Day 01- Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters).
There you will be met by our Airport Representative and transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02- Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.
In the morning after breakfast at 9 AM, we host a Pre-Trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduced your trek Leader/Guide mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your trek and to introduce you to other participants. This includes a final briefing and preparations for the trip.

PLEASE ADVISE US IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-TRIP MEETING.

In THE PRE-TRIP MEETING All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Four copies of Passport size photos each.
3. Travel Insurance Policy.
4. A writing pen
5. Notepad.

After the Pre-Trip meeting and breakfast your sightseeing trip will start at 9.45 AM in the morning. We provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. We visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Bodhnath Stupa we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. We also visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a collection of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is The Lion gate, The Golden gate, The Palace of fifty five windows, Art Galleries, The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.

The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area near by your hotel. Later, we are supplied with our Trek Pack and departure information for tomorrow. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03- Fly to Lukla (2804 meters) trek to Phakding (2610 meters) 3 hours.
An early morning start takes us to Tribhuwan international Airport in Kathmandu for the 35 minute scenic flight to Tenzing and Hillary Airport at Lukla at 2804meters. On arrival at the airport guide will brief you and introduce our porters before we begin our trek towards Phakding at 2610meters.

After landing we have time to explore the village while our Sherpa crew sort and load our trekking equipment. Then we begin our trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka (2713m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2550m) it is a short walk to Phakding. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 04- Trek to Namche Bazaar (3441 meters) 5.30 hours.
We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar known as the Gateway to Everest which is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, Money exchange, internet cafe and a bakery. Namche is one of the biggest villages along the whole Everest trail. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 05- Namche Bazaar Acclimatization day.
We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air. As well as a short trek where a museum is celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. Today we hike up the Syangboche Airport around Everest View Hotel. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 06- Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3860 meters) 5 hours.
The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi with magnificent views of the mountains. We trek to an altitude of 3860meters today. On reaching Tengboche you will see the local monastery. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a 20-foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony either in the evening or morning depending on how the days trekking went. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 07- Trek to Dingboche (4350 meters) 5.30 hours.
From Thyangboche the trail drops to Debuche, crosses another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche amongst thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche with its exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. We take our time so we avoid getting affected by the altitude. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 08- Trek to Chhukung (4710 meters) and trek back to Dingboche. 4.30 hours.
Today you can enjoy another day for acclimatization. We will have trip to Chhukung valley via the Imja Khola valley to get a marvellous view of the surrounding mountains, especially Lhotse’s massive south wall, then return to Dingboche in the evening. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 09- Trek to Lobuche (4910 meters) 5 hours.
Today, the trail continues along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and passes by stone memorials for climbers who have perished on nearby summits.We continue to climb as we are heading to the altitude of 4910 meters at Lobuche which is really just a few huts at the foot of giant Lobuche peak. Some breathing problems may arise today due to the altitude. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 10- Trek to Everest Base Camp (5365 meters) then back to Gorak Shep (5180 meters). 8 hours.
This is another big and difficult day walk along the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp at 5365meters. , the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without mountaineering equipment. There will likely be a team there about to attempt the summit. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is spectacular. We return back to Gorak shep for the night. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 11- Hike up to Kalapattar (5555 meters) early in the morning and trek down to Periche (41200 meters). 7 hours.
This will be one of the most difficult yet rewarding days of the trek. Most of morning in this day is spent climbing Mt. Kala Patar, a small peak (by Himalayan standards) at 5555meters. The ascent is demanding but the climber gets the most magnificent mountain panorama: Everest, the highest point on the planet at 29028ft, 8848meters, towers directly ahead and on all sides loom the other giants, Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse and countless others. We make a quick descent to Gorak Shep, a tiny hamlet at 5180 meters then trek down to Periche. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 12- Trek to Namche Bazaar (3441 meters) 5.30 hours.
From Periche we take a slightly different route down to Orsho then to Pangboche village. Here is the oldest monastery in the region which contains what is said to be the scalp and bones of a Yeti, or abominable snowmanthe. Leaving mountains behind us our descent takes us through Tengboche Monastery at elevation of 3860 meters before continuing back to the town of Namche Bazaar at 3441meters. We arrive back into Namche Bazaar in the afternoon. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 13- Trek to Lukla (2804 meters) 6 hours.
Finally we return to Lukla where the trek began, which will seem like a lifetime ago. Enjoying time to reflect on the trek as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part. Also giving you time to explore the town. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 14- Morning flight back to Kathmandu.
Enjoying your last glimpse of the mountains you have recently visited for one last time on the 35 minute Scenic flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu we are met and transferred back to our starting hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15- Leisure day in Kathmandu.
It's also spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla, If you are interested in continuing on to Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure, Kathmandu Shopping Tour you can start today.

Day 16- Transfer for your final flight departure.
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

NOTE: The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. The trek can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. View our selected departure Dates here

On adventure trek of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

What Makes this Trip Responsible?

"Sambhav Nepal Foundation"
Ace the Himalaya works closely with the Sambhav Nepal Foundation and is one of the main supporters of the foundation; we contribute support in a number of ways. Firstly we donate a percentage of business profits to the foundation on a yearly basis which support the ongoing maintenance cost required for the Bhairabi Primary school.

We conduct a number of charity treks throughout the year to visit and support school projects. Our charity trek itinerary combines adventure and kindness, providing the participant with lasting memories of the Himalayas while allowing them to contribute to a remote community within Arupokhari villages of Nepal. For more information about our Charity Trek click here.

We also supply a number of travelers that are including a volunteer stay within the village. Volunteers have been offering their personal skills for teaching to the school students of Dharapani School. Please contact us if you wish to teach in the schools and work in farms with local people.

For more details visit Sambhav Nepal website

Do you have more questions about Everest base camp trek? Visit our Everest base camp FAQS page

We employ only local leaders and staff to help sustain the local communities we work with. We provide training for all our staff and all our trek leaders are trained in the following as a minimum;

* Intensive Wilderness First Aid
* Trekking Guide Training
* Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet
* English Language
* Conservation & Biodiversity
* Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (for expedition leaders)

So, we can guarantee you your trip will be led by the best, most professional and experienced guides there are. All of our guides fluent English-speakers and if you like we also have guides fluent in other languages (French, Spanish, German and Italian). All our guides are carefully selected for their experience, leadership skills and personal ability. We have learnt that effective leadership is a vital for a trip to be safe, enjoyable and successful.

In fact, not only are all our guides experienced working in these regions, but most of them actually grew up in these mountainous regions of Nepal. Its home for them, it's in their blood. They're not only 'familiar' with local communities and culture; they're a part of them and they practice it. They truly love their home and relish getting the opportunity to show travelers.

Mountain Flights
Twin Otter is the primary mode of transport to and from the airstrip at Lukla. This service is fairly dependable, however in case the flights are cancelled due to mountain weather conditions, Ace the Himalaya will charter a helicopter to ensure you are on schedule for your international flight connections. The helicopters can fly if the visibility is 1500m, while the Twin Otter can fly if the visibility is 5000m as per the Civil Aviation Rules. The cost of the helicopter is payable directly to our Kathmandu office in the event that this service is utilised. US cash, travellers cheques, or credit cards (Visa Cards, Master Cards only) are accepted. You will be given a receipt upon payment so that you may claim the amount from your travel insurance. The minimum cost will be US$500 and maximum US$3000 depending on the number of group members.

Country Information - Nepal
Nepal is known for its beautiful and dramatic scenery. Avid walkers and non-walkers alike are drawn to its mountains and foothills to view the Himalaya and the world's highest peaks. Many also discover the beauty of the forests and the enjoyment of time spent as a self-sufficient expedition, far from the rush of the modern world and in the delightful company of the Sherpa people who act as our guides and porters, as they tend to our needs and ensure that we are clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25 deg C at low altitude and nights can drop to below -10 deg C at higher altitudes. Weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable at any time of year. It is essential to be prepared for all conditions as freak storms and unseasonal temperatures can occur.

The Democratic Republic of Nepal
On the 28th May 2008, the constituent assembly voted in overwhelming favour of abolishing the Monarchy in Nepal. Nepal has been proclaimed a “Federal Republic State” to be known as the “Democratic Republic of Nepal”. This historic development followed the first elections held since 1999 after a ceasefire agreement between the government and the Maoists was signed in November 2006, putting an end to 10 years of instability in the Kingdom. The Maoist party won the largest share of votes in the elections at approx. 35%, and now form the largest part of the constituent assembly. The announcement of the abolishment of the Monarchy also brought an end to 240 years of Royal rule in the country. Today the general feeling amongst Nepalese is a positive one, and many believe that Nepal is now finally moving forward with a new identity as a democratic nation and a fresh outlook.

Private Groups
The adventures featured in our brochures and website, are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today.

Trip Availability
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to contact us now to check availability. There are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space on our small group departures is just one of them. The demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience.

How do you book?
To book an Ace the Himalaya trip, you will need to complete a final booking form which we will be able to send via e-mail, fax or can be found at the back of our brochure. On completion, fax, e-mail scan copy or post the form to Ace the Himalaya office in Kathmandu or Melbourne along with your nonrefundable 30% deposit.