Classic Everest
Trekking tour in Nepal | 15 days ex Kathmandu | US$1450
Kathmandu - Lukla - Everest Base Camp Trek
Mount Everest to most seems like an almost mythical place. It calls out like a beacon to those with an adventurous soul. Most people only dream about it and it remains a symbol of the unconquerable. For those who have a chance to gaze on its peak with their own eyes it is a spiritual experience and one that despite many attempts to describe it to friends will never quite be captured in words. Traditionally considered in local mythology as the mother mountain, which gives life to everything that surrounds it, you will not be left unaffected and it will fill you with the same energy.
Most people who come to Nepal either come for the sole purpose of casting eyes on Mount Everest or are unable to resist the magnetism once here. If there is only one trek that you do in your life, this should be it. Heading out from Lukla where our trek begins, we are able to witness daily life of the people destined to live at the foothills of the Himalayas as we walk through local Sherpa villages. The scenery along the way past the sleeping giants of the Himalayas will be sure to take your breath away. The path we follow was described by the Dalai Lama as “the steps to heaven” and indeed it is almost a spiritual journey. When we reach Everest Base Camp high on the Khumbu Glacier you will be humbled in realization that you are standing on the highest mountain in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Kathmandu
Arriving in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. We will have a group meeting in the evening followed by dinner.
Days 2-4 | Lukla to Namche Bazaar
An amazing flight on small prop plane takes you from Kathmandu to Lukla, the starting point of the trek. The views from this flight are legendary. The trek begins this very day, heading to Phakding where we stop for the night. The next day hike on to Namche Bazaar, which is the outpost hub of the region and important trading centre with its bustling market. Day 4 is a free day in Namche to adjust to the higher altitude. Relax, look around the market or join us on an excursion to a picturesque Buddhist monastery set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam, Everest and other giant, snowcapped peaks.
Days 5-7 | Namche to Chhukung Valley
The trek continues and you are welcomed back to the walk with stunning views of the mountains spread out among you. There is a lovely mix of all the sights as you trek along; forests, rivers, stupas decorated with prayer flags, and of course all of this to the backdrop of the majestic peaks. Everest now rises royally before you. On day 7 is the second acclimatization day in the Chhukung Valley where you have the opportunity to take a leisurely hike up to a summer settlement which has some of the most noteworthy views of the entire trek.
Days 8-10 | Chhukung Valley to Everest Base Camp
The trekking on days 8 through 10 will be the most challenging of the expedition. Above the tree-line the scenery is stark but spectacular. Toward the end of the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier the path steepens. The hard work pays off when you reach your summit of the Base Camp and revel in the breathtaking views. This is what you came all this way for! After taking time to let it all soak in we head back to a lower altitude at Lobuche where we stay for the night.
Days 11-13 | Lobuche to Lukla
The descent continues from Lobuche to Pangboche with its beautiful monastery, where we stop for the night. We trace our steps back down through Namche Bazaar and Phakding en route to Lukla.
Days 14-15 | Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu on day 14 and arrive with enough time in the afternoon for some last minute shopping and our final dinner together. Day 15 is departure day and you are free to depart at any time you like; just let us know your flight details and we’ll arrange for your included transfer to the airport.
Facts and Information
Style
trekking tour
Grasshopper Leader
This tour will be lead by Sam Hoys, his passion for the Himalayas and enthusiasm and experience in Nepal will be the foundation for this trip, don’t hesitate to contact Sam directly if you have any questions.
meet Sam
Inclusions
Local Nepali trekking guide, grasshopper tour leader, accommodation, trekking permits, arrival and departure transfers, all domestic transport as listed per itinerary. Porters (and yaks) are provided to help carry your luggage so you only have to worry about carrying your day pack.
Group Size
minimum 3, maximum 12
Accommodation
2 nights comfortable hotel (twin share) in Kathmandu, 12 nights local teahouses while trekking (twin or multishare). The tea houses are cozy but basic and are all local family owned.
Meals Included
2 breakfasts, 1 dinner.
Difficulty
difficult
Days Trekking
10 days with 2 rest/acclimatization days
Trekking Conditions
Everest Base Camp is a Grade 5 expedition involving altitudes of over 5000m. The trek to Everest Base Camp is strenuous but does not require that you have any previous trekking or technical climbing experience it is only required that you be in good physical condition and are able to hike for 5-7 hours per day over hilly terrain with a light day pack.
Private Groups
Private groups can be arranged for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Contact us for more details.
