Everest Base Camp with Thame Trek

duration 19 days
usd 2,270 All inclusive
difficulty Medium

Involves trekking up to 6 hours a day upt 5400 meters for the duration of 9 -18 days . Any reasonably active person should be able to manage these trips.
best season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
max altitude From 4,600 feet at Kathmandu to 18,519 feet at Kala Patthar

trip overview

See Mount Everest up close and the Sherpa communities dwelling around it in this 19 days’ trip that is sure to test your endurance.

The base camp for Mount Everest where hundreds of mountaineers start their real journey to the top of the world is a formidable place on its own. You have to walk through Sherpa villages and natural landmarks in the Himalayas to get there. It is a long and tiring trip to mountains beyond 18,000 feet but with the Himalayan vista as motivating factor and blessings from Sherpa monasteries, you will have a bucket list adventure.

Detail itinerary

day 01
Arrival.

One of us will be there to pick you up as you land into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (4,600 feet) Stay overnight at your hotel musingover your Himalayan adventure ahead.
- Accomodation: Hotel
day 02
Sightseeing around Kathmandu. Pre-trip meeting.

We will take you around famous landmarks of Kathmandu in a tourist vehicle. Visit royal courtyards, monasteries and temples which have been included in Unesco World Heritage List for their cultural, historical and religious significance. Although damaged by the devastating earthquake of 2015, they still offer a glimpse into local culture. Your journey starts the next day and we will brief you on your big trip.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 03
Fly to Lukla (9,334ft) & trek to Phakding (8,562ft).

A half-an-hour flight takes you to Lukla, a small tourist town overlooking Everest. Landing into the Tenzing-Hillary Airport puts you officially inside the Everest Region from where you will begin your Everest Base Camp trek. We will start with a three-hour warm up trip downhill to Phakding village and rest for the day.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 04
Trek to Namche Bazaar (11,290ft).

Not more than six hours of hiking will get you to Namche Bazaar, a Sherpa town with probably more tourists than Sherpas. You will be entering into the Sagarmatha National Park and walking through suspension bridges over vertigo-inducing gorges to get there. You will find just about everything at Namche Bazaar so you might want to go for a last minute shopping or perhaps chill out at night club. While acclimatising to the freezing temperature and high altitude at Namche, you will get to meet travellers like yourself who are heading to or returning from Everest.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 05
Trek to Thame (12,303ft).

You will hike for not more than three hours through rhododendron forests to reach Thame village. The Thame monastery is one of the oldest in the region and you might want to pray a lot for energy and endurance for your long journey. This place is used by trekkers as an acclimatisation stop.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 06
Trek to Khumjung (13,020ft).

In about five hours, you will reach Khumjung, a relatively large village which caters well to tourist needs. The village lies next to Mount Khumbila and the local monastery is believed to made of a Yeti scalp.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 07
Trek to Phortse village (12,598ft).

A short trek downhill takes you to Phortse in time for lunch. Phortse is a model ecotourism village surrounded by exotic trees, birds, and animals. The Sherpas here are always happy to perform cultural shows for tourists.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 08
Trek to Dingboche (14,470ft).

We will hike leisurely this day and ascend about 2,000 feet to Dingboche. This hill station is cold and arid and you might feel the first real signs of fatigue in your journey. You will rest here for two days as this is a perfect place to get acclimatised to the rising altitude.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 09
Rest at Dingboche.

Dingboche is good for a day of sightseeing. It is located at the bank of the Imja River and the monasteries and the stone walls here are prime tourist attractions. You will again have to climb close to 2,000 feet the next day so rest well.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 10
Trek to Lobuche (16,210ft).

On the 10^th day of your expedition to Everest Base Camp, you will hike through rugged snow-covered terrain passing through Thukla village to reach Lobuche at the foot of Khumbu glacier. By now, you will find yourself quite acclimatized to the Himalayas and your much-awaited trip to Mount Everest will just be a day away.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 11
Trek to Gorakshep (16,942ft). After lunch trek to Everest Base Camp (17,598ft) & trek back to Gorakshep.

A short three-hour trek will take you to Gorakshep, a village sitting on top of a frozen lake bed. This village will serve us lunch and will be our final stop on our trek to the Everest Base Camp. It’s a two to three hours walk to the base camp from here and you will get to stand on the foot of the tallest peak in the world. Gaze at the Everest as much as you want but you cannot camp here with your trekking permit so we will have to return to Gorakshep before night.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 12
Hike up to Kala Patthar (18,519ft) & trek to Pheriche (14,340ft).

We will ascent to Kala Patthar, which lies on the southern ridge of Mount Pumori (23,494 feet). It’s a two-hour uphill expedition that will put to test your mountain-climbing skills. Here you will get the best panoramic view of the Everest along with the Khumbu Glacier and other Himalayan peaks. It’s all downhill from here and we will descend to Pheriche, a small village full of yaks, and rest for the day.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 13
Trek to Tengboche (12,600ft).

You have to climb down for five to six hours to reach Tengboche where you start to feel warmer. Located at the confluence of the Imja River and the Dudh Koshi River, Tengboche is home to the largest monastery in the region the Tengboche monastery.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 14
Trek to Namche.

An easy downhill trek through forests, suspension bridges and alongside mountain ridges will get you to Namche Bazaar. Upon reaching here, you will feel like you are back to the society after your ordeal with wilderness. It’s a great place to share your experience with fellow trekkers and look back on the feat you just achieved.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 15
Trek to Phakding.

Your journey is beginning to end but you are still very far from home. Trek downhill to Phakding, the same place where you were at Day 3 of your trip.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 16
Trek to Lukla.

You have to climb up to Lukla, the place where it all started. Your Everest Base Camp trek ends here and Lukla is famous for hosting your end-of-journey party. You will not have to walk anymore.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 17
Fly to Kathmandu.

After a half hour flight to Kathmandu, the noise of the city will remind you of the tranquillity of the Himalayas.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 18
Leisure day. Farewell dinner.

After 17 days, you have a day scheduled for absolutely nothing so spend it as you like it. But before you leave, we have a farewell dinner to officially end your vacation. It is your last night in Nepal.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast & Farewell dinner
day 19
Final Departure.

We will drop you to Tribhuvan International Airport and you will be gone with recollections of your Himalayan journey to keep you busy throughout the flight.
- Meal: Breakfast

Included in cost

Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.
Stay at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is on us.
Sightseeing around Kathmandu in a private vehicle with our guide. All entrance fees will be paid.
Stay at guesthouses during the trek on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners will also be taken care of.
Local government-licensed guides.
Porters (one each for a pair of travellers) and local support staff to help you trek.
Fees for Sagarmatha National Park entering permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System card
We will lend you a down jacket and a sleeping bag for throughout the trek.
Fully paid round-trip tickets for Kathmandu-Lukla flight and back. Rides in private vehicles included in the itinerary.
A duffel bag, a sun hat and a t-shirt as a souvenir from us.
A traditional Nepali feast with cultural shows as a farewell dinner.
All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

Not included in cost

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Additional stay before, during or after the set itinerary.
Charges at airports or other areas for excess luggage.
Alcohol, hot or cold drinks, bottled water, and other snacks.
Phone calls, internet, laundry, additional porters, and other personal expenses.
Travel insurance. (It is compulsory and covers emergency rescue and evacuation.)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Visa fees for entering Nepal.
Trekking equipment.
Other expenses not mentioned in “Included in cost” list.

Accomodation during the Trip

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 230.Also note that single rooms is easily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

faqs

How do I come to Nepal?

You have to book your own international flight from your country to Nepal and back according to your trip departure dates.
What happens after I land into Nepal?

A chauffeur from Mountain Kick will come receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Representatives of the company will visit you at the hotel itself and brief you on your trip.
What will a trekking trip with Mountain Kick involve?

You will trek in the Himalayas in a group of international travellers fully assisted by our guides, porters and local support staff. We will take care of your entire trip as soon as you land in Kathmandu and safely take to your preferred destination and back as per the package you choose. Travel will involve plenty of sightseeing and mixing with local culture.
In what physical condition do I need to be for the trip?

A regular person can complete the trip with help from our guides and porters. But it is important that you are healthy and have no physical injuries. Trekking for long hours in high altitude and difficult terrain will surely put a strain on your body and you might suffer severe physical and mental breakdown, especially if you are trekking in the Himalayas for the first time. It is, therefore, expected that you have taken light endurance training especially for longer trips.
How long do I have to trek each day?

On most days of your trips, you will trek for a couple of hours only. But some trekking days require as much as six to eight hours of walking in high altitude. However, there will be plenty time each day for rest and acclimatization.
Where will I be staying during the trip?

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. At some destinations, especially in the Himalayas, you will have to stay in a tented camp. If you want to make separate living arrangements, talk to us beforehand and we can arrange single rooms for additional $250. Some guesthouses at very high altitudes and remote places may not have attached washrooms or single rooms.
And food?

All your major meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in your trekking package except in Kathmandu (where only breakfast is provided for). You will be served local food at all places we dine but you can order anything you like on the menu which you will have to pay for yourself. You will have a range of options so there won’t be a problem if you are a vegetarian or vegan. We make sure you get healthy and hygienic food throughout your travel.
How much help do I get during the trek?

Our guides and porters always put your safety and comfort first. We have English-speaking guides who take you to all major attractions throughout the travel and are happy to answer all your queries. We have one porter assigned each for two travellers and you will have to pay separately if you want to hire extra porters. We have local support staff in all villages and camps you reach to assist you in any way possible.
What happens in case of injuries and emergencies?

The guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them to treat with minor injuries. We also have health professionals at villages and camps along the journey. The travel insurance you take (which is compulsory) covers any and all emergency rescue and evacuation.
What if I want to do something beyond the itinerary?

We are always happy to accommodate your wishes during the travel so far as they do not conflict with schedules and other travellers. If you have special plans, you can talk to us beforehand so that we can arrange a customised trip for you.
What equipment do I bring?

You have to bring all travel equipment yourself. Please see the equipment list section for a standard list of required equipment prepared by our guides. Most of the items are easily available in Kathmandu in case if you miss any and we also lend you some of the gears for the duration of the trip for a small fee.
Will I get to communicate with the outer world?

There is internet and telephone connection in all of our stops for the day throughout the journey. You will be able to call back home or post your pictures on Facebook everyday.
What travel documents do I need?

As soon as you land into Kathmandu, we take care of all your travel documents required during your trip. You just need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Tourist fees and permits to enter certain areas will be arranged for by Mountain Kick.
Which is best time of the year to travel?

Most of the trekking routes are open throughout the year but September through to December and March to May are the best months to travel.
What are the modes of transportation for travel mentioned in the itinerary?

Rides for sightseeing and reaching destinations within city limits are done in a private vehicle like a car, a jeep or a microbus. Most of the long distance travel is done in luxurious tourist buses hired exclusively by the company. In some journeys, you may also need to take a public bus but as you will travel in a group with our guides and support staff, you need not worry about your safety or comfort.
How much money do I need to carry during the trip?

Around $50 will be enough to buy you lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. During your travel, you can get by with around $25 a day. But it depends on how much you want to spend. Due to the exchange rate and predominantly rural economy of Nepal, things are pretty cheap in Nepal.
Can I use my credit cards?

Almost all international credit cards are accepted in Nepal. However, not all places, especially during your travel, accept them. There may be a fee involved in processing your card.
Are tips for my guides and porters expected? How much?

Our staff do not expect you to tip them. Generally, travellers tip them if they are satisfied with the service as a means of gratitude. Even when travellers tip the guides and porters, there is no fixed rate. However, if you like to tip them, follow customs of your own country for tipping (which, as we have learned, is 10 to 15 percent of total cost for most western countries).
Where will I get a visa to come to Nepal?

You can obtain a visa at your home country through Nepal’s embassy or consular office. But you can easily get a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You just need two passport-size photographs. A tourist visa with multiple entry for 30 days costs $40 while the same for 90 days costs $100.
How do I book a tour?

Click Book Now to enter your details and we shall contact you. You can contact us directly for any further information or to prepare a customized itinerary for you. For payment information, see our Terms and Conditions.

Trip notes

Not recommended for novice trekkers. You will climb mountains and trek continuously in high altitude which will test the resolve of both your body and brain.
Please make sure you take a travel insurance at home before arriving here. It is mandatory and you cannot take it in Nepal. Your insurance agent will know which insurance plan suits your travel.
It is advisable that you free up a few days before and after your trip schedule. For reasons beyond our control like flight delays, accidents and natural hazards, the itinerary may have to be altered. Please note that the flight to Lukla, the first step in your journey, is very vulnerable to weather shocks and it is common that flights are delayed or cancelled due to unfavourable weather.
Please inform us and our guides if you have any medical condition that might affect your trip. Please consult your doctor beforehand for any precautions you need to take and always carry medicines if you need them. However, our guides and local support staff have been trained in basic medical intervention and your travel insurance covers any emergency rescue or evacuation.
You may decide to alter your itinerary to some degree as long as there are no time constraints and everyone consents, if you are travelling in a group. Talk to us before embarking on the trip or you may also talk to our guides to see if we can arrange something. One thing we have learned from mountaineering all these years is however good you plan your journey, there are bound to be some improvisations to make our experience richer.

Equipment List

General

2 season sleeping bag – one.
Spring down jacket – one.
Duffel – one. (We will provide you one complementary duffel bag for you to keep.)
35-45 liter daypack – one.

Head

Hat (shade hat or baseball cap). You can additionally tie a bandana around your head or neck. (Mountain Kick provides you a baseball cap as a complimentary gift.)
You can alternatively use balaclava, beanie, or hooded jacket which will be quite sufficient to keep you warm.
Glacier glasses with side shields and 100% UV protection as you will face very intense sun rays at higher altitude with high UV radiation level. If you use prescription glasses, you can find glacier glasses with prescription lenses.
Headlamp that use lithium batteries. (It is recommended you carry spare batteries.)
Neckwarmer (optional).
Lip balm – two sticks. (You lips are bound to get chapped in the cold and dry weather.)

Hand

Synthetic liner gloves – one pair.
Winter fleece gloves or wool gloves – one pair.
Shell gloves – one pair.
Hand warmer (optional). Wearing multiple layers of your gloves should be enough.

Torso

T-shirt – two.
Lightweight thermal tops – two.
Fleece jacket – one.
Windstopper jacket (optional).
Rain jacket – one.
For women: synthetic sports bra – two.

Legs

Nylon hiking shorts – two pairs.
Trekking pants – two pairs.
Synthetic underwear – four.
Synthetic long underwear – two.
Synthetic softshell pant – one pair.
Waterproof pant – one pair.
Jeans, cotton or khaki pant – one pair.

Feet

Synthetic liner socks – four pairs.
Heavyweight socks – three pairs.
Lightweight socks – one pair.
Waterproof light trekking boots – one pair. Choose wisely as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Sneakers – one pair. (You will not be trekking throughout your vacation).
Hiking gaiters (optional).
Sandals (optional).

First aid and medicines

Extra strength Excedrin for headaches.
Ibuprofen for general pain.
Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for gas, upset stomach or diarrhoea.
Diamox for altitude sickness.
Ointment for blisters and cuts.
First aid kit (optional). Our guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them.

Do not forget

Your passport. Passport size photos – four copies.
Airline tickets.
SPF 40 sunscreen for UV protection.
A Swiss army knife.
Aqua iodine tablets.
A toiletry kit with towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, soaps, etc.
Kerchiefs

Optional

Trekking poles. These will provide stability, take the stress off your knees and greatly increase your trekking speed.
Munchies (all the walking might make you hungry during your trek).
Binoculars
Books or mp3 players (a smartphone is great).
Camera
Hydration bladder. You might also want to carry a thermos.
A pee bottle (or a pee funnel for women).

Note: The lists have been prepared by our guides based on experience and are meant as suggestion for an average trekker. Each trekker will have his/her own preferences and necessities and we recommend carrying everything that you think you might need. You will find several options for each equipment and we advise to select the best match for your particular trip. You can purchase almost everything on the lists in Kathmandu and we are happy to help you choose.

download equipment list

view all equipment list

private dates
customize your trip

We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.

We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary.You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.

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As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.