Experience Overview
This 15-day trip is unlike any other as you journey through the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp. Walk among giants and tick off a once in a lifetime experience making new friends and unforgettable memories along the way. Surrounded by (literally) breathtaking scenery, you’ll step foot in hilltop monasteries, eat your weight in dahl baht and momos, sip tea in Namche Bazaar and feel the huge sense of accomplishment when you reach the colourful flags of camp. Take on the challenge that many have taken before you and walk in the footsteps of champions. Plus, you’ll be choosing a company with a strong commitment to the rights and fair treatment of porters and trekking guides, meaning you can hike with a clear conscience, knowing you’re doing the trek of a lifetime the ethical way. ALTERNATE ITINERARY: In case of weather conditions leading to cancellations or delays in included flights, this trip will operate on an alternate itinerary. Please see day 1 of the itinerary for more details.
Highlights
- Tick off a colossal bucket list opportunity and take on the bonding experience of a lifetime. This trip gives you the chance to do Everest with like-minded travellers your own age.
- It’s not (just) about the mountains on this Everest Base Camp trip – you’ll hike past everything from alpine lakes and glacial plains to frothy rivers and valleys covered in pink blossoms.
- Hike with an experienced and passionate English-speaking local leader as well as a team of guides and porters who will introduce you to incredible Sherpa culture and history along the way.
- Travel knowing that our treks operate according to standards that provide respectful, safe and fair working conditions for your porters and guides.
- Soak up loads of free time to mingle with the locals and find the perfect keepsake. Use the time in between treks to play games with your new friends, explore Namche Bazaar and toast to an unforgettable adventure.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2173
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport:
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: 18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Walking & Trekking
Supplier Code: HNYE
Starts: Kathmandu, Nepal
Finishes: Kathmandu, Nepal
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating: Challenging
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (2), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights), Teahouse (12 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1995 (CAD $133 /day)
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm today. Tonight enjoy an included welcome dinner and Nepalese cultural performance.
If you arrive with time to spare, maybe check out the storied stupas and pagodas of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or take a walk around the local Durbar Square. If you’ve got limited time in the city, you might also like to consider an Urban Adventure.
ALTERNATIVE ITINERARY DUE TO FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS:
Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly, which can result in the need for changes to be made to our intended itineraries. Flights throughout Nepal – particularly in high mountain areas – are often delayed or cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Flights between Kathmandu/Ramechhap and Lukla are particularly prone to these delays which has the potential to vary the itinerary of our tour departures. Our contingency plans in case of bad weather preventing the fixed wing aircraft flight from Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla are as follows:
Day 2 – We will attempt to board our booked fixed-wing plane as per the itinerary. If this flight is cancelled, we will return to our hotel in Kathmandu/Ramechhap for an additional night.
Day 3 – We will again attempt to board our booked fixed-wing plane. If this flight is cancelled we will endeavour to charter a helicopter to transport the group, provided helicopters are available and weather does not prevent them from flying to Lukla. There may be delays for helicopter flights due to limited availability of safety audited helicopter operators.
Travellers will need to use their emergency fund to cover the cost of the chartered helicopter. The exact cost will depend on how many travellers are in your group and could be up to US 500 per person. It is common practice for the helicopter company to charge varying prices, so you may pay different amounts to others on the flight. If we reach Lukla on day 3 by either fixed wing aircraft or helicopter we will then follow the same itinerary to Everest Base Camp but descend over one less day in order to take our return flight from Lukla on day 14.
Day 4 – If both fixed-wing planes and helicopters are unable to reach Lukla on the morning of day 3, then on day 4 we will drive back to Kathmandu by private vehicle. While we will not be able to reach Base Camp itself on the altered itinerary to Langtang - Gosainkunda Trek, our travellers have still found it a highly enjoyable trek with superb views of snow caped mountains and visit the beautiful lake - Gosainkunda. This lake is sacred for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
We also advise allowing a few extra days in Kathmandu at the end of your trip should your return flights from Lukla be delayed due to weather conditions.
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure (49 USD)
- Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure (59 USD)
- Kathmandu - Home Cooking Class Urban Adventure (57 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today we have a very early flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. If the weather is good, the views of the Himalayas from the small plane are amazing! After breakfast in Lukla (2840 m), a short safety talk and an introduction to your porters, gear up and commence your trek. Today is a fairly gentle introduction, following the milk-white Dudh Kosi River approximately three-hours to Phakding (2610 m).
Included Activities:
- Everest Base Camp – Porterage of One Bag (10kg/22lbs max)
- Everest Base Camp – 12D/11N Trek
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll trek to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend two nights acclimatising to the altitude – and might even get your first look at Everest itself. From Phakding, you’ll begin to head up the valley. The trail, lined with blue pine forest, follows the river valley and is especially spectacular in spring when the rhododendron flowers are bright in bloom. Cross the Dudh Kosi river at Benkar, and look way up above 6,000 metres to see the peaks of snow-capped Kusum Kanguru (6369 m) and Thamserku (6623m). Press on to Monjo (2835m), a good place to break for lunch. From here the walk starts to get a little tougher, with a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. Enter into the national park, cross the river through the village of Jorsale (2805m) and then continue upstream. Cross the spectacular Hillary Bridge and begin the ascent to Namche Bazaar. Get your camera out as on a clear day you’ll get your first glimpse of the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Taweche. Namche will be your last chance to check your equipment and hire any additional gear for the high altitudes from Dingboche onwards.
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
You’ll stay at Namche Bazaar for another night so that you can properly acclimatise to the altitude. One of the best ways to do this is to take a strenuous walk up to a high altitude then come back down to sleep. Your optional (but recommended) walk today will take you to see views from the Tenzing Norgay Memorial and Sagarmatha National Park Museum above the village. If the conditions are right, this stunning vista includes a panorama of the Khumbu peaks and great views of Everest. The national park museum is also home to interesting displays about Sherpa lifestyle and culture, and the local flora and fauna. Then, continue your hike to higher elevations with a visit to Sagarmatha Next, who support local communities to create and implement a sustainable waste handling system in the region. Return to town and enjoy a free rest of your day. Namche gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. There's still a roaring trade in the village centre, so be sure to use this chance to stock up on any extra supplies you might need.
Included Activities:
- Namche Bazaar - Acclimatisation Hike
- Sagarmatha Next visit
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Not many groups stop in Phortse – a traditional Sherpa village that offers an insight into their life and culture – so today will be something special. Leave Namche and weave your way above the valley, then take the less-travelled fork in the road just after Sanasa. Most travellers follow the same path to and from Base Camp, while you’ll make more of a loop to see more of the national park. Climb for some epic views of the valley below, and then stop for a mini acclimatisation lunch at around 4000 m. After lunch, make your way downhill to cross the Dudh Koshi again, then make a final uphill push to your teahouse in Phortse. The dramatic mountain views, peace and quiet of this village make this one of the highlights of the trek. Here you’ll be almost completely above the treeline, so the sunsets make for perfect pictures.
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy the stillness of Phortse at sunrise, and then set off along the trail taking in the incredible views of Kangtega, Ama Dablam (6812 m) and – if the skies are clear – Mt Everest. Perhaps stop for a tea in Pangboche, and after lunch in Shomare you’ll notice the scenery around you start to change, with forests being replaces with rocky outcrops. Once you arrive in Dingboche, you’ll find a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls. The scenery is once again spectacular and although Everest will be hidden behind the Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge, the huge peaks that tower above the eastern end of the valley are more than worthy. If the weather’s right, then there will be gorgeous sunsets illuminating the peaks – Ama Dablam, the south face of Lhotse to the north and Island Peak in the centre of the valley.
Included Activities:
- Tengboche - Tengboche Monastery
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is another acclimatisation day. You'll take morning hikes to Nagarjun Hill or Chukkhung, returning to Dingboche for lunch. Then, take some time to in the afternoon to explore the town or rest up at your teahouse.
Included Activities:
- Dingboche - Acclimatisation Hike
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
From Dingboche, ascend the small ridge behind the village above the Pheriche valley. From the stupa at the top, Taweche and Cholatse (6440 m) make for a pretty striking scene – they seem to lean forwards from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuje Peak (6119 m) and the snowfields of the Cho La are the kings of the skyline. The walking will now be fairly flat on wide-open fields, but remember that there’s no rush – take your time and ensure you’re well hydrated. Late in the morning you will cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla and take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off Everest. In the afternoon, there will be a solid and quite steep climb on a rocky trail to the top of the moraines. On the crest of the ridge, you’ll pass a line of memorial cairns (stacks of stones), built in memory of the Sherpas and climbers who have died on various Everest expeditions over the last fifty or so years. From here the view is downright spectacular once again, with Pumori (7145 m), Lingtren (6697 m), Khumbutse (6623 m), and across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550 m), surrounding you. Then follow the valley stream to the lodge at Lobuche, arriving early afternoon.
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
This is the big one, the day of Everest Base Camp. From Lobuche, follow the broad valley that runs parallel to Khumbu Glacier, with a gradual ascent enabling you to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at high altitude. When you reach the moraines of Changri Nup Glacier, you will make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns that eventually leads to the surprising glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5160 m) – reached after about three hours of walking. Now’s the time to grab a quick bite, gear up appropriately and then head off towards Everest Base Camp. The trek can be achieved in around three hours, and if trekking in the popular climbing period of March to May, you’ll almost certainly encounter yaks and porters supplying food and equipment to expeditions here. From Everest Base Camp you won’t get views of Mount Everest, but you are able to see glorious glaciers, lakes, caves and the notorious Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm. The return journey from the Base Camp to Gorak Shep takes the same amount of time. You’ll have an early dinner so that you are able to get up early the next day for awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan giants from Kala Patar.
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning enjoy breakfast at the highest altitude Teahouse in the world. Today you’ll see some of the Himalayas’ most recognisable sights. Make an early start to avoid the early morning clouds and trek to Kala Pattar (5545 m) to witness the best views of Everest. The ascent is quite steep and made more difficult because of the altitude, so start very slowly and try to ascend at a steady rhythmic pace. Kala Patar is the rocky hilltop below Pumori, and Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and Everest – they’re all here. About three kilometres away and some 200 metres below, the area of the Everest Base Camp can be seen in a bowl at the bottom of the Khumbu Ice Fall. Spend as long as you like to savour an extra special moment, then it’s all downhill from here – the descent to Gorak Shep is easy and when you arrive back at the lodge you’ll have a quick drink and head off to the rooms to pack your kit bags while breakfast is being prepared. After breakfast set off to Lobuche and Thugla, where you’ll stop for lunch. Then cross the Khumbu Khola and head down the valley below Cholatse to Pheriche, where you’ll stop for the night.
Included Activities:
- Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar Sunrise Trek
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Descend through the small settlements at Orsho and Shomare before passing through Lower Pangboche. Here you’ll reach the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River, then ascend to Tengboche to visit the monastery. According to legend, Lama Sange Dorjee, who came from Tibet’s Rongphu Monastery, founded Thyangboche Monastery in the 17th century. Tengboche was destroyed by an earthquake in 1933, rebuilt and again badly damaged by a fire in 1989. Construction of the present monastery was completed in 1992. Spend a bit of time visiting the monastery and the Sherpa Heritage Foundation museum before settling in for the night at your teahouse.
Included Activities:
- Tengboche - Monastery
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Descend steeply along switchbacks through beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir. Cross the Dudh Kosi River and follow the trail up to Trashinga. From here the path contours high above the valley through Shanasa and on to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll stop for lunch. Then descend steeply down back to the Hillary Bridge and cross the Dudh Kosi River. You’ll follow the trail through Jorsale and back to Chumo, where you’ll stop for the night.
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
You’ve done it, your last day of trekking! Today you'll walk back to Lukla via Benkar through blue pine and rhododendron forest, with great views of Kusum Kangaru. From here, make the final climb up to Lukla, where you’ll say goodbye to your crew. Celebrate with a hot shower and a few drinks with your group before flying back to Kathmandu tomorrow morning.
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Weather permitting, you'll take a short early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Return to your accommodation and have free time during the afternoon for further sightseeing or shopping. You could visit one of Kathmandu's many markets for clothing, embroidery, carpets or ceramics. If shopping is not your thing, take a trip over the Bagmati River to the adjacent city of Patan, with its abundance of temples and monasteries. Enjoy a final night together, reliving the trek and your extraordinary achievements.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Say ‘dhanyabad’ for memories that’ll last a lifetime. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. If you'd like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Panorama Hike Urban Adventure (74 USD)
- Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure (59 USD)
- Kathmandu - In Focus: Handmade Kathmandu (93 USD)
- Kathmandu - Explore Patan & Bhaktapur Urban Adventure (104 USD)
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Brenden - Traveled, October 2024
Very well organised, very professional and friendly guides. Special shoutout to Jebin, Bibin, Dawa and Nima for going above and beyond to make this trip as enjoyable as possible. Even on the 4:30am wake up’s we were always met with big smiles, laughter and the willingness to do whatever was needed to make us “happy happy” so our trek was as enjoyable as possible. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2024
Riley - Traveled, September 2024
Ritesh(Lead Guide) , Tenzing and Pemba (Assistant Guides) made our trip what it was… an adventure of a lifetime! I met great people in our group and I felt like we were a team as we went through all of the challenges the Everest base camp trek had to offer. I would recommend the trek to anyone who wants a challenge and to meet new people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2024
Thomas - Traveled, September 2024
I had an awesome time on this trip! Despite hiccups getting in and out of Lukla, our guide Ritesh was very organised and I felt in safe hands. The scenery is completely unmatched.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2024
Riley - Traveled, September 2024
Ritesh(Lead Guide) , Tenzing and Pemba (Assistant Guides) made our trip what it was… an adventure of a lifetime! I met great people in our group and I felt like we were a team as we went through all of the challenges the Everest base camp trek had to offer. I would recommend the trek to anyone who wants a challenge and to meet new people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2024
Renee - Traveled, September 2024
This trip exceeded my expectations! I highly recommend it to anyone considering doing EBC. Our guide Sancha was knowledgeable, encouraging when times got tough, caring to our individual needs and kept the vibes high throughout the trip! He was quick to adapt when weather impacted our routes and kept everything running smoothly. Def would book again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2024
Jennifer - Traveled, September 2024
This trip has changed my life! I learnt so much about Nepalese and Buddhist culture whilst seeing the most beautiful scenery (including mountains and wildlife). A physical challenge but extremely satisfying, and great to travel with like-minded people. I cannot wait to do another Intrepid adventure :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2024
Henry - Traveled, September 2024
This trip was incredible. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone considering travel to Nepal, even if it is your first time doing solo travel such as myself. The group is likeminded individuals and the tour guides are fantastic, along with getting to see the most breath taking mountains in the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2024
Jennifer - Traveled, September 2024
This trip has changed my life! I learnt so much about Nepalese and Buddhist culture whilst seeing the most beautiful scenery (including mountains and wildlife). A physical challenge but extremely satisfying, and great to travel with like-minded people. I cannot wait to do another Intrepid adventure :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2024
Lauren - Traveled, October 2024
This Everest Base Camp trek was absolutely incredible. We all had the absolute best time and that was all thanks to our amazing guides Gyaljen, Bipin and Ranju. They always made sure we were healthy and having fun and were great communicators throughout the entire trek. Also without our porters we really couldn’t have done it, so awesome that our bags were always ready and there before us. Really felt like we were in good hands. All of the tea houses we stayed in were comfortable and cozy and the itinerary was perfect and was always just the right amount of walking. Really amazing time and would recommend to anyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2024
Beth - Traveled, October 2024
Such an incredible trip! Could not fault the organisation of the trip or our guides Gyaljen, Bipin and Ranju who were excellent. Everything was so well organised, the group was wonderful and the scenes unreal!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2024
Caitlin - Traveled, October 2024
Highly recommend Intrepid for ‘Epic Everest’ trek. The guides were amazing, and the itinerary and logistics worked very well. Couldn’t fault the trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
Esteban - Traveled, October 2024
The best trip I’ve ever had. Jangbu Sherpa was also the best leader anyone can ask for. Just make sure to give yourself a few extra days because the flights get Lukla get cancelled all the time ! Overall 10/10 trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
Caitlin - Traveled, October 2024
Highly recommend Intrepid for ‘Epic Everest’ trek. The guides were amazing, and the itinerary and logistics worked very well. Couldn’t fault the trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
Dylan - Traveled, October 2024
Excellent trip with stunning views, good people and impressive guides. Jangbu, Adi, Ganesh and Bikash were incredible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2024
Aymen - Traveled, October 2024
Once in a lifetime trip with a lifetime accomplishment of trekking to EBC, with lifetime memories. The feeling of getting there (and the top of Kala Patthar) was greater than I imagined; I feel my soul has reached a higher state. Of course some parts are a challenge, it wouldn’t be an adventure without challenges, but our incredible guides Jangbu, Adi, Ganesh and Bikash made it all so much more bearable and enjoyable, as well as the rest of the amazing people you meet here. If you’re up for it, do it, and join the club.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2024
Kyeran - Traveled, October 2024
This trip is once in a life time, I find myself very lucky to complete this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
Raeanne - Traveled, October 2024
I left this trip feeling elated and having such an incredible sense of accomplishment. Our leader Jangbu and all of the other guides were the absolute best!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/10/2024
Taylam - Traveled, October 2024
Would highly recommend! Jebin was such a good leader and guide. We couldn’t have had it any better if we tried!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Kathryn - Traveled, October 2024
Trip started out a little stressful due to some whether delaying our start of trekking. So I would keep that in mind when booking, sometimes things are out of their control. But fortunately we were able to get there and complete the trek to base camp. It was a really tough trek physically but so rewarding! Our guide, Jebin, was so positive and attentive the whole trip along with our assistant guides. I would recommend this trip to anyone who really wants to challenge themself.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2024
Pat - Traveled, October 2024
Awesome experience - group was aged around 25 so nice and young. The guide Jebin was an absolute gem and Josie especially was an excellent assistant guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
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