The classic Everest Base Camp trek is, without doubt, one of the most famous in the world. It takes you into the heart of the Nepalese Himalaya, with awe-inspiring views of many of the world’s highest and most beautiful mountains, Sherpa villages, home of the world’s highest Buddhist monasteries and the highest peaks on Earth. The Everest Base Camp Trek is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable.

It’s taken millions of years and unimaginably powerful forces to create this mountain range; the Himalayas are literally what happens when continents collide. It’s even so vast that it’s changed our global climate system – and nowhere is it more spectacular than the Everest region.

Our trek covers approximately 125km km of incredible alpine terrain and starts with an unforgettable flight from Kathmandu to the mountain airstrip at Lukla. Trekking through Sherpa country past cultivated fields and small villages, we follow the Dudh Kosi River before the hard work begins as we climb up to Namche Bazar. Above the tree-line, the scenery is stark but spectacular. The incredible monastery at Tengboche is a photographer’s paradise, set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam, Everest, and other huge, snow-capped peaks. With time for acclimatisation en route, our goal is Everest Base Camp on the Khumbu Glacier and the opportunity to climb Kala Patthar (5,550m) for a breathtaking view of the highest mountain on earth.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu International airport (1,400m) Transfer to Radisson Hotel – Hotel (B/B)

Day 2: Nepal time zone acclimatisation day in Kathmandu. Trek orientation with Cherie & Nepalese guides. Clothing & equipment check. Half-day Sightseeing of KTM Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath & Pasupatinath – Hotel (B/B)

Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,840m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m) 3-4 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazar (3,440m) 5 -7 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 5: Acclimatisation Day at Namche Bazar. Trek to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) – Return to Namche Bazar (3,440m) 4-5 hours -Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 6: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m) or Deboche (3,820m) 4-5 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 7: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m) 4-6 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 8: Acclimatisation Day at Dingboche. Trek to Nangkartshang (5,090m) – Return to Dingboche (4,410m) 4-5 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 9: Trek to Loboche (4,910m) 4-5 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep – (5,170m) 2-3 hours –  Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) – Return to Gorak Shep (5,140m)  5-6 hours -Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 11: Sunrise Climb to Kala Patthar (5,550m) – Return to Gorak Shep (5,140m) – Descend to Pheriche (4,240m) 7-8 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 12: Trek to Khumjung (3,780m)  6-7 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazar (3,440m) 1 -2 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 14: Trek to Phakding (2,610m) 4-5 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 15 : Trek to Lukla (2,840m) 4-5 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu & Transfer to Radisson Hotel – Hotel (B/B)

Day 17: Reserve Day (In case of Lukla flight cancellations due to bad weather) –  Hotel (B/B)

Day 18: Departure to International Airport. End of the trek (B)

B/B = Bed & Breakfast, B = Breakfast, B/L/D = Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

* Itinerary subject to change
* The itinerary allows for a reserve day (In case of Lukla flight cancellations due to bad weather) –   Teahouse (B/L/D) or Hotel (B/B)
* Single room supplement available at an additional cost of $800 USD
* Detailed trek itinerary and information (clothing & equipment list; medical information; FAQ’s) issued upon booking

Trek Inclusions:

• Arrival/Departure transfers on both domestic and international flights
• Deluxe  Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (Radisson Hotel) on a twin share basis – bed and breakfast as per the itinerary
• Highest quality Teahouse accommodation with attached bathroom when available on a twin share basis during the trek (single room supplementary charge available if requested)
• Unlimited breakfast, lunch and dinner from full teahouse menu at your choice while trekking
• Unlimited hot drinks at each meal (excluding carbonated & alcoholic drinks)
• 4-5L of boiled or filtered drinking water per day while trekking
• Welcome or farewell traditional Nepalese dinner with cultural dance & folk music
• Half-day guided city tour in Kathmandu
• All domestic flights and airport tax (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu)
• Transportation to and from the starting and ending point of the trek
• Free use of quality trekking gear – sleeping bag, fleece liner & down jacket (these items are  to be returned after trip completion)
• Free loan of local mobile SIM card (twin-share) to communicate with family & friends (credit not included)
• Cherie Horne Trekking Adventures (CHAT) duffle bag 
• Professional local trekking co-guide & assistant guides well-trained in Wilderness First Aid
• Porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment
• First Aid Kit (excluding personal prescription medication)
• Gamow Bag/PAC (Portable Altitude Chamber – portable hyperbaric chamber to treat severe forms of altitude illness – AMS, HAPE &, HACE). 
• Everest National Park Trek Permit, TIMS card & any other required permits or official documentation
• Emergency helicopter rescue Evacuation Coordination Service (You are responsible for insurance to cover this contingency)

 Trek Exclusions:

• International airfares (approximately $1000-$1600 return from Melbourne to Kathmandu)
• Travel & emergency helicopter rescue insurance (Please make sure your insurance covers helicopter evacuation services). This is a mandatory requirement to participate in the expedition.
• Excess baggage charges more than 15kg (which includes carry-on bag) for domestic flights
• Visa fees
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) other than the scheduled itinerary
• Drinks (carbonated  and alcoholic)
  
• Hot shower and battery charges during the trek
• Expenses of personal nature (laundry & phone calls)
• Lunches and dinners whilst not trekking (approximately $5-$10 per meal in Kathmandu restaurants, $20-$30 per meal in Radisson Hotel)
• Tips for Nepalese co-guides & porters
• Pre-Trek Simulated Altitude & Group Training program