Trekking to Everest Base Camp
Located on the south side of the mountain in Nepal, the trek to Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular routes in the Himalayas. Welcoming thousands of trekkers each year hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the world's most famous mountains, the Everest Base Camp trek rewards the intrepid with spectacular panoramic views, rustic Sherpa villages and challenging high altitude walks. For those that are considering trekking to Everest Base Camp, we have compiled some useful information here for your convenience.
We offer two escorted Everest Base Camp treks, which include a guided tour of the Kathmandu Valley before the trek, giving you a chance to acclimatise and see the highlights of Nepal's captivating capital city. Our 17 day Everest Base Camp Trek is the shortest route you can take and we also offer a longer 20 day itinerary which includes an excursion to the spectacular Gokyo Lakes and the summit of Gokyo Ri.
Highlights of the Everest trek
Start either of our Everest Base Camp treks in lively Kathmandu, filled with fine wooden structures and colourful temple complexes, before flying to the Sherpa village of Lukla. Here's where the fun begins with a light trek to Phakding for acclimatisation. Hiking through beautiful pine forest and crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, you'll see scenic rivers and quaint villages before you catch your first glimpse of Everest on the way to Namche Bazaar. The steep climb to the Hotel Everest View, the highest place hotel in the world at 3,880m, offers awe-inspiring vistas and is a wonderful stop before proceeding to the foot of the Sacred Mountain Khumbila.
More steep walks to the Mong La pass and Phortse may reveal sights of Himalayan wildlife including mountain goats and deer. The ridge climb up the Imja Khola Valley and on to Dingboche offers a chance to visit an ancient monastery. The Chukkung Valley is one of the highlights of the Everest Base Camp trek with imposing mountain peaks and great fluted ice walls. As the trail gradually climbs, more stunning views await before reaching Everest Base Camp where Edmond Hillary began his legendary ascent. Marvel in your achievement with your fellow trekkers and revel in the 'expedition life' before heading back downhill to Lukla.
Fitness required for the trek
Everest Base Camp is a challenging trek, reaching heights of 5400m, and trekking for between 3 to 7 hours a day, therefore a high level of fitness is required. Nevertheless you are able to walk at a steady pace and regular stops will be made en route each day so the physical exertion, though strenuous, is not sustained.
Best time to trek to Base Camp
The best time to trek to Base Camp is between February - May and October - December when the weather conditions are suitable for trekking. Arguably the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is in October and November when it's dry and the weather is mild, although at higher altitudes the temperature still plummets below freezing at night so be prepared. The spring months between March and May are also prime trekking months, although temperatures are higher and there are occasional showers.
