Upcoming Tours :
Everest Base Camp:
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most sought after treks. It is a dream for any nature lover. For those hikers who want to have an experience of a lifetime, the EBC, as it is popularly called, is a must-do trek.
We start at Lukla, and go through the famous Khumbu glacial region to reach the destination, at well over 17,500 feet. The route passes through tiny villages, monasteries, plantation fields and much more.
An added attraction is the summit of Kala Patthar, from where views of Mt. Everest, a.k.a. Sagarmatha, or Chomolungma are spectacular.
- Itinerary
- Preparation & Safety
- Cost & Things to Carry
- FAQ's
( Minor adjustments possible, due to weather, flight etc.)
We will depart from Kathmandu on Tuesday 9th October, 2012
We will depart from Kathmandu on Tuesday 9th October, 2012
Day 0: Last day to reach Kathmandu. (preferrably, reach by 7th October, 2012). This day is not counted in the 14-day KTM to KTM itinerary. 9th October, entire team will have dinner together. Kathmandu altitude: 4445 feet
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Day 1 (10th October, 2012): Your guide will pick you up from the hotel at 5:30 am, drive to airport to catch an early morning flight to Lukla (9438 feet). Three hour pleasant hike to Phakding. Overnight at lodge/tea house.
Start Altitude:9438 feet
End Altitude (Phakding): 8745 feet
Max Ascent: 500 feet
Hike Distance: 6~7 km (4 miles)
Hike Time: 3 hours
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Day 2 (11th October, 2012): Very exciting hike along the Dudh Kosi River to Namche Bazaar.
On this day we enter the Sagarmatha National Park.
Start Altitude:8756 feet
End Altitude (Namche Bazaar): 11286 feet
Max Ascent: 3000 feet
Hike Distance: 7 km (4.5 miles)
Hike Time: 6 hours
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Day 3 : Accliamatization day. A very important day to get used to the altitude! We do this with an early morning hike around the town to get a grand view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest!
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Day 4 (13th October, 2012): Namche Bazaar to Diboche, we pass the famous Thyangboche monastry. We either overnight at Tengboche or get to a slightly lower altitude at Diboche.
Start Altitude:11286 feet
End Altitude (Diboche): 12738 feet
Max Ascent: 2000 feet
Hike Distance: 6~7 km (4 miles)
Hike Time: 5 hours
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Day 5: The following day we continue our climb to Dingboche, at an altutude of 14.2 k feet, or Phiriche.
Start Altitude:12738 feet
End Altitude (Dingboche): 14190 feet
Max Ascent: 1700 feet
Hike Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles)
Hike Time: 6 hours
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Day 6 (15th October, 2012): Rest day. However, we will get to do some sight seeing and some accliamatization exercises
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Day 7: On the trail from Dingboche to Lobuche, we will walk through the Khumbu glacier region and pass stunning meadows. Its always a pleasant sight to see farmlands amidst snow clad peaks.
Start Altitude:14190 feet
End Altitude (Lobuche):15642 feet
Max Ascent: 2000 feet
Hike Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hike Time: 5 hours
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Day 8: (17th October, 2012) Our destination for this day is Gorak Shep at 17,000 feet.
We also conquer a peak, called Kala Patthar.
Start Altitude:15642 feet
End Altitude (Gorak Shep): 16960 feet
Max Ascent: 2500 feet
Hike Distance: 6~8 km (4-6 miles)
Hike Time: 3 hours to Gorak Shep; 4 hours To & fro Kala Patthar
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Day 9: Gorakh Shep to our final destination of Everest Base Camp Back to Gorakh Shep and then to Luboche.
Start Altitude:16690 feet
End Altitude (Lobuche): 15642 feet
Max Ascent: 1500 feet
Hike Distance: 8~9 km (5~6 miles)
Hike Time: 7 hours
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Day 10: (19th October, 2012) We double up on our way back, altitude no longer being an issue. Luboche to Dingboche or Pheriche
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Day 11: Diboche or Pheriche to Thyangboche
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Day 12: Thyangboche to Namche Bazaar, via Khumjung visiting YETI's SKULL, overnight at lodge/tea house
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Day 13: (22nd October, 2012) Namche Bazaar to Phakding and proceed to Lukla. Relax at Lukla, there will be no flights later in the day to go to Kathmandu!
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Day 14: (23rd October, 2012) Fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu, disperse per individual plans
Top Preparation :
We will be publishing a schedule of practice hikes on this site. There will be regular weekly hikes (on weekends) and a few high altitude hikes on long weekends for those in the San Francisco bay area who sign up for the EBC trek.
We will be publishing a schedule of practice hikes on this site. There will be regular weekly hikes (on weekends) and a few high altitude hikes on long weekends for those in the San Francisco bay area who sign up for the EBC trek.
Degree of Difficulty :
The trek to Everest Base Camp is not strenuous in terms of distances covered each day. It is fairly strenuous when considering gradient (there will be uphill and downhill). But it is certainly strenuous in terms of altitude. Utmost care will be taken to follow all physiological guidelines for the altitude that we will be at. Safety and health of everyone on the trip are our most important concerns.
Safety Arrangement, Search & Rescue :
At Bliss we understand that your safety is most important to you. It is equally important to us. Under no circumstances will safety be compromised. For this same reason, we arrange emergency search & rescue airlifting in case of a life threatening emergency on the hike.
Cost :
US $1995 per person, based on double occupancy
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US $1995 per person, based on double occupancy
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Cost Included -
- All arrangements from departure for hike from Kathmandu, until we return to Kathmandu
- Air fare from Kathmandu to Lukla and back
- All hike expenses (food, lodging, guide and porter - shared between two persons)
- One group dinner prior to departure for the trek from Kathmandu
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Not Included -
- Lodging & boarding (food) in Kathmandu,
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, internet services, medicines, hot water for shower, alcohol you may wish to consume (recommended not to have any)
- Personal guides, personal porters (in case you desire to have one porter for yourself)
- Any purchases that you make etc.
Note : Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are occasionally cancelled due to weather. This may require an additional night stay in Kathmandu. The above cost does not cover the cost of extra day in Kathmandu.
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Things To Carry:
- Down (or similar) sleeping bag (20 degree F)
- Backpack - big enough to fit all items - will be carried by porter
- Daypack - to carry own items
- Hiking Boots - with good ankle support, must break-in shoes
- Walking poles
- Liner Socks - 2-3 pairs
- Woolen Hiking Socks - 2 pairs
- Comfortable hiking clothes - convertible pants
- Layered upper clothing - full shirts
- Easy wicking capeline full shirt
- Light weight, warm jacket
- Outer down jacket
- Outer shell
- Thermal underwear
- other inner clothing as appropriate
- Night clothing
- Sunglasses (UV A&B) & strap, Sunscreen, lip balm
- Vaseline, anti-itch cream
- Hat, cap
- Passport, other travel document
- Water bottle, iodine to filter water, or water filter
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Personal Medicines & band aid, moleskin
- Personal Toiletries
- Pocket knife, sewing kit
- Water proof pants
- Poncho
- toilet roll &-or wet ones
- waiste pouch/neck pouch for documents etc.
- towel
- 6 spare 2"x2 " photos, 2 for visa, 4 for trekking permit
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Optional Items
- Slippers/Tevas/additional pair of shoes, sneakers
- Camera, film, spare batteries
- Spare boot laces
- Plastic Bags (for lining kit bag) and dirty clothes
Frequently Asked Questions :
Where do we begin our adventure?
Right here in your home town - it has already started!
How do we train for this hike?
We train in the backyard - we start with regular hikes in the San Francisco Bay area and as we go along, we do some 13~14 k feet hikes in Yosemite and Sierras. Some diet, yoga and breathing lectures have been arranged to guide you.
Typically the months of April, May and June as well as late September through November are ideal for hiking in the Himalayas. October is is our favorite.
What will the weather during the hike?
October is the best time for hiking in this region. The monsoons have just got over the Indian subcontinent, making the skies exceptionally clear. This gives the best views. Our date is such that we would be at EBC right around full moon. This make the timing of our trek exceptional.
How many days is the hike?
The Everest Base Camp hike is a 14-day hike, starting from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, in Nepal. This includes mandatory two days of rest of aclaimatizing. Check the itinerary.
What is aclaimatizing and why is it required?
At higher altitudes, the oxygen is depleted in the air. Aclaimatizing it the process of the bidy getting used to the lower oxygen levels. Read two articles about high altitude illness and
high altitude sickness.
How cold will it get at EBC?
When we are actually hiking, it will be quite warm. In fact you would be tempted to wear short sleeve shirts. It is recommended to wear full sleeve to reduce sunburn. The temperatures plummet as soon as the sun goes behind a ridge (3 pm or later). But by that time we would be at our destination. The tea houses for our night halt will be heated.
Where do we stay on the trek?
We stay at what are known as Tea Houses. These are very homely and cozy lodges, run by a single family. They are heated in the night. We also eat at these lodges. They have a choice of food, from noodles, pasta, omlettes to local food. Meat is available but to be avoided.
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Will there be porters carrying our stuff?
Yes, we arrange porters for our clients. Generally one porter for two persons. Personal porters can be arranged at extra cost.
What will a typical day of hike look like?
We begin our hike after breakfast, at about 7 am. Depending on the distance and the terrain, we may reach our destination anywhere between noon to 3 pm. It is most important to enjoy the natural beauty and in general, the hike itself.
Are cameras permitted on this route?
Absolutely, cameras are a must-have item. However, a small fee is charged for still cameras. Video cameras are charged much more. Please make sure to pay appropriate camera fees (not included in cost) when we get the permit for hiking (permit fees included).
What about visa for Nepal?
If you hold an Indian passport, you will not need a visa. Citizens of most other countries need a visa. It will be your responsibility to obtain the visa.
Testimonials:
Dianne E