Everest Base Camp Trek | Helicopter Transfers
Trekking in the footsteps of legends, this 14-day pursuit for the ultimate symbol of challenge and adventure takes you to the world-famous Mt. Everest Base Camp (17,598′). Each step in this journey immerses you in alluring mountain scenery and rich Buddhist culture. Sleeping in teahouses each night and learning about this spiritual lifestyle, we will discover different plants and animals inhabiting the various elevations of the mountain range and revel in this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Triumph in your accomplishment as you stand in awe of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest (29,035′). We are here to help you achieve your highest goal, trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp (17,598′).
Trek Summary
Mountain Trek
14 D / 13 N
Up To 14
May 3 - 16, 2024
October 8 - 21, 2024
SOLD OUT
October 22 - November 5, 2024
THE WWTREK ASSURANCE | OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGE
Everest Base Camp Activity Rating: STRENUOUS
Challenge:
The trek to Everest Base Camp fluctuates between steep ascents and descents on well-maintained trails, making acclimatization extremely important. With multiple days of hiking for extended periods, maintaining a slow and relaxed pace is critical to lasting endurance for the trek. Trekking for multiple days above (14,000′), this trek is physically and mentally demanding.
Reassurance:
Expert Guides and pack animals offer impeccable support from start to finish. Guides will set the pace to help ensure proper acclimatization. Guides will run daily medical checks on each guest to ensure proper acclimatization– trekking with a Gammo Bag (Hyperbaric Chamber), AED, and Oxygen. WWTrek has prepared evacuation plans and access to helicopter transportation in the event of an emergency.
The World Wide Trekking Difference
Mount Everest Base Camp– one of the biggest climbing accomplishments. WWTrekking has worked to create a safe and highly successful trek to Mount Everest Base Camp (17,598′), passing through several local villages, meeting local community members, visiting shops, and taking a scenic helicopter ride to our trailhead.
Luxury Lodges and Nepalese Teahouses
Stay at high-end mountainside accommodations along the trail. Having access to concierge services and spacious accommodations adds a touch of comfort to this challenging adventure. From the luxury lodges you’ll stay in at the beginning and end of this journey, you will experience authentic Nepalese living in teahouses along the trail.
WWTrek Meals
Dine at your mountainside lodge, or along the trail with meals prepared by your Guide. The food will be nutritious and plentiful while offering a taste of the local culture.
WWTrek Team
Our team of highly trained professional Guides is here to help you every step of the way. From the first point of contact with the office through the end of your trekking experience with us, World Wide Trekking will work with you to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared to embark on your journey.
WWTrek Experience
We think it’s imperative to offer our guests the ability to hear from one another. This way, guests can get the nitty-gritty details about the trek… like finding out just how challenging that hike is!
“There may be a lot of competition to take you to Base Camp Everest, and you may be tempted to look at other trekking companies, but trust me, World Wide Trekking, under the leadership of Dean Cardinale is the bespoke trekking tour. From the moment you contact them in the US to the day you meet all your team members in Nepal, and for the remainder of your tour, WWTrekk will be with you all the way.
—
I waited 54 years to climb to Base Camp. This was a journey I had wanted to do for so long and it could not have been more enjoyable, nor a greater experience than it was thanks to Dean and his team and his staff. The greatest experience of my life to date.” – Cai
WWTrek Guest Services
Once you sign on with WWTrekking, we are here for you every step of the way! You will be assigned an adventure specialist who will help you prepare for your trip. Whether your questions or needs are regarding flights, packing, early arrivals, departures, accommodations, or anything else, your adventure specialist is only a phone call away!
Once your trip begins, World Wide Trekking boasts an extensive support crew. We provide medically certified., professionally trained guide(s) for all adventures of 10+ passengers as well as a plethora of local professionals to aid the group along the trek including porters, a yak team, chefs, servers, dishwashers, and more. Additionally, you have access to a Local Operations Manager throughout your adventure.
Trek Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal (4,600')
- Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport (KTM), guests will purchase their travel visa, advance through customs, and meet a WWT representative for a transfer to their hotel.
- For guests arriving early, there is the option to add on a walking tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kathmandu Valley.
- We will regroup at the hotel for a large, private, welcome reception with a spread of local food and drinks.
- Overnight: Hotel Yak and Yeti or comparable
- Meals included: Welcome Dinner
Kathmandu Cultural Tour
- We will begin our day with an orientation and safety briefing. This is to help ensure a successful, and optimally fun, Everest Base Trek.
- Together we will take a Kathmandu cultural tour of parts of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kathmandu Valley, including:
- Swayambhunath (“Monkey Temple”)
- Bagmati River
- The group will return to the hotel for a guide-led gear check so we are fully prepared for our trek to begin!
- Overnight: Hotel Yak and Yeti or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Helicopter Charter Flight to Phakding (8,563') | Trek to Monjo (9,334')
- We will take a boxed breakfast from the Hotel for early departure to Phakding via helicopter!
- Today’s trek will be from Phakding to Monjo (9,334′).
- Overnight: Monjo Kailash Lodge or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek from Monjo (9,334') to Namche Bazaar (11,500')
- Today we will see areas of Nepal that primarily make their income through Mount Everest Tourism. These lands are lush with vegetation and quaint villages.
- When we enter Namche you will notice its half-bowl shape.
- We will pay a visit to the Human Outreach Project’s Namche dental clinic while we are here, one of the incredible projects they have running year-round.
- Overnight: Hotel Namche or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day (11,500')
- Acclimatization is a key part of staying healthy at high altitudes, with this in mind we will spend the day hiking around the village of Namche.
- We will explore the Namche Local Trading Market, which is held each Saturday morning, and tour the Everest History Museum and the Sherpa Cultural Museum.
- Overnight: Hotel Namche or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek from Namche Bazaar (11,500') to Deboche (12,467')
- We will travel today to a very small town, Deboche. We will pass reflective viewpoints that will allow us to see the land we have traversed the past few days.
- Overnight: Rivendell hotel or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek from Deboche (12,467') to Pheriche (14,340')
- Home to our Himalayan Rescue Association, Pheriche hosts a medical clinic that helps trekkers and locals alike.
- Overnight: Hotel Himalayan or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Pheriche Acclimatization Day (14,340')
- For our acclimatization and recovery day in Pheriche, we will take a short hike.
- We will attend the Himalayan Rescue Association’s High-altitude Medical Lecture in our newly renovated lecture hall.
- Overnight: Hotel Himalayan or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek from Pheriche (14,340') to Lobuche (16,108')
- Trek from Pheriche to Lobuche, one of the very last stops on the lodging trail.
- Overnight: Eco Resort or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek from Lobuche (16,108') to Gorak Shep (16,800') | Optional Hike to Patthar (18,500')
- Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep today, or challenge yourself even further by summiting Kala Patthar (18,300′) (optional)
- Return to Gorak Shep where we will spend the night.
- Overnight: Himalayan Hotel or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek from Gorek Shep (16,800') to Everest Base Camp (17,598') | Descend into Lobuche (16,108')
- Today is one of our best days for photo opportunities, the panoramic views will leave you speechless.
- We will descend to Gorak Shep for lunch and then return, even lower, to Lobuche for the night.
- Overnight: Eco Resort or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek from Lobuche (16,108') to Pheriche (14,340')
- As we continue our descent, we will travel back into the Pheriche village for the evening.
- Overnight: Himalayan Hotel or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Helicopter Charter to Kathmandu (4,600')
- Private Helicopter charter (Everest scenic flight) returns to Lukla for a brief refueling before a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (4,600’).
- If guests would like to add on a visit to our Khari Khola Secondary School while we are in Lukla, we would be happy to make arrangements.
- Once we return to Kathmandu we will have a free afternoon for shopping, relaxing, and exploring.
- We will gather at the hotel for a private, poolside, celebration dinner with local Nepalese live music.
- Overnight: Hyatt Regency or comparable
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Departure Day
- Today you will have time to explore Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- We will arrange for a ride to the Kathmandu airport (KTM) for international departure flights home.
- We will have Hyatt Regency day rooms available for evening flights at an additional price.
- Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
- Pre-trip planning, assistance, and customization
- 13 nights lodging
- 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 13 dinners are included
- Water, coffee, and tea at all meals
- Drinking water throughout
- Transportation by private car, van, or coach throughout
- All services, tours, hikes, entrance, and excursion fees as described in the attached itinerary
- Nepal trekking permit and Sagarmatha National Park entrance permit
- Baggage handling throughout
- World Wide Trekking Lead Guide(s) and local Nepalese guides based on group size
- Services of WWTrek Local Operations Manager | Nepal, Geljen Sherpa
- Services of local English-speaking guides throughout
- Services of local porters and staff as well as yak pack animals for carrying gear
- Local insurance that is required for all local staff
- Helicopter transfer from Kathmandu to Phakding (40 min)
- Helicopter transfer Pheriche to Lukla (25 min)
- Helicopter transfer Lukla to Kathmandu (35 min)
Not Included
- International airfare
- Passport and Nepal visa expenses and handling fees (cost is $40 on arrival)
- Medical expenses and immunization
- Travel and medical insurance
- Bottled beverages
- Excess baggage charges
- Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour
- Expenses incurred due to circumstances outside of World Wide Trekking’s control
- Items of a personal nature, laundry, wifi charges, incidentals, etc.
- Gratuities to Lead Professional Western Guide
- Gratuities to porters, waiters at group meals, local guides, and drivers
- Tourism Taxes When Applicable
The World Wide Trekking Difference
Acclimatization
Acclimatization plays a key role in the Everest Base Camp Trek (17,598′). To ensure guest safety and enjoyment, we have built acclimatization days into our itinerary. Our medically certified guides perform daily medical checks on all guests and travel with a Gammo bag (hyperbaric chamber) and oxygen in case of emergency.
Tea Houses
The Tea Houses we will enjoy along our route offer refuge from the elements, warm hospitality, and a hot meal to help refuel guests from long days of trekking. From private bedrooms for two, spacious dining rooms, and a selection of grocery items available, you don’t have to go without– even on the way to Everest Base Camp!
Utilize Yaks
Along the trail, pack animals are used to help carry our gear and luggage to Everest Base Camp. Our Sherpa Guides take advantage of their extremely strong and resilient Yaks to help transport Guest luggage and important trekking gear into the high alpine elevations. This makes the trekking experience far more manageable for Guests and Guides alike!
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including, Swayambhunath “Monkey Temple” and the Bagmati River. The temple is the sacred Buddhist home of the holy monkeys and the river is infamous for its mythical ability to end the reincarnation cycle.
Helicopter Transfers
Take a scenic helicopter at the beginning and end of your Everest Base Camp Trek (17,598′). This is not only helpful in making the most enjoyable trekking experience for guests but is an exhilarating way to kick off this monumental feat.
Human Outreach Project
OUR PLANET… HELPING OTHERS, CHANGING LIVES
Our projects in Nepal are some of the most impactful to the local area. The Medical Clinics in Pheriche and Manang are used by locals and visitors alike throughout the trekking season. Our Educational Support at Khari Khola and Juving Schools helps uplift the local youth and project them toward a more successful education. The Namche Dental Clinic helps trekkers facing dental challenges at extreme altitudes, as well as the locals who live in the region year-round. Individual Family Support and the continued support of the Sherpa Family Children also leave a lasting impact on the lives of those who live where we trek.
Travel Notes
Best Time of Year to Visit
Spring (March–May) and Fall (September – November) offer the best trekking weather in Nepal. During these seasons temperatures are moderate and skies are clear; whereas the monsoonal season (June – September) is extremely rainy and the winter is frigid.
Arrivals and Departures
This trip begins and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal. You will fly into and out of Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).
*Many guests prefer to leave after, the scheduled itinerary. We can help you make arrangements. Additional charges for early arrival, transportation, lodging, meals, and activities will apply.
Recommended Flights
International airfares are not included in program pricing. When booking international travel, we recommend working with an experienced travel agent. One that World Wide Trekking is proud to coordinate with is Brian Mei from Eastern Travel. You can reach Brian directly by calling 801.792.1721 or by email at brian@easterntravel.com. Additional support is always available by calling the Eastern Travel Office at 801.466.8811 or by emailing Michelle at michelle@easterntravel.com.
The benefit of using a travel agent is in the event of itinerary changes, the travel agent will find the best flight connections, and land arrangements, for you. Though third-party travel websites are convenient, we do not recommend using them, due to instability in the itineraries. We also recommend that you protect your flight with travel insurance and a refundable ticket.
We also recommend that you protect your flight with travel insurance and a refundable ticket. Contact AIG Travel Guard to get more information.
Travel Insurance
We recommend you safeguard your trip by purchasing travel insurance. World Wide Trekking has partnered with AIG Travel Insurance as our preferred travel insurance provider. For a price quote, or to purchase travel insurance, visit
Please Note: You must purchase this plan within 14 days of your deposit payment. Please send us a copy of your plan if you choose to purchase one.
Customs, Visas, Immigration
You will need a Nepal Entry Visa. Upon clearing customs in Nepal, you will be required to purchase a 30-day entry visa. The visa costs $40, so make sure to bring cash with you. It helps to have exact change. In addition, remember to bring two passport photos for the visa. Waiting to try and have these taken in the Kathmandu airport will not only cause you undue delays, but it also tends to be exceedingly expensive.
*Note: Please be sure to have at least six months validity on your passport. Most countries won’t allow travelers in their country unless their passport is expected to expire six months after the last day of travel. Make two copies of your passport. Leave one at home and bring the other with you to Nepal in case of an emergency. Ensure you provide a copy of your passport to WWTrek 90-days prior to your departure date.
Accommodations
Before and after the trek, enjoy the nicest lodging available in Kathmandu. The journey will start with a night The Yak and Yeti, which has been converted from an old royal palace from the Kingdom of Nepal. Learn more about Kathmandu Accommodations with our Trek Tip Series!
Along the trail to Everest Base Camp, we will stay at the best Tea House Lodges available. Tea houses, which are often family-run, are basic accommodations created to support the tourism on the trail. Lower in the valley, the houses will have power outlets, hot showers, and bathrooms in private rooms. As we move up higher into the valley the accommodations become more rustic. Learn more about Nepal Tea Houses with our Trek Tip Series!
Transportation
A World Wide Trekking representative will privately transport you from the airport to your lodge. During the trek, travel light while carrying just your daypack. Yaks will carry all other bags and equipment.
Meals
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in the success of all our adventures. Rest assured that you will be served hearty, delicious meals and that we will happily accommodate for all dietary restrictions. Guests will have the opportunity to choose their meal from the menu for all meals but lunch, which is served family style. Although afternoon snacks will be available, we recommend bringing your favorite trail snacks as well.
*Please contact us if you have any special dietary needs or food restrictions. We can accommodate any special diets. We are happy to help!
Health and Safety
Our stringent commitment to safety means you have access to our medically certified guides before and throughout your trip. Our staff also carries emergency medical equipment such as a medical kit, Gamo Bag (hypobaric chamber), oxygen and satellite communicator. Ahead of each day, we do high-altitude medical checks with each guest; ensuring everyone is healthy and safe along our journey is what leads to such a high success rate.
Prior to the trip, we recommend you bring a prescription for Acetazolamide (Diamox) to aide in acclimatization. Our trip detail will include a list of over the counter and useful medications that will be nice to have with you. In addition, we recommend visiting your local International Travel Clinic one month before your trip. Needed vaccinations include a current tetanus shot, annual influenza shot, Varicella, Typhoid, Hep A, MMR, and Yellow Fever.
For more information, feel free to contact us directly to answer questions, at 801-943-0264. We can schedule a phone call with our medical advisor, Dr. Levy, to answer any specific questions regarding your personal needs. Visit our trek tips series on YouTube.
Gratuities
In many parts of the world, gratuities are given in appreciation for a job well done. Our guides will take care of tipping service personnel along the way so that you don’t have to think about it.
For any additional services outside of our itinerary, plan to tip 10% (transport, restaurants, baggage, lodges, etc). We will provide you with detailed tipping recommendations on your ‘Trip Detail’ site once you sign up.
At the trails end you will have the opportunity to contribute to a group tipping pool that will be presented to your WWTrekking guides and trekking staff as we say our goodbyes.
Currency Exchange
You can easily exchange money in Kathmandu after you arrive. We will allot time for guests to do so. Local currency is best on the trek. Spending varies depending on the person, but we always recommend bringing $500 cash with you on your trip for incidentals, sodas, snacks, or souvenirs.
*Credit cards are accepted at our hotels in Kathmandu for extra amenities. ATM machines are also available in Kathmandu.
Fitness and Nutrition
We provide a complimentary 6-week extensive fitness and nutrition program to help our guests prepare for their journey ahead. The program is tailored specifically for our trips and includes virtual 1 on 1 coaching sessions with our Fitness and Nutrition Specialist.
Gear List
General Information
Country
A land locked sovereign nation, Nepal encompasses an area of 56,827 square miles. The rugged, mountainous terrain plays a key role in both the preservation of the nation’s deep cultural heritage, and as well as a hinderance to its worldly development.
Population
27.8 million
Time Zone
Nepal Standard Time (NPT) is the time zone for Nepal. With a time offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) of +5:45, all over Nepal Standard Time is one of only three time zones with a 45-minute offset from UTC.
Capital City
Kathmandu, Nepal
People
Sherpas: The people of the Khumbu
The Sherpas are an eastern, indigenous people living in the eastern regions of Nepal. The word Sherpa is a combination of two Tibetan words, “Shyar,” meaning east, and “Pa,” or people. They are indeed easterners both in origin and present location of settlement, as they migrated from Eastern Tibet and now live in Eastern Nepal. Traditionally, Sherpas were farmers and traders. Known for their strength and relationship to the mountains, the Sherpas now primarily work in mountaineering, trekking, or portering. Therefore, the Khumbu region is well known as “Sherpa Land.”
Culture and Religion
The people of Nepal are as diverse as the land that sustains them. Inhabiting different altitudes, various ethnic, tribal, and social groups have maintained their unique heritage for centuries. Since the 1950’s, many Tibetan refugees now call Nepal home and contribute to the country’s vast array of culture.
Eighty percent of the population practices Hinduism. Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion as well as the oldest. Originating in India, Hinduism’s eclectic religious, philosophical, and cultural roots are characterized by their belief in reincarnation—one absolute being or soul reborn multiple times in various manifestations until enlightenment is achieved. Ten percent of the population practices Buddhism while the remaining 10% are either Muslim, Christian, or Kirant (an indigenous religion). Both participants of Hinduism and Buddhism share many of the temples throughout Nepal, as their beliefs are similar. Often times, religious and cultural practices are difficult to distinguish as many individuals often employ dual-faith practices.
Currency
The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee Introduced in 1932, the Rupee is abbreviated Rs. Check online for current conversion rates.
