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Everest Base Camp
One of the GREAT treks in the world; a life's ambition for some.
A classic 13 day Everest Base Camp trek experiencing the giants of the world’s mountains. Using lodges (tea houses) for accommodation as you trek, this mighty challenge takes you over 18,000 feet with Everest towering above you. Use our extensive experience to guide you every step of the way. Read this general review of the route.
Join our guaranteed trek departing 8 Apr 2012.
Download Everest Base Camp itinerary and information.
Common questions, quick links to How long is the whole Everest Base Camp trip?, How hard is it?, When is the best time to go?, Will I be affected by altitude? What about clothing and equipment? Food and Water, Visa, International flights, testimonials or more images
The Everest Base Camp Trek
After 36 hrs in the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu your trekking adventure begins with the memorable flight into the tiny mountain airstrip of Lukla. It is located at the southern end of the Everest region and considered the most extreme airport in the world!
Your itinerary follows a tried and tested acclimatisation programme and after just two days of trekking you will rest/acclimatise in the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. From there, the trek and altitude progress steadily until you reach your next acclimatisation stop – Pferiche. It sits quietly under the majestic Ama Dablam.
From here it is just a 2 - 3 day trek before you reach Everest Base Camp by which time you will have met the enormous Khumbu glacier as you trek up the front of it. You will trek alongside it virtually all of the way and have plenty of opportunity to climb the sides and have a good look at this amazing mass of moving ice (you will probably hear it crack a few times, a sure sign its moving!).
Gorak Shep is the final stop prior to trekking to the Base Camp, indeed it also from here that you will ascend (optional) the highest point on this trek - Kala Patthar (5500m).
Whilst the 8/9 day trek to Everest Base Camp is a physical challenge for some, mainly due to the altitude, taken at the correct pace and responsibly (acclimatisation days are built in) this trek is within reach of most averagely fit people. The rewards are stunning with clear views of the highest peak in the world awaiting you. The descent is much quicker of course (but not all downhill!) as is the flight out of the Lukla airstrip! A few more days to soak up Kathmandu before heading back to London.
Feel free to extend your stay either by arriving earlier or leaving later than the stated dates. It will give the opportunity to soak up Kathmandu at a more leisurely pace. Travel and Trek can arrange to extend your hotel stay or you are free to make your own arrangements.
How Long? Our standard Everest Base Camp trips are 18/19 days from departing UK to arriving back in UK (the trek itself is 13 days). There is scope to adjust that slightly but the acclimatisation programme will not be compromised. You can extend in Nepal for as long as you wish; we can adjust your itinerary as you wish.
How Hard? Fitness is very subjective. If you can walk for about 6 hrs per day over hilly terrain carrying a daysack with 5kg of weight, then you should be capable of doing this trek. The pace of walking is not fast, especially up hill. We always work in hours when trekking not distance covered so do not worry about mileage. It's not ALL uphill! There are several hills that are worthy of note and each of them take approx 2 hrs to ascend at a slow pace. You rest when you need to. Our system allows you to walk at your own pace, do not be concerned about having to keep up with anyone else.
Will I Be Affected By The Altitude? The higher altitude will certainly affect your breathing but you may not necessarily sucumb to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS, aka altitude sickness). There is no way of telling who will sucumb to AMS (you cannot train for it) and it takes no account of your age, sex or fitness level. It is highly likely that you will experience some mild symptoms but if the general guidelines are followed, most trekkers are fine. Download Travel and Trek's Trekking at high altitude guide.
When To Go (Trekking Seasons)? In general, March - May and mid Sep - mid Nov inclusive are the periods to head for simply based on traditional weather patterns. That said, the weather patterns have changed of late and the only period to really miss is mid Jun - mid Sep when you are highly likely to get more than your fair share of monsoon rain! Getting wet may not be so much of an issue but the clouds will cover the peaks you so dearly want to see and fast flowing water running downhill can be very dangerous in this region. It will take bridges out.
The spring season can often bring cloud cover as it is pre- monsoon.
The autumn season is often quoted as being the best for clarity of views (post monsoon).
Clothing and Equipment. We will provide you with a comprehensive clothing and equipment list specific to the Everest Base Camp trek. No specialist equipment is needed although good well worn in footwear, a good sleeping bag and a good daysack are essential. We also provide you with a document on saving money. There is advice on what can be purchased in Nepal as well as other moeny saving tips.
Food and Water. Breakfasts are included throughout your time in Nepal. The remainder of your meals you purchase as you go from the tea houses. Budget around £10 per day for this.
Mineral water can be purchased in 1 litre plastic bottles but we advocate using your own purification/filtration system of some sort (for both ecology and ecomony reasons).
Visa. You will need a visa to enter Nepal. We will explain exactly how to obtain one; it is very easy.
International Flights. We will advise you on the best flights and routings for your situation. Flight inclusive deals often fix you to the cheapest airlines (but not necessarily the best). This gives you flexibility and our prices combined with bespoke flights are generally cheaper.
Other associated Everest treks: Everest Trekking Experience, Island Peak and Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes Trek, Everest High Passes Trek.
