Everest Base Camp

Our Everest Base Camp trek offers an amazing adventure trekking through the Khumbu region and the foothills of the Himalaya, the highest mountain range in the world. The Himalaya contains eight of the 14 eight-thousanders either entirely or sharing a border with India or China. Their names alone inspire awe – Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri I, Manaslu and Annapurna I.

Our adventure begins in Kathmandu, a city full of vivid colour, endless festivals and ancient culture. Having experienced the vibrancy of Nepal’s capital we take a 30-minute flight to Lukla in a region where some of the world’s highest mountains rise majestically into the sky. Our trekking starts in Lukla from where we make our way deeper into this wonderland where mountains project like massive pillars from deep, river-gorged valleys. We trek along narrow paths etched from the steep hillsides in this mystical mountain region which stretches across Asia, from Indus in the west to the Brahmaputra in the east.

The trekking and the views are spectacular as we make our way ever higher, stopping in traditional villages and visiting local tea houses and Buddhist monasteries en route. Seven days after starting our trek we reach Everest Base Camp where we mingle with other trekkers and climbers whose sights are set on the summit of what the Nepalese call Sagarmatha (Forehead in the Sky) and what is known to the Tibetans as Chomolungma (Mother Goddess of the Earth).

At Base Camp, we will be in a place that, for centuries, has been the setting for epic feats of exploration and mountain climbing. Here we are in a cathedral of majestic mountains where, according to the people who live in the valleys below, the gods reside. When you turn your gaze on Everest, the highest of them all, there is definitely a sense of being in the presence of something extraordinary. After leaving Base Camp, we make our way back to Lukla and take a return flight to Kathmandu. There you will have a few days to explore and immerse yourself in the energy of that captivating city, savouring its tastes, sounds and unique atmosphere.

Day 1: Depart Ireland. Fly from Dublin Airport to Kathmandu.

Day 2: Arrive in Kathmandu. Overnight in city centre hotel. Depending on time of arrival at airport day 3 may become a free day in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Fly Kathmandu – Lukla (2,860m). Trek to Phakding (2,610m). Overnight in Phakding. 

Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Rest day. Rest day with acclimatisation trek to 3,800m.Time to chill out and explore the village. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dingboche (4,410m). Overnight in Dingboche. 

Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Pheriche (4,371m). Overnight in Pheriche.

Day 8: Rest day. Rest day in Pheriche with acclimatisation trek to 4,500m.

Day 9: Trek from Pheriche to Lobuche (4,940m). Overnight in Lobuche. 

Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,164m). Overnight in Gorakshep. 

Day 11: Trek from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp (5,364m). Return to Lobuche (4,940m). Overnight in Lobuche.

Day 12: Trek from Lobuche to Dingboche (4,410m). Overnight in Dingboche. 

Day 13: Trek from Dingboche to Monjo (2,835m). Overnight in Monjo.

Day 14: Trek from Monjo to Lukla. Overnight in Lukla.

Day 15: Fly Lukla – Kathmandu. Free day to relax and explore Kathmandu.

Day 16: Free day. Day to explore Kathmandu and surrounding area. This day may also be used as a bad weather day in the case that flights from Lukla are delayed

Day 17: Depart Nepal and fly to Dublin

Day 18: Arrive in Ireland

Note: This itinerary is for adventure travel and is subject travel

2024

• 23rd of March – 9th of April 
• 29th of September – 15th of October

Flights are subject to final confirmation from airlines.

Pat will be doing monthly reviews on world travel to keep you updated about Covid situations from around the world.

March-May and September-November. Please contact us for exact departure dates.

Land-only: €3750 Contact us for details of inclusions and exclusions. Please note booking your own flights is subject to airport transfer costs.

Deposit: €500 due at time of booking, fully refundable.

Flights to be paid for when confirmed and dates booked.

Full payment due 16 weeks before departure

Inclusions:

• Return internal flights between Kathmandu and Lukla
• All accommodation is based on twin/treble sharing of rooms and tents (if you require single accommodation, please let us know and we will advise of additional cost)
• Everest National Park entry fees
• All guide, porter and cook fees
• All meals and fully serviced trek

Exclusions:

• Travel insurance
• Meals en route before and after final destination
• Bar bills, tips and laundry
• Personal gear
• Medication
• Insurance liability and hospital costs
• Our trips are designed to avoid any extra cost to the client. If you choose to leave the trip early, There will be additional expenses
• Optional extras

If you wish to arrange and pay for your own flight to Nepal, we will meet you at the airport in Kathmandu. Full refund applies only if cancellation is received and acknowledged 20 weeks or more prior to departure. For bookings where flights have to be paid for in advance, the flight cost is non-refundable once paid.

Our Everest Base Camp trek is suitable for all ages as long as you have a good general fitness level. Much of the trekking is moderate but certain parts can be described as strenuous. Most days include between four and six hours of trekking with the exception of acclimatising days.

We recommend that you attend our free Meet Weekend in County Kerry to say hello to the group and meet with our guides. This is an ideal opportunity to check out your fitness levels when you are assessed by our experienced guides on this preparatory hill walk. The day also provides a good opportunity to get any questions answered or concerns dealt with that you may have in relation to the trip. We talk about dealing with altitude and different weather conditions as well as giving tips on gear and general training.

We consider ourselves among the world’s leading experts in high-altitude trekking and pride ourselves on putting together trips that provide the best possible opportunity to succeed. Acclimatisation is key to success and it’s important that you don’t underestimate the time you allow yourself to adjust to your new environment. Pace is key to preventing AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and our guides monitor the group at all times for signs and symptoms.

On the Saturday off our Meet Weekend we climb one of Ireland’s highest peaks during the day while, very early on Sunday morning, we undertake a night hike. The hike simulates the requirements on the summit day/night of the actual trek, taking you out of your comfort zone and helping you learn how to prepare your mind and body for the challenge ahead.

For beginners, we offer fitness testing weekends and a variety of hillwalking options (see our Courses &Training section) and recommend a 12-month personal training programme for Everest Base Camp. If you have some degree of fitness and experience, we recommend a six-month training programme to ensure that you can trek comfortably between 4,000m and 6,000m. Our suggested programme is as follows:

• Months 1-2: These should include fortnightly hillwalking treks lasting three hours and including carrying a small/medium pack weighing 5kg approx.
• Months 3-4: Increase your fortnightly treks to last six hours plus and increase your pack weight to 7kg approx.
• Month 5: Do two walks on consecutive days twice during the month. Do a five-hour walk the first day and a six-hour trek the second day. Be careful to avoid injury.
• Month 6: Continue with some hillwalking but reduce to lower peaks and durations of a maximum of four hours.

Ask your GP for advice on vaccinations, keeping in mind your travel history to date.

Passport/visa:
You will need a valid full passport. Please ensure it has six months before expiry prior your departure date. In Nepal we obtain our visas to travel in the country. All visitors are obliged to get a visa at Kathmandu airport so please ensure you have four passport-size photos of yourself before we depart (visa fee not included in the trip price).

Money:
It is advisable to bring some money in cash for the trip. ATMs are not always reliable or might have a low daily withdrawal limit. Once en route to Everest Base Camp, Euro or US Dollars in cash are the best way to pay for services including porters, tips, etc.