Nepal - Everest Base Camp
with Darwin Rakestraw
Dates: Mar 24 - Apr 8, 2024
Price: 4100 EUR All-Inclusive*, from the moment you arrive in Kathmandu (see details below)
A 25% deposit is required to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the start of the tour.
(View the cancelation policy below in the section "Price and Details")
This is a 16-day journey to Nepal, known as the 'roof of the world' and home to the highest point on Earth. The trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is renowned as one of the most breathtaking adventures on the planet, you'll witness the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains as you make your way to EBC
No technical skills are required to join this tour; all you need is a sense of adventure and a good level of fitness.
Nic "Darwin" Rakestraw is a "Triple-Crown" Long Distance Hiker, filmmaker, and adventure Cyclist most known for his popular YouTube Channel "Darwin Onthetrail”. He’s logged over 14K accumulative miles of Long-Distance Hiking (AT, PCT, CDT, etc.) and bike touring over the last 7 years.
Aside from making his well-known hiking videos and gear reviews, he has expanded his creativity as a storyteller to Documentary Filmmaking, Photography, Podcasting, and anything to help inspire others to get outside their comfort zone and experience the natural world around us.
Darwin Rakestraw is joining us once again, this time to explore the Everest Base Camp.
Welcome to the journey of a lifetime—a 16-day adventure to the base of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest. This awe-inspiring expedition will lead you through the heart of the Himalayas, where you'll witness the breathtaking beauty of one of Earth's most iconic natural wonders.
During this journey, you'll explore charming Sherpa villages, savor panoramic views of towering peaks, cross high-altitude suspension bridges, and ultimately reach the base of Everest, an accomplishment few can claim. This experience has the potential to be life-changing, leaving you with indelible memories and a newfound appreciation for the power and wonder of nature.
The trek can be challenging, especially at higher altitudes, but no technical climbing skills are required. Our carefully designed itinerary allows for acclimatization and recovery at specific altitudes.
You'll be guided every step of the way by a certified International Mountain Leader and the invaluable support of local Nepalese guides and porters.
Please review the itinerary below and ensure your physical condition is adequate before the trip begins
Please, get in touch with us if you have any questions.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu
The adventure begins with your arrival in Kathmandu! A member of our team will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to the hotel, where you can rest and get ready for the adventure that lies ahead. In the evening, we will head to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner of great Nepali food and to get to know each other.
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Altitude: 1,300 m / 4,264 ft
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Meals: Dinner included
Day 2 | Trek preparation and drive to Ramechhap (4 - 5 h)
Our first full day in Nepal starts with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and a safety briefing at around 10 a.m. After the briefing, we will have time for lunch before driving to Ramechhap in a private vehicle. The drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap takes about 4 - 5 hours. We'll stay overnight in a hotel in Ramechhap (twin room).
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Altitude: 1,300 m / 4,264 ft
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Transfer time: 4 - 5 hours
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Meals: breakfast & dinner included
Day 3 | Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Our journey to Everest Base Camp begins with a flight to Lukla that departs at around 6 a.m. The short flight from Ramechhap to Lukla takes approximately 15 minutes. After we arrive in Lukla, we'll have breakfast and meet the rest of the group. The trek to Phakding begins after breakfast and takes us through the bustling village of Lukla, past Mani walls, prayer wheels, small stupas, suspension bridges, and trail-side Sherpa settlements. Today's walk is fairly easy, short, and mostly downhill. We'll arrive in Phakding around lunchtime, where we'll have time to rest before taking a short acclimatization hike to a nearby monastery in the evening.
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The route: 8km / 5 mi approx.
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Sleeping altitude: 2610 m / 8,563 ft
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Trekking time: 4 hours
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 | Trek to Namche Bazaar
The hike from Phakding to Namche Bazaar begins with a trek to Monjo, following an initially easy up-and-down trail along the Dudh Koshi River, accompanied by beautiful Rhododendron trees. As you progress and cross the third suspension bridge, the trail to Monjo becomes steeper. After reaching Monjo, we'll stop for lunch in Jorsalle and then continue on a fairly manageable up-and-down trail until we reach the Hillary Bridge. This bridge is the highest and longest suspension bridge in the Everest region. After crossing it, we'll continue on a steep trail to Namche, where you'll be rewarded with the first glimpse of Mount Everest.
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The route: 10km / 6.21 mi approx.
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Sleeping altitude: 3440 m / 11,286 ft
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Trekking time: 7- 8 hours
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 | Acclimatization in Namche
Today we'll take a break from gaining altitude to let our bodies acclimatize. After breakfast, we'll go on an acclimatization hike that will give us an insight into Sherpa culture and lifestyle. The hike will also offer us mesmerizing views of Mt. Everest and its surrounding peaks. We will come down to Namche for dinner.
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Sleeping altitude: 3440 m / 11,286 ft
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Trekking time: 4 - 5 hours
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 | Trek to Deboche
Today, the trail hugs the side of the mountain to Sanasa, high above the river, where the trail to Gokyo Valley branches off. After this, we descend to cross the Dudh Koshi River at Phunke Tenga. As we hike along the well-maintained, relatively flat trail, we're presented with stunning views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Kangtega, and Thamserku. Once we cross the bridge at Phunke Tenga, we begin a steep uphill climb to Tengboche. Upon arrival, we'll visit the famous Tengboche monastery and observe the prayer ceremony. Afterward, we'll continue our descent to Deboche through a forest of fir and birch trees, where we'll spend the night in a comfortable teahouse.
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The route: 12km / 7.45 mi approx.
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Sleeping altitude: 3820 m / 12,532 ft
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Trekking time: 7- 8 hours
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 | Trek to Dingboche
After breakfast in Deboche, we'll continue our descent to cross the river, hiking through a beautiful forest. The trail then leads us to Pangboche, where we'll begin a gradual ascent along the Imja River toward Somare. The trees will gradually vanish as we continue, and the trail will become rockier. Afterward, we'll hike down to the bridge, where the trail branches off to Pheriche, before ascending gradually to Dingboche.
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The route: 10km / 6.21 mi approx.
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Sleeping altitude: 4440 m / 14,468 ft
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Trekking time: 5 hours
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 | Acclimatization in Dingboche
For the acclimatization hike, we will either go to Nangkar Tshang Gompa or Chhukung. The hike to Gompa is an hour-long hike to the ridge north of Dingboche. From here, there is a viewpoint of Cholatse and Taboche, the lake at the foot of Ama Dablam, and Chhukung and Makalu. The hike to Chhukung is a full-day hike, but it presents the most elegant views of Ama Dablam, Baruntse, and Makalu. We will come back to Dingboche and spend the night here.
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Sleeping altitude: 4440 m / 14,468 ft
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Trekking time: 1 hour or 7 hours
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 | Trek to Lobuche
As we leave Dingboche behind, we begin our ascent towards Thukla, where a trail junction awaits us. We pass through Dusa and Palrung Kharka, taking in the breathtaking views of Taboche and Cholatse. As we descend to a glacial stream, we cross the bridge and climb up the rough moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The trail then curves left towards the memorials of the brave climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives climbing the mighty Everest. The grand and beautiful Pumori stands tall, inviting us to continue our journey. After a challenging ascent over loose moraine, we finally reach the picturesque Lobuche.
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The route: 9.5 km / 5.9 mi approx.
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Sleeping altitude: 4910 m / 16,108 ft
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Trekking time: 4 - 5 hours
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 | Trek to Gorakshep - Everest Base Camp - Gorakshep
As we continue north on a narrow trail between the glacial moraine and the mountain wall, we pass by the junction of the Italian Pyramid. We cross the terminal moraine of the Changri Shar Glacier and make our way towards Gorakshep. After reaching our destination, we leave our luggage behind and head towards Everest Base Camp, taking in the majestic views of the Khumbu Glacier. We hike up atop the ridge and head directly towards the mouth of the Khumbu glacier. The fluttering prayer flags mark the arrival of the Everest Base Camp, where we spend some time taking in the awe-inspiring surroundings. We then retrace our steps to Gorakshep, our resting place for the night.
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The route: 11.5 km / 7.14 mi approx.
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Sleeping altitude: 5140 m / 16,863 ft (Gorakshep)
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Higuest point: 5364 m / 17,598 ft (EBC)
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Trekking time: 8 hours
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 | Majestic Sunrise at Kala Patthar and trek to Pheriche
As the sun slowly rises over the Himalayas, we will embark on a journey to witness the breathtaking view from the top of Kala Patthar. The trek will begin two hours before sunrise, and we will hike through the winding trails as the darkness slowly gives way to the light of the day. Upon reaching Kala Patthar, we will witness a stunning panorama of the surrounding peaks, including Pumori, Lobuche West, Nuptse, Lhotse, and the mighty Everest. The view will be nothing short of awe-inspiring, and it will leave a lasting impression in our hearts.
After soaking in the beauty of the sunrise, we will hike down to Gorakshep for a well-deserved breakfast. The fresh air and warm sun rays will rejuvenate our spirits as we prepare for the rest of the day's trek. After a brief rest, we will descend down to Pheriche, following the scenic Pheriche path. The trail will take us past the shimmering glacial streams, through the lush forests, and across the serene meadows. We will retrace our steps down the moraine to Dughla, past Lobuche, and drop down to the bridge, crossing the glacial stream. Finally, we will walk all the way down to Pheriche, where we will spend the night at a cozy teahouse.
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The route: 12 km / 7.45 mi approx.
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Sleeping altitude: 4240 m / 13,910 ft
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Higuest point: 5550 m / 18,208 ft
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Trekking time: 7 - 8 hours
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 | Trek through the Serene Valleys to Namche Bazaar
We will begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the teahouse in Pheriche. After that, we will continue our journey toward Namche Bazaar. The trek will take us through the picturesque valleys of Orsho, Somare, Pangboche, Deboche, Tengboche, PhunkeTenga, and Kyangjuma. The views of the Himalayas will continue to amaze us as we pass through the quaint villages and serene forests. As we approach Namche Bazaar, the bustling market town, we will feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that we have come a long way.
Upon reaching Namche, we will check into a comfortable teahouse and rest for a while. We will have plenty of time to explore its nooks and crannies. We can visit the local shops, interact with the friendly locals, and soak in the unique culture of the region. Dinner will be served in our teahouse for the night at Namche.
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The route: 15 km / 7.45 mi approx.
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Sleeping altitude: 3440 m / 11,286 ft
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Trekking time: 7 - 8 hours
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 | Trek to Lukla
After a hearty breakfast in Namche, we will embark on the trek back down to Lukla. The trail offers stunning views of the Himalayan landscape and the surrounding valleys, making for an unforgettable journey. Upon reaching Lukla, we will settle in for a restful overnight stay and prepare for our flight the following day. By tradition, the arrival back to Lukla is a cause for celebration! As this is the last time you will spend with your porters, you will share an evening together.
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The route: 18 km / 11.18 mi approx.
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Sleeping altitude: 2840 m / 9,317 ft
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Trekking time: 6 hours
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 | Fly to Ramechhap and drive to Kathmandu
After relishing a delicious breakfast in Lukla, we will board a scenic flight to Ramechhap airport, where a private transfer will be waiting to take us back to Kathmandu. Along the way, we will stop at one of the highway restaurants to enjoy a good lunch. Once we arrive in Kathmandu, we will check into our hotel and enjoy some leisure time.
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Flight: 15 min
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Transfer time: 5 hours drive
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15 | Free day or Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour
After starting the day with a great breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on an immersive, full-day guided tour of the Kathmandu Valley, exploring four UNESCO World Heritage sites: the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the iconic Swyambhunath Stupa, the awe-inspiring Boudhanath Stupa, and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square. Each of these sites offers a glimpse into Nepal's rich culture, heritage, and history, making for a truly enlightening experience. In the evening, we will savor a delicious farewell dinner, reminiscing about our incredible journey.
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Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour
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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 16 | Kathmandu - Departure day
On our last day together, we will gather for a final breakfast, cherishing the memories we have made over the past few days. It will then be time to pack our bags, say our goodbyes and head back home, filled with a sense of adventure and fulfillment that will stay with us forever.
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Meals: Breakfast
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Transfer to the airport
The entire tour is done in English.
*We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, National Parks regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.
This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions
How Challenging ?
High effort. This is a challenging adventure you can expect 5 - 8 hours of trekking per day, most days at high altitudes. Previous hiking experience is highly recommended.
Price and Details
The tour includes:
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Airport pickup and drop off service (private car/jeep/minivan)
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3 Nights of twin-room accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu (3-Star Standard Hotel)
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1 Night twin-room accommodation in Ramechhap (hotel/lodge)
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One full-day guided city tour of Kathmandu Valley (private car/jeep/minivan)
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Transfer to and from Ramechhap (private car/jeep/minivan)
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Flight to and from Lukla with departure tax
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All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), during the trek and as marked above in the itinerary
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Tea/Coffee (3 cups every day served in cups only), during the trek
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Seasonal fruits after dinner every day during the trek
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Unlimited purified drinking water (except at Lobuche and Gorakshep)
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All accommodations on a twin-room basis, (lodge/teahouse), during the trek
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4 hot showers at lower altitudes, during the trek
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All required trekking permits
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Government-licensed, English-speaking, knowledgeable and experienced guide (1:6 ratio)
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One porter (for every two members)
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Insurance of guides and porters
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All required local and govt. taxes
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Duffle bag, Route Map (to keep)
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Sleeping bag and down jacket 4 seasons (if required on rental basis)
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A qualified English-speaking International Mountain Guide
The tour excludes:
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Nepal arrival visa
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Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
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Personal expenses, like mineral water (at Lobuche and Gorekshep), alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, extra meals, hot water for drinking and other purposes, etc.
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Cost of WiFi, battery charging and extra hot showers during the trek
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Cost of extra luggage levied by airlines while flying to Lukla (15 kilograms allowed)
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Monument Entrance fees during the city tour
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Appropriate travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation over 5000 meters, trip cancellation, etc.
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Tip to guides and porters
Price: EUR 4100
A 25% deposit is due to secure your spot, the remaining balance is due 60 days before the start of the tour. Once the tour is confirmed your deposit is non-refundable, however, it can be transferred to any other trip up until 60 days before the tour.
Participants:
Min 8 - max 12
Start: Kathmandu - Tribhuvan International Airport, March 24
End: Kathmandu - Tribhuvan International Airport, April 8
We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseeable circumstances.
This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions
Cancellation policy:
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Tour pending: the 25% down payment is fully refundable
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Tour confirmed: the 25% down payment is non-refundable. You can transfer this down payment to any other of our trips within the next year up until 60 days before the start of the tour.
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60 days or less before the tour starts: no refund possible
Travel insurance is required for all of our trips. Make sure that your insurance covers trip cancellation (in case of any unforeseen circumstances)