Classic Everest Base Camp Tour

Whether you call it Everest, Sagarmath or Chomolongma, the highest peak of the planet is stunning to behold as we follow in the footsteps of Tenzing and Hillary and other great mountaineers. A Challenging trek suitable for those with solid trekking experience, but which is not beyond novices who prepare well.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Maximum Group Size: 18
Trek Grade: C Strenuous
Arrival Transfer: Not Included
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller trek leader, services of porters
Transport: Private coach
Flights: Kathmandu to Lukla return
Activities: 12 day trek
Accommodation: 4 nights simple hotels, 12 nights teahouse lodges during trek
Meals: Not included. Allow US$10-15 per day
Entrance Fees: Park fees and trekking permit included. Other entrance fees not included. Allow US$15

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Trekking through rhododendron forest
• Friendly villages
• Enjoy incredible Himalayan scenery
• Explore the exciting city of Kathmandu
• Trek all the way to Everest Base Camp

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1, KATHMANDU: Arrive and transfer to hotel. Free day.

Day 2, KATHMANDU: Morning walking tour of the market area of Asan, Durbar Square and Swayambunath Temple.

Day 3, PHAKDING (2,600m): Fly to Lukla. Here we organise our loads with porters and Sherpas then set off to Phakding, in the mountains.

Day 4, NAMCHE BAZAR (3,440m): We follow the Dudh Kosi river, passing villages interspersed with magnificent forests of rhododendron, magnolia trees and giant firs to Namche Bazar, the main settlement of the Sherpa area.

Day 5, THAME (3,800m) - NAMCHE BAZAR: A day to acclimatise. We hike to Songbuche for superb views of the snow peaks of Teng Kangpoche (6,500m) and Kwangde (6,187m).

Day 6, TYANGBOCHE (TENGBOCHE) (3,800m): From Namche we trek to Khumjung at the foot of sacred Khumbila peak (5,761m). Khumjung Gompa possesses what is said to be the skull of a yeti! Continue to Phunki and Tyangboche for one of the most magnificent views in the world; an awe inspiring panorama of Himalayan giants: Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kategna and Thamserku.

Day 7, DINGBOCHE (4,300m): Cross the Imja Khola and continue through terraced fields and rolling pastures where yaks graze to Pangboche (3,860m).

Day 8, DINGBOCHE (4,300m): Rest day.

Day 9, LOBUCHE (4,900m): The trail climbs through a grass carpeted valley to Khumbu Glacier and reaches Dughla.

Day 10, KALA PATTAR (5,600m): Climb the Kala Pattar hill, the best vantage point for viewing Mt Everest. Then descend to Gorakshep.

Day 11, EVEREST BASE CAMP (5,300m): From the dry sandy area of Gorakshep, it is a day trek to the Everest Base Camp. Later return to Lobuche via Gorakshep.

Day 12, TYANGBOCHE (3800m): We walk back via Pheriche and Pangboche to Tyangboche.

Day 13, MONJO (2500m): We continue our descent via Namche Bazar to Monjo.

Day 14, LUKLA (2,800m): Return to Lukla where we spend the night.

Day 15, KATHMANDU: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.

Day 16, KATHMANDU: Free day.

Day 17, KATHMANDU: Tour ends.

DEPARTURE DATES

TRAVEL STYLE

You love the sometimes tough but ultimately rewarding nature of adventure travel and you want to spend more time enjoying every experience rather than wasting time on travel arrangements.

Maximum Group Size - 18: You love the whole concept of travel. Getting there is as much fun as being there and you love using public transport, local restaurants and small family run hotels where you get the best chance to really get under the skin of a destination. You love the sometimes tough but ultimately rewarding nature of adventure travel and you love spending more time enjoying every experience rather than wasting time on travel arrangements.
Included: All accommodation (usually twin share but occasionally multi share), transportation
Not included: Most meals, entrance fees
Single Supplement: Not available. [Read more about Imaginative Traveller travel styles]