SERVING SINCE 1998, Gov Regd No:8098/054/055, Ministry of tourism: 393/055

Everest Base Camp Trek

Name: Everest Base Camp Trek
Brand: Unique Treks
Price: 1690.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (13 reviews)

Overview

Cheap Everest Base Camp Trek 17 days: Cost, Altitude, Itinerary & Difficulty

The Everest Base Camp trek takes us deep into the heart of one of the most popular trekking regions on earth. This trip would be great for first time trekkers…

Everest Base Camp: These three words represent one of the world’s most well-liked trips, a status symbol; but offer real dreams for adventure lovers globally. This 17 days Everest Base Camp trek is an opportunity for your dreams to turn real and test your limits. Our trip begins with a thrilling mountain flight to the legendary airport of Lukla; built with the help of famous mountaineer late Sir Edmund Hillary. From this namesake, the famous trail of the Everest Base Camp was born. On touchdown at Lukla airport, we meet our senior guide and the other crew members: who begin to sort out our equipment. Sooner than later, we hit these popular trails to the foothills of the king of all peaks – Mt. Everest. Our cost-friendly Everest base camp trek will guide you through the best mountain trails in the world. There’s never a dull moment on this journey.

Why the Everest Base Camp trek would be ideal for you:

We hike deep into the heart of the Himalayas for about 5-8 hours a day through Sherpa territory. However, the well-cultivated fields and pretty villages warm the heart. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay laid a future base when they conquered Everest in 1953. Today, it’s a tradition and has become a true challenge for greenhorns who enjoy altitude. Nevertheless, the Everest Base Camp difficulty doesn’t spoil the thrills of outdoor adventure. There’s enough important time to acclimatize for Everest Base Camp altitude on the go. We climb into alpine zones with stunning scenery; and also enter the well known Tengboche monastery for a chat with friendly monks. We proceed further to EBC and this is where we begin our steep climb up the iconic Kalapaththar at 5545m. Nonetheless, upfront views of mighty Everest leave us gasping for breath, so close, but yet so far.

We spend some prime time on Kalapaththar with our video cams busy for some of the best pictures on earth. Real close-up views of the spectacular landscapes surrounding us from all angles leave us breathless for some time…it’s simply incredible!! As a result, the awesome experiences of this trip far outweigh our Everest Base Camp cost. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trek you’re likely never going to forget. If you’re looking for something more challenging, try our ‘3 High Passes’ trek which would be ideal for experienced trekkers who’ve done alpine altitudes; it’s a thrilling venture.

Is Everest Base Camp Trip cut out for you?

If you know you have the physical fitness, this is an arduous grade trek (level 5) as you walk to Base Camp and ascend Kalapaththar at over 5000m. This is where we get the best close-up views of the highest mountains in the world. Please get involved in some good physical activity at least 3 months prior to your EBC venture.

We experience 12 days point-to-point walking with full porterage throughout - you need only carry your daypack. You should have some previous trekking experience if you do not partake in regular exercise or hill while hillwalking you'd do some physical preparation before you begin this trip. The trail crosses approximately seven modern suspension bridges (twice), all of which have mesh sides but some are pretty long and high and anyone with a strong fear of heights or vertigo may feel a bit heady. The maximum altitude on this trek is 5,545m and the average is near 4000m. We give you enough time for acclimatisation, but altitude is a factor here and must be considered – this is why we ask our clients to ensure good physical fitness if not much previous trekking has been done above 4000m.

Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated exclude lunch stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group. We encourage our guests to walk at a comfortable pace suitable to the body.

Trip Factors:

Trip length: 17 Days

Grade: Moderate/Challenging Adventure Trek…involving legendary trails that bring you upfront with the king of all peaks…Mt. Everest. Challenging in some areas

Trek duration: 12 days on trails that begin at the feet of Everest…but take you up pretty close to the famous climbing peaks for some breathtaking close-up views of Everest and some nearby famous peaks…

Starts in: Kathmandu

Ends in: Kathmandu

Trek type: TH

Accommodation: Hotel and teahouse lodges

Meals: healthy meals provided on the trails

Transportation: Private car or a tourist coach depending on the number of people

Maximum altitude: 5545m…we summit at Kalapaththar for views that leave you stunned, virtually!

Highlights: Why Everest Base Camp trip will warm your heart

Besides the plentiful rugged mountains, you witness everything from serene alpine lakes and glacial plains to milky frothy rivers and valleys covered in pink blossoms, especially in spring.
This trek will give you a wonderful experience of friendship for a lifetime and the genuine relationship formed between members of your group will stay with you forever.
You will get your first glimpses of the mighty Himalayan range on your flight from Kathmandu to Lukla – the famous airport you would imagine to be in the sky, because it’s one of the highest airports in the world.
Explore Namche Bazaar and soak up the Sherpa culture Visit the hilltop monastery at Tengboche

Outline Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek 17 Days:

Day 01: Meeting upon arrival at Kathmandu International airport (1,350m/4,428ft) by our representative, transfer to hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley, overnight at hotel

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,860m/9,186ft) and start trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,700ft), overnight at guest house

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (gateway to Mt. Everest - 3,440m/11,284ft), overnight at guest house

Day 05: Rest at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization, overnight at guest house

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft), overnight at guesthouse

Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4,360m/14,300ft), overnight at guest house

Day 08: Rest at Dingboche (day hike to Chhukung), overnight at guest house

Day 09: Trek to Lobuche (4,940 m/16,207ft), overnight at a guest house

Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) and back to Gorakshep (5,170m/16,961ft), overnight at a guest house

Day 11: Trek to Kalapaththar (5,545m/18,192ft) and back to Lobuche (4,940 m/16,207ft), overnight at a guest house

Day 12: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft), overnight at guest house

Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280ft), overnight at a guest house

Day 14: Trek to Lukla (2,860m/9,186ft), overnight at a guest house

Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu, transfer to hotel

Day 16: Free day at Kathmandu, overnight at hotel

Day 17: Transfer to airport, departure on your own destination

Useful information and guidance relevant to EBC Trek:

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty levels

TREKKING AT HIGH ALTITUDES (over 3500m)

This trip includes strenuous trekking at altitudes of over 3500m. For us altitude is a very serious issue, a result that has kept our records clean making us one of the best adventure operators in Nepal for over 30 years of operating treks in the region. Our trekking guests must be in great health and have high fitness levels to attempt this trip, as well as be committed to train to ensure you are suitably physically prepared for the tough challenges that go above 4500m.

Altitude sickness is a risk for anyone, including on the Annapurna, Langtang and Everest Base Camp treks. Please make sure you familiarise yourself with signs and symptoms before you depart and monitor your own health during your trek, without letting it worry you.

We advise all our guests to undergo a thorough medical with your personal physician before you embark on this trip.

Participating in a group trip

When you travel with a group you will find much camaraderie and all the fun and also there’s bound to be some of the frustrations of traveling in a group. Your groupmates will probably come from all corners of the world and you will come across a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure you’re on time without keeping the rest of the group waiting. Experience has taught us often that the very best trips we operate are those where the chemistry within the group work well - this simply requires a ‘give a little take a little’ attitude effort on your part. For privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.

TRAVELLERS who prefer going SOLO:

Our group trips are generally planned for shared accommodation and don't involve single supplements. Single travelers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis [for couples or trekkers known to each other prior to the trip]. On a selection of our trips, you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have your own accommodation (where available). Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the trek - pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis at your hotel in Kathmandu. We also have arrangements for guests who wish to trek completely solo out of the group.

Travel Insurance

When booking with Unique Adventure International, it’s a condition upon joining any of our trips where all clients must be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don't arrange or sell insurance because such a system is not allowed in our country.

Our Cost versus the Experience

At Unique Adventure International, we always go the mile to ensure our trekking guests get the best experiences of the trip with maximum comfort and safety on a ratio that goes beyond the cost that we charge for the trip. We provide a ‘no frills’ price with breakdowns to make sure our clients are getting the best for a cost that goes beyond all expectations.

Accommodations

Your twelve nights on the trek are spent in lodges (teahouses) and the three nights in Kathmandu are in a comfortable hotel. In Kathmandu, we usually stay at the Hotel Yambu, a 3-star hotel located within walking distance of the Thamel district. All rooms have en suite facilities and there is a restaurant, a bar and an outdoor courtyard. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the hotel lobby and Wi-Fi throughout. A Unique Adventure International representative will usually be available daily in the mornings and evenings.

The teahouses we use are basic but adequate and cozy; please be realistic about what to expect in the mountains. The hub of the teahouse is the dining room, usually decorated with colourful traditional rugs, sometimes with a stove or heater (some lodges charge a fee to put the heater on!). Most teahouses sell snacks and other essentials such as tissues, soap and toilet paper. Almost all lodges have electricity but it is not wholly reliable and lighting may not be bright enough to read by – a torch is essential. Electrical charging facilities are generally available only in the dining room (charged at approx. Rs 150 - 350 per hour per device). Many of the lodges use solar power so sometimes there is not enough electricity for charging. Many lodges have Wi-Fi these days – in some areas it works well but in others, it is slow and unreliable.

We book twin-share bedrooms throughout this trek. Beds with foam mattresses, bedsheets and a pillow are provided. Bedrooms are unheated and can get cold at night, especially if you’re doing a trek in December; so you will need to bring or hire a sleeping bag.

Most lodges have only one or two basic toilets and sometimes these are located outside the main lodge building. Toilets are usually Asian ’squat’ style; although many lodges have now installed ‘western style’ seated ones. Toilet paper is not provided so you should bring your own or buy it locally (please dispose of it in the bin provided – do not put it in the bowl). If there is no flush handle, there should be a container of water to pour down – if it is empty (or frozen) please either refill it or ask the lodge to.

Some lodges now have hot 'showers' (charged at approx. Rs 250 - 500 per shower). Sometimes a hot shower is simply a bucket of hot water and not a showerhead. Standards of cleanliness vary especially in the peak trekking season and in winter when the water freezes at night. Please report any problems to your leader or the lodge and be wary in your personal hygiene regime – use soap or hand sanitizer gel before and after toilet breaks, snacks, and mealtimes.

As a general rule, the higher the altitude you go to, the more basic the lodges and the more expensive food and services become. We reckon this is what adventure is all about!

Your meals

Breakfast is included throughout the trip. In the teahouses, breakfast will generally comprise a choice of bread (a slice of toast, chapatti, or Tibetan bread), a choice of egg (boiled, fried or omelet), and a choice between either muesli or porridge each day. Hot tea/coffee will also be served. On specific days, there will not be a choice for breakfast and either a trekkers breakfast (egg, hash brown, baked beans, and toast) or a pancake with jam/honey will be served - these options are not available in all teahouses and so we have only included them in locations where they can be guaranteed.

Lunch will be taken at a teahouse en route - sometimes one of your guides will go ahead with the group's order to make it more expedient. Dinner will be in the same teahouse that you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as teahouses base their room rate on it).

Although most lodges have almost the same menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese DhalBhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises some curried lentil dhal and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos; a type of Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed, filled with meat or vegetables.

Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on EBC trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend that you use a hand sanitizer always.

If you have a gluten-free diet, then we strongly recommend you bring some extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of the soups are powdered and contain gluten. Gluten-free breakfast options will be limited to vegetable fried rice and a choice of egg, and on specific days only, a trekker’s breakfast (without the toast / with an extra egg) will be served. Breakfast options for vegans will be limited to a choice of muesli/porridge with water each day, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the egg), or vegetable fried rice will be served. If you are lactose intolerant as opposed to vegan then the same will apply although you will also have a choice of egg each day. If you buy imported food and drink whilst on the trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.

ALCOHOL & CAFFEINE:

Alcohol and trekking don't really mix. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip. Celebrate your success after your trek. Both alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration. Limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes. You enjoy your trek more without these liquids.

Trek leader/guides and other staff

The most noteworthy thing that makes this trek pleasurable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, polite and helpful leader(s) and the crew members tasked with the responsibility of operating trips on the mountains smoothly without any glitches. Your trips will be led by the best and most seasoned leaders. All of Unique Adventure International trekking leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their local experience, team skills and personal abilities. With the focus on helping local communities, Unique Adventure International only employs local personnel with adequate knowledge about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of their birthplace region(s). Our trek and expedition leaders have undertaken the following orientations:

Intensive Wilderness First Aid
Trekking Guide Training [Government recognized]
Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet
English Language
Conservation and Biodiversity
Rock climbing, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (for expedition leaders)
To meet Unique Adventure’s mountain crew, check out the Guide Profile Page.

Care for Porters and Staff

We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipments. We are one of the first trekking outfits to supply high-altitude porters with crampons. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porters Protection Group (IPPG - www.ippg.net).

Protecting the Environment

Our Responsible Travel Policy is a platform in our commitment to preserving the environment, and leaving it as natural as it is. We firmly believe in supporting local communities, protecting the helpless and giving back to the villages we visit on the trails. All our trip leaders, suppliers and staff are familiar with these values, and are very essential to our delivering sustainable, experience-rich journeys.

The Everest Region [also known as the ‘Khumbu’’] is extraordinarily beautiful, but just as fragile. Future generations are entitled to enjoying our well balanced ecosystems as much as we do. As a result, we believe that the tourism sector is obliged to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment in every possible way.

Unique Adventure International encourages a ‘no nonsense’ policy on the natural environment and the traditional communities that live within its environs. Unique Adventure, a long time seasoned adventure operator therefore, enforces a number of should do/should not do’s when on the trails. Please talk to your trek leader to avoid environmental hazards.

This land is your land, this land is our land, love it the best way you can! Take away memories never to be forgotten.

Fitness and Training

most of our adventures are graded from introductory to challenging with options that range from low altitude hikes to high altitude mountain climbs, an area of operations Unique Adventure International has much experience in. Depending on which level of trip you will choose, for a trip like Everest Base Camp, we recommend 30 minutes to an hour of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) five times a week for three months prior to your departure. Hill walking above road level with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also a great way to build your stamina and fitness. This must be done rigorously with adequate rest in between exercises. The aim is not to tire yourself out but to keep going at a comfortable pace because this is what you will need to come to terms with when trekking on the mountains in high altitudes.

Suggested exercise plans for trekking trips

To achieve the primary goal you’re probably looking at aerobic exercises – however, your plan can be any form of exercise which raises the heart rate to 60-70% of your max, e.g. running, brisk walking, kayaking, climbing, tennis, football, netball; basically any physical activity that brings out the sweat. If you’re a member of a gym we suggest you take a fitness test to determine your maximum heart rate per minute. Alternatively, the general formula is to subtract your age off 220 to calculate your maximum heart beat per minute when you’re on the go. How do you know you’re there? The simplest options are to use the pulse monitors on the aerobic equipment at the gym or you could buy yourself a heart rate monitor. You can get these from any running shop or try eBay or Amazon. You should be looking to spend anything between $30-$70. In a nutshell, the aim is to be as active as you can get so you’re able to walk 5-8 hours every day in high altitude conditions without feeling the pinch.

Acclimatization

Everest Base Camp is 5360m above sea-level, getting there is a wonderful but arduous journey. The thin air has less oxygen at such elevations above the tree lines; so the more time your body gets to adjust to the change in oxygen levels when ascending at altitude, the better your chances of realizing your goal for a glitch free trek.

Our treks to Everest Base Camp are between 14 to 25 days and include an extra contingency day between Lukla and the ascending of Kalapathar at 5545m.

This extra day gives your body a better chance to acclimatize and prepare you for the big climb. Acclimatizing well will maximise your chances of successfully completing your trek and your objectives.

Vaccinations and your Health

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.

Malaria is not much of a risk anymore throughout Nepal and anti-malarial tablets are not usually advised although may be considered for certain higher risk groups; you may wish to consult your personal physician or travel health clinic for further advice. The risk is highest in the low lying southern ‘terai’ districts bordering India. A yellow fever certificate is only required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of transmission.

Nonetheless, Dengue fever is a known risk in Nepal. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. As of August 2019, there has been a recent outbreak of Dengue fever in southeast Nepal and we therefore recommend you take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites (such as wearing full length trousers, long sleeves and applying insect repellent during the day as well as at dawn and dusk).

Much of our trips go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are well planned to ensure everyone acclimatises well at these altitudes, but its important to be aware that you can still be affected. Please get familiar with the symptoms by reading about AMS prior to your trip. Our guides will be at hand to help you and tell you what to do in the event you experience any symptoms. But don’t let this worry you in anyway; instead prepare yourself physically by staying fit before your trip.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before leaving the home country, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

The above information provided above can change at short notice. To be honest; we are not qualified to answer all of your questions about travel health because when you’re on the trip itself, not all trekkers may have the same physical conditions. Circumstances may vary from one person to the other. We strongly suggest you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for the latest information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of the UK, North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of any travel health advice, and you should ensure that you are up to date with what’s necessary and what’s not for a hassle free trip.

Your Pack List

What you need to pack depends on when you plan to travel. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. The items you will need to carry are your underwear, toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel. Below are some items that you specifically need for this trip. Unique Adventure International provides you an individual duffel bag to carry your trekking gear. The weight limit per person is 10kg each. Porters carry two bags each as well as their own backpack. Porters’ weight limit is 25kg each.

Please keep the weight and bulk of your trek bag to a minimum by bringing clothes made from lightweight material. Don't pack too much clothing; one or two changes will be all you need. However, as the weather conditions in the Himalayas are often unpredictable, be prepared for all eventualities, be it rain, unseasonable cold or heat. For the trek all of your gear should be packed into plastic bags to protect it from the weather - dry clothes are essential for your comfort. Using wet or damp clothes at heights is never a good idea, even if its hot in temperatures.

Your trek leader will assist you in packing your kitbag and can advise what to bring and what can be left behind in Kathmandu.

Your Day pack - Your day pack must have the capacity for the items you will be carrying on a day's walk: rain jacket, spare trousers, warm clothing, water bottles, camera equipment, washing items and other personal effects. A hip/waist strap provides additional comfort. You should consider day packs of at least a 30 to 40 litre capacity. You only need to carry your own day pack when trekking each day.

ESSENTIAL TREKKING EQUIPMENT

Trekking boots (broken in)
Gaiters (for winter departures Dec-Feb only - can be hired in Kathmandu if required)
Waterproof 3/4 season jacket and trousers (can be hired/purchased in Kathmandu if required)
Camp footwear (i.e. sneakers, thongs or booties)
Several pairs of high quality hiking socks
T-Shirts - highly recommended are synthetic t-shirt styles that absorb away moisture
Thermal underwear/layers
Down jacket (can be hired/purchased in Kathmandu if required, available with Unique Adventure)
Warm mid layers (fleece/micro fibre)
Trousers - lightweight, loose fitting, trekking trousers (can be purchased in Kathmandu)
Shorts or skirt for summer
Tracksuit or fleece pants for evenings when it turns chilly
Sleeveless fleece and extra layers for winter departures (Dec-Feb)
Warm hat & sun hat
Scarf/neck warmer
Gloves and mitts - waterproof and warm
Sunglasses with UV protection
Head torch (with spare batteries)
Sunscreen and lip balm
Light weight towel or sarong
Personal first aid kit
Biodegradable wet wipes/toilet paper
Hand sanitizer gel
Trail mix/nuts/muesli bars (bring zip lock bags from home)

OPTIONAL GEAR [useful on the trails]

Pocket knife
Insect repellent
Ear plugs
Walking poles
Extra zip lock bags
Hot water bottle (winter months)

SLEEPING BAG & INNER SHEET

A good quality, warm sleeping bag is essential while trekking as only blankets are provided at tea houses. Please note that sleeping bags are readily available to buy or hire in both Kathmandu and in Namche at very reasonable rates. Your group leader can assist you in hiring gear after your meeting. If you plan to hire a sleeping bag we recommend that you bring an inner sleep sheet, which adds another layer of warmth. In winter a thermal inner sleep sheet is warmer. If you bring your own sleeping bag, please think about the time of year of your trek. We recommend a four season bag with a rating to around -10c. In winter (Dec-Feb) a five seasons bag is recommended.

WATER BOTTLES

It is essential to bring 2 x 1lt water bottles to refill along the way. While trekking, boiled or safe drinking water is available to purchase in tea houses. However, you should also carry a water purification method. Options include:

Purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies e.g. Micropur.
2% tincture of iodine, available from pharmacies, used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes - longer in very cold weather.

Medical [this is important]

Small, personal first-aid kit. (Simple and light)
Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
1 skin-blister repair kit
Anti-diarrhea pills
Anti-headache pills
Cough and/or cold medicine
Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are respiratory depressants.
Water purification tablets or the water filter
1 set of earplugs
Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

CASH:

Before departing on your trek, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency to purchase meals and drinks during the trek – it’s always good to carry them in the smaller denominations where possible, there are no ATM's on the mountains and it can be harder to change an NPR1000 note.

Tipping [an expectation on such risky arduous trips]

Tipping is very much part of the culture in Nepal and although entirely at your discretion, it is usually expected. Often people would like to tip in recognition of good service but are unsure how much would be appropriate in a foreign country - for this reason, we have listed guideline amounts below (these are intended as a guideline only and you may see fit to give more or less depending on the service that you have received).

For the tipping of your trek staff and your tour leader, we suggest passing an envelope for each staff member around the group so that everyone can put in what they feel comfortable with anonymously.

The following are guideline amounts received by each staff member from the group as a whole...

Tour Leader: Rs 30,000 - 35,000 (usually tipped on the last night in Kathmandu)
Your trekking crew (tips are usually given on the last evening of the trek in Lukla):
Head Trekking Guide and Assistant Guides: Rs 20,000 - 25,000 for each guide
Trek Porters/yak men: Rs 10,000 for each porter or yak man

Acute Mountain Sickness

When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatize to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. So, to allow our bodies to adjust we have designed our treks in ways that help you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatization to occur when you go above the tree lines where the air is thinner. However, during the acclimatization process, you may experience some of the following symptoms.

Headache
Tiredness
Disturbed sleep patterns
Loss of appetite/nausea
Shortness of breath
Cough
Palpitation
Swelling of the hands and face

But if you feel such symptoms don’t let it worry because it’s normal. Individuals acclimatize at different rates. Some may experience symptoms, some may not. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms as you go higher. The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend. Please note, that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms persist.

For even more details, we suggest you download our Everest Base Camp 17 day’s essential information guide or get in touch with our experts Khum Subedi or Chris Chhetri. They’ll set you up for a journey filled with lifetime memories never to be forgotten…

Cell numbers:

Khum Subedi: +977 9851073958 (24/7, Viber/Watsapp)

Chris Chhetri: +977 9851076791 (24/7, Viber/Watsapp)

Itinerary Details

Your Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary with more exciting details:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)

If it’s a clear day when you are flying into Kathmandu, then your tour begins right from the skies itself. The sights from the windows of our jet shows us glimmering snow-capped mountain peaks spread out below us, giving us the first thrills of our just begun vacation, sparking off a whole series of unforgettable experiences that stay with us for some time to come. As soon as your plane hits the tarmac of Tribhuwan International Airport, a Unique Adventure International office representative and driver will be on standby to meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The rep will help you check into your designated hotel, and after going to our rooms and refreshing ourselves we will be briefed about our daily activities. The rest of your time is free to move around the neighborhood and get familiar with your surroundings. In the evening we will meet our senior trek guide who will brief the group about details related to our trek. Your first overnight in the ancient city of temples, probably the most in the world. Breakfast

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation

Today after breakfast, we explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour. This will include a visit to the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. We also visit Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River and home to the most famous Hindu temple in the country. Here we will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) and pilgrims performing ritual bathing, and occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The cremation site here is used by the royal family and also for the simple man living next door. Your early afternoon will be free to relax in the hotel garden or visit Thamel for some curious shopping. You will be given your trek departure orientation in the afternoon by our senior guide. Make it an early overnight at your hotel to prepare for your early morning flight the next day. Meals include breakfast.

Day 03: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,700ft): 30 minutes flight; 8km, 3 - 4 hours trek

After being well rested from a solid night’s sleep, we wake up fresh the next morning, have an early breakfast, and get into our vehicle for a drive to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Hillary’s Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway destination from where our trip commences. After an adventurous scenic 30 minute flight above the stunning green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. Arguably, this is one of the most beautiful sky routes in the world which concludes in a remarkable landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Upon arrival at Lukla, we meet the other crew members and after some sorting and packing arrangements, we start our trek through the pretty wealthy village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if you are interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. This is our first Overnight in Phakding. All meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. We bunk out at an altitude of 2,651m.

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,284ft): 11km, 5 - 6 hours

We head out of Phakding to follow the Dudh Kosi River northwards. Today's walk takes us through splendid forests with glimpses of the mountains ahead. We cross the river several times by airy bridges as we pass through the villages of Benkar, Monzo and Jorsale. A final bridge brings us to the foot of the steep climb to Namche. Halfway up this ascent, we may get our first glimpse, cloud-permitting, of the summit of Everest appearing majestically behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse. A last 300m of climbing brings us to lively Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and the main town in the area. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre. It has a weekly market on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning but the town bustles and hustles all day every day with trekkers, coffee shops, bakeries and stores selling all kinds of trekking and climbing gear as well as Tibetan souvenirs. You’d be surprised with the facilities available at this remote altitude amid some of the highest mountains on earth. Overnight at your lodge with all meals included. We sleep at an altitude of 3440m.

Day 05: Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar: (3,440m/11,284ft)

Namche sits nestled between two ridges amidst the huge peaks of the Khumbu and has an assortment of lodges, teashops and souvenir shops as well. Its sophisticated position seems to be developed enough to meet western standards, even at remote mountain outpost like this. The enterprising Sherpa folks hereabouts have learnt a lot from the big expeditions that have passed this way. Said to be the ‘Las Vegas’ of the Khumbu, Namche is just the place to spend a rest day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before setting off towards Tengboche. Alternatives for acclimatization walks include a drop in to Khunde hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, and a one hour walk up to the Everest view hotel above Namche for delightful sunset views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also sublime views from the national park centre and museum just above the town. We enjoy ourselves at Namche and then settle in for the night before hitting the trails the next day. All meals include breakfast, lunch and dinner. We sleep at an altitude of 3440m.

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 10km, 5- 6 hours

After enjoying our breakfast in Namche, we hit the trail towards Tengboche enjoying superb views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up views of Thamserku. Our trek follows on the gradual trail with some ups and downs overlooking glorious views of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild fauna like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kyangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sanasa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through the pine forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga we then have a little tough climb steep up through the pine forests before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and the biggest Buddhist Monastery in Khumbu region is found hereabouts. We stay overnight at lodge in Tengboche with all meals included. We sleep at an altitude of 3870m.

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m/14,300 ft): 9km, 5 - 6 hours

From Tengboche, the trail climbs and contours around the west side of the Imja Khola valley, providing outstanding views of Ama Dablam, the Nuptse-Lhotse wall and Everest. We enter Pangboche on the high trail and after lunch visit the monastery which has relics said to be the skull and hand of a yeti. From Pangboche we walk through alpine meadows and pass beneath the towering Ama Dablam to Dingboche. This is an exciting village to spend the night with all meals. We sleep at an altitude of 4,360m. You will note that now the altitude increases each day and the air gets thinner, so we hike at a comfortable pace.

Day 08: Dingboche: Acclimatization

This is a day to haul up and rest without being idle. We can stroll around the village and get pally with the local folks with some interesting conversations. This will give us deep insights into the lifestyles and cultures of the local folks in this region. At the same time we can also relish the landscapes that surround us and we can also catch up on some reading. Our acclimatizing gets a further boost with our hike to interesting Nangkartshang Peak (5083meter). As we top it with gasping breath we soon realize the gritty climb was worth the go; the rewards are as lovely as it comes with the natural beauty that greets us for our efforts, the jaw-dropping vistas of Cho Oyu at 8201m, Pumori at 7161m, the gigantic Lhotse wall at 8400m, Amadablam at 6812m, Makalu at 8481m and Baruntse at 7129m all put together set our hearts on top gear as it skips a beat while watching these massive peaks. Overnight at our lodge in Dingboche with all meals.

Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940 m/16,207 ft): 4km, 5 - 7 hours

After crossing by some of the teahouses of Dughla, we plod higher onto the pretty risky moraine of the Khumbu glacier, passing a chain of stone monuments built in memory of Sherpas who have died on mountaineering expeditions to Mt Everest. From hereabouts, the trail lowers and goes by the west side of the valley to Lobuche. The sunset on Nuptse from this point is an amazing sight to behold. Overnight at Lobuche with all meals – we sleep at an altitude of 4940m.

Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170m/16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594 ft): 13km, 6-7 hours

Today it’s a pretty strenuous, hard day as we leave very early, following the Khumbu Glacier northwards to Gorak Shep (5,170m). The trail undulates up and down the moraine with some short steep sections. The trail is rocky as we are now on the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. It will take us about 3 hours to reach Gorak Shep where we will have a rest and something to eat. From here to base camp and back there are no lodges so we will fill our water bottles and take some snacks for the walk to Everest Base Camp. We start by walking across the sandy flat at Gorak Shep and climb onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier. The trail ascends the side of the glacier for a couple of hours before finally descending onto the rocky glacial moraine itself. The trail winds up and down through fascinating ice seracs to the area known as Everest Base Camp, where in spring, we might see in the distance some of the expedition teams as they prepare to climb the mountain. From the Base Camp we get fantastic close up views of the Khumbu Ice Fall and we can appreciate just how difficult it is for the climbers to negotiate a route through the huge blocks of ice. Nuptse towers above us and Pumori rears up behind us. After a short photo stop by the Base Camp rock we retrace our steps to Gorak Shep. Overnight at our lodge with all meals included. We sleep at an altitude of 5170m.

Day 11: Gorak Shep to Kalapaththar (5,545m/18,192ft) to Lobuche (4,940 m/16,207 ft): 16km, 5-6 hours

Today is D-Day, the most important period of our trip. We start at the break of dawn to catch the dramatic views from Kalapaththar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mt. Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. Plus there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to expose itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kalapathar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding view points to click pictures. After several hours of ascent, we reach Kalapaththar. From here, we scuttle to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the ‘Kalapaththar’ [meaning black rocks] and our eyes take in the unbelievable Himalayan views, wandering from one mighty massif to another.

We take as many pictures as we possibly can with our camera so they can last a lifetime. After this we make our way back to Lobuche with a slow east descent for a good night’s rest which we truly deserve. [Please note, the walk to Everest Base Camp and the climb up to Kalapaththar is an arduous challenge]. Overnight at a local lodge after a great day where we get set for a hot lunch, but before that we would first like to enjoy hot snacks and some steamy coffee. Overnight at our teahouse lodge with all meals included. We sleep at an altitude of 4,940m.

Day 12: Retrace our steps to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft)

Descending from Lobuche, today we will follow our footsteps back to Lukla. The walk to Tengboche via Pheriche and Pangboche through an alpine meadows landscape offering spectacular views of Amadablam, Mt Lhotse and other well known Himalayan peaks in the Everest region. We continue to travel through peaceful lovely rhododendron forest, across Imja Khola and explore several monasteries on the way till we reach Tengboche for an overnight with all meals included. We sleep at an altitude of 3870m.

Day 13: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280 ft): 10km, 5-6 hours

After breakfast, from Tengboche, we continue to follow the river and, after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forest to Namche bazar. On our way, Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants we wonderfully get to view on our return journey. From Tengboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi. At Phunki Tenga, we get to see the water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Namche for the night with all meals. We sleep at an altitude of 3,440m.

Day 14: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m/9,186ft): 19km, 6 - 7 hours…this is our last day on these lovely mountains!

Our final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi down to Lukla. This last evening calls for a celebration because this is our last day on these fantastic mountains that were home to us all of these days.

We have a party with our Sherpa guides and porters who've got close to us over the weeks and are now good friends. We sample some 'chhang' (locally brewed mountain beer) and try out some Sherpa dance steps. This also includes some special delicacies and a great dinner. Altogether, this is an end to a merry trip on a merry note. After supper, we relax under the starry skies on a moonlit night and reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains that have probably helped us re-discover ourselves in ways least expected. We then slumber into blissful sleep. We sleep at an altitude of 2,860m.

Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu - Transfer to hotel, relax after Long Trip

Today, after a hale and hearty breakfast, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us in Kathmandu. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel. If interested, we could buy some gifts to take home from Nepal for loved ones and friends and relatives; we can visit some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods. If we want to explore any other areas in Kathmandu, we have to manage time for this today as well! At eventide, we will attend an exciting celebration dinner together for successfully completing our original EVEREST Base Camp trek hosted by Unique Adventure International Treks! Overnight in Kathmandu, the valley of the gods, they say.

Day 16: A contingency free day that’s yours

This is entirely your own free day in Kathmandu to do as you please. You could do some last minute shopping and packing, or send a few post cards home or even go down for a stroll to Thamel, an internationally known hub for tourists in Asia. You may also want to do some things that you may have planned for your last day in Kathmandu; and this may well be the time to do it. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 17: Drive to the Airport to head back to that green, green grass of ‘home’’

After breakfast, our rep and office vehicle will be on standby at our hotel to transfer us to the airport for our connecting flight home. Serving you was a wonderful joy and pleasure, we at Unique Adventure International will cherish the bonds of our relationship created over the time you spent with us and we thank you for choosing us as your travel partner and for visiting this amazing country Nepal. We are sure that trekking in this beautiful region of the Khumbu [Everest region] will give you lifetime memories of a vacation well enjoyed. Ciao friends! Till we meet someday again. Breakfast.

Trip Inclusion

What is included?

Airport pick up and drop off, upon arrival and departure in Kathmandu (International and domestic both).
Pre-trek briefing.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast as per the programme.
1 professional and friendly, A class government licensed and well English speaking mountain guide.
1 well experienced English speaking assistant guide if the group size exceeds 5+ persons.
Well experienced and equipped trekking porter/s (one porter carry for 2 guest's luggage, 25 kgs - 30kgs).
Food during the trek (full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea/coffee and seasonal fresh fruits).
Guesthouse accommodation during the trek.
All necessary trekking permits: Sagarmatha National Park and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) fee.
Internal flight Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu for guest and guide inclusive with all taxes and transfers.
In worst case, assist with all rescue and evacuation arrangements.
Unique Adventure sleeping bag and down jacket, duffel bag, area trekking map.
First aid medical kit, Oxymeter to check pulse, heart rate and oxygen saturation at higher altitude.
All applicable taxes as per the government rules and regulations.
All organisational requirements.

What is not included?

Nepal visa (can obtain at the airport or immigration counters at the borders: USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days and two passport size photographs is required).
Your international flight to and from Nepal.
Travel insurance (for helicopter evacuation if needed whilst trekking).
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, internet/e-mail, etc.
Bar and beverage bills.
Tips for guide, porter, driver.

FAQs

FAQs [frequent questions on the EBC trip]

How difficult is the trek? How many hours a day do you walk?

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is very reachable for people who are prepared to put in some physical work prior to departure. The trek is exactly that: a walk. There are no technical approaches to the journey, just one foot in front of the other; the key is not to rush and to take your time.

Unique Adventure Tip: “If you are positive and know you are going to trek for 14 odd days, then just push your body, lovingly. It will listen to you. Often trekking difficulty is 70% a mental problem.”

Our Everest Base Camp & Kalapathar trek is graded moderate to challenging, meaning that you generally won’t exceed eight hours of activity in a day. Some days can vary from 4-5 hours a day to just 2-3 hours, however, there will be sections where you are challenged. If you follow the training guidelines you can go into the trek positive, that’s more than half the battle won. Mental strength has a lot to do with this.

Is it very steep?

For our Everest Base Camp & Kalapathar trek, travellers should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain, but expect long steep climbs. So, some days could include ascents and descents of 500 metres or more. Remember: speed isn’t important, stamina, confidence and the time tested spirit of adventure are.

Do you need good shoes?

Yes! And remember the quality socks. Happy feet make a happy trekker, so seek out an outdoor and gear store that will help you get well-fitted, suitable, durable and comfortable shoes that’ll last you for some years.

The Australian gear experts at Paddy Pallin shared their recommendations on choosing the right hiking boots. Just Google it to find it

Do you have any training programs for the trek?

We don’t specify detailed training programs as it is difficult to recommend a general program that applies to everyone. The training you should do to prepare for your EBC trek depends on your current level of fitness and any medical conditions. We suggest that you exercise a minimum of five times per week, an hour each time, doing activities such as hill walking, cycling, running and strength work.

Do many people have issues acclimatising?

Altitude sickness can vary for each individual; however, our experience and research has found that carefully timed acclimatisation days scheduled into the trek has helped trekkers acclimatize well. Nevertheless, during the acclimatisation process, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

Headache
Tiredness
Disturbed sleep
Loss of appetite/nausea
Shortness of breath
Cough
Palpitation
Swelling of the hands and face

All our group leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe you have any symptoms in order for us to effectively monitor you. Some tips to consider include taking your time, trekking at a slow and steady pace, and staying hydrated are important in reducing the effects of altitude sickness. Our trek leaders continually monitor travellers and ensure everyone is drinking plenty of fluids – continually replenishing drink bottles with clean drinking water, providing morning and afternoon tea, and offering juice for some electrolyte kicks.

Unique Adventure International Tips: “Hike high, sleep low. This phrase is a rule our leaders and guides follow when trekking at high altitudes. Our treks are geared in a way that allows you to ascend slowly, so your acclimatisation occurs naturally.”

What happens if there’s an emergency?

The medical facilities are limited on the trails, but our guides carry a full medical kit and are trained extensively on how to use it. We also carry portable altitude chambers, which are useful if someone is suffering from AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) but cannot be evacuated due to bad weather. Emergencies are taken care of by the guide, who is experienced in such situations if they develop. The safety of our travellers and crew is our central priority. If a fellow trekker in your group needs to descend, then an assistant guide goes down with them. We have lots of support staff on the trek, so the person descending would be well looked after, and won’t impact on the rest of the group’s experience. In a serious case, evacuation would be by helicopter.

What is the accommodation like?

You’ll want to make sure you have a good night’s sleep when on trek and our guides make sure you’re put up at reasonably good cosy teahouses, unless you’re on a camping trek. At the teahouse lodges, you’ll have western-style sit-down toilets or squat style local toilets; this depends on the teahouse lodge we book into. Hand basins are available in most teahouses and a windowed dining room with eco-friendly heating. The nights in our hand-picked eco lodges align with our responsible tourism practices. Some of the lodges use a mix of cow/yak dung/solar and generators for power.

What is food like on the trek?

The lodges we select have strict hygiene standards using almost all fresh ingredients locally grown. There’s always plenty to eat and you can help yourself to seconds or even thirds! Every day is different but here is a sample of one day’s menu on the trail.

Breakfast: Tea served in the dining hall, coffee or hot chocolate, porridge or a grain cereal, toast with spreads, eggs (fried, omelette or boiled) and tomatoes, boiled water.

Lunch: Juice, potatoes, cucumber and a carrot salad, cheese, chapatis, pizza, canned tuna and meats if its freshly available, fresh oranges and bananas, boiled water.

Dinner: Soup, steamed vegetables, rice, fried chicken if available, daal, spaghetti, chocolate cake or apple pies, fresh apples, tea or hot chocolate, boiled water.

Unlike most companies, Unique Adventure International includes a full meal service making sure you’re well fed for trips on Nepal’s most challenging circuits. We always want you to be fed in a way that lowers the risks to you and safeguards your health on punishing trails.

When is the best time to trek Everest Base Camp?

The trekking season for Everest Base Camp runs from mid-September to May. October is traditionally the most popular time for this trek, when the views are great, and temperatures are not too extreme. But we also get many travellers enjoying the colder winter season (Dec/Jan) when numbers on the trail are lower and skies are clearer for those special photo shoots you would like to post on Instagram or in the favorite corners of home.

We always get a lot of interest in our treks over Christmas and New Year’s, as it is an exciting way to spend the holiday season and this lessens the days you need to use from your holiday allowance. If you trek during the winter season, you need to be prepared with the right clothing for potentially low temperatures, but Unique Adventure provides good quality down jackets, down sleeping bags and fleece sleeping bag liners to keep you cosy.

As you head towards March and April, the temperatures get warmer and you’ll be in the thick of the activity at base camp as the big expeditions get ready to summit. While some days can be a little hazier (in the lead up to the monsoon period) with cloud build up often in the afternoon, but most times the peaks are clear in the morning.

Nepal has something on offer every month of the trekking season. As a matter of fact, trekking can be done throughout the year in Nepal due to its rain shadow zones; so it can be difficult to choose when to go. You can read our in-depth post on the pros and cons of trekking for each season.

Do I get to stay overnight at Everest Base Camp?

Our Everest Base Camp trek does not stay overnight at base camp.

To sleep at base camp requires special permits which are very expensive. Instead, you stay at Gorak Shep where you walk into base camp for a day trip.

Where can I take a shower when I want one?

Some campsites and lodges have hot showers at some facilities in the Everest region, which are powered by hydro or solar panels. These locations are: Ghat, Namche, Deboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Dole, Machhermo and Gokyo. A small cost of between 300?650 Nepali rupees is payable to utilise this service, subject to availability. Most of Unique Adventure International trips in the Everest region visit one or more of these locations. For male trekkers it’s always easy to shower anywhere on the trails with the many streams and waterfalls we cross on our way to Kalapathar and back.

Are there places where I can charge my phone on the way?

Some accommodations have charging stations available for small electronic devices such as phones, cameras and battery packs, but will often come at an additional cost should you wish to use the power. This can range from 200-600 rupees, depending on how far you are from the power grid.

These following locations have electricity available:

Ghat
Phakding
Monjo
Namche
Tengboche
Deboche
Dingboche (if you’re camping its not possible, but you can charge in nearby teahouses)
Lobuche (Solar charging facility)
Gorak Shep (Solar charging facility)
Lukla

We would advise you to consider purchasing portable power banks or solar chargers for phone charging.

Where is Wi-Fi available?

You can get Wi-Fi access at Namche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep and Lukla. Again, some locations may charge a small cost for its use.

How many do you fit into a group?

Groups can vary between 6 to 16 travellers, and most are a typical mix of individuals, couples or friends travelling together who are likeminded people with similar interest in outdoor adventure and nature.

Ages differ from people in their 20's up to their 70's from all nationalities. The Everest Base Camp & Kalapathar trek is a highly accepted trip with all operation dates guaranteed to depart.

How large is the staff crew that accompanies the trek group?

You will typically have a main guide who leads the group, however, on camping trips there are plus four assistant guides, a sirdar (who manages the porters), porters, cooks and camp hands that join you on your Everest Base Camp trek. For a teahouse trek it’s a limited staff crew with a leading guide and porters depending on the strength of the group.

15kg is not much really, so how do I pack lightly?

While we’ve increased the check-in allowance for our travellers from 10kg to 15kg on internal flights to Lukla, choosing between carrying an extra pair of trekking pants or a solar charger can get tricky. Choose lightweight and quick drying clothing, stick with one good outer layer and warm jacket and balance that with enough base and inner layers. You’ll be surprised to discover how many days you can wear a quality base layer or a pair of hiking socks. Its not all that sweaty when on the trails, especially in the falls.

Unique Adventure Tip: “we encourage our trekking guests to dump the many unnecessary toiletries and products. Its best to take only one biodegradable soap that can be shampoo, body wash, hand wash, and laundry wash all-in-one. This is what one of our guests said: ‘I used a biodegradable shampoo for this (an organic brand that was affordable from the supermarket) and it worked great. I have dry sensitive skin and I use it at home as well. Also, there’s no need for makeup or hairspray, go natural, it’s so liberating. We’re on a high and wild adventure trip!”

While you get 20kg all up (15kg check-in and 5kg hand carry), keep in mind that your provided kit bags – which include a down jacket, sleeping bag, liner, and the bag itself – comes in at around 5-6kg and should be counted in the above allowance.

Unique Adventure Tip: “Lay out your items, cull it back, and then check it out again, cull it back again – just because it fits, doesn't mean you should take it.”

Packing wisely saves you a lot of baggage hassles that you don’t really want when going above the timber line. It even protects porters from unpredictable injuries which can weaken the strength of the group.

Can I take my own down jacket or sleeping bag?

Yes. When collecting your Unique Adventure kit bag, let your trek leader known that you have your own down jacket or sleeping bag and they will remove the provided gear from your kit bag.

Can I leave my excess gear in Kathmandu?

Yes. You can leave your other gear and luggage bag at our Unique Adventure desk at the Yambu Hotel, which will be safely stowed away.

Is it culturally appropriate to wear shorts or leggings?

Dress modestly is good. For those who wish to wear shorts, make sure the shorts cover your knees. For those that are comfortable in leggings, have a long top over them. Remember, we are guests passing through these friendly villages. Local people may feel embarrassed, for themselves and for you, if you dress inappropriately.

Unique Adventure Tip: “Just because you see other people wear particular clothing items a certain way doesn’t make it okay for you to do the same. Foreigners trampling over local etiquette and making it “okay” by sheer numbers does not make it acceptable or friendly.”

What else can I do in Kathmandu? Can I do any other short hikes?

You can visit a good number of interesting places in the Kathmandu Valley like Patan, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, Dhulikel or Chitwan (for a wildlife safari) – we can help arrange this. If you’re after a walk, you can head to Nagarkot, Kakani or Dhulikhel. These are culturally wonderful places for a hike in the woods amid tranquil settings with a lot of interesting local culture to get into.

Why do I need to tip, can’t it be included in the trip price? What is the process for tipping?

Tipping is generally expected and culturally prevalent in Nepal; this includes in Kathmandu and on your trek. It is a gesture to personally thank the local people for their efforts and service.

If your group thinks that the local crew has done an outstanding job and you wish to show your appreciation, then a tip from the group would be greatly appreciated. At the end of the trek, your leader will collect what you wish to give and will distribute it fairly amongst the crew at a final evening celebration where each individual crew member is acknowledged and thanked.

On trek, your leader and staff receive a decent wage for Nepal and are paid on completion of the trip. We don’t include tipping in the cost of the trip because if we did and paid it on your behalf, the crew would not regard it as an expression of your satisfaction. A tipping guideline is provided in your pre-departure kit as mentioned above.

Where can I exchange my money?

You can choose to exchange your currency in Thamel or at your hotel where you’re accommodated at. The Nepalese Rupee is different to the Indian Rupee, and the Government of Nepal has banned the import, export and use of 500 and 1000 Indian Rupees notes in Nepal. It is important to note that it is difficult to convert your NPR back to foreign currency, and you will not be able to exchange NPR once back in your own country.

Many places in Nepal may not allow you to change currency back, so it's best to exchange the amount you will require for your time in Nepal. A budget guide is provided in your pre-departure kit. There are also ATMs available for use in main cities including Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche; however, ATM fees are applicable, which may be in additional to what your card or bank provider may charge.

With so many trekking companies around, how do I know which is the best one for me?

Some factors to consider when booking with an adventure company include:

Do the company’s values, such as its sustainable travel practices and porter welfare, align with mine?
What are their trek inclusions? Are meals provided? Do I have the use of a down sleeping bag?
What are their facilities like?
How well do they handle altitude sickness and other medical emergencies?
How experienced are they trekking in this destination?
How do they treat their staff, crew and porters?
Do they represent the best values for my money?

One of the keys to Unique Adventure International’s success in running Nepal treks for over 3 decades is our team in Kathmandu. Our guides are real experts who have all worked with us for many years. They are people who are sensitive to your needs and safety. They simply enjoy taking care of you, no matter what the challenges may be. Another unique aspect of our treks is we ensure you stay at good eco lodges where food is freshly prepared using local produce, and you sleep in warm, clean and cosy conditions. If it’s in the winter we make sure its a heated dining room to enjoy your meals with some of the best views.

We offer excellent value for money (with a ‘no frills’ price tag that’s pocket friendly!) as we include virtually everything you need on your adventure. This ranges from a duffel kit bag with a down jacket, sleeping bag and sleeping mat; meals on trek; internal flights within Nepal and much more. Besides the Everest Base Camp & Kalapathar trek, we have many other treks in Nepal too, such as lower altitude treks in the Annapurna region, remote treks to Gokyo Ri and the Renjo La and even a specially designed trek for people over their 50s.

For even more details, we suggest you download our Everest Base Camp 17 day’s essential information guide or get in touch with our team leaders Khum Subedi or Chris bro. they’ll set you up for a journey filled with lifetime memories never to be forgotten…

Note

We would like you to know that although we try to follow the program given above, at times local trails or weather conditions may compel us to make slight changes if necessary. The itinerary may also vary slightly subject to our trekkers' acclimatization rates. This odyssey goes into untamed territory above the timberline, so we seek to request maximum flexibility if and when required for the safety of your trip and your life. Thank you so much for your understanding. We value your precious life.

GROUP TOURS

1st October, 2023

Kathmandu

17th October, 2023

in Kathmandu

4 person

booked

From

US$ 1,690

Trip Price

US $ 1,690 _{per person}

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Quick Fact of the Trip

Trip Duration : 17 days
Best Season : Spring & Autumn
Country : Nepal
Min Altitude : 2610 meter
Max Altitude : 5545 meter
Trip starts : Kathmandu
Trip ends : Kathmandu
Group size : Min - 1

Your Travel guide

Trip by Locals connects travelers with local Travel Guide here you'll find all the essential information you need to plan the perfect trip.

Karma Sherpa

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Lakpa Sherpa

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Da Sonam Sherpa

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Megendra Giri

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Nuri Sherpa

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Pasang Dawa Sherpa

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Pemba Lama

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Prem Tamang

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Guru Kattel

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Ghattaraj Kattel

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Samrat Kattel

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Client References

Write a Review

Simply breathtaking

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The hike up to Everest Base Camp was simply breathtaking. Climbing through all the varied environments made every day feel amazing. I strongly recommend this company and services. The trek was very well organized and all the accommodation along the way allowed for a very comfortable stay. The Nepali food was also fantastic!

Bruce Baldwin, Sydney, Australia

Journey to EBC was extremely enjoyable and memorable

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Thanks to our excellent guide…… Journey to EBC was extremely enjoyable and memorable. I can't give a high enough recommendation. Looking forward to coming back one day for another trek!

Victoria George , Manchester, UK

Amazing Experiences

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I and my wife did 17 days EBC with Unique Adventure which is excellent with well-organized company from Nepal. Chris and his team were very supportive and took care from beginning to end. In short, this was one of the most amazing experiences we've ever had, and a big part of this was due to the excellent and professional service provided by Unique Team.

We are more than happy to recommend Unique Adventure to anyone considering a trek in Nepal. Thank you guys!

Patrick Pondel, Berlin, Germany

EBC 8 day trek

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Well planned and executed 8 day trek to Everest Base Camp. Khum was with us the entire way in the planning and was very accessible to us during the trek through cell phone contact with our guide, Ram Adikhari. Ram was very professional throughout the trek and took good care of us. Everest Base Camp was the most physically challenging thing either of us had done before but having Ram for guidance throughout was a huge benefit. Would definitely book with Khum and Unique Treks again as that’s exactly what you get, a “Unique Trek.”

Lisa Colley, California

Everest Base Camp Trek in 6 days

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We had an amazing 6 day Everest Base Camp trek organised by Unique Adventures.

Beatrice , Kenya

Winter EBC trekking

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I am very Happy to share you all in this regard we are Successfully completed winter Base Camp Trekking Expedition with team Unique Adventure International Pvt Ltd Nepal Specially Khum Dai Managing Director cum TAAN President, because his support & guidance we can do this historical moments sucessessfully completed with joy and happiness. Specially Thanks to team Unique Adventure International Pvt Ltd Nepal for love & Support and lovely services. Thank You! Your Faithfully Everester Tagit Sorang Abraham Youngest Everester of State Arunachal Pradesh North East India.

TAGIT SORANG Abraham, P Sector Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, North East India

Worth Recommending!

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Our trip was fully successful thanks to Unique Adventure. They are worth recommending. Extremely helpful and nice people. We wouldn’t be able to do it without them.

Sebastian S., Poland

Outstanding!

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It’s hard to describe how amazing our trek was. The agency was extremely helpful, finding solutions to all issues appearing on the way (flight cancellations etc.) Our guide Ongchhu was super supportive, even when we got food poisoning, he was proactive and helped us to completed the trek, for which we will be lifetime grateful (even other trekkers on the way were amazed, what a great guidance we had). I’m sure that next year when we will be returning to Nepal for the Annapurna trek, we will use this agency again - so much stress is taken off your shoulders - highly recommended!

Rafal Lunitz

The roof of the world

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The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport is an adventure in itself. After that this trek took me through some of the most spectacular scenery I've ever seen, starting among pine forests and crystal clear streams and leading up into icy wastelands and finally to Base Camp itself. Nuri was an excellent guide and we couldn't have made the journey without the help of our porters Abhinash and Durga. Much recommended.

Tom Pallett, 305 Ho, Hwangyoungdaero 473 beongil 25

A very special week in the Khumbu Valley

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We had a fantastic on the Everest Base Camp trip in late August of this year (my apologies for the late posting of this review). All the way throughout our trip we were supported by our fantastic guide Hemanta, our porter Akas and Krisna back in Kathmandu. On the first day of our trip we were greeted at the airport and got a lift to Thamel, where we were greeted by Krisna who ran us through all the need-to-knows for the week and reassured us. (Throughout the trip while we were in Kathmandu we had access to lifts/taxis to different sights). Our guide Hemanta had a worth of local knowledge, having lived in Dingboche for many years and this made such a massive difference to our experience - at all the tea houses conversation/translation with the hosts and getting breakfast/lunch/dinner was easy. I cannot reckon highly enough the benefits of going with a guide! The benefit of going with a guide was evident when, a few days into walking, our guide recognized our speed in covering the distances each day and offered to take us on a slight detour on our way to base camp, up to Chokung! When one of us, unfortunately, suffered from altitude sickness Hemanta was quick to recognize it and was always checking on our conditions with an oxymeter. We eventually got medically evacuated out by helicopter and Krisna and Hemnta were amazing at doing all they could to make sure we got back safe - having the expertise of locals who already know the helicopter companies, tea houses and lots of people in the valley well - made everything a lot easier. Alongside having a guide with us in the day, we were fortunate to have a porter, Akas, who helped us carry bags along the way (be sure to tip well if you want to). Overall it was one of the best weeks of my life, and as someone with not much high-altitude climbing experience beforehand this was very enjoyable - it has only made me want to go back and start on some 6000m peaks. All the pathways on the route are very easy to walk on, with the guides we got to see a lot of the local culture beyond just looking at temples from the outside - we managed to be welcomed into two temples on our way to base camp! I took a lot of photos as you might expect throughout the trip, but as I constantly told my family back home, photos really don't do it justice, you constantly feel overwhelmed by the landscape around you! There are few places like the Himalayas and the Khumbu Valley in particular in the world, and I would highly recommend adventuring into the landscape with UniqueAdventureLimited.

Matthew R

10 days Everest Base Camp Trek

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Just completed a 10 days trekking tour to Everest Base camp which was organized by Unique Adventure. Khum and his team did a great job and have been from day one very supportive. Everything worked out properly and I can highly recommend.

Alexander Kuhn

The best trek-trip ever

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All thanks and hearty gratitude to Mr khum subedi of unique adv. ...for arranging a flawless planned trek to ebc. I did not have to worry about anything through out the trek. Everything was taken care of....beforehand...inspite of so much rush. Also thanks for enquiring about my health everyday and giving positive energy and valuable inputs....to push me forward. Hope to see you all again in future....????

Sandip Das, Kolkata