Experience the heart of the Himalayas
and trek to the world's highest basecamp
The trek to Everest Base Camp is the most famous multi-day adventure hike in the world for a reason. Taking you into the heart of the Himalayas, the route winds its way up to 5,643m above sea level, offering you unparalleled views of the world’s highest mountain. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in Sherpa culture, soaking up the sounds and sights of the Khumbu region, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
"Always a little higher"
Nepal
16 days
Grade C
5555 m
18225 ft
Approx
5 - 6hours
Spring &
Autumn
24 Oct - 11 Nov
USD $3,000
Aimed at individuals with a high level of basic fitness. Prior experience of mountain environments is preferable, but not necessary. We can teach you what you need to know on this trek.
It’s easy to understand why trekking to Everest Base Camp is a bucket list item for many.
One of the most adventurous, challenging, but rewarding hikes in the world, this trail offers phenomenal mountain landscapes, and incredible insights into the lives of Sherpas and others in Khumbu Region. And who better to show you all this than Sherpas themselves?
Elite Exped is an entirely Nepalese-run, with our record-breaking directors Nimsdai, Mingma David Sherpa, and Mingma Tenzi priding themselves on their ability to bridge the gap between western and Himalayan climbing cultures, offering the best of both worlds.
Our director's mountaineering record is unparalleled. In 2021, they were famously part of the first team ever to summit K2 in winter, and in 2019 Nimsdai shattered the speed record for climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000ers as part of his Project Possible push while Mingma David became the youngest person to climb them all. Their safety record is also second to none, and the handpicked guiding team they have assembled to lead Elite Exped’s trips and treks are all trained in the latest high-altitude rescue and recovery techniques.
Because we’re used to operating at above 8,000m, nothing on an Elite Exped trip is left to chance - and that includes our treks. We oversee every aspect of every expedition, keeping as much in-house as possible, so we’re never left reliant on others.
We know this region intimately, and speak the language ourselves. Our local knowledge further bolsters our ability to operate safely, but it also allows us to offer you insights that other operations can’t. Elite Exped’s Everest Base Camp Trek follows an expedition plan that our leaders have set out, and we know these mountains like the back of our hands - our guides have trodden this path countless times.
After exploring the shrines, temples, bazaars and restaurants of Kathmandu, we take a flight to Lukla, a gateway to Everest. Then, we walk up to the Dudh Kosi Valley, surrounded by the magnificent peaks of Kusum Kanguru and Thamserku. We make the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar, capital of the Khumbu Sherpas, where we spend a day acclimatizing and sightseeing.
From there, we follow the trails to Tengboche, located high on a ridge, which provides one of the most spectacular 360-degree mountain panoramas anywhere on the planet. You can see Everest, the Lhotse-Nuptse Wall, Ama Dablam and Kantega. We pass through Buddhist monasteries and past ancient shrines, with the massive bulk of Mount Everest itself looming ever closer. From Kala Patthar at 5,643m, you’ll get an incredible vista of the world’s most famous mountain, before we head to base camp.
Our return journey takes us through Dingboche, Phortse and Khumjing, before we part ways in Kathmandu, 19 days and whole lifetime’s worth of experiences later.
This tried and tested itinerary is informed by decades of mountaineering experience. As with all adventurous activities of this type however, circumstances may arise where Elite Exped is forced to make alterations, possibly at short notice. While making every effort to adhere to this published schedule, we kindly ask for your patience if the weather, or other naturally occurring circumstances, intervene.
Arrival In Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel
Preparation day in Kathmandu, Gear check and trip briefing
Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Trek from Phakding to Namche
Acclimatize day in Namche; Hike to Everest View Hotel and visit Sagarmatha National Park Museum
Trek from Namche to Debuche via Tengbouche Monastery
Trek from Debuche to Dingbouche
Acclimatize day in Dingbouche; Hike to Nagarjun Hill
Trek from Dingbouche to Labouche via Thukla Memorial Pass
Early morning trek from Labouche to Gorakshep to Everest Basecamp; Overstay night in Gorakshep
Early morning hike to Kalapathar and trek to Pheriche
Trek from Pheriche to Namche
Trek from Namche to Lukla
Fly back to Kathmandu and free day
Leisure day in Kathmandu/Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Final Departure
We believe the mountains are there for all to enjoy, but must be respected, and protected. We are the voice, carers and keepers of these sacred places for future generations. Our environmental policy ensures we do no harm, and leave no trace. Learn more
Our tailored approach to training will help you improve as a climber, developing the mental and physical skills you need to achieve your dreams. Learn more
The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Elite Exped, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated FAQ support page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.
All Elite Exped expeditions are within extreme high altitude environments, with differing requirements for ability. Due to the nature of these operational landscapes it is essential you provide concise, honest descriptions of relevant experience and current fitness levels. Upon receipt we will review your experience and respond accordingly. At this point if we consider there to be any shortfalls, we can collectively discuss the opportunities and/or provide a training support plan to achieve your goals.
Nimsdai Purja and Mingma David Sherpa’s mountaineering world records speak for themselves, but our founders are more than just supremely-talented climbers. While some choose to direct operations from a back office, Nimsdai and Mingma David lead from the front. Their experience of every aspect of guiding and climbing - from fixing ropes, to organising logistics - is unparalleled. It’s no surprise that when they’ve worked together they have a perfect, 100 percent success rate when it comes to summiting 8,000m peaks.
If it’s controllable we control it, this is key to attain and maintain our industry leading strategy for success and safety. We maximise our options, agility and responsiveness by running totally self-sufficient expeditions, not relying on any other teams on the mountain to achieve our objectives. We are capable of setting up our own fixed lines (with a proven track record on all 8,000m peaks) and have backups to cover all scenarios, from secondary oxygen supplies through to the ability and experience to operate our own rescue missions if the situation arises.
With his Nepalese roots, and UK residency, our co-founder Nimsdai Purja brings a unique perspective of the world of mountaineering, and an unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between Western and Himalayan climbing cultures. We can assemble trusted teams and networks anywhere in the world, but our founders’ roots are a particular advantage when it comes to summiting the world’s very highest peaks. An intimate knowledge of how things work on the ground ensures that everything runs smoothly when you’re 8,000m above sea-level.
The 67km long trek to Annapurna Base Camp is a Himalayan classic. Demanding, but not too demanding, this epic itinerary gives you the chance to walk among some of the world’s most impressive peaks, and come face to face with an 8,000m peak. Along the way, you’ll dive deep in Nepalese culture, discovering a flavour of what makes these mountains so special. As Himalayan specialists, no-one is better placed to guide you on this adventure than Elite Exped.
Standing at 6,119m above sea level, high above the glaciers of the Khumbu region of Nepal, Lobuche East is a significant peak, but also one of the most popular, and the easiest to climb.
