Summary

You don’t have to be a world-class climber to get world-class views of Mount Everest. On our High Road to Everest Base Camp Trekking, we’ll hike 11 days up and down over this challenging but manageable terrain.

Along the way, enjoy splendid views of the world’s greatest mountain range, eat delicious local meals, and get up close and personal with yaks. Test your physical and mental endurance and make new friends in Nepal. On top of that, we’ll check out the cultural highlights in and around Kathmandu. We’ll be led by a local guide along with our co-founder, Stephen Bugno, who has been in love with Nepal since his 3-week trek there in 2013.

Tour by:

Start
Kathmandu
Finish
Kathmandu
Trip Type
Adventure
Physical Level
Advanced
Cultural Rating
Moderate
Ages
Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Group Size
10 max group size
Included
English Speaking Trekking and City Guide
Service of one Assistant Trekking Guide for the trekking (if more than 5 trekkers)
Service of one porter each for 2 trekkers while on trek – will be hired from Lukla onwards
International Airport Arrival and Departure transfer
Domestic Airport Arrival and Departure transfer on group basis
Two nights accommodation at Traditional Comfort (hotel) (twin sharing basis) with breakfast
Two nights accommodation at Traditional Stay (hotel) (twin sharing basis) with breakfast
Domestic flight ticket Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu or alternatively from Ramechhap
Accommodation for 11 nights in tea house lodges on twin sharing basis with breakfast (lodges from Dingboche up onwards do not have ensuite bathrooms)
Breakfast every morning
Everest National Park Permit & TIMS Card
Not Included
Lunch & Dinner
Expenses of personal nature such as bar bills, mineral water, laundry, telephone calls, internet facilities
Sleeping bags
Additional Expenses which may arise due to circumstances beyond control of RMT/UnquoteTravel such as flight delays and flight cancellations
Compulsory Travel/health insurance (Browse policies at World Nomads, our recommended travel insurance provider.)
Extra cash and emergency fund: As per our experience we would recommend that you carry a budget of around USD 300 (equivalent in Nepalese Currency) for meals and other beverages not included.
Tips for porter, trekking guide, etc.

Itinerary

  • Day 1
    Arrival in Kathmandu
    Arriving at Tribhuwan International Airport is an experience in itself. As we exit the arrival terminal, we will see a huge crowd outside the airport with numerous placards. Our airport representative will be waiting among the crowd with your name written on a placard. You will be escorted to your booked hotel in Kathmandu. Depending on the traffic situation, the drive to your hotel will be approximately 15 minutes to 30 minutes.

    Receive a warm welcome by the staff of Traditional Comfort offering you an auspicious Tika and Buddhist scarf “The KHADA”. You have free time to relax and enjoy the traditional ambiance and comfort of the hotel until your group meeting in the evening time.

    Accommodation: Traditional Comfort
    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Oxygen Level: Approximately 90%
  • Day 2
    City Tour & Preparation for the Trek
    Today we start our day by visiting two of the holiest sites of Kathmandu Valley – Pashupatinath Temple & Boudhanath Stupa. Nepal is a unique country where you can see many cultures and religions living in harmony. You will be experiencing these qualities during our sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple – a Hindu temple and Boudhanath Stupa – a Buddhist Shrine. You will be escorted by a well-experienced tour guide.

    Later in the afternoon, we have free time to prepare for our arduous trek to Everest Base Camp. Making sure that we have all the necessary gear and clothing as per weather conditions and recommendations from our escort leader. You have ample opportunity to wander around Thamel, the tourist hub of Nepal, for window shopping and trying various eateries.

    We recommend that you go to bed early tonight so that you sleep well and are ready to wake up early the next morning.

    Accommodation: Traditional Comfort
    Meals Included: Breakfast

    ***In 2020, flights to Lukla may leave from Ramechhap. If this is the case we will drive 4 hours to Ramechhap and stay overnight in a basic lodge before departing for our flight to Lukla the next morning.
  • Day 3
    Lukla Flight and Hike to Phakding
    Phakding elevation: 2650 m (8,694 ft.)
    Population: Around 450
    Total Distance: 5 km
    Walking Hours: 3-4 hours

    Early morning wake up call and depart to the domestic airport which is around 10 to 15 minutes’ drive from our hotel. After checking in for our flight, we will have time to take our packed breakfast before we board our flight to Lukla. The flight to Lukla is on a small Dornier / Twin Otter plane and generally takes around 25 – 30 minutes. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime flight during which we will have ample opportunities to see the mighty Himalayas (weather permitting) as we descend to land in one of the most exciting airports of the world. Lukla airport is also known as Tenzing Hillary Airport.

    At the airport, we will have our first meeting with our group of Sherpas. They will be anxiously waiting to welcome us to their workstation -the Everest Trekking Trails. We will have our short break here while our Sherpa’s arrange our baggage so that it becomes comfortable for them to carry. To maintain the service level and fair working conditions, we allow only 15 kgs per Sherpa. You may give up to 7.5 kgs to your Sherpa to carry.

    As said, every great journey starts with a small step… here we go towards Everest Base Camp. Today we are going to walk for around 3 to 4 hours. The day is just a glimpse of our walking days ahead. To begin we descend gradually to Thado Koshi for around 2 hours. Then after we start to make our first ascent of the trek which is a gradual uphill all the way Phakding which will take another 2 hours. We reach Phakding in time for lunch.

    *Flight schedules are not out for 2020 but our flight may be operated from Ramechhap instead. This would require a 4-hour drive to Ramechhap.

    Accommodation: Basic Tea House
    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Oxygen Level: Approximately 73%

    ** For the interested ones who still want to hike around, there is the possibility to visit Rimijung Monastery, which is about 1 hour of steep uphill walking from Phakding village.
  • Day 4
    Hike to Namche Bazaar
    Namche Bazaar elevation: 3440m (11,2886 ft.)
    Population: Around 1700
    Total Distance: 9 Km
    Walking hours: Around 7 hours

    Namche Bazaar is the Gateway to Everest Base Camp and the capital village of Sherpas. Today is one of those days when our physical strength, our stamina and our will power will be on the test. Most of the day we will be walking uphill with short intervals of flat walking. With numerous opportunities to cross high suspension bridges, after our first ascent, we will reach Benkar where we will be welcomed by gigantic Mt. Thamserku at the horizon. Walking past the Mani Stone walls and the Buddhist Shrines we will reach the Sagarmatha National Park entry gate. The park gate was established in 1976 and was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1979. Here we do our entry process and permit checking.

    Accommodation: Basic Tea House
    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Oxygen Level: Approximately 64%
  • Day 5
    Namche Bazaar – Acclimatization Day
    Acclimatization Hike – Syangboche 3860 m (12,664 ft.) (Approximately 3 – 4 hours)

    Indeed, today is the day when we will be preparing ourselves for high altitude trekking. We will be assessing our physical ability and endurance against the high altitude that is to come. Should you feel uncomfortable during the hike, please do not hesitate to consult with your trekking leader. He is the best person to listen to and get suggestions from. Today our acclimatization hike will take us to Syangboche which is 3860 m above sea level. The total hiking time will be around 3 – 4 hours.

    We start our hike with a steep uphill walk all the way to the National Park headquarters from where we have the opportunity to enjoy the majestic views of various Himalayan peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Thamserku, Kusum, Khangru, Kongde, Phachhermo, Melungtse, Khumbila and Taboche. Along our trail, we have the opportunity to enjoy the flora and fauna found in this Himalayan Region.

    After time spent at Syangboche, we descend back to Namche Bazaar for our lunch. We have free time to wander around Namche Bazaar, visit local bakeries and shops and do last-minute shopping (if required) to buy or hire any trekking gear you may need for the trek.

    Accommodation: Camp De Base or Similar
    Meals Included: Breakfast
  • Day 6
    Hike to Debuche
    Debuche elevation: 3710 m (12,171 ft.)
    Population: Around 150
    Total Distance: 9 Km
    Walking hours: Around 7 hours

    Today’s hike all the way to Debuche is mixed with uphill and gradual flat walking. As we go up, the stunning views of Himalayan peaks such as Everest and Lhotse keep on inspiring us to move forward. We stop at Kenjuma (3550m) for a tea break and we keep ourselves mesmerized with the views. Our lunch stop, which is another hour walking from Kenjuma, is at Phunki Tenga, where we can see prayer wheels spinning with the help of flowing waters from the stream.

    After lunch, we ascend for a couple of hours to reach Tengboche (3870m) via the Rhododendron forest and the stunning view of Mt. Kangtenga. At Tengboche, we take a break for some time to visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. Tengboche Monastery is one of the biggest monasteries of Everest Region and was built in the 16th century.

    After another half-hour walk, we descend to reach Debuche for the night.

    Accommodation: Basic Tea House
    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Oxygen Level: Approximately 60%

    ** This is the last settlement where we have ensuite bathrooms and hot-water showers. The possibility of showering after this settlement is rare due to the barren land and alpine meadow landscape.
  • Day 7
    Hike to Dingboche
    Dingboche elevation: 4350 m (14,271 ft.)
    Population: Around 600
    Total Distance: 8 km
    Walking hours: Around 6 hours

    Today we will be leaving the treeline behind and trekking in the high-altitude alpine meadow. In the first couple of hours we will be walking through rhododendron forest, crossing wooden bridges over the Dudh Koshi River to reach the last permanent settlement of the region at Pangboche (3970m). We’ll take a tea break with the majestic view of Mt Amadablam. We continue our walk on the undulating flat until Shomare (4040m) alongside the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. After lunch, we leave the treeline behind and after crossing another wooden bridge over the Dudh Koshi River we start the uphill walk all the way up to Dingboche (4350m).

    Accommodation: Basic Tea House
    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Oxygen Level: Approximately 57%
  • Day 8
    Dingboche Acclimatization Day
    Dingboche elevation: 4350 m (14,271 ft.)
    Population: Around 600
    Total Distance:
    Walking hours: Around 4 hours

    One more acclimatization day before we proceed forward for our ultimate goal of Everest Base Camp. Today we will be going up to an altitude of 4700m at Nagarzhang Peak. We will be walking for about 4 hours today to let our bodies get acclimatized to the high altitude. From the Nagarzhang Peak, we can get a panoramic view of the 4th highest peak: Lhotse, the 5th highest: Makalu, 6th highest" Cho Oyu, and Island Peak.

    The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy.

    Accommodation: Basic Tea House
    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Oxygen Level: Approximately 57%
  • Day 9
    Hike to Lobuche
    Lobuche elevation: 4910 m (16,108 ft.)
    Population: Around 100
    Total Distance: 7 Km
    Walking hours: Around 5 hours

    As we start our day, please be informed that all the settlements henceforth are only for the purpose of trekking tourism and serving adventure-orientated tourists. There are no permanent settlements. We walk along the summer yak pasture which is gradual flat and views dominated by Mt. Taboche and Mt. Cholatse. We stopover for lunch at Thugla (4620m).

    After lunch, we continue our hiking up the steep ascent to Chakpki Lara Pass at 4820m, where we pass through memorials of Sherpas and a few famous mountaineers. Walking through the end of Changri Glacier moraine, we are offered views of Nuptse, Khumutse, Lingtren, Pumori, Lobuche East, and Lobuche West. It is an easy flat hike all the way to Lobuche.

    While in Lobuche, we can get a great sunset view of Nuptse and a short hike to the viewpoint of the entire Khumbu Glacier.

    Accommodation: Basic Tea House
    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Oxygen Level: Approximately 54%
  • Day 10
    Hike to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp!
    Gorakshep elevation: 5180 m (16,994 ft.)
    Total Distance: 6 Km
    Walking hours: Around 3 hours (total walking hours for the day around 7 hours)

    Today is what it's all about. All the hard work, pushing our body and endurance to the limit. We start early in the morning and with a gently ascending slope, we hit 5000 m of altitude. After walking for about 2 hours, we start our steep ascent, a trail that is rough and rugged all the way to Gorakshep. We'll arrive at Gorakshep by lunchtime.

    We'll check in early at our lodging and have our lunch. After that, we'll gear up for another 2 hours hike all the way up to Everest Base Camp. During the season for Everest Peak Summiting, you can expect a huge crowd at Base Camp with members of each expedition team carefully planning and preparing to summit Everest. The rest of the year it is generally quiet with only rocky boulders and prayer flags. Take time for photography and enjoy being at Everest Base Camp. Yes, we have finally achieved our goal!

    Accommodation: Basic Tea House
    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Oxygen Level: Approximately 52%
  • Day 11
    Sunrise at Kala Patthar and descend to Pheriche
    Pheriche elevation: 4270 m (14,009 ft.)
    Population: Around 250
    Total Distance: 13 Km (including early morning excursion to Kala Patthar)
    Walking hours: Total walking hours for the day around 5 hours

    Yes, we have achieved our goal and we have done we have set out to do. But it is also worthwhile to visit Kala Patthar. We generally do the hike to Kala Patthar in the early hours of the morning which will give us the opportunity for a glorious sunrise over Mount Everest and other Himalayan Peaks. A 360-degree view of the mighty Himalayas stand before us towering to the sky. Some regard this morning's hike as the hardest one but the hard work is worth every bit.

    After sunrise we'll descend back to Gorakshep for our breakfast and then continue all the way back to Pheriche.

    Accommodation: Basic Tea House
    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Oxygen Level: Approximately 60%
  • Day 12
    Descend to Namche Bazaar
    Namche Bazaar: 3440 m (11,286 ft.)
    Population: Around 1700
    Total Distance: 13 Km
    Walking hours: 8 hours

    Today we'll descend all the way down to Namche Bazaar.

    Accommodation: Basic Tea House
    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Oxygen Level: Approximately 64%
  • Day 13
    Descend to Lukla
    Lukla: 2860m (9,383 ft.)
    Total Distance: 13.5 Km
    Walking hours: 8 hours

    It’s celebration time as we hike all the way down to the bustling town of Lukla. Goals achieved, smiling faces. We gather up our supporting team who have been with us all these days, helping us, inspiring us and sometimes, when required, carrying us too. We thank them and say goodbye.

    And of course, you have the time to party and have some drinks in the evening too. It may have been more than a week when you had your last sip of alcohol (consumption of alcoholic beverages while hiking all the up in high altitude is not recommended). But we do have an early morning wake up call tomorrow.

    Accommodation: Tea House
    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Oxygen Level: Approximately 70%
  • Day 14
    Flight to Kathmandu
    It’s just 10 minutes walking from our hotel to Lukla airport where we'll catch our flight to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, we'll head to our hotel, Traditional Stay, in Patan, where we can have hot showers, relax, and take the rest of the day off. You may want to use that time to do your last-minute shopping.

    Along with our escort leader, we'll go for our final dinner in a nice cozy restaurant where we'll exchange photographs, email addresses, and stories of the splendid time we all had during this adventure of a lifetime.

    Accommodation: Traditional Stay
    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Oxygen Level: Approximately 90%
  • Day 15
    Sightseeing in Patan
    Enjoy visiting the historical sights around Patan with our guide.

    Patan Durbar Square is surrounded by a fascinating array of temples, built in various architectural manners. It is home to numerous temples like Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Mandir, Taleju Bell, and others. All the temples of Patan Durbar Square are decorated with samples of masterpieces of Nepalese handicrafts, according to Newari architecture. The city is built on Newari cultural perspectives, thus, the city envelopes the pride of Newari cultural history.

    Accommodation: Traditional Stay
    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Oxygen Level: Approximately 90%
  • Day 16
    Departure Day
    It is departure day. Please confirm your departure transfer with your escort leader. He will make sure that your transport for departure will be at the hotel at your requested time. Should you have some more extra days to wander in Nepal and need more information, your escort leader can help you out in organizing and give you the information you require.

    Accommodation: Not Included Meals Included: Breakfast

Important Notes

Accommodation

 

In Kathmandu we’ll be staying at Traditional Comfort. Nepali tradition and modern comfort meet at Traditional Comfort. As soon as you enter the red-brick building you will notice the perfect balance between traditional artistic features and comfortable modern hospitality. Traditional Comfort follows Newari design and architectural principles. The Newar people of the Kathmandu Valley are said to have been the originators of the distinctive pagoda style of temple architecture, which later spread throughout East Asia. The unique brickwork and woodcarving commonly seen in Newar buildings—including the modern Traditional Comfort—is rarely seen outside of Nepal. 

In Patan, south of Kathmandu, we’ll be staying at Traditional Stay. Patan, also known as Lalitpur, which literally translates as the city of arts, is one of the three ancient kingdoms of Kathmandu Valley known for its skilled metal craftsmanship, artistic houses, and urban planning reflecting the laidback lifestyle of its people. Inspired by the very city is calls home, Traditional Stay mirrors the aesthetics of Patan while providing you with modern comfort from the moment you enter.

During the trek: During the trek, we will stay in lodges known as tea houses. Once extremely basic, they are now becoming more comfortable. But still, the comfort level is far below that of hotels in the city. Expect simple accommodation with basic beds with blankets, ensuite toilets (lodges at Lobuche, Gorakshep, and Pheriche will be without ensuite toilets), heated blankets (wherever possible) or hot water bag will be provided. All rooms in the lodges will be twin-bedded. You have the possibility to take hot water showers in all places except for Lobuche, Gorakshep, and Pheriche. We recommend that you have body wipes to use during these three nights.

Transport

We will have a private vehicle for the Kathmandu portion of this tour. There will be two domestic flights included.

Who is this trip for?

This trip will be enjoyable for those with an adventurous spirit as well as those with hiking experience. Travelers should have a good level of fitness and overall good health for time spent in high elevation. This trip is good for first-time Asia travelers as well as travelers who typically travel independently.

Cancellations and Refunds
If you must cancel your reservation for a tour and/or its extension, we will refund your payment, less the following fees per tour and/or extension:

Days Prior to Trip Start Date Trip Cancellation Fee Per Person
60+ days $250
31 – 60 days 50% of trip price
0-30 days 100% of trip price

Payment Schedule

Payment in full is due 90 days before trip start date.

About your guide

In addition to our local trekking guide, Unquote Travel co-founder Stephen Bugno will join us on this trek as group leader. He’s traveled to over 90 countries during the past 20 years and created Unquote Travel in 2016 to share his love of travel with others. Stephen has been in love with Nepal since his 3-week trek there in 2013. He has since returned 3 times.

 


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