Everest Base Camp Trek
105km
Approx. distance
Extreme (3)
Challenge Grading
18 days
Challenge Duration
Nepal
Challenge Location
Challenge Highlights
Gaze up at the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest
Trek through a tranquil mountain range of gentle giants
Explore Nepal’s mystical capital Kathmandu
Witness awe-inspiring panoramic views
Ascend Kala Patthar for close up views of Mount Everest and the Khumbu Icefall
The Challenge
Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers and join us for an unforgettable trek to the foot of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, standing tall at 8,848m. We’ll trek from the picturesque village of Lukla, nestled in the Nepalese Himalayas, to the famous base camp of Mount Everest and back again! Our route allows us to acclimatise gently before reaching high altitude scenery, as it leads us through Sherpa country to this tranquil mountain range of gentle giants. We’ll discover some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable from start to finish on this unforgettable trek as we make our way to the colourful prayer flags of Everest Base Camp.
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart UK
We depart the UK for our overnight flight to Kathmandu.
Day 2 - Arrive in Kathmandu
We arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. A pre-trek briefing will be given by our local ground staff.
Day 3 - Kathmandu
To help acclimatise, we take a sightseeing tour, including some of the most historical and spiritual landmarks in Kathmandu – including the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square and the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath).In the afternoon, we transfer to Mulkot ready for our flight to Lukla from Manthali Airport tomorrow.
Day 4 - Lukla to Phakding (2,600m)
Our challenge begins! Following breakfast, we fly from Kathmandu on a spectacular 40 minute internal flight to the mountain village of Lukla. In the afternoon, we start our trek and descend on a wide trail towards the Dudh Koshi River, arriving at our accommodation in Phakding.
Trekking distance – approx. 7.5km approx/3 – 4 hours
Day 5 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,446m)
Today we head up the valley on quite a busy trail, used by many porters and Sherpas. We follow the Dudh Koshi River until we cross a large suspension bridge and begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar – the tough climb is well worth it as we see our first glimpse of Lhotse (8,511m), Nuptse (7,879m) and Everest (8,848m) on the way up!
Trekking distance – approx. 8.5km /7 hours
Day 6 - Namche Bazaar to Kyangjuma (3,600m)
We head to the small settlement of Kyangjuma today, along a wide meandering trail with superb views of the majestic Ama Dablam and Thamserku. Keep your eyes open for local wildlife such as the beautiful Danphe pheasants and the Himalayan Thar often seen on high ground above the trail.
Trekking distance – 4.5km approx/3 hours
Day 7 - Kyangjuma to Phortse (3,840m)
After breakfast we ascend to Mong at nearly 4,000m for morning tea. We then trek through ancient birch forests to a Stupa on the rocky ridge of Mong La (3,992m). Phortse can be seen across the valley, a picturesque village set in a patchwork of stone-walled fields. After lunch at Phortse Tenga, we head up the other side to Phortse. This is a tough day; you will be tired when you get there!
Trekking distance – 7.5km approx/6 hours
Day 8 - Phortse to Upper Pangboche (4,000m)
From Phortse the trail climbs a little, taking us onto a stunning trail to Upper Pangboche with fantastic views of Ama Dablam and Everest where we’ll witness stunning views of the mountains from a less-visited side of the valley. We can see right down to Tengboche from here! We spend the night in Upper Pangboche, and we’ll also have the opportunity to see the beautiful monastery that once housed the legendary Yeti scalp!
Trekking distance – 7km approx/6 hours
Day 9 - Upper Pangboche to Dingboche (4,360m)
From Pangboche, our trek follows a trail high above the Imja Khola, passing the tea houses at Orsho before crossing the Imja Khola and the old glacial moraines to our lodge in Dingboche. We are now well above the tree line and in clear conditions, sunsets here are spectacular! For those that feel up to it, a walk above the village in the afternoon, up towards Nangkartshang Peak, is superb for increased acclimatisation.
Trekking distance – 6.5km approx/6 hours
Day 10 - Acclimatisation day at Dingboche
Your leader will advise you on options for another day of acclimatisation and exploration. Options include a trip to Ama Dablam Base Camp or an excursion up Nangkartshang Peak. Fantastic views surround you wherever you choose to go!
Day 11 - Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930m)
Today begins with the ascent of a small ridge behind the village and then we continue to climb above the Pheriche valley. We have lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu glacier which flows off Everest. In the afternoon we take a steep but short climb over rocky terrain to the top of the moraines. On the crest of the ridge we pass a line of cairns built in memory of Sherpas and climbers who have lost their lives on various Everest expeditions. We then follow a narrow trail all the way to the tea houses at Lobuche. Today will be tiring, but the magnificent views make it worthwhile!
Trekking distance – 7.5km approx/5 hours
Day 12 - Lobuche to Everest Base Camp then Gorak Shep (5,160m)
Today we reach our goal! We follow the valley that runs parallel to the Khumbu Glacier – it’s a gradual ascent, enabling us to build the slow, steady rhythm required for walking at altitude. We soon reach the flat, sandy basin of Gorak Shep where we have lunch. Leaving Gorak Shep, we continue to Everest Base Camp, along the rough track beside a glacial lake, and then up onto the Khumbu Glacier itself. We will need to walk slowly and carefully over the uneven loose rocks as we finally reach the prayer flags of Everest Base Camp! Glowing in our success, we then descend back to Gorak Shep where we stay overnight.
Trekking distance – 12km approx/8 hours
Day 13 - Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and then Pheriche (4,243m)
Another early start to tackle the summit of Kala Patthar (5,545m), a mighty peak with views of Everest Base Camp. This is the highest point of our trek, and probably our hardest climb but the views from the top surpass everything we have witnessed so far! We then descend to Gorak Shep for a cup of tea before continuing to Lobuche where we stop for lunch.
After lunch we take a different trail and follow a wide alpine valley covered in scrub juniper to the temporary settlement of Phulung Karpa (4,343m). We then descend further to our accommodation in Pheriche.
Trekking distance – 10.5km approx/7 hours
Day 14 - Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,446m)
We start the day by crossing the Khumbu Kholo River, and then ascend steeply to the top of a small ridge. From here we have great views of the Imja valley! We then descend through Orhso, Pangboche, Deboche and then to Thyangboche where we stop for lunch. Continuing our steep descent through a beautiful forest to Phunki Tenga, we trek on to Shanasa, where Tibetan traders with numerous ‘artefacts’ will bargain hard to try and make us part with a few rupees! We then contour high above the river valley back to our accommodation in Namche Bazaar.
Trekking distance – 17.5km approx/8 hours
Day 15 - Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,827m)
We start the day by descending a steep trail to the Bhote Kosi River. We then continue trekking to Jorsale, from here the trekking gets easier as we pass through a beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest. We have lunch in Phakding before we begin a gradual climb out of the river valley to Lukla.In the evening, we’ll have a farewell dinner with our porters, followed by a few celebratory drinks and dancing with our Sherpa companions!
Trekking distance – 16km approx/7 hours
Day 16 - Lukla to Manthali and then Kathmandu
We get up early in the morning to catch our flight back to Manthali Airport. We then transfer to Kathmandu, where we will have the afternoon and evening free for a well-deserved rest or time to explore the city.
Day 17 - Kathmandu
Today we have a free day in Kathmandu followed by our celebratory dinner!
Day 18 - Depart for UK
We transfer to Kathmandu Airport to catch our flight to the UK, arriving the same day.
Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed. Weather conditions, the group’s ability and any other factors outside our control can impact on the schedule set out.
Challenge Inclusions
What's Included
- Return flights from London Airport to Kathmandu, internal return flight to Lukla
- Accommodation and transfers
- All meals on the trek and breakfast in Kathmandu
- Porters and professional English-speaking local guides
- Permits and National Park Fees
- Local English-speaking trekking guides along with a local high altitude medic
- Water for trekking
- Kit bag for trek – includes down sleeping bag and down jacket
- Challenge Medal
What's Not Included
- Airport tax and fuel surcharges – these are approximately £250 and payable 12 weeks prior to departure
- Personal Travel Insurance – this can be obtained through Global Adventure Challenges
- Visa for Nepal
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, including your celebratory meal
- Tips and Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks
- Please note that for bespoke challenges, inclusions and exclusions may differ
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m interested... What do I do now?
You can register online below – payment of the registration fee is due at time of booking. All payment options and costs are explained below.
Once your registration is received we will get in touch with further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! Your charity will also be in contact to discuss your fundraising.
Is this trip for me?
Absolutely! The trek is suitable for all abilities with the correct training. The minimum age for this trek is 18 years old (if you are aged between 14 – 17 years you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This challenge has been graded as Extreme (3) on our challenge grading scheme meaning the trek has been designed to be challenging but achievable as long as you train beforehand. You will be trekking for 12 consecutive days, in very high altitude and in varied temperatures, a good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the challenge! We will provide you with a full training guide once you register, this is also available to download via our website. Why not join one of our challenge training weekends – it’s a great opportunity for you to meet our team and other challengers, and train together prior to the event.
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from broken in trekking boots and some trekking poles you do not need any specialist kit. To save incurring extra expense we supply you with a kit bag which includes a down sleeping bag, down jacket and fleece sleeping bag liner.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No. Participants will only have to carry a day pack (for items such as sunscreen, water, camera, sun hat etc.) and your luggage will be carried from each lodge/tea house to the next by porters. You will be able to leave your main piece of luggage at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided throughout the challenge, however you will have to budget for your lunches and dinners in Kathmandu. Water will be readily available and supplied free of charge. We cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form. Nepalese food is very varied and nutritious with plenty of vegetables.
What support is there on the challenge?
This is a fully supported trek. There will be a strong support team with a professional Global Adventure Challenges Leader from Nepal, as well as local guides and porters. Full comprehensive medical kits will be taken with the group and we have a local medic on our team.
Can I stay in Nepal after the challenge?
Yes you can, but this is subject to us being able to amend your booking from our flights inclusive package to our ground only package. For further information on how our ground only packages work, please visit our guide to ground only challenges.
If you have already registered and would like to request a change to our ground only package, please contact customer.care@globaladventurechallenges.com.
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no problem with you taking more rest stops should you need them. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group ensuring no-one is left alone. Remember this is not a race! The main physical problem you may encounter is altitude sickness, which can occur over 2,500m – the maximum altitude on this challenge is 5,545m.
Will the altitude affect me?
Your physical fitness will not affect your ability to cope with the altitude, however the fitter you are the better you will cope in general whilst on the trek. Altitude sickness is caused by decreased oxygen concentration in the blood due to the lower atmospheric pressure at high altitude. All individuals are affected differently, but symptoms can include breathlessness, nausea and headaches. Please be assured that this trek has been designed to maximise your chances for sufficient acclimatisation i.e. the speed at which we trek, the route taken, acclimatisation days taken and the number of highly trained experts in the support team.
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
Request a Call Back
We understand that booking your challenge is a big step, and you may have some questions before you take the plunge! If you'd like to talk to our Customer Care team before you book your space, just click the button below to request a call.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
dates and costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. This is used to administer the challenge, and to secure relevant permits. You then commit to raising the minimum sponsorship and send it to your chosen charity as you raise it - 80% of the minimum sponsorship MUST be received by the charity no later than 12 weeks* before departure. Failure to do so may mean non-participation in the challenge. Your chosen charity will decide when the remaining 20% should be received - this is a normally a couple of weeks after your return to the UK - proof of pledges may be required. The Challenge Costs will be paid for you by your charity out of the sponsorship raised. Do try and raise as much as you can, as every penny you raise over the minimum sponsorship will be retained by your charity too!
*For the challenges listed below, 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. You will then be required to pay the challenge balance no later than 12* weeks before the challenge date. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
*For the challenges listed below, the challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
2024
Registration Fee
£299
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£5,060
Option B - Self-Funding
£2,530
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
£475
When?
22 February – 10 March Fully Booked
7 - 24 November Fully Booked
2025
Registration Fee
£349
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£5,160
Option B - Self-Funding
£2,580
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
£490
When?
6 - 23 November Fully Booked
2026
Registration Fee
£349
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£5,300
Option B - Self-Funding
£2,650
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
TBC
When?