overview
Experiencing the trek through the Khumbu Valley to Everest base camp is a splendid experience for most first-time trekkers and serious mountaineers. The spectacular mountain scenery along with the fascinating Sherpa culture and Buddhist religion makes for a memorable experience. We will follow the same route to Base Camp as the Everest summiteers and recall the historical ascents with the climbers who share our lodging accommodations along the same route. We will have an option to summit Island Peak, a stunning ice and snow covered climb at 4365m – 20,350’. A first-rate introduction to Himalayan climbing. The environment and climbing techniques will be similar to that of the nearby peaks of Everest and Lhotse.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu. Airport pickup and quick ride to the Kathmandu Guest House hotel. Considered the ‘climbers hotel’ where many expeditions have started over the years such as Reinhold Messner. Prepare to enjoy a group dinner with the team.
Day 2: City tour of Kathmandu, visit the Boudhanath (one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu), the Pashupatinath, and the Swayambhunath (aka the “Monkey Temple”). After the tour we have another group dinner then prep for an early morning flight to Lukla.
Day 3: We fly by fixed wing aircraft into Lukla, and begin our expedition! We pass through several Sherpa villages, and enter the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. After crossing the river by suspension bridge, we arrive and overnight in the village of Phakding.
Day 4: Our trek continues along the Dudh Kosi River and through the village of Monjo, then up the hill to Namche Bazaar. Here we will spend 2 nights in our rustic lodge acclimatizing and enjoying the sights and cafes in and around Namche.
Day 5: Acclimatization hike and return to our lodge to rest and prepare for the next day of demanding hike.
Day 6: After breakfast we head out of Namche and traverse the steep valley towards Tengboche. After arriving here, we will have a spectacular view of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam for the first time. We arrive in Tengboche and tour the famous Tengboche Monastery and then continue up to Debuche where we spend the night in the historic Rivendell lodge.
Day 7: Depart Debuche and hike through the rhododendron forest then cross the river and hike up the short hill to Pangboche. Here we will visit with Lama Nawang Paljur, the high lama of the Khumbu Valley, who many climbers visit for blessings before heading to climb peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, or Island Peak. We continue up the valley to Periche to stay the evening.
Day 8: Scheduled acclimatization hike above the village to gain spectacular views of Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse, then return to our lodge in Periche for a restful evening.
Day 9: Post breakfast we will trek on past Thugla and arrive in Lobuche, the highest yak grazing ground in the Khumbu Valley. We overnight in Lobuche.
Day 10: Final trek before reaching Everest Base Camp by way of Gorak Shep. After checking into our lodge and having lunch, we hike up nearby Kala Patthar for an amazing view of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the other surrounding peaks. We return to Gorak Shep for dinner.
Day 11: Today we trek to Everest base camp and may visit one of the climbing teams that are in operation for the season to discuss their expedition. Return to Debuche.
Day 12: From Debuche we trek to Namche, where we enjoy the many cafes and shops of the “capital of the Khumbu.” Optional to take a helicopter back in Lukla or Kathmandu. Extra cost applies
Day 13: Trek to Lukla and spend our final night in the mountains.
Day 14. Fly to Kathmandu check into the KGH hotel.
Day 15: Extra day for touring Kathmandu, visit shops and restaurants.
Day 16: Depart Kathmandu for home
Mount Everest Base Camp Trek
- May 10– 26, 2023
- October 20 – November 5, 2023
Cost: USD 5,500
Deposit: USD 1,500
Costs Include:
- Accommodations at the KGH hotel for two nights before and two nights after the trek
- Airport pick up upon arrival
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
- All in-country flights to Lukla
- All lodging while trekking
- All meals while trekking
- Permits and Park entrance fees
- American guide, Sherpa guide, Nepali staff to carry loads, etc.
Costs Do Not Include:
- Personal items (see Equipment list)
- Wire transfer fee
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Alcoholic beverages
- Bottled or canned beverages
- Specialty coffee or espresso drinks
- Option to upgrade to single room
- Trip cancelation insurance or the required medical evacuation insurance
- Any costs as the result of an early departure from the program
Cancellation/Refund Policy
- There are no refunds for the deposit or balance payments for this expedition. This includes but is not limited to, expeditions that conclude without reaching or making progress towards expedition objective(s) (for example, the summit) due to route conditions, weather, insufficient manpower, or any other factor outside the control of MounTurtle.
- Expedition leader has the final say on the expedition conclusion and will make all best efforts towards reaching expedition objective(s) within our margin of safety.
- Participants that choose to leave an active expedition for any reason are not entitled to any refunds
- MounTurtle operated by JOYCE AZZAM, LLC highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions
- Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, MounTurtle must adhere to a stringent refund policy
- Deposit due with registration materials
- All balances are due 120 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified
- Participants whose balances are not received by the 120-day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their funds and their place on the expedition
Note: JOYCE AZZAM, LLC reserves the right to waive any fees. As we offer personalized service, we will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible. Deposits paid by participants acknowledge the above cancellation terms
Base Layers
- Synthetic Short Underwear (1-2 pair): non-cotton style underwear
- Lightweight Long Underwear (1-2 pair): long sleeve shirt and long pants
- Heavyweight Long Underwear (1 pair)
- Short Sleeve Synthetic Shirt (1-2)
Mid Layers
- Soft Shell Jacket: to be worn over other layers
- Soft Shell Pants: very breathable and water repellant
- Lightweight Nylon Pants
Windproof/Rain Layers
- Hard Shell Jacket with hood: waterproof and breathable shell jacket
- Hard Shell Pants: waterproof and breathable shell pants
Insulation Layers
- Insulated Down or Synthetic Jacket with hood
- Heavyweight Insulated Down Jacket with hood
- Insulated Pants
Headwear
- Warm Hat: synthetic or wool hat (ski hat)
- Balaclava: to protect your neck and face in high winds
- Baseball Cap or other sun hat: to shade your face/neck from the sun on a hot day
- Bandana or Buff: to protect your neck/face from the sun
Eyewear
- Glacier Glasses: full protection with side covers or wrap around
- Ski Goggles: to be worn in the event of high winds – (2nd pair optional)
Gloves
- Lightweight Synthetic Base Layer Gloves: for wearing on warm days
- Soft Shell Gloves: to wear for moderate cold/wind
- Shell Glove with Insulated Liner: to wear for severe cold/strong wind
- Expedition Mitts: large enough to fit a liner glove inside
Footwear
- Liner Socks (3 pairs)
- Wool or Synthetic Socks (3 pairs)
- Hiking Boots: comfortable hiking boots
- Gaiters
Sleeping Equipment
- Sleeping Bag: rated to at least -20°F
- Self-inflating Sleeping Pad: full length is preferred
- Closed-cell Foam Pad: to be used in conjunction with the inflating pad for warmth and comfort when sleeping
- Earplugs
Mountaineering Gear
- Trekking Backpack: approximately 35L
- Compression Stuff Sacks: for reducing the volume of the sleeping bag, down parka, etc. in your duffle
- Trash Compactor Bags: to line backpack and stuff sacks as well as for separating gear
- Backpack Rain Cover (optional)
- Trekking Poles: adjustable
- Headlamp: with 2 extra sets of new batteries
Travel Items
- Large Duffel Bag with Lock: for transporting gear on the mountain, no hard sides or wheels
- Small Duffel Bag with Lock: to store items in the hotel(s) while on the climb
- Travel Clothes and Shoes: for days in cities and towns
- Lightweight journal, sketchbook, pencils, pen
- S. cash: for currency exchange to purchase SIM cards or merchandise in cities and towns
Additional Food Items
- Snack Food: bring a few days supply of your favorite climbing snack food such as bars, gels, nuts, beef jerky, etc. variety of salty and sweet is good
Other Equipment
- Cup: plastic 16 oz. minimum cup or mug
- Bowl: large plastic bowl for eating dinner or breakfast
- Spoon: plastic spoon (Lexan)
- Water Bottles (2): wide mouth bottles with 1-liter capacity
- Water Bottle Parkas (2): fully insulated with zip opening
- Water Treatment
- Thermos (optional): 1 liter
- Hand and Toe Warmers
- Sunscreen: SPF 50 or better
- Lip Screen (2 sticks): SPF 30 or better
- Toiletry Bag: include toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, baby wipes and hand sanitizer (2 small bottles)
- Pee Bottle: 1-liter minimum bottle for convenience at night in the tent
- Female Urination Device (FUD)
- Knife or Multi-tool (optional)
- Small Personal First-aid Kit: include athletic tape, band-aids, Ibuprofen, blister care, etc.
- Medications and Prescriptions: bring personal medications, antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.), altitude medicine such as Diamox, etc.
- Handkerchiefs/Bandanas (optional)
Optional Electronics
- Country-appropriate power plug adapters and power transformers
- Adventure Sports Watch: such as Garmin fēnix 6
- GPS/Personal Satellite Communicator: such as Garmin inReach Mini
- Personal Power System: such as Goal Zero Nomad 28 Plus Solar Paneland Sherpa 100AC Power Bank
- Digital Entertainment: movies, tv shows, music, books loaded on to smartphone, iPad, Kindle
- Camera: bring extra batteries, charger, and memory cards
MounTurtle stands out by offering delicious balanced meals, Medical Check & oximeter, weather forecast, GPS-tracking online.
MOUNTURTLE is recognized for well thought out strategy in leading high altitude climbing expeditions, as well as high-quality service throughout. We have two decades of experience in the planning and coordination of mountaineering expeditions, our reputation is excellent. We strive to make each expedition the best possible experience for our climbers and focus on our 3 primary goals of success in reaching the summit, returning safely, and having fun! Safety is always our number one priority.
Our guides are some of the best and most experienced in the industry, having a strong grasp of technical climbing, expedition, and high altitude experience, along with strong interpersonal skills. Our teams are small and equipped with the best support available to ensure the highest chance of success. We are renowned for our comfortable base camps, high-quality food, first-rate communications, and medical support services, all of which are overseen by a professional member of our team.
Most of our climbers have either climbed with us before, been referred by a friend who has climbed with us, or met one of our teams while attempting another peak and decided to join us for their next expedi