Everest Base Camp Trek

  • 19 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 5
    • Activity Level 5

      On our Level 5 trips get ready to conquer back-to-back days of long hikes or summitting peaks at altitude.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Kathmandu
  • Trip End: Kathmandu
Everest Base Camp Trek Nepal

Tick off an adventure of a lifetime on our Everest Base Camp Trek.

Knowing you're in good hands is the first step in accomplishing your Everest Base Camp trek dream. Starting in Kathmandu, you'll join our Kiwi and Nepalese guides and be given all the tools and knowledge you'll need to complete your trek. After taking a short flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Solu Khumbu region, you'll start your journey. By gradually making your way up to the base camp of the tallest mountain in the world, you'll have plenty of time to acclimatize and enjoy your surroundings. Knowledgeable guides will be with you every step of the way as you learn about the customs and cultures of the Nepalese, view Mt Everest for the first time from Kala Patthar, and visit the bustling village of Namche Bazaar. Upon taking your first step into Everest Base Camp, there's no doubt you'll throw your hand up in pure joy over the accomplishment you just achieved. We invite you to join us for one of our most incredible journeys, and certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, to reach Everest Base Camp.

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Everest Base Camp Trek ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Kathmandu Trip End: Kathmandu

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

  • Day 2Visit Swayambhunath Temple

  • Day 3Journey to Lukla

  • Day 4Hike to Jorsalle

  • Day 5Hike from Jorsalle to Namche Bazaar

  • Day 6Acclimatization day, Namche Bazaar, hike to view Mt Everest

  • Day 7Hike to Deboche and visit a Monastery

  • Day 8Hike from Deboche to Dingboche

  • Day 9Acclimatization day in Dingboche, hike to Nangkartshang

  • Day 10Hike from Dingboche to Lobuche

  • Day 11Everest Base Camp

  • Day 12Hike to Kala Patther, descend to Pheriche

  • Day 13Hike from Pheriche to Deboche

  • Day 14Hike from Deboche to Khumjung

  • Day 15Hike from Khumjung to Jorsalle

  • Day 16Hike from Jorsalle to Lukla

  • Day 17Return to Kathmandu

  • Day 18Free day in Kathmandu

  • Day 19Depart Kathmandu

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Kathmandu

    #81170

    Your trip starts in the lively and bustling city of Kathmandu with an explosion to the senses - take a deep breath! You will be met at Kathmandu Airport by a friendly face from Active Adventures Himalayas, who will accompany you to our hotel. If you arrive early, you can head out to explore the city’s labyrinth of back streets, courtyards, colorful market stalls and ancient temples for your first taste of Nepal’s culture and friendly people.

    This afternoon, your guide will meet you at our hotel and run through what to expect from the days ahead.

    Tonight, they’ll take you out for dinner at a local restaurant, for your first experience of Nepalese dining - a culinary crossroad between the influences of China, India and Europe which makes for some really interesting flavor combinations.
    Accommodation: Hotel Thamel Eco Resort, Kathmandu
    Meals: Dinner

    Elevation: Kathmandu - 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) 

  • Day 2

    Visit Swayambhunath Temple

    #81171

    Today we’ll head a short distance out of town to an ancient stone pilgrim stairway that leads to the Swayambhunath Temple. Keep an eye out for macaque monkeys as they often join us on the walk up the stairway – they’ve even been known to steal hats on occasion, so stay alert! According to local legend, Swayambhunath (meaning ‘self-arisen’), was said to have risen up from a lake that once covered the land where Kathmandu now stands. Up on the hilltop temple, the smell of incense and butter lamps will follow you as you gaze out over the sprawling city of Kathmandu below. Local devotees come here daily to make a ritual circumnavigation of the centerpiece stupa (a domeshaped Buddhist shrine) and spin the prayer wheels set into its base.

    Later, we’ll make our way back down into town and make preparations for our journey to Lukla and the Everest region tomorrow.
    Accommodation: Hotel Thamel Eco Resort, Kathmandu
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Kathmandu - 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) 

  • Day 3

    Journey to Lukla

    #81172

    This morning we’ll take a short flight to the mountain settlement of Lukla. This small town high in the Himalayas is the gateway to the Everest region and an important base for mountaineering expeditions. After a last gear check with our guides, we’ll lace up our boots and start with a local hike around Lukla. The aim of today is to give you a gentle introduction to altitude change, everyone’s body can react differently, and so easing ourselves into this new environment is really important. This gentle start will lay the foundations to make the coming days more easily manageable for us on our journey towards Base Camp.
    Accommodation: Everest Eco Resort, Lukla
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Lukla - 9,383 feet (2,860 meters) 

  • Day 4

    Hike to Jorsalle

    #81173

    Today we hit the trail, first hiking down to the village of Phakding on the banks of the Dudh Kosi River. It’s an undulating trail ending up around 820 feet (250 meters) lower than our start point in Lukla. For the most part, we’ll be amongst the trees, and we’ll get regular glimpses across the fertile valleys of the region. These valleys are refreshed and replenished annually during the monsoon season, and so are rich with plant life, especially the colorful rhododendron, Nepal’s national flower. We’ll pass by local porters, and other trekkers, and pack animals along our trek to Jorsalle today, this trail form part of an important trade route, used to move supplies around the region, and so is a well-established track.

    As we approach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, we’ll be greeted with sensational views of massive snow-capped Himalayan peaks with names you’ll soon become familiar with such as Thamserku and Kangtega. Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a wide range of plants and animals. Himalayan tahr (a type of wild goat), musk deer and Himalayan monals (an extremely colorful member of the pheasant family) are known to frequent this area, so keep your eyes peeled and a camera handy if you’re a keen photographer.
    Accommodation: Nirvana Lodge, Jorsalle
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Jorsalle - 9,022 feet (2,750 meters) 

    Hiking: 8.5 miles (13.7 kilometers), 6-7 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 459 feet (140 meters) ascent, 820 feet (250 meters) descent

  • Day 5

    Hike from Jorsalle to Namche Bazaar

    #81174

    This morning, we’ll set off through a narrow valley divided by the Dudh Kosi River, passing terraced crop fields, small villages and everpresent prayer wheels (always pass on the left and spin them clockwise). Today is a relatively short day on the trail, and we'll cross the Hillary Bridge before our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, home to the world’s highest marketplace and incredible 360° views.

    We'll arrive in time for lunch, and will have the afternoon to relax, explore the village and marvel over the views up to Everest.
    Accommodation: Tea House, Namche Bazaar
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Namche Bazaar - 11,066 feet (3,373 meters) 

    Hiking: 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers), 3-4 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,043 feet (623 meters) ascent 

  • Day 6

    Acclimatization day, Namche Bazaar, hike to view Mt Everest

    #81175

    With its remote alpine setting and outlook across to Kongde Ri at 20,298 feet (6,187 meters) and surrounding peaks, Namche Bazaar is one of the most beautiful villages in the Himalayas – a great place for a relaxed, acclimatization day. Namche Bazaar is a fairly small town, so you can wander its narrow, cobbled streets to explore the monasteries and tea houses without worrying too much about getting lost. The town was historically an important stopping point for trading expeditions across the Nangpa La to Tibet and is still an important supply point for mountaineers and trekkers today, so the local market is definitely worth a look.

    This afternoon we’ll hike above Namche Bazaar for a great panorama. It’s a steep trail, but the views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam are mind-blowing and make the effort thoroughly worth it! Look out for Himalayan tahr and the Danphe pheasant (Nepal’s national bird).
    Accommodation: Tea House, Namche Bazaar
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Namche Bazaar - 11,066 feet (3,373 meters) 

    Optional Hike to Everest View Hotel: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 2-4 hours

  • Day 7

    Hike to Deboche and visit a Monastery

    #81176

    This morning, we’ll set off early with fantastic views of Everest and head back down to the Dudh Kosi River. We’ll stop at a local Sherpa tea house for a lunch, take a few moments to soak in the surroundings and then carry on along the trail. As we draw closer to Tengboche, we’ll be greeted with even closer perspectives of Ama Dablam 22,493 feet (6,856 meters) and Nuptse 25,791 feet (7,861 meters) until finally, upon our arrival at Tengboche, Mt Everest and Lhotse begin to loom ahead in the distance. Looking south, we’ll have a view of numerous other peaks such as Kangtega, Thamserku and the jagged ridgeline of Kongde Ri.

    We’ll then carry on to Deboche and stay at Rivendell Lodge.
    Accommodation: Rivendell Lodge, Deboche
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Deboche - 12,532 feet (3,820 meters) 

    Hiking: 7.5 miles (12 kilometers), 5-7 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,466 feet (447 meters) ascent 

  • Day 8

    Hike from Deboche to Dingboche

    #81177

    We’ll begin our day’s hike by passing through a dense forest of dwarf conifers where musk deer and monal pheasants are often seen. Our trail then drops steeply through the forest until we cross over the surging waters of the Dudh Kosi River, before beginning our ascent to Dingboche. Today, we’ll leave the forest for the last time until we return from Everest Base Camp. From here, it’s a much more austere landscape of boulders and alpine meadows.

    The final stretch of the day’s trek takes us alongside the fast-flowing Imja Khola River, which drains directly from the snows of Lhotse, before we spend the night in Dingboche.
    Accommodation: Good Luck Hotel, Dingboche
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Dingboche - 14,117 feet (4,303 meters) 

    Hiking: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), 3-5 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,584 feet (483 meters) ascent 

  • Day 9

    Acclimatization day in Dingboche, hike to Nangkartshang

    #81178

    The golden rule of acclimatizing slowly is ‘climb high, sleep low’, and that’s exactly what we’ll be doing today. Just outside Dingboche is a small peak called Nangkartshang. It’s a steep climb up the ridge, but we’ll be taking it slow and steady. We’ll be looking straight at Makalu, Lhotse and Cho Oyo – three of the six highest mountains in the world – it’s an incredible vista (and there’s more to come over the next few days).

    It’s your holiday and nothing is compulsory, so if you’d prefer not to do this side hike, you can hang out, rest up, read and chat with fellow trekkers in Dingboche instead.
    Accommodation: Good Luck Hotel, Dingboche
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Dingboche - 14,117 feet (4,303 meters) 

    Optional Hike to Nangkartshang Gonpa: 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers), 4-5 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,300 feet (700 meters) ascent, 2,300 feet (700 meters) descent

     

  • Day 10

    Hike from Dingboche to Lobuche

    #81179

    We’ll set off in the morning up the Khumbu valley, passing yak herders’ shacks along the way. From here, the views of the twin peaks of Taboche and Cholatse, as they rise steeply above the open alpine valley, are outstanding. Arakam Tse appears steadily closer as we continue ascending to the village of Dughla. We’ll take a breather at this little streamside town before the final stretch up over the Thokla Pass to Lobuche, our home for the night and the last stop before our trek to Everest Base Camp tomorrow.
    Accommodation: Oxygen Lodge, Lobuche
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Lobuche - 16,110 feet (4,910 meters) 

    Hiking: 4.6 miles (7.5 kilometers), 4-6 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,991 feet (607 meters) ascent 

  • Day 11

    Everest Base Camp

    #81180

    Today is the day! We’ll make our way up the trail in between the Khumbu glacial moraine and the mountain walls. We’ll pass massive boulders before reaching the town of Gorak Shep, where we’ll stop for a well-earned lunch. Recharged, we’ll make our way past the moraine wall of the Khumbu Glacier; slow and steady is the name of the game as we weave our way up the path which leads us to Everest Base Camp at 17,598 feet (5,364 meters). Situated at the base of the Khumbu Icefall, the camp is the stuff of legends, having been the launching point for numerous expeditions by the world’s greatest mountaineers for many years. Mountaineers have the best chance of reaching the summit of Mt Everest using what’s known as ‘siege’ techniques, where they’ll spend weeks establishing a series of high camps stocked with food and oxygen cylinders ready for a push to the summit when the conditions are right. During the climbing season, Everest Base Camp becomes a village of brightly colored tents and there’s an incredible atmosphere in the air.

    After taking in this awesome experience, we’ll leave Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep for the night. Congratulations!
    Accommodation: Everest Inn, Gorak Shep
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Everest Base Camp - 17,600 feet (5,380 meters)
    Elevation: Gorak Shep - 16,860 feet (5,140 meters)

    Hike to Everest Base Camp: 4.9 miles (8 kilometers), 6-7 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,489 feet (454 meters) ascent

    Hike to Gorak Shep: 1.9 miles (3 kilometers), 2-3 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 734 feet (224 meters) descent

  • Day 12

    Hike to Kala Patther, descend to Pheriche

    #81181

    We’ll don our headlamps and set off before sunrise this morning to the ridgetop of Kala Patthar. At 18,208 feet (5,550 meters), this is the highest point we’ll reach during the trip and the location of one of the most dramatic views anywhere in the Himalayas – an amazing accomplishment! From the summit of this rocky knoll, you’ll have a panoramic view of Mt Everest and the surrounding peaks – the view from this place is simply off the charts!

    After lunch at Lobuche, we’ll descend to Pheriche and spend a cozy night at the Edelweiss Lodge hot showers, chicken curry and cold beers await! 
    Accommodation: Edelweiss Lodge, Pheriche
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Kala Patthar - 18,208 feet (5,550 meters)
    Elevation:
    Pheriche - 13,910 feet (4,240 meters)

    Hike to Kala Patthar: 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers), 1-2 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,447 feet (441 meters) ascent, 1,447 feet (441 meters) descent
    Hike to Pheriche:
    9.3 miles (15 kilometers), 9-10 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,952 feet (900 meters) descent

  • Day 13

    Hike from Pheriche to Deboche

    #81182

    With Mt Everest behind us, and Ama Dablam ahead, we’ll descend with the Dudh Kosi. As you descend into more oxygen-rich air, you’ll feel like you could run a marathon (in fact, today’s walk is part of the world’s highest marathon). With this in mind, we’ll be able to make good progress all the way to Deboche, once again getting low enough to see rhododendron and pine forests across the valley.
    Accommodation: Rivendell Lodge, Deboche
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Deboche - 12,532 feet (3,820 meters) 

    Hiking: 7.4 miles (12 kilometers), 4-6 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,377 feet (420 meters) descent

  • Day 14

    Hike from Deboche to Khumjung

    #81183

    This morning we’ll make our way down through beautiful forest, where we’re sure to hear the now familiar bells of yaks grazing nearby. As we head through the forest keep an eye out for musk deer that are often seen here. As we descend, the air becomes richer, the air temperature warmer and the sounds of raging rivers louder. We’ll stop for tea beside the Dudh Kosi River, before winding our way up towards the picturesque village of Khumjung and past a tree nursery established by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust. As proud Kiwis, we’ll be sure to tell you all about Sir Ed!

    After arriving in Khumjung, we may get the chance to visit a local monastery and then it’s time to rest our legs in a comfortable lodge before enjoying dinner. Khumjung is famous for its potatoes and green roofs. It’s also a bit quieter than Namche Bazaar, and a favorite overnight stop amongst our hikers.
    Accommodation: Tea House, Khumjung
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Khumjung - 12,400 feet (3,780 meters) 

    Hiking: 4.9 miles (8 kilometers), 3-5 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 131 feet (40 meters) descent

  • Day 15

    Hike from Khumjung to Jorsalle

    #81184

    After a leisurely start, we’ll pass the largest school in the area, also established by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1961. After crossing a small hill with great views back to Mt Everest, we’ll pass Syangboche Airport, one of the world’s highest, used to fly in supplies and equipment for the expedition climbers tackling the surrounding peaks.

    We’ll then take on the switchbacks that descend down the valley back to the Dudh Kosi River and from here, the trail follows the river to Jorsalle. This attractive village sits near the boundary of the Sagarmatha National Park and is one of the lesser-known stopping points on the trekking trail so we’ll often have this place virtually to ourselves.
    Accommodation: Nirvana Lodge, Jorsalle
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Jorsalle - 9,022 feet 2,750 meters() 

    Hiking: 3.1 miles (5 kilometers), 3-5 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,379 feet (1,030 meters) descent

  • Day 16

    Hike from Jorsalle to Lukla

    #81185

    This is our final full day on the mountain trails of the Khumbu region so it’s time to put our boots on one last time. We’ll stop for tea in Phakding village before making the climb back up to Lukla. We’ll share a final meal with our local team of porters and cooks to celebrate our incredible achievements and experiences on the trek, and to thank the team that helped make it all happen.
    Accommodation: Everest Eco Lodge, Lukla
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Lukla - 9,320 feet (2,840 meters) 

    Hiking: 7.4 miles (12 kilometers), 4-6 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 295 feet (90 meters) ascent 

  • Day 17

    Return to Kathmandu

    #81186

    This morning we’ll take our last look at the Himalayas from Lukla, before the short flight back to Kathmandu. For those who are keen this afternoon, we’ll walk to Durbar Square, the place where Nepal’s kings were crowned in past times. The square is in the center of old town Kathmandu and is the city’s greatest example of traditional architecture, so much so that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Dinner this evening will be yours to explore and experiment at one of the many great restaurants in town.
    Hotel Thamel Eco Resort, Kathmandu (Breakfast, Lunch)

    Elevation: Kathmandu - 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) 

  • Day 18

    Free day in Kathmandu

    #81187

    Today you’re free to explore the winding streets, atmospheric temples and markets of Kathmandu. Every now and then, flights out of Lukla can be delayed due to the weather, so there’s a chance we may be flying back into Kathmandu today instead. Either way, you can take the time to soak up the sights and sounds of this energetic, colorful culture. Tonight, we’ll meet at a local restaurant for our final dinner together to celebrate our achievements and adventures in the Himalayas.
    Accommodation: Hotel Thamel Eco Resort, Kathmandu
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    Elevation: Kathmandu - 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) 

  • Day 19

    Depart Kathmandu

    #81188

    Today is the final day of your Himalayas trekking trip with us amongst the highest mountains in the world. If you have extra time after your trip, we’re happy to make suggestions on how to make the most of it. On the other hand, if you’re on your way home today, we’ll send you back refreshed and invigorated from the great hiking adventures you’ve had with us in Nepal!
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals: Breakfast

Everest Base Camp Trek Departure Dates

Loading...

Included

  • 18 nights’ accommodation
  • 18 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 17 dinners
  • Our own highly experienced trip leaders, with you from start to finish
  • A team of local guides and porters for the duration of the trek
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fuelled
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Down jacket, sleeping bag and hiking poles for the duration of the trek
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern and comfortable!
  • Internal Flights to and from Lukla

What Our Guests Say

Our Trips... from our Guests' Perspective

ACT24 Price Promise October 2024 ACTIVE Generic Deal pod v02

Book Now With Our Price Promise

Our Price Promise is designed to give you complete confidence when booking your unforgettable adventure. Here's how it works...

  • Book your next adventure now (no need to wait for any Black Friday sales and risk missing out on your preferred departure date!)
  • If the price of your trip drops within 60 days of booking, we promise to honor the lower price and apply it to your trip

With our Price Promise you don't have to wait for future sales to get the best price.

So go for it - secure your preferred trip and departure date by booking your dream adventure now!

*Terms and conditions apply - see below

 

*Price Promise is available for bookings made on or after October 16, 2024. If the advertised price of your booked future trip decreases within 60 days of your original booking date, you can contact us to request the lower price be applied to your existing booking. You must contact us no later than 60 days from your original booking date and provide details of the available price/discount you wish to avail. The price of your trip can be changed only once and only if you contact us during the time at which the lower price is advertised/available. Price Promise cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions, or discounts. The company reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time in its sole discretion. Other restrictions may apply.  

 

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first day of the trip you'll meet your guide in the lobby of Kathmandu Marriott Hotel at 5pm. 

You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Kathmandu, though you must make your own way to Kathmandu Marriott Hotel in time to meet for the start of your trip at 5pm on the first day.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Kathmandu Airport in time for flights departing any time or anywhere in the Central Kathmandu downtown area after breakfast.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: If you're flying in on the first day of the trip, you can fly into Kathmandu at any time.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, you can depart at any time too.

Note: Keep in mind though that flights to and from Lukla airport are weather dependent and can sometimes be delayed. Therefore you might want to book changeable flights, just in case we’re in Lukla for a bit longer than expected.

What do I bring to the first night trip briefing?

Please bring along your passport and a photo copy of your passport. We need all of these to collect your trekking permits and your domestic flight tickets. Your passport will be returned to you once these permits are made.

What's a typical day like hiking on the EBC?

A typical day in the Himalayas starts early, it’s normal to be up at 6am to pack up your camping equipment, and after a hearty breakfast, be on the trail by about 7:30am to take advantage of the early morning views and clear skies. At around 11am we would stop for lunch, and start walking again from 12pm until we reach camp. Generally you could expect to be hiking from five to eight hours per day, with plenty of time in the afternoon to rest and take in the surroundings. You will be accompanied by an Active Adventures Himalayas trip leader and team of support crew so you can hike at your own pace. Trekking in Nepal is all about taking your time.

How fit do I need to be for this trek?

You’ll need a solid level of fitness for this trek. This is classic trekking, at altitude. Hiking in altitude is hard work and so the more preparation you do the better – but not to the point of over exerting yourself or stressing your body especially a few days before the climb. Some might even call it ‘expedition-style’ You should be in the habit of doing regular aerobic exercise, regular hill walking and carrying a daypack. Nepal is famous for their “undulations” – these are the largest mountains in the world. There are lots of steps on this hike so we highly recommend you tackle many a steep hill or some stairs whenever you can: a step-master at the gym, or up and down the stairwells of a high-rise building. Advance preparation means you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature of your trip all the more.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

What accommodations do we stay at on this trip?

We’ve chosen local tea houses (small guest houses run by the local people) and lodges to stay in which are modest and homely with great service. For the most part the tea-houses will have an ensuite with your twin/double room though the further up you hike, the service becomes more simple so some tea-houses may have bathrooms down the hall from your room. Please note there is no heating in the bedrooms. There are bathrooms along the way each day, usually where you stop off to have tea and/or a break, some may be European while others may be more long-drop style. There will be some what of a shower available though there may only be warm water and the higher we get, the colder the water will become. However nothing is guaranteed!
All tea houses have a communal dining area where you can read, play cards or simply gaze out the window at your spectacular location with stunning views.

Please note; no single rooms are available in the teahouses and the single supplement price takes this into account.

We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry where necessary during your trek. While there may be opportunities to do laundry, they may not be convenient or efficient, so hand-washing technical or delicate fabrics yourself is recommended along with fast drying clothing while walking, as the cold mountain air makes it hard for things to dry.

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 22 pounds (10 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You'll also want a good quality daypack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) with a maximum 11 pounds (5 kilograms) to use throughout the days.

We'll give you an Active Adventures Himalayas porter bag to put your main gear into (in Kathmandu) to give to your porter (in Lukla).

You're welcome to bring extra gear and you can store remaining gear at the hotel in Kathmandu while we trek.

Do you provide porters on this trip?

Yes included in your trip fare is the services of our group porters who carry your overnight gear, including your sleeping bag, leaving you to walk at your own pace with your day gear in your daypack. Porters will carry a maximum of 10 kilograms (22 pounds) per person, equivalent to around 50 liters of space.

We’ll give you an Active Adventures Himalayas porter bag to put your gear into (in Kathmandu) to give to your porter (in Lukla).

Do you provide any gear on this trip?

Yes we can provide a good quality, custom made, 4 seasons ‘super-down’ jacket; a warm down sleeping bag with an inner sheet included, rated to -26°C (-14°F); and a set of hiking poles.

The jacket has 800 loft/fill which we know is suitable for conditions on the trail. We also recommend bringing along a lighter down jacket for use in the tea houses at nights.

If you prefer to bring your own gear please ensure it is of mountaineering standard with a minimum loft of 800 for the jacket, and a minimum rating of -26°C (-14°F) for the sleeping bag.

Please select these items when you make your booking so we know you require them.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

How do you navigate unexpected changes to the itinerary?

Nepal is located in a developing part of the world, and we can’t tell you that everything runs like clockwork there all of the time. What we can tell you is that we are experienced adventure travel leaders, and we know how to keep things operating as smoothly as possible, even when conditions are challenging. That’s why we are here! Likewise, all adventure travel requires a certain amount of flexibility, and we sometimes must make minor changes to the accommodation or day’s activity because of weather and availability, but we have options up our sleeve and the experience to keep your trip running seamlessly.

On the odd occasions, adverse weather may prevent the operation of fixed wing flights to Lukla. In this event, and weather permitting, our team on the ground may offer you the option to upgrade to a Helicopter transfer at your own cost.

We’d recommend ensuring that you have a credit card, with pin, available in case of the unexpected, pack your patience, and let us take care of the details.

Is tipping expected in Nepal?

Tipping is accepted in Nepal (and appreciated!). Your loose change (or 5%) is fine in cheaper places; around 10% in more expensive restaurants. Round up the fare for taxi drivers. Most people do choose to tip their Active Adventures guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, for your Active Adventures trip leader and also your local Nepali guide and starting from USD$100 per guest to be shared amongst your Nepali porter team. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s in Kathmandu.

show more

show less

Your Local Nepal Guides

Why Travel With Us

11

Experience adventure the way you want

You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.

benefits awards

Crafting award-winning trips for decades - the New Zealand way

We're proud of our New Zealand roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!

benefit time v2

Every detail covered, to maximise your time

We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.

benefit group travel

Group travel for those who aren’t ‘group travelers’

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.

benefit gems

Explore hidden gems through our expert local guides

All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.

benefit review

Over 10,000 5-star reviews - that’s pretty solid

We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.