg petzl) Spare bulbs and batteries.
- Small padlock to lock trek bag.
- Basic first aid kit(see First aid medicine bellow)
- Plastic bags –for keeping items dry inside trek bag.
- Daypack ( 35 to 40 litters/ 2500 to 3000 cubic inches.)
- Camping mattress, eg thermarest pad.
- Water bottles.
- Tolietries.
- Small wash towel.
- Footwear appropraite to the trip.
- Waterproof shell trousers / pants. (Preferably berathable fabric)
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3. TREKKING CHECK LIST
In addition to the items listed in our general check list you will need to take the following on your trekking trip:
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- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof sheel outer.
- Down vest and/ or jacket (optional).
- Fleece or wool trousers/ pants.
- Trekking/ hiking boods with spare laces.
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
- Footwear for around camp, eg running shoes and /or sandals.
- Gaiters (optional).
- Telescopic trekking/ ski poles (optional)
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4. MOUNTAINERING / CLIMBING CHECK LIST
In addition to the checklists for general trekking equipment above, and depending on the trip you have chosen, various items of mountaineering equipment may also be required, eg:
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- Plastic boots and crampons (preferably step – in bindings ) with front points.
- Mountaineering Safety harness.
- Mountaineering Ice axe(60 to 75 cms long – depending on your height and personal preference).
- 120 cms (4ft) climbing sling and to locking and unlocking caravines.
- Telescopic ski – sticks (optional).
- Prussik loops .
- Climbing helmet (optional).
- Jumer (Ascender & Descender).
- Pocket Knife.
- Head lamp.
- Mattress.
- Rope and Snow bars.
- Ice crew.
- High altimeter.
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Most if not all of this equipment will be needed for any trip that crosses steep, snow – covered ground, or which includes sections of glacier travel. Our recommendation that you take no more than fifteen kilos of trekking equipment dose not include your plastic boots, ice axe , Crampons ot herness/ carabiners . During the trek, climbing hard wear will be carried separately from your personal trek bag, in group bags untill needed.
5. EQUIPMENT RENTAL
In order to minimize your expense outlay for trekking and climbing equipment you may never use again, equipmeent rental and buying is possible in Kathmandu. You find them lot cheaper than you find in europe and in Usa. Shops in Thamel offer a wide range of equipment available for rent and buy. Here is some cost which give you an aidea of the cost to rent in Kathmandu.
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- Sleeping bags.
- Down Jackets.
- All purpose mountaineering Ice axe (60 – 70 cms)
- Ice hummer.
- Climbing Harness .
- 2 looking Carabiners , Climbing Sling.
- 12 – point Crampons.
- Plastic Climbing boots.
- Helmet.
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6. FIRST AID MEDICINE
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- Bandage for Sprains.
- Plaster/ Band- aids.
- Iodine or Water filter(optional)
- Moleskin/ Second skin – for blisters.
- Antiseptic ointment for cuts.
- Anti- bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
- Aspirin/ paractamol- general painkiller.
- Oral rehydration salts.
- Broad – spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin).
- Anti – diarrhea medication (antibiotic).
- Diarrhea stopper (Imodium – optional)
- Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria.
- Diamox (Altitude sickness – can be bought in Kathmandu.
- Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution).
- For more details please see our staying healthy topic.