Mount Everest is a symbol of passion, hardship, and adventure. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is simply “little up, little down”, our Nepalese guide Dil says. You’ll enjoy breath-taking mountains, pristine alpine forests, high altitude lakes and glacial rivers while learning about Sherpa culture over the course of the 8-day ascent. An incredible scenic helicopter ride back down will let you relive your adventure from the air.
HIGHLIGHTS
Guided sight-seeing in Kathmandu
Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
Trek to Everest Base Camp
Premium accommodation with ensuite
Helicopter from highest point on Everest Base Camp Trek to Lukla
Highly resourced New Zealand guide and experienced Nepalese guide
Engage in the lifestyle and traditions of people living in the Himalayas and wider Nepal
Connect with the locals, and cook for the homeless
Service experiences with researched and trusted NGOs
Explore Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO world heritage site)
Maximum group size of 12
Summit Adventures are designed so you can focus on experiencing the truly important aspects of your journey, giving back to the community and connecting with the best Nepal has to offer.
Your all-inclusive 16-day premium adventure covers:
All premium accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (on EBC subject to avail)
All meals
All ground travel within Nepal (including airport transfers)
Flight to Lukla
Helicopter from Lobuche back to Kathmandu
Return flights to Pokhara for rest & relaxation or adventure activities by the lake
Sightseeing Kathmandu (including entry fees)
Trek permits
Porters and trek guides
Drinking water
Service experiences and materials
One hour massage at Seeing Hands Nepal Pokhara
Kiwi guidance and assistance from the moment you book
You need to budget for:
International flights
Entry visa into Nepal
Beverages
Insurance
Any required vaccinations
Tipping your Nepalese porters and guides (at your discretion)
ITINERARY
Day 1 Land in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. You will be met at the airport and transferred to accommodation.
Day 2 Morning sightseeing in Kathmandu - we will visit the Monkey Temple first and then Boudhanath (one of the largest stupas in the world) where we will have lunch. After lunch we visit Sunsar Maya’s After School Programme - this is a first of its kind in Nepal, providing educational opportunities to better the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children. We also visit their Women’s Literacy programme which aims to build reading, math, and life skills (Nepal’s adult literacy rate is only 65%). Your trip cost has contributed to the materials for a cultural exchange and a donation to this organisation. Later, explore the maze of shops and bars in the tourist centre Thamel. You will have time to purchase anything items you need for Everest Base Camp before dinner.
Day 3 Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2695m). Everest Base Camp Trek begins with a descent to Phakding (2610m, 3-4 hours, 7 km)
Day 4 Phakding to Namche Bazaar, a prosperous market town with cafes, bakeries and shops (3480m, 5-6, hrs walk, 11km)
Day 5 Acclimatization day. Hike up to Everest Viewpoint Hotel and visit Khumjung village.
Day 6 Namche Bazaar to Tengboche, home to one of the most famous monasteries in Nepal with an impressive backdrop of Mt Ama Dablam (3860m, 5-6 hrs, 10km)
Day 7 Tengboche to Dingboche, a vast, steep glaciated valley (4410m, 6 hrs, 9km)
Day 8 Acclimatization day. Explore Chukung village (5445 m) and enjoy an outstanding view of Everest.
Day 9 Dingboche to Lobuche. On a clear day, this section offers incredible views of snow-capped mountains (4940m, 5-6 hrs, 7 km)
Day 10 Today is the day you reach Everest Base Camp (5364m)! The final part of the trail follows the spectacular Khumbu Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. Overnight in Gorakshep, the final stop for EBC trekkers (5180m, 8-9 hrs,13km)
DAY 11 Sunrise hike from Gorakshep to KalaPatthar (5545m). KalaPatthar offers panoramic views of Mt Everest (8848m), Mt Lhotse (8414m) and other impressive surrounding peaks. After breakfast descend for around two-hour to board your helicopter to Lukla and then on to Kathmandu by helicopter, enjoying unparalleled views of the highest peaks and most stunning landscapes in the world! As soon as possible after landing in Kathmandu, we will board a plane to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city. On a clear day this 1-hour scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara offers magnificent views of the Himalaya mountain range.
Day 12 & 13 Free days in Pokhara. Try out paragliding with the stunning views of the Himalayas, enjoy plenty of shopping, or simply relax by the lake. Be sure to visit the social enterprise Seeing Hands Nepal, a massage centre where blind Nepalise are given training to become massage therapists and later work within the organisation. Enjoy a 1-hour massage here by these talented people (your massage is included in your trip cost).
Day 14 Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Service experience - painting classrooms, building desks, or taking orphaned children on an excursion - the service will be determined by the need at the time and organised by Australian founded organisation In Giving We Receive. Your trip cost has contributed to the materials required for this service.
Day 15 Free morning. Service afternoon experience - Curry Without Worry Kathmandu. Preparing curry and serving dinner for 300 hungry souls. Your trip cost has contributed to the costs of providing this nights meal.
Day 16 Morning cooking class (extra cost) or rural school visit. Free afternoon to purchase any last items and pack, then you will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport in time for your outbound flight.
If your time is limited, chat to us about departing this trip earlier.
Our Everest Base Camp Premium Trek is limited to 12 spaces, don’t miss the next departure!
Tour cost is based on twin-share. Flexible payment plans available.
Did you know we offer a Summit Deposit Guarantee? Book with confidence knowing that if you become unable to travel, your deposit is fully transferable to another tour or another person. Find out more about the Summit Deposit Guarantee.