Kalapattar & Everest Base Camp

After a spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, that skirts the Himalayas on the north, the fabulous trek begins in the Sherpa country! After a first day’s easy trek in relatively lowlands, the journey continues via Namche Bazar (3440 m), a commercial village between Tibet and the Sherpa country, also known as Khumb. It’s a perfect for acclimatization! From Namche Bazar, you enter the Khumbu Valley, appreciating the sheer beauty of frozen walls of the mythical peaks, crossing beautiful villages made of stone, passing by many manis, stupas and monasteries perched in the most unlikely places, yet visited by fervent pilgrims everyday… Apart from an amazing view of Mt. Everest (8848 m) from Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp, you will be face-to-face with myriad high mountains: Makalu (8475 m), Lhotse ( 8383 m), not to mention Pumori (7145 m), Nuptse (7879 m), Ama Dablan (6856 m) ...

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Welcome and transfer to the hotel

    Reception and transfer to our hotel. Depending on your arrival, your guide will show you the old streets of Kathmandu and present the first insight into the lives of the Nepalese.

    Accommodation: Hotel
    Free meals

  • Day 2 Flight to Lukla (2800 m) - Phakding (2600 m)

    An early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla offers a spectacular panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas; Langtang, Gauri, Shanker, Numbur, Manglungtse, and finally the Everest appear during this flight of 45 mn. In Lukla (2700 m), where the Sherpas are waiting for you with the equipment. The trek begins with a short descent to the Dudh Koshi valley. From the village of Chaunrikarka (2621 m), the road runs north through the Sherpa villages where wheat, potatoes, corn and vegetables are grown. You cross the Dudh Koshi on a suspended wooden bridge.

    Ascent/descent : +50m/-250m
    Trek hours : 3
    Accommodation : Lodge

  • Day 3 Phakding - Namche Bazar (3440 m)

    This day begins with a walk along the Dudh Kosi. The path climbs gently. Several times, you cross the river, pass the village of Jorsale (2805 m) and then start a steep climb to Namche Bazar. Half an hour later, you can see the Everest. You arrive in Namche early enough to discover this famous village Sherpa and its inhabitants. Some Tibetan shops and traders sell jewelery and craft products from Tibet. Every week there is an important market in Namche, where the peasants in the neighborhood sell their crops of wheat, corn, millet, etc.

    Ascent/descent : +900m/-50m
    Trek hours : 5
    Accommodation : Lodge.

  • Day 4 Namche Bazar

    Free day in Namche, the most important city of the region. Numerous lodges and restaurants are available for this starting point of trek towards the Everest. It is the ideal place to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude, before undertaking this hike. According to your desire, a half-day hike on the heights of Namche Bazar: villages of Khunde and Khumjung (3780 m), landscapes of mountain pastures and small well-ordered fields. You can admire the sunset over the Ama Dablam, Nuptse and the Everest over Namache (1 hour hike) !!!

    Accommodation : Lodge.

  • Day 5 Namche - Phortse (3800m)

    You climb over Namche Bazar via a gently sloping mountain trail to the Mong Pass, overlooking the Ama Dablan and the Kantega, two of the most spectacular peaks in Nepal. You then descend to Phortse Tenga at 3600 m on the banks of the milky river (Dudu khosi) and go up slightly to the village of Phortse (3800 m). This day allows you to perfect our acclimatization to the altitude.

    Ascent/descent: +760m/-300m
    Trek hours : 5
    Accommodation : Lodge

  • Day 6 Phortse - Pheriche (4270 m)

    Slow and steady climb in the Khumbu valley to Pangboche, the village dominated by the Ama Dablam. For 90 minutes, you go along the Inija Khola river passing by Shomare, then you go along Lobuche Khola as far as Pheriche.

    Ascent/descent : +560m/-100m
    Trek hours : 5 à 6
    Accommodation : Lodge.

  • Day 7 Pheriche - Lobuche (4910 m).

    After an easy walk for 1 hour, the trail climbs slowly to Thokla (4620 m), then climbs steeply up to the Thokla pass (4830 m), where there are chortens in memory of the dead, Everest. The path is rocky to Lobuche.

    Ascent/descent : +640m/-50m
    Trek hours : 4 à 5
    Accommodation : Lodge

  • Day 8 Lobuche - Kala Pattar and / or Everest Base Camp - Gorakshep (5165m).

    Early in the morning, you leave for the Kala Pattar (5545m): the early departure is to enable us to enjoy the view. You follow the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier, a saw-tooth path in steep rocky blocks. The climb is relatively easy until Gorakshep and becomes steeper until Kala Pattar. The view is sublime on the highest and most prestigious peaks of the world. You are at the heart of the mineral universe of high mountains. After this exceptional sight, you return to Gorakshep. Free time in one of the tallest villages in the world. As an option, you can go to the base camp of Everest (5364 m), mythical heart of the Himalayan (4 h of walking more).

    Ascent/descent: +230m/-50m ou +250m/-250m si EBC
    Trek hours : 3h30 to 6 if EBC
    Accommodation : Lodge.

  • Day 9 Gorakshep - Dingboche - Deboche (3710 m)

    You retrace your steps to Thokla and branch off towards Dingboche, penetrating one of the wildest valleys of Khumbu. The island peak, the Ama Dablam and further the Makalu offer a magnificent spectacle. Descent more steep to reach Deboche. Stunning views of the Nupse, Pumori and Langtren.

    Ascent/descent : +40m/-1455m
    Trek hours : 5
    Accommodation : Lodge.

  • Day 10 Deboche - Tengboche - Namche Bazar (3440 m).

    The day begins with the ascent to Tengboche, the spiritual heart of Khumbu. Visit the famous monastery, a magnificent site dominated by the Ama Dablan. You then take the path back down among the rhododendron forests to reach the banks of the Dudh koshi. Overnight in Namche Bazar.

    Ascent/descent: +580m/-745m
    Trek hours : 6 to 7
    Accommodation : Lodge.

  • Day 11 Namche Bazar - Lukla (2800 m).

    You descend to Phakding in the valley of the Dudh Khosi before returning to Lukla.

    Ascent/descent: +650m/1270m
    Trek hours : 5 à 6
    Accommodation : Lodge

  • Day 12 Flight Lukla / Kathmandu - City trek to Patan.

    In the morning, you take your flight to Kathmandu. In clear weather, the view is superb on the Himalayan range. Option in Kathmandu: you can spend the afternoon visiting Patan, one of the three ancient imperial cities of the valley, mainly Buddhist, known for its artisans founders of statues. You can go out of the traditional sites to walk in the typical areas. If possible you visit the artisans of jewels or statues. During your stroll, you also discover the different Newari dishes, typical of the valley of Kathmandu.

    Accommodation : Hotel
    Free meals

  • Day 13 Guided tour of the Kathmandu valley

    Accompanied by your guide, you go to discover the jewels of the valley of Kathmandu: Bhaktapur, a pedestrian city located 15 km from Kathmandu. It is the most beautiful of the three imperial cities of the valley. After lunch, we visited Pashupatinath, a Hindu site dating from the 12th century, a cremation place dedicated to Shiva where pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred Bagmati river. And to end the day in style, visit the great stupa of Bodhnath located in the heart of the Tibetan district where many monasteries of exile have been built. At the end of the day, hundreds of fervent Buddhists come to visit this sacred place. It is a moment that lives. There is a unique atmosphere.

    Accommodation : Hotel
    Free meals

  • Day 14 Kathmandu Free Day

    Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu exploring the city on your own! Options: enjoy pleasant moments strolling in the old streets of Ason Tole and Indra chowk...

    Accommodation: Hotel
    Free meals

  • Day 15 End of stay

    End of stay

Travel note :
The program has been drawn up according to the latest information available during its drafting. Imponderables are always possible and situations beyond our control can modify the process. Depending on the meteorological and operational conditions, your management team reserves the right to modify this itinerary in order to ensure the best version of the stay and your safety. Always,  for security reasons, the management and the organization reserve the right to interrupt your participation if your technical level and / or your physical form do not correspond to those required. In no case shall this interruption give rise to any reimbursement or payment of compensation.

Period & budget

When to travel?

The best period for travelling is during the following months:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Price

From 1215 US$ per person (based on 2 participants)

The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.

Included

- Transport by private vehicle according to itinerary
- Accommodation in 3 * hotel on BB in Kathmandu (Hotel Tibet, Manaslu or similar)
- Trek on full-board in lodge - English speaking Altaï Guide
- Flights: Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu
- Visits as per itinerary: with a cultural guide and a private vehicle
- Porterage of luggage: up to 12kg maximum per person during the trek
- Trekking support team: assistants and porters
- Trekking permits: ACAP and TIMS
- Staff Insurance

Not included

- Entrance to historical sites & monuments
- All Meals (lunches and dinners) in Kathmandu & during trek
- Nepalese visa: US $ 25
- International flights
- Insurance: Repatriation, Medical & Helicopter Services
- Gratuities, all persomel expenses & equipments, drinks, sleeping bag and all that is not in "THE PRICE INCLUDES"

Terms and conditions

Booking conditions

By registering for one of our travel, the customer bindingly accepts the General Terms and Conditions of Sale. Each customer must complete a registration form. The booking is definitively recorded when the customer has settled the payment of a deposit of 30 % of the total travel price (subject to availability at the time of registration). In case of short-term bookings – within 30 days prior to the travel departure – the full travel price is due immediately. Payments can be settled via bank transfer (SWIFT code/IBAN number) or online, directly from our website (soon available). You will receive an email with a booking confirmation as quickly as possible.

Invoice procedure

Once your booking is registered, we send you an email with the invoice. Full payment is required at least 30 days before your arrival. If the customer does not settle the payment of the travel price within the period agreed upon, Altai Nepal reserves the right to cancel the booking free of charge.

Cancellation policy

If for any reason, you decide to withdraw from a journey, the amount already paid will be refunded subject to the following exceptions:
  • Cancellation up to 30 days prior to the agreed beginning of the journey: No cancellation fees. Unless you have given a written agreement to pay for additional tailor-made services (hotel, internal flights, activities…). In that case, you shall be charged the corresponding amount
  • Cancellation between the 30th and 21st day prior to the agreed beginning of the journey: You will be charged 30 % of the travel price, in addition with every non-refundable expense for additional services booked on request (internal flights, site entrance tickets, activities…)
  • Cancellation less than 20 days to the agreed beginning of the journey: You will be charged 70 % of the travel price, in addition with every non-refundable expense for additional services booked on request (internal flights, site entrance tickets, activities…)

Any cancellation shall be notified in writing (email, letter or fax). Notice of cancellation will be effective upon receipt by us of your written communication. All the cancellation conditions will be specified on your booking confirmation. 

If it comes apparent at an earlier point in time that the minimum number of participants cannot be reached for a travel, Altaï Nepal is to exercise his right of withdrawal immediately. In such a situation, you will be informed of the cancellation of your travel no later than 21 days prior to the agreed beginning of the journey. Altaï Nepal can also cancel a travel in case of circumstances amounting to "force majeure": volcanic eruption, civil disturbances, strikes, weather and climate conditions, and travellers’ security… In such cases, you are immediately refunded any payments on the travel price; however, you shall not be entitled to any compensation.

Changes to travel contract

If a change to travel contract is made at the customer’s request, the customer shall pay any fee that might arise from this change. In any cases, every request for changes shall be notified in writing. In case of external events that could not be foreseen, Altaï Nepal might change some aspects of the travel contract. We will endeavor to advise you of any changes as quickly as possible.

Prices and price revision

All group travel prices on our website have been calculated for the indicated number of participants for each trip. The price list is confirmed after the booking. If the number of participants is lower than expected, an additional payment charge might be applied. For each travel and program, we mention the price per person – valid for the minimum number of participants – and we provide you with detailed explanations about the services included or not. Any change in the exchange rates or in the price of travel services in particular regarding the cost of the fuel, might entail price revision.

Contract transfer

In case of assignment of the contract by the customer to an assignee, modification and cancellation conditions apply.

Insurance

We recommend that you take out personal insurance for your travel with Altaï Nepal, as soon as your booking is confirmed. We kindly request you to send us the information related to your insurance contract (name of the company, name of the contract, insurance policy number, telephone number) and to bring it along with you during the journey.

Practical info

Staff

This trip is led by a professional Nepali English-speaking team, who is part of the Altai Nepal Team.

Food

Meals in lodge during treks
The international success of treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions influences their economy; tariffs for food and lodging in lodges are now set by National Parks and have increased sharply in recent years, but quantities and quality of food have paradoxically decreased. To offset this decline in quality and quantity of food in lodges treks in these frequented areas and in order to focus on the local economy, we plan a daily Dal Bhat in our menus. The dhal bhat (literally lentil-rice) is the basis of all meals, this national dish is often enriched with vegetables and sometimes meat. It is a balanced dish in energy and nutritive intake, not fat and above all very digestible (digestion is more difficult at altitude). For all trekkings requiring intense efforts, we provide energy snacks (type dried fruits). Meals in Kathmandu and in the valley are not included. You will have plenty of time to discover Indian, Bhutanese, Chinese, Thai and other cuisines. All drinks are at your expense.

Accommodation

In Kathmandu and in the cities in general, you are accommodated in 3 * hotels. In trek, depending on the regions and itineraries, you sleep in lodge or homestay. A "Nepali lodge", an evolution of homestay, is a Nepalese house arranged to receive hikers. Comfort varying, they are certainly not hotels but they allow to make a trekking in appreciable conditions, and this even in high altitude: bed, mattresses, tables and chairs, toilets, etc. In addition, the use of lodges considerably reduces the number of porters and cut down the infrastructure of trekking.

Transportation

Transport/transfer by bus & plane

Budget & exchange

In Nepal, the national currency is the Nepalese Rupee: 1 US$  ~ 100  / 1 € 115 Nepalese Rupees. The easiest currencies to trade are the Euro and the US dollar (cash or traveler's checks). Credit cards are accepted in the shops of major hotels. You can withdraw currencies with your visa card in Kathmandu.

Tips

Tipping is still very present in Asia, in general, and in Nepal in particular. Linked to the customer's satisfaction, it is an integral part of the “tourism” culture of the country: independent of the salary level, the tip is taken by the Nepalese as a sign of appreciation. Its amount depends on your appreciation of the services rendered and your generosity. Your guide can help you on this subject by making a collective envelope to ensure a just share for the staff. Like money, if you have clothes to give, do not hesitate to seek the guide’s help who will make a fair distribution. In addition, we ask you specifically not to give sweets and / or bars energy / chocolate to children: there is virtually no dentist in mountainous areas. The same rule applies for medicines: they are not necessarily adapted to Nepalese who have, moreover, a lot of trouble to follow the correct dosage.

Vital equipment

Clothes, from head to toe:

- Trekking shoes. They must combine three qualities: strength, good grip of the foot and ankle (high stems) and impermeability. Choose shoes with non-slip soles, crampons and relatively rigid, they must have a grip on the ground. The "Vibram" type soles have a good reputation, pick them if you have a choice.
- Light shoes (tennis) or sandals for cities, villages or for evening after the day's walk
- Few pairs of walking & mountain socks
- 2 trekking trousers
- Underwear. This is the first insulation you will have, take care of it. Fine technical fibers, such as Carline or Polartec are very effective, warm, flexible, comfortable and lightweight. They dry very quickly
- 1 or 2 breathable T-shirts
- 1 fleece jacket. It has the advantage of being resistant, warm, light, and dries quickly, with a soft touch. The most adapted, well known among the mountain people, are the Polartec, Carline and Ulfrotté fibers
- 1 mountain jacket. The most efficient jackets against wind and rain are made of Goretex, or Micropore, a "breathable" material that allows the rapid evacuation of perspiration.
- 1 down jacket is recommended (you find in Kathmandu for 40 to 50 € or US$)
- 1 rain coat
- Gloves or mittens and hat
- Hat
- Good Sunglasses
- Warm Sleeping Bag
- Water purifiers (micropur, aguatabs ...) Nepal is in the northern hemisphere. Temperatures increase from January to May and decrease from September to December. From April until the end of October, provide lighter clothing.

Material

- A sleeping bag (essential for all trekking trips). Warm, comfortable, tailored to your size, shaped sarcophagus (closer to the body and has a closing hood), with side zipper closure for an opening at your convenience. To sleep in all seasons, it is necessary that your bag is powerful enough to fight temperatures of -5 ° C to -15 ° C (according to trips, altitude and periods, the coldest months December to February). Feel free to take a comfortable sleeping bag, indeed, " He who can do the most, can do the least!”
- A toiletry bag and bath towel
- Sunblock cream (face and lips)
- Headlamp, with batteries and spare bulbs
- Waterbottle of 2 liter minimum, light and isothermal
- Pocket knife, multi-purpose preferably
- Toilet paper + lighter



Helpful equipment

- Walking sticks
- Waterproof bags to protect your belongings
- Notebook or travel diary

Luggage

All of your luggage must be divided into 2 bags: - Provide a flexible travel bag with side zipper giving easier access to its contents, bag type marine 80 L and about 13 Kg maximum (16 kilos for camp/tent trekking). No suitcase or trolley because it is untransportable by the porters. We use the porters’ service during the treks. You have the possibility to leave part of your belongings, that you will not use during the trek, at the hotel in Kathmandu. - A small backpack (capacity about 40l) for your belongings each day of trekking: sweater, spare t-shirt, water bottle, picnic-lunch, sunglasses, small things ... To protect your travel bags, we will provide Altaï Bags too. They are solid and waterproof.

Passport

The information mentioned is only indicative. They may be subject to change without notice by the Nepalese authorities. It is therefore prudent to check with embassies and consulates in your country the month before you leave.
Passport valid for 6 months after the return date. Children must have an individual passport. They can no longer be registered on their parents' passports. ID card is not accepted

Visa

This is an individual visa. Obtaining your visa is under your responsibility. It is obtained on the spot as soon as you arrive in Kathmandu. Rates are as follows:
- 15 days Visa : 25 US$ (or equivalent in euros) + 1 picture
- 30 days Visa : 40 US$ (or equivalent in euros) + 1 picture
- 90 days Visa : 100 US$ (or equivalent in euros) + 1 picture
To obtain Trekking permits, you must provide your passport and 1 photo ID. You must provide us with the good quality scans of the double page containing all the information of your passport and 2 photos of identity.

Mandatory vaccines

Although no vaccine is required, be sure that vaccines commonly used in western countries (tetanus, diphtheria, polio, typhoid) are still valid. Hepatitis A and B vaccines also recommended.

Health information & recommendations

Your Tour-leader has a pharmacy of first urgency. It is recommended to bring your personal medication (in sufficient number): aspirin, elastoplast, iodized alcohol, intestinal antiseptic, small scissors, tricosteril, face and lip sunscreen ... Also think about visiting your dentist, if you have some untreated caries, they have the annoying habit of waking up with altitude.
- Recommendations: Even if no vaccine is required for Nepal, you will ensure that vaccines currently practiced in Western countries (tetanus, diphtheria, polio, typhoid) are still valid. Hepatitis A and B vaccine also recommended. The risk of malaria is small, because we usually move more than 1500/1800 m, above the altitude of life of mosquitoes. The other areas crossed are hardly infested.
- Hygiene: water is not drinkable in Nepal. On the tourist grounds, it is always possible to buy bottled water. However, in order to limit pollution and preserve natural areas, we strongly recommend that you drink purified water. For that, think to bring a water bottle of minimum 1.5 liters and purifying tablets of water (micropur, agua tabs ...). Some hygiene rules: wash your hands frequently, and before each meal (there are pharmacy antimicrobial solutions to use without rinsing, useful in case of excursions); ensure the maintenance of perfect body hygiene and careful care (disinfect) of skin wounds; do not consume tap water, not drinkable, drink only boiled water for 30 minutes then filtered, or preferably bottled water capsulated (avoid drinking natural drinks like pressed fruit juice); do not consume ice cream or "lassi" (milk-based beverage) bought on the street; meat and fish / shellfish should be cooked well before consumption.

Weather

From the eternal snows of high peaks to the tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.
- In autumn (October to mid-December): the days are very beautiful but can be fresh in altitude. At 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C at night.
- In winter (m-december to mid-february): The nights are generally cold, the climate is dry. If nighttime temperatures drop easily below 0 ° C to 3000 m, the days are often sunny. Treks below 4000 m are very pleasant. Few tourists at this time.
- In spring (March to end of May): at this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom and the rhododendrons are magnificent. The weather is nice and it's getting hot with some night storms. Temperatures vary between 10 ° C and 28 ° C, but can rise to over 30 ° C. Between 2000 and 3000 m, temperatures rarely drop below 0 ° C. On the other hand, a few rare frosts or snowfalls are possible in March from 4000 m.
- In summer: it's the monsoon season. It interrupts the majority of trekking from June to the end of September. Certain regions of the "Trans-Himalayan" zone, Mustang and Dolpo, however, remain sheltered from the monsoon regime that prevails in the rest of the country. These are the only circuits accessible in Nepal in summer.

Electricity

In recent years, due to a lack of hydropower facilities, electricity and water outages are becoming more frequent in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu (mainly in winter and spring). The hotels have generator but the electricity is limited. It is the same for the consumption of water.

Sustainable tourism

In a concern of respect for the environment, Altai engages for a minimum impact on the environment. Altai has always worked for a more responsible tourism and is part of a journey organization that respects equitable and sustainable principles. Harmonization of practices ensures a fair distribution of economic benefits and improved working conditions of local teams and their awareness of the protection of the environment Adopt, you too, simple actions during your travels and act in favor responsible tourism.

- Avoid leaving garbage behind: drop them in garbage cans or bring them back with you
- Use drinking water sparingly (prefer showers to baths and report leaks) and avoid wasting it (prefer biodegradable soaps for washing etc.)
- Avoid degrading cultural sites: do not touch the statues, do not move stones and objects etc.
- Prefer exchanges to donations (gifts too important given the standard of living of the country can destabilize the local economic balance)
- Take a walk, especially in some fragile ecosystems, observe the wildlife from a distance, do not leave the trails, limit trampling and do not bring back "memories": give up picking rare flowers, collecting fossils, etc.
- In some hotels, you will have individual air conditioning. It is strongly recommended to avoid excessive energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions to cut it systematically when you are not present in the room.
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Anup

My local agent
Anup

  • From Kathmandu
  • Trekking guide for more than 20 years
  • Specialist of Annapurnas, Ladakh, Bhuthan and Tibet
  • English & French-speaker
  • Good notions of Spanish
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Region
Everest: The Khumbu Region
Activity
Trekking
Duration
15 days
Code
NEPEVEXFIT
Price
From €1,095
Level
4/5
Comfort
3/5

Strengths

- Diversity of landscapes: rice fields, forests and high mountain atmosphere with the highest concentration of peaks at 8000 m in the world.
- Kala Patar and Everest Base Camp.
- Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries.
- Gradual acclimatization with a regular climb from Lukla.

Required level

This type of trip requires being in very good physical condition, having good clothing and shoes adapted to the mountains. Regular training in running, swimming or brisk walking during the 2 or 3 months prior to your trip is recommended. This trek includes walking days of 5 to 6 hours per day on average, with a daily average of 1000m difference in altitude (ascent and descent).

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