Mount Everest is the world’s highest peak at 8848 m (29,029 ft). Sir Edmund Hillary and Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa became the first to summit Sagarmatha on May 29, 1953. On this expedition, we will follow the same historic route that was used by these pioneers. Starting from a scenic flight into Lukla, we will trek through the beautiful Namche Bazaar making our way to Everest Basecamp (5400m/17,117 ft). Himalayan Guides has been operating in this region since its inception over 2 decades ago. We have an exceptional safety as well success record on the mountain owed to our experienced and energetic staff who work to ensure your safe return.
Basecamp: 17,717ft. (5400m)
Everest Base camp is situated on the north of Khumbu glacier at 18000ft. This is home for the duration of the expedition. Normally, the expedition lasts about 60 days. The basecamp is a bustling place with climbers, ground staff, sherpas, porters and yaks. You will practice/review climbing techniques, rescue procedures and perform equipment check here. Before we begin rotations into the higher camps, we will have a Puja ceremony asking the mountain for a safe passage.
Camp I: 19500ft. (5943m)
After initial acclimatization at Base camp, we must cross crevasses, seracs and ice blocks on the Khumbu Glacier, on fixed ropes and in some cases several aluminium ladders heading towards the higher camps for rotation and later the summit push. Camp 1 is situated at a flat area of endless snow and deep crevasses. The Sun is very intense here during the day and temperatures can get very high.
Camp II. 22,147ft. (6,750m)
Camp II is located at the foot of Mount Lhotse. We will have a proper camp set up here with a large kitchen and dining tents. Since we use this camp as a base for Camp III and higher, this is a semi-permanent camp with a small section of our staff specifically designated as Camp II staff.
Camp III. 23,9500ft. (7,300m)
Camp III is located on the steep Lhotse Face. While the climb is very steep (40–50-degree slopes) there will be fixed lines. We will spend two nights here on rotation before the summit push. On the way we must ascend the steep Yellow Band. We recommend the use of oxygen above Camp III.
Camp IV. 26000ft. (8,000m)
This is the last camp before summit. Located at the South Col, it forms a saddle between Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse. This is a highly wind-swept location, so we only set up tents upon arrival. Here we recommend sleeping with the use of oxygen at a low flow. From here we move on to the summit and back.
Trip Facts
Country: Nepal
Duration: 65 Days
Minimum Altitude: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft (Kathmandu)
Maximum Altitude: 8,848 m / 29,031 ft (Summit of Mount Everest)
Walking Per Day: Approximately 4–7 hours (depending on altitude and terrain)
Nature: Trekking & High-Altitude Camping Expedition
Grade: Extremely Challenging / Expedition Level
Best Season: April–May (Spring) and September–October (Autumn)
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to recover from travel and relax. In the evening, a short orientation is provided outlining the expedition plan and logistics.
Day 2
Explore Kathmandu
This day is dedicated to exploring the cultural heritage of Kathmandu Valley and completing any final personal shopping or equipment checks. Optional visits include UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, meet your climbing team and guides.
Day 3
Expedition Preparation & Ministry of Tourism Briefing
Today is reserved for official formalities and final preparations. You will attend the mandatory expedition briefing at the Ministry of Tourism, complete permit documentation, undergo gear inspections, and finalize logistics with the expedition leaders and support staff.
Day 4
Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding (2,640 m)
An early morning flight takes you to Lukla, offering spectacular views of the Himalayan range. After meeting the trekking crew, the journey begins with a gentle trek along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding. This short walk helps initiate acclimatization to the mountain environment.
Day 5
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,446 m)
The trail follows forested paths and crosses several suspension bridges before ascending steeply to Namche Bazaar, the main commercial and cultural center of the Khumbu region. On arrival, enjoy panoramic mountain views and settle into this vibrant Sherpa town.
Day 6
Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,446 m)
A full day is dedicated to acclimatization and rest. Optional hikes to nearby viewpoints such as Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village help the body adjust to altitude. The afternoon is free to explore local markets, bakeries, and museums.
Day 7
Namche to Tengboche Monastery (3,867 m)
Today’s trek offers stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam as you walk through rhododendron forests. You arrive at Tengboche, home to the famous monastery, where many climbers receive blessings for a safe and successful ascent.
Day 8
Tengboche to Pheriche (4,243 m)
Descending through forested trails and crossing alpine terrain, the route leads to Pheriche. The landscape becomes more rugged and barren as you enter the higher Himalayan valley. The slow pace supports further acclimatization.
Day 9
Pheriche to Lobuche (4,930 m) – Lodge / Camp
The trail continues along glacial moraines and passes memorials honoring climbers who lost their lives on Everest. You reach Lobuche, a high-altitude settlement where you rest and prepare for the final approach to Base Camp.
Day 10
Reach Everest Base Camp (5,400 m) – Overnight Camp
A memorable day as you trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp. Upon arrival, you settle into camp, meet the climbing staff, and prepare for the long climbing phase ahead beneath the towering peaks of the Himalayas.
Day 11 - 60
Climbing Period
This extended period is devoted to acclimatization rotations, setting up higher camps, fixing ropes, and waiting for favorable weather conditions. Climbers ascend and descend between camps to adapt to altitude before making the summit push to Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) when weather and conditions permit.
Day 61
Return to Base Camp & Trek to Tengboche (3,800 m)
After completing the summit phase, the descent begins. You trek back through familiar trails toward Tengboche, enjoying the return to lower altitude and greener landscapes after weeks in the high mountains.
Day 62
Tengboche to Phakding (2,600 m)
Continuing downhill through forests and Sherpa villages, the trail passes through Namche Bazaar before reaching Phakding. The warmer climate and richer vegetation signal a return toward civilization.
Day 63
Phakding to Lukla (2,800 m)
The final trekking day leads back to Lukla, where the expedition began. In the evening, celebrate the successful completion of the Everest expedition with the team and local staff.
Day 64
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
An early morning flight returns you to Kathmandu. After hotel transfer, the remainder of the day is free for rest, souvenir shopping, or optional sightseeing.
Day 65
Final Departure
After breakfast, you are transferred to the international airport for your onward journey, marking the conclusion of your Mount Everest Expedition.
• All airport-hotel – airport transport
• Custom clearances as required
• Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu
• 4 (four) nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis at 5 star
• Domestic flight to and from Lukla
• Excess baggage charge to and from Lukla
• Mt Everest climbing permit fee.
• Island Peak or Lobuche extension cost.
• Necessary number of porters/yak to carry load to & from base camp
• Equipment allowance and insurance of Liaison officer
• Personal climbing Sherpa with wages, equipment allowance, insurance, high camps load ferry bonus
• Cook and cook boys at base camp and Camp 2 with their equipment allowance, wages and insurance
• Best quality tents at Base camp with sleeping mattresses
• Best quality dinning tent (Carpeting inside) with heater at Base Camp
• All necessary kitchen & camping equipment at base camp and camp 2 along with table/chairs.
• Shower facility at base camp
• Fresh and organic food and beverages at Base Camp and imported quality high altitude food (individual packet)
• Enough numbers of EPI gases with burner for high camps
• Walkie-talkie and permit fee
• Solar panel/generator with accessories at base camp for recharging and power supply
• Satellite phone for the emergency purpose
• Necessary climbing hardware gears with fixed ropes except the personal gears
• Oxygen bottles with mask and regulator.
• Insurance of local team members
• Rope fixing fee
• Ice fall fee
• Accommodation and meal at tea house/guest house in/out to base camp
• Travel insurance (Should include the helicopter evacuation as well)
• International air tickets
• Nepal entry visa and Visa fee
• Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
• Personal climbing equipment
• Cost of emergency evacuation
• Expenses of personal natures
• Summit bonus ( $ 1500)
• Tips
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/FITNESS
The technical difficulty of this climb is not high, but it is physically demanding with long days and sections with a lot of exposure to the elements. The trip is ideally suited to strong, experienced climbers. To move efficiently and enjoyably we recommend you have experience of Alpine PD+/AD routes and /or an ability to climb Scottish grade I/II winter routes and previous experience of altitude of at least 4800m before.
A TYPICAL TREKKING DAY
Starts around 7 AM with you packing your overnight gear into a kit bag before enjoying a hearty breakfast ready to leave camp whilst it’s still fairly cool. The pace on the trek will be leisurely with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, chat to the locals and keep hydrated. Lunch is usually in a fine spot by the side of the trail and, most days, you will be arriving at our overnight camp mid-afternoon ready for a well-earned cup of tea. This leaves an hour or so to rest or explore before the evening meal. It is quite remarkable what the locals can produce in these remote circumstances.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm in the valleys (20-30C) whilst cool to very cold (especially with wind chill) at higher altitudes. Nighttime temperatures are cold to very cold (possibly as low as minus 30C) and you should make sure you have a very warm sleeping bag (-30c), an expedition weight down jacket and good quality down mitts.
CATERING ARRANGEMENTS
Food on the trek and at Base Camp is excellent and designed to stimulate your appetite despite frequent altitude induced loss of appetite. Breakfast includes porridge and cereal followed by eggs (fried, boiled poached or omelettes) and either bread or chapattis with jam, honey, peanut butter etc. Lunch starts with juice and may include chips, rice, lentils, vegetables, salad, sandwiches, beans, tinned fish and tinned meat. Dessert is usually fresh/tinned fruit and tea. The evening meal always starts with soup (often with a healthy dose of garlic to aid acclimatisation) accompanied by papadams, popcorn or prawn crackers. The main meal varies from local style – Dal Bhat (rice and lentils with an onion and vegetable sauce), Yak stew, momos etc. to western style – burgers, chips, pasta, even pizza! Desserts are equally appealing and include apple pie, cake, custard etc. You will not be hungry! Once on the mountain, we use dehydrated meals supplemented by chocolate, muesli bars, cheese, nuts, salami, etc.
IMPORTANT – The small print
Please note, flights to and from Lukla can be delayed due to the weather. Please be patient and bring a good book to read. If the flight is delayed overnight accommodation is included on a B&B basis. In cases of longer delays, optional helicopter flights are sometimes offered at an extra cost.
MISSED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
We allow one extra day in the itinerary for bad weather. If you are delayed longer (unusual) we can re-book your International flight but additional costs may/will be incurred. Tickets can be changed according to availability and the class of ticket, you may need to upgrade and be flexible on your return date. All additional payment would need to be paid for in Kathmandu (card payments accepted).
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
We employ local staff to work alongside our own group leader giving employment beyond farming. We ask that you restrict showers to those lodges that have electricity or solar power, thus reducing deforestation. Be prepared to wash using bowls of warm water or wet wipes. We recommend you dispose of burnable rubbish at the lodges but take other items such as bottles and batteries back to Kathmandu. Avoid plastic bottles of water by bringing iodine tablets and a refillable bottle to drink local pumped water. Soft drinks should be purchased in glass bottles that can be recycled.
ALTITUDE
Our itineraries generally allow sufficient time for your body to acclimatise. The best way to avoid any problems is to do everything slowly, walk at a gentle steady pace and drink plenty of fluid. Our leader will give an appropriate briefing on arrival.
USEFUL TIPS
Just in case your main luggage goes missing en route, it is a good idea to wear your boots on the plane. Most other things can be replaced but comfortable, well worn-in boots are more difficult to replace easily.
EQUIPMENT
A detailed equipment list is provided on booking. Specialist items such as sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented or purchased.
BAGGAGE
For your own comfort travel light. Normally airlines restrict baggage to 20kg and the Lukla flight 15kg, but you will be wearing boots and one set of trekking clothes. Some items can be left at the hotel in Kathmandu for your return.
VISAS AND PERMITS
US/UK citizens and most EU nationals can purchase Visas on arrival. All other countries should check with their local embassy. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the end date of the trip.
CURRENCY
Nepalese Rupee. UK Sterling, Euros and US Dollars can easily be changed in Kathmandu. ATM (cash machines) are available in Kathmandu.
TIPPING
Tipping is generally expected and part of everyday life. We generally tip our own local staff as a group. It is also usual to put approximately 1000 rupees into the pot for the Puja or mountain blessing – a very important part of climbing in the Himalayas.