We have designed a route and itinerary that will allow you to trek in to Base Camp with our Expedition Team of climbers and Guides who are heading to climb Mount Everest, and you will join them for 3 days in Base Camp as well.

Dates
March 30 - April 20, 2009
March 29 - April 19, 2010

Included:
• Accommodation in Kathmandu prior to the climb
• All flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, and return
• All Guiding and organization services
• All food while on the trek
• All accommodation in lodges and tents while on the trek
• Base Camp facilities including cook, staff and dining tent while at Base Camp
• Access to our Expedition team doctor (up to Base Camp)
• All Porter support
• All permit fees, liaison officer and interpreter
• Use of Satellite Phone at all camps (based on cost-per-minute)
  

Not Included:

• Meals during Kathmandu stay
• Personal clothing, footwear and equipment - see Gear List for details
• Medical travel and rescue insurance - Required (*)
• International air tickets
• Visa for Nepal
• Airport departure tax
• Telephone charges
• Alcoholic beverages and items of a purely personal nature
• Any excess baggage fees
• Any fees or charges as a result of delays or changes to the itinerary
• Costs associated with early departure before trekking expedition ends
• Accommodations in Kathmandu after the trek is over
• Gratuities for porters and staff
  
  * Emergency Travel Insurance
  All participants are required to obtain Emergency Travel, Medical and Trip Cancellation insurance. We recommend Ingle International Insurance, for details please visit their site here.
  

Prerequisites
While the trek into Everest Basecamp is not technical, we still are aascending to over 5,000 meters (16,500'). The terrain is on trails throughout, though often these are rough and loose. Participants on this trek should feel comfortable hiking on rough trails that are often loose, and be prepared for 6-8 hours of travel on some days. People who are physically fit and experienced hikers should have no problem with the physical challenges presented. In terms of altitude though, while our pace and longer itinerary for this route will help everyone to acclimatize and be able to enjoy the full trip, some people may find it more difficult than others to adequately acclimate. This generally is not related to overall fitness or experience though.

Location
This trek will be going into the renowned Khumbu Region of the Nepalese Himalayas. The trek will start at Lukla at 2,900 meters, after a flight from Kathmandu. From Lukla, you will trek through the valleys into the Base Camp of Mount Everest at 5,300 meters. After a few days at Everest base Camp, you will return to Lukla via a different route going over a high pass and on through Gokyo.

Here is a link to a Map of Nepal for an overview of the region.

Guiding Staff
This trek will join the Climbing Expedition team on their approach to Base camp. Our Everest 2008 Guiding Team will comprise IFMGA Mountain Guides Brian Jones and John Furneaux, along with our highly experienced climbing Sherpas, who will be leading the team up to Base Camp.

On the return trek back to Lukla via Chola Pass and Gokyo, the trek will be lead by our English-speaking Nepalese Sherpa staff and Guides with many years of experience leading groups through these regions.

Itinerary
The total length of the Trekking Expedition will be 22 days return from Kathmandu. We will fly from Kathmandu to Lukla in Nepal, before trekking into Everest Base Camp.

On the first day of the Trek you will meet with your Guides and team-mates, as well as with the Climbing Expedition members in Kathmandu (March 26, 2008). We spend two days in Kathmandu checking over gear and arranging all the final details before departing for the mountain.

From Kathmandu we will fly to the Himalayan town of Lukla, at 2,860 meters (9,000'). Here we start our 10-day trek into Everest Base Camp. You will be acclimatizing to the thin air of the Himalayas, so will be taking your time enjoying the sights, visiting monasteries and getting to know the local peoples and culture.

Equipment
Click on this Gear List for a complete listing of all the required equipment.

Logistics
Everyone is responsible for getting to Kathmandu on (or before) the start date. The team will meet in Kathmandu and begin preparing for the trip. From this point onwards all aspects of the trip regarding travel, food and accommodation are taken care of (except meals in Kathmandu).

Participants should contact the local Nepalese embassy to enquire about visa requirements for travel in Nepal; or, you can visit the official website of Tourism Nepal here; and, the Nepalese Department of Immigration site has more helpful information as well. Visa's can be obtained on entry at most international entry points into Nepal.