Everest Base Camp (21 days)

After two days enjoying the sights of historic Kathmandu, trekkers fly from Kathmandu to the alpine airport at Lukla, at the base of the Khumbu Valley. Lukla, at an altitude of 2,840m, is a significant village through which many trekkers and mountaineers pass each year. We are joined by porters who carry our kit-bags for us, enabling us to carry just day packs with our immediate requirements.

Over the next two days we trek to Namche, the capital for the Sherpa people, where we acclimatize over a 2 night period. We head up-valley to Thyangboche and its impressive Buddhist monastery; then on to Dingboche where we spend two more nights acclimatising. From Dingboche, we trek up the steep hill above Dughla to Lobuche, and then through to Gorak Shep, where we spend two nights at 5,140m. We have three opportunities to achieve our goals of Everest Base Camp, at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, and Kala Pathar, a short but steep hill climb to see the most stunning vista imaginable. We stare straight at Mt Everest, and are in awe of those who have climbed the further 3,300m to its summit.

We head back down Valley with a spring in our step as we enjoy the increasingly comfortable breathing that comes with the lower altitude. At Namche we pause to celebrate our achievements, and from there it is back to Lukla, our return flight to Kathmandu, and a chance to reflect and relax before heading home.

Download a more detailed itinerary for our next Everest Base Camp trip; please note that this itinerary may be subject to change.

Download our optional excursion to the Royal Chitwan National Park, a three day add-on to our trip that takes us to just north of the border with India, to a Park that abounds with animal and bird life.