Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar is most commonly visited as a two week trek starting and finishing at Lukla, the airport just to south of Everest National Park. We start our trek from Lukla after a 35 minutes flight from Kathmandu Airport. When we land at its tiny airstrip, the adventure really begins. The next few days are spent trekking through the heartland of the Sherpa people.

We will stay in lodges run by the Sherpas themselves, passing Buddhist monasteries with the views of Everest getting closer everyday. We will have rest days in the villages of Namche and Dingboche. This will allow us to explore the region and to acclimatize, which is very important. Although this trek is called the Everest base camp trek, our goal is the summit of Kala Pattar, which is higher than Everest base camp. After trekking to Kala Pattar, we then return at a leisurely pace back to Namche and Lukla for our flight back to Kathmandu.

For the more adventurous there is an option of returning over the Cho La pass to the Gokyo valley, and then ascending Gokyo Ridge. Or if you are really fit, you can have a go at Island Peak. On the Everest Base Camp trek, we use the best lodges run by Sherpa families. The treks are organised in conjunction with local Sherpa guides.

Trek particulars

Places covered: Lukla / Namche Bazar / Tengboche Monastery / Everest Base Camp /Kala Pattar.
Activities: Tours/Trekking
Trekking Destinations: Everest Base Camp / Kala Pattar.
Minimum altitude: 2610 meters
Maximum altitude: 5555meters
Group size*: Minimum 10 / Maximum 20 (as on agreement.)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Best season: March, April, May, October, November.
Trekking grade: Strenuous
Transportation: Airplane.
Daily walking Hour: Approximately 4-6 hours each day.
Total trip duration: 16 days.
Age limited: 15 to 65

Trip departure: Individual bookings can be made for locally led treks at any time. Group bookings with Australian leader are scheduled throughout the year. Please checkschedules for more information.

Highlights of this Trek

  • Scenic mountain flight to and from Lukla
  • Experience Sherpa culture and life style of mountain people in the heart of Himalaya.
  • Visiting Tengboche Monastery.
  • Amazing views of Himalaya’s including Mt. Everest, Makalu.
  • Impressive views of Khumbu Ice fall.
  • Climbing up to Kala Pattar at elevation of 5555 meters.
  • Everest Base Camp and walking on the Khumbu glacier.

How difficult is this Trek?

General Itinerary

Everest Base Camp trek is suitable for any walker looking for something challenging and energetic. It does not require you to be super fit or have any previous trekking/mountaineering and technical experience; however, a moderate level of fitness is beneficial. A pre-trip fitness campaign is recommended, as you will enjoy the experience much more. You must be in good physical condition and be able to hike for 4-7 hours over hilly terrain with a light daypack. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow.

Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters)

Our Airport Representative will meet you and arrange for your transfer to hotel by private tourist vehicle.

Day 02 Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley (B)

A relaxed breakfast before commencing your sightseeing tour by private vehicle, with your own professional tour guide. We will visit Pasupatinath Temple, Buddhanath, Monkey Temple, Bhaktpur, Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Day 03 Flight to Lukla (2804 meters), trek to Phakding (2610 meters) 3 hours. (B,L,D)

An early morning start takes us to Kathmandu Airport for the 35 minute flight to Lukla (2804m). On arrival at Lukla airport our guide will brief us and introduce our porters before we begin our trek towards Phakding (2610m)

Day 04 Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3441 meters) – 5.30 hours (B,L,D).

The trail follows the Dudh Kosi before climbing to Chomoa, through magnificent forests of rhododendron, magnolia and giant firs. Further long the track we cross the Kyashar Khola before entering the Sagarmatha National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site, where we may be fortunate enough to see Himalayan tahr, musk deer and impeyan pheasants. Inside the park, the trail makes a steep descent to again follow the Dudh Kosi before the long climb to Namche.

Day 05 Namche Bazaar Acclimatization day (B,L,D).

Namche Bazaar, a relatively large village is known as the Gateway to Everest. We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize to the altitude. We have the opportunity to visit a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We can also hike up the Syangboche Airport, and around Everest View Hotel. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise or sunset over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks.

Day 06 Namche Bazaar to Tengboche Monastery (3860 meters) – 5 hours (B,L,D).

Our trek today takes us to Tengboche Monastery at altitude 3860meters. Tengboche is the largest and most active monastery in Khumbu and you will enjoy the opportunity to be part of a prayer ceremony here.

Day 07 Tengboche Monastery to Dingboche (4350 meters) – 5.30 hours (B,L,D).

We continue to climb as we head to the altitude of 4350 meters taking our time to allow for acclimatization. We will pass through Orsho, descending to a bridge across the Khumbu Khola at 4130m, before traversing to Dingboche.

Day 08 Day trip to Chhukung valley (4710 meters) and trek back to Dingboche (B,L,D). – 4.30 hours.

Today we will enjoy another day for acclimatization. A hike up to the Imja valley affords tremendous views of various peaks including Ama Dablam and the Amphu Lapcha pass. This day hike is one of the visual highlights of the trek.

Day 09 Dingboche to Lobuche (4910 meters) – 5 hours (B,L,D).

Today, we continue to climb to Lobuche, a major trekking stop. We may be lucky enough to enjoy the sunset on Nuptse, a memorable sight. As we are heading to the altitude of 4910 meters, our pace will be relaxed to allow for acclimatisation and any breathing difficulties.

Day 10 Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5365 meters) then back to Gorak Shep (5180 meters). – 7 hours (B,L,D).

Early in the morning leaving Lobuche, we will head up to Everest Base camp (5365meters), and return to Ghorakshep at elevation of 5180 meters at noon for our overnight stay.

Day 11 Hiking up the Kala Pattar (5555 meters) then trek back down to Pheriche (4200 meters) – 6 hours (B,L,D).

The Kala Pattar (5555meters) climb is one of the most rewarding parts of the trip. Nearing the top of Kala Pattar, more of the peak of Everest itself can be seen, and a short distance further provides a clear view to South Col. We then descend to Pheriche at elevation of 4200 meters.

Day 12 Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3441 meters) – 5.30 hours (B,L,D).

Leaving the mountains behind us our descent takes us through Tengboche Monastery (3860 meters) and through Phunki Thanga before arriving back at Namche Bazaar (3441meters) in the afternoon.

Day 13 Namche Bazaar to Lukla (3404 meters) – 6 hours (B,L,D).

Finally we return to Lukla where the trek began, which seems a lifetime ago. The descent back to the Dudh Kosi at Jorsale will test our knees, but we will also enjoy the warmer temperature at this altitude. We will enjoy reflecting on the trek as a group, and the personal achievement of all those who took part.

Day 14 35 minutes scenic flight to Kathmandu from Lukla early in the morning. O/N at Hotel. (B)

A short flight will take us from Lulka back to the rush of a larger city. The remainder of the day in Kathmandu is at leisure.

Day 15 Leisure day in Kathmandu. (B)

Today is your last opportunity to take advantage of the excellent shopping in Kathmandu. If you are interested in continuing on to the Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure or any other tours, you can start them today.

Day 16 Transfer to international airport for your final flight departure (B).

A Getaway Trekking Airport Representative will drop you at the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal

16 Day fully escorted tour: $3,150 (AUD) ex Kathmandu

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers
  • Standard accommodation in four star hotel in Kathmandu breakfast included
  • Kathmandu City Tours by professional tour guide and private car / van / bus.
  • All meals during the trek.
  • Tea Houses / Lodges hotel accommodation during the trek.
  • Hot drink such as tea, coffee with breakfast & dinner (1 per meal)
  • Heater & shower costs in guesthouses
  • Cooking class in Kathmandu
  • Relaxation massage in Kathmandu
  • Experienced and licensed local Trekking Guide
  • Experienced and licensed Assistant Trekking Guide
  • A runner guide to reconfirm your accommodation every day along the tea houses/lodges.
  • A private cook to supervise all your cooking during the trek
  • The required number of Porters to carry your luggage during the trek.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipments, medicine for all Guides, Cook and Porters
  • All internal transfers including return flight Kathmandu / Lukla
  • Everest National Park permits
  • Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC), issued by trekking agent association of Nepal (TAAN).
  • Loan of sleeping bag, down jacket and duffel/kit bag
  • All government taxes and official expenses

Exclusions

  • Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
  • Your travel insurance (compulsory).
  • International airfare and airport departure tax.
  • Nepal entry visa fee (US$ 30 per person) you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu for 60 days from date of issue.
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
  • Personal trekking equipments.
  • Tips for trekking staffs, driver etc.

Cost

Nepali led treks
$2,150
Minimum 2 pax

Australian led treks
$3,150
Minimum 10 pax

Single Supplement
$250

The Fine Print

  •  A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure a booking. The remaining monies are payable 60 days prior to departure.
  • A medical certificate is required from your doctor no more than 30 days from departure, stating that you have no medical condition that could endanger your life on the track.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory.
  • Training is necessary. This trek is challenging and you will require a high level of fitness. We can offer you support in this area. Please contact us for details.
  • Australian Led Treks
  • Minimum numbers of 10 required. Please contact us for information regarding availability in the departure of your choice.