Everest Base Camp Trek (Apr-Sep)

Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Attend the group welcome meeting.

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Catch the mountain flight to Lukla, enjoying stunning views of the Himalayas. Meet the Sherpas and begin the trek to Phakding. The mountain flight into Lukla is spectacular and the landing an exciting beginning to the trek – one end of the runway is 60m (197ft) higher than the other. The flight is on a small Dornier / Twin Otter flight and flight duration is generally around 25 – 30 minutes. Once in Lukla, head through pine and cedar woods along the Dudh Kosi to Phakding. Spend the next three nights trekking in the area and acclimatizing in preparation for heading to base camp. This is a challenging trip and involves difficult trekking at high altitudes but the whole experience is simply awe-inspiring!

ALERT: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal regularly switches back and forth from allowing domestic flights to Lukla departing out of Kathmandu airport versus departing out of Manthali airport. The flight used for each individual departure will be determined by what the Aviation Authority is permitting at that time. In the Himalayas weather can cancel or delay the scheduled flight(s) to/from Lukla airport. To be sure that you make your trek, or return from it, it may be necessary to make this flight by a chartered helicopter. Helicopters can operate in some weather that aircraft cannot. Should a helicopter be needed, it will be at the expense of the travellers, and not something covered by G Adventures. Please keep approximately USD 500 (one way) accessible in case this situation presents itself. This suggested amount is in addition to the emergency fund suggested in the tour details. 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 CEO will be there to help with this process.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
• Everest Base Camp Trek Lukla to Phakding: In Lukla, meet up with the porters before heading off on the trek towards Phakding. Follow the Dudh Kosi, the river that flows down from the Himalayas, crossing hanging bridges along the way. Pass camps and keep an eye out for the mani stones, boulders carved with Buddhist inscriptions. The hike is approximately 4 hours, descending gradually to Thado Koshi for around 2 hours. Then the group will begin the first ascent of the trek which is gradually uphill to Phakding (2610m). This portion will take another 2 hours. Walking distance - 8kms. Time 3-4 hours. Elevation loss - 250m Terrain: mostly rocky and uneven with some parts being quite steep and narrow. It's a gradual descent with some uphill sections.

Hike to Namche Bazaar, gateway to Everest Base Camp and spend two nights acclimatizing for the trek. The group will hike mostly uphill today from Phakding and it will take around 6 hours to reach Namche Bazaar. An acclimatisation day allows for an excursion to Thame and Khumjung, the green village.

Included Experiences

• Everest Base Camp Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m). The terrain of today’s hike is mostly uphill with several steep sections and a few narrow suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi River. The trail will pass through pine forests and offer occasional views of the snow capped peaks in the distance. Spend the remainder of the day in Namche Bazaar acclimatising to the altitude. There are also treks to the surrounding villages of Thame and Khumjung; these short day walks are designed to give us time to get used to high-altitude trekking. Keep your eyes open -- this is the first opportunity to catch a glimpse of the peak of awesome Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Walking distance - 12kms. Time 7-8 hours. Elevation gain - 830m Terrain: mostly uphill, with several steep sections, pine forests, and suspension bridges

During today's acclimatization day the group will hike up to Syangboche at 3860m. Weather permitting, you will be able to spend some time here and enjoy tea or coffee while viewing the mighty Himalayas and of course Everest Peak. Return back to Namche where the remainder of the day is yours to rest as you please. Total time spent hiking today will be around 3 hours.

Included Experiences

• Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day: Today we have our rest day at Namche. The group will do a short hike to Syangboche which is around 3860m. The total hiking duration will be around 3 hours. The rest of the afternoon involves free time to wander around Namche Bazaar. There are many opportunities here to learn about Everest Expedition and Sherpa culture during the afternoon time. Walking distance - 4kms. Time: 3.5 hours. Elevation gain - 420m Terrain: mostly uphill

Set out on a 5–6 hr trek through pine and rhododendron forests before arriving in Tengboche. Tengboche is a small village, and home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in Khumbu region.

Included Experiences

• Everest Base Camp Trek Namche Bazaar to Thyāngboche: The route from Namche to Tengboche (3860m) is unbelievably beautiful – the Dudh Kosi is far below and Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest rise in front. Woods, pine and rhododendron forests, mani walls, chorten (stupas), and suspension bridges across the river make this a lovely walk. Walking distance - 9.5-10kms. Time: 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 420m Terrain: Steep ascents and descents, passing through forest of rhododendron, pine and fir trees.

Trek to Dingboche, crossing bridges and rivers with sweeping views of the Himalayan region. Walk through forests and alpine meadows and search for wildlife along the way. The group will spend 2 nights in Dingboche to acclimatize.

Included Experiences

• Everest Base Camp Trek Tengboche to Dingboche: Follow stone steps that lead down through rhododendrons, birches, and conifers. Due to the hunting ban, almost tame pheasants are regularly seen in this area. At the bottom of the steps lies the small village of Deboche and its nunnery. Rising above the tree line, the trail enters alpine meadows of scrub juniper and, in summer, a profusion of wild flowers. Once the group reaches Dingboche (4410m) they will be treated with outstanding mountain views. This is also the only place in the region where barely is grown. Walking distance - 10kms. Time: 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 550m Terrain: Trail is predominantly uphill with some flat sections and occasional flats. As the group approaches Dingboche, the terrain becomes more rugged and rocky. The vegetation becomes sparse and landscape becomes more rugged and barren the higher the trek goes.

Today is an acclimatization day. Opt to hike to Chhukung or Nagarzhang Peak. An acclimatization day here can be used to hike up the Imja Khola to Chhukung or Nagarzhang Peak, a small summer settlement from where stunning views of Island Peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the fluted ice walls flanking the Amphu Lapcha pass can be seen. These views are one of the highlights of the entire trek.

Included Experiences

• Dingboche Acclimatization Day: Enjoy some time away from the trek to adjust to the higher altitude. Take it easy, enjoy the scenery, drink plenty of fluids, and prepare for the next day's hiking. Take a short hike to Nagarjuna Peak (Nangkartshang Peak) at 4850m. Walking distance - 3 kms. Time: 3-4 hours. Elevation gain - 440m

Optional Experiences

• Chhukung Hike: Enjoy an optional trek to Chhukung and take in the wonderful scenery as you hike.

Hike through alpine meadows and summer yak pastures towards the end of the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche, which has spectacular views of Nuptse. Today the group will walk for around 5 hours gradually following the trail uphill along a glacial river and through small settlements at Dughla and Thukla.

Included Experiences

• Everest Base Camp Trek Dingboche to Lobuche: The ascent towards Everest Base Camp continues through Alpine meadows and summer yak pastures towards the end of the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. At the moraine, there are stone monuments to six sherpas who died in avalanches, as well as monuments to other climbers. From here, it is a steep, tough climb towards Thukla Pass. The group will continue on towards Lobuche (4930m), where the view is straight towards Nuptse and the sunset will likely be magnificent. Walking distance - 9kms. Time: 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 520m Terrain: Gradual uphill following glacial river upstream and passing through small settlements. Mostly rocky and rugged.

Today includes a challenging climb past the Khumbu Glacier, arriving in Nuptse. From there the group will cross the Changri Glacier to Gorakshep, and then finally enjoy the highlight of reaching Everest Base Camp.

Included Experiences

• Everest Base Camp Trek Lobuche to Gorak Shep: The higher altitude makes this day's trekking quite challenging. The Changri Glacier looms ahead as the trek heads for Gorakshep (5164m). The group will reach Gorak Shep by lunchtime. Relax and get adjusted to the altitude before the attempt to reach Everest Base Camp. Walking distance - 5kms. Time: 3 hours. Elevation gain to Gorak Shep - 234m Terrain: Mostly rocky and barren with scattered shrubs and vegetation.
• Everest Base Camp Trek: After lunch, trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m). The route follows the Khumbu Glacier with its intriguing 15m (49ft)-high seraces of ice, a feature unique to Himalayan glaciers. The group will then return to Gorakshep for an overnight stay. Walking distance - 9kms. Time: 4-5 hours. Elevation gain to Everest Base Camp - 200m Terrain: Mostly rocky, barren with scattered boulders and glacial moraines. It involves crossing the Khumbu Glacier.

Enjoy an early morning trek to Kala Pattar for stunning sunrise views of Everest and surrounding vistas. Later, trek to Pheriche along a mostly downhill route.

Included Experiences

• Everest Base Camp Trek Gorak Shep to Kala Pattar: Try to see a different view of Everest today, with a trek up to Kala Pattar (5644m). Known to have the best views of Everest, this is a challenging trek, but worth it on a clear day. Walking distance - 3kms. Time: 3 hours. Elevation gain - 480m. Terrain: steep with rocky boulders.
• Everest Base Camp Trek Gorak Shep to Pheriche: Begin the descent from Gorak Shep, heading for Pheriche (4371m). This is not the most challenging of hikes, but the altitude can make the uphill sections below Gorak Shep seem tough. Stop to look around; the views are quite spectacular. Walking distance - 13kms. Time: 6 hours. Elevation loss - 793m. Terrain: Mostly downhill with rocky boulders.

Today the group descends through Pangboche, the highest permanent settlement in the region, with its great gompa. The trek finishes in Kenjuma. After a long day on the trail, the evening will be spent resting and recouping

Included Experiences

• Everest Base Camp Trek Pheriche to Kenjuma: Descend the Imja Khola past Pangboche, the highest permanent settlement in the region. Its gompa, the oldest in Khumbu, is built over the hermitage of Khumbu’s saint, Lama Sanga Dorje. The juniper trees on either side are said to have sprung from hair cut from his head, and a rock-like projection is said to be a piece of mountainside he pulled out for protection one day. Finish today's trek in Kenjuma (3840m). Walking distance - 16.5kms. Time: 7 hours. Elevation loss - 531m. Terrain: Major downhill on this day returning back to Kenjuma.

Continue our trek, following a path that has both ascents and descents. The group will finish today’s downhill trek in the evening upon arrival to the small village of Monjo.

Included Experiences

• Everest Base Camp Trek Kenjuma to Monjo: Continue the downhill descent from Kenjuma, heading for Monjo (2835m). Follow the ascents and descents on the path and enjoy the views. Walking distance - 9kms. Time 5 hours. Elevation loss - 1005m Terrain: Steep, mostly downhill with a few waterfalls.

The final day of our trek takes us back to Lukla, where we have a chance to relax after the rigorous adventure we just undertook.

Included Experiences

• Everest Base Camp Trek Monjo to Lukla: The final day of our trek returns back to Lukla (2860m). where the group can finally relax after the rigorous adventure and reflect on the challenges just undertaken. Walking distance - 12-13 kms. Time 5-6 hours. Elevation gain: 25m Terrain: mostly gradual uphill terrain with mixed forested areas.

Catch the short flight back to Kathmandu, where the rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing in one of the many rooftop cafés.

Please note that certain departures for this trip will be subject to an itinerary change. During this time, the Kathmandu airport will be closed for maintenance and as a result, we will be flying to Ramechap and taking a private bus back to Kathmandu.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
• Free Time: Take the short flight back to Kathmandu where the rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing or relaxing in one of the many rooftop cafés.

Depart at any time.