Everest Base Camp Trek,13 days Trekking & Hike to EBC

Day 01: Kathmandu – Lukla (2,642m) – Phakding (2,562m, 35 min flight, 8km, 3-4 hrs) trek
After breakfast, transfer to the Domestic Airport for the Trans Himalayan flight and dramatic landing on the hillside at Lukla: gateway to the Khumbu/Everest region. Meet your local porters and walk downhill to the Sherpa settlement of Cheplung. The trail then follows the side of the Dudh Koshi Valley before ascending to Ghat (2,530m/8,350ft). Another gentle hour leads up to Phakding. 
Day 02: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440m, 10km, 5-6 hrs)
The trail meanders through pine forest, along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges via the Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo and Jorsale: entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park and permit checkpoint; with tranquil views of glistening Thamserku (6,618m/21,714m). The trail continues along the riverbed to the confluence of the Bhote and Dudh Koshi Rivers. It then climbs steadily, crossing the high Tenzing- Hilary suspension bridge: with inspiring glimpses of Everest and the Nuptse – Lhotse ridge. A final three hour ascent through pine forest leads to the prosperous trading and administrative town of Namche Bazaar. 
Day 03: Acclimatization and exploration day
This is a scheduled acclimatization day on the trek. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and health experts recommend a stop for at least one extra night. Be active and roam rather than laze around: climb high and sleep low is the acclimatization advice.  Take an entertaining side trip to the large traditional Sherpa village of Khumjung (3,780m/12,402ft): with fine views of Thamserku, Kangtega, Ama Dablam and Everest – in a sea of lesser peaks. Return to Namche Bazaar for the night. 
Day 04: Namche Bazaar - Tengboche (3,870m, 8km, 5-6 hrs)
The trail climbs up from the town and then contours around the hillside, offering great views including Everest and Khumjung. Look out for spotted deer, Himalayan tahrs and birds – including the colorful (male) Danphe pheasant (Nepal’s national bird). The trail rises to Sanasa where the routes to Gokyo and Everest BC fork. The trail to the right then descends to cross the Dudh Koshi (past water driven prayer wheels) on a suspension bridge near Phunki Thenga (3,250m/10,663ft), the lowest point north of Namche Bazaar. It then enters the Imja Khola Valley and rises steeply, through dwarf conifers and rhododendron forest, for a two hour pull, to the hilltop village of Tengboche.  Their famous Gompa is set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Everest, Kangtega and other peaks. At full moon in October/November they hold the colourful Mani Rimdu festival which includes masked dancing and Tibetan Opera in the monastery courtyard. Visit the monastery during the afternoon.
Day 05: Tengboche - Dingboche (4,360 m, 10km, 5-6 hrs)
Today’s trail descends to Debuche: a scattered stone village with a nunnery, chortens and long mani wall. Cross the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola and gradually ascend to Pangboche with views of towering Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,495ft perhaps the most beautiful mountain in the Everest region). The trail then follows the river fairly closely as it gradually rises to its confluence with the Lobuche Khola and continues up to Dingboche: the last year-round Sherpa settlement in the region. Different views of Ama Dablam rise above the terraced fields of barley, buckwheat and potatoes. The fields are walled to protect crops from icy winds and animals during the short growing season. 
Day 06: Acclimatization day in Dingboche
This is another scheduled rest day on the trek and will assist your fitness and oxygen intake at the higher altitudes to follow. An enjoyable 3-4 hrs side walk, 400m climb to Nangkartshang Gompa, on the ridge north of Dingboche village can be the best choice. This vintage point offers Mt. Makalu (8,463m) fifth highest Mountain in the world to the east and awesome view of Mt. Ama Dablam and valley floor. If you have more energy, continue to Nagarjune Hill summit (5090m) for additional adventure and thrill. Return from the rarefied air to Dingboche for the night.
Day 07: Dingboche – Lobuche (4,940m, 7km, 4-5 hrs)
The trail climbs to a ridge providing towering views of Taboche Peak and Cholatse and continues through Yak pastures before crossing a wooden bridge over a roaring stream to Duglha (4,620m/15,158ft). The trail then ascends steeply for an hour, up the gravely terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. On the summit is a large group of stone-pile memorials to lost Sherpas and climbers. It also affords great border-views including Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Pumori. Everest is hidden behind the towering wall of Nuptse and Lhotse. Follow the valley upstream for about an hour to Lobuche. 
Day 08: Lobuche - Gorakshep (5,160 m) - Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) Gorak Shep (15km, 7-8 hrs)
A long rewarding day, follow the windblown and rocky path along the barren moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to the last village at Gorak Shep. After an early lunch, set out on the feint trail to the world’s highest Base Camp, on the Khumbu Glacier: opposite the dreaded icefall – the most dangerous section of an Everest ascent.  Trek back to Gorak Shep for the night at Lodge.
Day 09: Gorak Shep - KalaPatthar (5,545m) - Pheriche (4,280m, 15km, 7-8 hrs)
A very early morning climb of 2-3 hours up Kala Patthar, behind the village, offers a sunrise awakening of the Himalayan chain. Drop back to Gorakshep for breakfast, and then retrace your steps down to Lobuche. Return to the snout of the Khumbu glacier, dropping down the moraine and continuing on to the village of Pheriche for a lower and warmer night. 
Day 10: Pheriche – Namche Bazaar (3,44m, 15km, 6-7 hrs)
Today’s trail gradually descends to Deboche before a mild rise through rhododendron forest to the hilltop village of Tengboche which has an important monastery and great views in all directions. A long descent, leads to Phunki Thenga (3,250m/10,663ft) on the Imja Khola: the trek’s lowest point north of Lukla. The path then climbs to Sanasa (where the trail forked to Gokyo) beyond which it broadens for the pleasant contour walk back to Namche Bazaar. 
Day 11: Namche Bazaar -Phakding (2,642m, 10km, 5/6 hrs)
From Namche, the trail descends to more comfortable altitude, passing through the friendly farming villages of Jorsale, Monjo to Phakding and stay night at Phakding.
Day 12: Phakding to Lukla (2800m, 8km, 3/4 hours)
Breakfast and start a short and easy walk to Phakding on the way same trail back to Lukla. Stay night at Lukla in Kathmandu. 
Day 13: Lukla – Kathmandu (1,300m, 35 min flight)
After an early breakfast, take the return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel. 

Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek
We provide one porter for every two travelers. Your trekking gear will be carried by the porter. The maximum the porters carry is 10 Kg per passenger. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla only allows for a weight limit of 10 Kg for luggage, and 5 Kg for hand luggage. Some of your luggage can be left in Kathmandu but you will need to take all your trekking gear with you. Available for Rent: Sleeping Bag (NPR 200 - 300 NPR per day)

Cold Weather:
Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
Scarf
Warm gloves
Warm hat
Warm layers

Conservative Dress:
Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
Passport (required) (With photocopies)
Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)

Essentials:
Binoculars (optional)
Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
Cash, credit and debit cards
Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
Ear plugs
First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, band aids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, 
antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra 
prescription drugs you may be taking)
Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
Fleece top/sweater
Footwear
Hat
Locks for bags
Long pants/jeans
Money belt
Outlet adapter
Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
Reusable water bottle
Shirts/t-shirts
Sleepwear
Small travel towel
Sunglasses
Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
Watch and alarm clock
Waterproof backpack cover
Windproof rain jacket

Health and Safety:
Face masks (required)
Hand sanitizer (required)
Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Rubber gloves

High Altitude Trekking:-
Down jacket (Recommended for winter season)
Hiking boots (Worn frequently prior to departure)
Pack liners to waterproof bags
Reusable water bottler - minimum 1 litre (Aluminium or Nalgene polypropylene are best)
Sandals (For wearing around camp in the evenings)
Sleeping bag and liner, 4 season
Spare boot laces
Thermal base layer
Waterproof gloves
Whistle
Windproof rain gear
Wool socks
Laundry- Laundry facilities are offered by some of tea house and hotel for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Passports-As a general rule, your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the passport details you provide are accurate. Any errors provided may result in extra fees for making corrections in bookings. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends.

Nepal Visas-All foreign nationals require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars cash only: Multi entry visa valid for 15 days - US $30: Multi Entry Visa for 30 days - US $50 and multiple entry visa valid for 90 days - US $125. All travellers are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 to get visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport.

Money Matters-Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.As currency exchange rates in Nepal fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. As of June 2022 the exchange rate for NEPAL was 1 USD = 122 NPR (Nepalese Rupees). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard but these are limited to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche Bazaar. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 4%-6% transaction fee.

Departure Tax-All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.

Tipping-Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-$2 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service, for porters during the trekking portion of your trip, the recommended amount is 300-500 Rs (4-7 USD) per day; ask guide for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your guide and porter did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-30 USD per person, per week can be used.

Safety and Security-We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately. Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. Swimming, including is always at your own risk.

Drugs and Smoke-Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for our travellers, also illegal in Nepal. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. We have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance-Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Local Dress-In Nepal the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank tops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites. While visiting monasteries, please make sure you wear long trousers and open your shoes and stay quiet before entering the monasteries.

Minimum Age-You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a our tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
International Flights-Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Personal Health-You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons your guide are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. 

Important notes
2. You will be trekking on hilly terrain, generally on well-defined paths, walking anywhere between 2 to 7 hours per day, on average about 5 hours a day. Altitude may exceed 5545 meters.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. For this it needs extra cost.
4. In case of weather conditions leading to cancellations or delays in flights, this trip will operate on an alternate itinerary. 
5. You must bring an emergency fund of USD 500 in cash with you on this trip, which you may need to use in case of delayed or cancelled flights.
6. We advise allowing a few extra days in Kathmandu at the end of your trip should your return flights from Lukla be delayed due to weather conditions.
7. The minimum age for this trip is 15 at time of travel.
9. You may be asked to provide 2 passport size photographs for your trekking permit.

Altitude Sickness-Travelers to altitudes higher than 2,50 m are at risk of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). This can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even people who are very physically fit. There is a higher risk for those who have had altitude sickness before, who exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting to the altitude, or who have health problems that affect breathing. If your tour travels to high altitude, see your doctor for advice specific to you and your situation before you depart. It is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter BUT NOT worry about:
1.Periods of sleeplessness
2.Occasional loss of appetite
3.Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
4.Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night
5.Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
6.Blocked nose
7.Dry cough
8.Mild headache
If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or experience other symptoms, please be sure to let your guide know immediately so that we can monitor your condition. Please be aware that should your guide deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, they will arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.

Medical Facilities and Treatment-Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, particularly outside Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, treatment at international-standard clinics is expensive and up-front payment for services is generally required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including evacuation by helicopter.

Alcohol and Caffeine-Alcohol and trekking don't mix. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip. Celebrate your achievements after your trek. Both alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration. Limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes.

Monsoon-The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Disruption of air travel and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.

Lukla Flights-Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly and we may be forced to change the trip itinerary accordingly. Travelers need to be prepared for all weather conditions.In the Himalayas weather can cancel or delay the scheduled flight(s) to/from Lukla airport. To be sure that you make your trek, or return from it, it may be necessary to make this flight by a chartered helicopter. Helicopters can operate in some weather that aircraft cannot. Should a helicopter be needed, it will be at the expense of the travellers, and not something covered by Mission Eco Trek. Please keep approximately USD 500 (one way) accessible in case this situation presents itself. Hopefully weather delays will not occur, or if they do it will be for a limited time. Should the delays stretch into days and neither helicopter nor flight are a viable option, a collective decision will be made by the group on how to proceed. This is especially true if the delays are prior to the trek, as the original trek may no longer be feasible. We are here to help with this process.

Emergency Fund-Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $700 (or equivalent) cash as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This includes the USD $500 cash emergency helicopter funds.

Drones in Nepal-Please note that drones and the flying of drones are prohibited in Nepal. If you violate these regulations the police may take you into custody.
Solo Travelers-Single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.