Nepal

Eighteen thousand feet up the face of Mount Everest lies Everest Base Camp, the last stop for expeditions on their way to the summit. Join a team of experienced Sherpas for a challenging trek to Everest Base Camp, stopping to acclimatize and to observe local life along the trail. Climb through rhododendron forest and moss-covered moraines, cross raging rivers and descend into scenic valleys; every hour brings new wonders into view. Your climb takes you to where few have gone before, and reveals nature at its most majestic.

American Express Platinum Cardmember Exclusive

On Day 5, we provide a complimentary internal flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.

Itinerary

Days 1-2: The adventure begins as you board your international flight to Asia.
Days 3-4: After you clear customs and immigration at the airport, your A&K representative takes you to Dwarika's Hotel, one of the city's most famous landmarks. Over the next two days you and your expedition team acclimatize to the higher elevation and tour Nepal's capital city, a major trade center since medieval times with no fewer than eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Dwarika's Hotel D
Day 5: Arrive at Lukla, where you meet your Sherpa for an expedition briefing and begin the ascent. Tonight you overnight at Phakding; all overnights are at mountain lodges (Approx. trekking time: 3 to 4 hours).
Joe's Garden B L D
Days 6-7: Climb to Namche Bazaar where you have your first glimpse of Everest. If the weather is clear, the top of the southwest face is visible behind the long Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge. Take a day to acclimatize, adjusting to the rarefied atmosphere (Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours).
Panorama Lodge B L D
Day 8: Return to the hiking trail this morning and traverse west, staying high up on the bank of the Bhote Khose, walk through a rhododendron forest in full bloom. Overnight in Thame (the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who made the first ascent of Everest with Hillary in 1953) (Approx. trekking time: 5 to 6 hours).
Thame Valley View Lodge B L D
Day 9: Descend into the valley via Thamo, a hillside nunnery, and climb the high route to Khumjung, one of Khumbu's most beautiful villages (Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours). Hidden Village, with electricity and attached baths.
Hidden Village B L D
Day 10: Trek down to the Dudh Khosi (Milk River), named for its dense, white rapids. Then climb this afternoon to Tengboche, the principal monastery of Khumbu (Approx. trekking time: 5 to 6 hours).
Gomba Lodge B L D
Days 11-12: The trail descends down from Tengboche, winding through the rhododendron forest to Deboche and crossing a bridge over the raging Imja Khol River. Hug the valley wall, then traverse the plains to Dingboche, the start of the Imja Tse Valley. On the 11th day, you will rest before the last leg of the journey (Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours).
Family Hotel B L D
Day 13: Tackle the steep incline to the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier, continuing along the rugged route to your eco-resort at Loboje. Above the huts looms the famous Lhotse Ridge (Approx. trekking time: 5 to 6 hours).
Eco-Resort B L D
Day 14: Trek along the Khumbu glacier to the tea shacks at Gorak Shep. The route to your summit, Kala Pattar (18,192 ft.) is steep but stunning. The reward: spectacular views of Everest, the highest spot on earth (Approx. trekking time: 5 to 6 hours).
Yeti Inn or Himalaya Lodge B L D
Day 15: Today is the culmination of your journey — the day you reach Everest base camp. Soon after departing Gorak Shep, leave the moraines behind and follow the streams of the glacier. Directly before you is the great Khumbu Icefall, a slow tumble of ice boulders spilling out from the Khumbu Glacier. Not far from the foot of the icefall lie the moraine islands of Everest base camp, final staging area for many an assault on the peak, and the goal of your expedition (Approx. trekking time: 5 to 6 hours).
Eco-Resort B L D
Day 16: Heading down now, the going is easier and the pace faster. Descend all the way to the Sherpa village of Phortse on the lower southern flank of Tawoche (Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours).
Om Kailash Lodge B L D
Day 17: This morning's descent takes you through a forest to the banks of the Dudh Kosi (Approx. trekking time: 5 to 6 hours).
Panorama Lodge B L D
Day 18: Head back towards the trailhead at Lukla, bidding farewell to this incredible setting, the villages and the people of the Khumbu hills and valleys. Make your final climb into Lukla (Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours).
Namaste Lodge or North Face Resort B L D
Days 19-20: Fly to Kathmandu for the conclusion of your expedition. Tonight the team celebrates a successful expedition over dinner. The next morning, transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.
Dwarika's Hotel Day 19 B L D; Day 20 B

Dates & Prices

Price Per Person

Land arrangements
Apr 16, Sep 14, Nov 02
Double occupancy..... $5,590
Single supplement..... $755

Internal air: ..... $275