Nepal – Everest Base Camp

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5440
  • Duration: 16 Days
  • Grading: 2C
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There are 2 Everest Base Camps for Mt Everest, each on opposite sides of Mt Everest. South Base Camp is in Nepal at an altitude of 5364m, and North Base Camp is in Tibet at 5150m. These camps are rudimentary campsites on Mt Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. South Base Camp is used when climbing via the southeast ridge, while North Base Camp is used when climbing via the northeast ridge.

Supplies are carried to the South Base Camp by sherpas or porters, and with help of animals, usually yaks. The North Base Camp has vehicle access (at least in the summer months). Climbers typically rest at base camp for several days for acclimatization to reduce the risks and severity of altitude sickness.

The Everest Base Camp trek on the south side is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas and is visited by thousands of trekkers each year. The trek has become a trekking goal for people from all walks of life who want a glimpse of the world’s highest peak.

About The Trek

The trek to Everest Base Camp is on a scenic route that passes through several well known villages in the Everest region. We will start the trek a domestic flight to Lukla. From Lukla, there will be many suspension bridge crossings on the ascend to the bustling village of Namche. We stay 2 nights in Namche to acclimatize. After Namche, there is a split path to Everest Base Camp. The path merge again at Lobuche (4940m). We will be ascending to Lobuche via Khumjung (3780m / the village where Sir Edmund Hillary and his team built their first school in the Everest region) and Phortse (3800m / where most of the Mt Everest guides are from). Ama Dablam will be a constant feature of this route.  It is also possible to spot Mt Everest if the weather conditions are great! The alpine sceneries become more rugged as we trek above the tree line on the Khumbu glacier moraines to Lobuche and then Gorak Shep. Gorak Shep is the last settlement before the base camp. Trekking to the landmark destination of  Everest Base Camp can be challenging but very rewarding for the sense of achievement. After leaving our footprints on Everest Base Camp, we climb up the Kalapathar (5545m) the next day to have a view of Mt Everest and some of the highest Himalayan peaks. We descend via a different route down to Lukla via the Pheriche and Thyanboche Monastery.

On this trek, aside from breathtaking scenery, you can experience unique Sherpa culture by visiting monasteries and museums along the way. Days are filled with long hours of walking, passing colourful prayer wheels, villages and cross swinging bridges with the majestic Himalayas snow peaks mountain view constantly in sight. Evenings are rewarded with hot food and conversation with like-minded people around the dining-room.

Trekking Seasons

There are four main seasons in Nepal. The best seasons to visit Nepal are spring, autumn and winter. Trekkers can trek from March to early June in spring. The next trekking season starts in mid-September and goes up till March. During this period, the visibility is good and it does not rain usually. You can get excellent views of landscapes and mountain ranges in this season. After November the temperature in higher altitudes becomes very low and snowfall starts

Autumn (September to November): Autumn season is considered the best time for trekking in Nepal. It offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views. Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any trek. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes.

Winter (December – February): Winter is when snowfall at higher elevations in the Himalayas is a common occurrence. Though it gets colder in night, it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively less trekkers on the trail. However, not all treks are suitable to be done in winter especially those involving climbing and crossing high passes.

Spring (March – May): Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside a wild flowers  paradise during the spring season. The temperature is warmer as compared to autumn and winter.

 

Experience Required

You should have above 4000m trekking experience. You will be trekking from 2800m to above 5000m in undulating mountain terrain with a personal backpack load of 5-6kg for more than 10 days. Days are filled with long hours of walking, going up and down the mountain route through villages and cross many swinging bridges. After Namche Bazzar, you will be trekking and sleeping at above 4000m. At the altitude above 4000m, the air is thin and weather is more hash.

Equipment and Gear

You will need thermal base layers, a fleece jacket and an outer shell jacket. When at the tea house, after sundown and at above 4000m, a down jacket will help keep you warm. A down sleeping bag is also needed and provided.

A packing list will be provided to all our participants. Please refer to our Resource Centre page to learn about the layering system and choose the right gear/equipment for your trek.

DAY DESCRIPTION MEALS
1

Arrive Kathmandu.

Overnight: Kathmandu hotel (1330m)

– /-/-
2

Half day city tour. Trek briefing & preparation. Welcome dinner.

Overnight: Kathmandu hotel (1330m)

B/-/D
3-4

Flight to Lukla (2840m). Trek to Namche.

Overnight: Teahouse at Phakding (2600m) & Namche (3440m)

B/L/D
5

Acclimatisation hike to 3800m & rest day.

Overnight: Teahouse at Namche (3440m)

B/L/D
6-7

Trek to Dingboche.

Overnight: Teahouse at Phortse (3800m) & Dingboche (4340m)

B/L/D
8

Acclimatisation and rest day in Dingboche.

Overnight: Teahouse at Dingboche (4340m)

B/L/D
9-10

Trek to Gorak Shep (5160m) – the last village before Everest Base Camp. Afternoon trek to Everest Base Camp (5380m); return to Gorak Shep.

Overnight: Teahouse at Lobuche (4940m) & Gorak Shep (5160m)

B/L/D
11

Morning hike to Kalapathar (5643m). Descend to Pheriche.

Overnight: Teahouse at Pheriche (4200m)

B/L/D
12-14

Trek to Lukla via Tengboche (3867m).

Overnight: Teahouse at Namche (3440m), Phakding (2600m), Lukla (2840m)

B/L/D
15

Flight  to Kathmandu.

Overnight: Kathmandu hotel (1330m)

B/-/-
16 Depart Kathmandu. (Programme ends here. Next day arrival on flight, if any, not reflected in itinerary) B/-/-

2024

DATES PRICE
29 Sep – 14 Oct 2024 $2,950 (SGD) / person
6 Oct – 21 Oct 2024 $2,950 (SGD) / person
13 Oct – 28 Oct 2024 $2,950 (SGD) / person
20 Oct – 4 Nov 2024 $2,950 (SGD) / person
27 Oct – 11 Nov 2024 $2,950 (SGD) / person
3 Nov – 18 Nov 2024 $2,950 (SGD) / person
10 Nov – 25 Nov 2024 $2,950 (SGD) / person
24 Nov – 9 Dec 2024 $2,950 (SGD) / person
1 Dec – 16 Dec 2024 $2,950 (SGD) / person
22 Dec 2024 – 6 Jan 2025 $2,950 (SGD) / person

2025

DATES PRICE
22 Mar – 6 Apr 2025 $2,950 (SGD) / person
5 Apr – 20 Apr 2025 $2,950 (SGD) / person
3 May – 18 May 2025 $2,950 (SGD) / person
17 May – 1 Jun 2025 $2,950 (SGD) / person
27 Sep – 12 Oct 2025 $2,950 (SGD) / person
4 Oct – 19 Oct 2025 $2,950 (SGD) / person
18 Oct – 2 Nov 2025 $2,950 (SGD) / person
8 Nov – 23 Nov 2025 $2,950 (SGD) / person
22 Nov – 7 Dec 2025 $2,950 (SGD) / person
6 Dec – 21 Dec 2025 $2,950 (SGD) / person
20 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 $2,950 (SGD) / person
  • Dates listed are for open international group
  • You can also form a private group. For enquiry, send an email to us at [email protected]

Inclusions

  • Return airport transfer in Kathmandu
  • Return domestic KTM-Lukla airfare (max 15kg check in baggage)
  • All land transfer as indicated in itinerary
  • Half day city tour in Kathmandu
  • Meals as indicated in itinerary
  • Twin/Trip sharing accommodation in Kathmandu and in teahouse during trek
  • Trek gear: Sleeping mats, sleeping bags, down jacket and duffel bags
  • Trek support: Climbing guide, assistant climbing guide and porters (1 porter to 1 trekker for open international group)
  • Boiled drinking water, tea and coffee during meals on trek
  • Permits & fees: Trekking permit (TIMS) fee; Sagarmatha National Park entry fee
  • Portable oxygen cylinder and comprehensive first aid kit.

Exclusions

  • International air tickets, airline taxes and fuel surcharge
  • Visa Fee
  • Single Supplement
  • Meals not indicated in itinerary
  • All tipping (Budget around 10-15% of the package fee per trekker for the tip for the trekking crew)
  • Personal porters
  • Personal travel insurance (mandatory to cover travel agent insolvency and trekking up to 6000m)
  • Personal expenses like shopping, laundry etc
  • Personal services during trek like hot shower, WIFI usage and charging of electronic appliances etc
  • Personal travel & trekking gear – warm clothing, shoes, backpacks etc
  • Emergency evacuation and medical expenses
  • Compensation for damaged or lost of personal items (eg: climbing/trekking gear and equipment, cameras and any valuable items etc)
  • Any expenses including accommodation, meals & transfer outside the stipulated trek/climb itinerary – i.e. any person leaving the group for personal travel, illness/injury or any form of extension of stay
  • NEW* Pre-departure COVID-19 Test in Singapore; Pre-departure COVID-19 test in Nepal before returning to Singapore; Serve Stay-Home-Notice (SHN) in Singapore & PCR test before the end of SHN

Please refer to the latest Travel Health Control Measures (Category I, II, III,IV): 
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/shn-and-swab-summary

Support from Ace Adventure Expeditions

We provide pre-trip support to prepare you for the climb:
1. Trip briefing and information kit
2. Gear list and gear discount from selected Singapore outdoor outfitters
3. Training guideline kit
4. Rope skill workshop (For climbs that require rope up and/or fixed rope skill)

We carefully select and establish strong working relationship with our local trek operator to ensure safe participation by everyone. Our local partner is the top 10 companies out of around 2000 trekking companies in Nepal, awarded by the Nepal Mountaineering Association.

Our local climbing guides have extensive experience in guiding treks in all regions in Nepal, possess  intimate knowledge of the local surroundings, conditions and culture and are trained in wilderness 1st aid and emergency rescue. They carry a portable oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter and comprehensive first aid kit for emergency purpose.

 

Fair Treatment to Porters

Our porter to trekker ratio is 1:1. This is to ensure fair treatment to the porters that each porter does not carry an excessive heavy load for the duration of the trek. The 1:1 ration also helps to create more jobs for the locals who work as porters for a living.

Visa

A visa for Nepal can be obtained on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border and Kodari on the Nepal-China border. Outside of Nepal, a visa can also be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.

Nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan will need to obtain visa from Nepal Embassies or Diplomatic Missions in their respective countries, as they do not get visa on arrival at the immigration entry points of Nepal.

For first visit in one visa year (January to December), gratis visa for 30 days is available only for nationals of South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.

Visa on Arrival Requirements
Document Required
  • A valid passport (6 months validity)
  • One passport-size photo with a light background
  • Visa application form
Tourist Visa Fee
(Multiple entry)
  • 15 days: US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
  • 30 days: US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
  • 90 days: US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency
Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currencies: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen. Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee

For latest updates and details of visa application, please visit http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa.

Money

There are plenty of moneychangers located in Thamel in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Some moneychangers may ask for a photocopy of your passport to complete the transaction. Rates are very competitive and usually better than outside of Nepal. Currencies widely accepted for exchange include USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, SGD, etc.

ATM machines are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is advisable to take cash with you when travelling to the more remote areas of Nepal and when trekking as the nearest ATM may be only in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Restaurants that cater mainly to foreigners accept credit cards too. However, many of the smaller and local restaurants and shops prefer or accept only cash payments. It is best to carry and make payment in cash. If paying using a credit card, do check if the credit card service fee is absorbed by the shop or charged back to the credit card holder.

Electricity

Nepal’s electricity is 230V and 50HZ. There are three types of plugs used in Nepal. Two-pronged round pins commonly used in Europe (Type C), three-pronged round pins (Type D) and three-pronged large round pins (Type M).

Nepal does not produce enough electricity and energy distribution is poor throughout the country. In order to equally distribute Nepal’s limited energy throughout the country, the government plans power cuts in advance, especially in winter. Such power cuts, known as “load shedding” can last as long as more than 10 hours. In cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, the restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels catering to tourists mostly have their own power generators to continue electricity supply to sustain their business operations during the power cuts. The electricity, however, can still be intermittent. Voltage fluctuation and blackouts are common.

Language

It is quite easy to get by with English in Nepal; most of the service staff in hotels, restaurants and shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara speak good English.

Along the main trekking trails, particularly the Annapurna and Everest regions, English are widely understood. However, it is interesting and advantageous to learn at least a little Nepali and it is quite an easy language to pick up. Nepali is closely related to Hindi and, like Hindi, is a member of the Indo-European group of languages.

There is one Nepali word every visitor soon picks up – Namaste. Strictly translated it means I salute the god in you, but it is used as an everyday greeting encompassing everything from ‘Hello’ to ‘How are you?’ and even ‘see you again soon’. Properly used, it should be accompanied with the palms pressed together, the Nepali gesture, which is the equivalent of westerners shaking hands.

Food

There are dozens of tourist restaurants clustered in Thamel, Kathmandu and Lake Side, Pokhara, serving everything from Middle Eastern, European, Western, Mexican to Asian cuisines. Indian and Nepali dishes are always the best tasting — and best priced. Among all, Nepali and Newari cuisine are very popular. Nepali favourite dish ‘Momo’ (dumplings) is world-renowned. Dal, Bhat, Kukhura ko Masu, Tarkari & Achar: A typical Nepali set meal consists of rice, lentil, chicken curry, vegetables and pickle. Do not hesitate to state your preference for spiciness. Those who venture into smaller places are often rewarded with better prices. Inspect your bill and count your change before leaving.

In general, set aside around Rs300-500 per dinner and slightly lesser for breakfast and lunch, depending on what, where and how well you want to eat per meal.

  • Coke & other soft drinks – Rs45 per bottle
  • Indian meals with chapatis – Rs150-200
  • Fried rice/noodle – Rs200-300
  • Pizza – Rs250-700
  • Steak – Rs500-1000
Drinking Water

It is strictly not recommended to drink water straight from the tap. It must at least be boiled first or treated with purification tabs. Bottles of mineral water can be easily purchased in hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. Many hotels also provide a small bottle of complimentary mineral water per day to each guest.

Tipping

Giving a tip to tour guides, drivers, and trekking crew such as guides and porters is a common practice in Nepal and an important part of their income. In major hotels and restaurants, service charges may already be included. For service staff in other smaller establishments and taxi drivers in general do not expect a tip from tourists. A tip of Rs20 is sufficient for the bellboy.


Travel Immunization Advice 

There is no compulsory vaccine to be taken to enter Nepal. You should, however, be up to date on routine vaccinations, especially vaccines against water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (examples: hepatitis, typhoid and tuberculosis) while traveling to any destination. You are encouraged to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition.

Recommended routine vaccinations for travellers in general:

Hepatitis A Spread through consuming contaminated food and water or person to person through the faecal-oral route. Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation are poor.
Hepatitis B Spread through infected blood and blood products, contaminated needles and medical instruments and sexual intercourse. Risk is higher for those at occupational risk, long stays or frequent travel, children (exposed through cuts and scratches) and individuals who may need, or request, surgical procedures abroad.

Rabies

 

Spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite, scratch or lick on broken skin. Particularly dogs and related species, but also bats. Risk is higher for those going to remote areas (who may not be able to promptly access appropriate treatment in the event of a bite), long stays, those at higher risk of contact with animals and bats, and children. Even when pre-exposure vaccine has been received, urgent medical advice should be sought after any animal or bat bite.

Tetanus

 

Spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A primary series of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine is recommended for life. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.
Typhoid Fever Spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited.
Influenza A vaccine specific for a given year to protect against the highly variable influenza virus.

For more information and professional advice on travel vaccinations, please consult your doctor or travel clinic.

For people residing in Singapore, you may visit The Travellers’ Health and Vaccination Clinic (THVC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital:

Travellers’ Health & Vaccination Clinic
Address: Level 4, Clinic 4B, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Medical Centre
Contact number: 6357 2222
Website : https://www.ttsh.com.sg/Patients-and-Visitors/Medical-Services/Travellers-Health-and-Vaccination-Clinic/Pages/default.aspx


General Health Advice for Nepal

Respiratory Issues

The Kathmandu Valley often has air pollution. People with chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, may suffer exacerbations in Kathmandu, particularly after a viral upper respiratory infection. Exacerbation of chronic respiratory disease has not been a problem for tourists outside Kathmandu.

Viral upper respiratory infections are extremely common, and the percentage of these that lead to bacterial sinusitis or bronchitis is high. Trekkers should consider carrying an antibiotic, such as azithromycin, to empirically treat a respiratory infection that lasts more than 7 days.

Khumbu cough – High Altitude Bronchitis

The Khumbu cough, also known as the high altitude cough, is named after the area in the Everest region, although it is not specific to Everest. Most cases of high-altitude cough have no obvious infectious etiology.Nearly all people who spend time at extreme altitude (over 5500m) will develop some degree of the Khumbu cough. The pathophysiology is thought to be due to the low humidity and sub-zero temperatures experienced at altitude combined with overexertion. The increased breathing rate at high altitude exposes the delicate lung lining to excessive cold air, which often results in dried out membranes and partially damaged bronchi. This causes extreme irritation that manifests itself in the form of a dry, persistent cough, which can restrict breathing. Eventually the cough can be so violent and put so much strain on the chest cavity that it causes its victim to tear chest muscles or break ribs.

Prevention Measures:

Wear a mask or scarf, which heats and moisturises the air. Pace well to regulate the breathing so as to keep the breathing rate down to decrease the volume of cold air passing through your lungs.
Breathe through the nose and not the mouth to decrease the volume of cold air passing through your lungs. Take a few throat-soothing sweets or lozenges each day to keep the throat moist.
Drink plenty of water, especially hot water. This gives added moisture from the steam.  

Travel Safety Advice 

There is a low rate of serious crime in Nepal. Although Nepal is a safe and stable place, these general travel safety tips may help you along the way. Such basic precautions can keep you and your possessions safe.

Demonstrations & Strikes 

Nepal has a long history of demonstrations and strikes due to many years of political infighting. The political situation has greatly improved and is more stable now but occasionally, demonstrations still occur and they can turn violent. Keep a lookout of news of any impending demonstrations, strikes or curfews; avoid affected areas and do not break curfews.

Scams

Nepali people are generally very friendly and as with many parts of the world, unsuspecting tourists may be easy targets to scams that prey on their fascination of the local culture and kindness. Be aware of scams such as:

  • Deals offered by gem dealers that involve you buying stones to sell for a ‘vast profit’ at home. The dealers normally claim they are not able to export the stones without paying heavy taxes, so you take them and meet another dealer when you get home, who will sell them to a local contact and you both share the profit. Except you do not hear from anyone and the gems may be fake.
  • Children or young mothers asking for milk. You buy the milk at a designated store at an inflated price, the child then returns the milk and pockets some of the mark-up.
  • Be wary of kids who seem to know the capital of any country you can think of; they are charming but a request for money will arrive at some point.
  • ‘Holy men’ who do their best to plant a tika (a red paste denoting a blessing) on your forehead, only to then demand significant payment.
  • Credit card scams are not unheard of; travellers have bought souvenirs and then found thousands of dollars’ worth of internet porn subscriptions chalked up on their bill.

These are some general tips on travel safety:

  • Avoid isolated areas, especially alleys, small streets and stretches of beach.
  • Avoid being alone, especially if you are a woman.
  • Do not accept drinks or food from someone you do not know, and be sceptical of anyone who comes up to you on the street asking whether you remember them from the airport, your hotel or wherever.
  • Duck into a shop if you need to get your bearings or look at a map or suspect that you are being followed.
  • Be cognizant of your surroundings.
  • Carry your passport, money and other documents in a pouch against your skin, hidden under loose-fitting clothing. Or, better, store valuables in a hotel safe, if there is a reliable one, ideally inside a pouch with a lockable zip to prevent tampering.
  • Have your luggage as consolidated as possible, with your valuables well hidden.
  • Do not flaunt personal valuables openly.
  • If you are mugged, do not fight back. It is better to lose a few dollars and a wristwatch than get injured.

It is also a good practice to register with your respective foreign ministry if there is such a service provided to citizens, to contact you in order to make sure that you are safe and, if need be, assist you should an emergency (e.g. natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.) occur when you are overseas.

For Singaporeans, this is the link to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs eRegister :
https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregisterView.action.