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.
ITINERARY
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
DATES
2018
6 October – 24 October
2019
29 March – 16 April
24 May – 10 June
4 October – 22 October
March – October. Please contact us for exact departure dates.
PRICE
Full price: €3,500
Land-only: €2,350 (contact us for details of inclusions and exclusions)
Deposit: €500 due at time of booking
Inclusions:
Group meetings in the months prior to departure
Ireland – Nepal – Ireland international flights
Airport pick-ups
Return internal flights between Kathmandu and Lukla
All accommodation is based on twin 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
Travel insurance
Personal gear
Medication
Insurance liability and hospital costs
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.
PREPARATION & TRAINING
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.
GEAR
Clothing:
Lightweight long thermal underwear – tops and bottoms
Short and long-sleeved t-shirts
Expedition-weight long underwear – tops and bottoms
Fleece jacket – mid-weight to heavy-weight; wind stopper an advantage
Fleece trousers
Parka jacket – down or synthetic parka with hood
Jacket – waterproof and breathable
Over-trousers, waterproof and breathable
Headwear:
Sun hat with good visor and white bandana or buff for protecting your neck
Balaclava/facemask – 1, lightweight
Wool or pile ski hat
Head torch (inc. spare bulbs & spare batteries); suggested: Petzl LED
Sunglasses – UV & IR protection
Handwear:
Liner gloves
Synthetic gloves – lightweight, pile or polypropylene
Toilet paper – it is good practice to bring your own, but it is provided to anyone if needed
Baby wipes/hand wipes
Hand gel
Water purification tablets
Personal medication
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
Our passion for your adventure treks and expedition is one of the defining characteristics of Pat Falvey Irish & Worldwide Adventures. We love what we do, the places we travel to and the people we work with in each destination. After 25 years of worldwide travel, we remain curious about learning more and retain our delight in sharing what we know with you. We are a hands-on company whose staff are available to answer your queries both inside and outside usual office hours.
Our staff and partners in Nepal, Russia, Africa, Argentina, Peru and Antarctica are as close to us as family members and share our enthusiasm for your trips. We see their work as a vital part of each adventure and have always ensured that local staff, most of whom have worked with Pat for many years, are fairly and honourably treated. The experience and expertise of everyone who works with us is guaranteed and makes for adventures that are high on safety, support and good fun.
Our company is one of the world’s leading experts in high-altitude trekking in remote regions and we pride ourselves in putting together trips that give you the best possibility of success on your adventure. To ensure this, we have a comprehensive acclimatisation formula, designed to maximise each person’s chances of completing their trek without falling prey to the effects of high altitude or acute mountain sickness (AMS). Our guides closely monitor the group at all times for symptoms of the effects of high altitude and are always ready to take the necessary precautions when necessary.
We are not only willing to go the extra mile to make your trip our priority, we are happy to do so.
