Caption
The Journey
On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel by our staff. You will meet your trekking partners at our trip briefing at the hotel, and your guide will explain where things are in Kathmandu and what will happen in the next couple of days in preparation for the trip. They will also check the fit of your down jacket and run through your other gear to make sure the team is all adequately prepared.
We’ll take a guided sightseeing and cultural tour around the major sights and some out of the way places of Kathmandu and there will be some time for you to explore the city on your own.
Our scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu gives a great introduction to the Himalaya. The snowy peaks of Ama Dablam ‘the Matterhorn of the Himalayas’, the Nupste-Lhotse wall and Everest will all seem close enough to touch.
The typical trekking day begins at around 6.30am, when a friendly face will wake you. During breakfast which might include fruit, cereal, toast, pancakes and hot drinks, your trek guide will provide a briefing on the day’s activities.
Mornings involve trekking for a few hours with stops every hour or so to rest, drink, explore and take pictures. We stop at a teahouse for a hot lunch along the trail. The afternoon often involves a few hours walking to our lodge where we have afternoon tea, explore the surrounding area, read a book or have a snooze before dinner and hot drinks.
We will take several days to make our way up the lower valley, plenty of time for our bodies to acclimatise and to enjoy the fantastic Nepalese countryside where the local Rai and Tamang people farm wheat, corn, fruit and other vegetables on terraces flanking the Dudh Kosi.
Namche Bazaar marks the beginning of the Khumbu region, we take time to acclimatise before continuing up to the Gokyo Valley, we will trek up this stunningly steep-walled valley beside a raging torrent that becomes a babbling brook between the stunning Gokyo lakes. We will climb Gokyo Ri which offers views of the whole valley, right up to Mount Cho Oyu. We sometimes see a family of kongma (Himalayan partridges) or picas (a bit like short eared rabbits) on our descent after sunrise.
The Cho La, approached from Dragnag below Gokyo, is a chance to walk on a glacier with relative safety. Although the rocky approaches either side are quite steep, the glacier itself is quite flat and almost crevasse-free. It can usually be safely crossed without crampons and gives us access to the upper reaches of the Khumbu Valley. In case of unseasonable snow or poor weather it is a simple matter to walk down and around the intervening range via a well made, lower track to Pangboche and Lobuje.
From Lobuje we trek up the valley alongside the Khumbu glacier and spend the night at Gorak Shep, a harsh place where we hope to stay only one night. For the fit our 500m climb to Kala Pattar is quick and straight-forward because of our steady acclimatisation program. As we ascend, Everest and the South Col come into view from behind Nuptse.
From the summit you can also see right down onto Everest Base Camp at the south-western foot of Mount Everest, just below the infamous Khumbu Icefall. Depending on the time of year, Base Camp might be teeming with hundreds of people or completely deserted! We then descend back down-valley later in the day to warmer, more friendly Lobuje village.
Having explored the main valleys of Sargarmatha National Park, crossed passes and glaciers and taken in the summits of two great view points, we head back down the valley through Namche and Ghat to Lukla at a great rate – fit and strong and ready to take on the world!
There will be time in Kathmandu to see more sights and buy gifts before heading home with thrilling tales of peaks and glaciers, sherpas, gompas, yaks and the grandeur of the Himalayas.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2
Sightseeing & cultural tour around Kathmandu
Day 3
Fly to Lukla
Day 4-13
Trekking up the Gokyo Valley
Day 14-15
Trekking to Everest Base Camp
Day 16-18
Descend Khumbu Valley to Lukla
Day 19
Return to Kathmandu
Day 20
Free day in Kathmandu
Day 21
Depart Kathmandu
Ama Dablam on the way in
Highlights
Explore the ancient and fascinating city of Kathmandu
Our Himalayan expertise ensures you enjoy a high quality expedition
Take the scenic flight to Lukla and view numerous Himalayan Giants on the way
Trek through the Khumbu and Gokyo Valleys with experienced Sherpa guides
Feel secure with DCXP's comprehensive safety systems in place
Climb Kala Pattar 5555m, viewpoint for Everest Base Camp
Climb Gokyo Ri 5550m, view point for Cho Oyu.
Learn about Nepalese culture from the friendly and famous Sherpa people.
The Attractions
The sheer size and beauty of the Himalayas will be etched in your mind forever once you take this journey through rugged and remote valleys, over a high pass and as you stand on top of two peaks which offer panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan giants.
Our scenic flight skirts along the Himalayan range to the small Lukla airstrip – built by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust in 1964. Then we’ll trek from Nepal’s middle hills along the Dudh Kosi (Milk River) and into Sagarmatha National Park and the Himal (land of snows), where glaciers feed powerful waterfalls and the valley walls are capped with spectacular snowy peaks.
Our short-cut over the Cho La offers a real mountain experience before we head to Gorak Shep, and the nearby Kala Pattar and Everest Base Camp.
The physical challenge of walking at altitude is rewarded by unequalled views from the 5555m peak of the ‘black rock’, Kala Pattar. The view over Everest Base Camp is fascinating as you look out to the giants of the Himalaya range which surrounds you.
it can snow at any time so be prepared but expect good weather if you choose the best times of the year
Is it right for me?
DCXP's Everest Base Camp trek is an appropriate goal for bushwalkers and hikers or day-walkers looking for an extra challenge. This is a chance to get amongst the Himalayas the in relative comfort of simple lodges.
Fitness
The trekking days are not especially long, as your body needs time to acclimatise and after all, you are on holiday. You will need to be able to walk for 4-8 hours a day with a daypack.
We are generally early abed but you might want to hang around and chat with your fellow trekkers, staff or local people or play a game of cards. Rest days normally involve a part-day hike to a place of interest or viewpoint as well as some relaxation time.
Depending on your general level of fitness you may benefit from a training regime in the lead up to the trek.
Experience
This expedition introduces you to high altitude trekking. A spirit of adventure and a willingness to stretch your horizons are what you’ll need. Some experience of hiking will be an advantage.
Dates, Prices & Includes
What's included
All airport transfers in Nepal
Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast
Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla (with up to 25kg total baggage allowance)
Trekking permits and National Park entry fees
Trekking guide and porter(s)
All meals and (usually shared) lodge accommodation on trek
Local staff insurance
The crew will carry a comprehensive medical kit appropriate to the group’s size and experience. Safety of the group is our first priority.
In Kathmandu we stay at the Shanker Hotel (4 star). This charming historic palace has a peaceful garden with a pool and is just on the edge of the main tourist area, Thamel. It is safe and clean and well staffed, and is a safe place to leave your clean town clothes and other gear when you are in the hills.
What’s not included
Your expedition cost does not include any of the following:
International & home country domestic airfares, transfers en route & excess baggage
Nepal Visa (available on entry)
Excess baggage (allowance: 15kg on Kathmandu-Lukla flight + USD $1/kg excess)
Tips for crew
Personal travel insurance (REQUIRED)
Personal expenses such as gifts, phone calls, laundry and drinks (including alcohol)
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (it would be a pity to constrain your choices!)
Meals and accommodation other than those specified
Personal clothing and equipment for the trek.
Medical evacuation costs, extra accommodation or any other fees associated with early departure, change of itinerary, or breaking from the group due to illness or otherwise. The cost may need to be paid by you at the time and may be able to be claimed back from your travel insurance company
Travel Insurance
We recommend cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
We require participants to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation.
Please ensure that your chosen policy provides cover for the activities (trekking) and the localities in which you will travel (Nepal, to elevations up to 5,555 metres above sea level).
We can suggest insurance for you - see our Insurance page under 'Bookings'. Your trip dossier also has further details.
Dates
Due to the good infrastucture in the Khumbu Valley, we are able to arrange a trek for your group of two or more people on dates of your choice.
We would recommend you trek during the Himalayan spring: March to May, or the autumn: October to December. Both offer generally fine settled weather and fairly moderate temperatures.
Winter (January to February) trekking conditions are generally beautifully clear and crisp, but it cold in the upper parts of the valley.
Click for larger view - this route minimises back tracking
Why go with DCXP
Our style
This Everest Base Camp Trek utilises DCXP's high pass route to explore the two main valleys of the Everest region. DCXP expeditions are always led by talented and experienced leaders. On this Everest Base Camp Trek your trek leader will be a qualified Nepalese trek guide. They are there to ensure your trek is a wonderful, fun and safe experience.
Your accomplished and friendly trek guide will help you to enjoy and appreciate the cultural, and natural attractions of the region. They will assist with daily arrangements as you eat in and stay at the teahouse lodges that make the Khumbu so accessible for visitors. The package uses a steady acclimatisation program and allows time for bad weather along the way, giving participants the maximum chance of success.
Your safety is our priority, our leaders are trained in first aid and carry a comprehensive first aid kit. Our own experienced climber and physician Doctor David Tingay advises us, and our clients, on medical issues, and is available by satellite phone in the event of a medical problem or injury arising on expedition.
Our expeditions are well planned, well led, and well resourced with good quality food, transport, equipment, first aid and communications.
About Chessell Adventures
DCXP was started by Duncan Chessell and has been operating trips around the world for many years. The experience gained in expedition logistics and health, has been utilised in developing teams of talented staff that are the basis of DCXP's consistently high quality expeditions. DCXP is now owned and managed by Katie Sarah, who has been involved with this business since 2006, and has now gained her own experience both in the field - from the remote wilderness of Antarctica to the summit of Everest - and in operating expeditions.
Our adventures are to mountainous destinations worldwide including to the seven summits (Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mt El’brus in Russia and the extreme summit of Mt Everest to name a few). We arrange custom expeditions worldwide for groups who are looking for an experience that is both an adventure in remote and exciting destinations, but also has the infrastructure and support to help you achieve your goals.
Mountain Designs Equipment - VIP privileges
Members of DCXP's Expeditions receive a Mountain Designs VIP discount card valid from the time your deposit is received to the start of the expedition. This entitles you to a 20% discount on Mountain Designs' exclusive lines and 15% on all other gear in store. Mountain Designs reserves the right to change the discount levels without notice.
Mountain Designs manufactures high quality outdoor gear suitable for your expedition. You can visit one of Mountain Designs’ 38 outlets in Australia and New Zealand (see www.mountaindesigns.com for locations).
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