Compare Everest Base Camp Trek by Exodus Travels vs Island Peak Climbing by Nepal Trekking Routes
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 16 days | 18 days |
| Price From | $ 2,845 | $ 2,345 |
| Price Per Day | $ 178 | $ 130 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | Breakfast is included throughout the trip. In the teahouses, breakfast will be a choice of bread (a slice of toast, chapatti or Tibetan bread), egg (boiled, fried or omelette), and either muesli or porridge each day. Hot tea/coffee is also served. On some days, there will not be a choice for breakfast and either a trekkers breakfast (egg, hash brown, baked beans and toast) or a pancake with jam/honey will be served. You may also be able to supplement your included breakfast with additional items on the teahouse menu should you wish – additional items not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. Please note, some more remote teahouses/lodges are unable to provide an extensive menu due to irregular delivery schedules. During periods of bad weather or a high volume of trekkers, there may be a more limited menu choice. Also, the menus and extras are generally more expensive at higher altitudes. Lunches are taken at a teahouse en route – sometimes one of your guides will go ahead with the group’s order to make it more expedient. Dinner is in the same teahouse you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as teahouses base their room rate on it). Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises curried lentils and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos: a Nepalese dumpling (fried or steamed) that’s filled with meat or vegetables. Meat is available in the teahouses but we advise against eating it. Meat is often carried in the heat for several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money – we recommend using hand sanitiser. Dietary requirements Gluten-free diets: We strongly recommend you bring extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available to you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of the soups are powdered and contain gluten. Gluten-free breakfast options are limited to vegetable fried rice and a choice of egg. On specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the toast/with an extra egg) will be served. Vegan diets: Breakfasts are limited to a choice of muesli/porridge made with water each day, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the egg) or vegetable fried rice. Lactose-free diet: The same will apply although you will also have a choice of egg each day. If you buy imported food and drink on trek, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Drinking water Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 0.7gal to 1gal (three to four litres) per person per day. We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal. The teahouses sell boiled water for approximately 150-300 Nepalese rupees (US$1.15-US$2.30) per litre (the price increases the higher you trek), which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double as a hot-water bottle. Alternatively, all teahouses provide free cold water. This should not be drunk untreated, so we recommend you bring a reusable bottle/water bladder/CamelBak (ideally two and wide mouth) and use an effective form of water treatment. There are a wide range of products available including Steripens or purification tablets, which are the quickest and easiest options to use on trek – we recommend talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time. Make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions). Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order and, better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. These bottles filter the water as you drink, though the spout may not be the most efficient while moving on trek. Please note, if the water freezes it will clog up the filter. In this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. | N/A |
| Description |
Retrace the steps of pioneering adventurers as you walk the classic trail to Everest Base Camp. Led by English-speaking mountain guides from the Himalaya region, we navigate the most illustrious range on the planet, staying in traditional teahouses and visiting atmospheric Sherpa villages. It’s a challenging trek but one made a little easier with our built-in acclimatisation day, our high staff-to-traveller ratio (1:4) and the never-forgotten reward of seeing Everest in all its glory. Expedition departures: Spend two nights at Everest Base Camp in spring, when the climbing parties are preparing for their summit attempt. See Trip Code TNTA for further details. Why trek with Exodus? Free four-season sleeping bag and down jacket hire, available on request One of the highest staff-to-traveller ratios on the trek with one staff member to every four travellers More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Nepal Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation and contingency days Established protocol for Lukla flight delays Exodus annually commissions independent air-safety audits on domestic carriers in Nepal and only use those approved as part of the audit Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained to recognise and deal with altitude sickness All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage Staff carry oxygen, a first-aid kit, and self-assessment acute mountain sickness cards, used to monitor every traveller at altitude Speak to Exodus office staff who have done the trek themselvesHike the classic trail to Everest Base Camp with our beloved local guides – a trip we’ve run for more than 30 years |
Island Peak Climbing is the most appreciated package combined with Everest Base Camp trek for lifetime experiences. Island Peak in Khumbu rises prominently out of the Imja Lakes just like a real island surrounded by clouds. You will get the best of both trekking and climbing in Nepal. This all-time popular package fits for the first-time climbers and a refresher for veteran climbers. Island Peak (6,189 m) is one of the trekking peak of the Everest region climbed by thousands for adventure every year. |
Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
The tour starts at the Royal Singi Hotel, which has hosted countless numbers of our trekkers over the years. There is a full trek briefing this evening, in which we gather as a group for the first time and go over any questions you may have. Rest up, we begin our trek to Everest Base Camp tomorrow. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Early morning transfer to Manthali for your flight to Lukla. Trek to Phakding
Start very early this morning to drive (approximately four hours) to Manthali Airport (RHP), where all Lukla flights now operate from. We leave our hotel at approximately 3am to arrive in Manthali Airport in time for the first morning flights to Lukla. The hotel provides a packed breakfast for the journey. Fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (9,190ft/2,800m), and set off on the first short leg of our trek, heading north up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (Milk River), then descend from the small plateau into the forested valley. The trail offers tantalising views of green, hilly terrain before reaching the settlement of Phakding, where we spend our first night. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 8,701ft/2,652m)
Day 3 Follow the Dudh Kosi and ascend to Namche Bazaar, with time to explore Sherpa villages
Heading out of Phakding, follow the Dudh Kosi north. Today’s walk takes us through magnificent forests with glimpses of the mountains ahead. We cross the river several times by bridge as we pass through the villages of Benkar, Monzo and Jorsale. A final bridge brings us to the foot of the steep climb to Namche. Halfway up the ascent, we may get our first glimpse (cloud permitting) of the Everest summit behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse. A last 985ft (300m) climb brings us to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and the main town in the area, which get can explore properly on our return from Base Camp. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre. It has a weekly market on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, but the town always bustles with trekkers, coffee shops, bakeries and stores selling all kinds of trekking and climbing gear and Tibetan souvenirs. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 11,285ft/3,440m)
Day 4 Acclimatisation walk to Kunde and Khumjung; descend to Kyanjuma
Climb steeply out of Namche past the airstrip at Shyangboche to the Everest View Hotel, the highpoint of our day at 12,730ft (3,880m). Built by the Japanese, this spectacularly situated hotel with wonderful views of Everest and Ama Dablam is an ideal place for a tea break. En route to the Everest View Hotel, you have the option to stop at the Sagarmatha Next experience centre. Here we can learn about the work this local organisation is doing to tackle waste pollution on the mountain trails, while also seeing amazing art pieces created from waste. Descending through forest, arrive at Khumjung for lunch close to the Sir Edmund Hillary School. After, walk up to Kunde and visit the Edmund Hillary Hospital. The twin villages of Kunde and Khumjung are below Khumbila, the rocky peak sacred to all Sherpas. For much of the walk, enjoy great views of Ama Dablam and other Himalaya giants. Walk back down through Khumjumg to the monastery. Sadly, it was damaged in the earthquake but is now being repaired. Inside is a small box and, after paying the small entry fee (which goes towards repairs), see the only 'yeti' skull in the world. Descending to the main trail, spend the night at Kyanjuma. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 11,810ft/3,600m)
Day 5 Trek through the Sherpa heartland to the monastery at Thyangboche for superb mountain views
Descend to the river this morning, crossing at the little settlement of Phunki Thangkha (10,665ft/3,250m), then climb steeply through the forest to Thyangboche (12,867ft/3,867m). Arrive by lunchtime and visit the famous monastery in the afternoon. The sunset and sunrise over the mountains are not to be missed – Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam provide a wonderful backdrop to our teahouse. Look out for Himalayan tahr, a native wild goat, in the forest surrounding the monastery. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 12,700ft/3,870m)
Day 6 Continue up the Khumbu Valley and then the Imja Valley to Dingboche
Descend through the forest to Devoche and, a little further on, cross the rushing Imja Khola, whose valley we now follow. Climbing steadily, the trail enters Pangboche (12,795ft/3,900m), the highest permanent settlement in this valley. Ascending, we have lunch at Shomore, after which we leave the trees and cross a wooden bridge at the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja rivers. A short, steep climb brings us to Dingboche (14,270ft/4,350m), a summer settlement where great peaks surround us. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 14,270ft/4,350m)
Day 7 Spend the day at Dingboche for acclimatisation
Spend the day at Dingboche to continue acclimatising. Those adapting well to the altitude can climb Nangkartshang Peak (16,730ft/5,100m) for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawoche and Ama Dablam. There is the option to climb halfway up or, if you’re feeling energetic, it takes about 3hr 30min to the top. It’s a tough, steep climb but well worth the effort for the amazing views. Return to Dingboche for a late lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and acclimatise. Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 8 Continue the ascent to Lobuje
The trail climbs steeply out of Dingboche, past a chorten (Buddhist shrine), and ascends the valley gradually to Dugla at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Stop for a tea break and snack before the steep climb to Chukpo Lari, a beautiful, poignant place with a line of memorials to climbers who have died on Everest and a beautiful panorama of the peaks on the Nepal-Tibet border. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuje, a tiny hamlet with a few teahouses. In the late afternoon, there is the option to walk up onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Sunset on Nuptse is not to be missed. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 16,175ft/4,930m)
Day 9 Visit Everest Base Camp; overnight at Gorak Shep
Today is a very long, hard day as we leave very early, following the Khumbu Glacier northwards to Gorak Shep (17,008ft/5,184m). The trail rises and falls along the moraine with some short, steep sections. It is also rocky as we are now on the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. It takes about three hours to reach Gorak Shep, where we rest and eat. There are no lodges from here to Everest Base Camp and back, so fill water bottles and take snacks. Start by walking across the sandy flat at Gorak Shep and climb onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The trail ascends the side of the glacier for a couple of hours before finally descending onto the rocky glacial moraine itself. The trail winds up and down through fascinating ice seracs to Everest Base Camp, the world's most celebrated campground and the culmination of our trekking efforts. It's a real achievement to reach EBC, so share some hugs or high fives and make sure to spend a moment or two quietly reflecting on your journey and taking in the famed surroundings. Enjoy close-up views of the Khumbu Icefall and see just how difficult it is for climbers to negotiate through the huge ice blocks. Also capture your essential photo at the Base Camp rock – it can hang on your wall back home forever! Then, having reached our goal, return to Gorak Shep for a well-earned relax. Please note, accommodation options are extremely limited at Gorak Shep and our teahouse is very basic, though the communal dining area is warm, and the food served promptly to satisfy trekkers’ appetites. Because of the high altitude, the plumbing facilities can be affected and water freezes much of the time. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 17,008ft/5,184m)
Day 10 Climb Kala Pattar for classic mountain views of Everest; descend to Pheriche
It is another hard day as we climb steeply above Gorak Shep to the small peak of Kala Pattar (Black Rock) at 18,192ft (5,545m) from where we can look over the base camps of the various Everest expeditions. This climb affords a magnificent view of the Khumbu Glacier and, above all, a close-up view of the highest mountain in the world. Return to Gorak Shep and retrace our steps to Lobuje for lunch and then continue down the valley to the lower altitude of Pheriche for the night. Please note, the walk to Everest Base Camp and the climb of Kala Pattar are both very tough. Sometimes we may change the order in which we tackle the walks depending on the group’s ability and weather conditions. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 13,921ft/4,243m)
Day 11 Retrace our steps to Kyanjuma
Descending through Pheriche, cross a small bridge and have a short climb before descending to join the main Imja Khola valley. Follow the valley down to Pangboche through an alpine meadow landscape. Drop down to the rushing river then walk through peaceful rhododendron forests to the village of Devoche, where we climb back up to Thyangboche on the ridge for lunch. Descend off the ridge to Phunki Tenga and walk back up to Kyanjuma, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 11,810ft/3,600m)
Day 12 Descend through Namche to Monzo
The walk to Namche Bazaar takes us along a beautiful rolling trail high above the Dudh Kosi. We have time in Namche and, after lunch, descend through Namche Bazaar and pick up our outward trail again to Monzo, where we stay tonight. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 9,350ft/2,850m)
Day 13 Continue to Lukla
We retrace our steps to Chaunrikhara, where we start the last climb to the airstrip at Lukla. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 9,185ft/2,800m)
Day 14 Fly to Manthali; transfer to Kathmandu
Fly back to Manthali airport on one of the first flights of the day (approximately 7am to 7.30am) to allow for the five to six-hour bus transfer back to Kathmandu arriving in the city for mid to late afternoon. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel
Day 15 Free day in Kathmandu to explore the city
Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu (it is also a spare day to allow for any delays in the flights to/from Lukla). You may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world at Bodnath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. We offer a full range of sightseeing tours, which can be booked and paid for locally. Please see the Optional Excursions section within the Trip Notes or the Exodus noticeboard in the hotel in Kathmandu. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel
Day 16 End Kathmandu
The tour comes to an end after breakfast, so it’s time to start your return journey home. If you’d like a little more time to explore Kathmandu, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival Nepal Trekking Routes Treks & Expedition representative are waiting to the Airport to pick up you with Display Board. When you will meet your offical representative he/she will take you to the hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding [2652m]
A spectacular flight and hair raising landing on a steep mountain runway brings us to the start of our trek at the village of Lukla [2850m]. After meeting the crew, we head up the Dudh Kosi Valley on a well-marked trail to our first camp near the river at Phakding.
Day 3: Trek to Namche [3450m]
We cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. We then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market – a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. Camp is near the bazaar at Namche.
Day 4: Rest day in Namche
Meals: Dinner
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. Options for acclimatization walks include a visit to Khunde hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or a one hour walk up to the Everest view hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the national park centre and museum just above the town
Day 5: Trek to Tengboche [3867m]
From Namche, the trail contours around the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Kosi. Now we get our first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, we descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga. The village is an excellent lunch spot, and here we can rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche. Although tiring, the hike up the zigzag path has numerous distractions, with rhododendron bushes, beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. We camp near the monastery with Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam framed in the doorway of the tent
Day 6: Trek to Pheriche (4200 m)
Trek to Pheriche via Pangboche.
Day 7: Rest day in Pheriche
A day to rest and acclimatize and a chance to wander up the valley to look at a lake, the Tshola Tsho and the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. Alternatively, we can climb up onto the ridge overlooking Dingboche for the view up the Imja Valley and the incredible south face of Lhotse
Day 9: Trek to Lobuche (4910 M)
Trek to lobuche this is anothere hardest day for trek
Day 10: Trek to Gorekshep (5170 m) Kalapathar [5545m]
To reach our next objective, Kala Pattar, the trail follows the Khumbu Glacier, and offers superb views of the surrounding mountains, especially where the path is forced to rise to cross a tributary glacier. We stop for lunch at our camping place for the night, Gorak Shep. Later in the afternoon, when the sunset colors begin to appear on Everest, we make our way to the top of one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region, Kala Pattar [5554m]. As the light begins to fade we stroll back to our camp at Gorak Shep and have an early night in preparation for our trek to Everest Base Camp the following day.
Day 11: Trek to Dingboche [4350m] via Everest base camp hike (5370 m)
To reach Everest Base Camp, a very early start is required, as it takes several hours on a trail which weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. On the return leg, we can take a higher route to get a spectacular view of the Khumbu icefall and the route to the South Col. We return to either Gorak Shep or Lobuche to camp for the night. We head back down today, through Duglha, to the summer village of Dingboche, where the houses are dotted about in the fields
Day 12: Trek to Island peak base camp via Chukhung [4750m]
Today, we have an easy walk for about 5 hours, climbing up gradually to the small settlement of Chukhung. Along the way we have great views of Island Peak and the challenge that awaits us. The trail crosses the river and follows the valley for approx. 3 hours, passing beneath the magnificent south face of Lhotse. Base camp is by the side of the Imja glacier, below steep grassy slopes which mark the start of the climb on Island Peak.
Day 13: Trek to high camp and Ascent of island (6173 m)
We ascend a little further to high camp. Crossing the gully above the camp the trail makes a climb for another hour to a narrow ridge, leading on to the glacier. Here it is time to rope-up and put on our crampons as the most interesting part of the climb begins with the glacier crossing. This is followed by the steep snow slope that leads onto the summit ridge. This ridge is wonderfully airy and on reaching the summit we have stunning close-up views of the south face of Lhotse looming over us whilst in the other direction, there are more dramatic mountain views. We descend along the same route, down to base camp.
Day 14: Trek back to Chhukung
After summit you trek back to Island Peak base camp and collect your thing continue to trek to Chhukung and overnight at Chhukung.
Day 15: Trek back to Namche
Today we follow the river and, after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forest to Tengboche. Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants to be seen. From Tengboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi at Phunki Tenga, where there are water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Namche
Day 16: Trek back to Lukla
Today you will walk along the Dudhkoshi River via smal sherpa village and reach to the Lukla overnight at lukla
Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu
Fly to Kathmandu We pack up early and head for the airstrip for the flight back to Kathmandu
Day 18: Depart Kathmandu
Onward Departure Day from Nepal to your home country. Nepal Trekking Routes Treks & Expedition treks will provide you free transport to international airport (TIA)
