Nepal

The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the classic treks in the world, taking you to the most iconic Base Camp of all at the foot of Mount Everest (8848m). It provides breathtaking views of some of the mighty Himalayan peaks, taking you through high passes and stunning alpine lakes. As a teahouse trek you have the opportunity to stay with local Sherpa families in some of the highest villages in the world and visit Buddhist monasteries dotted along the trail. There are two main trekking seasons, pre monsoon (Mar – May) and post monsoon (Oct – Nov), with Everest climbers at Base Camp in late Spring. Whilst it is a straight forward trek and there is no need for technical equipment or skills, the effect of altitude and acclimatisation will be the biggest factors in successfully completing it.

The normal route usually takes 10-15 days from Kathmandu if the scenic, yet short, flight in and out of the steep mountain air strip of Lukla is taken (though the duration will also depend on your level of fitness and acclimatisation). From Lukla you will trek to Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Khumbu region, and then continue on to Gorak Shep. From Gorak Shep you make your way up to the Base Camp, hiking up Kala Patthar (5545m) for a magnificent view of Everest as well as the surrounding peaks.

Alternatively, the trek can be started from Jiri, which is a scenic eight hour bus ride from Kathmandu. This route follows the same walk in made during the historic 1953 expedition by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Starting at Jiri will add around 5-6 days to your trek as you make your way to Lukla, where the trek then follows the same route as the normal Base Camp trek. The time spent in the lower regions, also helps with acclimatisation as you start at the relatively low altitude of 1,800m. Expect to trek through forests and cultivated fields, criss-crossing the valley over wire bridges above fast flowing rivers; a rich landscape that provides a contrast to the desolation of the higher mountain region.