Everest Base Camp

A trek to Everest Base Camp is the adventure of a lifetime! Your adventure will start in the bustling, chaotic city of Kathmandu, rich in culture. While you recover from the long journey to Nepal, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the main attractions and historical sites in this magical city. Possibilities include the famed Boudhanath Stupa the fascinating crematorium or the must-see Monkey Temple. For the trekkers joining a Radiating Hope climb, astounding views of prayer flags all around the city and countryside of Nepal will add further meaning to your adventure.

Your climb will begin with an exciting flight to the Lukla air strip. You will then visit the Everest National Park and immediately be awe struck by the beauty of your surroundings. The local flora and fauna, the towering mountain peaks around you, the wonderful Khumbu Sherpa people.

Along the way to Everest Base Camp you will pass through many remote monasteries, including the Tengboche Monastery. As the altitude rises, the temperature drops and the forests give way to alpine terrain, rock and ice. The last village stop will be Gorak Shep, where views of the ring of peaks sorrounding the Everest abound. A sunrise climb of Kala Patthar offers the most superb views of Everest, the Khumbu icefall, the South Col, Nuptse and many other peaks.

This will be the trip of a lifetime. Flexibility in your itinerary is recommended with 1-2 days of contingency as flights in and out of Lukla are weather dependent and canceled up to 20-30% of the time. For those wishing to shave 3-4 days from the trek, an optional helicopter descent can be arranged, weather permitting. For more information, email us at contact@radglobaladventures.com.

• Day Pack: approximately 30L recommended. RadGlobalAdventures, LLC will provide a duffel bag for you. The duffel is carried by the porters, you carry your day pack with snacks, water and layers.
• Camera
• Reading & Writing Material
• Small binoculars
• First-Aid Kit: Should contain chapstick, sunblock, insect repellent, Ibuprofen, Band Aids, Acetazolamide, Zofran, anti-histamine, and Imodium, as well as any personal medication.
• Wet Wipes: Can be purchased in Kathmandu or in villages during your trek.
• Travel Documents: Passport (wise to carry copies as well), visa (purchased upon arrival at the airport), travel insurance (we recommend Travel Guard), paper copies of airline itinerary.
• Pocket Knife
• Spare Boot Laces
• Down Sleeping Bag: Provided by us, but feel free to bring your own if you like.
• Light-Weight Towel
• Alarm Clock
• Headlamp
• Two Wide-Mouth Water Bottles: Nalgene or similar.
• Warm Hat
• Sunhat or Bandana
• Sunglasses
• Liner Gloves
• Medium-Weight Gloves
• Light Mittens
• Heavy Duty Trash Bags: To waterproof your Sherpa-carried duffel bag (one duffel bag is provided to each trekker for trekking).
• Sewing Kit
• Shell Jacket: With generous pit zips.
• Shell Pants: With full-length leg zips preferred.
• Comfortable and Sturdy Walking Shoes
• Comfortable and Warm Trekking Boots: Mountaineering boots are not needed.
• Liner Socks
• Medium-Weight Wool Socks
• Thick Expedition-Weight Wool Socks: ensure these fit with your boot combination.
• Running Shoes or Sandals: For the evening.
• Midlayer: Light down or fleece.
• T Shirts: 2 or 3 (no cotton).
• Long-Sleeved Shirt
• Trekking Pants
• Long Underwear: Top and bottom

Day 1

Arrive Kathmandu no later than 4pm the day before your itinerary begins. Meet your guides the evening of your arrival and prepare for a city tour the following day. Five star accommodation hotel for two nights before the trek is included, typically at the Grand Hyatt.

Day 2

Kathmandu city tour.

Day 3

EBC trek begins! Board a 35 minute flight from Kathmandu – Lukla. Then begin our 3-4 hour trek to Phakding (2,562m /8,700ft), a distance of 8km.

Day 4

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280ft) 10km, 5-6 hrs.

Day 5

Rest and acclimatize in Namche Bazaar.

Day 6

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft), 8 km, 5-6 hrs.

Day 7

Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m/14,300ft) 10 km, 5-6 hrs.

Day 8

Rest and acclimatization day in Dingboche.

Day 9

Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft) 7 km, 4-5 hrs.

Day 10

Today is a big day and the day we arrive at EBC! We will trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,160m/17,000ft) then on to EBC (5,364m/17,594ft), then return to Gorak Shep to sleep, 15km, 7-8 hrs.

Day 11

Optional early morning ascent from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) for astounding views, then descend to Pheriche (4,280m/14,070ft) 15 km, 7-8 hrs.

Day 12

Descend from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,280 ft), ~15km, 6-7 hrs.

Day 13

Descend from Namche Bazaar back to Lukla (2,642m/8,668ft), ~18km, 6-7 hrs.

Day 14

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) 35 min flight. Five star hotel for one night is included after the trek. If you plan to stay additional days, this can be arranged as well as other activities such as rafting or sightseeing.

Day 15

Final departure to home.

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Note

The trekking hours and distances are approximate to give you a general idea, the route can change and pace can change from group to group. We travel at a comfortable pace to allow each person to acclimatize and enjoy the scenery.

Additionally

Please note that turbulent weather is a regular phenomenon along the Himalayan range. It is thus possible that domestic flights from Kathmandu to/from Lukla may have to be delayed for a few hours or even cancelled for a day or more. Fortunately this does not happen frequently during the high seasons of March – May or September to November: but you need to plan for this possibility.

As a safeguard we recommend that you add on a couple of extra days after your trek before you fly from Kathmandu to your final home destination.

Included Meals

All meals during your actual trek are included. Meals before and after the trek are on you.

Some snacks are also provided during the trek, but we recommend bringing spending money to supplement. You could bring snacks from home, but realize that most of the villages have plenty of options like candy bars, chips, soda, etc. Consider boosting the local economy by purchasing snacks locally in Nepal, but you will pay a little more than bringing snacks from home.

Hotels & Tea Houses

Five-star hotel is provided for 2 nights before the trek and one night after the trek (this will be a nice treat after the trek!). We often stay at the Grand Hyatt, subject to availability.

Tea houses are not as luxurious, lol. But, much more luxury than sleeping in a tent. All accommodations are double-occupancy unless you desire an upcharge for a single supplement. Some tea houses have private bathrooms attached to your room, others have shared community bathrooms. All tea houses have a large dining or gathering area for meals. WI-FI is typically available at every tea house for a charge of around $5.

We will provide a sleeping bag for you, but you are also free to bring your own, provided you do not exceed the weight restriction of 15kg of checked luggage in Lukla and a 5kg small carry-on.

Included

• Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu. 5-star hotel in Kathmandu for 2 nights prior to EBC trek and 1 additional night at completion of EBC trek. You are on your own for meals before and after the trek. Nice meals available at the hotel, including breakfast, for purchase.
• City tour with guide and all entrance fees to city-tour attractions.
• Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu and Lukla (weight limit: 10 kg checked baggage and 5 kg carry-on per passenger/flight).
• Trekking permit (National Park permit and TIMS).
• An experienced English-speaking and government registered trekking guide as well as local porters to carry your luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
• Guide and porter salaries, insurance, equipment, transport, food and lodging – TIPS ALSO INCLUDED! This is rare among trekking companies.
• All meals during your trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) as well as Tea/Coffee and water during the trek (other drinks available for purchase).
• Some supplementary snacks during the trek. However, you will want to supplement with some of your own choices.
• Chlorine/Iodine treated safe drinking water. However, it is also common among trekkers to opt to purchase bottled water in the villages. Some trekkers choose to double-treat the water we provide with a SteriPen or similar.
• All accommodations during the trek (double occupancy, single supplement available for additional charge for the duration of trek, pending availability).
• A comprehensive medical kit including pulse oximeter will be carried by our RadGlobalAdventures, LLC guides.
• All government and local taxes.
• We provide a sleeping bag and trekking poles to every trekker.
• Everest Base Camp Route map, t-shirt and warm cap are also provided.

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Excluded

• Meals before and after your trek in Kathmandu.
• Snacks – we provide some, but you will want to supplement.
• Unlimited hot drinks – one per meal is provided.
• Bottled drinks
• Electronic device charging – this is available at most tea-houses for approximately $3-5 per device. Solar chargers or external battery packs are popular among our trekkers.
• Hot shower (available for purchase in some villages).
• Wi-Fi (typically $3-5 charge at tea houses).
• Travel insurance and evacuation insurance.

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Visa

Foreigners who intend to visit Nepal must hold a valid passport prior to apply for a Nepal visa. The passport must have six months validity from the date of arrival. Travelers can obtain a Nepalese visa upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, or at a border immigration office.

Visa Fees (subject to change at any time)

The fees payable only in USD dollars for obtaining a visa on arrival at any border are as follows:

• A Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 15 days: US$ 25 payable only in USD dollars.
• A Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days: US$ 40 payable only in USD dollars.
• A Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days: US$ 100 payable only in USD dollars.

Will someone meet me at the airport upon arrival?

Yes, a RadGlobalAdventures, LLC representative will be there to greet you outside the terminal (after you have completed passport, immigration and visa requirements). He will be displaying our RadGlobalAdventures, LLC logo with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your 5-star hotel.

What accommodations can I expect during the trek?

All accommodations are double occupancy or dormitory-style. A single supplement is available for an additional charge for the duration of the trek, but even with that, single accommodations are not 100% guaranteed in every single village. Lodges are mostly in small villages, where you can buy snacks and drinks.

How fit do I need to be?

A moderately fit person who can walk 5 miles up a gentle incline can usually perform this trek. However, your fitness level will determine how much you enjoy the trek, rather than suffer through the trek if you are in poor physical condition. No previous mountaineering or hiking experience is required. Try to be in optical physical condition, prepare 3-4 months ahead with a physical fitness program such as regular walking, running, swimming or hiking before you embark on this journey of a lifetime! Any person suffering from a pre-existing medical condition or disease must seek medical advice before considering this trek.

Altitude ailments such as mild headache or nausea are common, but greatly reduced with our acclimatization schedule.

Will food be provided?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, as per itinerary, is included during the trek. You are responsible for your own meals in Kathmandu before and after the trek. If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us beforehand.

Will I be able to shower on throughout the trek?

Hot showers will be available in some lodges at your own expense.

Can I charge my digital devices while trekking?

Charging is available in most villages for a small charge, typically $3-5. However, we recommend you carry an external battery pack or solar charger.

What is your relationship with Radiating Hope?

RadGlobalAdventures, LLC is a for-profit entity but proud supporter of our charity partner, Radiating Hope. For treks arranged for Radiating Hope, we detail the donation built-in to the price of the trek

More Information

Will there be any telephonic communication?

There are telephones in a few villages along the route from which you can make international calls. Cell phone reception cannot be relied on in the mountains and in many regions not at all. If required, we can supply a satellite phone service, but this is quite expensive. Please inform us should you need this service. Some trekkers opt to purchase a sim card in Kathmandu for their phone. We can help you with this upon your arrival in Kathmandu.

Can I use a credit card during the trek?

In many villages you can use a credit card, but not all. Make sure that you bring sufficient Nepalese Rupees for your needs and in small denominations. In some places, Dollars, Euros and Pounds will be accepted, but we recommend you bring the Rupees as well.

How much additional money do I need each day?

It all depends on your spending habits. $15-20 USD per day is a common amount and covers most needs to obtain WI-FI access, charge electrical devices and purchase a few snacks or bottled drinks per day. Again, we recommend exchanging your money to Rupees for the trek, but USD or Euros are commonly accepted as well. There is usually a working ATM machine in Namche Bazaar.

Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much?

Tips are included!

Do I need to bring purifying tablets or a filter?

We provide you with purified water each day. However, many trekkers opt to purchase bottled water or bring a SteriPen.

Is there luggage storage in Kathmandu?

A secure location for luggage storage is provided by us and is free of charge.

What essential documents do I need during the trek?

• A valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months after you return from your tour. It needs to contain few blank pages.
• Travel insurance: Keep a separate photocopy with us and in your main baggage as well.
• Cash
• Flight itinerary It would be wise to bring several paper copies.
• Emergency contact numbers

Visa fees (subject to change at any time):

USD$ 25/40/100 for 15 days/30 days/90 days multiple entry that is payable only in USD cash.

Is RadGlobalAdventures, LLC staff insured?

Yes, our company insures all of our trekking staff: guides, cooks, sherpas and porters. However, trekkers need to obtain their own travel insurance. You are not insured by us for any medical emergency or evacuation.

Do we use yaks/porters on the trek, or do we carry all of our gear?

Whilst on a trek, our porters will take care of your luggage service. Your porter will carry a maximum of 15kg of luggage per person, in a soft duffel bag, provided by us. A porter will carry two trekkers’ bags (30kg). All you need to carry is your small day pack with personal belongings, such as your camera, drinking water, sunscreen and sufficient warm layers.

What weather conditions can I expect?

Weather in the Himalaya region is notoriously difficult to predict: expect the unexpected. Nights are generally much cooler than the day. In winter (December to February) nights can be cold while days are beautiful (and warm when the sun is out). Snow can fall at any time of the year. Temperatures can range from 15°C to 25°C above 5000m. It is important to stay warm and dry in any conditions – so carry sufficient gear in you pack each day.

What is your philosophy regarding safety?

The safety and well-being of our clients is our first priority. Whilst acknowledging that there are inherent risks in all travel that can never be totally eliminated, we endeavor to minimize any risks or dangers that have the potential to lead to any more than reasonable level of physical or emotional distress for our clients, staff and partners.

We aim to do this by:

• Ensuring the chosen itinerary is appropriate for your group.
• Encouraging all trekkers to be evaluated by their personal doctor prior to the trip.
• Ensuring that our guides have appropriate training.
• Ensuring that our guides carry mobile or satellite phones: Mobile or satellite phone communication is available on most trekking routes which provide direct access to our staff in Kathmandu to assist with any problems.
• Requiring each client to complete and sign our risk assessment form prior to departure for a trek.
• We highly recommend travel insurance be purchased by each trekker! We recommend Travel Guard or similar.

What other activities are available either before or after the trek?

RadGlobalAdventures, LLC offers more than just EBC treks. There are many options and choices to extend your visit either before or after the EBC trek. The following suggestions offer a few possibilities:

• Everest Flight: A one hour early morning flight to see Mt Everest and its surrounding peaks. A ticket includes the flight plus transfers to and from the airport (weather permitting).
• Trisuli River Rafting: A one or two day package, including return road transport.
• Chitwan Jungle Safari Package: 2 nights 3 days. Longer trips are also available.
• Kathmandu City Tour
• Meditation Tour: 2/3 days
• Tibet Tour
• Bhutan Tour
• India Tour
• Volunteering at a School in a Village.