Nepal·1 - 12 May 2024
An Unrivalled Bucket List Experience; Everest Basecamp Express via the Classic Route
ENQUIREA pilgrimage of the soul, an unforgettable experience and an adventure famous the world over... The Khumbu Valley, Nepal is one of the most beautiful places in the world and trekking to Everest Basecamp has long been considered a rite of passage for adventurers and lovers of the great outdoors alike. This trek is an epic journey, that showcases the historic and spiritual nature of the Everest region, its incredible natural beauty, amazing Sherpa people as well as the ancient wonders of Kathmandu. Follow in the footsteps of alpine giants; 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 in Lukla at the start of the trek. There is an energy here unlike anywhere else you might visit. A powerful experience awaits; an unbelievable immersion in nature and a chance to reflect, re-energise and be inspired. With helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and Pheriche to Kathmandu, for safety and convenience - trek only one way, saving time on the descent. Make the dream a reality in 2025, with the best accommodation and guides on stand-by to ensure the experience of a lifetime.
Trekking to Everest Basecamp is one of the best things you can do in your lifetime.
See Kathmandu's most important historical and cultural sites with our city tour.
We only ever use the best lodges & tea houses available in each destination.
Safer & more convenient than fixed wing flights between Kathmandu & Lukla.
Nothing is left to chance with expert guiding from our specially-selected Nepali guides.
Our Nepali partners are experts in Himalayan logistics and also own Heli Everest, the safest helicopter service operating in Nepal.
Simply put, one of our favourite people in Nepal.
Kami Fura Sherpa hails from the famed village of Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. He started working in the mountain industry as a porter during his teenage years, which took him to the South Col (8000m) on Mount Everest five times.
Kami is one of the kindest and most fun people in the Khumbu. He has an unmatched sense of humour and a real flair for looking after people on expedition.
Since becoming a guide he has climbed Mera Peak six times, Lobuche East twice, Island Peak seven times, and Thapa Peak once.
Twenty-eight year old Ang Kaji Shepra hails from Sankhuwa Sabha in eastern Nepal, an area renowned for producing high altitude mountaineers.
A fluent English speaker, Ang Kaji started working in the mountain industry in his late teens, initially as a porter. He is now as an accredited trekking and climbing guide with a CV which includes ascents of (the super technical) Ama Dablam (three times), Island Peak (four times), Lobuche Peak (three times), Mera Peak (twice), and Pokalde Peak (once).
He has also been to Camp 4 on Mount Everest where he was forced to descend after his climbing partner suffered a serious injury.
Ang Kaji brings great experience and knowledge of the Khumbu region to True Summit Adventures along with a kind, conscientious yet determined manner and impressed everyone with his professionalism on the 2023 TSA expedition to Lobuche East.
He is married and lives in Kathamndu when not on expedition.
Tashi comes from one of the most preeminent families in mountaineering and expedition management in the world.
He holds the record for the youngest person to climb Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen (in 2005 aged 19) and has been to the summit ten times. His brothers Mingma and Dawa have climbed all 14 mountains above 8000m; the first Nepalis and first brothers to do so. Collectively the became the first Nepali's to ski to the South Pole.
Tashi is one of the best and most experienced expedition managers in Nepal and his family also own Heli Everest, meaning their fleet of A-350 aircraft is always on hand and available to our clients.
Simone is one of the greatest alpinists of all time with four first ascents of mountains over 8000m in winter. Simone is known for climbing alpine style - without Sherpa support, fixed lines or supplemental oxygen in winter.
He is also one of the leading high altitude helicopter pilots in the world. Based in Bergamo in Italy, he spends his springs in Nepal where he is the lead pilot for Heli Everest.
Journey to Everest Basecamp
We follow the classic route to Everest Basecamp through the famed Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar and important settlements Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorakshep on route to Everest.
We then return to Gorakshep before trekking to Pheriche where we board the helicopter back to Kathmandu.
One of the most incredible mountain experiences there is - an adventure classic.
Previous
Next
Welcome to Nepal and 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 Aloft in Thamel, one of the best hotels in Kathmandu.
Aloft is located in the most vibrant part of Kathmandu, close to historic attractions, temples, restaurants, and the outdoor shops, should you need to make any last minute purchases.
Popular with the climbing community, it's possible to see famous alpinists at the breakfast counter, on the terrace, in the pool, or hitting the gym.
In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner where you will meet our Nepali partners, the guides and of course, the other trekkers who will be making this bucket list adventure with you.
Today we explore Kathmandu, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth. Founded in the second century AD, it's home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Durbar Square, Swayambhu Mahachaitya (Monkey Temple), Bouddha Stupa, and Pashupatinath Hindu temple.
We take these all in on our tour, before 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.
After an early breakfast we transfer to the airport and take the one hour helicopter flight to the world famous Lukla airport, 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 plane and into this magical place, seeing the beautiful Himalayas for the first time.
After lunch in Lukla and lots of ginger and lemon tea, we make the gentle hike to Phakding.
Your main bag (up to 15kg) will be carried by our team of super-human porters, whose strength is unparalleled at this altitude.
We operate on a full board basis for the duration of the trek, and encourage you to eat and drink lots for a successful expedition!
Today the trek starts to gain altitude and we cross the famous bridges suspended high above the valley. Not for the feint hearted, but exhilarating none the less!
Our destination is the 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 drink a pint of Guinness at the world's highest Irish pub.
Namche is home to many outfitters, so if you are not 100% happy with your trekking shoes there's still a chance to 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!
We will hike for two hours to the famous Everest View Hotel at 3,888m for an epic lunch accompanied by 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 small but charming village of Khumjung where we can visit the monastery, chat with the locals, buy souvenirs and drink more tea, before heading back to Namche.
Today has two distinct sections. Prior to lunch, the path winds its way 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.
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 with flowering rhododendrons. If we are lucky, we may see Himalayan tahr in the surrounding woodland.
Visits to the monastery and bakery are a must, before we descend to Rivendell, one of the best tea houses in the Everest region where rooms come complete with heated bathrooms. Expect amazing Sherpa hospitality, lots more ginger and lemon tea and maybe even 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 begins to loom even larger in the distance.
In Dingboche we will see kilometres 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 Hotel Bright Star, the best tea house in Dingboche, although accommodation does now start to become more spartan due to the altitude.
Today we will stay for a second night in Dingboche, but continue our all-important acclimatisation with a three hour trek to 5100m.
We then return to Dingboche for lunch and a free afternoon of relaxation.
Games are essential on these slower days. Our game of choice is Perudo or "Liar's Dice". The 6 player game is fast paced and easy to learn - we always bring a set.
Our destination for today is the village of Lobuche, at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier and one of the last Sherpa settlements before Everest Basecamp.
Lobuche is a staging point for 8000m expeditions of Everest and Lhotse and the 7000m expeditions of Nuptse and Pumori. As such, it's a busy and bustling place famous for its bakery, where fresh pastries and good coffee await you.
Our pace will be slow and steady, given our altitude already tops that of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe.
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.
We pause for the all important photos at the famous rock marking the entrance to the basecamp, before we make the two hour trek back to Gorakshep for dinner and to rest after a moving day in the mountains.
We hope you are feeling full of joy this morning, having been to Everest Basecamp and been inspired by seeing first hand the tallest mountain in the world and the launchpad for reaching its mighty summit.
Today after breakfast, we make our way down to Pheriche where helicopters will be hand to take us back to Kathmadu where we return to Aloft for hot showers, celebratory drinks and dinner or perhaps even a much deserved massage.
All good things must come to an end.
Today we say our goodbyes and wish you a safe on-wards journey, but we hope this experience will live on long in the memory. That you will have felt a deep and profound feeling 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 quite been quenched we recommend you stay on in Nepal and head to Bardia National Park and the amazing Tiger Tops where you can attempt to see a tiger in the wild.
One of the best hotels in Kathmandu, with excellent facilities and a great atmosphere and ideally located near to the climbing shops of Thamel.
We choose the best tea house option for you in each village on the way to Everest Basecamp. Photo - Rivendell, one of the best tea houses in Nepal.
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 and Buff
International flights
Nepal entry visa
Travel insurance
Tip for mountain crew
Alcoholic drinks
WIFI in the Tea Houses
Lunch on Arrival / Departure Day
PRICE$998.85/pp
Come earlier or stay on later
PRICE$159.82/pp
Reaching Everest Basecamp requires a good level of fitness. Expedition members should be comfortable walking for six to seven hours a day for multiple days. Unlike climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, accommodation is in tea houses, making recovery easier after a long day's walking.
We have scheduled rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to allow for better acclimatisation. If you are worried about your response to altitude you should ask your GP about the benefits of taking Diamox.
Accommodation on the trek is in Nepal's famed tea houses and we always book the best option in each village. Tea houses are clean, quaint and cosy and the ones we use mostly have private bathrooms and showers although please note, they do become more basic above Tengboche.
Food in Nepal and in the high mountains in particular is great, but relatively simple. Expect pancakes, eggs and porridge in the mornings. Rice, pasta, pizza, noodles and curry dishes are common for lunch and dinner.
Absolutely. Please let us know when you book what you require and we will make sure to have you covered on the trip.
Medical and Rescue from Global Rescue is the best insurance product on the market.
Handy for the entry visa on arrival (for those eligible) and for paying for things in Nepal, including the tip for your hard-working high altitude crew
Twin one of the best things you can do in your lifetime with another.
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
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
Oliver Browne · Tue 18 Apr 2023
A Guide to an Everest Basecamp Trek
Wayne Mills-Kidals · Tue 1 Nov 2022
Good Friend of True Summit Adventures, Wayne Mills-Kidals Shares his Story of Trekking to Everest Basecamp this Autumn
Wayne Mills-Kidals · Tue 1 Nov 2022
Good Friend of True Summit Adventures, Wayne Mills-Kidals Shares his Story of Trekking to Everest Basecamp this Autumn
Oliver Browne · Wed 31 May 2023
10 cool things to do while in Kathmandu, Nepal
Evis Progonati
·
Wed 31 May 2023
After trekking in the Annapurna region, Evis Progonati visited Bhardia National Park in Western Nepal on the lookout for some big cats and other animals