Gosainkunda Lake and 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 Hotel Buddy in Kathmandu 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)
After breakfast you will be transferred by vehicle (around 6 hours drive) to Dhunche (1960m). Where you will start your trek towards Gosainkunda Lake. The trail passes through beautiful forests and traditional villages, and you will get to see stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You will overnight in Sing Gompa (3330m).
Distance: Approximately 4 - 5 hour trek.
Day 02: Sing Gompa to Gosainkunda Lake and back to Laurebina
Following breakfast, your trek will proceed to the mesmerizing destination of Gosainkunda Lake, situated at an altitude of 4,380 meters. Upon reaching this breathtaking location, you will pause for a brief respite before beginning your descent. For the night, you will find accommodation at a tea house in Laurebina, nestled at an elevation of 3,910 meters.
Day 03: Laurebina to Kathmandu
Following an overnight stay in Laurebina, your trek will proceed towards Dhunche. Anticipate a trek lasting approximately 6 hours. At Dhunche, you will rendezvous with your driver, who will facilitate your return journey to Kathmanduβa drive spanning approximately 6 hours. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be accommodated at Hotel Buddy.
Distance: Approximately 6 hours trek.
Day 04: Kathmandu City Tour
Following your morning meal, your local guide will greet you and accompany you to Durbar (Palace) Square, a renowned heritage site showcasing numerous historical and cultural monuments. Additionally, you will explore other significant heritage sites, including the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and highly revered by Hindus, the iconic "Monkey Temple" known as Swoyambhunath, a place of great significance to Buddhists, and the revered Boudhanath Shrine.
Day 05: Fly to Lukla (35 min) and trek to Namche Bazaar 3440m
Our plan for the day entails an early departure from the hotel, even before breakfast. Our aim is to reach Lukla, a goal that hinges on weather conditions and flight schedules, with an estimated arrival time between 7:00 and 9:00 am. Upon our arrival in Lukla, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a relaxed downhill trek to Phakding, a journey that typically spans approximately three hours and takes us to an altitude of 2,652 meters.
In Phakding, we will pause for lunch, re-energising for the continuation of our expedition to Namche Bazaar. As today will be a long day, it's advisable to keep your head torch easily accessible. However, rest assured that, by this point in the trek, you will have acclimated well to the higher altitudes.
Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche 3867m
Today, we embark on our ascent to Tengboche, situated at an elevation of 3,900 meters, departing from Namche. During the initial two hours of our hike, we'll enjoy a gentle trek along the left side of the valley, elevated high above the valley floor. Subsequently, the trail descends toward the riverbank, where we will break for lunch.
After our nourishing midday meal, our journey continues with a 2 to 3-hour trek, leading us up a long hill that eventually brings us to the charming town of Tengboche. This portion of the trek involves a gradual but extended ascent, typically spanning around 5 to 6 hours.
Distance: 12.0 km / 7.5 miles
Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche 4358m
Starting from Tengboche, our journey begins with a gentle descent, followed by a steep ascent that soon leads us to the crossing of the Imja Khola River. From there, we continue our hike, gradually ascending toward Pangboche, where we'll pause for lunch. (It's worth noting that Pangboche was significantly impacted by the earthquakes of 2015).
Post-lunch, our trek persists with a gradual uphill route as we approach the Imja Valley, revealing striking views of Island Peak. Approximately an hour later, we'll reach Dingboche, concluding our day's trekking adventure. In total, today's trek will span approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Later in the evening, we will embark on an acclimatisation excursion, ascending to an altitude exceeding 5,100 meters. Following this, we will descend back to Dingboche for our overnight stay.
Distance: 12.0 km / 7.5 miles
Day 08: Dingboche to Lobuche 4828m
Departing from Dingboche, our path retraces its steps toward the Khumbu Valley, guiding us along a picturesque and unhurried route that stretches across elevated terrain. Eventually, we reach Dugla, where we will break for lunch and take some time to rest. This particular leg of the journey typically consumes approximately 2 hours.
Following our midday meal, we begin our ascent towards the Thukla Pass. Along the way, we'll pause to pay our respects at the Everest Memorial before proceeding to Lobuche. In total, today's trek will span approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Distance: 12.0 km / 7.5 miles
Day 09: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp 5365m. Descend to Gorakshep 5160m
Today's trek unfolds as we journey from Lobuche to Gorakshep, situated at a lofty altitude of 5,160 meters. This particular leg of our adventure offers a striking and unique experience as we traverse through an exquisite mountainous landscape, navigating loose rocks and glacier moraine.
The trail frequently undulates, and after approximately 3 hours, we reach the welcoming enclave of Gorakshep, where we'll pause for a well-deserved lunch. Following our midday meal, we embark on a challenging and rugged 3-hour hike to finally reach the iconic Everest Base Camp. It's crucial to note that this final section of the trail is exceptionally demanding and should not be underestimated, especially considering that we are grappling with approximately 55% of the oxygen available at sea level.
The return journey to Gorakshep consumes an additional 2 hours, culminating in a day of trekking that totals around 7 to 8 hours.
Day 10: Ascend Kala Patthar 5555m. Descend to Kyajuma 3600m
Following a restful night in Gorakshep, our plan is to rise at the crack of dawn and make our way up to the summit of Kala Patthar, which stands at an impressive elevation of 5,555 meters. From this vantage point, we'll have the incredible opportunity to witness the sunrise casting its golden rays over the majestic Mount Everest. While this ascent presents a challenging three-hour climb, the rewards are boundless, and it will undoubtedly become a cherished highlight of our expedition.
Upon our return to Gorakshep, we'll fuel up with a hearty breakfast and then commence our descent, eventually reaching Kyajuma.
Distance: 18.0 km / 11.2 miles
Day 11: Descend to Lukla Airport
Today, our journey takes us down from Kyajuma, and it's going to be a quite extensive day of hiking, spanning approximately 7 to 9 hours. Upon arriving in Namche Bazaar, we'll have the chance to savour the delectable treats at the Namche Bakery or engage in a friendly game or two of pool at CafΓ© Danfe. Subsequently, we'll continue our descent until we reach Lukla, where we'll settle in for the night.
Distance: 22.0km/ 13.7 miles
Day 12: Return Flight to Kathmandu 1300m (35 minutes)
In the morning, a brief 10-minute walk will take us to Lukla Airport, from where you'll catch your flight to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, you'll return to Hotel Buddy to freshen up and enjoy some relaxation.
Later in the day, we have plans to dine at an authentic Nepalese restaurant, where you can savour traditional Nepali cuisine accompanied by live performances of Nepali songs and dances.
Day 13: Rest day in Kathmandu
A short rest day in Kathmandu after the Everest Base Camp trek provides the perfect balance of relaxation and cultural exploration. It's a time to unwind, rejuvenate, and soak in the rich tapestry of Nepali life. As you prepare to depart for home or your next adventure, you'll carry with you not only the physical achievement of reaching Everest Base Camp but also the cultural riches and indelible memories of your time in Kathmandu.
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
| No. in group π | Solo | 2 π§ | 3 π§ | 4 π§ | 5+ π§ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Day Pre-Acclimatisation | $980 | $850 | $820 | $790 | $770 |
| 10 Day Trek | $2,720 | $2,660 | $2,600 | $2,540 | $2,480 |
| Additional day on trek | $240 | $230 | $220 | $210 | $200 |
| Rafting | $270 | $180 | $150 | $135 | $126 |
| City tour* | $180 | $90 | $60 | $45 | $36 |
| Extra night, Hotel Buddy | $60 | $30 | $40 | $30 | $40 |
Mobiles: scroll right for larger groups π
Disclaimer: Please note that prices for accommodation and transportation, services included in our itineraries are outside of our direct control. Therefore, every time we create a new itinerary, we must obtain up-to-date pricing from our suppliers. All prices are subject to change based on availability, seasonal fluctuations, and other factors. For the most current pricing, please contact us directly.
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 as at 13th December 2021:
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.
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.
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.
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.