overview
Towering Himalayan peaks from Everest to Ama Dablam, picturesque Sherpa villages, and sacred Buddhist monasteries - aspects that define the magical and inspiring landscape of the Khumbu region in eastern Nepal. Khumbu is the home of Mount Everest (8,850m) - better known as Sagarmatha among Nepalis and Chomolongma among Tibetan -speaking communities. Located in the Sagarmatha National Park, many visitors come to this region to glimpse the world’s highest peak but come away with much more: an appreciation of the local people who make their home in this high and difficult landscape, a spirit of adventure that brings them back to the Himalayas, and life-changing personal experiences.
On the Everest Base Camp Trek, as you hike through villages of the famous Sherpa people, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains that rise above the clouds. From Gorakshep at 17,100 ft., your highest camp, hike to the Everest Base Camp the site from where every year hundreds of climbers attempt to reach the summit of the tallest peak in the world. Also climb Kalapathar (18,195 ft) for an up-close view of the south face of Everest. Return to Lukla via Khumjung, one of the largest Sherpa villages.
Our Nepal and Tibet treks and climbs are operated by our sister company based in Nepal - Crystal Mountain Treks - managed by our founder's family. Crystal Mountain Treks has been in business for over two decades and employs only the best guides with a minimum of 15 years experience. We treat our staff with the utmost care and respect. Each staff member is provided high-quality equipment and paid higher-than-average wages. Our clients have commented that our treks provide a better value (we provide more for less) than other companies they researched, comparing services, quality and price. We are happy to provide references of people who have journeyed with us in the past upon request.
Highlights- Explore monasteries and palaces in the Kathmandu valley for two full days.
- Visit Sherpa villages including the famous Namche village.
- Hike to the Everest Base Camp.
- Hike to the summit of Kalapathar for unparalleled views of the South Face of Mt. Everest.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 - Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during dinner.
Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Dinner)
Day 02 - Kathmandu
Full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will be accompanied by our in-house city guide. In the morning, visit Bodhanath, the Stupa of a Million dew drops, to watch monks and devotees circumambulate the largest stupa in the world. Then visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Drive to Patan for lunch in the garden of the Patan Museum Café. After lunch, visit the well-maintained Patan Museum storing ancient Nepali artifacts, followed by a tour of Patan Durbar Square. Drive back to Kathmandu.
Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 03 - Kathmandu to Phakding (8,700 ft.)
Your day will start early today as most flights to Lukla are scheduled for the morning hours. Be ready for a wait at the airport as your flight can be delayed due to weather. The flight is approximately 25 minutes and the landing at Lukla airport is very dramatic. After a brief stop at Lukla, set off on your Everest trek. Past Lukla, descend to Chaurikharka and continue on a fairly level trail to Choplung. Continue on a descending trail to Ghat. There is a monastery, numerous prayer wheels, mani stones and a chhorten at Ghat. Whenever possible, please remember to turn all prayer wheels in a clock-wise direction and to walk on the left side of shrines and manes (i.e. keeping these sacred objects to your right. From Ghat, it is approximately 20 minutes to Phakding.
Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 04 - Phakding to Namche (11,270 ft.)
The day's trail follows the Dudh Koshi until you begin your ascent to Namche. Pass several villages to Monju. Before reaching Monju is the village of Chumoa where in the 1970's, an eccentric but creative Mr Hagayuki lived without a visa for almost 10 years - farming and running the Hatago Lodge - before being deported. Just beyond Monju is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park where your park permit will be checked. Depending on the time you reach this point, lunch will be either at Monju or the village of Jorsalle inside the park.
Past Jorsalle, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi and crosses it only to recross it at the base of the hill which climbs up to Namche. The climb is long and steep. The switchback trail is well-worn and wide through a pleasant pine forest.
Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 05 - Namche (11,270 ft.)
Today is an acclimatization day. You are free to visit the National Park Museum or wonder around Namche town.
Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 06 - Namche to Tengboche (12,900 ft.)
Climb to the top of Namche Bazaar, then walk on a fairly level trail to Kenjuma and Sanasa. Here there are extensive displays of souvenirs to tempt you. Bargaining is very much in order! The trail descends to Dudh Koshi which must be crossed to reach Phungi Tenga. There is a now-deserted army post here. Past this point, the trail ascends to Tengboche monastery through conifer and rhododendrons forests.
Visit Tengboche monastery in the evening or watch the setting sun cast its last rays over Everest if the skies are clear. There is also an eco-centre with historical and cultural exhibits in the monastery compound. If monks are performing prayer ceremonies when you visit, please do not take flash photos or otherwise disturb the ceremonies.
Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 07 - Tengboche to Dingboche (13,950 ft.)
From Tengboche, the trail descends steeply to the small village of Debuche, where quietly tucked away in the trees is a nunnery. Well past Debuche, cross the Imja Khola and climb to the village of Pangboche. Past Pangboche, the trail climbs to Shomare and then to Orsho on a shelf above the river. Beyond Orsho, the trail divides, the left leads to Pheriche and the right to Dingboche. We will take the trail to Dingboche in the Imja valley.
From today, you will start to notice the change in the landscape. Forests give way to arid landscape with shrubs.
Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 08 - Dingboche (13,950 ft.)
Rest day for acclimatization. Free to go for a day hike or to just relax.
Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 09 - Dingboche to Dughla (15,100 ft.)
Take the high route over Feriche to Dughla. Today is a half day.
Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 10 - Dughla to Lobuche (16,200 ft.)
Another short trek day today. Climb directly up the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier into an area dedicated to climbers who have perished on Khumbu's mountains. Past this point, it is a very gradual incline to Lobuche. After you have settled in at your lodge, you are welcome to visit the varioius memorials to those who have perished on Everest, or hike up one of the ridges above the village for excellent views of Nuptse and Lhotse.
Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 11 - Lobuche to Gorakshep (17,100 ft.)
Another short trek day. Begin the climb today by ascending gently through meadows in the Khumbu valley. Then cross several steep moraines while also walking on an active glacier. Gorakshep is situated on a sandy and flat section that served as base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest expedition. Continue to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorakshep.
Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 12 - Gorakshep to Feriche/Pangboche
The trek to Kalapathar (18,195 ft.) is the final high-altitude climb of this trip, as a result of which you will perhaps achieve the highest reward for your perseverance. The trail ascends steeply to Kala-Pathar, but the view from here is one you are unlikely to forget. Return to Gorakshep and descend to Feriche.
Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 13 and 14 - Feriche/Pangboche to Khumjung
Descend sharply to the Dudh Koshi river and then ascend to Mong danda. Follow the slopes of Khumbila towards the hidden valley of Khumjung. At Khumjung, visit the Khunde Hospital and then the Khumjung School - both projects of the Himalayan Foundation.
Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 15 - Khumjung to Monjo
Descend to Monjo.
Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 16 - Monjo to Lukla
Last day of trekking in the Everest region. The Everest Base Camp trek ends in Lukla.
Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 17 - Lukla to Kathmandu
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu. Day free in Kathmandu.
Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar. (Breakfast)
Day 18 - Kathmandu
Full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu: visit Swayambhunath, the monkey temple. Then drive to Bhaktapur, the city of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square.
Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar. (All meals)
Day 19 - Depart for home
Final departure. (Breakfast)
Cost and Inclusions
1 person: $2,550 USD (Includes Single Supplement)
2 - 4 persons: $2,295 USD per person
5 or more persons: $2,245 USD per person
$200 per person discount on December 24 departure.
Per person Price (2013)
1 person: $2,850 USD (Includes Single Supplement)
2 - 4 persons: $2,495 USD per person
5 or more persons: $2,295 USD per person
Contact us for private departures for two or more participants. Group discounts available for private groups of 6 or more participants.
Did you know that the price for Grand Asian Journeys' Everest Base Camp Trek is about 30% less expensive than other major US outfitters' prices? It's because we run a Nepal office and have direct access to the best rates and most reliable staff - without the middleman. Other outfitters sell the same trek package for an inflated price. Just ask our previous clients and they'll tell you we provide more for less.
Price includes:
- Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
- Motivated, well-cared-for staff
- All airport transfers
- Two full days sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary and entrance fees to monuments.
- 4 nights twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Tibet (3 star) in Kathmandu.
- Round trip airfare: Kathmandu to Lukla
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Lodge trekking as indicated in the Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary
- Three meals a day
- Boiled water for your bottles three times a day
- Guide and staff wages, equipment and meals
- Guide and staff insurance
- Sagarmatha National Park Fee
- Gamow Bag (High altitude pressure chamber)
Price does not include:
- Your international airfare
- Nepal Visa
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you
- Travel insurance (Required)
- Other expenses of a personal nature
Dates and Availability
| May 28 - June 15 | GUARANTEED |
| October 8 - 26 | GUARANTEED |
| October 22 - November 09 | GUARANTEED |
| November 05 - 23 |
GUARANTEED |
| November 19 - December 07 | GUARANTEED |
| December 10 - 28 | GUARANTEED |
| December 24 - January 11 | AVAILABLE |
2013 Dates (19 days, 18 nights):
| March 04 - 22 | AVAILABLE |
| Mar 25 - Apr 12 | AVAILABLE |
| April 08 - 26 |
AVAILABLE |
| April 22 - May 10 |
AVAILABLE |
| May 06 - 24 | AVAILABLE |
| May 20 - June 07 |
AVAILABLE |
| Sep 23 - Oct 11 | AVAILABLE |
| October 7 - 25 | AVAILABLE |
| October 21 - November 08 | AVAILABLE |
| November 04 - 22 |
AVAILABLE |
| November 18 - December 06 | AVAILABLE |
| December 09 - 27 | AVAILABLE |
| December 23 - January 10 | AVAILABLE |
Cannot find a departure that fits your schedule? No problem. Contact us for private departures (two or more participants) for a date of your choosing. For private departures, add $ 250 USD per person to advertised trip price.
Available:
Book this trip now as spaces are available.
Guaranteed:
This trip has the minimum sign ups required and is guaranteed to run.
Limited Availability:
Limited spaces are available so please contact us to inquire about the departure status.
Full:
This date is unavailable. please contact us to inquire about other trip departure dates or booking this trip as part of a Custom Itinerary.
Book This Trip
Step 1: Contact Us
Contact us at 1-888-586-7750 or email to confirm availability for your preferred travel dates.
Step 2: Send Deposit and Registration Information
Make a copy of the photo page of your passport. If your trip involves a trek in Nepal, email or send us a passport-sized color photo. Mail a check for $500 per person for Nepal Treks or $1,000 for other journeys (non-refundable deposit), passport copy, photo and completed reservation form.
Our mailing address is:
Grand Asian Journeys
PO Box 608
Indianola, WA 98342
USA
Once we receive your payment and documents we will send you additional details of your trip including travel details, VISA information, packing list, specific trip information and insurance options.
If you are traveling to Bhutan, we are required to book your airfare so an additional payment will be required. Contact us for details.
Cancelation Policy
If you cancel:
- More than 60 days prior to departure; deposit is forfeited, the remainder is refunded
- 60 to 30 days prior to departure, 50% of tour cost subject to refund
- No refunds will be provided for any unused services or cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure