EBC Trek & Stay at Everest Base Camp Proper
Rugged Luxury EBC Trek
Annually: April 3rd – April 22nd – $5,495 USD
Everest Base Camp is perhaps the most iconic trek in the world and for good reason. This stunningly scenic pilgrimage into the high Himalayas is not only a grand adventure that will take you to the foot of the highest mountain on earth but it is also a deep personal challenge that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Winding your way up through the Khumbu Valley, you can expect to pass through enchanted rhododendron forests, stay in quaint villages, camp on a living, breathing glacier that forms on Mt. Everest and be enveloped by views of our planet’s most breathtaking mountains. Not for the faint-hearted, it’s physical for sure but nevertheless achievable for anyone willing to put in a little training.
What makes the beauty and excitement of trekking in this majestic landscape even better is the hospitable Sherpa culture. Sherpa are renown the world over for their graciousness and generosity and the moment you step foot on the trail you too, will know why.
- Cross one of the world’s greatest treks off your bucket list
- Be a team member and be part of an Everest climbing expedition & stay at Base Camp proper
- Experience Sherpa culture, food and hospitality
- Climb the famous and rugged Kala Pathar for spectacular views of Everest in her entirety
- See Everest and the Himalayas from the air while flying to and from Lukla
How Our Everest Base Camp Trek is Unique
We encourage you to research your many options when it comes to picking a guide service for your dream Everest Base Camp trek. As a popular trek, we know that there is a huge variety of operators to chose from who offer different trek styles and therefore prices. A few ways in which we differ and add value to our trips are:
- You will spend 2x nights in our luxury camp on the Khumbu glacier inside Base Camp Proper rather than down valley in a teahouse far away from the action. (Most trekking companies that aren't affiliated with an actual Everest climbing team are not allowed to stay in camp and simply tag 'trekkers rock' which is located on the outskirts of camp before returning down valley. Very few even enter base camp itself which is a shame as you miss out on the scene and community of Everest expedition life.
- You have the opportunity to take part in a 'Climbing Clinic' and learn ice-climbing and rapelling in the safe base of Khumbu icefall where we will help you take some great hero photos to remember your experience (Technically you'll be able to say you've climbed on Everest!)
- Trek alongside real Everest Guides and aspiring summit climbers, be part of a summit expedition as a front row witness to all the action and understand what really goes into an Everest Expedition!
This is perhaps the best and most iconic trek in the world! Hiking to Everest base camp should be on everyone’s bucket list. What makes the beauty and excitement of trekking in this majestic land even better is being part of the lovely and hospitable Sherpa culture. Sherpa are known the world over for their graciousness and generosity.
Enjoy spending time visiting famous cultural and religious sights on our way through this scenic valley in the shadow of the world’s highest mountains. Our slow acclimatization schedule means there is plenty of time to explore landmarks like the famous Tengboche Monastery where you can stop by to visit a High Lama and receive a blessing, take time to explore the famous Namche Bazaar – the Sherpa capital or have a beer in the world’s highest pub. Passing by countless Tibetan Buddhist stupas and chortens, you will feel the rich culture of Tibetan Buddhism come alive.
We choose to implement a slow acclimatization schedule, not just so you can take in the sights and sounds of the valley but to ensure you enjoy your trek and feel great. Altitude isn’t something to be feared, it’s achievable for most people but it isn’t a process that can be rushed. Treks that move too quickly often have disgruntled, unwell people because their bodies are struggling to adjust.
Yes, trekking to Mt. Everest base camp requires good fitness but it is an achievable goal. You need have the mindset to be away from home for several weeks, along with the desire for adventure travel. The Khumbu is still a remote place with few of the creature comforts we have come to expect at home so it’s best to suspend your expectations of 5 star luxury, super smooth trails and blazing fast internet. In fact, when you embrace it, you’ll enjoy the slower pace of life and being a little disconnected from the rush of the Western world. That said we do our best and select teahouses that are clean, have great food and offer hot showers and 3rd party wifi internet for purchase.
The CTSS Mt. Everest base camp trek begins in Kathmandu where we obtain our permits and encourage you to enjoy a day checking out the city before beginning the trek in to base camp via the Khumbu Valley by flying in to Lukla to begin your expedition which will see you trek to over 17,600ft/5,400m!
Throughout time the human desire to explore new places has been part of our DNA and the world’s highest mountain, Everest, is an incredible draw. Trekking to its base camp is one of the world’s most sought after adventures and for good reason. Not only is it spectacularly beautiful, it is a challenging adventure that anyone should be proud of.
Trekking within a CTSS Everest expedition is an opportunity to experience what a real Mt. Everest climbing team experiences, from the thoughts and feelings of the team on the approach to what life is like at base camp. It’s a rare chance that few people have to gain a true insight into what it is to climb the world’s grandest peak. Most Base Camp treks aren’t affiliated with Everest expeditions and therefore aren’t able to stay at Base Camp proper. They simply reach the outskirts of the camp, tag ‘Trekker’s Rock’ and turn around. They rarely get to spend time or speak to the mountaineering community at all.
If you’re interested in mountaineering or what goes into an Everest expedition then this is a great trek.
As the premier high altitude guide service, CTSS is committed to your safety and success. We are not a huge “trekking factory” but a modestly sized, nimble guide service that prides itself in customizing our program to your individual needs.
In choosing us you are hiring the finest guides and logistical support in the industry. Benefiting from countless Himalayan expeditions and treks and drawing on decades of first hand guiding experience, we have worked hard to refine our logistics in order to offer you the highest chance of success at an exceptional value. In fact, I personally lead our Everest base camp.
Further, we invite our Everest climbers to ask their friends and family to join them on this exotic journey by jumping on our Everest base camp Trek, Lobuche climb, or Everest C2 and C3 programs. You will be able to share many of the cultural experiences together and they will even be able to spend some time with you at base camp and possibly above. This time together often makes these long expeditions more “do-able” from a time away perspective.
We look forward to sharing a great experience with you on the Mt. Everest base camp trek.
Best regards,
Mike Hamill
Owner and Director, Climbing the Seven Summits
- Trek with a real Everest/Lhotse climbing team: This is your opportunity to peer into what an actual Everest/Lhotse climbing team goes through on the approach to base camp. You will get to know the personalities and Sherpa that will attempt to stand on the top of the world. This adds a very unique aspect to the world’s most breath-taking trek.
- Stay at Everest Base Camp: Because you are associated with an actual climbing team you are allowed to stay at Everest base camp. This option is not open to other trekkers but is one of the best parts of an Everest base camp trek and to miss it would be a huge loss. Most trekking groups reach the beginning of camp and turn around to rush back to their teahouse for the night. You will spend the night at base camp with the climbers and have time to walk around and experience the community. What’s more, you can even walk a short way into the first, safe part of the Khumbu icefall to see what it’s like.
- Best Value: We have worked hard to create the best trek at the best price. We implore you to do your homework and look closely at what others offer in terms of leadership, ability to stay at Everest base camp and camp accommodations, quality of food, guide experience, logistics, hotels, acclimatization schedule, Sherpa expertise, personal service and professionalism. We firmly believe that comfortable, well-nourished, healthy trekkers are strong and successful trekkers. An Everest base camp trek is too important to not look closely at the details and we are here to answer your questions. We want you feel 100% confident in joining our team. We have spared no expense and yet still offer you the best rates in the industry.
- The best teahouses: CTSS always stays at some of the finest teahouses in the valley. We choose our teahouses based upon quality of accommodations, hygiene and cleanliness, food and hospitality. Everest base camp trek teahouses are rustic to be sure, and this is adventure travel. Even so, you will be in relative luxury.
- The best guides: This is hugely important- please research the quality and experience of your guides thoroughly. All of our guides have extensive knowledge of the region and have proven themselves at altitude time and again. Many of them have dozens of trips to Nepal and have stood on top of Mt. Everest so can talk to what it’s like to climb the mountain.
- Highest paid Sherpa: We purposely pay our Sherpa more than anyone so that they are happy and take care of our clients. Year in, year out we can attract the best talent. Our world-class team of Sherpa are hand-picked by Sirdar Tendi Sherpa and CTSS owner Mike Hamill to ensure we have the cream of the crop. They are all close friends who we have complete confidence in. Because they are paid well they go the extra mile to make sure base camp is exceptional and that our clients are extremely well taken care of. Once they’ve been selected for the team, they go through intensive training and a 5-day review process which includes mountain medicine, client care, technical rescue, and guiding principles before being ok’ed to work. We believe in our Sherpa and know that they will do a great job for you and become friends for life.
At CTSS we offer the widest variety of trek options as well as a Lobuche climb so that you can customize your Mt. Everest base camp trek experience to your trekking style, ability, interests and budget. A Mt. Everest base camp trek should not be “one size fits all.”
Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek
Annually: April 3rd – April 22nd – $5,495 USD
The Everest base camp trek is widely heralded as the best trek in the world, and for good reason.
This trek takes you from Kathmandu by plane to Lukla at the head of the Khumbu valley. From there you trek roughly 40 miles/70 km through the lush green pastures, blossoming Rhododendron forests, up into the most precipitous mountain terrain one can imagine. En route to Everest base camp you get to experience the famous Sherpa culture and hospitality while taking in the views of literally the tallest mountains on earth.
At Everest Base Camp Proper you will spend 2x nights in our Expedition Camp, with the opportunity to do a beginner friendly ice climbing/mountaineering skills clinic in the lower part of the Khumbu Glacier, time to hang out in the famed ‘Big House’ Dome complete with unlimited cappuccinos from the world’s highest cafe, play a game of the world’s highest ping pong table! and relax taking in vistas over the icefall.
After your unique stay at Base Camp, you will retrace your steps back down valley, before flying back to Kathmandu, and onward home.
The terminus of your trek is Everest base camp at 17,600ft/ 5,500m where, since you are affiliated with an Everest climbing expedition, you are allowed to spend a night at base camp. This allows you to get a sense of the Everest base camp scene and community while other trekking groups don’t get this luxury. You even have the option to scale Kala Pathar the morning you leave base camp for stunning views of the Everest Massif, Lhotse and Nuptse.
This trek is ideal for anyone who wants to challenge themselves and is a great option for families and friends of CTSS climbers. They can join the trek in, stay at base camp proper (which is not open to everyday trekkers) & get a first-hand experience of being part of a Mt. Everest and Lhotse expedition.
For tentative itinerary, please see schedule tabs below
*We highly recommend adding further contingency days on the end of your trip and booking a flexible fare for the return flight home. Flights can sometimes be delayed out of the Khumbu due to mountain weather. Please note CTSS covers one night in Kathmandu at the end of your trip.
Everest Base Camp Rugged Luxury Executive Trek
March 28 – April 14* (18 Days): $18,995 USD
The finest in Himalayan trekking, our Everest Base Camp Executive trek is heralded as the ultimate luxury adventure. At every turn you will be spoilt with the best the Himalayas has to offer.
Included in this option:
- Relish in five star, single room accommodation in Kathmandu
- Enjoy the best teahouse accommodation, food, and hygiene and single rooms the Khumbu has to offer
- 2x nights sleeping on the glacier in our Everest Executive heated, personal geodesic domes at Base Camp
- Partake in a Climbing Clinic at Everest, learn to ice climb, abseil and ascend fixed lines in the lower Khumbu icefall
- Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight out of Everest Base Camp (or Gokyo if you chose that extension) back to Kathmandu
- Take in the culture and history of Kathmandu during a full day city tour at the beginning of the expedition. For tentative itinerary, please see schedule tabs below
*We highly recommend adding further contingency days on the end of your trip and booking a flexible fare for the return flight home. Flights can sometimes be delayed out of the Khumbu due to mountain weather. Please note CTSS covers one night in Kathmandu at the end of your trip.
Lobuche East Climb
April 3 – April 24*: $6,995
Lobuche Peak is a jewel of the Himalaya and offers perhaps the best summit view in the world! Lobuche is surrounded by the tallest peaks on earth and the view from the summit peers out on the Everest/Lhotse/Nuptse massif, Makalu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and many others. This is a great first Himalayan climb and a great training peak for taller mountains such as Aconcagua, Ama Dablam, and Cho Oyu. To consider an ascent of Lobuche East peak participants must be familiar with crampon and ice axe technique and have used a harness before. We will run a training refresher at Lobuche base camp before the ascent so if you are a little rusty, don’t worry, we will get you up to speed. If you’re not sure if you have the experience for this climb, please ask us. If not, we can recommend other training to get prepared for a Lobuche ascent.
If you’re a climber your friends and family can join you on your acclimatization climb of Lobuche en route to Everest and challenge themselves on steep fixed-line climbing up rock, snow, and ice.
For tentative itinerary, please see schedule tabs below
*We highly recommend adding further contingency days on the end of your trip and booking a flexible fare for the return flight home. Flights can sometimes be delayed out of the Khumbu due to mountain weather. Please note CTSS covers one night in Kathmandu at the end of your trip.
Camp 2 Mt. Everest Climb (21,500ft/6,500m)
April 3 – May 1*: $16,995 USD
Looking to climb Mt. Everest in the future and interested in getting real training on her slopes under your belt? Looking to climb Cho Oyu or another first 8000m peak? Or perhaps you wish to climb on Mt. Everest but have no interest in going to the summit? Our partial Everest climbs may be the perfect budget friendly option for you. Please contact us directly to discuss these options.
For tentative itinerary, please see schedule tabs below
*We highly recommend adding further contingency days on the end of your trip and booking a flexible fare for the return flight home. Flights can sometimes be delayed out of the Khumbu due to mountain weather. Please note CTSS covers one night in Kathmandu at the end of your trip.
Camp 3 Mt. Everest Climb (24,000ft/7,500m):
April 3 – May 9*: $18,995 USD
Looking to climb Mt. Everest in the future and interested in getting real training on her slopes under your belt? Looking to climb Cho Oyu or another first 8000m peak? Or perhaps you wish to climb on Mt. Everest but have no interest in going to the summit? Our partial Everest climbs may be the perfect budget friendly option for you. Please contact us directly to discuss these options.
For tentative itinerary, please see schedule tabs below
*We highly recommend adding further contingency days on the end of your trip and booking a flexible fare for the return flight home. Flights can sometimes be delayed out of the Khumbu due to mountain weather. Please note CTSS covers one night in Kathmandu at the end of your trip.
CTSS Custom and Private Climbs: (contact us for customization and current pricing)
We pride ourselves on our ability to customize your trek to suit your needs. As a smaller team, we can fully customize your trek to you, and in fact we encourage this customization. A Mt Everest base camp trek should not be one size fits all. We offer the most options (see expedition options) because we believe every trekker has individual needs. Our personalization and client care are second to none. DON’T get lost in the numbers and join a large team where quality and personal attention suffer.
Allowing you to customize your expedition to suit your needs and budget is a huge priority for us. As mountaineers ourselves, we understand that it’s the little things that can make the difference and not everyone is the same when it comes to their approach. Therefore we encourage you to tailor your expedition and talk to us about any other options you may wish for.
Single rooming option: $1250 USD
We are happy to organize single rooming accommodations and a tea house upgrade for you throughout the expedition. If you snore or are easily awakened by others that do snore, this might be a great option. We stay at some of the nicest teahouses in the Khumbu valley throughout our trek to keep you healthy and to provide you with comfort. Many teahouses offer room upgrades which may include an en suite bathroom with hot shower and more space, whereas our normal rooms generally have a shared bathroom and shower for an added fee.
Shared Helicopter to Lukla at the end of the climb: $3,495 USD
Many trekkers are anxious to get home to family and friends as quickly as possible after two months in the mountains. Because of this, we offer to arrange a private helicopter for you from Everest base camp to Lukla to avoid the three day, 40 mile walk back down the valley. It’s also a once in a lifetime experience in it’s own right and an incredible way to see what you have trekked from the air and take a scenic flight amongst the Himalaya. From Lukla you will either catch a flight that day or spend the night before catching your regularly scheduled flight back to Kathmandu. Taking a helicopter to Lukla and a fixed wing plane back to Kathmandu, rather than a helicopter the entire way saves many thousands of dollars.
Shared Helicopter to Kathmandu at the end of the climb: $5,995 USD
For those that aren’t as price sensitive and who want to get back to Kathmandu and homeward bound as quickly as possible at the end of the trek, we can arrange a private helicopter for you directly from Everest base camp to Kathmandu. This avoids the three day, 40 mile walk back down the valley and waiting for a night in Lula for a flight back to Kathmandu. It’s also a once in a lifetime experience in it’s own right and an incredible way to see what you have trekked from the air and take a scenic flight amongst the Himalaya.
Pre Trip Full Day Cultural Tour – $200 per person
Kathmandu is one of the most exciting, culturally rich cities in the world. Unique, and overflowing with sights, smells, sounds and tastes, it’s both chaotic and charming. A city of true contrast it needs to be experienced to be understood. During our Kathmandu Cultural Tour an English speaking guide will show you the best history and culture the city has to offer.
Additional Nights at Everest Base Camp: $250 USD per night
If trekkers want to stay at base camp longer than the itinerary we can add additional nights for $250/each. If you would like to stay longer than a week you will need a Nuptse climbing permit which allows you to stay at base camp throughout the entire Everest expedition season. Please contact us directly to arrange this.
Gokyo Return Extension – $1,495 USD per person
Once you’ve achieved your goal of Everest Base Camp, why not make your return a little different and rather than retracing your footprints back down the Khumbu valley, instead spend a few days seeking some new scenery by visiting the Gokyo region. Gokyo itself is a small hamlet of stone houses and one of the highest settlements in the world, surrounded by truly breathtaking vistas, mountains and glaciers.
You’ll see and experience more of these amazing mighty Himalayan mountains, climb the famous Cho La Pass (5,420m) escape the madding crowds and view the stunning Gokyo Lakes before rejoining the main trail at Namche Bazaar for the final day’s trek back to Lukla.
This extension is best suited to experienced and fit trekkers who are keen to get off the beaten path and further challenge themselves.
Dietary restrictions accommodation: (please let us know, no charge)
We can accommodate just about any dietary restriction if you let us know far enough in advance. Please make us aware of any restrictions you may have and we will do our best to create healthy and satisfying options.
EBC Trekker Emily shares her thoughts on the Trek
Emily had her reservations about signing up to join a Climbing the Seven Summits Everest Base Camp trek, see what she thought…
Take a tour of CTSS' Mt. Everest Base Camp
CTSS prides itself on offering the best expedition at the best price. Because of this we offer many amenities that other companies don’t. We have carefully worked through all of the details of our expedition to offer you every nuance that can help you be successful and comfortable and stripped our program of anything that could hinder you.
Expedition Itineraries
Everest Base Camp Tentative Daily Schedule: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel so this schedule will likely change and not everything will go as planned. People need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend people arrive in Kathmandu one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for you arriving a day or earlier or for a single rooming option.
Day Itinerary
1 Arrive in Kathmandu, airport pick up and transfer to our hotel.
2 Meet for breakfast, Guide briefing, gear check & free afternoon in Kathmandu
3 Fly to Lukla/Trek to Phakding
4 Trek to Namche Bazaar
5 Rest/Acclimatization in Namche
6 Hike to Tengboche
7 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche. Visit the Tengboche Monastery
8 Hike to Pheriche
9 Rest/acclimatization in Pheriche
10 Hike to Lobuche Base camp (tented camp)
11 Trek to Lobuche High Camp, return to Lobuche Base Camp (tented camp)
12 Trek to Gorak Shep
13 Trek to Everest Base Camp & Overnight in Base Camp Proper
14 Explore Base Camp, Climbing Clinic in lower Icefall, Overnight in Base Camp Proper
15 Climb Kala Patthar and descend to Pheriche
16 Trek to Namche
17 Trek to Lukla
18 Fly to Kathmandu
19 Contingency Day
20 Fly Home
Note: Unused Contingency Days are not included in the cost of your program however we highly recommend that you factor them in as we have outlined in the itinerary to account for any weather delays etc (given the mountain environment we are in) We suggest buying a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t need those contingency days or push it back as you need to. CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu at the end of your program. If you don’t use your contingency days on the mountain or decide to stay longer in Kathmandu awaiting your return flight, associated hotel costs and expenses are strictly your responsibility.
Lobuche Climb Tentative Daily Schedule: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel so this schedule will likely change and not everything will go as planned. People need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend people arrive in Kathmandu one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for you arriving a day or earlier or for a single rooming option.
Day Itinerary
1 Arrive KTM
2 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day in Kathmandu/Team dinner
3 Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding
4 Trek to Namche
5 Rest/acclimatization in Namche
6 Hike to Tengboche
7 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche
8 Hike to Pheriche
9 Rest/acclimatization in Pheriche
10 Trek to Lobuche Base Camp
11 Acclimatization hike Lobuche High Camp, Skills Refresher
12 Move to Lobuche High Camp
13 Acclimatization above Lobuche High Camp
14 Summit Lobuche High Camp & return to Lobuche Base Camp
15 Trek to Everest Base Camp
16 Rest at Everest Base Camp
17 Trek to Pheriche
18 Trek to Namche
19 Trek to Lukla
20 Fly to Kathmandu
21 Fly Home
22 Contingency Day
Note: Unused Contingency Days are not included in the cost of your program however we highly recommend that you factor them in as we have outlined in the itinerary to account for any weather delays etc (given the mountain environment we are in) We suggest buying a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t need those contingency days or push it back as you need to. CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu at the end of your program. If you don’t use your contingency days on the mountain or decide to stay longer in Kathmandu awaiting your return flight, associated hotel costs and expenses are strictly your responsibility.
Everest Camp 2 Climb Tentative Daily Schedule: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel so this schedule will likely change and not everything will go as planned. People need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend people arrive in Kathmandu one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for you arriving a day or earlier or for a single rooming option.
Day Itinerary
1 Arrive KTM
2 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day/Team dinner
3 Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding
4 Trek to Namche
5 Rest/acclimatization in Namche
6 Hike to Tengboche
7 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche
8 Hike to Pheriche
9 Rest/Acclimatization in Pheriche
10 Trek to Lobuche Base Camp
11 Acclimatization hike Lobuche High Camp, Skills Refresher
12 Move to Lobuche High Camp
13 Acclimatization above Lobuche High Camp
14 Summit Lobuche High Camp & return to Lobuche Base Camp
15 Trek to Everest Base Camp
16 Rest at Everest Base Camp
17 Training/Acclimatization
18 Packing/Acclimatization
19 Climb to Camp 1
20 Climb to Camp 2, return to Camp 1
21 Descend to Everest Base Camp
22 Rest/Pack up
23 Descend to Pheriche
24 Descend to Namche
25 Descend to Lukla
26 Fly to Kathmandu
27 Fly Home
28 Contingency Day
29 Contingency Day
30 Contingency Day
Note: Unused Contingency Days are not included in the cost of your program however we highly recommend that you factor them in as we have outlined in the itinerary to account for any weather delays etc (given the mountain environment we are in) We suggest buying a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t need those contingency days or push it back as you need to. CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu at the end of your program. If you don’t use your contingency days on the mountain or decide to stay longer in Kathmandu awaiting your return flight, associated hotel costs and expenses are strictly your responsibility.
Everest Partial Camp 3 Climb Tentative Daily Schedule: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel so this schedule will likely change and not everything will go as planned. People need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend people arrive in Kathmandu one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for you arriving a day or earlier or for a single rooming option.
Day Itinerary
1 Arrive KTM
2 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day/Team dinner
3 Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding
4 Trek to Namche
5 Rest/acclimatization in Namche
6 Hike to Tengboche
7 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche
8 Hike to Pheriche
9 Rest/Acclimatization in Pheriche
10 Trek to Lobuche Base Camp
11 Acclimatization hike Lobuche High Camp, Skills Refresher
12 Move to Lobuche High Camp
13 Acclimatization above Lobuche High Camp
14 Summit Lobuche High Camp & return to Lobuche Base Camp
15 Trek to Everest Base Camp
16 Rest at Everest Base Camp
17 Training/Acclimatization
18 Packing/Acclimatization
19 Climb to Camp 1
20 Climb to Camp 2, return to Camp 1
21 Move to Camp 2
22 Descend to Everest Base Camp
23 Rest
24 Hike to Pumori Camp 1
25 Rest/Pack
26 Climb to Camp 1
27 Climb to Camp 2
28 Touch the base of the Lhotse Face
29 Climb to touch Camp 3, descend to Camp 2
30 Descend to Base Camp
31 Pack/Rest
32 Descend to Pheriche
33 Descend to Namche
34 Descend to Lukla
35 Fly to Kathmandu
36 Fly Home
37 Contingency Day
38 Contingency Day
39 Contingency Day
Note: Unused Contingency Days are not included in the cost of your program however we highly recommend that you factor them in as we have outlined in the itinerary to account for any weather delays etc (given the mountain environment we are in) We suggest buying a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t need those contingency days or push it back as you need to. CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu at the end of your program. If you don’t use your contingency days on the mountain or decide to stay longer in Kathmandu awaiting your return flight, associated hotel costs and expenses are strictly your responsibility.
Our Mt. Everest base camp trek meets in Kathmandu where we obtain our permits, run through gear checks and have a team meeting. Following our time in Kathmandu we fly to Lukla to start the trek. We land at the Hillary runway at roughly 9,000ft/3,000m. From the moment you land in Lukla you will be at altitude. It’s important to take it easy and let your body adjust to the altitude naturally. From here we make our way up the Khumbu valley staying at some of the best teahouses in the region in order to mitigate the stress so you can focus on the climb.
Hygiene is incredibly important to us and we take many precautions to make sure our team avoids getting sick. Despite this, illness can be a fact of life in Nepal so chances are people will at least experience a stomach rumbling at some point during the trek.
Once en route we use a slow, methodical acclimatization strategy to position ourselves for the summit bid. Most treks rush this process and suffer the consequences of altitude illness because of it.
Our base camp is the finest on the mountain. We spare little expense making you feel as comfortable as possible. Our top-notch cooks make you the healthiest food possible with strong hygiene standards.
Gear List: This gear list has been carefully compiled over years of treks and expeditions. Please take it seriously. All of the items on the list are mandatory. If you don’t have all the items on the list you will be required to purchase them in Kathmandu. Please contact us for specific items or more details on items. Specific items change too fast for us to recommend a certain model so it’s best to email us for real-time product info. Please support our partners: We work closely with Mountain Gear out of Washington State in the USA. If you purchase through the link at the bottom of our home page they will give you a discount and they are also available to help you select the right gear if you let them know you are with Climbing the Seven Summits.
- Travel Wallet with passport, cash and travel documents
- Day Pack- 30L
- 1x heavy PVC Duffel Bags with locks
- Passport photos (5)
- Casual Travel Clothes
- Light-weight sneakers for travel and at base camp
- 2 pairs light socks
- Medium weight trekking boots with ankle support
- 2 pairs medium weight trekking socks
- Medium weight gaiters
- 2 pairs of thermal under layers top & bottom: 1 light, 1 medium
- 4 pairs of underwear
- 2 pairs of synthetic climbing pants: 1 light and 1 medium weight
- 1 pair of insulated pants for base camp and Lobuche
- 1 pair of shell pants (water proof with full side zippers and fit over climbing pants)
- 2 medium weight layers: 1 synthetic pile jacket, 1 down or synthetic vest and jacket
- 1 shell jacket
- 1 heavy down parka with hood
- 2 buff neck gaiters
- 2 heavy weight winter hats
- 1 baseball hat/sun hat that protects the neck
- 1 medium weight fleece glove
- 1 heavy weight pair of climbing gloves
- Prescription eyewear
- Trekking Poles
- Pack cover
- 1 Down Sleeping Bag rated to -20F
- 2 headlamps; 1 medium sized and 1 small sized as a backup
- Batteries – Make sure to have enough batteries for your entire trip with spares
- 2x 1 liter water bottles, wide mouth
- Water purification: Iodine tablets, filter or UV treatment
- Book or Kindle/iPad with movies/tv series
- Camera
- Multitool
- Altitude watch
- Sun screen & zinc
- Hand Sanitizer (several small bottles)
- Small Soap
- Small Shampoo
- Trek Towel
- Tooth Brush and Toothpaste
- Nail trimmers
- Baby wipes
- Basic medical kit with high altitude meds should include: blister kit, low dose aspirin, Band-Aids, wound closure strips, triple antibiotic ointment, basic repair kit, scissors, Diamox (acetazolamide, 125mg) for AMS, antacids, NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprophen, anti-diarrheal, duct tape, ear plugs, Antibiotics (upper respiratory such as Azithromycin and a gastro-intestinal such as Ciproflaxin), melatonin, Asthma medication if you use it (Advair), cold and flu medication,
Lobuche Climbers Add:
- Climbing pack – 60 liter like the Hyperlite 3,300
- 1 pair of 8000m mitts
- Hand warmers and electronic boot warmers like Hotronics (optional)
- 2 pairs of Glacier glasses: one spare (must be Cat 4)
- 2 pairs of goggles (1 clear lens, 1 dark lens)
- 1 full face mask that covers all skin on face & can be worn with goggles
- 2 sleeping pads: 1 closed cell foam, 1 inflatable
- Foot warmers (optional)
- Foot power keeps feet dry and warm
- Down booties with a sole
- Lightweight Harness with detachable leg loops like Black Diamond Couloir
- Ascender with single length sling
- 2 extra double-length slings
- 3 locking carabiners and 4 non-locking carabiners
- 30 feet of prusik cord
- Helmet, light weight
- Ice axe – alpine axe that is long enough for walking and has a leash but is lightweight.
- 12 Point Crampons that MUST fit your boots perfectly.
- ATC and/or Figure 8
- Water Bottle Insulators
- Collapsible Cup, bowl, spoon
Camp 2 Climbers Add:
- Snack food: We recommend 5 pounds/2 kilograms of food you know you like to eat while climbing. “GU”, “Nuun”, and shot blocks, granola bars, candy bars, cheese, meat, chocolate, and nuts are excellent.
- High Altitude Medications: niphedepine (for pulmonary edema, time release), dexamethasone (for cerebral edema, 4mg),
- Winter Sorel Type boots for relaxing in cold weather at base camp
Camp 3 Climbers Add:
- 1 down suit or 8,000m top & bottom. Leg zippers, arm pit zippers, rainbow zip butt
- Triple Climbing Boots suitable for above 8000m
- 2 pairs heavy climbing socks to be worn with triple boots
- 1 down sleeping bags: 1 rated to -40F/-40C)
- 1x heavy PVC Duffel Bags with locks
Thanks for your interest in our expeditions. We're looking forward to climbing with you!
To apply for our expeditions, please contact us to send you an application packet.
Steps:
1. Fill in the application form (you can fill it out digitally or print and scan) and email it back to us at: info@climbingthesevensummits.com
2. Pay your 25% deposit (wire transfers are preferred and the details are on the application form. Credit cards attract a merchant surcharge)
3. Upon receiving your application and your deposit, and accepting you onto the trip, we will then issue you an invoice reflecting that and your balance amount and due date
4. Please send us the remainder of the forms to info@climbingthesevensummits.com which are due 4 months of departure along with your balance.
5. At the same time, please send a copy of the photo page of the passport you intend to travel on and a copy of your trip insurance*
*It’s worth noting most insurers require you to take out a policy within 14 days of paying a deposit for their trip cancellation/interruption clauses. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like recommendations on who we use for our guide’s insurance etc.
Travel can be booked through our partner travel agent: Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations.
What’s included/not included in your Mt. Everest base camp trek:
Our treks are fully inclusive except for items/services of a personal nature. Please take note that the following is not included:
- International flights to Kathmandu, Nepal
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Associated travel expenses including: Visa, Passport, Reciprocity Fees, Vaccination Charges, Excess Baggage
- Water for the day on Trek to Base Camp: you may buy directly from stores along the route or from teahouses
- Optional excursions not included in the itinerary or additional days before or after the scheduled program
- Personal trekking equipment, clothing, toiletries, snack food, etc.
- Personal sundries including but not limited to; non-team meals while in Kathmandu, personal snacks, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, third party internet, medical expenses, gratuities, email or phone charges, bottled water and boiled water, specialty coffees and bakery items, showers at teahouses
- Sherpa tip pool ($300 for trekkers)
- Guide tips (customary but optional)
- Satellite telephone air charges & 3rd party base camp Wi-Fi
- Costs incurred as a result of events beyond the control of CTSS above and beyond the normal expedition costs
- Required travel insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation etc.)
Each expedition is led by Mike Hamill.
Mike Hamill, lead guide and owner of CTSS, is universally regarded as one of the most experienced and respected high altitude mountaineers and expedition leaders in the world.
He has personally guided thousands of climbers on the Seven Summits and well over 150 climbers have stood atop 8000m peaks, including Everest with him. A guide for over 20 years, he boasts a 91% expedition success rate and an 83% climber summit success rate for all of his expeditions worldwide.
He has stood on top of Everest 6x and currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu. He’s also the author of the guidebook “Climbing the Seven Summits,”
To complement his leadership, Mike has hand-picked a selection of the finest mountaineering professionals from around the world to make up the international CTSS guiding team.
Our team are highly qualified and some of the most highly experienced climbers in the world. Chosen for their attention to detail, safety records along with their fun, genuine and caring personalities, we have no hesitation in saying they are the best. Mike holds the CTSS staff to the same high standards as he holds himself.
Who you choose for expedition organization and leadership is a big deal – it can be the difference between a great expedition and a miserable, potentially dangerous one and you only want the best in your corner. The fact that Mike and his guides have an unprecedented safety record should be a paramount consideration in who you choose to climb with.
Mike and the CTSS team’s love for the mountains and adventure continues in our corporate social responsibility policy. A portion of profits and fundraising climbs are organized every year in support of the “Tiger of the Snows Fund” a not-for-profit that provides grants to further education of mountain tourism workers and their families.
“Great leaders like Mike inspire and lead people to take on challenges and achieve great things.” -Tim Igo
You will quickly notice our Sherpa’s many character traits: hard work, humility, friendliness, gregariousness, not to mention strength.
Our team of Sherpa is simply the cream of the crop and are led by our Sirdar Tendi Sherpa. Tendi is one of the most respected members of the Everest and Lhotse community and has notched a dozen Everest summits on both the south and north sides of the mountain beyond many other summits worldwide. Tendi is an internationally certified guide, co-owns a logistics company based in Kathmandu and is the best in the business.
He holds his team of Sherpa to the same high standard that he holds himself and hand picks only the strongest, most skilled, and trusted Sherpa friends. Some of our Sherpa team are fully internationally IFMGA certified guides and all are incredibly strong and proficient climbers. Tendi and his team will work incredibly hard to make your trek a success and they will become friends for life. Tendi and the Sherpa team go through extensive technical and customer service training before each expedition to make sure their skills at sharp. Our Sherpa are paid higher than any other Sherpa on the mountain because we believe in them and want them to feel happy and taken care of. This will ensure that they do the best job possible for you.
Climbing the Seven Summits’ primary aim is to help you attain your personal climbing and trekking goals while experiencing the best of our planet, its unique cultures. and environments.
We strive to offer the highest quality mountaineering expeditions and treks at a great value while focusing on our primary goals: safety, success, and enjoyment.
We achieve this by bringing our extensive experience, top-of-the-line logistics, individualized and world-class guides to each adventure we undertake.
To give our clients the highest possible chance at success we are detailed in our approach, ensuring we’ve dotted our ‘i’s and crossed our ‘t’s. We provide personalized service, employ conservative acclimatization schedules, use top-of-the-line mountaineering, camping, and communications gear, hire only the best mountain leaders, and we don’t skimp on costs.
Our expeditions strive to set the highest standards and climb in “good style.” By this, we mean prioritizing the well-being and safety of our teams, leaving no trace on the environments we operate in, respecting culture, contributing to local economies by employing regional partners and paying them higher than the industry standard, and working in a self-sufficient and self-reliant way. We promote a responsible approach to adventure travel by connecting people to the natural world and giving back to local communities by donating a percentage of every expedition to the Tiger of the Snows Fund.
We take immense pride in our expeditions, and this shows in the positive feedback we receive from our teams who form lasting friendships forged in the mountains as they work together and overcome tough challenges.
Please visit our Client Testimonials page for quotes reflecting CTSS leadership and experience. If you would like to talk to previous customers as references, please contact us, and we can put you in touch with many satisfied climbers. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email, and we will be happy to discuss the expedition with you. Joining a climbing or trekking expedition is a big deal, and it’s important to feel comfortable with the expedition leadership. The majority of our clients are return customers because of their overwhelmingly positive experiences.
- The Everest Base Camp Trek is roughly 40 miles each way for a total of around 80 miles start to finish.
- Everest base camp lies at 17,600ft, roughly the same height as high camp on Denali, North America’s tallest peak.
- Everest Base Camp is built on the ice of the Khumbu glacier which stretches over 12km!
- Everest was first climbed in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary
Everest Base Camp FAQ
Absolutely, you are a valued team member and meeting your needs are just as important to us. Many trekkers worry that they aren’t “fit” enough to be joining a summit climbing team and that they might not be able to keep up or that their concerns will fall to the bottom of the priority list. Rest assured, that is not the case.
All our team/s move at a very manageable pace, slow acclimatization is important for everyone regardless of how much training or experience you have. Our schedule is achievable for everyone and we take plenty of breaks and rest days.
We also staff our treks well to ensure that everyone can keep their own pace and go as fast or as slowly as they chose and still have guidance. Sometimes climbers like to stretch their legs a bit but there is no need to feel rushed or that you must keep up or be together at all times. Everyone’s bodies respond differently and we understand that.
enough staff that everyone can keep their own pace, fast or as slow as you like
Altitude sickness or AMS is a common concern, but you don’t need to worry, or have any prior experience at altitude to be successful. We purposely keep a very slow acclimatization schedule to allow you plenty of time to acclimatize naturally. Slow and steady wins the race as such. We still encourage you to speak to your doctor about your options as there are medications like diamox that help with acclimatization with few side effects that many people find helpful but this is a personal choice.
All of our staff are trained to look for and spot signs of altitude sickness and will manage them immediately.
A few things to look out for are headaches, lack of appetite and shortness of breath. Remember when you are on the trek, there’s no need to push stoically through in silence, tough it out, or worry about holding others back. Please speak up about how you are feeling so we can adjust your pace, schedule etc to ensure your success. There is plenty of room in the itinerary to do that. Afterall, some of the best climbers/trekkers in the world acclimatize slowly, so don’t feel ashamed if you need to take your time.
On the trek to BC we will be eating meals prepared for us by the teahouse staff. We stay at some of the finest teahouses so the food is the best available in the Khumbu. We can cater for dietary requirements but we do need prior notice.
At base camp, our food is the finest on Mt. Everest. Our head chef Kumar has been cooking for Everest expeditions for more than a decade and trains at 5 star hotels in the off-season.
You are welcome and encouraged to bring some of your favorite snacks, although we provide plenty of food and there is opportunity to purchase snacks along the trail, some people find it comforting to have their favorite, familiar treats from home
Yes, if you have not selected the Single Room Upgrade for the majority of the trek the teahouses are twin share.
We stay at the famous “Yak and Yeti” hotel in Kathmandu and in the finest teahouses while trekking to base camp. While at Everest base camp you will be sharing a tent. If you are climbing above base camp, or staying for a prolonged period with our expedition, you will have your own tent at Base Camp (above Base Camp you will share a tent with another climber to reduce the number of dangerous loads the Sherpa need to carry through the treacherous Khumbu Ice fall and for warmth)
In general, trekking packs are relatively light. You will likely be carrying 5lbs – 10lbs (2kg – 5kg) most of the time on the trek into base camp.
If you are climbing you should be prepared to carry your gear for the day and some of your personal gear for the mountain. Sherpa will carry all of the group gear and help with personal gear.
Yes. Trip delay and cancellation, rescue, repatriation, medical insurance is mandatory for this program for your own benefit. We have seen too many times people need to cancel their trip either before or during the trek for reasons such as injury, health, family and business matters. With such a long trip and so much at stake climbers need to be prepared for contingencies.
“Mike, there’s an aura about you that when you’re around everything will be ok. You chose the right profession, and I’m a better person because of it!! Cheers!!” -Bart W
“And I will never forget that you believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. For that I will always be grateful to you.” Jason V
“It’s not often that you get to have the privilege of climbing with a world class climber, such as yourself. Wow. And here’s an added bonus… you’re a really nice guy, too… down to earth and not an ounce of pretension. Seriously, we couldn’t have enjoyed our time with you more. You illustrated the utmost level of caution and consideration for the team and not only that, you were a blast to hang out with. Thank you for your patience with me, for pushing me beyond my comfort level, and for your wisdom and care to make it to the top. You taught me a lot about climbing and about myself. I appreciate you tremendously and know that without you, I wouldn’t have made it. This was one hell of a trip and we will always think of you fondly… and hope to climb with you again. Thank you, Mike and enjoy your next adventure.” Angela H
“Mike, we knew by reputation, but I did not expect such a down-to-earth, humble, approachable person. Mike welcomed us and made us feel like we all belonged. He taught us about climbing every day. He encouraged us when we did well and he pointed out our mistakes in a positive way. He made an effort to get to know each of us individually- we were all different people to him, not just a bunch of clients. And on summit morning his leadership and decision making were incredible. Every one of us has incredible respect for Mike. I cannot imagine ever doing something like this again without him.” Doug B
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