It may sound like a cliché but we don’t mind repeating it! Yes, Mount Everest is more than a mountain and the trip to its base is more than just a trek. Reaching to the base of this world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest (8848 m) is the dream of every adventurer. Many Himalayan adventure seekers have already ticked it off in their bucket list and some are yet to do so. As, this trip is one of the most talked about and sought after adventures, travelers and would-be travelers are well versed about the information related to Everest Base Camp. However, many are not fully aware about all the routes and corresponding time required to reach Everest Base Camp.
There are actually two base camps on Mount Everest, on the either sides of the mountains: South Base Camp which is situated in Nepal at an altitude of 5364 m, and North Base Camp which is situated in Tibet, China at an altitude of 5150 m. Most of the Base Camp trekking or Everest expeditions are operated on the Nepal side, i.e the South face of the Everest. In fact, when people say Everest Base Camp Trek, they normally mean Base Camp trekking on the Nepal side of the mountain. However, there are many ways to reach the Base Camp from both sides.
Everest Base Camp from Nepal
Everest Base Camp from Nepal is a popular trekking trail and easier to access than other routes. Reaching the Base Camp from Nepal gives you a chance to challenge yourself, discover the majesty of mountains, walk among the Himalayan giants and explore the highland cultures.
This is the commonly used route to reach the Base Camp. It is a spectacular high altitude trek that starts at Lukla, the gateway of Everest region and winds through the floral and faunal richness of Sagarmatha National Park. You gradually hike through some of the beautiful places of Khumbu region such as Phakding, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche and return the same way.
As Everest Base Camp route from Lukla is popular and most favored one, the trail and accommodation get crowded during the peak seasons i.e. spring and autumn. So, if you want to avoid the crowd, then you can consider alternative trekking routes. However, if you choose alternate routes also, you are likely to meet the main trail at some points.
Everest Heli Tour: Duration – Half day
Heli Tour is the easiest way for the travelers who wish to reach to the lap of this stunning mountain but have very limited time. It is a luxurious way to reach Kala Patthar (5545 m) and Everest Base Camp without trekking. The trip makes you marvel at the panoramic aerial views of astonishing mountains, tranquil valleys, quaint villages, glittering snow peaks, Khumbu glacier and many more. It not only gives you the thrill and makes your adrenaline rush but also offers you the next level perspective of the region which is not possible when you walk. Everest Heli tour starts from Kathmandu or Lukla and stops midway for breakfast with wonderful view.
Everest Base Camp from Tibet
Everest Base Camp on the northern side of Everest lies in Tibet. An easier way to get to the Base Camp is by car or tour vehicle. You can travel from Lhasa to the Base Camp along the highways having well paved roads. This is one of the fastest and luxurious ways to reach the Base Camp and visit the various attractions of Tibetan plateau. Some travelers also prefer trekking from Tingri over driving to the Base Camp.
Many visitors who visit the Base Camp on north side usually get there by car. It is a two-day drive from Lhasa. However most travelers stop along the way in the locations such as Gyantse, Shigatse or Shekar (new Tingri) and Rongbuk that makes this tour longer and more exciting. There are very good roads which make the journey comfortable for almost everyone. The landscape that you can see is breath taking! If you wish, you can drive all the way up to the Base Camp but many of the travelers prefer to walk the last mile which is a bit off road. One needs to be acclimatized properly prior to the journey because of the time frame. Remember Lhasa itself is at an altitude of 3,656 m! And you will gain about 2000m + altitude within 2 days.
The trip starts with a drive to Tingri from Lhasa, which will be followed by a trek to the Base Camp. The adventure gives you an amazing experience of Tibetan plateau, small village communities and nomadic herders. This trip takes you to Lungtang which takes around five hours from Tingri and heads due south, by crossing the Tingri plain and on to the Ra-chu valley and so on. This trail is not commonly used and only attempted by the experienced well-acclimatized trekkers.
It may sound like a cliché but we don’t mind repeating it! Yes, Mount Everest is more than a mountain and the trip to Everest Base Camp is more than just a trek. Reaching to the base of this world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest (8848 m) is the dream of every adventurer. Many Himalayan adventure seekers have already ticked it off in their bucket list and many are yet to do so. As, this trip is one of the most talked about and sought after adventures, travelers and would-be travelers are well versed about the facts related to Everest Base Camp. However, many are not fully aware about all the routes and corresponding time required to reach the Base Camp.
There are actually two base camps on Mount Everest, on the South and North sides of the mountains. South Base Camp which is situated in Nepal at an altitude of 5364 m, while North Base Camp is situated in Tibet, China at an altitude of 5,150 m. Most of the Base Camp trekking or Everest expeditions are operated on the Nepal side, i.e the South face of the Everest. In fact, when people say Everest Base Camp Trek, they normally mean Base Camp trekking on the Nepal side of the mountain. However, there are many ways to reach the Base Camp from both sides.
Everest Base Camp from Nepal
Everest Base Camp from Nepal is a popular trekking trail and easier to access than other routes. This trail gives you a chance to challenge yourself, discover the majesty of mountains, walk among the Himalayan giants and explore the highland cultures.
This is the most popular route to reach the Base Camp. It is a spectacular high altitude trek that starts at Lukla, the gateway of Everest region and winds through the floral and faunal richness of Sagarmatha National Park. You gradually hike through some of the beautiful places of Khumbu region such as Phakding, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche and return the same way.
As Everest Base Camp route from Lukla is popular and most favored one, the trail and accommodation gets crowded during the peak seasons i.e. spring and autumn. So, if you want to avoid the crowd, then you can consider alternative trekking routes.
Everest Heli Tour: Duration – Half a day
Heli Tour is the easiest way for the travelers who wish to reach the lap of this stunning mountain but have very limited time. It is also a luxurious way to reach the Kala Patthar (5545 m) and Everest Base Camp without trekking. The tour makes you marvel at the panoramic aerial views of astonishing mountains, tranquil valleys, quaint villages, glittering snow peaks, Khumbu glacier and many more. It not only gives you thrill and makes your adrenaline rush but also offers you the next level of experience. Everest Heli tour starts from Kathmandu or Lukla and stops midway for breakfast with wonderful view.
Everest Base Camp from Tibet
Everest Base Camp on the northern side of Everest lies in Tibet. An easier way to get to the Base Camp is by car or tour vehicle. You can travel from Lhasa to Base Camp along the highways having well paved roads. This is one of the fastest and luxurious ways to reach the Base Camp and visit the various attractions of Tibetan plateau. Some travelers also prefer trekking from Tingri over driving from Lhasa.
Many visitors who visit the Base Camp on north side usually get there by car. It is a two-day drive from Lhasa. However most travelers stop along the way in the locations such as Gyantse, Shigatse or Shekar (new Tingri) and Rongbuk that makes this tour longer and more exciting. There are very good roads which make the journey comfortable for almost everyone. The landscape that you can see is breath taking! If you wish, you can drive all the way up to Everest Base Camp but many of the travelers prefer to walk the last mile which is a bit off road. One needs to be acclimatized properly prior to this journey because of the timeframe. Remember Lhasa itself is at an altitude of 3,656 m! And you will gain about 2000m + altitude within 2 days.
Trek from Tingri to Everest Base Camp gives you an amazing experience of Tibetan plateau, small village communities and nomadic herders. This trip takes you to Lungtang which takes around five hours from Tingri and heads due south, by crossing the Tingri plain and on to the Ra-chu valley and so on. This trail is not commonly used and only attempted by the experienced well-acclimatized trekkers.
If you are in search of more than just a scenic trek and daunting escapade among the stunning Himalayas, then climbing Island Peak is exactly what you are looking for. Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, is situated in Nepal’s Everest region and stands at an elevation of 6189 meters above sea level. It stands somewhere between Mount Ama Dablam (6812 m) and Mount Lhotse (8516 m) and is considered one of the challenging yet achievable trekking peaks, possible even to novice climbers with proper acclimatization and trainings. From afar, this snow-capped mountain seems like an island rising tall in the center of the Chhukung Valley, surrounded by a sea of ice. Hence, the peak is known as Island Peak. Most people combine an expedition to Island Peak with the famous Everest Base Camp trek because of its ideal location and acclimatization purpose. If someone wants to stretch the adventure a bit, then they also choose to trek via Kongma La (5,535 m), one of the three popular passes of Everest Region. Opting the Kongma La route provides an opportunity to experience glacier walking prior to Island Peak climbing.
Why climb Island Peak?
Simple answer is it is a Himalayan peak but an achievable one. However, climbing Island Peak is not limited to this only. Trip to Island Peak offers an awesome views of Himalayan ranges, forests, valleys, beautiful landscapes and amazing glaciers. Island Peak not only provides you a tremendous chance to experience all the aspects of Himalayan encounter that takes you through remote villages and rugged trails but also offers you the pleasure of climbing a Himalayan peak at the close quarter of the mighty Everest with an acclimatization trek to Everest Base Camp, which is a reward in itself. Another important thing is the peak is 6000 m +, an achievement you can really be proud of. Finally, the ultimate joy you get after the successful climb is beyond imagination. So, no doubt it’s worth it!
Is it difficult to climb Island Peak?
Climbing a Himalayan mountain is a challenging sport due to altitude and extreme geographical condition. So, Island peak is also a technical climb. It has everything of a Himalayan mountaineering – altitude (at the height of 6819m, there is just about 47% oxygen of the sea level), steep ascent, rock shambles, glacier fields, and what’s more crevasses as well. So, the bottom line is it requires basic mountaineering skills and it definitely should not be your first Himalayan adventure. But the good news is anyone with little mountaineering experience or no experience can do it. The only thing required is proper acclimatization and training from experienced Sherpas. However, prior mountaineering experience is always an advantage.
Let’s have a look at the general overview of the climb. The beginning part of the ascent is strenuous as the terrain is rough and it’s over 5000m. As you climb higher, you reach the glacier field from where you need to use climbing equipment like rope and crampons. As there are also some crevasses en route, there is also the need to use ladders. The final 150 m stretch is a straight wall and is very strenuous. However, summit push won’t be very difficult as after you cross the wall, the summit ridge is short and comparatively easier.
What are the trainings required for Island Peak climbing?
Now you know that Island Peak is bit demanding. For this adventure, you need to be in good shape with proper physical trainings of at least 3/4 months with prior trekking experience. Focus on strength and endurance training like hiking, running, cycling etc. Hitting gym is a good idea. Keeping positive frame of mind during your training is a must. The summit day is very strenuous as one has to walk approx. 12-14 hours for summit and back to base camp. You will also be carrying a backpack of 5-7 kg during the trip. So, while practicing simulation hiking in wilderness, do it with at least 10 kg pack. It is also necessary to train yourself with the hiking and mountaineering boots you are going to use in the trip. Remember, they should be well-worn! Regarding the mountaineering skills, you will get required trainings by your Guides once you reach the Base Camp. However, it is always an advantage if you are familiar with the skills prior to your trip.
What to eat and where to stay during the trip ?
Good food and comfortable accommodation is very important in every trip. During the journey, you can remain in one of the many tea houses along the way. The majority of teahouse lodgings have shared rooms and good toilet facilities. You can get any of your calorie replenishment food choices such as potato dishes, noodle dishes, rice dishes, dal bhat, egg dishes etc. during your stay in teahouses. While you are in Base Camp or High Camp, you will stay in tented camps and your kitchen team will prepare your healthy and nutritious food for you.
Clothing and Gears
Every trail and elevation needs different types of gear. Right clothing and gears are always the gateway to your success. So, it is mandatory to have good clothing and gear for your trip to Island Peak. Comfortable hiking and climbing boots, good gloves to keep your hands warm, a good fleece and down jacket, light weighted trekking pants and climbing gears such as Harness, axe, crampons etc are some of the important gears you need during the climb. And yes, make sure that you have a sleeping bag that can keep you warm in a -30-degree centigrade weather. All clothing gears and equipment are easily available in Kathmandu and surprising at Chhukung as well. It is not necessary to buy all the gears, you can hire them. At Chhukung, the approx. cost could be USD 100 for all set of gears for a period of 2 days. We recommend you to have your own jacket and boots because of the size problem (and boots are to be pre-worn). Your travel company will help with the full list of required clothing and gears.
What is the best season to climb Island Peak?
The best season to climb Island peak can be considered in Spring (March-May) or Autumn (Mid-September-October). The weather in the Himalayan region and most places of Nepal stays stable throughout these seasons, which is ideal for adventure activities. The majority of the 8000+m expeditions in the Everest region takes place in the Spring, so expect crowds on the trails. However, once you arrive at your Island Peak camping spot, you can notice that the number of people on the trails has significantly decreased.
Winter climbing is still feasible, but we just recommend it to those who have a lot of mountaineering experience, nearly to the standard of pro athletes. The temperature is very cold, and the atmosphere is extremely harsh during winter.
What permits do you need to climb Island Peak?
Climbing Island Peak requires a climbing permit. Permits are also required to access Sagarmatha National Park. Standard security checkpoints are located along the road. To get through them, you must display your permits.
How to avoid altitude sickness?
When you are trekking in high altitudes, you are likely to get altitude sickness. Headaches and a lack of appetite are common among trekkers, but severe AMS symptoms can be fatal. To avoid having to turn around, many trekkers may try to conceal their worsening condition from their Sherpas and guides. This, however, can be life threatening, and you must be aware of when your body is asking you to avoid climbing further. The best practice to avoid altitude sickness is having a good itinerary that allows proper acclimatization. Here are some of the tips to consider while you climb Island Peak.
Island Peak Trek Distance, Time and Elevation
Day 1: Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding [2652m]
Distance Flight Hours walking hours Elevation Gain
145 km 30 min 4 hours 1400m-2610m
Day 2: Phakding to Namche [3450m]
Distance walking hours Elevation Gain
7.4 km 3 hours 2610m-3440m
Day 3: Rest day in Namche
Distance walking hours Elevation Gain
3.8 km 2 hours 3440m – 3840m
Day 4: Namche to Tengboche [3867m]
Distance walking hours Elevation Gain
6 km 3 hours 3840m-3867m
Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche [4350m]
Distance walking hours Elevation Gain
11 km 5 hours 3867m-4350m
Day 6: Rest day in Dingboche (Hike to Nangkartshang Peak)
Distance walking hours Elevation Gain
1.5 km 2 hours 4252m-5050m approximately
Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche
Distance walking hours Elevation Gain
6.2 km 5 hours 4252m-4930m
Day 8: Lobuche to Gorak Shep
Distance walking hours Elevation Gain
4.3 km 3 hours 4930m-5184m
Day 9: Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp
Distance walking hours Elevation Gain
3.4 km 2 hours 5184m-5357m
Day 10: Everest Base Camp to Dingboche
Distance walking hours Elevation lost
5.3 km 6 hours 5357m-4350m
Day 11: Dingboche to Chhukung
Distance walking hours Elevation Gain
4.1 km 4 hours 4350m-4710m
Day 12: Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp
Distance walking hours Elevation Gain
4 km 3 hours 4710m-5150m
Day 13: Ascent of Island Peak
Distance walking hours Elevation Gain
7 km 11 hours 5500m-6189m
Day 14: Contingency Day
Day 15: Trek to Pangboche
Distance walking hours Elevation Gain
12 km 5 hours 6189m-3950m
Day 16: Pangboche to Namche
Distance walking hours Elevation Gain
13 km 4 hours 3950-3450m
Day 17: Namche to Lukla
Distance walking hours Elevation lost
13.5 km 6 hours 3450m-2800m
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu
Distance flight hours Elevation lost
145km 30 minutes 2610m-1400m
Are you fond of beautiful landscapes of stunning highest mountains of the world? Do you like to experience highland culture of Sherpas, the brave mountaineers? If yes, trekking in the land of Everest is just for you. The region offers you one of the most life changing experiences and once in a lifetime memory you will never forget. Everest region has world’s famous trekking routes where you will get to witness the world’s highest peak, Everest (8,848m) which is locally known as ‘Sagarmatha’ and several other mountains over 8000m, like- Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu. Apart from the gigantic snow-white mountains, you can experience the culture of local Sherpa community, mountain ecosystem, highest glaciers, and observe wide varieties of plants and animal life in the region. Some of the major attractions of Everest Treks are Namche Bazar and its Sherpa Museum, monasteries at Tengboche, Khumjung and Pangboche, Everest Base Camp, Kalapatthar, Gokyo Lake, three passes that include Cho-La (5300m), Kongma-La (5500m), and Renjo-La (5400m) and many more.
Not just the natural and cultural wonders, the region also has well-developed trails, comfortable teahouses and lodges, and other necessary amenities. So, anyone visiting the region should not have to worry about comfort despite its remoteness. If you ever wish to visit this amazing place, here is a list of some of the popular Everest treks you can pick from.
Everest is more than a mountain and the journey to its base camp is more than just a trek. Considered as “The Steps To Heaven”, Everest Base Camp Trek, is a spectacular high altitude trek in the mountains of Nepal. One of the most popular Everest Treks in the world where one can experience the jaw-dropping scenery and unique cultural experience, the trek takes us through challenging routes towards the base of the highest mountain. The picturesque views of the world’s highest mountain such as Mt. Everest (8848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8516 m), Mt Makalu (8485 m), Mt. Amadablam (6812 m), Mt Cho Oyu (8201 m) etc. can be experienced during this trek.
You can begin the trek from Lukla at an elevation of 2840 m. Over the course of the first 8 days, you will slowly make your way further into Sagarmatha National Park as you hike during the day and sleep in local teahouses at night. During the trek, teahouses provide modest selection of foods from typical Nepali dal-bhat, soups, snacks, momos, fried rice to Chinese and continental dishes like noodles, spaghetti, and spring rolls etc.
EBC Trek Overview:
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Trek duration: 12 days+
Max. elevation: 5,545m
Accommodation: Trekking lodges or tea houses
Starting point: Lukla
EBC Trek Itinerary Overview :
Day 1: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding
Day 2: Phakding – Namche bazaar
Day 3: Namche (acclimatization)
Day 4: Namche – Tengboche
Day 5: Tengboche – Dingboche
Day 6: Dingboche (acclimatization)
Day 7: Dingboche – Lobuche
Day 8: Lobuche – Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp – Gorak Shep
Day 9: Gorakshep – Kalapatthar – Pheriche
Day 10: Pheriche – Namche
Day 11: Namche – Lukla
Day 13: Lukla – Kathmandu
Gokyo Trek, one of the adventurous trek in Nepal is trip in which one traverses through delightful valleys, crystal clear turquoise lakes and world’s biggest ice glacier called Ngozumpa glacier dominated by the nearest mountain of Everest Himalayan range. The main attraction of this trek is Gokyo lake. The glacial Gokyo Lake is a holy pilgrimage place for both Hindu and Buddhist. Gokyo Ri is nearby Gokyo Lake. From the top, you can have one of the most stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam and Cho Oyu. The majestic Gokyo region is inhabited by Sherpa people following Tibetan- Buddhism. They still practice ancient way of life dating back to centuries old time. This trek is less travelled and has peaceful route.
Gokyo Trek Overview:
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Trek duration: 12-14 days
Max. elevation: 5360m
Accommodation: Trekking lodges or tea houses
Starting point: Lukla
Gokyo Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding
Day 2 : Phakding – Namche
Day 3 : Namche (acclimatization)
Day 4 : Namche – Khumjung via Syangboche
Day 6 : Khumjung – Dole
Day 7 : Dole – Machermo
Day 8 : Machermo – Gokyo Lake
Day 9 : Gokyo Lake and Glacier Excursion
Day 10 : Gokyo Lake – Machermo
Day 11: Machermo – Namche
Day 12 : Namche – Lukla
Day 13 : Lukla – Kathmandu
One of the most challenging and thrilling trek, Three Passes Trek offers an amazingly scenic circular route with crossing challenging passes Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La. This trek route not only proffers the stunning view of mountains and glaciers but also encourages you to experience the local Sherpa culture in the region. If you are planning to do this trek and other treks in Everest region, March – May and October – November can be the best months as weather is clear during this time and beautiful landscapes can be seen in these months. There are adequate number of lodges and teahouses serving good meals and accommodation during the trek.
Three Passes Trek Overview :
Difficulty : Moderate to Challenging
Trek Duration : 15 Days
Maximum elevation : 5545 m ( Kalapatthar )
Accomodation : Tea houses
Trek starting Point : Lukla
Three Passes Trek Itinerary Overview:
Day 1 : Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding
Day 2 : Phakding – Namche
Day 3 : Namche (Acclimitization)
Day 4 : Namche – Thame
Day 5 : Thame – Lungden
Day 6 : Lungden – Renjo La Pass – Gokyo
Day 7 : Gokyo ( Acclimatization)
Day 8 : Gokyo – Thagnak
Day 9 : Thagnak – Cho La Pass – Dzongla
Day 10 : Dzongla – Lobuche
Day 11 : Lobuche – Kongma La- Chhukung
Day 12 : Chhukung – Tengboche
Day 13 : Tengboche – Namche
Day 14 : Namche – Lukla
Day 15 : Lukla – Kathmandu
A group of Canadians and Americans arrived in Kathmandu on 11th of May after their successful ascent of the “North Col of Everest (7045m)”. Explore Himalaya had a privilege to handle this group for “Canadian Himalayan Expeditions” with a three week long mission to reach the North Col which was led by Company’s Director, Mr. Joe Pilaar, had left for Lhasa on 22nd of May.
They reached the Base Camp of Everest (5200m) on 29th of May and stayed Two nights for acclimatization taking Five days to reach the ABC at 6400 m on 5th of May, giving Two days at the Intermediate Camp again, for acclimatization purpose. Sparing Two more days, 6th and 7th of May in exploring around the ABC, they finally left for their ultimate mission on 8th of May leaving ABC at 8.30 AM. It took them Two hours of hard walk along the glacier to reach bottom of the cliff before they started their technical climb which took another Two and a half hours finally, emerging on the Col at the height of 7045m.
Successful members of the Team are Joe Pilaar, the leader, along with Erica Falconer, Bruce Fessenden and Troy Smereka. David Schneider climbed up to 6800m whereas, Richard Christiani, Maria Kusina and Jerry Clayton reached 6600m. Accordingly, Linnea Christiani was up to 6500m.
Talking to Mr. Suman Pandey, president of Explore Himalaya, Mr. Joe Pilaar expressed his gratitude for organizing such a wonderful trip, ensuring maximum reliability which was the key to success of this mission. With his experience and growing confidence towards the team of Explore Himalaya, Joe is committed to promote more trips to North Col and other parts of Tibet/Nepal Himalaya with us in the coming years.
The meeting and handling was very good. The hotels that we stayed in at Kathmandu (Malla Hotel), Pokhara (Fishtail Lodge) and Chitwan (Chitwan Adventure Lodge) were all very good.
We work with the motto "Tourism for Development". Explore Himalaya Community Service Project was conceived to empower underprivileged segments of Nepal.