Nepal·16 - 27 April 2025
An Unrivalled Bucket List Experience; Everest Basecamp Express via the Classic Route, trekking only one way, with return helicopter flights
ENQUIREThe Khumbu Valley is one of the most special places in the world. On lots of levels and for lots of reasons. The Everest Basecamp Trek has long been considered a right of passage for all adventurers; an epic journey, spiritual in nature, beautiful to behold and historic in significance. Follow in the footsteps of alpine giants and take on the challenge of a lifetime; marvelling at the sheer scale, beauty and enormity of the Himalayas as you do. Pass through tranquil Sherpa villages, staying in warm and welcoming tea houses, visit remote monasteries and feel the sense of calm wash over you as you arrive at the start in Lukla. There is an energy here unlike anywhere else you might visit and a powerful experience awaits; an unbelievable immersion in nature and a chance to reflect, re-energise and be inspired. This is EBC in the best style; trekking one way, with return helicopter flights for safety and convenience and all the best hotel and teahouse options, along with the best Nepali guides and our Founder & CEO, Oliver Browne leading the adventure. Make the dream a reality in 2025! Book a call today to discuss this amazing adventure.
The Everest Basecamp Trek is historic, breathtakingly beautiful, culturally delightful and perfectly challenging.
Our Express Edition compresses the classic basecamp trek while not compromising on acclimatisation we fly you back from Pheriche cutting the time needed in Nepal by several days.
Safer and more convenient than fixed wing flights to Lukla, which now depart from Ramechappe, a 5 hour drive from Kathmandu.
Experience the best sun rise of your lifetime as you climb Kala Patthar 5,545m one of the best vantage points of Mt Everest in the Khumbu Valley.
Nothing will be left to chance with guiding from our CEO and our specially selected Nepali Guides which in 2024 included 7 times Everest summitter Ngima Dorji Sherpa.
We book the best Tea House option in each village but please note the facilities get more Spartan as we get higher.
Our Nepali partners are expert in Himalayan logistics and also own Heli Everest. Handy for getting around or in case of an emergency.
We are committed to giving you the most support possible, prior to and during your adventure.
Kathmandu is a veritable treasure trove of historic sights and places of interest. We will endeavour to show you as many as possible on our City Tour.
Oliver is the Founder of True Summit Adventures, a certified Mountain Leader and an experienced adventurer and alpinist.
He is passionate about Nepal, the Everest region and the basecamp trek in particular, saying, "It's something everyone should do in their lifetime, whether you love climbing or just being in the great outdoors. It is unlike anything else."
Oliver first completed the trek in 2021, his second time in Nepal, whilst on an Everest expedition.
2021 was a difficult year for climbing, one heavily disrupted by the pandemic and weather, but although he did not summit, the experience of the trek, almost spiritual in nature impacted him greatly.
He has since been a further 3 times and led our 2023 expedition to EBC and Lobuche which saw him guide Patrick Kappaz to the summit of Lobuche East, 6119m, who was 16 years and 48 days old at the time record for any climber.
He has now climbed Lobuche East twice, Island Peak once and Mera Peak once.
Oliver will be assisted by a team of high altitude porters and Nepali guides.
Phurkiter is one of the best trekking guides in Nepal and a master of looking after people on expedition.
Hailing from the famed Makalu region of Nepal, Phurkiter studied tourism and hospitality at university in Kathmandu before completing his guiding certification.
He has made the trek to EBC, dozens of times and led out 2024 trek to EBC and Lobuche East where he delighted everyone with his kind and professional manner.
Dinesh is one of the most promising up-and-coming climbers and guides in Nepal. Born and raised in the mythical Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar, Dinesh completed high school in the neighbouring village of Khumjung which was built by Sir Edmond Hilary in 1961.
A graduate of the Khumbu Climbing Centre, Dinesh counts the legendary North Face athlete, Conrad Anker among his climbing partners and mentors.
Dinesh joined us for two treks to EBC, also climbing both Lobuche and Island Peak with TSA in 2024 and impressed everyone with his positivity, love of the mountains, attention to detail and technical proficiency.
Dinesh has climbed both Island Peak and Lobuche East twice and is an Everest / multiple 8000m peak submitter in the making. We are sure you will like him as much as we do.
For those staying on to climb Lobuche East, IFMGA aspirant "PK" will be the lead climbing guide.
Hailing from the famed climbing village of Phortse and bringing a wealth of experience and technical know-how, PK is a 9 times Everest summitter and is the son of a 14 times Everest summitter - climbing is in his DNA.
He has also climbed Cho Oyu 5 times, Ama Dablam 4 times and Lhotse once and is currently in the latter stages of gaining his IFMGA certification.
In 2024, he plans a first ascent of Petrasi Peak (6450m) in the far west of Nepal.
Tashi comes from one of the most preeminent families in mountaineering and expedition management in the world.
Tashi holds the record for the youngest person to climb Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen (in 2005 aged 19) and has been to the summit 10 times in total, while his brothers Mingma and Dawa have each climbed all 14 mountains above 8000m; the first Nepali's, and the first brothers to do so.
Tashi has also completed the Seven Summits and alongside his brothers became the first Nepali to ski to the South Pole.
Tashi is one of the best and most experienced expedition managers in Nepal, if not the nicest. His family also own Heli Everest, meaning their fleet of A-350 aircraft is always on hand and available to our clients.
Journey to Everest Basecamp
We follow the classic route to Basecamp through the famed sherpa town of Namche Bazaar and important settlements Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and finally Gorakshep before arriving at EBC itself.
We then return to Lobuche, before trekking to Pheriche the next morning to board the helicopters back to Kathmandu.
One of the most incredible mountain experiences there is; an adventure classic ...
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Welcome to Nepal and to the experience of a lifetime.
You will be met at the airport by a True Summit Adventures team member and taken to our team hotel, the Hyatt Regency in Bouda; one of the original and best five star hotels in Kathmandu.
Designed in traditional Newari-style architecture and set within 37 acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel offers an oasis of calm in bustling Kathmandu, yet is located, close to all the historic attractions, temples, restaurants and the outdoor shops should you need to make any last minute purchases.
Relax by the pool, visit the spa or hit the gym; in the evening we will meet for a team dinner where you will meet your guides and the other team members.
Today we explore Kathmandu, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth, founded in the 2nd Century AD and home to several World Heritage Sites; the Durbar Square, Swayambhu Mahachaitya (or Monkey Temple) Bouddha and (Hindu burial site) Pashupatinath.
We take these all in on our tour, stopping for lunch at the Roadhouse restaurant overlooking the Boudda Stupa.
Later, we visit the climbing shops in Thamel for any last minute purchases ahead of the expedition.
In the evening we have our official 'welcome dinner' at the Hyatt Regency hosted by Oliver Browne and Tashi Lakhapa Sherpa, who holds the record for the youngest person to have climbed Mount Everest without using supplemental oxygen.
Today is the day!
After an early breakfast we transfer to the airport and take the 1 hour helicopter flight to the world famous Lukla airport, the gateway to the Khumbu Valley.
The views are awe inspiring as we approach and expect a sense of calm to wash over you as you step off the helicopter and into this magical place, seeing the beautiful Himalayas for the first time.
After an energising lunch in Lukla and lots of ginger and lemon tea, we begin the trek with a gentle hike to Phakding.
In the evening we settle into expedition life with dinner, conversations and games - UNO and Perudo are our favourites.
Today the trek starts to gain some altitude and cross some very long bridges, suspended high above the Khumbu Valley! Not for the feint hearted, but exhilarating none the less! The most famous being the Hilary Bridge which hangs 135m above the Dude Khosi river.
Our destination is the almost mythical Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar nestled high in the Himalayan foothills.
Approaching the town, which can only be reached on foot or by helicopter, you will likely feel a sense of wonder at this truly unique mountain community.
Here you can stroll through the market, visit the barber shop, enjoy a cappuccino and slice of marble cake at the world famous Sherpa Barista Cafe or even a pint of Guinness at the worlds highest Irish pub.
Namche is also home to many outfitters so if you are not 100% happy with your trekking shoes you can still buy a new pair!
Today we take a pause in the expedition to allow ourselves to acclimatise to the increasing altitude. But it's not all sitting around drinking tea!
Today we hike for 2 hours to the famous Everest View Hotel at 3,888m for an epic lunch where we can enjoy the incredible views of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks, Lhotse, Nuptse and the mighty Ama Dablam.
After lunch we take the short walk to the village of Khumjung where you can visit the monastery, see the famous Yeti skull, shop for souvenirs and drink more tea, before heading back to Namche.
Today has two distinct sections and the path traverses gently up the valley until we cross the Dudh Khosi river at 3,250m.
After lunch we start to ascend rapidly towards our destination, Tengboche, a holy place in Sherpa culture, famed for its Buddhist monastery and bakery where the cakes are really excellent!
We have now hit some serious altitude and get more views of the Himalayan giants, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam.
At this time of year, the hill slopes around Tengboche are covered in with flowering rhododendrons and if we are lucky we may see the Himalayan Tahr in the surrounding woodland.
A visit to the monastery is a must, as is the bakery, before we descend to Rivendell, one of the best tea houses in the Everest region to enjoy more Sherpa hospitality, more ginger and lemon tea or perhaps a glass of red wine by the fire.
Today we head above the tree line, leaving the greener parts of the Khumbu Valley behind as we head for Dingboche. Huge mountains tower around us and the scenery is breathtaking; Everest looms larger in the distance.
In Dingboche we will see kilometers of stone walls, built from the stones that once covered the entire Valley of Imja, which were removed for cultivation and where potatoes now grow.
More amazing Sherpa hospitality awaits us!
At this height the accommodation becomes more spartan; here we are at the Hotel Bright Star, the best tea house in Dingboche.
Today we stay a second night in Dingboche, but continue our all important acclimatisation with a 3 hour trek to 5100m, after which we return to Dingboche for lunch and more tea!
In the afternoon there is time to visit the bakery for coffee and cakes while those in the mood can watch one of the climbing films on play.
It is then back to the tea house for more impeccable Sherpa cuisine and very likely - more games!
8.5km South West of Everest Basecamp and at the foot of the Khumbu glacier lies the village of Lobuche, our destination for today and one of the last Sherpa settlements before EBC itself.
Lobuche is a staging point for 8000m expeditions of Everest and Lhotse and the 7000m expeditions of Nuptse and Pumori and as such is a busy and bustling place famous for its bakery where fresh pastries and good coffee await the weary traveller.
We trek slowly and within ourselves given we are now at an altitude of nearly of 5000m and higher than the European giant, Mont Blanc!
Today is the day we have been looking forward to as we trek to the base of the highest mountain on Earth and marvel at its sheer enormity, stature and wildness.
Truly, this is a beautiful place, but a historic one also; the scene of so much triumph as well as tragedy in the hundred or so years since mankind began its obsession with reaching this most prized of summits.
Few people fail to be moved in its presence as we ponder on all the alpine giants who have gone before us; first ascents, first ascents without supplemental oxygen, speed ascents, winter ascents and perhaps the greatest ascent; by the late Swedish alpinist Goran Krupp who made a solo, alpine ascent (no sherpa assistance / fixed ropes) in 1996, having cycled to EBC from his home in Sweden, before cycling back.
Afterwards we make the trek back to Lobuche for dinner, rest and lots of story sharing of our experience together.
This morning we wake early at around 4am and make the short climb to the summit of Kala Patthar to enjoy a spectacular sunrise - hopefully one of the best of your life.
Here we will get the best views of Mount Everest of the trip and enjoy a small glimpse into the world of high altitude mountaineering where the push to the summit is normally done in the dark.
After taking in the incredible views we descend back to Gorakshep for a well deserved breakfast afterwhich we make the short trek to Lobuche where we will board the helicopters that take us back to Kathmandu.
Sadly all good things must come to an end.
Today we say our goodbyes and wish you a safe onwards journey, but we hope this experience will live long in the memory, that you will have felt a deep and profound sense of joy during your time in this most beautiful of places, the Khumbu Valley, Nepal.
Drivers will be on hand to take you to the airport.
For those whose thirst for adventure has not quit been quenched we invite you to visit Bhardia National Park in Western Nepal and the incredible Tiger Tops where you can attempt to see a tiger in the wild.
One of the original and best five star hotels in Kathmandu. Designed in traditional Newari-style architecture and set within 37 acres of landscaped gardens.
We select the best and most comfortable tea house for you in each village - like the amazing Rivendell in Tengboche which comes with ensuite bathroom, shower, western toilet, heated blankets and an amazing communal dining room serving excellent Sherpa cuisine.
Please note that facilities get more Spartan the higher you go and bathrooms are shared in Lobuche.
Hotel transfers on arrival and departure
Accomodation on a full board basis
Return helicopter flights from Kathmandu
Western and Nepali guides
Dedicated first responder and first aid kit
Oxygen cylinder
All permits
Porters
Welcome and farewell dinners
All meals
Iridium satellite phone
Bottled water throughout
True Summit Cap, Beanie and Buff
Expedition duffle bag
International flights
Nepal entry visa
Travel insurance
Tip for mountain crew
Alcoholic drinks
WIFI in the Tea Houses
Lunch on Arrival / Departure Day
See tigers in the wild in Bardia National Park staying at the incomparable Tiger Tops
PRICE$1,991.04/pp
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Stay on and bag a Khumbu Classic. Suitable for novice or first time climbers with a good level of fitness.
PRICE$1,198.62/pp
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Come earlier or stay on later
PRICE$226.41/pp
ENQUIREReaching Everest Basecamp and climbing Lobuche East requires a good level of fitness; members should be comfortable walking for 6 to 7 hours a day for multiple days. Unlike, Kilimanjaro, accommodation is in Tea Houses meaning recovery is easier after a long day's walking.
The altitude for EBC trek should not be under estimated which is why we have a rest day in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to allow people to acclimatise better. If you are worried about your response to altitude then discuss with your GP about taking Diamox.
We always go for the best option in each location.
In Kathmandu we stay at the excellent Hyatt Regency in Boudha, one of the original and best 5 star hotels in Nepal. The accommodation on the trek is in the famous tea houses.
The tea houses are clean, quaint and cosy, but they are not hotels and nor would we want them to be.
That said, the tea houses we use mostly have wifi, private bathrooms and showers with Western toilets, although please note, they become more basic above Tengboche.
Food in Nepal and in the high mountains in particular is relatively simple, but plentiful. Expect pancakes, eggs and porridge in the mornings and rice, pasta, pizza, noodle and the currry dishes for lunch and dinner.
The tea houses provide blankets, but it is best to bring a sleeping bag or ask us to rent you one in Kathmandu. If staying on to climb Lobuche East you will need a sleeping bag for the night at the high camp.
Handy for the entry visa on arrival (for those eligible) and for paying for things in Nepal, including the tip for high altitude crew
The better shape you can arrive in, the better you will cope with the altitude and the climb. Train at KXU, in London on Wednesday mornings in a specially prepared HIIT Class for alpinists.
The trek to EBC requires significant time above 4000m and some periods above 5000m. We have included 2 acclimatisation days in Namche and Dingboche respectively, but recommend everyone to go slowly between villages to aid acclimatisation further, appreciate the views and enjoy the epic conversations.
Please note that helicopter transfers are scheduled by date and morning / afternoon only. Approximate times for your flight will be given to you the night before and we aim to get everyone to / from Lukla as promptly as possible.
Everest Base Camp trip - WOW! Recently went to Everest Base Camp with True Summit Adventures, a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Oli was absolutely fantastic from the point of booking, providing me with a 12 week training plan to prepare myself and checking in regularly to make sure I was actually getting ready. The service and attention to detail, as well as the flexibility were absolutely fantastic! I couldn’t recommend True Summit Adventures highly enough. Already planning my next trip with Oli, Kilimanjaro next year.
Phillipp Iarmaltchouk, Private Banker
Top notch; First class; Unparalleled; Exceptional - Choose your superlative and True Summit Adventures meets and exceeds it! My sons and I recently returned from another trip with them, this one trekking and mountaineering in the high Himalayas. Oliver and his team are not only world-class expedition leaders, they are superb and charming hosts who provide a level of personalized service and attentiveness rarely found in such operations. They really make an effort to ensure the team bonds, and usually lifelong friends are the result. TSA turns a memorable trip into the trip of a lifetime. I cannot recommend TSA enough!
George Kappaz, Private Equity Principal
EBC is a must-do for everyone who wants to have a physical challenge in breathtaking surroundings. Forget what is being said about it being a bit crowded (it is); when you're in the mountains with a group lead by Oliver, you feel it's all about you, group empowering and nature! Oliver leads in a way that you feel he's one of the group that just happened to know the mountains best. In a week he turned a bunch of individuals into a group of friends.
Rob Van Rozendaal, Entrepreneur
Oliver Browne & TSA are the BEST ! My son Sterling and I have done Kilimanjaro - best trip ever and Everest Base Camp this past year. Safety, reliability, fun with great people ..
James McBride, Hotelier, Nihi Sumba
Absolutely great experience. True individual approach from Oliver and his team.
Dmitry Scherbakov, Founder, La Liga Tennis
Oliver organised the most awesome expedition. Not only a great guide he is also a master in logistics. Everything worked like a Swiss watch.
Farzin Pourmokthar, ex investment banker
Trip of a lifetime to Everest Base Camp A journey into another world that I will never forget in my life. I had the pleasure of travelling to Nepal and the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp with True Summit Adventures at the end of March 2024. The whole venture was organised by Oliver, from True Summit Adventures. The dedication with which Oli devoted himself to each individual participant gave me the feeling from the outset that I was in exactly the right hands. From the moment the trip was arranged (about 3 months beforehand) Oli was always available for every single participant. He put together a great training programme for us, which was essential for the trip. He was also available at any time and at any hour to answer any questions. The dedication with which Oli devoted himself to this trip and the participants made the magical journey something unforgettable. The experiences we had on the trip, the people we met, the friendships we made, it all made it to something unique, that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. My big thanks go to True Summit Adventures and especially to Oli personally, because the way he made it so special. The next trip is already being planned and I can hardly wait to experience the next adventure with Oli. For all those who have not yet had this pleasure, I can only say from the bottom of my heart, please do not hesitate any longer! You can experience adventures and journeys here that will shape you for life. It was one of the best decisions in my life to team up with True Summit Adventures and Oli! Thank you Oli for an unforgettable time! Looking forward to the adventure ahead!
Vladan Miksic-Kheyfits, Entrepreneur
