6. Everest Base Camp Trek

Mount Everest towers above the Khumbu at over 29,000 feet and is perhaps the most iconic symbol of challenge and adventure on Earth. On our classic Everest Base Camp Trek, follow in the footsteps of legends as we ascend from verdant Lukla to the vast glaciers and razor-sharp ridgelines of the Everest Himalayas; home of the world's highest peaks. At Base Camp, stand face-to-face with the fabled Khumbu Ice Fall and its towering seracs. Hike to the summit of Kala Patar at over 18,100 feet for an unobstructed view of Everest's windblown summit, trailing a seemingly perpetual banner of cloud and snow. For well over two decades our expert local staff have been traveling the footpaths of the Everest region with REI members, providing insider perspectives, preparing fresh meals and handling every detail of our camping and trekking needs. This epic journey begins and ends in Kathmandu where opportunities abound to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and discover colorful Buddhist and Hindu traditions.

Dreaming of Everest but not strenuous trekking? Check out our new, easier Spirit of Everest Trek.

Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary:

Day 01 : Your trip begins today in Kathmandu, Nepal. After clearing immigration and customs, you are met by our friendly staff and transferred to the hotel in colorful Thamel, filled with restaurants, unique shops and outdoor outfitters to help you acquire any ast-minute trekking gear. The afternoon is left open to rest and explore this unique area. Perhaps take a walking tour with your guide to become more familiar with the city. Meals on your own.

Day 2 : Today we enjoy a guided tour of the ancient cities of Kathmandu and Patan that will last most of the day. Nepal is a country rich in religious diversity and our visits today to Hindu and Buddhist sacred sites including Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath and Patan's magnificent Durbar Square will open many windows into these fascinating and ancient worlds. If time permits, we'll take an optional side-trip to the Tibetan Refugee Carpet center in Jawalakhel.The rest of the day will be on your own to explore before our evening orientation to review the trip's itinerary and gather recommendations on repacking your bags for tomorrow's departure. Breakfast included.

Day 3 : In the very early morning (prior to 6 a.m.) we transfer to the airport to catch our scenic flight to Lukla (9,200'), the entrance into the Solu Khumbu. When we arrive, our supplies and gear are loaded onto yaks, then our trek begins with a 4-hour hike down through terraced hillsides and along stone fences to the Dudh Kosi River (8,600'), across a hanging bridge, to our first camp near Phakding. Take notice of the huge boulder inscribed with the Buddhist prayer, "Om mani padme hum" and be sure to hike clockwise around these special "mani (prayer) stones". Throughout the trek you'll encounter the local Buddhist people reciting this mantra over and over again – a virtuous deed believed to influence the next life. Arriving in camp in Phakding, your tent will be set-up for you and all of your gear delivered by our support staff. You can look forward to receiving a hot bowl of water at your tent each day after we arrive in camp – great for washing up or for doing a bit of light laundry. Then there is time for hot tea or hot drinks and well-deserved rest. This is our arrival routine in camp most afternoons/evenings, and you'll appreciate these little extras along with the rest of the exceptional care and attention you can expect to receive from our trekking staff. All meals included.

Trekking: 3-4 hours; about 4-4.5 miles. Elevation loss: 600'. Day 04:
The dawn's air is crisp as the sun won't reach the bottom of the Dudh Kosi Valley until mid-morning, but your morning wake-up call each day on our trek is delivered complete with a hot cup of tea and warm bowl of washing water delivered right to your tent. After a hearty breakfast, we set out on the trail as it wanders through rolling terrain, past traditional homes, plowed fields and pine and cedar forests. Ascending slowly to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, the snowy peak of Thamserku (21,856') gives us a taste of the unmatched mountain scenery to come. Lunch provides fuel for the steep 1,800' hike to the village of Namche Bazaar (11,300'). Namche is the largest Sherpa village and has long been the primary staging area for major Himalayan expeditions. It is a major establishment because of the abundant source of fresh water and its lively bazaar on Saturdays. REI has a long history here and has cultivated many friendships. We know you'll enjoy this very special place and we'll spend two nights here on our way up the mountain. All meals included.

Trekking: 6 hours; about 4.5 miles. Elevation gain: 2,700'.

Day 05 : Temple horns and yak bells awaken us to a sunrise surrounded by snowy white mountains over 20,000' high! Today is an acclimatization day, meaning we plan to sleep at the same altitude as the previous night, but we plan to trek higher then descend. A slow and steady ascent with adequate time for acclimatization is key to an enjoyable trek. Peaks we'll view as we set out include Kwangde (20,930'), Thamserku (21,856'), and Kangtega (22,240'). And what's more, as we ascend to around 12,000' we earn truly stunning views of Nuptse (25,790'), Lhotse (27,940'), Ama Dablam (22,943') and even Mount Everest (29,035'). Tonight we overnight again in Namche Bazaar. All meals included.

Trekking : 4-5 hours; about 3-3.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss is 1,100'.

Day 6 : From Namche Bazaar our trek leaves the standard Base Camp trail for the next two days. Crossing the valley, we ascend through a rhododendron forest traversing the beautiful southern slope of Khumbila, the sacred mountain of the Sherpas which cannot be climbed. We trek over Moung La pass (12,992') stopping for lunch with the spectacular peak of Thamserku looming in the near background. Then we descend to Phortse Tenga alongside the Dudh Koshi River and fed by the glaciers of the sixth highest peak in the world, Cho Oyo. Finally, we ascend another 45 minutes or so through picturesque birch and rhododendron forest to Phortse where we'll camp for the night. Watch for iridescent impeyan pheasants, tahr mountain goats, and possibly musk deer when walking through the forests and among the high farms today. All meals included.

Trekking : 6-7 hours; about 5.5 miles. Elevation loss is 700', gain is 2,100'.

Day 7 : Today we enjoy a leisurely half-day ascent to Pangboche (13,030') during the morning hours. This hike leads us another 400 feet up the route where we establish camp among small traditional homes and fields. After lunch and a good bit of rest, this afternoon we'll enjoy a unique opportunity to visit Pangboche Monastery, the oldest monastery in the Everest region. Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Tibet in the eight century and one of its most significant figures. It is said that reincarnation of Guru Rimpoche, Lama Sangwa Dorji founded Pangboche Monastery. The ancient and very special nature of this place is easily felt by visitors. Returning to camp for dinner, enjoy sitting among the 400 year old juniper trees as you gaze across the valley at the magnificent mountain scenery here. All meals included.

Trekking : 3-4 hours; about 2.5-3 miles. Elevation gain is 400'.

Day 8 : Today's hike is an extended half-day, with a late lunch in camp after a challenging and scenic climb to Dingboche (14,400'). After ascending fairly gradually along the river Imja Khola for the better part of the morning, our trail swings off the main track to the east and climbs slowly up to the windswept potato fields of Dingboche village, the highest permanent Sherpa settlement in the region. Ama Dablam's razor edges are particularly dramatic here. We'll expect to have arrived and be enjoying our lunch by around 1:00 pm, so consider packing an energy bar or snack in your daypack as we set out in the morning. After lunch, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to rest, journal, read, enjoy the views and soak in your surroundings. All meals included.

Trekking: 4-4.5 hours; about 3.5-4 miles. Elevation gain is 1,300.'

Day 9 : We've scheduled another important acclimatization day today. To this point in the trek, we've ascended over 6,200', and before we attempt to sleep any higher, we'll hike high today then descend to sleep at the same altitude for one more night. There are many options available to us, and the most likely is one of our Sherpa guides' favorite hikes. Few visitors to the Everest region will ascend the base of Nangkar Tshang peak, and this 5-hour round trip leads past cliff-side sacred sites to a stunning view of Makalu, the world's 5th highest peak at 27,762'. We'll hike as high as it makes sense to, reaching our high point somewhere between 15,700' and 16,400', then return to camp at 14,400'. This should help the body acclimatize more effectively. We do not move camp tonight. All meals included.

Trekking: optional, 3.5 hours; about 3 miles. Elevation gain/loss is between 1,300'-2,000'.

Day 10 : Our ascent today begins with a gentle climb along the upper trail headed into the Pheriche valley. Well above Pheriche and the valley floor, we contour along the Northwest side of the valley through alpine scrub and yak pastures, enjoying panoramic views of Tawoche (21,463'), Cholotse. Directly behind us, Ama Dablam appears to rise directly from the valley floor to its fullest snowy height. After about two hours of gradual ascent along this path, we reach Thokla Pass and begin a challenging but relatively short ascent of about 690'. At the pass, long strands of prayer flags connect monuments and memorials dedicated to Himalayan climbers. The scenery becomes even more exceptional as we crest the pass to panoramic views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar and a host of "lesser" peaks. We continue hiking beyond Thokla Pass to reach Lobuche, a sparse trekkers' outpost at 16,100' where we'll camp for one night. The next two days will be challenging, so it is imperative to eat well and drink lots of water tonight. You are likely to be tired by the end of this beautiful and challenging day. All meals included.

Trekking: 5-6 hours; about 5 miles. Elevation gain is 2,100'.

Day 11 : The next two days host some of our trek's most exceptional highlights. On day 11, we pick our way through boulders and rock while trekking up about 3 hours and 1,000 feet to reach Gorak Shep (17,100'). This tiny outpost resides in the immediate shadow of Kala Patar (18,190'). We arrive in time for lunch, and then evaluate conditions before moving on. If the weather suggests clear views we'll set out for the summit of Kala Patar to enjoy the exceptional view of Mt. Everest (29,035') from its summit. If the views seem less likely to open up for us, we will instead head up on the 3-4 hour hike to Everest Base Camp, saving Kala Patar for the following morning. In either case, we may descend in the dark to our dinner at camp so bring warm clothes, a headlamp and check your batteries before setting out. Both hikes are optional but exceptional. You'll be glad if you save some energy for these hikes. All meals included.

Trekking to Gorak Shep: 3 hours; Elevation gain to camp is 900'. Round trip Gorak Shep-Kala Patar hike: 3-4 hours; about 2 miles. Elevation gain/loss is 1,300' Round trip Gorak Shep -Everest Base Camp hike: 3-3.5 hours; about 4.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss is a little over 800'.

Day 12 : Today, we'll pick-up where we left off the previous day completing whichever of the two hikes we were not already able to attempt. Meanwhile, our team moves camp back down to Lobuche, Thokla or Phulung Kharka depending on the group's physical ability and time. If we set out for Kala Patar this morning, we must start very early so that the light affords us the best quality of Everest views. We will set out before sunrise with headlamps and return to breakfast in camp before descending if we climb Kala Patar today. After breakfast, we'll have time to descend as far as Thokla or Phulung Kharka. If we instead hike to Base Camp, we'll set out in the early twilight and will likely descend to Lobuche this afternoon. You may opt out of the hike this morning if you prefer to head back down the trail. While we can celebrate some very significant accomplishments tonight, there are still plenty of highlights remaining on our descent, which will feature some different trails and very special sights along the way. All meals included.

Round trip Gorak Shep-Kala Patar hike: 3-4 hours; about 2 miles. Elevation gain/loss is 1,300'.

Round trip Gorak Shep-Everest Base Camp hike: 3-3.5 hours; about 4.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss is a little over 800'.

Trekking to Lobuche or Thokla: 2-3 hours; between 5 and 7 miles. Elevation loss is 800' to Lobuche or 1,800' to Thokla.

Day 13 : Today we cover a lot of ground and descend thousands of feet into far more oxygen-rich air as we hike. We'll enjoy a stop at the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in Pheriche, which is an important medical facility for trekkers, climbers and local people. Staffed by volunteer physicians, it is a very interesting waypoint on this remote trail that is new to us. After lunch we emerge from the valley and climb a short distance to Pheriche Pass, before descending to cross the river Imja Khola. Climbing on through the park-like rhododendron forests bursting with flowers on spring departures, we eventually reach Deboche or Tengboche to camp. Both are situated in picturesque settings and boast a long and significant religious history as Deboche is the site of an important nunnery and Tengboche hosts the main Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Khumbu region. Not really a village, Tengboche is primarily a gompa and everyone living there is in some way associated with the operations of the monastery. If we reach Tengboche tonight, we will visit for a glimpse into monastic life. If we camp in Deboche, we will visit Tengboche on our descent tomorrow. All meals included.

Trekking ranges from 5-6 hours; about 7.5-9 miles. Elevation loss is 3,950' from Lobuche and 2,950' from Thokla.

Day 14 : Today is another full day of descent and the air continues to become more oxygen-rich. If we've departed from Deboche this morning, we'll soon reach the spacious plateau upon which Tengboche Monastery is built at 12,761'. After a visit there, we continue descending to the Dudh Koshi river then climb for 1.5 hours to Kyangjuma for lunch. We finish our hike today with a mostly flat walk from Kyangjuma to Namche Bazaar where we'll enjoy once again the unforgettable panoramic views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest and Ama Dablam that inspired us near the outset of our trek. Tonight we'll spend the night in Namche Bazaar where you can find services like hot showers and internet access for a small fee, along with local bars and souvenir shops. There will likely be time for you to explore Namche Bazaar on your own after we arrive and before dinner is served. All meals included.

Trekking: 5-6 hours; about 5-6 miles. Elevation loss is about 900'.

Day 15 : Leaving Namche Bazaar, we have a big descent today to Phakding. If the weather is clear, take plenty of photos of your final views of the great peaks we've enjoyed so much along the way, including Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. We'll not see them again after reaching camp tonight. In Phakding we'll camp by the Dudh Koshi River and enjoy another spectacular Himalayan sunset before turning in. All meals included.

Trekking: 4-5 hours; about 4.5 miles. Elevation loss is 2,700'.

Day 16 : Today is a challenging final day of trekking from Phakding to Lukla as we begin with a short descent, then climb 600' to end in Lukla as we leave the long trail behind. After the climb, enjoy a night in a small lodge where you can shower and then look forward to a truly memorable farewell party with all of the wonderful support staff that have contributed so much to the success of our great adventure. Overnight in Lukla. All meals included.

Trekking: 5 hours; about 4.5 miles. Elevation gain is 600'.

Day 17 : We must prepare for our return flight to Kathmandu very early this morning. Taking of from the Lukla airstrip is an exhilarating experience and our last look at the snowy Himalayas is bittersweet. After the flight we are met by our ground staff and transferred to our hotel for hot showers, clean clothes and a relaxed day. Our staff will have double-checked your flights out, and will update you on any important changes. Then the balance of the day is free time. Breakfast is included.

Note about flights: Most treks run during the best weather conditions of the year and there is an extra day at the end of the trek to allow for poor weather, sightseeing and shopping. Flights to and from Lukla are not always dependable; weather conditions may cause flight cancellations. Delays are possible any time of year but are more typical on the summer departures. Costs of any evacuation are in addition to any previously paid air/land costs and are billed to trip members upon return to the States; thus we highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance.

Day 18 : Enjoy a free day and sightseeing today. This day is on your own, but we provide lots of hints about what to see and do. One big hint: don't miss the fascinating medieval city of Bhaktapur and consider visiting the medieval villages of Bungamati and Kokhana. Breakfast is included.

Days 19 : We transfer to the airport for homeward bound flights. This transfer is provided and will be tailored to suit your scheduled departure.

Note on Itinerary

Although we generally adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Your guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan, and their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that REI has led in the Everest region. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.

Price Includes

National Park fees, 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu, meals as noted on the itinerary, Sherpa guides and porters, cooks and commissary crew, tents, foam sleeping pads, community cooking gear, baggage portage, and airport transfers.

Not Included

Air transportation to/from Nepal, Bangkok hotel costs (if routing requires an overnight), flights within Nepal (mandatory $299 internal flight), 1 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, visas, any necessary emergency evacuation flight, optional tips to guides and staff, airport taxes, cost of obtaining a passport or medical immunizations, insurance, and items of a personal nature such as liquor or laundry fees.

Single Travelers

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.

Qualifications

This trip is rated Strenuous [5]. Trekking in Nepal is for active people in good health who enjoy vigorous hiking. Nepal has an "up and down" topography, there is very little level walking. We expect participants to be strong, experienced hikers in good physical condition. Gear and supplies will be carried by porters or yaks, leaving members free to carry only a daypack. No technical climbing or other special abilities are required. However, each person should be equipped with a "spirit of adventure" and have prior experience with backcountry camping, sleeping in a tent and willingness to undergo the potential hardships of outdoor living and long days on the trail. This trek spends considerable time at altitudes between 11,000' and 17,100'. The trails themselves are only moderate, but at these altitudes hiking will feel more strenuous. A good physical conditioning program must be undertaken several months in advance to get into shape. A physician's signature is required for participation on this trip.

Countless Himalayan Peaks including Gauri Shankar, Langtang ranges, Ganesh Himal, Dorjelakpa, Everest ranges. Highlight : The great Himalayan Ranges. You will visit the historic and cultural town Sankhu along with the local farmers and farming field with seasonal crops on the way. Nagarkot is a widely enjoyed hill resort. It has been a weekend spot for mountain viewers in quiet and comfort. You shall finally reach Nagarkot which is our destination.