Day 1 Kathmandu

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal.

Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal, is a fascinating blend of traditional architecture and symbols of the 20th Century. Its rich artistic and cultural heritage is evident where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples.

Days 2-13 Everest Base Camp

Sitting at 8848 m Mt Everest, the highest peak in the world, is one of the greatest trekking destinations. Locally known as Sagarmatha, the mountain has long been revered as the home of the gods. First conquered by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, Everest has traditionally been the ultimate goal for mountaineers. On this trip you will take on the challenge of reaching the mountaineer's base camp and gain an insight into the world famous Sherpa culture. You will cross glaciers and broad plains, traverse valleys and climb high passes to reach the picturesque Everest Base Camp. Our accommodation comprises small, basic teahouses along the track. These cosy remote houses are operated by the mountain Nepalese to cater for trekkers and also offer simple yet filling and delicious meals to sustain our efforts. This is a challenging trip and involves difficult trekking at high altitudes but the whole experience is simply awe-inspiring!

Details of the trip, which are subject to change due to weather conditions or any other factors outside of Intrepid's control, are as follows (please note all trekking times are approximate):

Day 2 - Phakding (2610 m)
Today we have a very early (approx. 6.30 am) flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (45 minutes). If the weather is good, the views of the Himalayas from the small plane are amazing! After breakfast in Lukla (2840 m), a short safety talk and an introduction to our porters, we gear up and commence our trek. Today is a fairly gentle introduction, following the milk-white Dudh Kosi River approximately three-hours to Phakding.
Overall Altitude gain between places we sleep is -190m

Day 3 - Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
Today we trek nine 9 km to Namchein (approx. 6 hours), the administrative centre of the Khumbu region. This will be your last chance to check your equipment and hire any additional gear for the high altitudes from Dingboche onwards. Namche Bazaar is also the last chance for a hot shower, yummy feast, to enjoy the local nightlife or to take to the pool hall and video parlours.
Overall Altitude gain between places we sleep is 830m

Day 4 - Namche Bazaar
Today is an acclimatisation day where we will also visit the local museum and surrounding villages. The best way to acclimatise is to do a strenuous walk up to a high altitude then come back down to sleep. Remember - it doesn't matter how fit you are, anyone can be affected by altitude, so have a chat to your doctor before you leave to talk about the symptoms and what to expect.

Day 5 - Phortse Gaon (3810 m)
Today we trek for about 6-7 hours to cover the 9 km from Namche Bazaar to Phortse Gaon. This route offers amazing insight into the life and culture of the sherpas, and that night we stay in a village that is home to a number of sherpas who have reached Everest's summit. Looking out from Phortse Gaon, the views of Amadablam are great.
Overall Altitude gain between places we sleep is 370m

Day 6 - Dingboche (4410 m)
Trek approximately six hours to 'the roof of the world' as we travel 8 kms to Dingboche.
Overall Altitude gain between places we sleep is 600m

 Day 7 - Dingboche (4410 m)
Today is another acclimatisation day. Staying the night in Dingboche we take day hikes to Amadablam base camp, Nagarjun Hill and Chukkhung.

Day 8 - Lobuche (4900 m)
The trek to Lobuche is about five hours and covers 7 km, bringing us close to our ultimate goal!
Overall Altitude gain between places we sleep is 490m

Day 9 - Everest Base Camp (5364 m)
From Lobuche we trek to the Everest Base Camp and then back down to our lodge at Gorakshep (5140 m). Here we have astonishing views over the Himalayas.
Overall Altitude gain between places we sleep is 240m

Day 10 - Kala Pathar/Pheriche or Orsho
Today we witness some of the Himalayas most recognisable sights. We make an early start to avoid the early morning clouds and trek to Kala Pathar (5545 m) to witness the best views of Everest, Lohtse, Nuptse and other surrounding peaks. It's a tough walking day (approx. 7 hours), and depending on how the group feels, your will decide where you spend the night.

Day 11 - Tengboche(3840 m)
Trek to Tengboche (approx. 4 hours), for excellent views of Amadablam and a visit to the Tengboche Monastery and the Sherpa Heritage Foundation.

Day 12 - Monjo (2860 m)
Trek downhill and out of the national park to the small settlement of Monjo (approx. 5 hours)

Day 13 - Lukla
This morning we descend to Lukla for the night before flying back to Kathmandu.

This is a trek that requires an excellent level of fitness as there are plenty of ascents and descents and the walking is very strenuous. The weather can be harsh in December and January, with a combination of snow and frosts.

This trip is lead by an experienced English speaking local guide and two assistants who help with the daily logistics. Though you are expected to help carry your gear, there are porters provided to assist.

Our accommodation along the way is at local lodges, better known as teahouses, in remoter regions, teahouses don't have running water and toilets can mean just a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in the majority of the teahouses for a price although in most of the places, a hot shower just means a bucket of hot water!

Days 14-15 Kathmandu

Weather permitting we take a short early morning fight from Lukla to Kathmandu on day 14 (approx 45 minutes). We'll return to the Kathmandu Guest House and have free time during the afternoon for further sightseeing or shopping. Shop in some of Kathmandu's many markets for clothing, embroidery, carpets or ceramics. If shopping is not your thing, take a trip over the Bagmati River to the adjacent city of Patan, with its abundance of temples and monasteries. We enjoy a final night together, reliving the trek and our extraordinary achievements.

Day 15 is departure day and we say 'Namaste' for memories that will last a lifetime.

Culture Shock Rating

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. Expect extended stays of multi-share accommodation, limited access to hot water, simple food or days cut off from the rest of the world.

Physical Rating

Activities include extended treks of 8 or more hours a day or extended bike touring, often at altitude and over steep terrain. Even if you're in excellent shape, these trips provide plenty of challenges.