Mount Everest Expedition - Mountain Highest Peaks Hiking and Trekking Adventures

Soaring at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), Mount Everest stands as the world’s highest peak. On May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and the late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa etched their names in history by becoming the first to summit Sagarmatha.

While on this expedition, we will trace the footsteps of these pioneers, following the iconic route that leads to Everest’s majestic peak.

Our journey commences with a scenic flight into Lukla, from where we trek through the enchanting Namche Bazaar, ultimately reaching the renowned Everest Basecamp at 5,400 meters (17,117 feet).

Himalayan Guides, with a legacy spanning over two decades in this region, boasts an exceptional safety and success record on the mountain.

Our experienced and energetic staff is dedicated to ensuring your safe return, making this expedition not just an adventure but a secure and memorable experience.

Basecamp Overview: 17,717ft (5400m)

Nestled on the northern edge of the Khumbu glacier at 18,000ft, Everest Base Camp serves as our home throughout the expedition, spanning approximately 60 days.

A vibrant hub, the basecamp bustles with climbers, ground staff, sherpas, porters, and yaks. Amidst this lively atmosphere, you’ll engage in climbing technique reviews, practice rescue procedures, and conduct thorough equipment checks.

Before embarking on rotations to higher camps, a Puja ceremony adds a touch of spiritual reverence as we seek safe passage from the mountain.

Camp I Exploration: 19,500ft (5943m)

Following initial acclimatization at Base Camp, our journey takes us across crevasses, seracs, and ice blocks on the Khumbu Glacier.

Negotiating fixed ropes and, at times, traversing aluminum ladders, we ascend towards the higher camps for rotations and the ultimate summit push.

Camp 1 welcomes us with a flat expanse of endless snow, interspersed with deep crevasses. The relentless sun casts an intense glow during the day, creating an environment where temperatures can soar.

Camp II: 22,147ft (6,750m)

Camp II sits right at the bottom of Mount Lhotse. We’ve got a proper setup here, complete with big kitchen and dining tents.

Since we use this camp as a base for Camp III and higher, it’s like a halfway home, with a special team of staff just for Camp II.

Camp III: 23,950ft (7,300m)

Picture Camp III on the steep slopes of Mount Lhotse—it’s like climbing a really steep hill! We’ll spend two nights here before the big summit push.

And guess what? We’ve got fixed lines to help us, especially on the extra steep parts like the Yellow Band. Oh, and we recommend using oxygen above Camp III.

Camp IV: 26,000ft (8,000m)

Camp IV is like our last stop before reaching the tippy-top. It’s located at the South Col, a windy spot between Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse.

We only set up tents when we get here because the wind can be pretty strong. It’s a good idea to sleep with a bit of oxygen at a low flow here. From Camp IV, it’s onwards to the tippy-top, and then back down again!

Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel

Day 02

Explore Kathmandu

Day 03

Expedition Preparation & Briefing at the Ministry of Tourism

Day 04

Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding (2640m)

Day 05

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3446m)

Day 06

Acclimatization Day in Namche (3446m)

Day 07

Namche to Tengboche Monastery (3867m)

Day 08

Tengboche to Pheriche (4243m)

Day 09

Pheriche to Lobuche (4930m) – Lodge/Camp

Day 10

Reach Everest Base Camp (5400m) – Overnight Camp

Day 11 - 60

Climbing Period

Day 61

Return to Base Camp & Trek to Tengboche (3800m)

Day 62

Tengboche to Phakding (2600m)

Day 63

Phakding to Lukla (2800m)

Day 64

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.

Day 65

Final Departure

Cost includes

Airport-Hotel-Airport transportation
Half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu
4 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Domestic flights
Excess baggage charges
Climbing permit fees
Porters and yaks for carrying loads to and from Basecamp
Equipment allowance and insurance for Liaison officer
Personal climbing Sherpa with wages, equipment allowance, insurance, and high-camp load ferry bonus
Cook and suitable equipment allowance, wages, and insurance
Basecamp tents and mattresses
Dining, a suitable kitchen, and shower tents, along with other camping equipment
Fresh and organic food and beverages at Base Camp and high altitude (individual packets)
EPI gases with burners for high camps
Walkie-talkie and permit fee
Satellite phone for emergency purposes (Subject to charges)
Solar panel/generator with accessories at Base Camp for power
Necessary climbing gear (personal gear excluded)
Oxygen cylinders with masks and regulators
Insurance for local team members
Rope fixing fee
Icefall fee
Accommodation and meals at tea houses to and from Base Camp

Cost does not includes

Travel insurance (should cover medical and high-altitude evacuation costs)
International air tickets
Nepal entry visa and visa fee
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Personal climbing equipment
Cost of emergency evacuation
Personal expenses
Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa ($1500 minimum)
Tips (for basecamp and high camp staff)

Previous Experience/Fitness:

The climb isn’t super hard technically, but it’s physically tough with long days and parts where you’re out in the open a lot. It’s best suited for strong, experienced climbers. To make the trip smoother and more enjoyable, we suggest having experience with Alpine PD+/AD routes or the ability to climb Scottish grade I/II winter routes. It’s also good if you’ve been to high altitudes before, at least 4800m.

A Typical Day on the Trek

Days usually start around 7 AM. You pack your stuff, have a good breakfast, and head out while it’s still cool. We take it slow during the trek, giving you time to enjoy the views, take photos, chat with locals, and stay hydrated. Lunch is usually in a nice spot by the trail, and most days, we reach our camp in the afternoon for a well-deserved cup of tea. This leaves an hour or so to rest or explore before dinner. The locals do some pretty remarkable cooking even in these remote places.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Daytime temperatures are warm in the valleys (20-30C), while it’s cool to very cold, especially with the wind, at higher altitudes. Nights get cold, possibly as low as minus 30C. So, make sure you have a very warm sleeping bag (-30C), a heavy down jacket, and good quality mittens.

CATERING ARRANGEMENTS

Food during the trek and at Base Camp is top-notch, meant to keep your appetite up despite the altitude. Breakfast has porridge, eggs, and bread or chapattis. Lunch includes a variety of items like chips, rice, lentils, salad, sandwiches, and more. Dessert is usually fresh or tinned fruit and tea. Dinner starts with soup and then has a mix of local and western dishes. You won’t go hungry! On the mountain, we use dehydrated meals along with some snacks.

Important Details to Note

Flights to and from Lukla can be delayed due to weather. If the flight is delayed, patience is key. Accommodation and breakfast are included if there’s an overnight delay. In longer delays, there might be optional helicopter flights at an extra cost.

MISSED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

We plan an extra day in case of bad weather. If you’re delayed longer (which is rare), we can re-book your international flight, but there might be additional costs. Ticket changes depend on availability and ticket class. You may need to upgrade and be flexible on your return date. Payments for changes are made in Kathmandu (card payments accepted).

Responsible Tourism

We hire local staff, giving employment beyond farming. Showers should be limited to lodges with electricity or solar power to reduce deforestation. Dispose of burnable rubbish at lodges and take non-burnable items back to Kathmandu. Avoid plastic bottles by using iodine tablets and a refillable bottle for local water. Soft drinks should be purchased in glass bottles for recycling.

Altitude

Our itineraries allow enough time for acclimatization. To avoid problems, take it slow, walk at a steady pace, and drink plenty of fluids. Our leader will brief you appropriately upon arrival.

USEFUL TIPS

Wear your boots on the plane in case your main luggage gets lost. Most other things can be replaced, but comfortable, worn-in boots are hard to replace.

EQUIPMENT

A detailed equipment list is given upon booking. You can rent or purchase specialist items like sleeping bags and down jackets.

Baggage

Travel light for your comfort. Airlines usually restrict baggage to 20kg, and the Lukla flight is 15kg, but you’ll be wearing boots and one set of trekking clothes. Some items can be left at the Kathmandu hotel for your return.

Visas and Permits

US/UK citizens and most EU nationals can get visas on arrival. Other countries should check with their embassy. Passports should have a validity period of at least six months after the trip end date.

Currency Exchange

Nepalese Rupee. UK Sterling, Euros, and US Dollars are easily changed in Kathmandu. ATMs are available in Kathmandu.

Tipping Practices

Tipping is expected. We usually tip our local staff as a group. It’s also common to contribute approximately 1000 rupees for the Puja or mountain blessing, an important part of climbing in the Himalayas.