It’s the mountain of all mountains – the highest point on Planet Earth. For many years, Mount Everest was only accessible to the local villagers who call it home and the bravest of mountain explorers. Now, this high-altitude legend can be traversed by practically anyone who aspires to witness its majesty firsthand.
There a few things that eclipse the feeling of trekking through a mammoth mountain range, and the Khumbu Region is as big as it gets. The ascent from the mountain hub of Lukla, through fertile fields, past towering peaks to the lunar landscapes of the Khumbu glacier is a worthy trek for even the most avid adventurer.
Every step you take towards Base Camp robs more vital oxygen from your already heaving lungs, every step becomes slower and more lethargic yet somehow the old-fashioned practice of one foot in front of the other gets you to the end of another day. It's a battle of mind over matter that may see the fastest fail, as the methodical march on towards the nightly teahouse, one chapter closer to their ultimate goal.
The ever-changing landscapes, bustling villages and passing yak trains provide a welcome distraction from the constant uphill slog, set to the background sounds of gushing mountain streams, tinkling prayer wheels and giggling school kids.
Our expedition to Everest Base Camp (EBC) are so much more than a hike in the Himalayas. With Best Life Adventures, your journey to the roof of the world will be one of cultural immersion, deep insight, and connection with this awe-inspiring landscape.
Following the success of our previous expeditions, we have revised and improved our EBC itinerary to take you places other bog-standard trekking and travel companies don’t even know about. We give you a seriously unique adventure in the Himalayas that includes Wim Hof-style glacial lake swimming, a tour of the Italian glass research station known as, The Pyramid, a local Nepali cooking class, and the best traditional Japanese Shiatsu massage you can find once you're back in Kathmandu.
WE HELP PRESERVE AND GIVE BACK
We make a donation to the Australian Himalayan Foundation, on behalf of everyone who books a trek with us, to help improve living standards in the Himal region through better education and training, improved health services, and environmental sustainability.
As part of our commitment to preserving the livelihoods of the people, and the landscapes of the Khumbu region, we have added a number of sustainability initiatives to each and every one of our EBC treks:
Rather than consume disposable plastic water bottles throughout our trek, we operate a water filtration system using our MSR and Katadyn water filters and issue each trekker with their own supply of Purinize water treatment drops to ensure fresh, clean drinking water throughout the trek. This gives you the best chance of maintaining excellent gut health which in turn, gives you the greatest chance of getting to base camp.
We work with Sagamartha Next, based in Khumjung Village just above Namche Bazar, to help change the perception around waste in the Khumbu region, and provide support to the local stakeholders, by entering into their 'Carry Me Back' initiative which helps remove recyclable waste from the valley. Each and every one of our trekkers carries at least 1kg of plastic or aluminium waste, downhill from Namche to Lukla, where it's taken to the nearest recycling plant.
MINIMUM NUMBERS - this expedition is subject to a minimum number of paying guests (12) and once reached, the expedition is guaranteed to go ahead if not, it will be cancelled, and you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate expedition or departure date or receive a full refund.
INSURANCE - We highly recommend taking out personal travel insurance within seven days of booking this expedition, which will ensure you are covered if things go pear-shaped. Remember to get a policy that covers you for trekking to 6000m with emergency helicopter evacuation, and in case of trip cancellation (e.g. due to low numbers or weather conditions). In the past, we’ve worked with a number of different companies and have had the best customer experience and speed of response with World Nomads, but the decision is 100% yours if you have a preferred company.
Please ensure you arrive in Kathmandu no later than today for your check-in at Hotel Manaslu.
Compulsory group briefing at the hotel AM. This will be conducted before the optional Cultural Half-Day Tour departs.
Tonight we all head out as a group for a Nepalese Cultural Dinner.
Price : US $60 cash, to be paid on day of tour Location : Kathmandu, Nepal
Head out and explore Kathmandu with your trekking crew, an English-speaking guide and visit some of the most historic, iconic tourist sites including:
The Monkey Temple
Swayambhunath Stupa
All transport, entrance fees and bottled water are taken care of.
Location : Aeropuerto Tenzing-Hillary, Lukla - Everest Base Camp Trekking Route, Chaurikharka, Nepal
If the mountain Gods are with us and the flight is on time, you will arrive in Lukla (2800m) around 10am, wander the streets to buy any last minute shopping and enjoy an early lunch, before starting the mainly downhill trek to Phakding (2610m).
Location : Phakding, Nepal
The 9km hike to Phakding (2160m) should take 3 hours. When you arrive, you can check into your room and spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatising. Make sure you keep well hydrated; 4 to 5 litres of water a day is essential all the way through the trek.
Location : Namche Bazaar, Namche, Nepal
You get to cross a number of vertigo-inducing suspension bridges while gradually moving uphill towards the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park and the Everest Region. Next, you head downhill for a short time before levelling out alongside the river crossing mixed terrain.
The trail follows the river to the final high double suspension bridges before you begin the quad-burning ‘Namche Hill’. It can take 2 hours to reach the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar (3340m), where we will be based for two nights.
Today’s trek is around 12km or 5 hours, with plenty of breaks along the way.
Location : Namche Bazaar, Namche, Nepal
There's no such thing as a rest day in the Himalayas! We climb up to the village of Khumjung, visit the local school and shops, then head back to Namche for an afternoon of great coffee, last-minute shopping and even a massage.
Location : Tengboche Monastery, Everest Base Camp Trekking Route, Khumjung, Nepal
Today we hike towards Tengboche, at 3860m. After ascending out of Namche, the first 2 hours are relaxed walking, traversing the left-hand side of the valley, high above the river below. The trail descends down toward the river for our lunch stop.
From here it will take 2-3 hours to hike up the long hill to the town of Tengboche, home to a stunning monastery and coffee shop that sells the best apple pie and espresso.
There are 5-6 hours of hiking today, covering 10km.
Location : Dingboche, Nepal
From Tengboche, we travel to Dingboche, at 4400m. The trail heads up and down hills before crossing the river and then uphill towards Pangboche for lunch, which usually takes 2-3 hours.
From there it is a gradual uphill trek towards the Imja Valley with views towards Island Peak and an hour later arrives in Dingboche.
The total trekking time will be 5 to 6 hours. The distance will be 12km.
Location : Dingboche, Nepal
Today, there's a 300m ascent to the stupa overlooking the town, then it's back down to Dingboche to relax for the afternoon with a Best Life Adventures surprise activity thrown in.
Location : Lobuche, Khumjung, Nepal
From Dingboche, we head to Lobuche, at 4900m. The trail heads back towards the Khumbu valley and becomes a long and slow trek across a beautiful elevated route towards Dugla, where we stop for a while to eat lunch and rest. This usually takes 2 hours and after lunch, from Dugla to Lobuche, will be an additional 3 hours with plenty of rest stops.
After stopping at Dugla we have a long uphill section over the Thukla Pass which tops out at the Everest Memorial, before heading on to Lobuche - home of the World's Highest Bakery and your base for the night.
We will cover 12km today.
Location : Everest Base Camp, Khumjung, Nepal
Today’s trek is very beautiful and unique, crossing loose rock and glacial moraine. The up and down trail into Gorak Shep takes approximately 3 hours.
We have lunch here and rest before the toughest but most rewarding part of your adventure - the walk into Everest Base Camp which takes around 3 hours where we will spend time basking in the glory of the world’s highest mountain!
We then return to Gorak Shep for the night after a huge day of achieving a lifetime goal.
Location : Kala Patthar Summit, Khumjung, Nepal
For those with enough energy reserves left, this is one of the highlights of the trip. A dawn ascent of Kala Patthar, the perfect place to watch the sunrise over Mount Everest. It's the toughest physical part of the trek and the return trip takes around 3 hours.
We return for breakfast in Gorek Shep before starting the day's hike.
Location : Pheriche, Khumjung, Nepal
The hike back to Pheriche is around 5 hours, winding back along the path we came up, until Dugla, where we descend into the stunning wide valley where we'll spend the night. A total of 8 hours of hiking today which is very challenging for most people, covering 16km.
Location : Namche Bazar, Namche, Nepal
Today we will trek from Pheriche back to Namche Bazar. It is another long day and can take approximately 9 hours. As you are heading downhill, to lower levels of altitude, and you can cover the ground quicker than on the way up.
When you get back to Namche you will enjoy the delights at the Namche Bakery or play a few rounds of pool at Cafe Danfe before resting up for the long walk back to Lukla. Today’s journey is 22km.
Location : Lukla, Chaurikharka, Nepal
The final furlong! This is another long day and can be one of the hardest, as your body is tired from the trek. You start the day going back down Namche Hill and then tackle the long stretch back to Lukla. Today’s trek can take up to 8 hours and covers 21km. Once you get back through the famous arch into Lukla you can finally say you've completed the Everest Base Camp Trek. Tonight we have a celebration dinner and a few local specialities thrown in too.
Location : Kathmandu, Nepal
If the weather gods are with us we fly back to Kathmandu today and check back into Hotel Manaslu. We recommend you book your international flight 1-2 days after your trek finishes. Lukla Airport can close due to sudden weather transitions and for several days in a row. A helicopter charter flight (approximately US$500-$750) may be required if flights are cancelled or delayed for a few days. Please ensure your travel insurance covers this instance.
After nearly two weeks of sleeping at high altitude, your bed back at the Hotel Manaslu feels super comfy and is the prefect place to recoup and recover.
Location : Kathmandu, Nepal
Your Best Life Adventure officially ends today, but if inclement mountain weather delays our departure from Lukla to Kathmandu, it is advised that you plan to have at least two extra days in Kathmandu before your international flight departs. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Free time to discover why Kathmandu is one of the friendliest cities in the world.
Location : Lobuche Peak East, Khumjung, Nepal
PLEASE ADD THIS OPTION AT THE CHECKOUT
We've added the option of summiting one of the Khumbu's most accessible peaks - Lobuche East (6119m), to this year's Everest Base Camp trek.
For those aspiring adventurers looking to push themselves a little more, by adding 750 metres of additional altitude to the 5385m at base camp for some simply epic views of the surrounding peaks, this is an experience worth signing up for.
We've created an itinerary that allows you to summit in two days and still catch up with the rest of the group for the final night's celebration back in Lukla before flying back to Kathmandu together the next day.
Day One
Trek to Lobuche Village
Climb to Lobuche High Camp (5400m)
Overnight at Lobuche High Camp
Day Two
Depart Lobuche High Camp at 01:00
Ascend for around 8-10 hours
Summit before 10:00
Descend to Lobuche village - 2 hours
Mandatory helicopter transfer (additional cost TBD depending on where we fly from and weather dependent)
Trek to Pheriche and helicopter to Lukla - 2 hours
Overnight at Lukla and meet the rest of our group
You need to be fit and healthy at altitude (this will be determined by how your body reacts throughout the lead-up days on the trek), and prepared for some long drop-offs and exposure - that's what climbing mountains is all about.
The cost includes:
Lobuche East Peak Climbing Permit
All camping equipment - tent, cooking set, food, etc
Professional climbing guide per climber
One porter for each climber
All technical gear, rope, and rock pitons
The cost excludes:
Helicopter transfer from Lobuche back to Lukla
Personal climbing equipment such as boots, crampons, axe, sleeping bag etc. We can arrange hire of this for you from Dingbouche on the way to EBC.
Cost approx US$120.
There are no refunds available if you do not manage to make the start of the Lobuche climb due to AMS or other scenarios. All guides and equipment will already be on the mountain awaiting our arrival.
*A minimum of 4 people are required to ensure this adventure goes ahead. We will let you know as soon as this has been achieved.
Price: US$60 cash, to be paid on arrival
Location : Kathmandu, Nepal
If you'd like to hire a warm, down sleeping bag for the duration of your trip, please select this now. There's nowhere better than the inside of one when the frost is nipping at your nose!
Price : US$60 cash, to be paid on arrival in Kathmandu
Location : Kathmandu, Nepal
If you'd like to hire a warm, down jacket for the duration of your trip, please select this now. It is essential to have one of these for the last few nights of the trip where temperatures can drop to below -5c, or if you intend summiting Kala Patar (5600m).
Price : US $650 to be paid in cash in Kathmandu
Location : Gorakshep, Khumjung, Nepal
Take a different view of the Khumbu region from up high, in a helicopter with a scenic flight over the trail you've spent the last week walking, well worth doing! From the landing pad at EBC, head over Gokyo Lakes, past Ama Dablam and take in the magnitude and magnificence of the Himalayas.
This will take place either from Gorek Shep, Lobuche or Namche. To be confirmed during the trek
Price : US $150 to be paid in cash in Kathmandu
Location : Kathmandu, Nepal
Your trekking package includes hotel accommodation at Hotel Manaslu in Kathmandu on the following dates: 8th, 9th, 21st April 2027
If you require additional nights to be booked at the same hotel, we can organise these in advance for you at a discounted price (to be paid for when you arrive in Kathmandu).
The cost is US$150 per night for a room shared by two people.
INCLUDED:
Airport collection and drop off in Kathmandu
Return airfare and taxes from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla
All hotels and teahouses for the 13 days listed in the itinerary. We will stay at Hotel Manaslu in Kathmandu, and in various teahouses while on the trek. All accommodation is based on twin-share. (Single Supplement Price $500 paid in addition to the above price)
All meals (except where stated), soft drinks and water, local transport, guides, entrance fees etc.
Responsible porter service
Certified trekking guide, wilderness first aid, certified group leader, assistant guide and chef
Medical first aid, oxygen and mask
Conservation fees and TIMS permits for Everest Base Camp
Arrival dinner in Kathmandu with Nepalese cultural program
NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare to and from Kathmandu, Nepal, and any additional helicopter transport in case of inclement weather
Personal travel insurance
Additional personal expenses including visa and passport fees
Tips for guides and porters (approx. US$200)
Additional accommodation and associated costs before or after the Event
Specialist/specific personal gear and equipment suitable for the Event
Additional sightseeing trips or optional extras
Meals, other than those specified above
Alcohol
Fines or penalties incurred during the Event
Medical and associated costs including medical evacuation
Legal costs incurred during the Event
HOW TO REGISTER & PAY:
Click the BOOK NOW button to book and register for this expedition.
A 20% non-refundable Booking Fee is due 7 days after registering for this expedition.
Your Balance Due must be paid 90 days before departure or your deposit will be forfeit.
FLIGHTS: Best Life Adventures does not include flights into and out of Nepal. You will need to book these, details will be provided after you register. We recommend looking at Skyscanner for an idea of times and prices.
ADDITIONAL EXTRAS: If you're hiring a down jacket/sleeping bag from us for the trip, or taking a scenic helicopter flight over Everest Base Camp, these need to be paid for in $USD in Nepal. For full details, see the itinerary.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: We can cater for some food allergies or vegetarians, but please understand it's not always possible in remote mountain villages high in the Himalayas. You can list any dietary requirements in the Participant Information Form that you need to complete as one of your tasks in preparation for the adventure.
Our full terms and conditions are published here.