Everest Base Camp Trek

Trek through the dramatic landscape of the Himalayas and immerse yourself in the amazing local culture of the Khumbu region while taking in views of the highest mountains in the world. This Trek is considered by many to be one of the best hikes on the planet.

What’s Included?

ALL LAND COSTS INCLUDED!

• Internal flights to a from Lukla
• 17days/16nights trek to Everest base camp
• Full day city tour of Kathmandu
• 16 nights “tea house” lodging during climb
• 3 nights at Yak & Yeti hotel in Kathmandu
• Internal flights to and from Kathmandu and Lukla
• Expert local guide Lhakpa Sherpa and Backwoods Adventures guide Joe Koehly
• All transfers to and from Tribhuvan International Airport
• Minimum 3 pre departure information conference calls with head guide
• All meals, park fees, all guide & porter fees

What’s Not Included?

• All airfare to and from Kathmandu (Inquire to learn more about our flight booking service)
• Personal gear and clothing
• Alcoholic drinks, extra drinks and snacks
• Gratuities
• Extras; laundry, massage, internet, etc.

This incredible life changing trek will cover the best the Everest region has to offer with some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. We allow plenty of time to acclimate to the altitude, experience the culture and traditions of the Sherpa people, visit monasteries and points of interest along the way while taking in all the most incredible vantage points on and off the beaten path.

We’ll spend several days in the ancient city of Kathmandu before heading to the Himalayas to start our trek to the base camp of Mt. Everest. In the course of this journey, we’ll travel through Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pheriche and many other Khumbu villages.

This trek is designed for those who are into hiking and enjoying the mountains. This is a hike – not a climbing expedition! You’ll never forget the feeling of hiking to the base of Mt. Everest – the highest mountain on earth! There are a few optional 18,000 feet peaks to hike, if you so choose. Time will be spent at Everest Base Camp with the hope of visiting an Expedition climbing Mount Everest.

Our team will travel in full Sherpa supported “expedition” style with yaks carrying your gear while you hike with a light daypack, allowing you to acclimatize and enjoy the trip. Our experienced Sherpa staff will trek with the group, sharing sights, setting up the tents, cooking all the food (which includes excellent Western and Eastern dishes) and basically providing a support system for all levels of ability and interest.

Meals

At Backwoods Adventures we know that well fed travelers are happy travelers. We aim to please your palate. Since we will be staying at huts or lodges on the entire trip we will have our breakfast and dinner at local restaurants or cafes. Lunches will either be in small towns or villages that we pass through or we will grab some light fare to take with us and enjoy our lunch picnic style with the Himalayas to gaze at while we eat.

The menu includes a variety of Nepali and western style foods including rice, noodles, vegetables, Nepali pizza, soups & stews, eggs, porridge, cereal, peanut butter, jam, bread, yak cheese, fish, canned & fresh fruit, crackers, cookies, snacks, juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc. Please let us know ahead of time if you have extreme personal food preferences or dietary restrictions. While trekking, all meals and hot drinks are included; you’re free to purchase soda, beer and additional water, chocolate and snacks along the way in local stores. It is recommended you bring your own favorite snacks for on the trail, but be careful as these can weigh a lot in your duffle. Boiled water is provided at every meal to fill your drinking water bottle (a Nalgene-type water bottle is recommended). Because the water is boiled, we do not use iodine or other purification treatments in the water. You are welcome to use your own purification treatment. Because of the exercise and altitude, you should drink 3-4 liters of water per day.

Accommodations

Our accommodations will vary based on our location. However, all hotels are among the highest rated in the country both for location and amenities. We strive to deliver high quality and unique experiences in the country we are visiting! During the trek, we will be staying in rustic lodges, known as tea houses, in the villages along the trail. All accommodations are on a twin sharing basis, unless otherwise arranged.

Health

Altitude – Most of our adventures in Asia take us to remote regions of high altitude. We always take our time to acclimatize properly by allowing for additional rest days. When gaining in altitude above 10,000 feet, we have included sufficient rest or “layover” days to ensure that you acclimatize properly. While many people may experience minor ill effects from high altitudes, there are some who have persistent symptoms that require returning to a lower altitude or, in extreme cases, emergency evacuation. We do our best to set a pace at which everyone has a chance to acclimatize appropriately. Listening to your guide will help a great deal. We cannot determine how you will do at altitude, but being in the best shape possible and having a lower body fat percentage will help greatly.

The trek to Everest Base Camp is a strenuous adventure and should not be undertaken if you have any health conditions which may put you at risk. You are strongly advised to consult your physician for a thorough medical check-up and clearance before attempting the mountain. If you are over 50 years old, talk to your doctor about doing a “stress EKG”. Should you require any medication whatsoever, you must provide your own and be able to administer it yourself. Medical supplies in Nepal are not reliable or guaranteed though we will have a fully stocked medical kit on the trip.

Talk to your doctor about the following vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), altitude sickness (Diamox pills), prescriptions you are currently taking.

Visa Requirements

You must hold a valid passport and visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain your visa at the airport upon your arrival in Nepal. You will need to present your passport, two passport size photos and $40.00 in USD for a 30+ day single entry visa. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date of your trip. Visas can also be obtained through the Royal Nepalese Embassy or consulate in your home country prior to departure. You should carry a photocopy of your passport, insurance information and emergency contact numbers with you at all times. You should leave a copy of this information with a friend or relative at home.

Trip Dates:
October 7-30, 2013 (24 days)

Chitwan Ext.: TBD

Island Peak Ext: October 19-21, 2013

Or, book a custom adventure trip.

Pricing:
Everest Base Camp Trek:
8 or more – $4,499
5 to 7 – $5,249
1 to 4 – Custom pricing

Chitwan Ext.:
$799

Island Peak Ext.:
$1,299

Activities: Hiking/Trekking

Accommodations:
Yak & Yeti Hotel, 3 nights; mountain tea houses, 16 nights.

Nepal Links:
Nepalese Embassy
CDC Health Information
Weather for Kathmandu, Nepal
Travel Insurance

Suggested Readings:
Buy these books at your local Backwoods store or call 1.877.331.4255.

Everest: A Trekker’s Guide, Reynolds

Guide to the most popular trekking region in the Himalaya. Lodges, teahouses, permits, health – all are dealt with in this indispensable guide. With updated information, clear mapping and superb photography, including detailed descriptions of approach routes from both Nepal and Tibet. $15.95

Trails Illustrated Map 3001: Everest

USGS-based TI maps are more current that USGS maps and are specifically designed for recreation use (trails, facilities, etc.). $16.99

areafacts
intinerary
gearlist
photos

Area Facts and Details

Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth, with its summit 8,848 meters (29,029 ft) above sea level. The mountain, which is part of the Himalaya range in Asia, is located on the border between Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal, and Tibet, China.

By the end of the 2008 climbing season, there had been 4,102 ascents to the summit by about 2,700 individuals. Everest has claimed 210 lives.

In 1856, the Great Trigonometric Survey of India established the first published height of Everest, then known as Peak XV, at 29,002 ft (8,840 m). In 1865, Everest was given its official English name by the Royal Geographical Society upon recommendation of Andrew Waugh the British Surveyor of India at the time. While Waugh was anxious to preserve local names if possible but was unable to find any commonly used. Waugh’s search for a local name was hampered by Nepal and Tibet being closed to foreigners at the time. Many local names existed, with perhaps the best known in Tibet for several centuries being Chomolungma (“Saint Mother”), which had appeared on a 1733 map published in Paris by the French. However, Waugh argued that with the plethora of local names, it would be difficult to favor one specific name over all others. So, he decided that Peak XV should be named after George Everest, his predecessor as Surveyor General of India. George Everest opposed the name and told the Royal Geographical Society in 1857 that Everest could not be written in Hindi nor pronounced by the Indians.

Everest is the mountain whose summit attains the greatest distance above sea level. Several other mountains are claimed as alternative “tallest mountains on Earth.” Mauna Kea in Hawaii is tallest when measured from its base on the mid-ocean floor, rising over 10,200 m (6.3 miles), but only attains 4,205 m (13,796 ft) above sea level. By the same measure of base to summit, Mount McKinley in Alaska is also taller than Everest. Despite its height above sea level of only 6,193 m (20,320 ft), Mount McKinley sits atop a sloping plain, yielding a height above base of approximately 5,600 meters (18,400 ft). The summit of Chimborazo in Ecuador is 2,168 m (7,113 ft) farther from the Earth’s center than Everest, because the Earth bulges at the Equator.

A minute black jumping spider has been found at elevations as high as 6,700 meters (22,000 ft), possibly making it the highest confirmed non-microscopic permanent resident on Earth. They lurk in crevices and possibly feed on frozen insects that have been blown there by the wind. It should be noted that there is a high likelihood of microscopic life at even higher altitudes. Birds, such as the bar-headed goose, have been seen flying at the higher altitudes of the mountain, while others such as the Chough have been spotted as high as 7,920 m scavenging on food left by prior climbing expeditions.

The Sherpa are an ethnic group from the mountainous region of Nepal. The term Sherpa is also used to refer to local people who are employed as guides for mountaineering expeditions. They are highly regarded as elite mountaineers and experts in their local terrain.

Sherpas are renowned in the international climbing and mountaineering community for their hardiness, expertise, and experience at high altitudes. It has been speculated that a portion of the Sherpas’ climbing ability is the result of a genetic adaptation to living in high altitudes. Some of these adaptations include unique hemoglobin-binding enzymes, doubled nitric oxide production, hearts that can utilize glucose, and lungs with an increased sensitivity to low oxygen.

Everest is growing by about 4 millimeters a year. It became the highest mountain in the world some 200,000 years ago.

The Everest View Hotel is at 12,779 feet the highest hotel in the world. Each room affords a panoramic view of Everest, weather permitting. Guests are flown to an airstrip and are then transported by yak to the hotel. The sudden high altitude is a shock to the unacclimatised guests, and so the hotel pumps a constant fresh supply of oxygen into each room.

A white plume of clouds is often seen blowing off the top of Everest. It is the jet stream, a wind current reaching speeds up to 250 mph.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1-3Departure from home airport. Team members travel from their home states to Kathmandu. Upon arrival we will be taken by bus to the hotel not far from the airport. We’ll check in, change some money, and go for a walk to the nearby shops and restaurants. The afternoon is free.

Day 4Mini-bus from our hotel to the Kathmandu airport for an exciting early morning flight to Lukla airstrip (9,275′). After final administration requirements, we fly via Twin Otter STOL to the landing strip in Lukla. This flight will offer amazing views of the eastern Himalayas, as long as the weather cooperates. After meeting our Sherpa staff we will load yaks and begin our journey to base camp. There is a slight drop in elevation on our first day and we travel mostly on flat lands through pine forests along the Dudh Kosi to Phakding (8,700′).

Day 5-6We will continue along the Dudh Kosi through Jorsale (9,200′) and enter into the Sagarmatha National Park. Passing through the canyon we will continue to meander through the small pine forest with stones and huge boulders that line the trail and are inscribed with the holy inscription, “Om mani padme hum”. The trail begins to rise and leads us to the village of Namche Bazaar. This historic village is a trading post for Nepalese and Tibetan traders. After a night’s rest we will spend the following day exploring Namche’s many shops and have the opportunity to hike to the park headquarters for great views of Everest and a chance to acclimatize. This is a great place to re-supply on treats, batteries, etc. We will leave a duffle bag in Namche in a secure place with things you’ve realized you don’t need any more on the trail.

Day 7We climb up and over the hill into the beautiful little village of Khunde. We will see the Khunde hospital, one of the only hospitals in the whole Kumbu. We will also see the Hillary school, which was funded and built by Sir Edmond Hillary (the first person along with his partner Sherpa Tenzing Norgay to summit Mt. Everest). We will also visit a Sherpa home.

Day 8We will travel from Khunde to Tengboche (12,680′). The view of the mountains from Tengboche is amazing! Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse are all visible to the north, as Kantenga and Thamserku to the south. Tengboche is considered to be a center for culture and religion. The monastery at Tengboche is well known throughout the world and the Rinpoche is a leading figure in the Buddhist community revered for a number of writings that he has accomplished. Hopefully our group will have an audience with Rinpoche to receive his blessing for the trek. This is often a moving and intense experience.

Day 9We travel on to Dingboche (14,540′) via the Imja Valley. The trail is gradually sloped for most of the morning as we make our way past the nunnery at Devuche. Dingbuche is a stunning village of stone huts known as the summer village for local herders. The mountain views are outstanding from this valley as Makalu stands in the distance.

Day 10-11We climb to the village of Pheriche (13,907′). Here the canyon begins to widen into high alpine meadows with Tawache (21,011′) and Ama Dablam sweeping upward to each side of the valley. The trail climbs gradually to Pheriche, a small hamlet with teashops, stores, and a trekker’s medical post. Here we will spend an extra day to acclimate. Located in Pheriche is a high altitude research center. This world-renowned center attracts physician who study the effects of high altitude on humans. We will have time to chat with the doctors at the center and maybe attend a class on high altitude illnesses.

Day 12-14After our short stay in Pheriche we begin our trek to our next major destination, the village of Gorak Shep. On our route to Gorak Shep we will encounter the small village of Dughla and more importantly the stone memorials that were built for climbers killed on expeditions of nearby summits. The majority of them are from Everest climbs. This is a peaceful place that sits atop a beautiful ridge crest. From here the trail heads northeast to the more primitive lodges of Lobuche (16,175′), situated below the terminal moraine of a tributary glacier. Depending on time or acclimatization we might stay here or move up to Gorak Shep. While in Lobuche a climb to the ridge crest to the west provides fine views, especially at sunset. The Italians have constructed a pyramid research station just north of Lobuche to study altitude phenomena. We will continue through the glacial moraine and high tundra into the “Valley of the Gods,” where we will come to the sporadically occupied hamlet of Gorak Shep (16,924). Outside of Gorak Shep lies Kala Pattar, the black hill (18,300). From its summit on all sides loom the giants of the earth: Everest, Pumori, Lhotse and the Tibetan peak Changste. From Gorak Shep, if you choose to, we can make our way to Everest Base Camp for a visit to one of mountaineering’s most famous places. This time of year, Base Camp will most likely be deserted but if you look hard enough you just might find a souvenir to take home. Everest Base Camp sits at the foot of the Khumbu glacier (17,575) and can be reached from Gorak Shep in a few hour’s time. We will travel over the rubble-covered surface of the Khumbu glacier and see many serac formations along the way. Once at Base Camp, we will have a few hours to explore the area and take pictures of the infamous Khumbu Icefall and look for expedition souvenirs left behind.

Day 15We break camp in Gorak Shep and head back down the valley towards Lobuche. When we reach Lobuche we stop for tea and treats before we make our way back down to Pheriche. On our trip down the mountain the days will be longer and cover more trail than on the way up. By this time we are fit and acclimated and can cover more ground than when we ascended the valley.

Day 16Head down to Tengboche. Once again enjoy the amazing culture and religious center of the Khumbu.

Day 17We will continue our walk downhill and come back upon the trading village of Namche Bazaar. Enjoy the traders and their items and pick up those souvenirs for family or friends. We’ll have time for a shave and a chance to clean up if desired. Snap photos of the beauty of the Sherpa culture before we head down the trail for the last time.

Day 18The last walk to Lukla will take most of the day and is a long hike. Once in Lukla our Sherpas will prepare our gear for the flight back to Kathmandu. We will spend the last night celebrating with the Sherpa people and enjoying their gift of friendship. This is a memorable night that will be cherished!

Day 19Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu for celebratory dinner. Stay at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 20Free day, city tour in Kathmandu.

Day 21-22Depart from Kathmandu and back home to final destination.Note: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather, trail and course conditions, travel, health and wellbeing of the trip participants, and interests of the group.

Gear Checklist

The best way to stay comfortable on any active adventure is going lightweight. Wearing the right versatile layers will insure a system with great ventilation and maximum protection in any conditions. The items on this list are just suggestions, however traveling with these items will give you the best chance for comfort and protection while in Nepal against any and all conditions. Your local Backwoods employee would be glad to help determine which product is right for you!

As with many high altitude mountain trips, the weather can change very quickly. During the night Khumbu region, temperatures can be quite cold (0-25 degrees) with daytime temperatures ranging between 30-60 degrees. Most days will be clear and enjoyable, however, cool and misty conditions are possible, along with the occasional dusting of snow.

Weight for duffle bags carried by porters during the trek is 15 kilograms (33 lbs.). This would be a great time to update your gear with some really lightweight equipment. Travel/city clothing may be stored at the hotel in Kathmandu during the trek.

Baggage
✓ Day pack – 2,000-3,000 cu. in
✓ Large duffel bag
✓ Luggage tags and luggage locks
✓ Passport pouch or money pouch

Travel
✓ Casual Clothing and lightweight, comfortable items for travel.
✓ Valid passport.
✓ Airline tickets
✓ Electrical adapter plug
✓ Earplugs
✓ Travel pillow

Clothing
✓ Waterproof Breathable Jacket
✓ Waterproof Breathable pants, should be able to slip on and off easily over boots
✓ Mid-weight fleece pants or tights
✓ Long-sleeved shirts
✓ Hiking pants or shorts
✓ Lightweight synthetic long underwear top
✓ Lightweight synthetic long underwear bottom
✓ T-shirts synthetic

Cold Weather Accessories
✓ Gloves warm-weight waterproof
✓ Gloves mid-weight windstopper
✓ Ski hat

Footwear
✓ Hiking boots – waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread
✓ Tennis shoes, a break from your boots
✓ Gaiters
✓ Hiking socks.
✓ Warm socks
✓ Sock liners

Sleeping
✓ Sleeping bag – lightweight, easily packable (rated to 10 degrees).
✓ Sleeping pad.
✓ Tents are supplied.

Others
✓ Water bottles and / or Hydration Resevoir (2-3). (optional)
✓ Headlamp (w. spare batteries and bulb).
✓ Sun hat
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Bandanas
✓ Money ($800-$1,000 in cash including some small US, Euros or Tanzanian bills)
✓ Ski or trekking poles
✓ Pack cover
✓ Headlamp or flashlight
✓ Camera, film, tripod
✓ Batteries – extra for headlamp and camera
✓ Small binoculars
✓ Notebook, journal, pencil and pen
✓ Pocket knife or multi-tool
✓ Energy bars, hard candy, snacks and comfort foods
✓ Personal first-aid kit
✓ Watch with alarm
✓ Several Ziploc plastic bags
✓ Heavy duty trash bag

Toiletries
✓ Toilet paper (and baggie to put used paper while on trail).
✓ Small towel
✓ Soap
✓ Toothbrush and toothpaste
✓ Handi-wipes (moist towels for cleaning)
✓ Hand sanitizer
✓ Personal toiletry items
✓ Sun block and lip balm

Shop this Gear List Now!

Something Life Changing Is Just One Adventure Away!

Backwoods Adventures

316.200.5780 | EMAIL US

"My general comments are…this was THE BEST trip of my life, by far(and I have been places). The group, Joe, the supporting company, the hike, the safari, the whole overall experience was absolutely amazing and I would recommend it to anybody who loves Nature, adventure and physical challenges.

Carlos Q. – Kilimanjaro 2011
"This trip far exceeded my expectations. I knew it would be beautiful, but it was more beautiful than I expected. I knew the good would be good, but it was better. I knew Joe would be good, but then there was Beatrice and Caroline. I knew the group would be good and fun loving…but it was even more fun than I thought!"

Rich C. – Mont Blanc 2011
"Great success overall. Definitely and experience I will remember for a long long time. The flexibility offered on the trip was greatly appreciated. Great call on gear list and was able to get all the appropriate gear at Backwoods."

Dan M. – Costa Rica 2011
"The Salkantay/Machu Picchu trip was amazing. The icing on the cake was Joe's fantastic sense of humor, patience and unassuming nature. Backwoods Adventures was exceptionally well represented by Joe on this trip. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to fulfill a life list goal."

Pam C. – Machu Picchu 2008
"Once again the Backwoods Adventures guides provided a well- planned, professional and entertaining outdoor experience. Great knowledge of the trail, the environment and culture of the canyon kept the trip interesting and engaging. Looking forward to my next trip!"

Jim R. – Utah Canyons 2011
"I’m speechless. Having just returned from this very trip all I can say is – can I do it all over again? This trip is absolutely unbelievable at every level. The accommodations, the food, the people, the ruins, the hiking-I find I have to pinch myself while reviewing my pictures in order to believe that I was actually there!"

- C. Blaise `2008
" Thank you to Joe for being our trip leader. His sense of humor and patience played a huge part in the success of the trip. It was a great experience that was planned well!"
- R. & M. Hall `2009
"Not only was the food good, but the variety & impulsiveness was fun... keep it up. The lunch at Silencio was pleasantly unique, as were the roadside stops and new foods. I traveled with Backwoods as the positive result of a previous Backwoods trip and would be pleased to do so again."
- J. Rogers `2008

"The whole Backwoods Adventure, from the slideshow, to the advice/shopping at the Norman store to the conference calls to the actual trip itself was fantastic. I hope to continue these trips as they provide a lot of value for the cost!"
- Terry B `2011

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Everest Base Camp Trek

Area Facts and Details

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Shop this Gear List Now!

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Something Life Changing Is Just One Adventure Away!

Backwoods Adventures

316.200.5780 | EMAIL US

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