EVEREST BASE CAMP: Trek 2024

TRIP OVERVIEW

• 14 full days in Nepal; 13 nights

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

• Elevation: 4500 feet to 18500 feet (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 or yaks

• Dates: March 24 - April 6, 2023 (must land in KTM by Mar 24 by 2 PM, group flight to Lukla very early on Mar 25 (6:30 a.m!) Departure flights from Kathmandu can be booked for April 6 or April 7 or at your leisure)

• $1800 directly to Sherpa guides in cash AND $300 in travel insurance must include helicopter rescue AND don’t forget to tip your Sherpa guides and porters! (I am only an organizer on this one, friends and family. I am paying for my way as well). Cost includes transportation to/from KTM airport, two nights in Sherpa Guesthouse in Kathmandu March 24 and April 5, all meals, full trek to EBC 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.  

TRIP COST

The cost includes all transportation to and from Kathmandu airport, our Sherpa home stay on March 24 and April 5, all teahouse lodging and food during the trek, guides and porters, roundtrip flights from Kathmandu to Lukla (approximately 45 minute flights in small aircraft 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.

TRIP ITINERARY

March 24 (23rd if you wish):  Arrive in Kathmandu (before 2 pm is best!), Transfer to Sherpa home (pickup from airport included); Traditional dinner with Sherpas, (Start Diamox March 23); 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.

March 25: Fly to Lukla-Trek to Monjo; Transfer to airport for flight to Lukla; Flight from KTM -> Lukla in Everest Region, cameras in day bags, have a proper breakfast in Paradise Lodge after checking backpacks; our guides will arrange porters, begin trek to Monjo (approx. 8.5 hours on trail!). Photograph along the route, snacks provided (fruit, cheese, snacks). Sit down for lunch. Continue hiking. Arrive to Monjo teahouse (Mt. Kailash Lodge); Free time to rest, shower, dinner. (Lukla 9383 ft -> Monjo 9350 ft, 8.8 miles, "roller" hills up and down all day)

March 26: 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.

March 27: 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.

March 28: 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.

March 29:  Trek from Pangboche to Dingboche; Breakfast in teahouse; Trek about 3-4 hours; late Lunch and great coffee at Dingboche. I’m a huge fan of the veggie burger here, the amazing views, and the pasteries!

March 30: Trek from Dingboche 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.

March 31: Lobuche to EBC and back! 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). Downhill back to Lobuche where hot food and tea are awaiting. This can run 8-10 hours on the trail. Some adjustments may need to be made depending on the group.

April 1: Trek from Lobuche 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)

April 2: Trek from Pangboche to Namche.

April 3: 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!

April 4: Fly from Lukla very early down to Kathmandu for some out on the town shopping and souvenir collecting.

April 5: This day will be left “Open” as we may need it for a day on the hike (additional acclimatization day, etc)

April 6: Earliest day to plan for a flight home (May stay extra days with Sherpa for additional cost, no problem)

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) to get your Sagarmantha National Park permit and trekking permits several weeks BEFORE arrival.

Bring cash (new, crisp bills in $20 or $50 or $100 increments to pay the Sherpa guides on arrival)

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