Everest Base Camp
Hike to see the top of the world
- 14 nights
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Up to 14 hikers (on average 8)
- Mountain huts and hotels in Kathmandu
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Nepal
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April - May / Oct - Dec
- Moderate - Hard
From £1850
The Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC Trek) is the most beautiful trail in the Everest Region and is the most famous Himalayan Trek. It is famous for its spectacular mountain views and the hospitality of the Sherpas. Mount Everest is also known as Sagarmatha in Nepalese, which in English literally means “Mother Goddess of the World”.
The Everest Base Camp trek offers a unique experience with panoramic views of the world’s highest and most beautiful mountains. It is one of the most inspiring places in the world and trekking is possible all year round. The best times to visit are March to May and September to December.
On our trek we will spend one night in Kathmandu where you can relax and recover from your flight before heading into the mountains to start the trek.
To get to our starting point we must fly from Kathmandu to Lukla which takes around 30 minutes. Kathmandu airport can be very busy so we often fly from an airport that is a 4 hour drive from the capital to ensure we get to Lukla on time.
Once in Lukla you will begin the trek up to Everest base camp. At night you will stay in mountain tea houses that are mainly run by local Sherpas. You will have delicious food prepared for you with a wide choice of options.
From Lukla Airport we will pass through Sherpa Villages, forests of Fur and Rododendron’s and walk across high suspension bridges along the way. We will also visit Namche Bazaar a vibrant market town with traders from around the village and as far away as Tibet. Views of Island peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam can all be seen as well as the magnificent view of Mt. Everest from the Kala Patthar.
We will journey up through the mountain over 11 days before reaching base camp. We will spend one night at Gorek Shep close to base camp before we start our decent back to Lukla. There will be acclimatisation days on the trek to ensure the safety of all trekkers.
Once we return back to Kathmandu we will have a full day of sightseeing around the city and two nights in Kathmandu. This is one adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
We run trips throughout the year that you can join as an individual, couple or small group or get in touch and we can organise a bespoke trip for you and your friends.
Included
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11 day Trek to Everest Base Camp
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11 nights accommodation in Tea Houses
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3 nights shared accommodation in Kathmandu
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1 porter per 2 guests
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Local Guides
Adastra Guide
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National Park Permit and Development Fees
3 meals per day on the trek. Only breakfast in Kathmandu
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Day sightseeing Kathmandu
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Transport to and from airport
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Flights to KTM – LUK – KTM
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Ground transport in Nepal
Not Included
Flights to Nepal
Lunch & Dinners Kathmandu
Alcohol
Additional Snack / Drinks
Visa into Nepal
Tips for Staff ($60 recommended)
Personal travel insurance
Spending money for shopping in the capital
Any activities not mentioned
Itinerary
What to expect day to day
Arrive in Kathmandu before 10am. You will be met at the airport and brought back to the hotel. There will be time to hire kit and relax before the hike. In the evening you will have a team briefing about the hike before dinner. Enjoy a good night sleep before the hike begins the next day.
Enjoy a 30 minuet scenic flight to Lukla. Occasionally these flights depart from Kathmandu however it’s more common now to fly from another airport a 4 hour drive from Kathmandu. When you arrive in Lukla enjoy a hot drink before beginning the hike to Phakding. This is a nice easy hike to begin the trek.
On day 2 of our hike you will enter the National Park. Enjoy beautiful scenery of the low valleys throughout the morning as you hike through the forest. You will cross 5 suspension bridges as you make your way to Namche Bazar. Today if the weather is kind you will get your first glimpse of Everest. We will arrive in Namche Bazar by early afternoon after a long uphill climb where you can enjoy a bit of shopping and delicious coffee and cake.
Today is an important day as we are allowing our bodies to acclimatise. We will hike up to the Everest View Hotel for tea before visiting Sir Edmund Hillary’s school. By hiking back to Namche Bazaar to sleep we give our bodies a great chance to acclimatise.
Today we hike to Tenbouche. It’s a nice easy hike in the morning as we head back down to the river for lunch. After lunch we have a challenging climb up to Tenbouche taking roughly 3 hours. When we arrive we are rewarded with the beautiful Monetary which we can visit and join in with their evening meditation.
Today is an easier hike but the affects of altitude can start to kick in now. We will have a magnificent view of a rhododendron forest followed by a bridge over the raging Imja khola (River), we ascend towards Dingboche. We’ll pass the valley wall and then the plains to Pangboche village, the biggest settlement of Sherpas in the region. It is a great opportunity to have a lunch with the local Sherpas.
Today we’ll rest our legs and settle our bodies as we start to deal with the increasing altitude. There will be an optional trek to the Valley which will pay off with rewarding views, but taking it easy for today is the most important thing.
From here on in, the trek will be gradually more challenging due to the high altitude. We have a steep climb where we will pass Dughla (Thukla). Before reaching Dughla, we trek across a wide pass which is is a nice contrast to the narrower trails we’ve been on. The Himalayas will tower over us on all sides today. After crossing Dughla, the trail passes through boulder-strewn slopes before the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine.
Today is one of our longest days as we hike through the once vast Gorakshep Lake. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine, and streams. You head out on narrow tracks which are only a few feet wide and few hundred meters down. The distance between Lobuche and Gorakshep is roughly 4.5 km and will take approximately 2 hours to reach.
From Gorakshep, It is approximately 3.4km to Base Camp. As you walk across the rocks towards the many prayer flags that cover the path, you will arrive at Everest Base Camp. During the expedition season, many of the groups are settled here in their respective camps awaiting their climb to the highest mountain in the world. It will take approximately 2.5 hours to reach Everest Base Camp from Gorakshep. After taking photographs and enjoying the moment, we head back towards Gorakshep for the night.
Today you have the options to hike up Kalapattar. With an altitude of 5550m it is a good challenge but watching the sun rise over Everest is worth every minuet. After this we enjoy breakfast and begin our descent towards Pheriche. The route to Pheriche will be rapid and every step is easier as we drop in altitude.
This is a long day but very enjoyable as we are heading down. The hike back to Tengboche is mainly downhill from Pheriche, with a small uphill stretch. We continue on from Tengboche after lunch and will reach Namche in the late afternoon.
After a good sleep in Namche, we’ll get up early and descend back to Lukla. The trekking today is exciting as well as easier as we head through the forest of rhododendron and pines. We will pass Monjo after a short walk and then to Phakding. Today is approximately 6 hours of the trekking but we will finally reach Lukla and the end of our hike.
We will enjoy our last views of the mountains while flying back to Kathmandu from Lukla. We will be picked up from the domestic airport and taken back to the hotel where we can enjoy a chilled beer and hot shower.
Today after the breakfast we’ll be touring around the Kathmandu valley. The Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath temple, Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath temple are the major sight-seeing areas around the Kathmandu valley. These all are listed as world heritage sites. In Durbar square we can visit the old palaces and temples.
Pashupatinath temple is one of the most sacred to the Hindus. Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath Stupa are Buddhist temples and very popular to tourists. Swoyambhunath is also known as money temple and stands on the hilltop west of the Kathmandu valley. It is also known as the viewpoint of Kathmandu valley. Boudhanath temple is the biggest Chhorten ever made around the world.
After breakfast you will have transfers back to the airport for your flight home. Or join us in the Jungle for a few days.
Kathmandu
We stay in the beautiful Nomad hotel in Kathmandu just outside of Thamel. It’s in the quiet streets away from the hustle and bustle but within easy reach for shopping and a few drinks after the hike.
The trek
We stay in tea houses during the trek. You will share a room with another hiker. The tea houses are basic but many have access to hot showers and charging points. All have a common room that is heated with fires where we enjoy dinners and breakfasts
Expedition Kit list
Our comprehensive kit list has been created to ensure you have the right kit for the mountain. This will make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable. For specific advice please get in touch, or speak to a specialist outdoor retailer. Items marked with * can be hired in country.
General
- Passport plus travel documents and photocopies: These can be stored securely at the hotel during the trek
- Rucksack: 20-30l daypack
- Duffle Bag – For the rest of your hiking kit, carried by our local porters.
- Bag to leave in hotel
- Waterproof Liners: For your day pack and duffle-bag to keep everything dry.
- Sleeping Bag: You will require a -15 sleeping bag *
- Sleeping Bag Liner: Add’s warmth to you sleeping bag and keeps your sleeping bag clean.
- LED Headtorch: For use in the evening. Bring spare batteries.
- Trekking Poles: Highly recommended *
- Camera: Plus memory & spare batteries
- Personal Entertainment: Music, books, cards, diary, notepad and pen.
Head & hands
- Sunglasses: Cat 3 or 4, 100% UVA/UVB
- Sun Hat: Essential
- Buff – Essential against the dust and sun
- Warm Hat
- Thin Gloves: liner gloves
- Thick Gloves/Mittens: Warm and insulated. Sized to go over the liner gloves for extra warmth.
Upper Body
- Down Jacket: It’s very cold during the evening and mornings so this is essential. *
- Waterproof Jacket: Lightweight and breathable. e.g. GoreTex
- Baselayers – T-shirts or lightweight long sleeve shirts (not cotton); polypropylene or Merino wool. Lighter colours are better.
- Lightweight Fleece
- Heavyweight Fleece: Softshell or primaloft jacket.
Legs & feet
- Hiking Boots: Comfortable and waterproof with good ankle support.
- Trainers/Sandals: For use in Kathmandu and in the evenings.
- Down Slippers: For the evenings.
- Socks: 3 – 4 pairs of lightweight trekking socks plus a pair of thicker mountaineering socks e.g. smartwool
- Walking Trousers: Comfortable lightweight and quick drying
- Long Thermal Trousers: To sleep in and wear under your trousers when the temperatures drop.
- Waterproof Trousers: Lightweight and breathable. e.g. GoreTex
- Walking Shorts: Ideal for the first few days of the hike when it’s warmer.
- Swimming Costume: For enjoying the pool after the trek.
Hygiene Food and Toiletries
- Water Bottles: 2 x 1 litre water bottles. Camelbak is highly recommended but cannot hold the boiling water and can freeze on colder days.
- Suncream & Lip Protection: Essential: High SPF (30+)
- Anti-bacterial Hand Gel
- Wash Kit: Wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste and travel towel.
- Toilet Paper
- Snacks: To supplement the food provided. 1 – 2 per day is enough. High energy lightweight and tasty.
- First Aid Kit: Your mountain Guide will carry a comprehensive group first aid kit. A small blister/first aid kit of your own is advised. Compeed / Second skin plasters, painkillers (Paracetamol and Ibuprofen), zinc oxide tape, powdered rehydration sachet, antibacterial foot powder plus any personal medication you need.
- Small repair kit: Gaffer tape, needle and thread, zip ties and para-cord are useful for little repairs.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
It is a moderate level hike. There are easy afternoons of rolling flats and difficult steep climbs but overall it is manageable for someone with little or no trekking experience. With proper training you should be able to complete the trek to EBC. However, even with proper training you can get altitude sickness which means you must return to a lower elevation.
Unless you live at a high altitude it is impossible to truly train for the altitude. Altitude sickness (AMS) can strike anyone no matter your fitness lever. The key is to take your time and walk slow. We include acclimatisation days into the hike to help your body to adjust.
Both seasons are a great time to make the EBC trek. Snow or rain can hit during either season. Pre-monsoon in March /April and post-monsoon in October/November are the best seasons to trek. You are most likely to see groups trying to summit in the Spring but we have found the weather in the Autumn to be better.
During the peak seasons the trails can get a little congested in some stretches. Many guided groups are around 10-15 people. You will pass yaks, porters, and locals along the way as well. However, there are plenty of stretches where it will feel like it is just you and the Himalayas.
All our accommodation and food is included in the hike. So you will only require money for trips, snacks and gifts.
We will boil water for you every evening so you have enough for the next day. Our guides will boil the water so we know it is safe.
The more water you can drink the better. It will not only help with altitude sickness but also help you replenish your salt and keep you hydrated. We recommend 4 -5 liters per day
Yes, most tea houses and bakeries have WiFi on the trek. Some will have free WiFi in Namche or free with a purchase of something to eat and drink. The WiFi prices go up with the altitude.
Tea houses have charging stations and they charge by the hour for the most part. This price goes up with the altitude just like the WiFi and everything else on the trail. Battery packs and solar chargers are great for the trek
The bathrooms are basic but useable. Lower down on the trail they are very pleasant and get progressively worse as you reach base camp. Many of the tea houses we stay in will have access to hot showers you will however have to pay for these and they are roughly £3
After the trek take a few days to relax in the Jungle in the South of Nepal. Stay in a luxury lodge in Chitwan National Park. Enjoy daily safaris and lots of time to relax and recover. The weather is delightfully warm here so you can also enjoy time by the pool. Delicious food, drinks and evening entertainment will give you the perfect end to your trip.
During the day we will have different safari options. Walking safaris, canoe safaris and driving safaris. On these we will have the chance to see Rhino’s, monkeys, wild deer and wild boar. Many birds and crocodiles can be seen. We can also visit the crocodile sanctuary.
If we are very lucky we might even spot a tiger.
FIT TO SUMMIT
We have been asked many times over the years how do I get fit for my adventure?
We have answered your calls and teamed up with Anthony Richardson to deliver you a 12 week pre challenge fitness programme aimed at getting you ready for your adventure.
Find out more about the programme and if it will be right for you.
Similar Trips
Why AdAstra
AdAstra has been taking groups to Everest Base Camp for many years with 100% success of reaching Base Camp. We love this route and we have some of the best guides on the mountain. We also have a fantastic team in Kathmandu coordinating with our mountain team ensuring an extra layer of safety on the mountain.
- Small groups of adventurers
- Team of passionate local guides
- Your AdAstra guide there to look after all your needs.
Is EBC for you?
This trail can be challenging at times due to the length and altitude of the trek. It is however non technical and with the right level of fitness an achievable hike with great rewards. Get in touch with our team to ask any questions and understand if this trek is right for you?
- EBC is 5364m high
- It takes 8 days to hike to EBC and 3 days to return to Lukla. 11 days hiking in total
- You will spend 15 days 14 nights in Nepal.