Everest Base Camp & Island Peak

Two little words. They go round your head every night as you lay it down on your pillow and fall into a slumber. Base Camp.

If you’ve got the Everest itch, then you’re not alone. And on this trek to Base Camp, you’ll not only walk among giants and revel in the rugged power of the highest mountain in the world, but you’ll also test your limits on Everest’s little sister, Island Peak.

500 odd metres lower, Island Peak’s summit is the perfect place to go to next, if you’re not quite ready to tackle the peak of Everest herself. (And let’s face it, not many people are.)

On Island Peak’s summit at the end of Chukkung Valley, you’ll learn new climbing skills as you make your way up the steep snow and ice slopes. You’ll feel the challenge, but you’ll have a bloody good time too.

Want to take another step towards one day summiting the biggest mountain in the world?

This is your trek.

Day 1

TRAVEL TO KATHMANDU

Depart UK and arrive in Kathmandu.

Day 2

TREK FROM LUKLA TO PHAKDING

After flying to Lukla, we will start the trek, setting off for a gentle walk to Phakding, a further 3 hours to the North. The trail leads through Lukla, past hotels, shops on to the edge of the Lukla plateau where the trail drops to meet the intersection of the Jiri trail at Chablung. From here the trail follows the Dudh Kosi north through the village of Ghat and then finally to Phakding for the overnight stay.

Day 3

PHAKDING – NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440M)

The trail heads beside the Dudh Kosi and continues upstream along the banks to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi. After crossing the large suspension bridge, the trail starts ascending through pine tree forests to reach the distinctive horse-shoe shaped bowl village of Namche Bazar where we will stop overnight.

Day 4

REST DAY IN NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440M)

Today will be a rest day for acclimatization. Namache is famous for it’s market, so offers some brilliant opportunities to discover the local produce and culture. If you rise early, those who go for a climb to the ridge above Namche will be rewarded with the stunning dawn and sunrise over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks.

Day 5

TREK TO THYANGBOCHE (3867M)

Today we will steadily descend to the Imja river. We will then climb steadily for about 2 hours to Thyangboche Monastery, one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Day 6

THYANGBOCHE – DINGBOCHE (4530M)

Today we will trek up the Imja river valley to Pangboche where we will be given the opportunity to visit the Monastery. After lunch, the trek will take us through to the village of Dingboche.

Day 7

REST DAY AT DINGBOCHE

Today is another rest and acclimatization day at Dingboche.

Day 8

DINGBOCHE – LOBUCHE (4930M)

Today the aim is to trek around the base of the Khumbu glacier and have a light lunch at Dhugla, before a steep climb to Lobuche village.

Day 9

LOBUCHE – KALA PATTHAR (5545M) – GORAKSHEP

Today we will climb to Kalapattar. The actual distance is not too far but we take the day very steady to compensate for the altitude. We stop at Gorakhshep for lunch before climbing to Kala Pathar. We will then return to Gorakshep for our nights stay.

Day 10

TREK TO EVEREST BASE CAMP (5360M) AND RETURN TO CHHUKUNG

A trek of approximately 2.5 hours of up and down glacial moraines extended from Khumbu icefall is an adventurous roller coaster trek to Everest Base Camp. Once we have taken our time to take in the amazing atmosphere and surrounding views of EBC, we trek to reach Chhukung.

Day 11

CLIMBING PRACTICE DAY AT CHHUKKUNG

At Chhukkung, we will spend the day going through climbing practice, learning the techniques you will need for your Island Peak summit attempt tomorrow.

Day 12

CHHUKUNG TO HIGH CAMP

From Chhukung we will follow the trail that skirts around the base of Island Peak. The main camp is made at a spot known as Pareshaya Gyab at 5087m. After lunch we will continue the trek to our High Camp for a further hour or so.

Day 13

ISLAND PEAK SUMMIT DAY

We will set off early today for the summit at about 3am. From here, the trail leads up the glacier until a broad snow basin which leads to the final part of the climb. We will use fixed rope for approximately 100m to access the ridge, climbing up a steep snow and ice slope. The ridge very quickly leads up to the east up to the main summit at 6189m. Once we have taken in the fantastic views, we will return to Base Camp.

Day 14

ISLAND PEAK BASE CAMP TO DINGBOCHE

Today we take the trail that leads back down to the Imja Valley, firstly to Chhukung and on to Dingboche for the overnight stay.

Day 15

DINGBOCHE TO NAMCHE BAZAAR

From Dingboche the trail heads down the main Everest trail, before reaching the Tengboche Monastery. Once we have visited the Monastery, we will continue on the Namache Bazaar.

Day 16

NAMCHE BAZAAR TO LUKLA

The trail starts by descending steeply out of Namache and back across the suspension bridge. We will lunch in Phakding before arriving back in Lukla by mid-afternoon.

Day 17

LUKLA TO KATHMANDU

Today we fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.

Day 18-19

Free days Kathmandu

On these days, we have free time in Kathmandu. The days can also be used as summit day buffers in case the conditions are unsuitable on the first attempt day. Take your time to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, taste some delicious momos and visit the temples in the city.

Day 20

DEPART FOR THE UK

In the morning, we transfer to airport, depart Kathmandu and fly back to the UK.

Trip Dates

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Reviews

Here’s what some of our awesome customers had to say:

“Signed up and hiked EBC in 2018. The trip was very well organised – staff, sherpas & porters were all excellent. I really did have the trip of a lifetime… so much so that I’ve signed up for a second trip back to Nepal through The Bucket List Company, this time to climb Mera Peak.

A big plus for me was having the option to pay off my balance in affordable monthly chunks – otherwise I couldn’t afford trips like this. I also liked having my own individual web portal/log-in where I could access all the details of my trip.”

Gary Creen Everest Base Camp

“Faultless Everest Base Camp trek in March 2019. When you book a trip on your bucketlist its a once in a lifetime experience and you want to have the best experience ever.

With the Bucketlist Co. you come to realise that the careful planning and thought that goes into their trips ensures you get the experience you want. The whole trip ran without hiccups and everyone from guides to fellow travellers helped make this the trip it was.

Would not hesitate to recommend this company or book another trip with them in the future.”

Pete Everest Base Camp

“When you book a Bucket List experience you want the company you book with to understand that for you this is once in a lifetime event and make it that little bit different. Having travelled with three other ‘group travel’ companies I can say that TBLC understand more than most that the little things matter. The pre travel part is stand out; from a welcome gift on booking, monthly installment options or the excellent training weekends you get an early impression you will be looked after and when on trip you certainly are. I recently returned from EBC and the organisation an execution of the trip was excellent, once travelling you don’t have to think about a thing

And the care and attention from both UK and local guides cannot be faulted. A couple of days I found the going very hard but I always had someone by my side for reassurance and encouragement which I have to say probably got me to Base Camp. I would have no hesitation
in recommending TBLC to others, they’re a first class company who helped me tick a biggie off that bucket list!”

Lucy Bond Everest Base Camp

I had the pleasure of travelling to Nepal with The Bucket List Company. From attending a training weekend in February right through to our final landing at Heathrow after our trip to base camp in October, everything was thought out and carried out in a non pressurised professional way. I would highly recommend this company to anybody.

Michael Everest Base Camp trek

“I can’t thank these guys enough… I just completed Everest Base Camp, and what an amazing experience it has been. From the moment of booking to getting home, everything has been thought of.

If you want a trip of a lifetime, with no hassle, meeting some amazing people, then book with these guys. I am already looking to book my next trip.”

Carl Evans Everest Base Camp trek

“Fantastic trip to Everest basecamp from start to finish. Can’t fault Keith and his team both English and Nepalese for the help and guidance they give throughout the tour. I’m already planning my next trip with the bucket list company. I would 100% recommend them not just for the trip itself but the knowledge and experience you get before, during and after.”

Thomas Michael Lodge Everest Base Camp

FAQs

When is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?

The trekking season in the Himalayas is broadly broken down into two – before the monsoon, and after the monsoon.

To read our article on ‘The Best Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp’ Click Here!

How difficult is everest base camp?

Hear “Everest” and you’re probably thinking of a gruelling climb with crampons, ropes and the whole shebang. But that’s the beauty of tacking on those two little syllables and going to Base Camp instead of the summit.

To read our full article on ‘How Difficult Is Everest Base Camp?’ then Click Here!

Where do I stay on the Everest Base Camp Trek

Just like a good old-fashioned pub crawl, our crawl will be from teahouse to teahouse instead! That’s because Nepalese teahouses are the most popular accommodation for trekkers around Everest, providing everything you need for a comfortable night’s sleep between hikes.

To learn more about these bastions of warmth have a read of our article, “Where Do You Stay On the Trek To Everest Base Camp?’.

Do I need to train for Everest Base Camp?

If you stumbled here looking for the short answer to the perennial question – Do I really need to train for Everest Base Camp? – here’s your answer: yes, yes you do.

And now that the short answer’s out of the way, read our full article ‘Do I Need To Train For Everest Base Camp?’ to find out more.

How Cold Is Everest Base Camp?

Unlike anything we’re used to, Nepal experiences five distinctly different seasons in a year: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter.

To read our full article, ‘How Cold Is Everest Base Camp?’, CLICK HERE!

How much does an Everest Base Camp trip cost?

The baseline cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp will depend on a number of variables. The costs will change based on how inclusive you want your trip to be.

To read our article, ‘How Much Does An Everest Base Camp Trip Cost?’, CLICK HERE!

How high is Everest Base Camp?

Well over eight days you will steadily trek up through the mountains to 5,364 metres to reach Base Camp.

To find out more information then head over to our knowledge centre and read our full article, ‘How High Is Everest Base Camp?’.

Will I experience altitude sickness?

One of the main concerns that travellers have before booking a Mount Everest Base Camp trek is how they will adjust to the elevation. Everest Base Camp is still high enough for you to feel the effects of altitude, and you should be well-prepared for them before setting out on your adventure.

Read our full article ‘Everest Base Camp Altitude Sickness and How To Avoid It’ to find out more.

What will I eat on the Everest Base Camp trek?

The food on the Everest Base Camp trek might not feature Michelin-star presentation, but let us tell you – it is tasty.

If you’re curious about what you can expect to eat whilst trekking to Everest Base Camp, CLICK HERE and read our complete guide to food on the EBC trek.

What is the baggage allowance for the Everest Base Camp trip?

On your international flight you will have 23kg for your hold baggage plus your hand luggage. On the internal flight to Lukla you are allowed 15kg in total between your duffle bag and day bag.

To find out more read our full article, ‘What Is The Baggage Allowance For Everest Base Camp Trek?’.

Is Everest Base Camp hard?

If you’re going for the Everest Base Camp, then there’s no technical climbing required at all. Instead, it’s a long hike. And when we say long, we do mean long. The whole trek usually takes around 12 days, as you’ll need to hike from Lukla, through the Khumbu Valley.

To read our full article, ‘Is Everest Base Camp Hard?’, CLICK HERE!

What is there to do in Kathmandu?

On all of our Nepal treks, you will have a couple of days to explore Kathmandu, with both a locally-guided tour of the city and free time to spend at your leisure.

To read all our top suggestions of what to do, buy and eat in Kathmandu, then CLICK HERE!

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Everest Base Camp & Island Peak