The Classic Everest Base Camp Trek is ideal for those who are new to the delights of trekking or those with limited time. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by the wonderful hustle and bustle, sights and smells of this vibrant capital. We then make an early departure to the famous Lukla airstrip where our journey into the heart of Nepal begins.

You will find yourself immersed in the wonders of this beautiful country, with its idyllic blue roofed houses, colourful prayer flags, fragrant rhododendrons, friendly Sherpa life and breath-taking scenery. We trek through the prosperous Sherpa capital, Namche Bazaar and many other delightful Sherpa villages, including Thyangboche with its impressive temple and the quieter farming village of Dingboche. At many points along this route you will stand in awe amidst breath-taking mountain views of one of the most beautiful peaks in the world; Ama Dablam, leading to the towering faces of Everest itself.

We arrive at Everest Base Camp and finally complete our impressive journey with an ascent of the magnificent peak of Kala Patar at 5554m. Your dreams will be fulfilled as you are rewarded with an awesome 360 degree panorama of spectacular 8000m peaks; each one framing the world’s highest mountain.

The return Classic Everest Base Camp trek takes us back down the Khumbu valley, with a chance to celebrate our trek with the luxury of a pizza or proper coffee in Namche Bazaar.

Why not extend your stay and fly out 6 days earlier to follow the classic expedition route from Jiri to Lukla – please ask us for more details. Extra cost applies, please contact our office (min 2 people).

Alternatively, you may wish to consider one of our other extensions shown below, such as a panoramic flight over Everest, or trip to Chitwan National Park.

If you have more time, why not consider our Ultimate Everest Base Camp trek? This takes a circular route up the Gokyo valley to the turquoise sacred lakes, and over the Cho La pass before joining the main Everest Base Camp trail and returning down the Khumbu.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Days 1/2 Depart UK and fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel close to the famous, bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu and within easy walking of the monkey temple, a lovely place to relax.

Day 3 Early in the morning we transfer to the airport for a spectacular and breathtaking flight to the Sherpa village of Lukla (2800m).  After lunch we can do the short walk along the typically stony path that descends from the forested terraces of Lukla.  This takes us right into the Dudh Kosi ('river of milk') valley and the brightly painted lodges of Phakding (2610m).  From here there are stunning views of Kusum Kanguru's North Face (6367m). Along the trail are mani stone walls, brightly decorated with coloured paints. Buddhists hold these sacred and you must, as a sign of respect, pass these in a clockwise direction

If the flight is delayed due to poor weather this will become the sightseeing day scheduled for the end of the trip.

Day 4 We trek into the Sherpa capital and heart of the Khumbu.  You will now be becoming familiar with local protocol for passing chortens, mani stones, yaks, spinning prayer wheels etc and enjoying the hustle and bustle of trekking and everyday life that exists on the 'Everest Trail'.  At Monjo we enter Sagarmartha National Park and can visit the small visitor centre there. Here the track starts to rise up the famous Namche Hill, the first big ascent and time to drop down a gear and take a slow and steady pace. 4 to 5 hours walking.

Day 5 Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar.  It is important to have a couple of nights and a rest day in Namche before proceeding any higher.  You can spend the day taking short walks up to Thami or Khumjung, visiting the Everest, Ama Dablam and Pumori viewpoints or just relaxing and exploring the narrow streets of this busy Sherpa capital

Day 6 Heading north east up the side of the DudhKosi, we climb steeply out of Namche where the mountain views start to open up and become more dramatic, with superb views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.  5 to 6 hours walking.

Day 7 A good day’s walking through beautiful rhododendron trees that gradually takes us back to the river and into Pangboche, a great viewpoint for Ama Dablam.  On leaving the village we turn up the Imja valley to reach the lovely and picturesque village of Dingboche.

Day 8 An acclimatisation day spent absorbing the views around camp and relaxing.  Optional short trek to Pheriche and its hospital run by the Himalayan Rescue Association.  They run regular and informative talks on acclimatisation and high altitude medicine.

Day 9 Today we reach the extensive and overwhelming Khumbu glacier and trek up alongside it to reach the small village of Lobuche.

Day 10 A 3-4 hour walk next to the Khumbu Glacier brings us to the crossing of the Changri Glacier to GorakShep.  We will offer an evening ascent of Kala Patar to catch the classic sunset view of Everest.

Day 11 Trek up to the historical Everest Base Camp (5540m) for lunch and return to GorakShep. 8 to 9 hours walking. 

Day 12 Enjoy the lower altitude walking and the tea houses.

Day 13 You will now really feel the warmth and rich air of the forest zone.  We stop for lunch at the beautiful Tengboche Monastery.

Day 14 The Alpine mountain hut atmosphere of Paradise Lodge in Lukla is the ideal place to relax and celebrate your journey's end.

Day 15 Fly Lukla to Kathmandu.  Back to the comforts of our hotel in Thamel and the enjoyable hustle and bustle.  This is a good time to buy souvenirs and try your hand at haggling with the local shopkeepers.  Time to celebrate!

Day 16 Time for sightseeing in Kathmandu. Sightseeing tours can be arranged and would include visiting the temples of Bodnath, Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath and Durbar Square.  Simply wandering around the huge array of shops, markets, cafes, bars and restaurants in Thamel is a fascinating experience.  .

Day 17/18 Spare day in case of bad weather Depart Kathmandu in the evening of Day 17, return to UK the following day.

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