Everest Base Camp Trek

Beyond the mountain pastures, towards passes and the high valleys of the Himalayas, some 26,000 foot high peaks. A mountainous bowl of great beauty seems to protect the Gokyo Lakes. After Kala Patar, on to the Everest base camp, we are exposed to the feverish environment created by the mountaineers who leave for the ascent of the highest mountain on Earth.

• Day 1/  Arrival in Kathmandu
• Day 2/  Flight to Lukla (9,350 feet) - Phakding (8,530 feet)
• Day 3/  Phakding - Namche Bazaar (11,286 feet)
• Day 4/  Namche Bazaar
• Day 5/  Namche - Phortse (12,041 feet)
• Day 6/  Phortse - Machermo (14,436 feet)
• Day 7/  Machermo - Gokyo (15,584 feet)
• Day 8/  Gokyo Peak (17,585 feet)
• Day 9/  Gokyo - Dragnag (14,420 feet)
• Day 10/  Dragnag - Chola (17,782 feet) - Dzongla (15,879 feet)
• Day 11/  Dzongla - Lobuche (16,175 feet) - Gorakshep (16,929 feet)
• Day 12/  Everest base camp (17,717 feet)
• Day 13/  Kala Pattar (18,471 feet) - Dingboche (14,436 feet)
• Day 14/  Chukung Ri (18,209 feet)
• Day 15/  Dingpoche - Pangpoche (13,058 feet) - Tengboche (12,664 feet)
• Day 16/  Tengboche - Namche Bazaar
• Day 17/  Namche - Phakding - Lukla
• Day 18/  Flight to Kathmandu 
• Day 19/  Spare/free day in Kathmandu
• Day 20/  Depart from Kathmandu.

Ama Dablam (22,493 feet), Pumori (23,507 feet), Nuptse (25,791 feet), Lhotse (27,890 feet), Everest (29,029 feet)... These names are engrained in our heads, like a Mantra (Buddhist prayer) repeated ad infinitum.
And suddenly, at the exit of the staircases which lead to Namche Bazar, the animated capital of the Sherpa country, the summits spread out in front of us. At the slow step of the villagers, the path leads us to the Gokyo Lakes, preceding the ascent of Gokyo Peak (17,585 feet) and crossing over Cholo Pass (17,782 feet).
One day at the real Everest base camp allows us the opportunity to walk the first meters of the most coveted mountain ascent on this planet.
Well adjusted to the altitude, we then climb to Kala Pattar (18,471 feet), with it's impregnable view-point on Everest and the principal tops of High Khumbu.We still have Chuking Ri (18,209 feet), which allows us another impregnable point of view on the southern face of Lhotse, not far from the famous summit which constitutes Island Peak.
A prestigious, full itinerary, prestigious, to cover at least once in life.

Day 1/  Arrival Kathmandu
Arrival in Katmandu. Settle in at the Yak and Yeti 5 star Hotel for two nights. Some time available for a short visit of the city.

Day 2/  Kathmandu - Lukla (9,350 feet) - Phakding (8,530 feet)
At the beginning of the morning, depart from Katmandu to Lukla, splendid view on the Himalayas (this flight can be carried out only in good weather conditions. Organization of the loads with the carriers and the Sherpas. Beginning of the trek, in descent! A short and easy stage. Lodge.
3 H walk.

Day 3/ Phakding - Namche Bazar (11,286 feet)
Right and left bank of Dudh Kosi, the path is cut out in rock, bordering cultures, abruptly climbing up to Namche Bazar, the capital of the Sherpa country. Many small shops, Tibetans souvenirs, market on Saturday. Lodge.
6 H walk.

Day 4/  Namche Bazar
Quiet day, allowing good altitude acclimatization. With the choice, of a small walk to discover villages overhanging the capital of the Sherpa country, or to rest and visit of the Namche shops or a mix of both.

Day 5/  Namche Bazar - Phortse (12,041 feet)
Leaving Namche, the way path climbs above the houses to reach the mountain ridge. Crossing of a small pass then descend to Khumjung village. Superb view on the Prince of the surroundings: Ama Dablam. Continue on until Phortse. Lodge.
6 H walk.

Day 6/  Phortse - Machermo (14,436 feet)
We leave the main Khumbu valley to immerse ourselves in a secretive small valley. The pathway initially crosses a beautiful forest of rhododendrons decorated with water falls before reaching Machermo. Lodge at Machermo.
6 H walk.

Day 7/  Machermo - Gokyo (15,584 feet)
This morning, we hike from hamlet to hamlet. We gradually discover new mountains, in particular Cho Oyu (26,716 feet) which forms a border with Tibet. Settle in for two nights in lodge at the foot of Gokyo peak.
5 H walk.

Day 8/  Gokyo Peak (17,585 feet)
The day is devoted to the ascent of Gokyo Peak. The path is easy, via the southern slope. The return brings us close to the lakes and to the lodge at the center of a mountain bowl considered by some, "aesthetically" superior to that of Everest.
4 to 5 H walk.

Day 9/  Gokyo - Dragnag (14,420 feet)
We take the path which will lead us to the foot of Cho La. Crossing the final tongue of the Ngozumpa glacier. Lodge at the Dragnag hamlet located at the foot of Cho La which we cross the next morning. Lodge with basic comfort.
3 H walk

Day 10/  Dragnag - Chola (17,782 feet) - Dzongla (15,879 feet)
A steep slope with a path leading to the pass (5h of ascent). A new valley opens in front of us, a splendid reward for our effort. Easy descent (short passage on a glacier without danger) to the Dzongla hamlet. Lodge with basic comfort.
8 H walk.
To be noted:  Chola passage can be undertaken only in good weather and without the fall of fresh snow. The guide is the only judge of these conditions.

Day 11/  Dzongla - Lobuche (16,175 feet) - Gorakshep (16,929 feet)
Hiking the mountain side. Splendid view on the northern face of Jobo Lhaptshan, of Nuptse, Pumori, Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam... Settle in for two nights in lodge at Gorakshep.
6. 30 H walk.

Day 12/  Gorakshep - Everest Base Camp (17,717 feet) - Gorakshep
Chaotic advance in the moraines (mass of rocks, sand left by a glacier), to the real Everest base camp. Uncomfortable, but the candidates to the summit live for two months here there! And contrary to general belief, the base camp is perfectly clean today! You are at the foot of the frightening Ice Fall. The seracs (pieces of ice) fall... Amazing atmosphere and fantastic landscape!
6. 30 H walk.

Day 13/  Gorak Shep (16,929 feet) - Kala Pattar (18,471 feet) - Gorak Shep -  Dingboche (14,436 feet)
Wake early in the morning, to benefit from the sunrise and to climb the southern slopes of Kala Pattar, at the foot of the Pumori pyramid, our highest trekking point. Unforgettable view on the Southern pass, key passage of the ascent to Everest and almost the totality of the ascension route to the "roof of the world." Return to Gorak Shep and descent to Dingboche. The altitude is lower here and everyone feels better. Lodge.
7. 30 H walk.

Day 14/  Dingboche - Chukung (15,518 feet)- Chukung Ri (18,045 feet)- Dingboche
Easy and regular ascent to reach Chukung hamlet. (2h  walk). The most courageous launch themselves at the ascent of Chukung Ri. No difficulty beside the fact that the path is, badly traced. But the view from the top, largely as imposing as the one from Kala Pattar, amply rewards one of their efforts. (4 H walk). Return to Chukung and descent to Dingboche. Lodge.
8 H walk.

Day 15/  Dingpoche - Pangpoche (13,058 feet) - Tengboche (12,664 feet)
Beautiful descent facing the Ama Dablam. Snack stop in front of the Pangboche monastery. After crossing a footbridge over the torrent, we traverse, for about an hour, a very beautiful forest maintained by the monastery monks. Lodge close by the monastery.
4 H walk.

Day 16/  Tengboche - Namche Bazar
Fast descent into a beautiful forest. Footbridge at Phunki before a slow hike up, then a balcony path leading to Namche Bazar. Lodge.
4. 30 H walk.

Day 17/  Namche - Phakding - Lukla
We already know the way, as we borrowed it going up.  Final lodge. Generally, one celebrates the success of the trek with our Sherpa friends.
7 H walk

Day 18/  Lukla - Kathmandu
Flight to Katmandu. Settle in at our 5 star deluxe hotel, the Yak and Yeti for two nights. Free afternoon.

Day 19/  Kathmandu
Free or potential spare day to spend in Katmandu. Hotel.

Day 20/  Depart from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport and flight home.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
The other part of the equipment is transported by the carriers to the lodge. We are asking that every one have only one bag (trekking bag); the maximum weight of this bag should not exceed 27 pounds. At your arrival, we will provide you a bag cover in order to protect your bag during the trek.

The guides
- an English-speaking professional Nepalese Mountain World Travel guide
- a guide specialized in the Kathmandu valley

Local team
- a Sirdar, head of the porter organization, generally English-speaking
- porter (Sherpas) staff;
- a cook and, if necessary, their assistants
- one or more Sherpas according to the circuits, those aspiring Sirdars will insure your comfort by closing the circuit and double checking that no one is left behind.
What to know about carrying: in Nepal, carrying is part of every day life. It begins its' practice with the very young. Provisions to feed the villages, building materials, harvests, are carried on men's backs. For their personal needs, outside of trekking season, the Nepalese often carry between 130 and 170 pounds. The carriers often come from the lower valleys. Sherpas come from the Khumbu region, at the foot of Mount Everest. We ask the Sirdars to ensure that the weight load does not exceed 67 pounds per carrier (no including personal material). The wages that the porters earn during the trekking season benefit the entire family even throughout the long months of tourist inactivity.

Most Domestic flights on Yeti Airlines
Ground transportation is organized by private tourism bus vehicles.

Top level Nepalese lodging in Kathmandu!
- Kathmandu: Yak and Yeti, 5 star deluxe Hotel, based on double room occupancy.
- Throughout the trek: accommodation in lodges. Often comfortable lodging meeting strict standards of construction, established by a charter: double rooms, separate beds, toilets outside. Some lodges are equipped with showers (water is often tepid) and with electricity, thanks to solar panels. However, the higher in altitude the lodges are, the more basic their comfort becomes.
To note: because of the lack of insulation and lack of fuel, the rooms of the lodges are generally not heated. For your comfort, it is essential to have a good, warm sleeping bag.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Meals
Downtown and during the transfers: restaurant.
During the trekking:
on the paths from one village to another, lunch in restaurant along the way,
a energy food complement is provided,
lunches and diners are served in the lodges.

Drinks
- during trek, mineral water, tea and coffee included
- Kathmandu, mineral water included

To note: In Nepal, Hindus and Buddhists are mainly vegetarians. Little meat or fish is thus eaten there. The dishes are containing pastes, rice, potatoes, lentils...

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Kathmandu
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions/options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water and tea/coffee during trekking)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide and porters
• Cost of foreign country entrance visa
• Airport taxes and depart from Kathmandu (approximately $35)
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1-970-544-WALK (1-970-544-9255) or at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Kathmandu:

• Star Alliance (United) in cooperation with Thaï Airlines operates daily flights to Kathmandu from anywhere in the States through Bangkok.
• Qatar Airways operates daily flights to Kathmandu from Washington DC through Doha (and 4 times a week from New York) - Qatar is a member of Star Alliance.
• Oneworld, in cooperation with Cathay Pacific, operates four flights a week to Kathmandu from anywhere in the States through Honk-Kong.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey; a visa is required.
Please visit    http://www.nepalembassyusa.org/visa.php?page=tourist_visa_requirement
The visa can be obtained directly upon your arrival at the airport in Nepal.

Please bring 2 photo ID's with you: one is for obtaining the entrance Visa to Nepal and the second is to enable us to obtain a Trekking Permit.

For US citizens, please check with US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements.
For other nationalities, please contact the Nepalese embassy of your country.

Vaccines
Certain vaccines are highly recommended, but none are obligatory.
We advise you to be up to date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, B and one protecting you from rabies is highly recommended for all.
Note: yellow fever vaccine is not necessary (no yellow fever in Asia) but required for any person coming from Africa or Tropical America.

Malaria
A preventative treatment against Malaria is not necessary for this trip.
For more information, visit http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNepal.aspx

Dentist and doctor
A check up before your departure is recommended

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness(Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx 

LEVEL 4
3 months prior:  Hike 10 to 12 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity that develops stamina (jogging, cycling or swimming) for a cumulative duration of 2 to 3 hours per week (without excessive shortness of breath or exceptional fatigue), you should be up to speed.  

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, (short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Gaiters
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 23° F to 32° F)

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).