Everest Base Camp Trek - Expedition Departures

For those confident of their physical fitness, this is a challenging grade trek (level 5) with a chance to walk to Base Camp and ascend Kala Pattar, from where we get superb close-up views of the highest mountains in the world. Please read a description of our Activity Levels, found on our website.

There are 14 days point-to-point walking with full porterage throughout - you need only carry your daypack. You should have some previous trekking experience and if you do not partake in regular exercise or hill walking then you should do some physical preparation beforehand. The maximum altitude on this trek is 5,545m and the average is approximately 3,900m. Ample time is given for acclimatisation, but altitude is a factor and must be considered - please refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes for further information.

The trail crosses approximately seven modern suspension bridges (twice) over rivers and valleys. All of these have mesh sides but some are quite long and high and as such anyone with a strong fear of heights or vertigo may find them difficult.

You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference.

The 27 March 2018 departure will be led by Valerie Parkinson who has been leading Himalayan treks for Exodus for over 30 years. The 10 April 2018 departure will be led by Sukman Pakhrin, one of our local Nepali leaders with over 15 years of leading Exodus groups. 

These expedition departures offer the exclusive opportunity to spend two nights camping at Everest Base Camp itself - there is always the possibility of snow at Base Camp and it will be cold in the mornings and evenings and below freezing at night. We will arrive at Base Camp early afternoon and then have the rest of the day and the following day to explore. Set at 5,400m at the foot of the Khumbu Ice Fall, the setting is spectacular. Huge ice seracs surround the camp and the peaks of Pumori, Lingtren and Khumbutse tower above us. We have chosen dates when many expeditions attempt Everest and the Base Camp area will be bustling with activity as groups prepare to make their summit attempt. We will be staying close to an expedition team and will be able to soak up the atmosphere, excitement and trepidation of Base Camp life. We should even be able to watch teams climb up through the notorious Khumbu Ice Fall. We will not be allowed onto the Khumbu Ice Fall (only climbers with permits are allowed actually onto the Ice Fall).

Walking distances and hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated exclude lunch stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Please Note: Anyone suffering from a cold or infection will be asked to stay at the lodge in Gorak Shep to avoid infecting a climber at this crucial time.

Why Trek with Exodus?

• Over 30 years’ experience of organising treks in Nepal.
• 100% of clients who did this trek with Exodus in 2017 would recommend us.
• ‘Ask an expert’ – talk to Exodus office staff who have done the treks themselves.
Small group size (max. 12 clients) and all departures guaranteed on 2 people.
• Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained in recognising and dealing with altitude sickness.
• One of the highest staff to client ratios on trek - 1 staff member: 4 clients.
• All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage.
• Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation and contingency days.
• Staff carry oxygen, a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC bag), first aid kit, and a CDMA mobile.
• Self-assessment AMS cards used to monitor every client at altitude.
• Established protocol for Lukla flight delays – see below.

Internal Flight Delays

Please note that adverse weather conditions at Lukla airport occasionally mean that flights to/from Kathmandu cannot operate. We include an additional day at the end of the itinerary to allow for this, but on occasion, persistent bad weather may delay the start of your trek or your return to Kathmandu.

Should there be a lengthy delay at the start of a trip we will aim to provide a shortened Everest trek, but if adverse weather conditions continue and the main objective of the trek become impossible to reach, an alternative trek to another region of Nepal will be offered. When fixed-wing planes are unable to fly, but helicopters to Lukla are available, clients may choose to travel by helicopter; in this event, the price per person will be approximately US$500-600 per person, of which Exodus will cover half.

Should there be a significant delay at the end of your trek, we will endeavour to get you on the first fixed-wing flights to Kathmandu available. Should helicopters be able to fly, we will consider paying for these on a case by case basis to enable clients to meet their international flights. In the case of persistent adverse weather, Exodus will re-book international flights for Flight Inclusive clients, but please be aware that clients booking on a Land Only basis will be responsible for re-booking their onward travel and for any associated costs.