Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek - 18 days/17 nights
 
Kathmandu - Lukla - Namche - Everest Base Camp - Lukla - Kathmandu
This classic trek to to the rarified altitudes of Mt. Everest Base Camp is indeed one of the most interesting treks the world has to offer. You'll trek through the heart of the Sherpa homeland to Kalapathar (18,195 ft.) for an incredible view of Mt. Everest and on to base camp where you can visit with mountaineers and watch the drama unfold as they prepare for their summit attempts.
2010 Departure Dates
- March 30 (space is available)
- April 20 (space is available)
- May 11 (space is available)
- September 28 (space is available)
- October 19 (space is available)
- November 9 (space is available)
Benefits of a Red Lantern Journeys Trek
Small Groups
Small groups provide a more intimate atmosphere allowing you to get to know your Sherpa guides better and to develop lifelong friendships. Therefore, the maximum group size for this trek is 12 people and a minimum of 2 people.
Tea House Lodge Trek
All accomodations during the trek are in family-run tea house lodges, which helps support the local economy and gives you an insight into the Himalaya culture. Our trips also include privately-guided tours in the Kathmandu valley!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu (4,400 ft.)
Arrive at the Kathmandu airport where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Dinner)
Day 2: Kathmandu (4,400 ft.)
Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to take you on a private tour of Kathmandu. You'll visit the Bodhnath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, and one of the several monasteries neighboring the stupa. After this Buddhist experience, you will visit Pashupatinath, the holiest of temples for the Hindus. Here you will probably witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati river. Then head to the Patan Durbar Square. After lunch at the museum garden, visit the Patan museum, the finest museum in Nepal. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (9,184 ft; 2,800 m), trek to Phakding (8,692 ft; 2,650 m)
Early morning transfer to airport for the flight to Lukla. The 35-minute flight to Lukla is a lifetime experience in itself. The airfield is on a slope and the elevation difference between the two ends of the runway is 197ft (60m). Here, you'll meet your sirdar and the rest of the crew. You will need to identify your luggage which is made into loads. While you have lunch, your crew will load these on the animals or get it ready for your team of porters. After lunch trek for about 3 hours along the Dudh Kosi river to the village of Phakding. Overnight at Lodge. (All meals)
Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (11,283 ft; 3,440 m)
The trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley to Jorsale, where the trail officially enters the Sagarmatha National Park. There is an entrance station just beyond the village where trekking permits are checked and National Park fees are collected. Continue along the trail, crossing the Bhote Kosi River to begin the steep climb up to Namche Bazaar, the administrative center of the Sagarmatha National Park and the hub of Sherpa society. Watch for glimpses of Mt. Everest from the trail on the way to Namche. Electricity was introduced in Namche in 1983, when a UNESCO-sponsored hydroelectric plant located below the village began operation. Today's trek takes about 6 hours. Overnight at Lodge. (All meals)
Day 5: Namche Bazaar - Acclimatization Day
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu. It has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and gear and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day, acclimatising to the new altitude. We've timed our treks so that your day here is on a Saturday, giving you the opportunity to visit the weekly Saturday market. Options for acclimatisation walks include a visit to Khunde Hospital, which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or a one hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche. From there you can watch the sunset alpenglow on Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the village. Overnight at Lodge. (All meals)
Day 6: Namche to Tengboche (12,250 ft; 3,867 m)
The trail leads along a winding path with great views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and a close-up of Tharmserkhu. Coming to a place called Shanasa, watch for the beautifully coloured Danphe pheasant (Impeyan Pheasant) the national bird of Nepal, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. From Shanasa, the trail descends to the Imjatse River at Phungitenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small Royal Nepalese Army barracks in the midst of the alpine woods. At Phungitenga there's an interesting prayer wheel propelled by water, from the nearby streams. The walk from here leads uphill for a couple of hours to Tengboche with views of Thermasarkhu and Kangtenga. Tengboche is one of the most beautiful places in the Himalayas, situated almost directly beneath the spectacular Ama Dablam with distant views of Everest peaking over the Nuptse wall to the north. Today's trek takes about 5 hours. Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 7: Tengboche to Dingboche (14,800 ft; 4,410 m)
The trail descends to Deboche. From Deboche walk past a long mani wall until you reach a small bridge over the narrow gorge of the Imja-Tse River. Just beyond, the route forks. The upper trail goes to the Pangboche village where the old Monastery is located, while the lower trail is the main trail to Dingboche and Pheriche. It is better to follow the upper trail for better views and to visit the upper Pangboche village and its Monastery, which at one time housed a Yeti scalp that was stolen in the early '90s. After a visit to the Monastery, walk gradually downhill to the main trail, where you will continue with a short climb to Shomare, a small settlement with fantastic close-up views of Ama-Dablam-for lunch. Continue on to a small wooden bridge where the road forks again; the north going to Pheriche and the second leading east beneath the towering north face of Ama Dablam. From here onwards the walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imjatse Valley with views of the eastern snow capped mountains including the Island Peak, a popular trekking peak. Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Today's trek takes about 5 hours. Overnight lodge. (All meals)
Day 8: Dingboche - Acclimatization Day
Today is a very important acclimatization day. You can spend it visiting the monastery in Dingboche and exploring the Imja Khola. There are some breathtaking views of the North face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as we explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak. The days walk is usually short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon and either do some washing or just laze in the sun. Overnight in lodge. (All meals)
Day 9: Dingboch to Lobuche (16,200 ft; 4930 m)
Heading north, the path heads up for about 45 minutes until you come to a mani-prayer stupa. Another 1 ½ to 2 hours brings you to the trail from Pheriche joins near Dugla (4595m). You will stop at Dugla for lunch before continuing for an hour up a steep hill to the top, where there are views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. This is a good spot for a short break. There is another 1 ½ hours of trekking up to Lobuche, hidden and sheltered from the wind. Today's trek takes about 5 hours. Overnight in lodge. (All meals)
Day 10: Day trip to Kalapatthar (18,195 ft; 5,545 m)
Today's trek is probably the most difficult of the trip due to the long day and high altitude on your climb to Kalapatthar for the close up views of Mt. Everest. You'll walk approximately 3 to 4 hours to Gorakshep (16962 ft), another 1.5 to 2.5 hours to Kalapatthar, and then 2 to 3 hours to return back to your lodge in Lobuche. Gorakshep is the location of the original Everest Base Camp, with the new camp being further up the valley. From the top of Kalapatthar, the views will be spectacular with Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse dominating the views. The panoramic view from this spot is something to cherish and you feel it's worth the hard climb up to here and to feel at the top of the world. With all the higher snow capped giants that dominate all around, it is truly a magnificent spot to be at on a clearer sunny day. Today's trek takes about 8 to 9 hours. Overnight in lodge at Lobuche. (All meals)
Day 11: Day Trip to Mt. Everest Base Camp (17,500 ft.)
Follow the same trail to Gorekshep and then head north to Mt. Everest Basecamp. The views at Everest Basecamp are not as spectacular, except the maze of the Khumbu Icefall, but you'll have a chance to visit some of the expeditions as they prepare for their summit attempts. Today's trek takes about 8 to 9 hours. Overnight in lodge at Lobuche. (All meals)
Day 12: Lobuche to Pheriche (13,780 ft; 4240 m)
approx 4 -5 hrs walk. We retrace our way back to Pheriche with close up views of the giant peaks; the Trek back to Pheriche will be easier with mostly downhill all the way passing through the village of Dugla. Today's trek takes 4 to 5 hours. Overnight in lodge. (All meals)
Day 13: Pheriche to Tengboche (12,250 ft; 3,867 m)
The trail passes through Upper and Lower Pangboche and then through Devoche which offers formidable views of Khumbi-Ila, the revered mountain and protector goddess of the Sherpas. There is also a small nunnery here. Continue walking to Tengboche for the overnight stop. Today's trek takes about 4 to 5 hours. Overnight in lodge. (All meals)
Day 14: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (11,283 ft; 3,440 m)
The walk from Tengboche is mostly downhill on the main busy trail with a few steep climbs for an hour from the bridge at Phungitenga, near Shanasha. The walk to Namche is very scenic on a long winding path. Enroute you will visit traditional villages of Khumjung and Kunde, with an opportunity to visit the only monstery that has a Yeti Scalp. Today's trek takes about 5 hours. Overnight Lodge
Day 15: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (9,184 ft; 2,800 m)
The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote-Koshi River, crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes brings you to the busy village of Lukla for your overnight stay. Today's trek takes about 5 hours. Overnight in lodge. (All meals)
Day 16: Lukla to Kathmandu (4,400 ft.)
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of day is free for unpacking, doing laundry, writing emails, or souvenir shopping. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Breakfast)
Day 17: Kathmandu (4,400 ft.)
After breakfast, full-day sightseeing. First visit Swayambunath, the monkey temple. Then visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur with its 55-window palace and the famous five-storey temple. Lunch at the square overlooking the temple. Farewell dinner with performance by Nepali dancers. Overnight in Kathmandu. (All meals)
Day 18: Final Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)
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Rates (based on double occupancy):
$2150 per person
Single Supplement: $200
Rates Include
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- 4 nights accommodation in Kathmandu in 3-star hotel
- All meals during the trek and meals in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary
- 2 full days of guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
- 14 day trek with lodging, meals, guide and porters
- Sagarmatha National Park fee
- Airfare: Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu
Rates do not Include
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Some meals in Kathmandu
- Personal trekking gear such as a sleeping bag and clothing
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Expenses of a personal nature
To Ask Questions
Call Toll Free: 877-362-2793
Email: info@redlanternjourneys.com
Or, fill out our online form: Contact Us
To Reserve a Spot on this Trek
- Download, print and fill out the Reservation Form for each person.
- Fax the form to 206-529-4803, or mail it with your $500 per person deposit to:
Red Lantern Journeys
1000 N. Northlake Way, Suite H
Seattle, WA 98103
- Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made less than 75 days prior to departure, full payment is needed to reserve your spot.
Upon receipt of your deposit and reservation form, we will reserve a spot on the trek and send you a statement showing your payment. Final payment is due 75 days before your departure. Approximately 4 weeks prior to your departure, we will send you a final confirmation package containing your itinerary and detailed information on the logistics of your trip.
If the trip is cancelled due to insufficient sign-up, you will be notified 45 days prior to departure and all payments will be fully refunded. Otherwise, the deposit is non-refundable and our standard cancellation policies apply.
Forms to Download (pdf files)
Reservation From with Complete Terms and Conditions
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