Everest Base Camp Trek

We offer this trip every year we have a summit expedition. Next Everest Base Camp Trek is Spring 2024.

Overview of Everest Base Camp Trek

While the world’s greatest peaks Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam characterize the mighty Khumbu Region, trekkers have the opportunity to explore from within its sacred valleys and picturesque villages, enjoyed spectacular views of the high Himalaya’s unforgettable panoramas. Along the way, we are showered with impressions of ancient Tibetan Buddhism as we visit and learn from our friends living in these inspiring monastic communities. 

Everest Base Camp Trek is reasonable for the fit and enthusiastic, this journey into the heart of the sacred regions of the Khumbu offers a lifetime of impressions and reflections. Most days are nothing short of breathtaking while we trek amidst the Himalayan giants to the jingle of yak bells. Each corner turns reveals new views and prospectives that transport our minds deep into the world of these daunting and breathtaking peaks. We then climb Lobuche East: a great first Himalayan experience for any aspiring mountaineer and a perfect “next step” to other climbs. Lobuche East consists of moderate snow and ice climbing depending on conditions as we ascend to 20,000 feet, and is open to all individuals in good physical condition who posses basic mountaineering skills: cramponing, ice axe arrest and roped travel, as well as self care and efficiency techniques.

Trekking in these regions with Benegas Brothers offers an experience of a lifetime. No other organization can provide the combination of expertise, committed and long lasting relationships with local Nepalis, and the first-hand knowledge of the mountains and environment. Our walking days will include much discourse on the peaks of the Everest region, architecture of Buddhist shrines, and Sherpa Buddhism.

As with all our expeditions, we believe that you should be free to loose yourself in the world of the mountains and travel unfettered by the rigors of food preparation, lodging and logistics. Benegas Brothers Expeditions certainly offers the most comprehensive program available utilizing a distinguished staff of Sherpas, in Base Camp huge tents and a diverse assortment of quality meals. (Some of the food being flown in from the US and Argentina).

During the Everest Base Camp Trek we lodge in Sherpa villages, many of them remote, giving us a rare look into both traditional and monastic communities. Our lodging will be in guest houses, accessed for our close network of long time Sherpa friends, and with the belief that a sharing of cultures is paramount to our understanding of the world. While the tea houses are fairly primitive by western standards, they are balanced by the warmth and tremendous support of the Sherpa people. On the trail to base camp, all trekkers will all have the opportunity for an exciting summit of their own on Kala Patthar (18,600ft).

Trip Details

Location: Khumbu, Himalaya, Nepal

Length: 18 Days (Trek Only), 23 days (Lobuche East Extension)

Trip Dates: 
TBD. In the months of April-June 2024. 

Prerequisites: Backpacking experience; good physical condition; basic Level of snow and glacier travel skills for Lobuche East Extension

Primary Goals: Explore the Khumbu Region, learn about the Sherpa Culture and experience life at an Everest Expedition

Guide Ratio: 6:1

Max: 6 trekkers Spring, 10 trekkers 

Pricing

Cost: $4,500 Trek Only (6 minimum at this rate)
$5,750 Trek with Lobuche East (3 minimum at this rate)

Deposit: $750 ($1250 for Lobuche East)

Trip Fee Includes

• Four scheduled hotel nights in Kathmandu Yak & Yeti 5-star Hotel (double occupancy)*
• Park entrance fees, trekking permits and Kathmandu city tour
• Porters
• All meals and overnight accommodations during the trek (not meals in Kathmandu) – double occupancy in tea houses and lodges and shared The North Face VE-25 tents at Base Camp
• Round trip airport transfers
• Return airfare from Lukla to Kathmandu, fixed wing

Trip Fee Does Not Include

• International airfare
• Personal equipment
• Staff/guide gratuities
• Items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra meals, etc.)
• Beverages
• Meals in Kathmandu
• Non-scheduled meals during trek
• Trip cancellation insurance and medical rescue/evacuation insurance
• Nepal visa and airport departure tax

*NB Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those occupying single accommodations by choice or circumstance. The single supplement is not available in huts, tents, or in all hotels.

Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrivals
Arrival in Kathmandu, Yak and Yeti Hotel for two nights (shared rooms)

Day 2:  City Tour
Today we visit The Monkey Temple, Bodnath Stupa and the Pashupatinath Temple.

Day 3: Fly to Lukla
After an early start, we fly via Twin Otter to the unforgettable landing strip of Lukla Airport (2,800 meters). Weather permitting, this flight offers outstanding views of the eastern Himalayas. We overnight at Phakding which is just a short three-hour hike from Lukla (2,610 meters).

Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar – 3,444 meters
We continue our trek deeper into the Khumbu region making various elevation gains or acclimatization hikes each day. Our two-night stops at both our Namche Bazaar (3,444 meters) and later Pheriche aid our body’s adjustment. Arriving in Namche, we may see lowland porters, highland Sherpas, and Tibetan people trading food and supplies during Namche’s market time. Hiking time 6 hours approx.

Day 5: Namche Bazaar Rest Day / Acclimatization Hike – 3,444 meters sleep

Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Deboche – 3,930 meters
Today we will pass through the village of Tengboche (3,865 meters), the cultural and religious center of the Khumbu, from where the views are spectacular: the jagged peaks of Thamserku and Kangtega stand to our south and Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam are visible to the north. The Tengboche Monastery at is one of the most well-known in the world and the Rinpoche is revered throughout the Buddhist community. Hiking time 7 hours approx.

Day 7: Deboche to Pheriche – 4,207 meters
Our next stop is Pheriche (4,207 metres), famous for its high altitude research center where world-renowned physicians acquire data to analyze the effects of high altitude on human physiology. During our stay we visit the research center and have time to chat with staff physicians. Hiking time 5 hours approx.

Day 8: Pheriche Rest Day / Acclimatization Hike– 4,207 meters sleep

Day 9: Pheriche to Lobuche – 4,909 meters
Situated on the flank of an old lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, as the trail winds through the high tundra and glacial moraine to reach Gorak Shep (5,158 meters), Lobuche is the last inhabited area before Everest Base Camp. Hiking time 6 hours approx.

Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep – 5,158 meters
From Gorak Shep we will make an ascent of Kala Patthar (5,577 meters), a small peak with excellent views of Everest, Nuptse and nearby Pumori. Many Everest photos are taken from the summit of Kala Patthar, from where we also look down onto Everest Base Camp. Hiking time 4 hours approx.

Day 11: Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp – 5,350 meters
Our team will finally hike into base camp and find BBE’s camp, settling in for the night and a warm welcoming celebration with the climbers and Sherpas. Whilst we are at Base Camp we can walk to the base of the Khumbu Icefall to get a closer view of the route that weaves its way through enormous jumbled seracs. Hiking time 3.5 hours approx.

Day 12-14: Everest Base Camp to Namche Bazaar – 3,444 meters
We begin our return to lower altitudes and quickly feel the difference in our lungs. Our first overnight stop is at the village of Pheriche, right on the vegetation line. We spend our second night of descent in the now seemingly lush Deboche before arriving back in Namche Bazaar on Day 15.

Day 15: Namche Bazaar to Lukla – 2,800 metros
Our final day of trekking from Namche Bazaar down to Lukla.

Day 16: Lukla to Kathmandu
Early morning flight to KTM (weather permitting) and free day to relax and enjoy the restaurants of Kathmandu. Yak and Yeti Hotel for two nights.

Day 17: Contingency Day
Free final day in Kathmandu for some final souvenir shopping /  this day must be available in case of delayed flights in or out of Lukla or if weather postpones our trek at any point.

Day 18: Departures from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport

Itinerary Lobuche East Extension

Days 1 – 11  As per Trek

Day 12: Everest Base Camp – 5,350 meters
Today we spend a second night at EBC for “static” acclimatization, and review some cramponing, ice axe and belay skills from Everest Base Camp.

Day 13: Back to Lobuche – 4,909 meters
Saying farewells to the trekking team headed for Pheriche, we spend a night back at Lobuche.

Day 14: Lobuche East High Camp – 5,800 meters
Today we make a considerable ascent to high camp, mostly on rocky terrain. Our high, just below crampon point for summit day, has wonderful views. Shared VE-25 tents.

Day 15: Lobuche East Summit Day – 6,119 meters
An early start for our summit bid, to climb the south shoulder of Lobuche East before ascending the summit ridge, where we rope up to follow this classic ridge to the 6119m summit where outstanding views of Everest, Lhotse and Nupste, and Ama Dablam await, amongst others. We then continue down to Lobuche East Base Camp for the evening.

Day 16: Bad weather contingency day

Day 17-19: Lobuche East Base Camp to Namche Bazaar – 3,444 meters
We begin our return to lower altitudes and quickly feel the difference in our lungs. Our first overnight stop is at the village of Pheriche, right on the vegetation line. We spend our second night of descent in the now seemingly lush Deboche before arriving back in Namche Bazaar on Day 19.

Day 20: Namche Bazaar to Lukla – 2,800 meters
Our final day of trekking from Namche Bazaar down to Lukla.

Day 21: Lukla to Kathmandu
Early morning flight to KTM (weather permitting) and free day to relax and enjoy the restaurants of Kathmandu. Yak and Yeti Hotel for two nights.

Day 22: Contingency Day
Free final day in Kathmandu for some final souvenir shopping /  this day must be available in case of delayed flights in or out of Lukla or if weather postpones our trek at any point.

Day 23: Departures from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport

Trip Planner

Getting There

During your flight to Kathmandu (KTM) you will cross the International Date Line. Travel time is approximately three days. If you want to see the mountains as you fly into Kathmandu, make sure you sit on the right-hand side of the plane.

Entry Requirements

A valid passport is required for entering Nepal. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the expected date of return. U.S. passport holders can stay up to 90 days without special visas.

We suggest making a copy of the first two pages of your passport and keeping them in a separate bag as a back up. A copy should also be left with your emergency contact.

Visas

Nepal: All foreigners (except Indian Nationals) require visas, which can be obtained in advance or upon arrival with one passport photo and payment in cash (U.S. Dollars).

Airport Arrival

Upon arrival at the Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport (KTM), follow signs to the Arrivals Building. Proceed to the visa counter for Visitors without a Visa. The debarkation and visa application forms you need are available both on your incoming flight as well as in the arrivals building. You will need one passport photo for your visa application.

Once you receive your bags from Baggage Claim, you will proceed to Customs. Be sure to keep all your bags together.

Outside the arrivals hall there will be a large group of taxi drivers and agents from many hotels and travel companies. Look for a sign with the name Benegas Brothers Expeditions. A private vehicle will take us to our hotel.

Money/Currency

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). In Nepal you are almost always required to pay for goods or services with the Nepalese Rupee. It is recommended that you change only as much money as you think you may spend as local currencies cannot be removed from the country or reconverted easily. Check a financial newspaper or www.xe.com for the current exchange rate prior to departure.

We suggest bringing $700 – $800 total for personal spending money and the Staff Tip Pool. If participating in the Lobuche East Extension, we suggest bringing $850 – $950 total for personal spending money and the Staff Tip Pool. You may choose to bring more depending on your shopping plans.

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in tourist shops, hotels, restaurants and agencies in Kathmandu. You will find a large number of ATMs in Kathmandu and using ATMs is the common method of obtaining cash. Plan on bringing cash for any purchases you will make while on the trek. While a few teahouses and bakeries in the Khumbu do accept credit cards, they charge a very high commission.

Everyone has a preferred way to carry money. Some use money belts, others have hidden pockets. Whatever you do, be aware of pickpockets and thieves in any area which caters to tourists.