Everest Base Camp Trek
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Everest Base Camp Trek - Are you ready for a challenge of a lifetime?
Start: Kathmandu, Nepal
Finish: Kathmandu, Nepal
Standing at a formidable 8,848m, the summit of Mount Everest offers the perfect backdrop for this trek of a lifetime. Starting in Lukla, your route will take you through Sherpa villages, past beautiful monasteries and over jaw-dropping suspension bridges until you reach the base camp of the world’s highest mountain.
Beginning in Lukla, you will follow the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay – the first climbers to ever summit Everest. Engulfed in the shadows of the world’s highest mountain, you will traverse gorges, past Buddhist monasteries, visit the Everest Memorial Ground and trek towards the Khumbu icefall until you reach Base Camp.
With each day, the trek becomes more challenging and strenuous and will undoubtedly push your body to the limits. However, the incredible views and support from fellow participants will spur you on to reach your goal.
Arriving into Everest Base Camp will be a momentous occasion and one to saviour with your fellow trekkers. Upon your descent and flight back to Kathmandu, you can spend time exploring the chaotic, exotic and historic capital.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu:
Welcome to Nepal! On landing in the capital, you’ll be welcomed by the local GoKo representative, who will transfer you straight to Kathmandu (approx. 3-4hrs). This evening, you will have a team dinner and briefing.
This is the perfect opportunity for you to meet your fellow trekkers and ask any questions about your challenge ahead. After dinner, there will be time to prepare your trekking kit before getting an early night.
Day 2
Trek Preparation:
Today, your tour manager will come to meet you at the hotel at 10.00 AM. They will brief you again about the trip in detail, introduce you to your guide and provide you with all the correct documents. You will be free in the afternoon and manage your time for trek preparation.
At 6 pm, your guide will meet you at your hotel, before taking you for welcome dinner - which will consist of a traditional Nepali culture show. After dinner, we will drop you back at the hotel where you will spend your second night.
Day 3
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, Trek to Tok-Tok Village (2610m/8352ft):
You will have an early start as you transfer to Kathmandu Airport where the adventure begins. The flight alone is an experience, so be sure to take in the scenery of towering, snow-capped mountains before you swoop dramatically onto the runway.
After arriving, there’s a chance to pick up any last-minute kit and meet your Sherpa crew and Ghopkyos (a mixed breed of yak and cow). After lunch, there’s a pleasant acclimatisation trek with a view of the Kusum-Kanguru crossing at 6,369m. You will finish at Tok-Tok village where we will check into a teahouse/lodge for the night.
Accommodation: Teahouse
NB. This flight is weather dependent and can be subject to delay or cancellation. There are several acclimatisation/rest days built into the trip to allow for potential delays (up to three days). If flights are unable to take off after three days, we will implement an alternative trek itinerary.
Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar, 3,440m (Approximately 7-8 hours):
As you leave Lukla this morning, you will cross the first suspension bridge of the trek, a truly breath-taking experience. You will follow the trail to Monjo, beneath the peak of Thermasarkhu (6,608m), and continue down the meandering path along the river. This is one of the hardest days of the trek, however, you are blessed with stunning mountain views and will even get your first glimpse of the great Everest peak.
Lunch will be had at Jorsalle before you cross the double suspension bridge dubbed as “Hilary bridge”. Once you reach Namche Bazaar, you will spend the evening resting and walking around the lively town.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 5
Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar:
With Everest now insight, you'll have time to acclimatise by walking to the top of Namche Bazaar. There is an optional walk to the Everest View Hotel, which boasts sweeping panoramic views (we recommend this)
Alternatively, you can head to the Sherpa Culture museum to learn more about the region’s fascinating mountaineering history. You will spend another night in Namche Bazaar, ready to continue trekking in the morning.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 6
Trek to Deboche, 3,800m (Approximately 6 hours)
This morning follows the winding trail from Namche Bazaar, with exceptional views of Everest. From Shanasa, descend into Phungitenga (3,250m) a pretty settlement in the midst of alpine woods before taking on a tough ascent to Tengboche (3,867m). With its monastery and stunning views, Tengboche is arguably one of the most beautiful sites in the Himalayas.
Continue along the trail to Deboche (3,800m) where you will spend the night in the shadow of the Ama Dablam peak.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 7
Trek to Dingboche, 4,358m (Approximately 6 hours):
Leaving Deboche, your route follows the long Prayer Mani Wall up towards Shomare.
The altitude may start to take its toll as you climb higher above the Imjatse River. However, from here it’s a lovely descent into the Imjatse Valley and the shadows of the Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam mountains. The village of Dingboche is where you will rest your weary legs for the night overlooking a patchwork of fields.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 8
Acclimatisation day in Dingboche:
Today is another acclimatisation day. It is the perfect opportunity to explore the monastery and admire the incredible vistas from the ridge over Dingboche and the Imja Khola tributary.
Spend the afternoon drinking tea in a coffee shop and resting up for the days ahead.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 9
Trek to Lobuche, 4928m (Approximately 5-6 hours):
Heading north, the trek follows the path above the village of Pheriche towards Thukla for lunch. The colourful memorial ground of fluttering prayer flags and monuments are dedicated to climbers who have lost their lives whilst mountaineering. It also serves as a reminder of how challenging the natural environment can be, so be sure to take a moment to appreciate your achievement so far.
From here you have unrivalled views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. This is a good spot for a short break before continuing on for another 1½-2hrs up to Lobuche.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 10
Trek to Gorakshep, 5,160m (Approximately 3 hours):
Set off on a rocky moraine path and climb above the glacial pond and icebergs of the Khumbu Glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a short downhill walk brings you to the town of Gorakshep, below Kalapatthar (5,545m) and Mt. Pumori (7,145m).
Gorakshep, famous for being Sir Edmund Hillary’s base camp during his expedition to Mt. Everest in the 1950s, is your home for the night.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Camping
Day 11
EVEREST BASE CAMP (There and back), 5,357m (Approximately 6 hours):
Today is the day - the finale of your trek to Everest Base Camp. The high altitude and difficult terrain make the trekking a lot more strenuous, but the lively commotion from Everest Base Camp will help to spur you on.
Celebrate with friends old and new as you reach Everest Base Camp, making sure to take plenty of photos to document your achievement.
You will then head back to Gorakshep to sleep for the night.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 12
Ascent of Kalapatthar, 5,647m, and back down Pherice, 4,245m (Approximately 3 hours):
Although optional, the steep hike to Kalapatthar is well worth it and is often considered one of the highlights of the trek. At Base Camp, the summit of Everest is hidden from view. From the top of Kalapatthar, however, you will be rewarded with breath-taking views of Everest’s peak.
Now it is time to start the descent back down to Lukla, beginning with an overnight stay in Pheriche 4,245m.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 13
Trek to Kanguma, 3,550m (Approximately 5-6 hours):
The return journey will take you through the village of Pangboche, as you continue back along the Imja-Tse gorge and up to Tyangboche.
The village of Kanguma is home for the night.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 14
Kanguma to Namche Bazaar 2,710m (Approximately 4-5 hours):
The morning climb from Kanguma is steep, pushing weary legs through pine forests and valleys towards Namche Bazaar.
Once you arrive in Namche Bazaar, you will have time to celebrate!! Head to come of the local bars and have a well-deserved beer.
(Note - we may descend further on this day if the group wishes - making the final day shorter)
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 15
Trek back to Lukla (Approximately 6-7 hours):
The last day of walking is very long but pleasant. Following the Bhote Kushi River towards the village of Phakding, before embarking on the final stretch of your journey.
It’s one last push to tackle the 45-minute uphill climb to Lukla where you will be staying in a traditional teahouse. Now it’s time to revel in your success with a hard-earned celebration meal and an evening spent sharing memories.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 16
Lukla to Kathmandu:
Bid farewell to Lukla and the magic of the Himalayas. Touching down in Kathmandu, you'll transfer back to the Hotel, where a delicious celebration meal will await you.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 17
Kathmandu:
Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of the magical city of Kathmandu. You will have time to visit its many temples and monasteries, mingle with the monkeys at Swayambhunath Temple or go for a stroll through the Garden of Dreams.
Don’t forget to pick up some prayer flags before you head back to the hotel for your last supper together.
The tour ends here....
Accommodation
Included
- All Ground transportation.
- Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla (return)
- Full board meal 3 times a day (B+L+D) during the trek days including tea & coffee (served in a cup).
- English speaking trekking guide who has been authorised by the government and the necessary number of porters (According to the group size) with their insurance, salary, accommodation and meals.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu with a Cultural show. (Ethnic music and dance)
- All the necessary official documents, TIMS Permit, Trekking Permit etc.
- Sleeping bags and down jackets if necessary.
- First Aid kit.
- Insurance of Guide and Porters.
- All required local and government tax.
Excluded
- Nepal Visa fee and International flight.
- Breakfast in Kathmandu.
- All personal expenses such as bar bills, water, extra tea/coffee, snacks, battery re-charge, laundry service, etc.
- Personal clothing and gears.
- Tips to guide and porters.
- Cost raised by flight cancellation, emergency rescue charges, landslide, weather, political unrest, illness, re-routing etc which are not under our control.
- Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu.
Essential Information
How Fit Do I Need To Be & Do I Need To Train?
The short answer is: a basic level of fitness and good health is needed and training is highly recommended. However, you do not need to be a professional athlete or a marathon runner. What is going to get you to the end of your challenge is a mental and emotional commitment to the cause. As long as you set time aside to prepare for the challenge ahead, success will be on your side!
What is Altitude Sickness & Will I Get It?
Altitude sickness symptoms occur when the rate of ascent into higher altitudes is too quickly that the body doesn’t get time to acclimatise. Altitude sickness generally develops at elevations higher than 2,400 meters above sea level. The most common cause of altitude sickness is ascending too quickly, therefore, the main way to avoid altitude sickness is allowing the body to get used to the altitude slowly (Acclimatisation). Remember, this is not a race - look up and smell the roses!
Our professional guides will be monitoring you constantly throughout the trip, therefore, symptom checks will be a regular occurrence. It is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter, so please familiarise yourself with signs and symptoms before you depart and be very vocal about your own health during your trek. We will send you a full need to knows list at the time of booking!
If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy or experience other symptoms, please be sure to let your local guide know immediately so that we can monitor your condition.
Accommodation:
Hotels (3 nights), teahouse lodges (12 nights).
About Accommodation
A tea house is the combination of a guest house, restaurant, and social hang out. Private rooms are available in most tea houses, except for high altitudes ones where it will be just dormitories. The lodges are fairly basic and the rooms are small with twin beds. Blankets are generally provided, while most bathrooms are shared and toilets will either be squat or western style. The majority of tea houses only have cold showers, however, a few may have hot water available at an additional cost. Nonetheless, we discourage groups from using water heated by wood, as lack of firewood in villages is a big environmental concern in Nepal. There is a large dining room / communal-lounge, warmed by the Bukhara stove (an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lighted). You will spend most your evenings in here socialising with other trekkers from around the world!
There is normally no electric lighting in the bedrooms unless the village has hydroelectric power. Some tea houses now also have electricity for charging small appliances - mobile phones and cameras - and there may be a small charge for this.
Weather:
Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly and your designated tour leader may be forced to change the trip itinerary accordingly. Travellers need to be prepared for all weather conditions.
While our itineraries are designed to allow for adequate acclimatization you are likely to feel the effects of altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation whilst on this trek. Please be aware that your tour leader may deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, and arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.
In the Himalayas weather can cancel or delay the scheduled flight(s) to/from Lukla airport. Detailed information regarding contingency funds and what you need to do in case of weather delays will be send you to at time of booking!
Hopefully, weather delays will not occur, or if they do it will be for a limited time. Should the delays stretch into days and neither helicopter nor flight are a viable option, a collective decision will be made by the group on how to proceed. This is especially true if the delays are prior to the trek, as the original trek may no longer be feasible. Your Tour Leader will be there to help with this process.
Visa:
All foreign nationals (except Indian passport holders) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad, land borders (including borders with India & Tibet) and on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport. Getting a visa at the airport or land borders can take time due to long queues. There have been instances when travellers are asked to show proof of exit from the country, ie flight tickets- although this is uncommon. You will also need to provide one passport photo and payment should be made in US dollars (Other currencies are also accepted but rates will differ).
Please check with the relevant visa office before departure to make sure there has been no change: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
The following costs here correct at time of writing:
- Single entry visa valid for 15 days - US $25:
- Single Entry Visa for 30 days - US $40
- Multiple entry visa valid for 90 days - US $100
Please Note: Your visa application form may require you to state the dates on which you enter and exit the country. GoKo recommends that you list your date of entry a few days before, and date of exit a few days after your intended dates in case you encounter any delays or problems en route.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate in any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Tour leader/ local representative, who will take note of your insurance details and emergency contact number. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability of luggage, cancellation, curtailment and loss and personal effects, alongside covid-19 cover.
If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote. GoKo Travels is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd who are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority .
Covid-19:
Please click here to learn more about what we do to keep you safe while on a GoKo run tour.
For more up to date information regarding the current travel restrictions within Nepal, please click here
Addtionally, you can email: info@gokotravels.com and a GoKo Travel Manager will get back to you as soon possible with all the relevant information.
Travel With Confidence:
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the safety and wellbeing of all of our travellers, leaders, suppliers and staff remains our top priority. Not only have we updated our booking policies so you can flexibly amend booking arrangements before departure and get the most out of your holidays while away, we have also introduced new measures and safety guidelines so you can travel with GoKo Travels safely and securely.
What does this new booking policy mean for me?:
Fully Flexible bookings for peace of mind - We understand that sometimes plans change. That’s why GoKo Travels have updated our booking policies, so you now have full flexibility to change your travel plans if needed.
Our flexible booking policy includes:
(a) Free date changes up to 45days prior to departure - with no interest or added fees
(b) Full refund giving if you have to cancel the trip due to any COVID-19 related issues or international restrictions.
(c) You can now lock in your trip with a small refundable deposit and then pay the rest in instalments whenever you like, with no interest or fees.
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Book with Confidence
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Full Flexibility
Free date changes and cancellations up to 45-days before departure on the majority of our holidays
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Your Money is Safe
Full financial Protection on all of our bookings so you can travel with piece of mind.
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COVID-19 Commitment
Full refund given if you have to cancel the trip due to any COVID-19 related issues or international restrictions.
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Travelling Safely
When you travel with us you can be confident that all of our holidays meet COVID-19 safety regulations.
Giving Back
As part of our commitment to preserving planet earth, we donate 3% of our profits to GoKo Travel's registered non-for-profit, "The GoKo Earth Preservation".
The GoKo Earth Preservation has been set up to protect and preserve the natural habitats of our planet and to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of threatened environments and endangered species around the globe. This is achieved through rewilding, reforestation and marine conservation projects, alongside local community support.
Securing A Rainforest Reserve
Support the purchase of our very own GoKo Rainforest reserve - preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species in the world's most important habitat.
Assisting Marine Conservation
With your help, we can buy boats to support marine conservation; securing the future for our fragile oceans and the wonderful beings that inhabit them.
Creating New National Parks
By helping with the creation of new parks, we can support local economies, empower native communities and put healthy landscapes into permanent protection.
Looking to Carbon Offset?
Although all of our GoKo holidays promise to warm your hearts, we don’t want it to contribute to warming the planet.
Upon request, we can help you go Carbon Neutral. Thanks for our contacts, we can support a 3-step carbon offset scheme to calculate and neutralise your holiday footprint, allowing you to travel conscious free. This covers every step of the journey where you travel with us, from international flights to hotel heating, transport, food and more.
If requested, the GoKo Carbon Offsetting scheme does not focus on just planting trees, but rather the purchasing, persevering and protecting standing forests from deforestation and degradation - helping revive forests back to full health and avoiding the release of stored carbon. This also enables the regeneration of degraded habitats, which gradually re-absorb atmospheric CO2.
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