EVEREST BASE CAMP
14 Days Khumbu, Nepal
VISIT KHUMBU VALLEY
Experience the varied traditions, sherpa culture, big mountains
TREK IN COMFORT
Lodge accommodation, transport of luggage, all meals included
SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS
Hike all the best parts of this himalayan trek in Khumbu Valley
THE LEGENDARY EVEREST BASE CAMP ON A 12 DAY GUIDED HIKING TOUR THROUGH THE KHUMBU VALLEY
We had to include this classic in out trips. Everest base camp trek in one word is …. amazing.
Khumbu valley is one of the most unique and beautiful places you will ever visit.
It is going to be an experience of a lifetime that you won't be able to take out from your mind for a very long time. You get to be amongst many of the world's highest mountain peaks like Ama Dablam, Kantega, Thamserku and then there are the 8000m giants: Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest (the mother of all the mountains). In the spring season most of the focus is on the Everest expedition. These mountain panoramas can be seen from flight in and out of Kathmandu. The first section to Namche passes through the spectacular and forbidding Dudh Kosi gorge. We get to explore Sagarmatha National Park, amongst the Sherpa people and their villages. We will visit Everest Base Camp, and for spectacular views, Kala Pathar (5640m/18,222ft) nearby for a close-up of the highest mountain in the world.
The Khumbu region is well known because of the Sherpa people and as you all must be knowing or heard off because of Mt Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan).
Contact us to create your own trip in the Himalayas today.
Namaste!
Khumbu Valley
Date(s): | 2024: 4 - 17 May, 15 - 28 November
2025: 4 - 17 May, 15 - 28 November |
Cost: | USD 1840
Price per person |
Deposit: | USD 500 |
Quick itinerary:
Day 1 - arrive Kathmandu 1350m
Day 2 - fly to Lukla 2800m, trek Phakding 2630m
Day 3 - trek Namche 3440m
Day 4 - Namche 3440m (rest and explore)
Day 5 - Namche 3440m (rest and explore)
Day 6 - trek Tengboche 3850m/Pangboche 3840m (/Phortse 3800m)
Day 7 - trek Dingboche 4330m
Day 8 - Dingboche 4330m (rest and explore)
Day 9 - trek Dughla 4590m / trek Lobuche 4920m / trek Chukung 4740m
(There is an alternative route over the Kongma La(5520m/18,160ft), while the normal route is via Dughla)
Day10 - trek Gorak Shep 5140m and Everest Base Camp
Day11 - trek Pheriche 4270m via Kala Patthar 5640m
Day12 - trek Namche 3440m or Kyangjuma 3570m
Day13 - trek Lukla 2800m
Day14 - fly Kathmandu, depart
General trekking Period:
Spring and Autumn - Contact us to organize specific dates
Duration:
14 days total, 12 days trekking
Grade:
Moderate - hiking only
Max altitude 5600m
Max sleeping altitude 5150m
Generally good trails
Accommodation:
Shared double rooms in Hotel and Lodges
Trek style:
You would be carrying a backpack, while the porters carry your kitbag. This is a standard Nepal teahouse trek.
Leader:
Tsewang Namgyal
Highlights:
- Sherpa Lodges
- Safe acclimatization plan
- Kongma La (optional)
- Classic view of Everest from Kala Patthar
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Fly in to Kathmandu 1350m
We take a minimalist approach by spending just one night in Kathmandu. If you wish to spend time sightseeing one more day, we are happy to book your hotel stay and show you optional sightseeing of some of the famous sites of Boudhanath and the ancient city of Bhaktapur. The afternoon is spent in leisure.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla 2800m, trek to Phakding 2630m
With breathtaking views of the Himalayas, we will take a spectacular 1-hour flight by a small twin-engine plane to Lukla, then trek towards Phakding for a couple of hours. This trail traverses the side of the deep Dudh Kosi valley till we meet the base of the valley.
Day 3: Trek to Namche 3440m
Today we will enter Sagarmatha National Park before Jorsale, the gateway to the Khumbu valley. It is not a long day but will finish with a steep hour and a half or so climb to Namche. We will arrive for a late lunch and in the afternoon, you have time to discover the village, wash and do some reading and relax. Namche is surrounded all over by mountains, and from here on we will have spectacular views every day. Namche is like the main hub of of Khumbu valley. We also get the first views of Everest today.
We have plenty of shorter days walking from here on keeping in mind the acclimatization process.
Day 4-5: Namche 3440m
Two acclimatization days here and you are free to explore or relax. There are many options of visiting Thame and its gompas, the Everest View Hotel, the National Park Headquarters and Sherpa cultural centre, Khumjung and Khunde with the Hillary hospital, wildlife spotting, or simply eating and relaxing. Optionally, if everyone is feeling good we can move up further up for the third Namche night instead, for an Ama Dablam sunset and sunrise.
Day 6: Trek to Tengboche 3850m/Pangboche 3840m
From Namche it is a short day's walk to Tengboche or an easy full day to Pangboche. We will climb through forest to wide grounds of Tengboche. We can also encounter some wildlife walking through the forest. From Tengboche we will get a beautiful panorama which includes Ama Dablam and Lhotse with Everest peeping behind.
Day 7: Trek to Dingboche 4330m
We will give a visit to Tengboche gompa(monastery) in the morning. The energetic could also climb part of the ridge behind Tengboche. after crossing imja khola we climb past to Pangboche which is the highest year-round inhabited village and has an old gompa, rich in history, which we have the chance to explore.
We are in high altitude cropping and grazing areas now with excellent views of Ama Dablam, and many other mountains. Dingboche has quite good lodges and makes a good base for exploring.
Day 8: Dingboche 4330m
We will be spending two nights here to assist with acclimatization, and there is plenty of exploring possible. We can discuss.
Day 9 or 10: To Dughla 4590m and Lobuche 4920m
Today we follow the trail and continue on towards Dughla via Pheriche. The idea is to spend our night at Dughla, however if everyone is feeling good, we will trek further to Lobuche. It's only a few hours walk from Dughla to Lobuche but the altitude makes it a bit tough. We also get to see the memorials for some of the lives claimed by the nearby mountains.
Day 10: To Gorak Shep 5150m and Everest Base Camp
We will follow the moraine of Khumbu glacier to reach Gorak Shep. In the afternoon we will finally trek to Everest Base Camp, the place which is like a small town during the spring climbing season. The view of the formidable Khumbu Ice Fall is spectacular.
Day 11: To Pheriche 4270m via Kala Patthar 5640m
Early in the morning we climb up to Kala Patthar, the panoramic view in all direction is staggering including Everest. It's time to go back with memories that will remain inside you for a long time. We walk down to Pheriche today.
Day 13: To Kyangjuma 3570m or Namche 3440m
We must reach Namche today or Kyangjuma from where it will be easier to reach Lukla the day after. There is a hot shower and a beer waiting for you today.
Day 14: To Lukla 2800m
This is also longer trekking day, taking around 5-6 hours actual walking. The Lukla lodges gently prepare us for tomorrow - back to so-called civilization.
Day 15:Fly to Kathmandu and farewell
We fly by plane to Kathmandu in the morning.
Please note:
This itinerary is approximate. Clients are embarking on adventure travel in a remote mountain region and the itinerary is subject to weather, road conditions, vehicles and local availability of horses or mules. Ri Guides will make every effort to see that clients acclimatize completely, and complete and enjoy their trip.
Please read རི Ri Guides Terms and Conditions and Legal. Prices are in US dollars and are subject to change.
Inclusions:
- all airport transfers
- shared 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, with breakfast
- domestic flights as per the itinerary
- group transportation by private vehicle, entrance fees and permits as needed
- Kathmandu group dinner
Lodge trek includes:
- all guiding and porterage (15kg kitbag)
- porter care: porter jackets, sunglasses, gloves
- porters and local staff insurance
- all main meals (snacks excluded)
- morning coffee or tea
- a group thermos of hot drinks for lunch & dinner
- all accommodation (twin sharing basis; no attached bathrooms)
Exclusions:
- international air tickets, insurance
- Nepal visa (available on arrival)
- meals in Kathmandu
- additional hotel nights due to delays
- trek snacks & trek showers and charging
- equipment rental, alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, laundry and other items of a personal nature
- trek staff tips
Note:
- Single Room during your stay in Leh can be booked at an additional cost of $200
- Tips and Extra Cash: Allow approximately $500-$1000 for extra meals, drinks (on trek) and cash for tips
- We suggest 5% of the trip cost per trekker for the crew tips pool.
Base Layers
- Synthetic Short Underwear (2-3 pair): non-cotton style underwear
- Lightweight Long Underwear (2-3 pair): long sleeve shirt and long pants
- Heavyweight Long Underwear (1 pair)
- Short Sleeve Synthetic Shirt (1-2)
Mid Layers
- Soft Shell Jacket: to be worn over other layers
- Soft Shell Pants: very breathable and water repellant
- Lightweight Nylon Pants (1-2 pair)
Windproof/Rain Layers
- Hard Shell Jacket with hood: waterproof and breathable shell jacket
- Hard Shell Pants: waterproof and breathable shell pants
Insulation Layers
- Heavyweight Insulated Down Jacket with hood
- Insulated Pants
- Down Suit (optional): worn on summit day
Headwear
- Warm Hat: synthetic or wool hat (ski hat)
- Balaclava: to protect your neck and face in high winds
- Baseball Cap or other sun hat: to shade your face/neck from the sun on a hot day
- Bandana or Buff: to protect your neck/face from the sun
Eyewear
- Glacier Glasses: full protection with side covers or wrap around
- Ski Goggles: to be worn in the event of high winds
Gloves
- Lightweight Synthetic Liner Gloves: for wearing on warm days
- Soft Shell Gloves: to wear for moderate cold/wind
- Shell Glove with Insulated Liner: to wear for severe cold/strong wind
- Expedition Mitts: large enough to fit a liner glove inside
Footwear
- Liner Socks (3 pairs)
- Wool or Synthetic Socks (3 pairs)
- Mountaineering Boots
- Hiking Shoes/Boots: comfortable hiking boots or shoes for the trek to base camp
- Camp Boots (optional): comfortable boots for wearing in camp
- Gaiters (optional)
- Booties (optional)
Sleeping Equipment
- Sleeping Bag: rated to at least -20°F
- Self-inflating Sleeping Pad: full length is preferred
- Closed-cell Foam Pad: to be used in conjunction with the inflating pad for warmth and comfort when sleeping
- Earplugs
Mountaineering Gear
- Expedition Backpack: approximately 75L
- Compression Stuff Sacks: for reducing the volume of the sleeping bag, down parka, etc. in your pack
- Trash Compactor Bags: to line backpack and stuff sacks as well as for separating gear
- Backpack Rain Cover (optional)
- Trekking Backpack: to carry on the trek to base camp. Simple and light.
- Trekking Poles with Optional Snow Baskets: adjustable
- Ice Axe: short ice axe (max 60cm)
- Crampons: general mountaineering crampons
- Climbing Helmet: must be able to fit over your warm hat
- Ascender: 1 right or left-hand ascender
- “Y” Rig for ascender and safety carabiner
- Accessory Cord: 30 feet (9m) of 6mm accessory cord
- Alpine Climbing Harness: mountaineering harness, with adjustable leg loops. Not a rock-climbing “sport” harness
- Carabineers: 2 regular and 4 locking
- Belay/Rappel Device
- Headlamp: with 2 extra sets of new batteries
- Pack Liner (2 pieces)
Travel Items
- Large Duffel Bag with Lock: for transporting gear to base camp, no hard sides or wheels
- Small Duffel Bag with Lock: to store items in the hotel(s) while on the climb
- Carry-on Backpack: can use trekking backpack, approximately 18” x 16” x 10” (46cm x 41cm x 26cm)
- Travel Clothes: for days in cities and towns
- Lightweight journal, sketchbook, pencils, pen
- U.S. cash: for currency exchange to purchase SIM cards or merchandise in cities and villages
Additional Food Items
- Snack Food: bring a few days’ supply of your favorite climbing snack food such as bars, gels, nuts, beef jerky, etc. variety of salty and sweet is good
Other Equipment
- Cup: plastic 16 oz. minimum cup or mug
- Bowl: large plastic bowl for eating dinner or breakfast
- Spoon: plastic spoon (Lexan)
- Water Bottles (2 or 3): wide mouth bottles with 1-liter capacity
- Water Bottle Parkas (2): fully insulated with zip opening
- Water Treatment
- Thermos: 1-liter
- Hand/Foot Warmers
- Sunscreen: SPF 50 or better
- Lip Screen (2 sticks): SPF 30 or better
- Toiletry Bag: include toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, baby wipes and hand sanitizer (2 small bottles)
- Pee Bottle: 1-liter minimum bottle for convenience at night in the tent
- Female Urination Device (FUD)
- Knife or Multi-tool (optional)
- Small Personal First-aid Kit: include athletic tape, band-aids, Ibuprofen, blister care, cough drops, etc.
- Medications and Prescriptions: bring antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.), and altitude medicine such as Diamox, etc.
- Handkerchiefs/Bandanas (optional)
Optional Electronics
- Country-appropriate power plug adapters and power transformers
- Avalanche Transceiver
- Adventure Sports Watch: such as Garmin fēnix 6
- GPS/Personal Satellite Communicator: such as Garmin inReach Mini
- Personal Power System: such as Goal Zero Nomad 28 Plus Solar Panel and Sherpa 100AC Power Bank
- Digital Entertainment: movies, tv shows, music, books loaded on to smartphone, iPad, Kindle
- Camera: bring extra batteries, charger, and memory cards
- Portable Travel Humidifier: battery powered
རི Ri Guides is recognized for well thought out strategy in leading high altitude climbing expeditions and treks, as well as high-quality service throughout. We have a decade of experience in the planning and coordination of mountaineering expeditions and treks across the Himalayas. We strive to make each expedition and treks the best possible experience for our climbers and hikers and focus on our 3 primary goals of success in reaching the summit of peaks/high passes, returning safely, and having fun! Safety is always our number one priority.
Our guides are some of the best and most experienced in the industry, having a strong grasp of technical climbing, expedition, and high-altitude experience, guiding treks along with strong interpersonal skills. Our teams are small and equipped with the best support available to ensure the highest chance of success. We provide comfortable base camps, high-quality food, first-rate communications, and medical support services, all of which are overseen by a professional member of our team.
Most of our climbers and trekkers have either climbed or hiked with us before, been referred by a friend who has climbed/hiked with us or met one of our teams while attempting another peak/hikes and decided to join us for their next expedition/hikes. We work hard to facilitate safe, successful, and enjoyable expeditions/hikes for all of our climbers/hikers. Our track record and past climber/hikers testimonials prove we are highly competent experts in our field and love what we do!