Everest Base Camp Trek with a Local Guide, 14 Days

The classic trek to Everest Base Camp runs along the Nepali side of the Himalaya, in the Khumbu region. After the mountain flight to Lukla the route follows the Dudh Koshi, crosses suspension bridges, passes through Sherpa settlements and enters Sagarmatha National Park. Namche Bazaar is the first important acclimatisation step, and higher up the trail gradually leads the group on to Pangboche, Pheriche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep.

The main objective of the route is Everest Base Camp at 5364 m. The summit of Everest itself is hidden from base camp by the terrain, so the trip includes a separate ascent of Kala Patthar, 5645 m. That point gives one of the most recognisable perspectives on Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori and the Khumbu Glacier.

This is a high-altitude walking route, not a mountaineering ascent. Crampons, an ice axe and a harness are not required on the standard trip. The main difficulties come from altitude, long stages, cold, a stony trail and accumulated fatigue. Participants need regular endurance training, experience of multi-day trekking is desirable, and with good preparation this trip can be a first Himalayan trek.

Acclimatisation is built in sequence: after the first night below Lukla the group climbs to Namche Bazaar, spends an additional day there and only then continues to gain height. On the upper part of the route the guide assesses wellbeing, pace and signs of altitude reaction every day. Reaching base camp and Kala Patthar is not guaranteed; the guide decides whether to continue or turn back, and safety matters more than the sporting result.

The classic trip suits participants who want the full overland logic of the route and a gradual introduction to the Khumbu. A shorter itinerary with a helicopter section, a longer route through the Gokyo lakes and the Cho La pass, and an extended-service format of the Everest trek exist as separate trips with their own conditions.

This listing is the local-guide format, run with a local Nepali guide. The composition of the local team, the working language and the ratio of participants to assistants are confirmed before booking. A trip with a leader from the Mountain Guide team is sold under a different package and can be quoted individually on request.

Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu.

Participants make their own way to Kathmandu international airport. A team representative meets the group and arranges the transfer to the hotel. After check-in there is an introduction to the local guide, a check of personal equipment and a route briefing. This day is needed to recover from the flight and to settle practical arrangements before departure for the mountains. In the evening there is dinner in a restaurant serving national Nepali cuisine. Night in a hotel.

Day 2. Flight to Lukla, 2860 m, and trek to Phakding, 2610 m.

Early in the morning the group travels to Ramechhap airport and flies to Lukla. The exact place and time of departure are confirmed before the trip, because flight logistics depend on the rules in force and on the weather. After collecting the baggage the walking part of the route begins. The first stage passes through the settlements and farms of the Dudh Koshi valley, helps the group settle into a working pace and finishes below the altitude of Lukla, in Phakding. Night in a lodge.

Day 3. Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, 3440 m.

The trail crosses the river several times on suspension bridges and passes through Monjo and the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. After Jorsale the main climb to Namche Bazaar begins. This is the first physically demanding day and an important test of the group's pace. On the approach, in clear weather, the first view of Everest is possible. Night in a lodge.

Day 4. Acclimatisation in Namche Bazaar, 3440 m.

The group stays for a second night in Namche Bazaar and makes an acclimatisation outing with a return to the village. The local guide chooses the specific walk according to the weather and the condition of the participants. The purpose of the day is to give the body time to adapt before the stages above 3800 m, to check wellbeing and to avoid gaining height too quickly. Free time can be used to get to know Namche Bazaar and Sherpa culture. Night in a lodge.

Day 5. Trek to Pangboche, 3928 m.

After breakfast the group continues into the upper part of the Khumbu valley. The stage takes about 5 to 6 hours and alternates between descents and climbs. As height is gained the views of Ama Dablam open up particularly well. The stage brings the group to about 4000 m, so rest and monitoring of wellbeing matter after check-in. Night in a lodge.

Day 6. Trek to Pheriche, 4240 m.

The trail moves into more open high-altitude terrain. The pace remains steady, because the body is still adapting to the altitude. On arrival the local guide assesses the condition of the participants and explains the tactics for the next stage towards the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. In the evening warm clothing and the drinking system need to be prepared. Night in a lodge.

Day 7. Trek to Lobuche, 4940 m.

The group climbs onto the high plateau and approaches the moraine formations of the Khumbu Glacier. The height gain becomes more noticeable and recovery takes longer. The main task is to complete the stage without forcing the pace, to conserve strength and to tell the local guide promptly about any change in wellbeing. Night in a lodge.

Day 8. Gorak Shep, 5164 m, and Everest Base Camp, 5364 m.

After the stage from Lobuche the group checks into a lodge in Gorak Shep and rests. Participants then walk out to Everest Base Camp over stony ground along the Khumbu Glacier. After reaching the objective and a short stop it is necessary to return by the same route to Gorak Shep before the weather deteriorates and darkness falls. This is a long day at high altitude, so the local guide may change the departure time or shorten the outing for safety. Night in a lodge.

Day 9. Ascent of Kala Patthar, 5645 m, and descent to Dingboche.

An early start gives a chance to see Everest in the morning light. The ascent of Kala Patthar is not technically difficult, but the thin air makes a slow pace and considerable effort necessary. The local guide decides on the start and on the highest point reached, taking the weather and the condition of the participants into account. After the descent to Gorak Shep the group continues down to Dingboche, where the lower altitude helps recovery. Night in a lodge.

Day 10. Trek from Dingboche to Pangboche.

The descent continues through the familiar valley. After several nights at high altitude walking becomes easier, but the stony trail and accumulated fatigue still demand attention. The day is used for a safe loss of altitude and for recovery after the outings to base camp and Kala Patthar. Night in a lodge.

Day 11. Trek to Namche Bazaar.

The route returns to the greener part of the Khumbu. The stage takes about 5 to 6 hours and includes not only descents but also separate climbs, so an even pace is maintained. In Namche Bazaar the group rests before the final walking stage. Night in a lodge.

Day 12. Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla.

Along the familiar trail the group descends to the Dudh Koshi, crosses the suspension bridges and returns to Lukla. The stage takes about 4 to 5 hours. After check-in the local guide confirms the flight information and the onward ground logistics. In the evening there is a farewell dinner with the local team. Night in a lodge.

Day 13. Flight to Ramechhap and return to Kathmandu.

In suitable weather the group flies out of Lukla and travels on to Kathmandu after landing. The arrival time depends on the actual schedule and on the condition of the mountain airfield. After checking into the hotel participants rest; free time is available if the schedule allows. Night in a hotel.

Day 14. End of the trip.

Breakfast in the hotel and a transfer to the international airport at the agreed time. Participants check in for their flight independently. The international departure should be planned with spare time relative to the return from Lukla, because delays to mountain flights can change the schedule.

• A Nepali guide
• Meeting and seeing off at Kathmandu airport
• Accommodation in a four-star hotel in Kathmandu, 2 nights
• Breakfasts in Kathmandu
• Accommodation in lodges on the trek
• Group equipment: a first-aid kit and a satellite navigator
• A soft duffel bag for personal belongings, provided locally
• Arrangement of the permissions, permits and entry fees required to complete the confirmed route

• International flights to Kathmandu and back
• Internal flights Ramechhap to Lukla and Lukla to Ramechhap; the cost and the baggage limits are confirmed before the trip
• Transfers Kathmandu to Ramechhap airport to Kathmandu for the Lukla flights
• Optional helicopter flights; availability and cost are calculated separately
• A Nepal visa
• Medical insurance covering trekking to an altitude of at least 5645 m, search and rescue operations and emergency helicopter evacuation
• Single occupancy
• Early check-in and late check-out at the hotel before or after the trip
• Meals during the trek
• The services of a personal porter
• Tips for the local team
• Costs arising if a participant ends their participation early for health or personal reasons
• Additional costs caused by flight delays, weather or forced change to the itinerary

How you are accompanied. The price shown on this page is the format with a local Nepali guide. Their name, experience, working language and the make-up of the assistant team are confirmed before booking. A Russian-speaking leader from the Mountain Guide team can be requested separately; availability depends on the dates and the size of the group.

The trek to Everest Base Camp can be arranged for a family, a group of friends, a climbing club, a corporate team or any closed group, with no one else joining. The dates, the staff accompanying the group, the standard of accommodation in Kathmandu, whether you want a porter and any extra days before or after the mountain section are all agreed individually.

Given enough time, the route can be adapted to a private group's pace, but changes must not shorten the acclimatisation needed or make the trip less safe. Decisions on the day's stages, on additional outings and on turning back at altitude rest with the lead guide.

A Russian-speaking leader from the Mountain Guide team is confirmed for a private group before booking. The price depends on the number of participants and the level of service chosen.

Start preparing your documents before you buy any non-refundable tickets. The trip includes an international flight to Kathmandu and separate mountain flights to Lukla, so the given name and surname on every booking must match your passport exactly.

The requirements for a tourist visa, whether one can be issued on arrival and how long your passport must remain valid should be checked on the website the Nepal Department of Immigration for your own nationality. Mountain Guide does not arrange visas and does not sell air tickets.

Documents

• A passport meeting Nepal's current validity requirements
• A tourist visa or another valid entry permit
• International air tickets to Kathmandu and back
• Tickets or confirmations for the domestic flights on the itinerary
• An insurance policy covering trekking to at least 5645 m, search and rescue and helicopter evacuation
• Your policy number and the insurer's 24-hour emergency contact details
• Your booking confirmation for the trip and the organisers' contact details
• Documents for a participant under 18, where these apply
• Digital copies of your passport, visa, tickets and insurance on your phone and in cloud storage
• Waterproof document wallet

The permits for the confirmed trekking route are arranged by the local team as part of the services included. The current rules on TIMS and on guiding requirements are published on the website of the Nepal Tourism Board.

The main trekking seasons in the Everest region fall in the periods of steadier visibility before and after the summer monsoon. Particular departure dates need to be judged against the actual itinerary: conditions in the valley, at 5000 m and at the mountain airstrip at Lukla can all differ on the same day.

Lower down the route you can meet rain, humidity and warm days. Above Namche Bazaar the cold, the wind and the sharp swings between day and night become more noticeable. Around Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Base Camp and Kala Patthar there may be snow, ice on the trail and poor visibility. Be ready to walk in rain or snow and to set out early in sub-zero temperatures, though exact figures cannot be promised in advance.

Flights to Lukla operate only in suitable conditions. A delayed departure can change the ground logistics and cut the free time in Kathmandu. Buy international tickets leaving a sensible margin after the planned return from the mountains. Final decisions on start times, changes to the day's plan and turning back rest with the guide.

In Kathmandu there are two nights in a four-star hotel with breakfast - one at the start and one at the end of the trip. Accommodation is included in the price, in the confirmed room category. A single room, early check-in, late check-out and extra nights are paid separately and depend on availability.

On the walking section the group stays in mountain lodges. These are small guest houses along the trekking route, not town hotels. The room category, whether a room to yourself is possible, the bedding and the facilities vary from village to village. The higher the route goes, the more basic conditions become. The particular lodges and room types are confirmed by the local team according to what is actually available.

Meals on the trek are not part of the basic price. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are ordered from the lodge menu and paid for by each participant. The choice of dishes can be limited at altitude, so tell us about any dietary restrictions in advance without counting on a guaranteed special menu. Bring your own snacks for the longer days.

Showers and washing. Some lodges offer a hot shower for an extra charge, but neither its availability nor the water temperature is guaranteed. On the upper stages of the route, be ready to wash with very little water and to rely on your own toiletries.

Toilets. The type of toilet and the washing facilities depend on the particular lodge. The higher the village, the simpler the infrastructure. A head torch and a separate pair of light shoes are useful at night.

Power and charging. Charging devices may cost extra and is not available in every room. You will need a power bank, enough spare power for your phone and torch, and your own cables. We do not promise that charging will be possible at every overnight stop.

Internet and phone signal. Wi-Fi and a mobile signal are found in places, but they depend on the weather, the equipment and the altitude. Phone coverage should not be used as the only way of passing on critical information. Navigation and communications for the group are provided by the equipment included in the trip.

Laundry and drying. Do not plan on doing proper laundry during the high-altitude section. Damp clothing dries slowly, so bring spare socks and underwear and keep a dry set sealed in a waterproof bag. Whether laundry is possible in Kathmandu is confirmed locally.

The route calls for no crampons, ice axe, helmet or climbing harness. You bring all of your own personal equipment. It is worth agreeing your choice of footwear, sleeping bag and outer clothing with your guide in advance.

Documents

• Passport
• Air tickets or e-ticket receipts
• Medical insurance with the necessary altitude cover and helicopter evacuation
• Digital copies of your documents
• Waterproof document wallet

Baggage and personal equipment

• A 30-50 litre rucksack for the daily stages
• A soft holdall for your main baggage - provided by the team on arrival
• Waterproof rucksack cover
• Dry bags, or strong liner bags, for clothing and electronics
• Sleeping bag with a comfort rating no higher than -5 °C
• Folding trekking poles with baskets
• Water containers holding about 2 litres in total
• Your own snacks for the longer days

Clothing and footwear

• Waterproof trekking boots with a dependable sole
• Light spare footwear for Kathmandu and for relaxing at the lodges
• Quick-drying base layer, top and bottoms
• Quick-drying T-shirts and a long-sleeved top
• Trekking trousers
• Fleece jacket
• Warm down jacket with a hood
• Waterproof shell jacket with a hood
• Waterproof shell trousers
• Thin gloves
• Warm waterproof gloves
• Warm hat
• Buff or bandana
• Sun cap or brimmed hat
• Trekking socks and a spare dry set
• Gaiters

Useful extras

• An LED head torch and a spare set of batteries
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• SPF 50 sun cream
• Lip balm with sun protection
• Vacuum flask or insulated bottle of about 1 litre
• Power bank and the charging cables you need
• Quick-drying towel
• Toiletries, wet wipes and toilet paper
• A personal first-aid kit suited to your own medical needs
• Elastic bandage or a personal support brace
• Blister prevention and treatment
• A small amount of cash for personal spending along the route