The classic fourteen day Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar trek is a must for all mountain lovers! Best possible lodges en route, safe acclimatisation programme and rest days make this a memorable Everest experience with South Col, one of the most experienced Everest operators.
Who should join this trek?
A good choice for regular hill walkers, high level of fitness required. Prior trekking experience advisable.
1) Walking times: average 5 to 8 hours walking per day (with some longer days Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and back upto ten hours) with some rest days included.
2) Altitude: up to 5,646 m at Kala Pattar
3) Terrain: for some of the time following well-travelled trails although also likely to encounter rough and rocky conditions. There is a steep ascent to Kala Pattar which could be snow covered.
4) Remoteness: the trek is in a remote mountain area and a long distance from the roadhead and the nearest cities. However mobile phones and wifi will work on most of the days.
5) High altitude insurance including emergency evacuation insurance by helicopter is compulsory for this trek.
Trek Leader - The trek will be led by a senior South Col Nepal guide with many visits to the Everest region.
Minimum group size is four for this trek
DAY WISE SCHEDULE FOR THE TREK
Day 01: Land in Kathmandu night in a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02 Flight/helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla and walk to Monjo 2800m (5-6 hours) we take the early morning flight from Kathmandu around 7 am and land at Lukla airport in 30 minutes. After breakfast at a lodge in Lukla we begin the first day’s walk to Monjo 2800m. We stop for lunch on the way at Ghat and then stroll along the river to Phakding. We cross the bridge at Phakding and then pass Toktok, Benkar and climb up to Monjo. We should be in Monjo by 3 to 4 pm.
Lukla to Cheplung 45 min to 1 hr; Cheplung to Ghat 45 min to 1 hr; Ghat to Phakding 30 min to 45 min; Phakding to Monjo 90 min to 2 hours
Day 03 Monjo to Namche Bazar (3450 metres) (5-6 hours) Today there is a long climb up to Namche Bazar. We leave Monjo after breakfast and then walk up to the National Park gates15 min away. After checking of our permits we descend in 20 minutes to Jorsale where we stop for tea. From Jorsale we cross the Imja Khola and start the steep three hour climb to the Sherpa capital Namche Bazar.
Monjo to Jorsale 25 min to 30 min; Jorsale to last bridge below Namche 45 min to 1 hr; Bridge to Namche 2 hrs to 3 hrs
Day 04 Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazar We have our first acclimatization day at Namche. Many of us would sit at the bakery and have apple pie while the more intrepid would go for an acclimatization walk to the top of the hill and on to Khumjung.
Day 05 Namche Bazar to Tengboche( 3860m) (6 to 7 hours) We leave Namche and follow the trail to Kyanjuma and then drop into the valley to Phunki Tenga. From Phunki it is a two hour climb to Tengboche. Namche to Kyanjuma 2 hrs to 2.5 hrs; Kyanjuma to Phunki Tenga 45 min to 75 min; Phunki Tenga to Tengboche 2 hrs to 2.5 hrs;
Day 06 Tengboche to Pangboche (4000 metres (3-4 hours) The trail leaves Tengboche and drops to Devoche in 20 minutes. After Devoche it crosses the river over a suspension bridge which offers a great view of Ama Dablam above the crashing waters of the Dudh Kosi. It then passes a large mani wall in the middle of the trail and finally levels out to reach Pangboche. Tengboche to Devoche 20 min to 30 min Tengboche to Devoche 20 min; Devoche to Pangboche 75 min to 90 min;
Day 07 Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp and back to Pangboche 4300m We descent from Pangboche to a bridge across the Imja Khola and then climb the hill opposite Pangboche to the meadow on top which leads to the base camp of Ama Dablam. There is a lodge at the base camp and we will stay the night if it is open otherwise descend back to Pangboche. Pangboche to bridge over Imja Khola 45 min; bridge to lodge at Ama Dablam BC 3-4 hours. Ama Dablam BC to Pangboche 3 hours
Day 08 Pangboche to Dingboche The trail follows the Imja Khola and passes the yak grazing areas of Shomare and then the small tea house of Orsho. We stop for lunch at Shomare. The trail then crosses a bridge over the river. The right path leads to Dingboche about 1 hour. Pangboche to Shomare 45 min to 1 hr; Shomare to Dingboche 90 min to 2 hrs
Day 09 Dingboche to Lobuche (4950m) 5-6 hours We climb straight up the valley which is almost level for the first hour and then ascend to a maidan in 30 minutes. From here the lodges of Dugla are about another 45 minutes away. We stop here for a cup of tea and rest at the Yak Lodge and then push on. It is an hour and 15 minutes to the top of the memorials after Dugla - the hill to climb after Dugla can be hard especially if you are having problems with altitude. At the crest are the "Everest memorials" for sherpas and climbers who did not make it down from Everest. From the memorials the gradient eases off and in about an hour you can spot the lodges of Lobuche. Pheriche to Dugla 2 hrs 30 min; Dugla to Memorials 1 hr to 1hr 20 min; Memorials to Lobuche 90 min to 2 hrs.
Day 10 Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5170m) (3 to 4 hours) The trail follows the moraine of the Khumbu glacier and there is a lot of hard walking over boulders and scree slopes. Pumori comes into view as one approaches Gorak Shep. We usually reach Gorak Shep by 11 am in the morning. If the weather is good we can make it to Kala Pattar in the evening. Alternatively those who want to attempt Everest Base Camp can go to EBC from Lobuche leaving in the early morning after lunch at Gorak Shep. Lobuche to Gorak Shep 2 hrs 30 min to 3 hrs; Gorak Shep to EBC 3 to 4 hrs; EBC to Gorak Shep 2.5 to 3 hrs
Day 11 Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp /Kala Pattar (5554m) and back to Pheriche (4950 metres)
The climb to the view point of Kala Pattar would take around two to three hours depending on the level of acclimatization. From this high point a, magnificent 360 degree view unfolds with all the major peaks of the region visible. We come down in an hour to Gorak Shep and after a quick lunch head down the valley to Lobuche or even Pheriche. This is a long day but a better alternative to spending two nights at Gorak Shep. Gorak Shep to Kala Pattar 2 hrs to 3 hrs Kala Pattar to Gorak shep 75 min to 95 min.. Gorak Shep to Lobuche (down) 90 min to 2 hrs Lobuche to Pheriche 2.5 hours
Day 12 Pheriche to Phortse We walk down to Pangboche and then take the high route to Phortse 3850 metres 5-6 hours
Day 13 Phortse to Namche Bazar 3450m We descend to Phortse Tenga in about an hour and then climb up to Mongla in around 75 min. After a tea stop in Mongla we head down to Kyanjuma 3600 metres for an early lunch at the Ama Dablam lodge. In two hours from Kyanjuma we are in Namche.
Day 14 Namche to Lukla 7-8 hours
Day 15 Lukla to Kathmandu
The cost is per person for Kathmandu to Kathmandu (14 days ) as per the itinerary given
Costs given above are at current rates of 2022 and may change without notice. Changes if any will be notified 3 months before the trek.
Costs include:
Taxi fare from hotel in Katmandu to airport and back for Lukla flight
Sagarmatha National Park permit and TIMS permit for trekking in the Everest region.
Flight cost Kathmandu Lukla to Kathmandu presently USD 360 return.
All accommodation on the trek on twin sharing basis. In Namche Bazar for two nights top end deluxe rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers will be provided and on return one night similar facilities will be provided. Rest of the accomodation with be rooms on twin sharing basis with non attached bathrooms - usually in the corridor.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu one night on the way in and one night on the way out is covered in good Thamel hotel with breakfast.
Cost of porters/guides for the trek. Please note that porters will carry one duffel bag or backpack not exceeding 10 kgs weight for each trekker comprising of personal items, clothing, sleeping bag etc.
Costs not included
Meals in Kathmandu and Lukla.
Breakfast lunch and dinner on the trek is not included. Desserts, drinks, and exotic items listed in the lodge menus are not included. Alcohol, cold drinks (coca cola, sprite, beer), juices, ice cream etc on the trek and in Lukla.
Client travel and medical insurance of any kind. Emergency evacuation costs if needed.
Video camera fees in National Parks (where applicable).
Bottled drinks; boiled, filtered or bottled water; alcohol; snacks etc
Hot showers (Rs 300 per shower) is not included at lodges with shared toilets.
Personal clothing and equipment; sleeping bag; down/ goretek jacket, medicines for personal use etc.
Air fare from residence country to Nepal and back
Tips to porters at the end of trek estimate @ US 50 per trekker to the common pool.
| ITEMS | REMARKS | |
| Duffle Bag | All the equipment listed below other than what you need for the day should be packed into a duffle bag, locked and handed over to the porters in the morning. South Col will provide a duffle bag to you in Kathmandu for the trek. The duffle bag should not weight more than 10 kgs! | |
| 1 | Sleeping Bag | Warm sleeping bag is needed at least three season rated to 15F |
| 2 | Daypack or Hipbelt | To carry water, one jacket some nuts, chocolates, cap, camera to keep with you in the day, maybe gloves and cap as well, hiking poles etc. |
| 3 | Boots or Trekking Shoes | one pair |
| 4 | Slippers or Sandals for camp | lightweight to wear in the evenings |
| 5 | warm Socks | 2 pairs to carry and one pair to wear |
| 6 | Gloves | one pair |
| 7 | Underwear | 1 to wear and 2 to carry |
| 8 | Warm Cap | one- Wool or fleece is usually good |
| 9 | Heavy jacket | the warmest you can get as nights and early mornings are cold - down is usually preferred otherwise a warm synthetic filled jacket. |
| 10 | Thermal Underwear ( top and bottom) - long johns | inner layer to wear at night and early morning ; |
| 11 | Mid Layer | Usually a jacket of fleece or wool which can be worn over a thermal layer or by itself while walking |
| 12 | T shirts for walking | one to wear and 2 to carry - if the sun is hot you can walk in a T shirt |
| 13 | Trousers /tights etc | one to wear and one to carry light weight preferred |
| 14 | One Rain Jacket /Wind Jacket/Soft Shell jacket | useful in case of wind ... you may need it in light rain though we would usually take shelter and wait for the rain to stop. Our trek is not in the rainy season though some light rain/snow in the late afternoon evenings cannot be ruled out. |
| 15 | Torch or headlamp | one small needed carry one set spare batteries |
| 16 | Sun bloc | one small tube should be ok spf 30 or 50 |
| 17 | some essential medicines | vitamins, headache, fever, pain killers, diamox for altitude, your own specific medicines etc |
| 18 | Hiking poles | if you have bad knees then this is recommended especially on the down hills!! |
| 19 | Water bottle | one no 500 ml or 1 litre is ok you can use the 500 or 600 ml empty coke or pepis bottles |
| 20 | Sun glasses | the sun is strong in the day |
| 21 | Cap for the sun | ditto! |
| 22 | small towel | for baths and wash up in case you can use the hot shower |
| 23 | toothbrush, paste, soap, shampoo, vaseline, comb | and any other toilet items you may need! |
| 24 | wet tissues - wet ones for bathroom | called wet ones in India |
| 25 | some washing powder surf etc small | to wash clothes en route if needed |
| 26 | Nuts, raisins etc all mixed up | can be divided into small packets for daily use |
| 27 | Chocolates /Energy Bars/Amul cheese slices/tea bags | Carry some chocolates or energy bars to have on the way. Amul cheese slices are very useful and can be had as snacks when you are tired of sweets! |
| 28 | Sweets | for energy |
| 29 | Volini gel/ Bengay etc for aches and pains | or any other equivalent |
| 30 | Iodine or chlorine tablets for water purification | available in Kathmandu- this is important as mineral water bottles are expensive; for overseas visitors you can get iodine tablets in REI and other large outdoor outlets |
| 31 | Electral or any other rehydating salts | Carry a few small packets of electrolyte - useful to have mixed with water if dehydrated |
| 32 | some spare plastic bags to pack wet stuff, dirty clothes etc | |
| 33 | Book in case you want to read on the way and IPOd for music optional! | |
| 34 | Two small locks one for your duffle bag and one for your room in case the lodge does not have a lock | |
| 35 | Clothes line with hooks on either side in case you want to hang up your wet clothes to dry outside!! | |
| 36 | Super Glue | To patch up boots that may give way! |
| 37 | Face mask | For dust, cold winds etc available in kathmandu |
| 38 | Extra shoe laces | one pair |
Sujoy Das
India: +919831054569; Nepal: +977 9818037020
Lok Silwal
Nepal: +977 9851022984
CANCELLATION POLICY
The cancellation policy and refunds available are given below:
0-7 days before the start of the trek = no refund
8 -15 days before the start of the trek = 75% deducted of the trek amount
16-30 days before the start of the trek = 50% deducted of the trek amount
31-45 days before the start of the trek = 25% deducted of the trek amount
46 days and above = 10% deducted of the trek amount.
Taxes paid by South Col on the amounts received will also be deducted over and above the amounts referred to above.
IN CASE OF LEAVING THE GROUP
If due to illness or any other reason a client has to leave the group and go down or wait at a campsite for the group to pick him/her up on the way back, all expenses including lodging, fooding and any porter/guide related expenses if any are to be borne by the individual client over and above the trek fees paid for the trek. There are also no refunds for leaving a trek before completion.
HIRING OF PONIES ETC
In the eventuality of a client needed the services of a pony to come down to lower altitudes, the cost of hiring the pony will be paid by the client.
CAMPSITES ON THE TREK
The choice of campsites to be used on the trek will be decided by South Col and clients will have to stay at these designated campsites. Clients are not permitted to choose their own campsites on the route.
LODGES ON THE TREK
The choice of lodges to be used on the trek will be decided by South Col and clients will have to stay at these designated lodges. Clients are not permitted to choose their own lodges on the route.
TREK ROUTE
The trek route and day wise schedule will be fixed by South Col and will have to be followed by the client. Clients are not permitted to choose their own routes and night stops.
EVACUATION BY HELICOPTER
In the eventuality of not being covered by emergency helicopter evacuation insurance and an evacuation is considered necessary, the cost of the evacuation will be paid by the client in advance to the helicopter company/travel agent etc as deemed necessary.
DELAYS DUE TO BANDHS, STRIKES AND OTHER FORCE MAJEURE EVENTS
In the event of a delay in starting or ending the trek due to issues beyond the control of South Col, additional costs if any arising out of the same would have to be borne by the clients.
RISKS AND LIABILITY
The trek is in a remote mountain area and has certain additional dangers and risks, some of which include: physical exertion for which the client should be prepared; weather extremes subject to sudden and unexpected changes; remoteness from normal medical services; evacuation difficulties.
In the event of injury or illness South Col Expeditions (Sujoy Das) or its Staff can, at the clients cost arrange any medical treatment and emergency evacuation service as it or they deem necessary for the health and safety of the client. Waiver of liability and release form to be signed by the clients prior to the trek.