From CAD 2,030
Guarantee
Small Group
Challenging
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Base Camp. Two little syllables that conjure up dreams as immense and powerful as the Himalayas themselves. This 15-day trekking trip is your chance to take on the challenge of reaching the mountaineer's base camp and gain an insight into the world-renowned Sherpa culture. You’ll cross glaciers and broad plains, traverse valleys and climb high passes – discovering both the majesty of the mountains and your own potential. Embrace the sense of freedom that comes with leaving cell service behind for card games in basic (but cosy) teahouses. Plus, Intrepid partners with local mountaineering and porter welfare programs, so you can trek easier knowing that while our porters are taking care of you, there’s someone looking out for them. This is a challenging trip and involves difficult trekking at high altitudes, but the whole experience can summed up in two syllables – worth it. 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
- Witness still alpine lakes, glacial plains, frothy rivers and valleys covered in pink blossoms, depending on the season.
- Experience the comradery of trekking with a small group as you challenge yourself to reach new heights on one of the world’s greatest hikes.
- Get your first glimpses of the mighty Himalayan range on the included flight from Kathmandu to Lukla – the famous airport in the sky.
- Hike with an experienced and passionate locally-based leader as well as a team of guides and porters who will introduce you to rich Sherpa culture.
- Travel knowing that our treks operate according to standards that provide respectful, safe and fair working conditions for your porters and guides.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2164
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Plane
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: HNXE
Starts: Kathmandu, Nepal
Finishes: Kathmandu, Nepal
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Challenging
Includes
Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights),Teahouse (12 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2030 (CAD 135 /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. 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 (60 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.
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)
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 (76 USD)
- Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure (59 USD)
- Kathmandu - In Focus: Handmade Kathmandu (93 USD)
- Kathmandu - Explore Patan & Bhaktapur Urban Adventure (108 USD)
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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
Maximilian - Traveled, October 2024
Fantastic trip. Guides were excellent, so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Couldn’t have been better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Harry - Traveled, October 2024
The Everest Base Camp trek was tough but so worthwhile! The whole crew from the team leader down were helpful and attentive and the scenery was fabulous. Would definitely recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2024
Andrew - Traveled, October 2024
A memorable and fun fortnight in sublime surroundings, looked after at all times by the superb Intrepid team including our outstanding Guide, Breekh; thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2024
Alison - Traveled, October 2024
I can’t recommend Intrepid enough ! Reaching EBC is never given due to so many uncontrollable factors ! However with our guide Hem Raj and his team we definitely had the best chance ! Feeling nurtured, safe , motivated and inspired by the team we made it ! The trip is phenomenal! The Himalayas are a class on their own ! Friendships for life were made. Thank you Hem Raj and team ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
Mairead - Traveled, October 2024
My recent Vietnam trip with Intrepid was unforgettable, thanks to our guide, Boa. He was friendly, helpful, and incredibly knowledgeable, making sure we felt connected to the local culture at every turn. Boa took us to hidden gems and guided us through authentic local cuisine, enriching the experience in ways we’d never have discovered on our own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Lynne - Traveled, October 2024
Don’t think twice about visiting Vietnam just do it! An amazing destination full of history, good & bad. Beautiful natural attractions and even more beautiful people. We will never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Sarah - Traveled, October 2024
Great guide, great location, fabulous trip. Can only recommend doing the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Malcolm - Traveled, October 2024
The Vietnam Express was a wonderful introduction to Vietnam. Our guide was absolutely amazing and really went a long way in making the trip so wonderful. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
Aldo - Traveled, October 2024
How first trip to Egypt , we ticket off another trip off our list. Extremely impressed with how it all went we ticked off all our targeted points of interest. What made it a pleasant trip is our tour guide Mahmoud, he was very knowledgeable, great communicator and very accommodating with all our needs.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2024
Yenori - Traveled, October 2024
I definitely recommend this trip although we unfortunately did not get to see the Northern Lights. Jospeh was an amazing guide and made the trip so interesting and fun. The accommodations were clean, but the service and food could have been better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2024
Catherine - Traveled, October 2024
This was a first for me. Incredible tour. Loved all our stops. Accommodation very comfortable. Boat great and train better than expected. Hue scooter tour was a highlight. Toan our tour leader was amazing, Took me out of my comfort zone, what an adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Audrey - Traveled, November 2024
Such a wonderful, thoughtfully planned trip! Iceland is a beautiful country and this trip lets you see all of it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2026
Sarah - Traveled, October 2024
Had a really enjoyable time. Trip was the perfect amount of days and the local guide was really helpful and informative. Got to see a large part of Northern Morocco. We stayed an extra night in Marrakesh when the tour finished to see more of the city so if time allows that would be something I would recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Maria - Traveled, October 2024
This was a very good trip. The tour guide was very good and the trip allowed us to see a lot. The hotels were mostly good. The food options were repetitive. One long train journey with no air conditioning.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2024
Ewa - Traveled, October 2024
Great travel company providing all the support from the initial plan to the last trip/ activity details. Support provided during the trip is amazing. I liked the variety of options and additional destination options available for my trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2024
Lisa - Traveled, October 2024
Our tour leader Cong made our first trip to Vietnam really amazing. Intrepid is fabulous. Would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Belinda - Traveled, November 2024
I absolutely loved this trip. It was such a great balance of travel, activities, and time to ourselves. Cong was an excellent group leader, and made everything easy for us travellers. It was great meeting all the other travellers too. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
James - Traveled, October 2024
Vietnam with intrepid is a transformative experience. Whether biking through paddy fields in the rain, being awe inspired by the beauty of Ha Long Bay or the open hearted Vietnamese people. It just makes you want to come back. Oh and did I mention the food!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2024
Lolo - Traveled, October 2024
Before coming on the trip, I had heard alarming things about India, but those fears vanished when I met Pooja. She took good care of all of us like a mother. She made my first time in India really special! I would highly recommend The Golden Triangle for people visiting India for the first time ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2024
David - Traveled, October 2024
Best group ever with our guide Pooja becoming one of the family that the group quickly became.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2024
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