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 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: Drive from Kathmandu (1,300m) to Dhunche (1,960m) and trek to Chandanbari (3,300m)
Commencing after a delightful breakfast, your Gosaikunda Lake trek kicks off this morning with a Jeep transfer to Dhunche. Along the approximately 5 - hour scenic route, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at charming villages, lush pastures, woods, terraced farms, and the majestic Trishuli River. Dhunche, serving as the administrative centre of Rasuwa District, awaits for lunch before the trek to Chandanbari begins. The uphill hike to Chandanbari lasts about 4 to 5 hours, culminating in an overnight stay at a tea house.
Day 02: Trek from Chandanbari (3,330m) to Gosaikunda (4,380m)
Today's segment of the Gosainkunda Trek Route presents a notably more demanding challenge than yesterday. Following breakfast in Chandanbari, your trek begins with a gentle ascent that gradually steepens. The trail to Gosaikunda leads you through a rocky, narrow path, taking you across desolate hills and chilly breezes as you ascend. After approximately 1.5 hours, you'll reach Cholangpati, offering breathtaking views of Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal.
Continuing your trek for another 2.5 hours brings you to Lauribina. Following a two-hour climb, you'll arrive at the Buddha Temple. The sequence of lakes includes Saraswati Kunda, Bhairav Kunda, and the Majestic Lake Gosaikunda, encountered after an additional hour of hiking from the Buddha Temple. Your overnight stay at a tea house allows for exploration of surrounding lakes throughout the day. Rest well at the lodge.
Day 03: Trek from Gosaikunda (4,380m) to Dhunche (1,960m)
After a delightful breakfast, the morning will be dedicated to exploring the surroundings of Gosaikunda Lake. Following this, you will retrace your steps back to Dhunche, traversing through charming settlements like Lauribina, Cholangpati, Dhimsa, and Deurali. This marks the conclusion of the Gosaikunda Lake trekking itinerary, making it crucial to savour every moment of the journey. As you descend, relish the captivating vistas of mountains, pine forests, and the delectable Chandandari cheese.
The downhill trek renders the hiking experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Keep an eye out for various protected species, including Wood Snipe, Snow Partridge, and Tibetan Snow Cock. If luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of the Red Panda, a species facing extinction. After approximately seven hours of downhill trekking, you will reach Dhunche for an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 04: Drive from Dhunche (1,960m) to Kathmandu (1,300m)
The final day of the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek is here. Following a restful night at one of Dhunche's tea houses, you'll relish a delightful breakfast. Post-breakfast, embark on a bus journey to Kathmandu, traversing a picturesque road that offers stunning views of the Trishuli River, meadows, and enchanting towns. The approximately five to six-hour ride concludes as you arrive in Kathmandu, leaving you with a plethora of cherished memories from this journey. The majestic Gosaikunda Lake, its scenic trails, the culturally vibrant Tamang people, the Tibetan-influenced way of life, and the delectable Yak's cheese will forever remain etched in your memory. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 05: Fly to Lukla (35 min) and trek to Namche Bazar (3,440m)
Ideally, our aim is to reach Lukla between 7 β 9 am, allowing you to enjoy breakfast and commence a leisurely downhill walk to Phakding. After a restful break in Phakding, we will gradually ascend towards the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, marking the official gateway to the Everest Region in Monjo. A lunch break at Monjo will be followed by a downhill stretch before the terrain levels out to flat ground with a mix of surfaces. The trail then follows the river until you reach the last high suspension bridge, signalling the beginning of the ascent on the 'Namche Hill' leading to Namche Bazaar. Today's trek typically spans 8 hours, inclusive of ample breaks and rests along the way. The distance covered from Lukla to Namche is approximately 20 km / 12 miles.
Day 06: Namche to Tengbuche (3,860m)
Today's journey involves a hike to Tengbouche, situated at an elevation of 3,860m. After ascending from Namche, the initial 2 hours of the trek offer a relaxed walk, following the left-hand side of the valley high above the valley floor. The trail then descends towards the river for a lunch stop. Subsequently, a 2 β 3 hour climb up the long hill brings us to the town of Tengbouche. While this ascent is gradual, it spans a considerable distance, and the total hiking time for the day is approximately 5 to 6 hours. The distance covered is 12km / 7.5 miles.
Day 07: Tengbouche to Dingboche (4,400m)
From Tengbouche, our journey takes us to Dingboche, located at an altitude of 4,400m / 14,436ft. The trail initially descends and then proceeds with gentle inclines and declines before crossing the river. Continuing onwards, we gradually ascend towards Pangboche, where we'll have lunch (Pangboche being one of the villages most affected by recent earthquakes), typically taking 2 - 3 hours. Following this, a gradual uphill trek brings us to the Imja Valley, offering views of Island Peak, and an hour later, we reach Dingboche. The total trekking time for the day is approximately 5 to 6 hours, covering a distance of 12km / 7.5 miles.
Day 08: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche
Today, we will extend our stay in Dingboche to continue with the acclimatisation process. Our objective is to reach an elevation of 4,900m / 16,076ft, gaining 500m / 1,640ft during this acclimatisation trek, which is expected to take approximately 3 hours. Once we reach the high point, we will take a break of about 30 - 45 minutes to savour the views before descending for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation. The total distance covered will be 3km / 1.9 miles, involving an ascent and descent of 500m / 1,640ft.
Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,900m) via Kong Ma La Pass
Departing from Dingboche, our destination for the day is Lobuche at an altitude of 4,900m. Today's trek commences early in the morning with the goal of reaching the highest point of the entire journey, the Kongma La Pass. We have two route options: one traverses a hill northwest of Chhukung over the Nuptse Glacier moraines, while the other involves walking to Bibre and trekking on the trail above the Niyang Khola. Cairns and Buddhist prayer flags mark the top of the pass. The final descent from the pass proves to be the most challenging part of today's journey. After ascending the moraine on the far side, the trail turns north through the Khumbu Glacier, leading us to Lobuche. The total distance covered is 11km / 6.2 miles.
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorakshep - EBC - Gorakshep (5,160m - 5,365m - 5,160m). 7 - 8 hours and flight back to Kathmandu
Today's trek takes us from Lobuche to Gorakshep at an elevation of 5,160m. The journey is exceptionally scenic and distinctive, navigating through loose rock and glacier moraine. The trail, involving ups and downs, leads into Gorakshep in approximately 3 hours. After lunch, we continue for an additional 3 hours to reach the iconic Everest Base Camp, where we'll spend time soaking in the atmosphere of the world's highest mountain. The return hike to Gorakshep takes an additional 2 hours, concluding this challenging day with a total of 7 or 8 hours of hiking, covering a distance of 10km / 6.2 miles. Upon our return to Gorakshep, we will board a helicopter for a flight back to Kathmandu.
Note: Usually, the weather at Gorekshep is not good to take a helicopter in the late afternoon. So, itβs always good to have one buffer day if in case of bad weather.
In the evening we will have dinner at one of the authentic Nepali restaurants.
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.
Map
The following is a map of the acclimatisation trek to Gosainkunda lake, reaching an altitude of 4,380 metres.
The following is a map from Lukla to Everest Base Camp. You will return with a helicopter to Kathmandu.
Prices per person
| No. in group π | Solo | 2 π§ |
|---|---|---|
| Trek | $2,900 | $2,700 |
| Private helicopter- Gorakshep to Kathmandu | $6,240 | $3,120 |
| Private helicopter- Gorakshep to Lukla | $2,080 | $1,040 |
| Shared helicopter from Gorekshep to Lukla | $1,040 | $1,040 |
| Shared helicopter- Lukla to Kathmandu | $1,300 | $1,300 |
Mobiles: scroll right for larger groups π
To minimise expenses for solo trekkers, an alternative approach could involve opting for a modified helicopter return. This entails arranging for a private helicopter from Gorekshep to Lukla and then sharing a helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu.
| No. in group π | 2 π§ |
|---|---|
| Pre-acclimitisation trek - Gosainkunda Lake - Days 1-4 | $ 830 |
| Everest Base Camp trek - Days 5-12 | $1,410 |
| Yoga retreat - Days 13-18 | $ 870 |
| Private helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla | $3,900 |
| Private helicopter from Gorekshep / EBC to Kathmandu | $3,120 |
| Standard shared flight from Kathmandu to Lukla | $ 780 |
| Standard shared flight from Lukla to Kathmandu | $ 780 |
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.
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
- Transfers by private vehicle from Kathmandu to Dhunche and return
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek with a tea or coffee with each meal
- Domestic flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and return
- Helicopter flight from Gorek shep to Kathmandu
- An experienced, English speaking and government- licensed trek guide and necessary porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) during the trek
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
- A Duffle bag, warm/down jacket and sleeping bag
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
- Farewell dinner in Authentic Nepali Restaurant
- All government taxes, VAT and office service charge
Additional cost considerations
- Nepal tourist visa fee (please bring exact amount in USD and two passport sized photographs)
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charges (the baggage weight limit of the Lukla flight is 15kgs per person in total)
- 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 guides and porters
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 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 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 for overnight on bed and breakfast basis.