Everest Base Camp Trek

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The classic route through the Sherpa heartland to Base Camp, the foot of the world's highest ...

18 days, from $2713 (Group tour). Exodus »

You will find that you get far more than you bargained for on this classic route. Follow the guidelines and you should ascend in sensible and manageable altitude stages all the way to Gorak Shep on the 8th day of trekking (including 2 acclimatisation days) after which you can head for Base Camp and Kala Patthar before returning to Lukla.

In between is some of the most awe inspiring mountain scenery on the planet not to mention rural life in the Sherpa hills. You will get to know your local Guide and Porters and you will quickly see just how simple and harsh their lives are. And please remember, despite what they say, they are as susceptible to altitude sickness as you are. Don't be fooled by their brave faces, if you think that they are suffering, tell someone who can do something about it.

Watch for the small tea house stop at Dughla. Straight after that you will climb up the front end of the Khumbu glacier. Most don't even realise it!

Make sure that you stay overnight at Gorak Shep BEFORE you head for Base Camp; to pass through it (from Lobouche) to get to Base Camp and then return to Gorak Shep is not a good idea! Some do that but it makes for a very long day indeed and tends to leave many people too tired to tackle Kala Patthar the next day. The altitude here is over 5000m and whilst you may not be suffering from altitude sickness per se, you will highly likely be feeling the effects that altitude has on your body. You will also be tired from the accumulative effects of 8 days trekking and also the conditions do get more basic as you get closer to Gorak Shep. Many underestimate it.

This is a great trek, make no mistake about that and it has so many highlights; you lose count. Acclimatise well, take your time, be prepared to experience basic conditions for a few days and enjoy.

Review by expert member Terry Crosby

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