Trekking at Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular in the world! This program is designed with sufficient time for acclimatization so that those who have no experience in high altitudes can respond.
In addition to the Everest base camp, it includes both trekking in the Gokyo Valley and an optional ascent of Lobuche Peak (6,119 m).
The itinerary passes through the most beautiful Sherpa villages and the famous Namche Bazaar, the centre of Sherpa country. During our trek, we will have the opportunity to admire the magnificent views of the world's most famous mountain peaks such as Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and many others.
The program also includes ascents to Gokyo Ri Peak (5,357 m) from where we will admire the view of Cho You, Kala Patar Peak (5,550 m) from where we will admire the view of Everest, and (optional) ascent of Lobuche Peak (6,189 m).
The first two summits are easy with no snow and accessible to everyone. The third summit requires knowledge of winter mountain and handling of climbing equipment (poles, crampons, ropes, abseils).
Those who do not make the Lobuche Peak climb will follow a different 3-day program until we all meet again for our return.
Departure time 15:40 with Turkish Airlines to Kathmandu via Istanbul.
Arrival in Kathmandu in the morning, at 06:05. After the necessary entry formalities into the country, we depart to visit two of the city's main attractions. First in line is Swayambhunath (also known as monkey temple from the monkeys that are everywhere), atop a forested hill filled with temples and views of the city. Up next is Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is also filled with temples and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Then transfer to Hotel Lo Mustang 4* or similar hotel for accommodation in double rooms with en-suite facilities and breakfast.
Early morning departure to Ramechhap airport, where we will take our flight to Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary airport (elevation 2,840 m). This is a truly spectacular start as we fly over the foothills of the Himalayas with towering peaks visible to the north.
On arrival, our local guides will arrange our luggage porters and we will start walking following the Dudh Khosi river valley, overlooking Mount Kusum Kanguru (6,367m).
At first we descend until we reach near the river at an altitude of 2,590 m and then follow the river, passing sometimes to the right and sometimes to the left of the famous Himalayan-style bridges. After a march of about 5 hours we reach the village of Monjo, where we will spend the night.
Driving day: 142 km, 3 hours
Course of the day: 13 km, +420 m, - 420 m, 6-7 hours.
We continue through the valley along the river, having now entered Sagarmatha National Park, listed by UNESCO as a Site of Outstanding Universal Value. During today's walk we pass through beautiful pine and cedar forests, as well as suspension bridges, the last of which is quite high above the river and is called Hillary Bridge. From this last bridge, an uphill trail begins and brings us to the village of Namche Bazaar, capital of the Sherpas.
Halfway up the hike we are rewarded with the first outstanding views of Everest and Lhotse. Namche is the largest village and commercial centre in the Khumbu region, with internet cafes, restaurants and shops which among other things sell mountaineering equipment.
Namche has traditionally traded with the Tibetans in yak caravans, exchanging salt, dried meat, textiles, and in recent years mountaineering equipment made in factories in China.
The village is built on a natural amphitheatre and has magnificent views of the peaks of Thamserku (6,648 m), Kwangde (6,220 m) and Khumbila (5,700 m).
Day course: 6 km, +660 m, -90 m, 4 hours
Today we will make a short trek, for acclimatization purposes, to the hidden village of Khumjung. Starting in the morning from Namche we will visit the Natural History Museum of Sagarmatha National Park in the courtyard of which the statue of Tensing Sherpa is located.
On the way to Khumjung village we will stop for tea at the famous Everest View Hotel from whose balcony we will enjoy the spectacular views of Lhotse (8,516m), Everest(8,848m) and Ama Dablam (6,812m).
While walking around the village we will have the opportunity to observe the villagers engaged in a variety of agricultural activities, and we will also visit the village monastery where a scalp is kept that the locals claim belongs to Yeti. Accommodation in a lodge in the village.
Day's route: 5 km, +470 m, -120 m, 3 hours
We depart along the Khumbu valley following an initially built trail with stunning views of Thamserku, Katenga and Ama Dablam.
At Mong La Gap (3,973 m) we rest before starting to descend into the impressive Dudh Koshi River Gorge, with the village of Phortse opposite, with its beautiful stone houses and cultivated terraces.
Now following the trail leading to Gokyo we move uphill through rhododendron forests and with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains, until we reach the small settlement of Dole, where we will spend the night.
Day course 9 km, + 700 m, -400 m, 5 hours
We continue our ascent to higher and higher altitudes. The day's route is relatively short, thus having the luxury of not being in a hurry and the possibility to move slowly, giving our body the necessary time to adapt to the altitude.
We pass by the village of Luza (4,390 m) where we stop for a rest and continue in a now bare landscape to the village of Machermo. This is the last large settlement before Gokyo and here we will spend the night.
Day's course 5 km, +420 m, -50 m, 4 hours
Free day to rest and acclimatize in Machermo. We recommend climbing to a peak near the village with an altitude of 4,750 m, or at least climbing to as high an altitude as everyone can manage, as this process greatly helps the body to adapt to the sparse oxygen present at these altitudes.
Return for an overnight stay at the same lodge.
Acclimatisation course: 2+2 km, +320 m, 3 hours
We continue along a ridge and as the valley opens up, a final ascent brings us to the magical valley of Gokyo and the magnificent succession of lakes reflecting the impressive peaks in every direction.
At the height of the Ngozamba Glacier, the trail now becomes almost flat (Nepali flat is affectionately called by the trekkers), reaching the first lake Longponga Tsho.
Continuing on, we still pass Lake Taujung Tsho and reach Lake Gokyo with its namesake settlement on its eastern shore, enjoying amazing views around us.
In the afternoon relaxing in the village and walking around the lake.
Day course 7 km, +380 m, 5 hours
Another day dedicated to acclimatization. We will hike up to Thonak Tsho Lake, getting closer and closer to Cho Oyu peak, one of the 8 peaks of the Himalayas with an altitude of 8,188 m, which defines the border between Nepal and Tibet.
Return in the afternoon to Gokyo village for rest.
Note: Should any of the participants experience difficulties with altitude adjustment on the previous two days, they have the option to delay a day in one of the previous villages, and climb to Gokyo on the current day to join the rest of the group.
Day's course per route: 3 km, +110 m, 2 hours
Today's day includes climbing one of the peaks on the program. Following an uphill trail over Lake Gokyo, we reach the summit of Gokyo Ri, crossing the 5,000 m barrier for the first time. Upon reaching the summit, the view of the lakes and surrounding peaks is breathtaking.
We then return to Gokyo for lunch and continue our trek across the Ngozamba Glacier to the settlement of Dragnag.
Dragnag is located at the beginning of the ascent to the great Cho La Pass. Accommodation in a lodge and evening meal.
Trek to Gokyo Ri, 3 + 3 km, + 590 m, 4 hours
Trek to Dragnag 4 km, +40 m, -120 m, 2 hours
A difficult day starts today. The trail climbs steadily, following rocky terrain in some parts of the route, until it reaches Cho La Pass, at an altitude of 5,330 m.
The passage is home to a glacier which we easily cross, beginning after our descent into the Khumbu Valley.
Ahead of us is Lake Chola Tsho, and around us impressive peaks such as Cholatse, Nuptse and many others.
We arrive at the settlement of Dzong Lha where we will spend the night.
Day course 9 km, +750 m, -600 m, 7-9 hours
The climbing team starts from a smooth trail at the beginning and rocky afterwards to climb to High Camp, the point where the ascent to the summit begins.
We will spend the afternoon doing training on how to use the climbing equipment to use the fixed ropes on the ascent and return from the summit.
Route to High Camp, 4 km, +520 m, 4 hours
The trekking group starts traversing the slopes of Lobuche, heading to Lobuche Village, where we spend the night
Walk to Lobuche Village: 6 ½ km, +210 m, - 120 m, 4 hrs
Mountaineering group program
From High Camp, we climb through a rocky field until we reach the point where the glacier begins and there we put on our crampons. We now continue the ascent by snow/ice climbing, with the safety of fixed rope protection.
The views during the ascent and from the top include Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and many more.
It will take about 4 hours to reach the summit. After taking the relevant photos, we rappel down using the fixed ropes and descent ladder until we return to High Camp.
After lunch, we continue descending to Lobuche village where we will spend the night.
Ascent route: 2 km, +790 m, 4-5 hours ascent & 3 hours descent
Route from High Camp to Lobuche village: 3 km, +50 m, -380 m, 3 hours
Hiking group program
Following a slightly uphill dirt trail at the beginning and then crossing glacial cobbles, we will reach the last settlement of our route, Gorakshep, at an altitude of 5,180 m, where we will spend the night in a lodge.
Day's route: 5 km, +270 m, -30 m, 3 hrs
Mountaineering team program
March to Gorakshep 5,180 m, where we will spend the night. We arrive there around the time the trekking team is returning from the ascent of Kala Pathar peak.
March to Gorakshep: 5 km, +270 m, -30 m, 3 hrs
Everest BC, 3 km, +120 m, 2 hrs + 2 hrs return
Hiking group program
Very early in the morning we start for an ascent of Kala Patthar, the highest peak in the region that can be climbed without technical difficulties and without the use of mountaineering equipment, and one of the most spectacular viewpoints of Everest.
However, as we will have to depart early in the morning, before it is even dawn the temperatures can be below freezing, and if there is a wind blowing at the same time, the chill will be even lower, which means that warm winter mountain clothing is required.
From the summit we have 360° panoramic views with the imposing Pumori (7,161 m) towering above us, while Everest and Nuptse (7,861 m) tower opposite.
After both groups join us at Gorakshep, we all go together for a visit to the famous Everest Base Camp, where those participating in the expeditions to climb Everest summit camp.
Ascent route to Kala Pathar, 2 km, +450 m, 2 - 3 hours + 1-1 ½ hour descent
Everest BC, 3 km, +120 m, 2 hours + 2 hours return
We start our descent now from the valley of Khumbu. We pass by the village of Lobuche again and then descend to the village of Pheritse and end up in the village of Pangboche for an overnight stay.
Our entire route after Lobuche village is different from the one we used for the climb, and by the time we reach Pangboche we have spectacular views of the round peaks, particularly the impressive Ama Dablam (6,814m), one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
18 km, + 80 m, -1,230 m, 8 hours
We continue along the Khumbu valley, passing impressive suspension bridges, beautiful villages like Tengboche village and coniferous forests.
Day's course: 13 km, +460 m, -1,040 m, 7-8 hours
We continue our return by the same route to Lukla, where we will spend the night.
Day's route: 19 km, +510, -1.080 m, 9 hours
Return flight to Ramechhap airport and then drive back to Kathmandu.
Afternoon free in the city for market strolls.
Guided visit to the other two important cities of the valley, Patan & Bhaktapur. In the past each of the three cities of the Kathmandu Valley, Patan and Bhaktapur, were separate kingdoms and had indulged in an informal competition to see which one would create the most beautiful central square. The result is so impressive that all three cities of the valley were included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.
There will also be a visit to the Pashupatinath shrine where the cremation of Hindu dead is performed. At each place there will be time for exploring and photography, or relaxing in one of the cafes or restaurants located there.
Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight back to Greece, with departure time 07:35 and arrival in Athens 20:20
3.590 €/ person (for 12+ persons)
650 € / person (extra charge for ascent to Lobuche)
Note: Prices are calculated at the exchange rate of €1 = $1.07
Accommodation / meals
Accommodation in Kathmandu is in a 4* hotel in double rooms with bathroom and breakfast. During the trekking the accommodation is in mountain inns where the use of sleeping bag is necessary. The accommodation here offers basic amenities and hot bath is generally not offered in the rooms, but hot water is offered at extra charge.
Breakfast is included in all accommodations, while lunch and dinner will be taken on your own at restaurants on the route or at each accommodation.
Behaviour during trekking
Change of programme
The escort of our office in consultation with the local guide, have the discretion to modify the program if the weather or other local conditions (strikes, political unrest, etc.) require it, with the main criterion being the smooth progress of the program and the safety of the participants.
Any costs likely to arise from such changes shall be covered by the participants.
Weather
Spring and Autumn are the best seasons for trekking or peak climbing in Nepal. Generally the weather is clear with no particular rainfall and at low altitudes it will also be warm with temperatures reaching or exceeding 30o C.
During trekking daytime temperatures during the day can be quite comfortable, however, the higher altitude we climb, the lower temperatures will be encountered. At night, however, it can drop to very low near freezing, and at Base Camp or the peaks it is possible that snow may fall. Usually the temperatures during the day are 10o to 25o C while at night they may drop to around or below zero.
Health / Safety / Insurance
Before you travel, contact the medical organisation in your country for guidance on the country of destination.
The program is designed so that the ascent to altitude is gradual and to allow time for the body to adjust to the altitude.
The cost of the trip includes Basic travel insurance, which covers various contingencies such as health emergencies (e.g. an injury on a course at an altitude of up to 3,000 m, which requires transport and hospitalisation), loss of a flight and other situations, and even total trip cancellation cover for up to €5,000 including cancellation due to covid-19.
In the link below you can see the benefits of the program and contact our insurance advisor to solve your questions about the coverages Travel Insurance from Trekking Hellas.
However, the included travel insurance does not cover incidents at altitudes above 3,000 meters. And given that the trip involves climbing to higher altitudes as well as a mountaineering peak, while taking place in an area with minimal infrastructure, we recommend an additional evacuation and rescue insurance cover.
It is possible to extend coverage for accidental accidents up to an altitude of 5,000 m, please ask us for information.
Trekking Hellas also cooperates with Global Rescue which covers incidents at altitudes up to 7.500 m including helicopter evacuation services. Follow the link below if you wish to purchase Global Rescue & Trekking Hellas rescue insurance.
Currency exchange
The main international currencies (Euro, Dollar, Pound Sterling) are accepted at all currency exchanges or banks. In Kathmandu there are hundreds of exchanges on every street, check exchange rates before making a change. Prefer banknotes in good condition and new.
Throughout the trip a sum of €400 is enough for your food, however, allow for more if you want to buy souvenirs.
Tipping
Tipping the Nepalese trekking guides, the local porters who will carry our luggage and the mountain guides for the ascent of Lobuche peak is a gesture that is expected.
The tip we should expect for the two trekking guides is a total of Rs 15,000 - 18,000 (€100 - €130) for each.
The tip for the porters is 12,000 - 14,000 rupees (85 - 100 €) each.
The tip for each mountain guide participating in the Lobuche peak climb is Rs. 4,500 - 5,000 (€30-35)
Based on the above, the total amount per participant is approximately €70 and an additional €10 for those who also climb Lobuche Peak, depending on the number of participants.
Please also note that various items of clothing, shoes or other items that you no longer need are always welcome, as well as stationery, notebooks, etc., for the little children we meet in the villages along the route.
Tipping the Greek escort is optional, however if you are happy with his services they help to maintain his enthusiasm and exaggerate himself if necessary.
Battery charging, sockets
During the trekking there is a charging possibility with extra charge. For safety, please get spare batteries or power bank. The power sockets in Nepal are type C & D.
Visa
The issuance of the visa is handled by our office and its issuance is included in the price. Your passport should be valid for an additional six months after the end of the trip. We will contact you for details.
Personal pharmacy
To book your seat, you need to read the booking conditions first and if you accept them, then fill in the DECLARATION OF PARTICIPATION.
After completing the Declaration of Participation and within 3 days you should send a deposit of 500 €. Another €1,500 must be sent by 10 February, and payment for the trip must be completed by 13 March.
The advance and payment should be sent to the account of ALPHA BANK with IBAN number: GR1001407960796002002013550, in the name of OUTDOORS TRAINING IKE.
During the transfer or deposit process, please note in the REASON field your name and the name of the trip EVEREST BC - PASHA 2025.
In case of cancellation of participation, the following cancellation fees apply
Note: The above cancellation conditions take precedence over the cancellation conditions stated in the Declaration of Participation - Organized Travel Contract
Equipment should consist of hiking clothes that effectively protect against sweat and dry quickly, not cotton T-shirts & sweatshirts or jeans. Shoes used for trekking should be worn again and there should be assurance that they do not "bump" the foot.
We recommend starting in Greece with the bare essentials, as the Kathmandu market has an incredible variety of souvenirs and utility items and there should be space and weight available for the return flight.
Please note that with the green soap that we suggest you have with you, you can wash the isotherms you have worn or the pants if they get dirty and wear them again.
Extra equipment for those climbing to the top of Lobuche
Mind that the climbing equipment (except shoes) can be rented before the ascent of Lobuche for an additional cost of about 70-80 €
Price from €0
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