EVEREST BASE CAMP OR ISLAND PEAK (IMJA TSE): April Trek 2025

TRIP OVERVIEW

• 13 full days in Nepal; 13 nights

• “Very High to Extreme” difficulty (very serious training is required)

• Elevation: 4500 feet to 17,500 (Everest Base Camp “EBC” option) or 20,500 feet (Island Peak Option) - both begin hiking at 9383 ft)

• Average Distance: 7-8 miles/day (some shorter days; some longer)

• Hikers carry day packs only; large backpacks/duffel bags carried by porters

• Dates: Mar 31 - April 12, 2025 (must land in KTM by Mar 31 by noon at latest, group flight to Lukla very early on Apr 1. Departure flights from Kathmandu can be booked for Mar 28 or 29 if you want an extra day in Kathmandu, or stay after at your leisure)

• $3600 (EBC Option) OR $4300 (Island Peak) PLUS a copy of your travel insurance must include helicopter rescue (around $300 usually) AND don’t forget to tip your Sherpa guides and porters! Cost includes transportation to/from KTM airport, two nights in Sherpa Guesthouse in Kathmandu March 31 and April 12, all meals, full trek to EBC or Island Peak (includes mountaineering equipment! and 1:1 guide up the mountain) with all accommodations. Does not include airfare from your location to and from Kathmandu, full trek travel insurance which includes helicopter rescue (required, about $300), incidentals, alcohol, extra gear, or leaving the trek early.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

This Everest Base Camp trek offers a unique Himalayan experience to exercise body and mind while hiking through some of the most beautiful and unique scenery, customs, and people in the world. The trip begins in the busy city of Kathmandu. From there, the group flies to the Himalayan airport of Lukla to begin the trek to Everest Base Camp. Each of the following days offers different challenges, views, and adventures.  The Island Peak option (Imja Tse) will not go to Everest Base Camp but will veer off at Dingboche, head east for several hours to Chukkung and gear up for the 1:1 guided climb to the top of a 20,500 ft peak that was climbed by many of the famous climbers of the region. The Island Peak option is extreme and requires knowledge of mountaineering and participants should be in top physical condition for this elevations.

TRIP COST

The cost includes all transportation to and from Kathmandu airport, our Sherpa home stay on Mar 31 and April 12, all teahouse lodging and food during the trek, guides and porters, roundtrip flights from Kathmandu to Lukla (approximately 45 minute flights in small aircraft or helicopter to a more than sketchy mountain runway), trekking permits, and Sagarmantha National Park permits. It does not include flights to and from Kathmandu, travel insurance with Himalayan helicopter rescue (required, approximately $300), excessive alcohol (not recommended anyway at altitude), and any personal items. Most participants spend extra money on souvenirs and personal items such as clothing during the trip, and Nepali rupees are easily obtained from ATMs or with our Sherpa family with no transaction fees. The Island Peak option is more and this covers the gear and extra mountaineering guide. Tips for guides and porters are strongly encouraged and are not covered in the trip cost.

TRIP ITINERARY

March 31 (30th if you wish):  Arrive in Kathmandu (before noon!), Transfer to Sherpa home (pickup from airport included); Traditional dinner with Sherpas, (Start Diamox Mar 30); Early to bed!! Rooms at the Sherpa guesthouse are clean with clean water and great food! They have been hosting travelers for over 30 years.

Apr 1: Fly to Lukla-Trek to Monjo or Phakding if late flight; Transfer to airport for flight to Lukla; Flight from KTM -> Lukla in Everest Region, have breakfast in Paradise Lodge after checking backpacks; our guides will arrange porters, begin trek to Monjo (approx. 8 hours on trail!). Photograph along the route. Sit down for lunch. Continue hiking. Arrive to Monjo teahouse (Mt. Kailash Lodge); Dinner. (Lukla 9383 ft -> Monjo 9350 ft, 8.8 miles, "roller" hills up and down all day). There is usually a shower here.

Apr 2: Trek from Monjo to Namche Bazaar; Breakfast in teahouse; Trek to Namche Bazaar (4-6 hours UPHILL), late lunch at Namche; Relax and rest and enjoy the views! Namche has the most amenities such as clothing, medicines, great coffee. (Monjo 9350 ft -> Namche Bazaar 11,200 ft, 5 miles, uphill day!) You can walk around town, photograph, drink specialty coffee in a variety of cafes, get a mediocre massage or shop in the afternoon. There is usually a shower here.

Apr 3: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY (short 2.5 hour hike forward!). We’re at an elevation that requires your physiology to catch up with your ambition. We will only hike a few hours, fairly flat. Sweeping views of Ama Dablam and hopefully Lhotse and Nuptse today. There may be a shower here in Kyangjuma.

Apr 4: Trek from trailside village Kyangjuma to Pangboche; Start trek (about 7 hours), Lunch at teahouse along the way; This is a strenuous day, but will pass through the amazing city of Tengboche with its beautiful temple, which we will try to visit. In Pangboche, there is usually a shower (but not always).

Apr 5:  Trek from Pangboche to Pheriche (Everest Base Camp) or to Chukkung (Island Peak option); Breakfast in teahouse; Trek about 2-4 hours to Pheriche or 5-6 hours to Chukkung; late lunch and great coffee at Dingboche for the Island Peak trekkers. I’m a huge fan of the veggie burger here, the amazing views, and the pasteries! (Pheriche folks can either relax or hike up to Dingboche for lunch, at their leisure).

Apr 6: EBC: Trek from Pheriche to Lobuche; Breakfast in teahouse; Trek to Lobuche (5-6 hours) – excellent view of Tabuche Peak and the expansive valley below. Lobuche now has a great coffee shop, the “highest espresso in the world”. Great views of Nuptse from here. Island Peak Group: Chukkung breakfast, get geared up in the morning and hike to Island Peak Base Camp for early to bed!

Apr 7: EBC: Lobuche to Gorak Shep, eat lunch and on to base camp and back to Gorak Shep! This is a very long day at elevation. Slow methodical hike to Gorak Shep for breakfast/lunch and two more hours to EBC for photos (about 30 min). Island Peak Group: 1 am start from base camp to summit and back down to Chukkung. Very long day for both groups.

Apr 8: EBC: Trek from Gorak Shep to Pangboche. Breakfast in teahouse and get ready for downhill! Lunch on the way and then back into the Pangboche to visit temple (and Yeti’s claw if we didn’t get to see it on the way up). Island Peak group: Chukkung breakfast and downhill hike to Pangboche to likely meet up with group from EBC.

Apr 9: Trek from Pangboche to Namche back through Tengboche. Lots of downhill and then large hill up to Tengboche and to Namche.

Apr 10: Trek from Namche Bazaar back to Lukla. This is the same as the first day out with a few extra hours, “roller hills” but overall downhill. We will celebrate with a great dinner in Lukla! Overall 7-9 hours on the trail depending on the speed.

Apr 11 or 12: Fly from Lukla very early down to Kathmandu for some out on the town shopping and souvenir collecting.

NOTE: This a day not accounted for! This is a padding day for weather, delay of flights, sickness, etc. We will plan on using it somewhere!

PACKING LIST (SUGGESTED)

Our philosophy is pack what you need. Remember that your main backpack or duffel bag will be transported along the entire route of the trek, so you can be a bit more generous than if you were backpacking. Your day pack will stay with you on the short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, and you will want to keep this on your back during the hike.

Day pack suggestions (on your back):

• Camelback-type drinking water system or water bottles. A 2L-3L system is suggested. Clean water is obtained every morning by staff. You are welcome to further treat it, but it is not necessary. Joel likes to infuse Tang for no particular reason.

• Camera (optional). Most trekkers carry a camera on them.

• Waterproof rain gear. A waterproof jacket/coat is required. Waterproof-pants are optional (our guides usually do not use them).

• Snacks / Personal items. Important medications should stay with you. We have regular access to snacks on the trail.

• Wallet / ID / Passport / Cash / Credit Cards (cleared for Nepal)

Large Backpack/Duffel Bag (portered for you):

• Sleeping bag (Zero-degree is highly encouraged) in waterproof bag.

• Sleeping mat (not encouraged as your sleeping bag will be laid on a cushioned bed or cot. We are staying in lodges, aka "teahouses" throughout the trek.)

• Hiking shoes or boots. Waterproof is preferred and having them well broken in is a must. I prefer waterproof hiking shoes.

• Socks. Several pairs. Worn in. Be familiar with them.

• Thermal underwear, top and bottom. A layering system is suggested as the lower elevations can be very warm and higher elevations very cold. Nights will always be chilly to downright cold.

• Hiking pants / shorts. Zip offs are interesting, but pants will be desirable as we gain elevation.

• Layered tops. Have several layers available to you: thermal top, shirt, midweight, heavier sweater or pullover, coat.

• Gloves. Highly encouraged, especially for higher elevations. You'll wish you had them.

• Warm hat and visor. Highly encouraged, especially for higher elevations.

• Waterproof coat (for daypack, as above). It should have a hood.

• Sunglasses. Highly encouraged.

• Head wrap/cloth. Optional, but encouraged. Many people like to sling it around their head for sun protection and warmth.

• Personal items: sunscreen, medications (in daypack), small first aid kit, acetazolamide (Diamox)

• Hiking poles. Optional, but many people like having them. Collapsible to fit in your airplane luggage.

• Camera gear. Camera body (daypack), camera lenses (daypack), several 16 or 32 or 64 GB cards, several charged batteries, battery recharger, lens cleaner/wipes.

• Journal / notepad / pens /pencils

• Book or audiobook. If you forget, there are great bookstores in Kathmandu with cheap, excellent favorites.

PAYMENT DATES

You will need to get us passport scans (to encrypted email below) several weeks BEFORE arrival.

Bring cash (new, crisp bills are accepted for exchange or outright payment of things; they don’t like tattered money)

Email himalayanguide (at) pm . me for more details or use the contact page on this website.

Photographing all along the way, with Nuptse and Lhotse in the background, Himalayas, Nepal. Photography by Joel Addams