VIP Everest Base Camp Trek
Arrival
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, once you've passed through Immigration and retrieved your luggage, please look out for your Team Mount Everest driver carrying a placard with your name who will transfer you to Kathmandu Marriott Hotel for overnight on bed and breakfast basis.
Briefing
At around 1800 (subject to flight timings) you'll be met by your guide for your pre-climb briefing to discuss tomorrow's trek and go through any questions you may have.
Trek
Day 01: Kathmandu to Sing Gompa (3330m)
Following breakfast, you will be transported by vehicle to Dhunche (1960m), which takes approximately six hours by road. Once there, you will commence your trek towards Gosainkunda Lake, passing through charming forests and picturesque villages along the way. The journey offers awe-inspiring views of the neighbouring mountains. Your overnight stay will be at Sing Gompa (3330m).
Distance: Approximately 4 - 5 hour trek.
Day 02: Sing Gompa to Gosainkunda Lake and back to Laurebina
After breakfast, you will continue your trek to Gosainkunda Lake (4380m). The trail climbs steadily through forests of rhododendron and oak trees, offering stunning views of the Langtang range. After trekking for approximately 3-4 hours, depending on your speed, you will reach the sacred lake of Gosainkunda. This lake holds great religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and boasts crystal clear water that reflects the stunning scenery.
You will have a break to eat and appreciate the beautiful surroundings before beginning the descent. Your overnight stay will be at a tea house in Laurebina (3910m).
Distance: Approximately 8 hour trek. Your GPS tracks: Sing Gompa to Gosainkunda Lake.
Day 03: Trek from Laurebina to Dhunche and drive to Kathmandu
After spending a night in Laurebina you will trek to Dhunche where you will meet the driver and be transferred back to Kathmandu. This trek will take around 6 hours through lush green forests and stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. You will stay overnight at Kathmandu Marriott Hotel.
Day 05: Fly from Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar (around 60 min) and acclimatisation trek.
We plan to depart from the hotel very early, before breakfast, with the goal of arriving in Namche Bazaar between 8:00 and 9:00am, depending on the weather and flight conditions. We will have breakfast at Namche Bazaar before easing into our high altitude exertions with a gentle walk in the vicinity of Namche Bazaar.
We have breakfast at Namche Bazaar before easing into our high altitude exertions with a gentle walk in the vicinity of Namche Bazaar. Overnight at Panorama Lodge and Restaurant* at 3400m.
*This is currently the top rated lodge at this altitude. If you wish to use another lodge, please advise us during the expedition planning phase.
Day 06: Acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar
Today is one of our acclimatisation trek days. As you trek up behind Namche Bazaar, the trail is quite steep and you can feel the lack of oxygen while you ascend 460m / 1,509ft to Syangboche Airport, then cross the runway and head another 100m / 328ft up to Syangboche Hill at 3,900m / 12,795ft. We will enjoy the stunning views and relax for 30-45 minutes before descending some 100 vertical metres to Hotel Everest View at 3,800m for overnight.
Distance: 3 km / 1.8 miles. Approximately 4 hours.
Day 07: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867m)
Today's journey takes us on a hike towards Tengboche, situated at an altitude of 3,900 meters (12,795 feet). As we depart from Namche, the initial two hours of our trek offer a gentle and leisurely walk, tracing the left side of the valley, elevated high above the valley floor. Subsequently, the trail descends towards the riverbank, where we pause for a well-deserved lunch.
Following our break, we embark on a 2 to 3-hour ascent up the long hill that leads to the charming town of Tengboche. It is here that we will spend the night at the welcoming Rivendell Lodge.
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles. Approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Day 08: Tengboche to Dingboche (4358m)
Our journey from Tengboche leads us to Dingboche, situated at an elevation of 4,400 meters (14,436 feet). We commence our trek with a descent, followed by gentle undulating terrain. Afterward, we cross a river and begin ascending towards Pangboche, where we will pause for a well-deserved lunch break. This leg of the trek typically takes around 2-3 hours.
Following our revitalising lunch, we continue our journey with a gradual uphill climb, eventually arriving at the Imja Valley. It is here that we are treated to breathtaking views of Island Peak in the distance. Approximately an hour later, we reach Dingboche, where we will spend the night at Hotel Goodluck.
*Pangbouche was one of the villages on the trail that suffered most from the recent earthquakes.
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles. Approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Day 09: Acclimatisation day at Dingboche
Today, we extend our stay in Dingboche to continue the crucial process of acclimatisation. Our objective for the day is to ascend to an elevation of 4,900 meters (16,076 feet), gaining 500 meters (1,640 feet) in this acclimatisation hike, which is expected to take around 3 hours.
Upon reaching our acclimatisation high point, we will revel in the panoramic vistas and take a well-deserved break lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. Following this, we will descend to our starting point for lunch and a leisurely afternoon of relaxation.
Distance: 3 km / 1.8 miles. Approximately 3 hours.
Day 10: Dingboche to Lobuche (4828m)
Leaving Dingboche behind, our next destination is Lobuche, situated at an altitude of 4,828 meters. The trail retraces its steps toward the Khumbu valley, leading us on a gradual and scenic journey along an elevated path that eventually brings us to Dugla. Here, we will take a well-deserved break for lunch and some rest. This leg of the trek typically spans around 2 hours.
Following our rejuvenating lunch break, we will continue our trek from Dugla to Lobuche, which is an additional 3-hour stretch, punctuated with several rest stops along the way. After departing from Dugla, we'll encounter a challenging uphill section as we ascend to the Thukla Pass. At the pass's pinnacle, we pay our respects at the Everest Memorial before continuing our trek to reach Lobuche, where we will spend the night at the Oxygen Altitude Home.
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles. Approximately 5 hours.
Day 11: Lobuche to Gorak Shep - EBC - Gorak Shep (5160m - 5365m - 5160m)
Today, our journey takes us from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, perched at an elevation of 5,160 meters. This day's trek promises unique and awe-inspiring sights, as we traverse rocky terrain and glacier moraine, offering a truly remarkable experience. The trail involves a series of ascents and descents, ultimately leading us to Gorak Shep, a journey that typically takes around 3 hours. Here, we will pause for a nourishing lunch before embarking on an additional 3-hour trek to reach the renowned Everest Base Campβa place where we can revel in the presence of the world's highest mountain!
After our memorable time at Everest Base Camp, we will begin our return journey to Gorak Shep, which will take approximately 2 hours. It's important to note that today's trek is quite challenging for most individuals. Rest assured, our overnight stay awaits at The Everest Inn, providing a well-deserved and comfortable respite after this demanding day of adventure.
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles. Approximately 7 to 8 hours.
Day 12: Hike to Kala Patthar, Helicopter Flight to Kathmandu
Following a rejuvenating night's sleep in Gorak Shep, those who are up for the challenge and feeling prepared will rise early to embark on a demanding uphill hike to Kala Phattar. This hike, lasting approximately 3 hours, is an arduous journey, but the breathtaking sunrise views over Everest make every ounce of effort entirely worthwhile.
Upon your return to Gorak Shep, a hearty breakfast awaits you. Subsequently, you will have the opportunity to embark on a helicopter ride that will take you back to Kathmandu. There, you will spend a comfortable night at the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, bringing your remarkable Himalayan adventure to a close.
This evening, we'll visit an authentic Nepalese restaurant for dinner and some traditional Nepali songs and dance.
Departure
A driver will collect you from your hotel around 3 hours before your departing flight and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), ensuring that you arrive there at least 2 hours before your flight departs. Please let us know if you'd like to be collected earlier.
Prices per person
The following prices include our proprietary customisations at lodges to include the best available lodges and tea houses, and porterage and use of enhanced bedding arrangements and private bathroom usage. For our standard climb arrangements with return flights to / from Lukla, trek costs start at USD 1,995 per person for a 12 day trek. Details are available here.
With the prices detailed below, for a group of 2 climbers, the price with helicopter transfers both ways would be USD 8,300 per person.
| No. in group π | Solo | 2 π§ | 3 π§ | 4 π§ | 5+ π§ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trek | $4,900 | $4,400 | $4,100 | $4,000 | $3,900 |
| Helicopter - Kathmandu to Namche | $3,200 | $1,700 | $1,500 | $1,400 | $1,300 |
| Helicopter - Gorak Shep to Kathmandu | $4,200 | $2,200 | $1,900 | $1,800 | $1,700 |
Mobiles: scroll right for larger groups π
What's included in the costs?
Note that conversely with many other operations, our prices do indeed cover meals in tea houses along the route, and return flights from Kathmandu to Lukla. You will need cash for additional beverages, and tips.
- Return airport transfers from Kathmandu Airport (KTM) to your hotel in Kathmandu
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin-share, bed and breakfast basis - one night before and one night after the trek
- Helicopter transfer from Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar before the trek
- Helicopter transfer from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu after the trek
- Twin-share accommodation in the best available tea houses along the trek, with our proprietary customised upgrades to include superior bedding and private bathroom usage
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on the trek
- Services of our highest rank guide available and necessary porterage support
- Wages, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation for your guide and porters
- Free kit hire of the following items: duffel bag, down jacket, sleeping bag
- Preparation of all required documentation and purchase of trekking permits
- Use of required medications - as carried by your mountain guide
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at an authentic Nepali restaurant
Additional cost considerations
- Nepal tourist visa fee (please bring exact amount in USD and two passport sized photographs)
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Meals other than breakfast while on Nepal
- Additional nights required to be spent in Kathmandu if arriving earlier or departing later than as per the above schedule
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Costs associated with personal spending choices while in Kathmandu or on the trek, such as phone calls, use of paid WiFi, laundry, alcoholic beverages
- Tips for your support crew
Do we carry emergency oxygen on a Base Camp trek?
No, unlike on Kilimanjaro where there is no permanent infrastructure along much of the route, and we do indeed carry it on all our treks, in the Solu Khumbu every tea house village has supplemental oxygen available, as does Everest Base Camp itself. The altitudes reached on an EBC trek are not sufficient to require supplemental oxygen for emergency application. Supplemental oxygen at these altitudes is useful only for palliation when experiencing sustained difficulty breathing while awaiting continued descent.
Current COVID-Related Entry Requirements for Nepal
Contrary to previous travel advisories issued by the Nepalese governments that required a visa to be obtained in advance, the following are the current requirements:
1. Passengers arriving into Nepal should have completed an Arrivals form prior to entry and should download and print the resulting summary PDF, for presentation on arrival.
2. On arrival, passengers are required to provide evidence of having completed a full course of vaccination against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to entry to Nepal. The vaccination certificate should feature a QR code that links to a verification page on the website of the issuing government laboratory.
3. Passengers must present a valid negative PCR test result for a test taken not more than 72 hours prior to leaving your home airport en route to Nepal.
4. Passengers must be willing to have their temperature taken on arrival and may (though this appears to be very unlikely at present) be asked to take a rapid antigen test. A positive result will require quarantine.
Sadly, those unable or unwilling to be vaccinated are required to be quarantined for 10 days on arrival, which of course effectively precludes their visiting Nepal at this time.
5. Prior to leaving Nepal, most travellers (including US residents from 6th December 2021) are required to obtain another negative PCR test. Testing is possible until 8pm in the evening, and from 6am in the morning, and may be conducted at the climber's hotel. The cost is USD 25 per person.
6. Within 24 hours of departing from Nepal, travellers should complete a Departures form and print out the result PDF for presentation on boarding their flight.
Chitwan, located in the southern part of Nepal, is a region known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal and is famous for its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which offer visitors the opportunity to experience the country's diverse flora and fauna up close.
Gosainkunda Lake, often referred to as the "Frozen Lake," is a spectacular high-altitude alpine lake located in the Langtang National Park of Nepal. Situated at an elevation of approximately 4,380 metres (14,370 feet) above sea level, this sacred and pristine glacial lake is a jewel of the Himalayas.
Kalinchowk is a picturesque hill station located in the Dolakha district of Nepal. Situated at an elevation of approximately 3,842 metres (12,605 feet) above sea level, Kalinchowk offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan mountain ranges, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar, and even glimpses of Mount Everest on clear days.
Laurebina, located in Nepal, is a serene and picturesque destination nestled in the breathtaking Langtang region of the Himalayas. This remote area offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Nepal. Laurebina is renowned for its pristine alpine landscapes, lush forests, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas.
Sing Gompa, also known as Sing Gomba or Singdun Gompa, is a charming Buddhist monastery situated at an altitude of approximately 3,330 metres (10,925 feet). It is a significant religious site for both the local Tamang people and trekkers on the Langtang Valley Trek. The monastery offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, making it a perfect place for spiritual reflection and taking in the natural beauty of the Langtang region.
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, once you've passed through Immigration and retrieved your luggage, please look out for your Team Mount Everest driver carrying a placard with your name who will transfer you to Hotel Buddy in Kathmandu for overnight on bed and breakfast basis.
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, once you've passed through Immigration and retrieved your luggage, please look out for your Team Mount Everest driver carrying a placard with your name who will transfer you to Hotel Buddy in Kathmandu for overnight on bed and breakfast basis.
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, once you've passed through Immigration and retrieved your luggage, please look out for your Team Mount Everest driver carrying a placard with your name who will transfer you to Kathmandu Marriott Hotel for overnight on bed and breakfast basis.
Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of the Khumbu region in Nepal, Lukla is a town that holds the keys to some of the world's most epic adventures. Perched at an elevation of 2,860 metres (9,383 feet), this bustling mountain town serves as the primary gateway to the towering peaks of the Everest region, including the legendary Mount Everest itself.
Nestled in the heart of Nepal's Khumbu region, Pheriche is a picturesque mountain town that embodies the essence of high-altitude adventure and Himalayan beauty. Situated at an elevation of 4,371 metres (14,340 feet), this remote settlement serves as a vital stopover for trekkers and mountaineers embarking on their journey to Everest and other iconic peaks.
Situated at a height of 5,164 metres (16,942 feet), Gorakshep stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the allure of the world's highest peaks. Nestled in the shadows of Everest, this remote Himalayan settlement serves as a crucial outpost for trekkers and mountaineers on their journey to the iconic Everest Base Camp.