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16 days/Nepal /Challenging to Extreme
This is a tough 12-day trek to Nepal’s Everest Base Camp, including an optional (but highly recommended) summit of Kala Pattar. This trek allows you to walk in the footsteps of some of the world’s most respected mountaineers and offers you an insight into the culture of the Sherpa people all while being surrounded by a breath-taking landscape of massive snow-capped peaks.
A challenging to extreme trip for someone of a good general level of fitness. Each day you can expect to walk for up to 8 hours per day on various types of terrain at high altitude. If you wish to climb Kala Pattar the trek day will be closer to 14 hours. The activity level is high so don’t expect it to be easy. You will need to train in preparation for this.
You will be accompanied throughout the trek by English-speaking local Sherpa guides who have an excellent knowledge of hiking in the region and may have even summited Everest itself. The guides are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey, sharing their experience and wisdom with you. You will also be supported by a team of assistant guides and a Different Travel UK tour manager. Your luggage is carried by a team of local porters.
The terrain will vary throughout the 12 days but in general you will trek up and down hills constantly throughout the day as the terrain is relentlessly undulating. Some days you may have a full day trekking uphill, followed by the next day trekking downhill all day. It is essential that your training includes plenty of hillwalking and trekking up gradients over consecutive days in order to condition your muscles to this type of exertion. Underfoot the conditions will be dry, rocky and very dusty (bring a ‘Buff’ www.buffwear.co.uk to cover your face to prevent ‘Khumbu cough’). There are numerous river crossings which utilise very high suspension bridges.
April is one of the best times to trek in the Everest region and generally offers dry days with clear skies to enjoy incredible views of the mountains. Daytime temperatures can reach 20°C during the first few days, dropping to 0°C at night, then daytime temperatures drop to 5-15°C as you progress, with sub-zero night time temperatures (-10°C or lower). It tends to get dark at around 6pm.
Please note: the conditions above are historically accurate but climate change can lead to uncharacteristic conditions which are out of our control. The guides will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and safety of the group.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included throughout the trip as specified on the itinerary. You will eat at local restaurants in Kathmandu and at teahouses along the trail during the trek.
Although the food is plentiful during the trek the menus are not varied and most teahouses offer the same variations of rice, potato and noodle dishes, and soups.
A typical breakfast will include a choice between: eggs, omelette, toast, pancakes and porridge.
A typical lunch will include: dal bhat, pasta, noodles, vegetables, rice, soup, fried potato, momos.
A typical dinner will include: soup, dal bhat, vegetables, pasta, noodles/rice, potato dishes.
Please note: that for religious reasons, animals are not permitted to be slaughtered in Sagarmartha National Park so all meat products are flown in from Kathmandu and then portered from Lukla to teahouses along the trail. Although meat may be available it may not be very fresh by the latter stages of the trek so selecting vegetarian options are recommended.
You will stay in a hotel with en-suite facilities while in Kathmandu, and you will stay in teahouses during the trek. You will stay in hotel rooms on a twin or triple-share basis, and there will be two, three or four people per room at each teahouse. A single-occupancy hotel room may be possible subject to availability and payment of a single supplement.
Tea houses are locally-owned lodges which comprise of a heated dining area, shared bathroom facilities and bedrooms. The tea houses are comfortable but very simple. You will eat your meals in the dining room and in the evenings you will likely enjoy the warmth of the room to play cards and get to know each other before retiring to bed. Battery charging facilities, soft drinks, hot drinks, snacks, toilet paper etc. are available to purchase from the reception area in the dining room. The bedrooms have mattresses, pillows and blankets but are not heated.
The hotels have en-suite facilities with flushing toilets and hot showers. The shower and toilet facilities at the tea houses during the trek will vary. Most now have gas-powered hot water showers, payable locally (approx. 400-750 rupees). Showers become increasingly expensive the closer you get to base camp. Toilet facilities are basic. In the early stages of the trail there will be Western and Asian squat toilets which flush. Further along the trail there are fewer flushing toilets and instead large water vats with buckets are provided for flushing. Toilet paper should always be placed in the bin, not flushed.
If you need to use the toilet during the trek day you must find a private area off the trail. You must never leave used toilet paper on the ground; this must be packed up into a nappy bag or sanitary disposal bag, pop it in your daypack and dispose of it properly at the teahouse (please bring your own nappy sacks with you). You should bring one to two rolls of toilet paper for your own use but more can be purchased along the way if you run out.
You are advised to bring a small pack of baby wipes and use natural or biodegradable soap/shampoo. Lush products (http://www.lush.co.uk/) are particularly good. You will need to bring your own towel. A highly absorbent but lightweight and fast drying trek towel is recommended.
You must be 18+ to join this trek. It may be possible for you to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old if accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit.
An ideal candidate for the trek would be someone who enjoys trekking and being out of their comfort zone, is interested in different cultures and is willing to train for the challenge.
You should have a good level of fitness to ensure fast recovery from each day of trekking. You must engage in training (including plenty of walking up and down hills) before departure to ensure your best chance of enjoyment on the trip. This could include hill walking, running, cycling, gym workouts, boot camps, etc. You can download a number of free apps to help you train and track your progress, e.g. MapMyWalk, C25K, MyFitnessPal, etc. Attempting to complete the trek without training will make it more challenging than necessary and will be detrimental to your experience, and the experience of your teammates.
This trek is graded challenging to extreme because you will be trekking for 12 consecutive days over rough terrain, you will be exposed to higher altitudes each day, (average 4000m and up to a maximum of 5554m) and you will stay overnight in basic teahouses. Each day’s trek is between 5 and 8 hours (variable depending on group pace) and you will cover approximately 10-15km per day. The trek is an endurance challenge so you are strongly advised to build up to a good fitness level before departure to ensure fast recovery from each day’s exertion. Do not underestimate the training required for this trip. Being away from home comforts and family for an extended period of time is often a challenge for participants although access to communications on the trail is very good overall.
The maximum altitude on the trek is up to 5554m (summit of Kala Pattar), or 5364m at Everest Base Camp. There is a likelihood of altitude related symptoms. Your local guides are experienced in spotting signs of altitude sickness but it is important that you do your own research so you can be aware of how your body is adjusting.
Common mild symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep and fatigue. These generally subside after a few days, once your body acclimatises to the altitude.
The trek includes two important acclimatisation days. These days involve exposure to higher altitudes before descending back to your teahouse for the night. This exposure offers your body a chance to adjust to the altitude in a controlled way, before you ascend to higher altitudes over the coming trek days. Acclimatisation days are also a great opportunity to do some local exploring and learn more about the history and culture in the Himalayas. Please note that acclimatisation days are not rest days although you may have the opportunity to spend the afternoons at leisure.
We require a medical form to be completed by everyone upon registering, and any pre-existing conditions, medications used and other medical issues must be specified. All your medical details are treated in the strictest confidence.
The information will be securely screened by a qualified medical professional, and details provided to your tour manager and local guides so our staff are adequately informed and prepared to support you during the trip. By completing this booking form you are giving consent for us to contact you confidentially with any follow up questions regarding your health.
If you declare any medical conditions you may be asked to provide more information, or we may request to contact your GP. We must be informed if any conditions or medication change, or if new conditions develop. If necessary confirmation of fitness to travel from your GP or specialist may be required.
In the event that your medical issues represent a concern for your safety and wellbeing, or the safety and wellbeing of others in the group, you may be recommended not to take part. If this happens your deposit will be refunded. Please note that we will never unreasonably deny participation on a trip nor contravene the Equality Act 2010.
E-tickets + pre-departure info
Passport & copy
Nepal visa or US$30 plus visa-on-arrival authorisation form
2 passport photos (for trek permit)
Insurance policy details
Pen for immigration forms
Cash (£) / ATM card(s)
LED head torch + spare batteries
Adaptor 2 round pins (Euro)
Sunglasses (preferably polarized)
Plastic bags – various sizes
Hiking boots*
Trainers/camp booties for evenings
Trek socks
Underwear
Trek trousers
Thermal base layer trousers & top
Non-cotton t-shirts
Non-cotton long sleeve base layer
Warm fleece
Waterproof jacket + trousers
Warm jacket (e.g.down)
Sun hat
Buff (www.buffwear.co.uk)
Warm hat
Gloves x2 (1 heavy or mittens, 1 light)
Casual clothes & shoes for sightseeing
Shampoo + conditioner*
Toothbrush + toothpaste*
Antiperspirant deodorant*
Shower gel/ shave kit / loofah*
Wet wipes*
Toilet paper*
Nappy sacks for used toilet paper*
Sun cream (high SPF)*
Hand sanitizer
Small travel towel
Nail brush
Feminine hygiene products*
Prescription medicine
Altitude medicine (see your GP)
50% DEET insect repellent
Ibuprofen and Paracetamol
Plasters and blister plasters
Imodium (Loperamide)
Rehydration (e.g. Dioralyte)
Muscle rub (tiger balm/Deep Heat)
Anti-histamine tablets/cream
Antiseptic cream (e.g. Savlon)
Indigestion remedy (e.g. Gaviscon)
Lip balm with SPF protection
Decongestant
Throat lozenges
Scissors/tweezers
Vaseline
Zinc oxide tape (optional)
Books/playing cards/diary/notebook
Video Camera + charger
Packing cubes/luggage organisers
iPod/MP3 player
Walking pole(s)
Sewing kit
Portable battery pack/power bank
Suitcase/rucksack for check in luggage
Trek kit bag
Daypack (25-35 litres)
Small combination Padlocks
Dry bag
Energy snacks
2- 3L CamelBak or Platypus +
1L bottle (e.g.Sigg or Nalgene) OR
3x 1-litre bottles
Water purification (e.g. Biox Aqua)
Electrolyte tablets (e.g. NUUN)
Thermos for hot drinks (optional)
Own hot drinks (e.g. tea/hot chocolate)
Ear plugs (essential)
Sleeping bag (comfort rating -10°C)
Sleeping bag liner (silk or thermal)
Pyjamas for hotel (use thermals on trek)
Please note: This list is just a guideline and is not exhaustive. The items on this list do not take into account your personal preferences based on your previous trekking experience, or individual requirements. For information about items on this list please refer to the trip dossier or contact The Different Travel Company on info@different-travel.com
*Please ensure you pack your hiking boots into your hand baggage in the unlikely event your checked luggage goes missing or is delayed.
*Please consider eco-friendly or biodegradable options. Consider shopping at Little Footprint Gifts.
London to Kathmandu
Depart London for Kathmandu on an indirect overnight flight. Upon arrival in Kathmandu the next morning you will be transferred to a hotel where the rest of the day is free before a trek briefing and welcome dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Meals: Dinner
Kathmandu to Lukla (2843m) to Monjo (2835m)
Depart the hotel early this morning for Kathmandu airport, from where you will take a scenic 40-minute flight landing on a steep mountain runway which sets the scene for our forthcoming trek. Upon arrival in Lukla we will meet our assistant guides and porters before starting the trek up the Dudh Kosi Valley on a well-marked trail towards Phakding where we cross and re-cross the river on a series of high suspension bridges before we arrive into the small village of Monjo where we stay overnight.
Meals: Boxed breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trekking: approx. 4 hours / 9km
Monjo to Namche (3445m)
From Monjo we take a steep hike to Namche where, if the weather is clear, we catch our first glimpse of Mt Everest. Just beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park, a protected area which aims to preserve the fragile mountain environment for future generations of trekkers and mountaineers. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy market, numerous shops, cafes and most famously, freshly baked apple pies.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trekking: approx. 5-6 hours / 7km
Namche (acclimatisation day)
This morning you will go on an important acclimatisation trek. There are a number of options for acclimatisation in the area, such as trekking towards the Everest View hotel (3880m) where with views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku and more; or perhaps visit the interesting Sherpa museum and Syangboche airport (3780m) where you may catch a glimpse of Everest. After lunch the rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the bustling town of Namche (and perhaps try a slice of famous apple pie).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trekking: approx. 2-3 hours / 3km
Namche to Deboche (3820m)
From Namche, the trail contours on to the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Kosi river where we enjoy our first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu. Passing several villages and numerous tea shops we descend steeply into the forest towards the village of Phunki Tenga situated next to the river, where we stop for lunch. After lunch we take a steep climb out of the forest to Tengboche which is famous for its monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. We then descend to a village nearby, Deboche, where we stay overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trekking: approx. 5-6 hours / 10km
Deboche to Dingboche (4410m)
This morning we continue to descend through the forest until we cross the river and start our steady ascent up towards the village of Dingboche, stopping at a village for lunch. The trail this afternoon opens up into what feels like a vast plain after following a narrow trail earlier in the day. You will notice the temperature dropping as you approach Dingboche, which is the highest altitude village on the trek so far.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trekking: approx. 6-7 hours / 12km
Dingboche (acclimatisation day)
Today is another important day for acclimatization. You will ascend to around 4600m from where you will have panoramic views of the nearby peaks and the rural farmland in the valley below. Look out for Ama Dablam, Amphu Gyabjen, Cholatse and Tabuche which surround vast glaciers and turquoise lakes. This afternoon you can explore the village and perhaps visit one of the bakeries or cafes for refreshment.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trekking: approx. 2-3 hours / 3km
Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m)
We retrace our steps from yesterday’s acclimatisation up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tabuche but turn right and take a steep ascent towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. We stop to have lunch at Thukla (4620m), a small village surrounded by vast peaks before continuing on the trail towards the memorial, home to tributes to all those who have died in Nepal’s Himalaya. After some time to reflect, we continue following the Khumbu glacier up towards the cluster of houses at Lobuche where we stay for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trekking: approx. 5-6 hours / 9km
Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364m) to Gorak Shep (5140m)
Today we make our final journey to our goal, Everest Base Camp. Starting our trek just after dawn we continue to follow the ice pinnacles and crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier as it winds its way through the valley. After around 4 hours trekking we stop for an early lunch at Gorak Shep before making the final push to reach Base Camp, arriving a few hours later. After celebrations, group photographs and time to appreciate the stunning surroundings at Base Camp we return to Gorak Shep for a well-deserved rest!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trekking: approx. 8-9 hours / 10.5km
Gorak Shep to Kala Pattar (5554m) to Pheriche (4240m)
The trek to the top of Kala Pattar is optional but it offers superb sunrise views of Everest (which you can’t see from Base Camp) and other vast peaks. If you wish to do this trek a 3am start is required to make it to the top for sunrise. For those trekking Kala Pattar, you will return to Gorak Shep in time to meet the rest of the team for breakfast before starting the descent to Pheriche, a small town you will have seen from across the valley in Dingboche when we stayed there on days 7 and 8.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trekking: approx. 7-8 hours / 10km (+ extra 2km for Kala Pattar)
Pheriche to Kyangjuma (3550m)
Today’s trek is mostly downhill as we retrace our steps and descend to Kyangjuma, a village just outside of Namche. There are lots of places of interest along the way including a trekker’s health post, water driven prayer wheels and rhododendron forests.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trekking: approx. 5-6 hours / 10km
Kyangjuma to Monjo (2840m)
Today we continue on the trail to Namche and Monjo. We can take a small detour this morning to visit Khumjung (3780m) and Khunde (3840m), where you can visit the Edmund Hillary School and hospital, both still in use today, or the Monastery. We descend into Namche for lunch before making our way back to Monjo for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trekking: approx. 4-5 hours / 8km
Monjo to Lukla (2843m)
Today marks our final day of trekking as we follow the Dudh Kosi back to Lukla. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure and you may wish to visit one of the many bars, cafes and restaurants, or simply relax and reflect on your incredible achievement. Tonight you will enjoy a celebratory meal together and have a thank you and tip ceremony for the local guides and porters.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trekking: approx. 4 hours / 9km
Lukla to Kathmandu
This morning we will depart Lukla on the earliest flight back to Kathmandu. We will arrive at the hotel just before lunch and you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. This evening we will enjoy a farewell meal in Kathmandu. Overnight at a Kathmandu hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Kathmandu to London
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London. You may arrive on Monday 25 April depending on flight schedules.
Meals: Breakfast
N.B. This itinerary is subject to change and will depend on the group ability, flight schedules, weather and the daily circumstances. Any changes in the itinerary will be made in the interest of group safety and enjoyment. You will be informed each evening of the plans for the next day. Your guide and tour manager will have the final say in the interest of the health and safety of the group.
Registration fee: £475
and then either…
Self-funded: £1975
or
Sponsorship: £3950
or
Flexi: £1975 trip costs and £1975 sponsorship for a charity of your choice
This option is for those who choose to pay the trip costs (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc.) themselves. There is no sponsorship required although if you wish to raise sponsorship for a charity you are welcome to do so.
This option is for those who wish to raise sponsorship to cover both the costs of the trip (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc.) and a donation to their chosen charity. There is a minimum sponsorship amount for each tour that you are required to raise in order to participate.
This option is for those who choose to pay the trip costs (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc.) themselves while still raising some funds for the charity.
If you’ve a question about this challenge that you can’t find the answer to within the given information then complete this quick form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
