Trip Summary

A view of the spectacular Everest region is never forgotten. Four of the world's six tallest peaks (Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Cho Oyu) rise above everything in sight and white crowns sit atop the towering peaks that litter the Himalayan range. Seen as one of the most stunning hikes of the Himalaya, the Everest Base Camp trek offers astounding mountain views, and opportunities to get a glimpse into the life of world famous climbers (the Sherpas). The trek provides options to explore Sagarmatha National Park, a world heritage site that is home to a variety of Himalayan floras and faunas. Guests can also get a closer look at the highest Buddhist monasteries in the world, and, of course, the most gratifying of them all, the trip to Everest Base Camp itself.

Follow in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay and enjoy the thrill and sense of accomplishment that we all seek during adventures when the imposing Mt Everest is seemingly in touching distance.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

All adventurers will be greeted at the airport by our Nepalese THISWORLDEXISTS contact. Our in-country experts will have arranged airport transfers to our hotel for all guests. Those arriving prior to the suggested arrival date will need to organise their own transport from the airport.

Samsara Resort has a relaxed atmosphere and its own beautiful garden on premises. A welcome dinner is provided at either the hotel restaurant or a nearby Nepali restaurant; to be confirmed in country.

Day 02: Acclimatisation day in Kathmandu

Optional (at an additional cost) to organise a morning Everest Flight experience with Buddha Air ($199USD). Flights start at 6:30am and take guests on a 45 minute flight through the Everest region to show these amazing mountains in a completely different perspective. The plane will fly under 30 kilometres from the peak of the world, Mount Everest.

Local sightseeing, preparation for the trek and overnight stay in Kathmandu at Samsara Resort. Buffet breakfast provided at the hotel. After breakfast, the group will be taken to Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is about a 20 minute walk from the Hotel. All adventurers will be given free time to see the local tourist sights and asked to return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, the group will be briefed about the trip. During this briefing, a final gear check will be completed and all group equipment for the trek will be prepared. Any last minute items that are needed can be rented or purchased.

Dinner at a restaurant near to the hotel.

Day 03: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft)

After breakfast, the group will be taken to Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft). Lukla is the gateway to the  Everest region and where the trek will start. The spectacular flight takes us above breathtaking forest and snow covered mountains. After 40 minutes in the air, we reach Lukla airport after a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountain peaks.

Upon arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members, finalise packing and commence our trek. From Lukla we head to Phakding where we will spend the night. To assist with acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. Additional activities can be arranged for those that are feeling up to it. Overnight in mountain lodge.

Day 04: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280ft)

The beautiful pine forest provides great views as we follow the Dudh Koshi River over many suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. Incredible views of Mt. Thamserku can be seen as we make our way through the villages of Benkar, Chumoa and Monjo, to where we enter the Sagarmatha National Park. Jorsale is the last village we pass through prior to reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail climbs through the forests and bridges until we reach the junction of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. After a final steep two hour climb, we get our first glimpse of Mt. Everest as it peers over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Namche Bazaar is about another 1.5 hours of hiking after we stop to appreciate the view. Overnight in Namche Bazaar mountain lodge.

Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Rest day

When at altitude, it is important to allow your body to acclimatise but rather than resting, it is best to remain active to help speed up this process. The options for the rest day include spending the day hiking to Thame, visiting Khunde or simply exploring Namche Bazaar itself. If the group decides to trek a few hundred vertical metres during the day, it will help to properly acclimatise. We will visit the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park where we will learn about the first ascenders of Everest, Sherpa culture, and the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar mountain lodge.

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft)

After breakfast in Namche, we set out towards Tengboche whilst enjoying world class views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and an incredibly close up view of Thamserku. Along the way, we can spot wild musk deer, herds of Himalayan Thar and multi-coloured pheasants. The trekking route eventually takes us to Sansa, the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. We cross the prayer flag covered bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After lunch we get ready for a slightly tougher climb through the pine forests before reaching Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest, and it has the biggest Buddhist Monastery in the Khumbu region. Overnight stay at a lodge at Tengboche.

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300ft)

The monastery of Tengboche looks most spectacular in the morning and a visit is the perfect way to start our day. We then take the upper trail for better views of the nearby Pangboche village. Over lunch we will have incredible close views of Ama Dablam from the terrace. In the afternoon, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the Lobuche River. After descending into the river, the group begins the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. On arrival at Dingboche, we will see beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight at Dingboche.

Day 08: Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300ft): Rest Day

Our second acclimatisation day is at Dingboche. Breakfast is served while the group marvels at Ama Dablam as it looms above us. To better appreciate Ama Dablam, Lhotse and numerous other peaks visible from Dingboche, we will climb the north ridge behind the village to assist with acclimatisation. From the top, we can see three of the world's six highest peaks, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Yu. Views of Cholatse and Taboche can also be seen to the west. The Lobuche West and Lobuche East peaks are most dominant in the northwest, as well as Lhotse which stands over 8,500 meters high. From a vantage point high on the ridge, we can scan the sweeping Imja Khola valley as well as the picturesque fields and pastures of Dingboche. Overnight at Dingboche.

Day 09: Dingboche -  Lobuche (4940 m/16,207ft)

Climbing to Duglha through the Khumbu Khola valley is how we start our day, walking along the arid terrace as mountain views flank our trek on all sides. Passing a yak herder's place called Dusa, the valley begins to narrow and we continue through Phulung Karpo (the campsite of the first successful Everest Expedition in 1953). Above Phulung Karpo is Chola Lake. The majestic Mt. Pumori comes into view as we continue our trek, then the trail descends and curves as Pumori disappears from view and we approach a thundering river. After crossing a small wooden bridge, we ascend to Duglha and can see the tip of Nuptse, Cholatse, Thamserku and several other magnificent peaks. Beyond Duglha, we climb up the steep Khumbu Glacier. We pass boulder-strewn slopes as we climb towards Chupki Lhara, an eerie ridge with dramatic mountain views. Several great peaks stare us right in the face including Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. Nuptse towers to the right as the trail crosses the Khumbu Glacier where most guests will now start to feel the effects of high altitude. Overnight at Lobuche.

Day 10: Lobuche - Gorak Shep - Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) - Gorak Shep

The trail to Gorak Shep goes through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Ahead on the trail, we will see the north ridge crest of Everest along with Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern,  Khumbutse, and Nuptse, among others. A small ascent will take us to Thangma Riju from where we can get 360 degree views of the Himalayan mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we find snow capped mountains looming all around us including the biggest of them all - Mt Everest.

After lunch, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Mountaineer's tents stand out in bright colors against the monotony of the gray surroundings. Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp, and Everest is not actually visible from here.

Day 11: Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) - Pheriche (4,280m/14,070ft)

Today is the climax of our trip. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar and witness the first light of day as it hits M. Everest and the surrounding peaks. Predawn temperatures are cold (-10 to -30 C) plus the potential for winds to increase the chill factor. Ensure you are dressed appropriately to fully appreciate these unforgettable views. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east as Everest continues to reveal itself. After several hours of ascent, we will reach Kala Patthar. From Kala Patthar, we scramble up to the top of a rocky outcrop marked by cairns and prayer flags, as the mind-blowing Himalayan panorama unfolds before our eyes. We descend in the afternoon and enjoy a good night's rest in Pheriche.

Day 12: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280ft)

A long day of hiking, but mostly downhill, as we retrace our steps back to Namche Bazaar.

Day 13: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840m/9,315ft)

An early start ensures we can take our time as we make our trek back to Lukla.

Day 14: Lukla to Kathmandu

Return flight to Kathmandu. The group enjoys a relaxing afternoon and evening where they look back on photos and remember stories from their hiking experience.

Day 15: Drive from Kathmandu to our school build project in Sorung Chhabise

After breakfast, our private transport will take us to Sorung Chhabise. The trip will take around 10 hours by jeep or bus. Upon our arrival, we will rest and immerse ourselves in the rural Nepali community. Our project contact, Anish, has organised a welcome ceremony for our group. Sleeping arrangements will be in tents or basic local dwellings during our stay in Sorung Chhabise village.

Days 16-20: School build project in Sorung Chhabise

Continued support for the build project over the next 5 days. A range of tasks will be given to adventurers to assist the local tradespeople in building the classrooms and interacting with local children.

Day 21: Thank You Ceremony in Sorung Chhabise and return to Kathmandu

After a brief farewell, we will begin the drive back to Kathmandu. Lunch will be taken in a roadside restaurant en route.

Free time in Kathmandu in the evening. Dinner provided at hotel or nearby restaurant. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 22: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and departure

After breakfast, there will be a post-trip discussion and feedback forms will be completed. A guided tour of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu (entry fees not included) is an optional extra. Some of landmarks we will visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu - the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ of Swayambhunath and the Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath.

All guests will be driven to the airport prior to their departing flights. 

Trip includes:

= Airport transfers (pick up & drop off)

= All necessary transportation arrangements as mentioned in itinerary above

= 3 nights Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast/lunch and dinner in hotel or nearby restaurant

= Accommodation in lodge during the trek days with breakfast, lunch and dinner

= Highly experienced, helpful and friendly Trek guide including their food, accommodation, salary and group equipment

= Group insurance for trekking days

= Necessary porters for trekking days (1 porter between 2 guests, maximum weight for the bag should not exceed 25 kg. per porter.)

= Trekking Permits (ACAP permit & TIMS Permit)

= Accommodation and meals during project work days as provided by our project partner

= Cultural welcome ceremony

= Farewell dinner with cultural thank you ceremony

= Full time assistance by our in country agent

Trip Excludes:

= Personal equipment and clothing

= Any equipment such as sleeping bag, hiking bag and trekking poles (rental service at minimum additional cost)

= Sightseeing/Tourist sites entry fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

= Your personal travel insurance (required)

= International flight ticket or additional travel requirements whilst in country

= Any other activities or items not stated in the above itinerary

Post-trip discussion and feedback to be completed, Departure transfer to the Airport for onward journey.