Trekking to Mt. Everest, Nepal

The Trip

This trip is unforgettable. No mountain is higher or more famous than Everest. When you stand on Kala Patthar ridge at 18,450 feet, Everest towers above you for another two miles!

After visiting the World Heritage sites in Nepal’s ancient capital of Kathmandu, we’ll fly to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla to begin our 18-day trek to the base of Mt. Everest. From our highest trekking lodge at 17,100 feet, Gorak Shep, the site of the original Everest Base Camp, participants will have the opportunity to venture farther up the Khumbu Glacier to the present-day starting point for Everest climbers. Along our way to the base of Sagarmatha (as the Nepalese call Everest), we’ll travel through Sherpa villages and visit Buddhist monasteries, appreciating the local culture that has welcomed visitors to this remarkable natural area. "Namaste" (the customary greeting that translates as "I salute the God within you") will become a part of your vocabulary for life.

The Himalayas are the highest and the youngest mountain range on Earth. We will walk on well-established foot trails teeming with trekkers, local people walking from village to village, pack trains bringing supplies to the upper Khumbu villages, and porters carrying crates of eggs, beer, and duffel bags. Our route follows the same approach hike made by Everest climbers, and, though our journey will not extend beyond Everest Base Camp, we should, weather permitting, be able to take in the grand scope and unimaginable scale of what remains one of humankind’s greatest quests. This classic trek has been lengthened by several days so that we can hike shorter daily distances, have more time at the lodges to enjoy the local scene, and -- most importantly -- so that we can acclimatize more gradually to the rarefied atmosphere at very high altitudes.

Nepal is a country of peaceful and hospitable people, colorful bazaars, decorated temples, and great natural beauty. Having endured political instability in recent decades, Nepal has transformed itself from a monarchy into a federal parliamentary republic. The Kathmandu Valley is a microcosm of the country. Its three major centers -- Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur -- are a melting pot of many tribal, ethnic, and religious groups. 

Hiking at extremely high altitudes for an extended period of time is strenuous by nature and requires very good physical fitness. This trip is for veteran trekkers as well as those with good hiking skills who may be new to trekking and are open to travel in a developing country.

Please note that prior to or during the trip, the leader may find it necessary to change various details of the itinerary presented here based on factors such as weather conditions, physical condition of participants, or general safety issues.

Day 1: On your arrival at Kathmandu airport you are met by our driver and taken to our comfortable, well-located hotel. You may wish to relax a bit in the rooftop garden or explore the shops in the vicinity. The trip’s first official gathering is our late afternoon orientation meeting, followed by a welcome dinner. 

Day 2: Today we enjoy a full day of guided sightseeing in Kathmandu. We visit Durbar (Palace) Square in Patan, one of Kathmandu’s ancient royal centers, as well as Pashupatinath, Nepal’s biggest Hindu shrine. After dinner we have time to organize our gear and pack our duffel bags for tomorrow’s flight to the Everest region. 

Day 3: We have an early breakfast before heading to the airport for a 30-minute flight to Lukla (9,383 feet elevation), one of the world’s highest and most interesting airports. After meeting our porters and seeing them set off with our duffels, we then hike to our lodge at Phakding at 9,200 feet. Depending on our progress, we may decide to have lunch on the way, or perhaps we’ll wait till we arrive at Phakding. It's about a three-hour hike, with a fair amount of up and down. 

Day 4: Today we hike from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (11,285 feet elevation, gain of 2,000 feet, five to six hours steadily uphill). We cross several high suspension bridges and frequently step aside along the trail to allow the passage of porters or animals carrying supplies. Namche is the largest village in the area, with many shops and markets to explore. 

Day 5: This is our rest and acclimatization day in Namche, with an optional walk to the nearby National Park Center and the Sherpa Museum. We have time to wander the teeming streets of this famous jumping-off spot for Everest climbers. 

Day 6: Today’s hike to Tengboche (12,700 feet elevation, gain of 1,500 feet, and five to six hours hiking) offers views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. Tengboche is the site of Khumbu’s largest monastery, perched on a ridge overlooking a pine and rhododendron forest. 

Day 7: Today, we hike to Pangboche (13,100 feet elevation). After lunch, we have the option to explore the surrounding area or hike to Ama Dablam base camp (gain of 2,195 feet).

Day 8: We hike to Dingboche (14,465 feet elevation, gain of 1,700 feet, four to five hours), passing beside long mani walls made up of large stones inscribed with sacred Buddhist writings. 

Day 9: We have a rest day in Dingboche to adjust to the increasing altitude. Options today include hiking up to a nearby viewpoint and walking around the village. 

Day 10: Today we hike to Chhukhung (15,515 feet elevation, gain of 1,325 feet, approximately three hours). This is a broad tundra-like valley dominated by Ama Dablam on one side and Lhotse and Nuptse on the other.

Day 11: We have another layover day, with an optional hike that climbs to Chhukhung Ri (18,209 feet elevation, gain of 2,700 feet, three to four hours for the ascent and two more hours for the descent). There we enjoy awe-inspiring views of Lhotse and Nuptse, weather permitting. This should be one of the highlights of our trip. This hike is also an important part of our acclimatization process as it helps us prepare for our climb to Kala Patthar in a few days. We should be back at our lodge in time for a little afternoon nap. Sleeping at this elevation is also an important part of the acclimatization process.

Day 12: Today we hike to Thukla (15,075 feet elevation, approximately four to five hours). We will be surrounded by the majestic peaks of Ama Dablam, Lobouche, and Tabuche as we travel through the Dingboche Valley. We cross a stream before arriving to Thukla. The Khumbu Glacier, the world's highest glacier, is just beyond Thukla.

Day 13: We hike to Lobouche (16,175 feet elevation, about 3 hours hiking). This trail goes up steeply in places and tops out at a ridge marked by chortens, cairns, and prayer flags honoring those who have died climbing Everest. We look back down the valley for magnificent views.

Day 14: Today we hike to the original site of Everest Base Camp at Gorak Shep (17,100 feet elevation, gain of 1,000 feet, three miles), where we find our highest lodge of the trek. After lunch there, we take an optional day hike to the present-day Everest Base Camp site, returning to Gorak Shep for the night. The hike to the current Base Camp is a five-mile round-trip that typically takes four to five hours, with a 500-foot elevation gain and loss. Some trekkers prefer to rest at the lodge for the afternoon, which is a perfectly acceptable option, too.

Day 15: Today we do a day hike to Kala Pathar (18,190 feet elevation). We get up early for the optional climb of Kala Patthar (18,450 feet elevation, gain of 1,350 feet, two to three hours for the ascent). Morning skies are usually clear, giving us the best chance for views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Before the wind comes up, we descend Kala Patthar and then hike back down the valley to Pheriche.

Day 16: We hike to Phortse (12,467 feet elevation, loss of 1,450 feet, four and a half hours), a pleasant Sherpa village with stone walled fields planted with buckwheat and potatoes.

Day 17: Today we hike to Khumjung (12,430 feet elevation, loss and gain of 1,000 feet). We plan to have lunch along the way, but should arrive in plenty of time to do our laundry along with the locals at the village tap. 

Day 18: This is our last rest day on the trek. We visit the monastery, the hospital, and, if possible, also spend some quality time at one (or more!) of several local bakeries. We have great views in all directions. 

Day 19: Today we return to Phakding (9,200 feet elevation, loss of 3,200 feet), passing through Namche Bazaar along the way. 

Day 20: We hike back to our starting point of Lukla (9,383 feet elevation), where we conclude our trek. Tonight we have an end-of-trek dinner to thank and honor the guides and porters who made possible our 18-day trekking adventure to Mount Everest.

Day 21: We fly back to Kathmandu in the morning and enjoy a relaxing lunch in town. We have several hours of free time this afternoon to shop for that special thangka painting or statue before dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. 

Day 22: We have a half day of sightseeing starting at Bodhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the center of Kathmandu’s Tibetan exile community. Next, we visit the ancient royal center of Bhaktapur, once a separate kingdom but now part of the Kathmandu metropolis. The rest of the afternoon is free for packing as we prepare for our final evening together and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 23: After breakfast at our hotel, we head to the Kathmandu airport for return flights home, leaving Nepal with memories of a lifetime. Transportation to the airport is provided.

Getting There

Many airlines fly to Nepal, including but not limited to Korean, Thai, Cathay Dragon, Turkish, China Southern, and Qatar. You are responsible for your own flight arrangements to and from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

It is recommended that participants arrive in Kathmandu at least one day early to allow extra time to recover from jet lag and to allow for possible flight connection delays. Additional hotel days are the responsibility of the participant. Transportation from the airport in Kathmandu to our hotel is provided and is included in the cost of the trip.

You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the last day of the trip. You will also require a Nepal tourist visa, which now may be obtained easily upon arrival at Tribhuvan Airport. Information on obtaining this visa will be provided after you have been approved for this trip. If you are planning on continuing your travels or spending layover time before or after the trip in countries other than Nepal you may need additional visas.

The leader will also provide information on required and recommended immunizations. 

Accommodations and Food

We will sleep and eat in trekking lodges that are more spartan than similar huts found in Europe, but which do have comfortable beds with clean mattresses and pillows. Some lodge rooms have individual bathrooms or have bathrooms shared between two rooms, while others have shared bathrooms down the hall. Bedrooms are not heated. Hot showers are intermittently available at some of the lodges at extra cost (typically a few dollars) -- this is an extra expense that is not included in the trip price. 

The lodges offer a surprising variety of food choices, including traditional Nepali dishes as well as more familiar western fare. Typical breakfast choices might include oatmeal, toast, eggs, pancakes, and fried potatoes. Lunch and dinner might be noodle soup, dahl (lentils) or curry and rice, pizza, or macaroni with tomato sauce and yak cheese. Tea and coffee are available at the lodges during all meals. Drinking water will be sterilized either chemically or by boiling or using UV light from SteriPens that are provided for the duration of the trip.

A typical day on the trek starts at 6 a.m. when we rise and pack our duffels with those items we won't need during the day – porters will carry them to the next lodge. Items that we’ll want accessible during the day – a warm layer or two, rain gear, camera, trail snacks, personal first aid kit, flashlight, water bottle, etc. – are loaded in our own daypacks, which will typically weigh about 10 to 15 pounds. We’ll then have breakfast before setting off on the trail. Most days we typically arrive at our destination lodge by 4 p.m.

Trip Difficulty

Trekking is walking, generally on well-traveled trails, carrying a 10- to 15-pound daypack. Since the trail is seldom level and we are at quite high altitudes – 9,300 to 18,450 feet -- the trip is reasonably strenuous. Those with intermediate to advanced hiking experience and a willingness to physically prepare for the rigors of this trip are welcome to sign up. The rewards are commensurate with the required commitment and effort. You should be comfortable hiking five to eight miles a day with an altitude gain and loss of up to 2,700 feet. You should be comfortable crossing suspension bridges. 

While this is a non-technical trek, it is physically demanding, requiring that each participant be in excellent physical shape from the start. You will need a regular program to increase not only your cardiovascular endurance, but also to develop sufficient muscle and joint strength and endurance for the daily up and down hiking. Trying to get in shape a month or two before the trip just does not work for this type of trek. 

Three non-moving days are planned during the trek. These days provide opportunities for optional day hikes, or, depending on conditions may be used to adjust for weather or other contingencies. The trek has been designed to allow for gradual acclimatization to high altitude. The majority of our overnight stays are over 11,000 feet and the highest lodge is at 17,100 feet.

The months of October and November are ideal for trekking in the Himalayan high country. The summer monsoon season is over, and the extreme cold of winter has not yet arrived. Although it’s generally dry this time of year, there may be snow on the ground at higher altitudes and especially on the passes. The weather in the mountains is always variable -- even on the sunniest day it is possible for sudden thunderstorms or a changing weather system to move in. Overnight temperatures can easily be near or below freezing, especially at the higher lodges. Come prepared for possible wind, rain, snow, sleet, and cold, but hope to have the usual weather pattern: brisk and clear mornings, moderate temperatures and sunny skies midday, increasing clouds and cooler temperatures in the afternoons, and chilly evenings.

Equipment and Clothing

The leader will provide participants with a detailed equipment list that is specific to this outing. A sleeping bag rated to 10 or 15 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. 

References

• Lonely Planet, Nepal. An excellent overview of history, religion, and culture, with good sections on Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
• Reynolds, Kev, Everest: A Trekker’s Guide (Cicerone Guide).
• Matthews, Robert, A Few Moments in Nepal.
• Iyer, Pico, Video Nights in Kathmandu.
• Greenwald, Jeff, Shopping for Buddhas.
• Breashears, David and Jon Krakauer. High Exposure: An Enduring Passion for Unforgiving Places.

Conservation

Nepal suffers from ecological problems common to much of the developing world: a growing population, deforestation, erosion, pollution, lack of clean drinking water, and the melting of glaciers. We will discuss local efforts to address these issues.

We will observe firsthand the positive and negative influence of western culture on a traditional society. We will be confronted with troubling dilemmas arising from our presence: we provide an important source of income, but we impact local resources and lifestyle. Some of us will question many of our attitudes, particularly our inequitable consumption of the world’s resources. Perhaps these experiences will make us better world citizens and involve us actively in searching for a more balanced and sustainable way of life for all of us on this planet. The Nepali people have much to learn from both our successes and our mistakes; we have much to learn from their spirit and positive attitude. We hope that all will come away from this experience with a greater awareness of the world and the way we live in it.

Since its founding in 1892, The Sierra Club has worked to preserve and restore the natural environment we all share on this planet. Thousands of grassroots-level volunteers spearhead our efforts to conserve and sustain resources, both in our own backyards and on a global scale. Through direct experience in the outdoors, Sierra Club outings enable participants to better understand, advocate, and participate in the environmental conservation goals of the Club.

Evacuation and Travel Insurance

The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.