Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest region, Himalaya, Nepal, Asia
Trip: Altitude:
Route:
Date: Duration:
Grade:
Everest Base Camp
5,895m/19,340ft
Lukla - Namche - Pheriche - Kala Patthar - Basecamp - Island Peak*
April & October Yearly
18 - 22 Days
Trekking – Moderate to mostly Strenuous. Island Peak* Ropeskills required
Join us on an amazing adventure, trekking through the Khumbu valley amongst the
indigenous people and the home of Mount Everest, at 8,848m the world’s highest mountain, as
well as several other giants. You'll see vistas of these mighty peaks as you trek towards your
ultimate goals - Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Everest is one of the world’s most
awe-inspiring sights - an exciting adventure into the foothills of the Himalaya.
Let this be a dream realised on an adventure of a life-time. Its easy to see why the trek to the
base camp of Mount Everest has become one of the most popular trekking routes in the world.
Follow in the footsteps of great mountaineers like Hillary & Tenzing on this amazing journey
with jaw-dropping Himalayan scenery.
* We also have a tougher challenge called Island Peak as an add-on.
Experience required this snow and ice climb takes you over 6,000m
to experience a taste of why climbers from all over the world are
drawn to the mighty Himalaya.
www.patfalvey.com
+353 (0) 64 6644181
Overview
Our adventure first takes us to Kathmandu, the
capital of Nepal, also known as the City of a Thousand
Temples, and where every other day is a festival.
Kathmandu is home to over 500,000 Nepalese, living a
humble life in this vibrant city, the starting point for
many expeditions to the Himalaya. It was once a Mecca
for the drop-out Hippie generation of the 60’s. However,
today, Kathmandu has returned to its former ways, a
place alive with the traditions and cultures of its many
ethnic peoples. While here, we visit some of the famous
Temples of the Hindus and Buddha’s whilst mixing with
the locals of this lively, cultural city.
Each day’s trek is more spectacular then the day before as
we make our way deeper into this mountainous
wonderland of a Shangri-La. Mountains project like
massive pillars from the deep, river-gorged valleys. We
make our way along narrow paths etched from the steep
hillsides in a mystical world of mountains. This is the
heart of the most beautiful and inspiring mountain range
in the world, the Himalayas ‘home of the snows’. They
stretch in a great arch across Asia, 150 miles wide and
1700 miles long, from Indus in the west to the
Brahmaputra in the east. All along the length of the
Himalaya, its mountain tops are revered by the people of
the valleys below as the place of their gods. You are in a
place that for centuries has been the setting for epic feats
of exploration and mountain climbing.
From Kathmandu, we fly over the lower foothills of the
Himalaya to Lukla (30 minutes), the starting point for
our trek. When we land at this impressive airstrip built
on the side of a cliff -face, adjoining this small Himalayan
village (an exciting adventure in itself!), the adventure
really begins. This flight is recognised as one of the most
exciting and beautiful in the world, giving us the
opportunity to see many of the most famous mountains
on this earth, with over 26 mountains above 6000 meters
(20,000 feet) including Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse,
Nuptse, Cho-Oyu, Ama-Dablam and many more.
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Route
Lukla - Namche
We trek along the banks of the famous rivers of the Dubh
Kosi and Bhote Kosi, surrounded by imposing gorges, with
torrent rivers rushing through them as we make our way to
the Everest region. While on trek, we stay in villages and
live amongst the indigenous people of the area. We visit
Namche Bazaar, an amazing village which is the
commercial hub of the Khumbu. Namche is an eight-day
walk from the nearest road head. Tibetan traders regularly
make the dangerous trek across the Tibet/China border to
sell their wares to Nepalese entrepreneurs.
Tengboche - Pheriche - BaseCamp - Island Peak
On route to our objective of climbing Kala-Patthar and
visiting Basecamp, we visit the famous Buddhist
monastery at Tengboche and pass the beautiful Ama
Dablam then to Pheriche where we will rest for a day. The
dramatic landscape around you changes as you continue to
climb higher and higher. By the time you reach Lobuche,
the temperature has dropped and you’ll be walking among
frozen rivers in an icy wilderness. We make an ascent of
Kala-Patthar (5550 meters) for sunrise that is without doubt,
for many people the main highlight will be the magnificent
views which unfold from the summit of Kala Patthar - the
extraordinary ice sculptures of the Khumbu Glacier
cascading below, Nuptse, the south-west face of Everest
and down on Everest Base Camp itself. From here you
make the trek to base camp itself in its dramatic location
at the foot of the world’s highest peak.
We then descend to Lobuche and start our accent to
Island peak base camp 5,087m in support of our climbers
who will take on the climb the following day. See separate
notes on island Peak. Those who are not climbing will
continue trekking in the area. Following Island peak, we
decend to Lukla marveling at what you have achieved and
all the while with stunning views and fantastic scenery all
around you!
When we arrive back to Kathmandu, we will have a chance
to explore the city before heading home.
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Grade
Grade is: Trekking - Moderate (Strenuous for some)
This trek is suitable to all and can be achieved by a beginner with
proper training. A good level of fitness and some experience on a
mountain is recommended prior to departure. You will enjoy your
trip a lot more if prepared well. Moderate going on good tracks
that most fit people should be able for. This trek is Moderate but can be strenuous for some.
Most days will require 4 to 7 hours walking excluding acclimatizing days. You are requested
that you attend our fitness assessment training weekend to join your group and our
experienced guide to go for a preparatory hill-walk on both days. This provides a good
opportunity to get any questions answered or concerns that you may have dealt with in
relation to the trip. Tips on gear, altitude and conditions will be also covered. We
recommend these options to ensure a good level of understanding of the requirements for
the upcoming trek.
Lodges & Camping
On our route we will be staying in comfortable local lodges. These lodges offer twin rooms
and quad rooms as we get higher on the route. Most include toilets, showers and a
communal area to chat and eat with some also offering snacks, drinks and food to purchase.
Some camping may be expected in the Island Peak area.
Acclimatisation
At Irish & Worldwide Adventures we have agreed a 16 day climb allowing 2 extra days for
acclimatisation or rest purposes. It is worth spending a bit extra to stay safe and achieve
your goals. The pace is key to preventing AMS. The group will be monitored by the guides at
all times for symptoms of the effects of altitude. Only if these symptoms persist that a
person should get advice or will be advised to decend. Our Route also includes a briefing on
how to notice and deal with AMS. (Acute Mountain Sickness)
Guides & Porters
Pat Falvey, Challenge Leader
Pat Falvey will be our Leader for our trek. Pat first travelled to Nepal
1991, following his dream to one day stand on the summit of Everest.
In the following 20 years he has climbed in the Himalayas on over 24
different occasions reaching the summit of Everest twice, Cho Oyu,
Ama Dablam, Mera and Island Peak plus many more trekking peaks and high passes many
times. On trek he will be assisted by his team of experienced guides and porters.
“We all have an Everest and it doesn’t have to be to climb it. But for us that get a chance to
travel to it, we will have the chance to see this icon to the power of nature and make a
dream a reality of walking, trekking and living in a land that is like no other.” Pat Falvey
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Info on Porters
We at Irish and Worldwide Adventures ensure that all our agents in every
destination value and treat their employees including porters with respect
and ensure their working rates and conditions are adhering to the local
employment and Health and Safety guidelines. We have built up a good
relationship’s with all of our operators to ensure the welfare of their guides
and porters is priority.
Itinerary
Here is a sample daily Itinerary, on booking you will be issued a more detailed
version.
Day 1: Leave Ireland - In flight
Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu Airport - Hotel
Day 3: Fly Kathmandu (1400m) - Lukla (2840m) Start trek - Phakding (2610m)
Day 4: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3500m)
Day 5: Namche Rest day & Acclimatisation trek (3800m)
Day 6: Namche (3500m) - Tengboche (3860m) - Deboche (3730m)
Day 7: Deboche - Pheriche (4240m)
Day 8: Pheriche Rest day & Acclimatisation trek (4500m)
Day 9: Pheriche - Lobuche (4910m)
Day 10: Lobuche - Gorak Shep (5140m) - Start Climb 2am for sunrise on Kala Patthar (5550m)
Day 11: Gorak Shep - Base camp (5400m) - Lobuche (4910m)
I.P. Add-on:
Day 1: Lobuche - Chhukung 4730m
Day 2: Chhukung - Island Peak Base Camp
Day 3: Island Peak Base Camp - High Camp
Day 4: Summit 6189m - Base Camp - Lobuche 4910m
Day 12-14: Lobuche - Deboche - Monjo - Lukla 2800m (Day 16-18 if I.P.)
Day 15: Fly Lukla - Kathmandu, Hotel B&B - Free Day (Day 19 if I.P.)
Day 16: Free Day / Bad weather Day (Day 20 if I.P.)
Day 17: Fly Kathmandu - Ireland (Day 21 if I.P.)
Day 18: Arrive Ireland (Day 22 if I.P.)
Inclusions
* Fully escorted from/to Ireland
* Flights from/to Ireland
* Nepal Visa (€20-€30)
* All transfers
* Hotel Accommodation B&B 3 nights (min. 3 *)
* Park fee’s (€10-€20)
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* Lodges, Camping, Meals & boiled water on mountain
* Guides, Porters & Cooks
Exclusions
* Meals en route before and after trek
* Bar Bills & laundry
* Travel Insurance
* Extra's for porterage taken on
* Permit for Island Peak if required
Preparation
Preparation, Passports / Visa's
Preparation - We have selected a walking weekend to help you adjust to the goal of the trek.
The weekend has two walks with advice and techniques for clothing and gear given also. On
the Saturday we will climb one of Irelands highest peaks during a day hike and on Sunday
morning early we will go on a night hike simulating the requirements on the summit day of a
trek which takes you out of your comfort zone prior to the real thing. This method allows your
body and mind to adjust to the challenge ahead. If you are a total beginner to walking/
hillwalking then a 12 month training program is recommended.
We suggest a training program of at least 6 months to comfortably trek to 4000-6000m.
Months 1-2, this should include fortnightly hillwalking for 3hrs+ with a small/medium rucksack
of weight of 5-10kg approx.
Months 3-4, this should be increased to include longer days (6hrs+) and pack weight of 10kg
approx. Attend our training day!
Month 5, Two days walking back to back twice giving 4 days total. Example: Saturday 7hr &
Sunday 6hr = 13hrs walking. Avoid injuries at all costs!!
Month 6, Continue with some walking but reduce to lower peaks and durations of 4hrs, avoid
injuries at all costs!!
Passport / Visas
You will need a valid full passport, please ensure it has at least have six months before expiring
before we leave. Before applying for Visa please check dates on passport. Please bring 4 x
passport photos for visas at departure.
We will need to get a visa and this can be got on entry.
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Gear
For general wear on trek: cotton pants, t-shirts and if you have light thermals these
will be ideal, sunscreen, glasses, hat and buff if required.
• One pair of trekking boots for trek. These boots can be used for good wear also in KTM. If you
have a good pair of vibram hillwalking boots you can bring them. If you like comfort we
recommend boots with extra insulation in sole (otherwise extra thermal insole required)
around 150 euro+ with vibram or similar sole.
• Four pair of warm trekking stockings. (Thorlo or similar)
• Adjustable ski poles: these take a lot of pressure off the body and makes walking less tiring.
Some use two spring loaded ones as it takes 36 ton of pressure off you knees per day as well as
allowing you to have a crutch to lean on when you are tired.
• Thermal under-wear heavy gauge: 2 Tops and 2 bottoms. Dryflo, Capilene etc.
• 1 fleece or pile jacket. Windproof is good.
• Wind and water proofs (Goretex or similar): Top jacket and bottoms.
• Sleeping bag range to - 15/20 degrees make sure it packs small.
• Also for sleeping it is important to bring an insulating sleeping mat. I usually bring a
Thermarest full-length non-slip. There is insulating mattresses provide on trek but for extra
comfort bring a Thermarest.
• 2 x Water bottles with wide neck and one with narrow neck (Nalgene or similar) or one Platypus
container, the platypus is ideal for trekking as you can stay hydrated by drinking from a tube
as you walk.
• Gloves: 1 x pair of thermal and 1 x pair over gloves or mitts, no harm in bringing spare sets. Also
bring liner gloves, very light and cheap, great for emergencies.
• Headtorch, Petzl with spare batteries and bulbs. I cannot stress the importance of this to have
in good working order. (New LED versions are also lighter and smaller)
• Peak hat for the lower regions to protect your head from the sun. (bandana or neck gaiter also)
• Ruck sack 30 liters daypack for mountain to carry your camera food and day gear.
• For traveling, 70-100 liters rucksack or strong gear bag- this will also do to give to porters on
trek to carry your general gear.
• Optional for night up high for cold, a light down top or extra fleece.
• Personal first aid and medicine kit. (All our guides will have these for emergencies only)
• UV sunglasses – Cat. 3 or Cat. 4 recommended if there is a lot of time in or near snow.
• 2 x Earplugs pairs – If you have an inside pocket in sleeping bag, leave one there fulltime.
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Miscellaneous items:
Sun-block (very important and use it!!)
Backpacking towel and general toiletries
Insect repellent
Extra Clothes for travelling and/or socialising
Tips on Gear - Make sure your boots are well broken in. For the mountain, a layering
system works best to allow you to cool down or warm up with ease - Tshirt or thermals,
shirt or warm top, a good fleece and good heavy-duty waterproofs if you intend doing
more treks in future. Gloves and hats are vital. Bring waterproof gear that is made of
breathable material. You can use a normal 3 season sleeping bag. If you tend to get cold
very easily, you can add in a sleeping bag liner. Remember that sleeping bags work on
trapping layers of air so wearing clothes in your bag doesn't help. If you wear contact
lenses take plenty of saline and comfort drops as the paths are dusty. Also glasses are
essential for summit night as temperature and altitude may effect eyes if contacts worn.
Common first aid complaints are headaches, dehydration, stomach bugs, diarrhoea,
sunburn and occasional mouth ulcers. Looking after yourself with plenty of fluids, rest
and enjoying the gentle ascending pace will assist in avoiding these. Your personal first
aid kit should contain treatments for these minor aliments. Please get advice from your
GP before departure. Money can be left in the Hotel safe. All currency can be easily
changed to local currency in the cities you will be staying in. The only money you will
need to carry for your treks will be to cover porter and guide tips and bottled water if you
choose to purchase. (Hotels offer Launderette facilities if you wish to wash clothes
following trek otherwise there is no opportunity to wash clothing. Digital cameras will
cope fine with the conditions if you keep them warm close to your body where possible
especially on summit morning or when reaching you highest day, otherwise batteries can
run down. Spare batteries are a must.
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Optional Extra’s
Island Peak – 4 days
Island peak also known as Imja Tse stands at 6189 meters (20,305 feet) and is situated in
the heart of the Khumbu region of Nepal at the end of the Dingboche Valley in the
Everest region and is one of 18 designated ‘trekking peaks’ in the country. Island Peak
from the lower valley looks an intriguing and awesome mountain surrounded by some of
the highest mountains in the world. To climb on it offers a great chance to see this part
of Nepal and to climb a 6,000 meter mountain. It offers an easy technical, if physically
demanding challenge for climbers who wish to progress from trekking and hillwalking to
general mountaineering on one of the most attractive high altitude trekking Peaks in the
Himalayas.
Climbing techniques required - On the final day of this climb we will be required to
use scrambling techniques on a ridge to reach the ice field. We will use crampons and ice
axe to cross the crevassed snow and ice field to the 200 meters upper headwall, leading to
the mountains inspiring summit. On route we will be roped together and on the
headwall, use fixed rope skills. (Jumaring)
A little history on the Mountain - In 1952 the mountain was given the English name
of Island Peak by Eric Shipton’s party who were on their way to explore the Barun Gorge. Seen from above Dingboche, which is on our route, we will notice that the mountain
does really resemble an island, but an island that’s surrounded in a sea of ice. It was not
until 1983 that it received its local name of Imja Tse.
The mountain was first climbed in 1953 by a prestigious team of mountaineers in preparation for an
ascent of Mt. Everest. They were Charles Evans, Alf Gregory, Charles Wylie and the famous Tenzing
Norgay with a compliment of seven other Sherpa’s who were testing out oxygen apparatus for the
climb on Mt. Everest.
The view from the mountain is very impressive giving a grand view of some of the
highest mountains in the world. It is when you climb it you can understand why it was
given the name Island Peak.
Views from the summit of Island Peak:
As you stand on its summit it is like standing on an Island surrounded on all sides by a
deep valley likened to that of a sea. On the far side of the sea a semi-circle of
mountainous cliffs rise akin to that of a mainland. To the northwest the summit of
Nuptse (7879 meters /25850ft) then the jagged Nuptse/ Lhotse wall impressively curves its
path to Lhotse (8501 meters/27890ft) before the ridge turns abruptly for Lhotse Shar a
formidable peak at (8393 meters 27,503ft) whose ridge divides the boarder between Nepal
and Tibet. contd.
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As we pivot on our summit spot on Island Peak and turn clockwise now you begin to feel
as if you in the center of an Amphitheater your eyes follow the serrated ridges that
surround you to pick up a series of imposing tops. To the east above the broken Lhotse
Glacier the snow cone summit of Cho-Polu 6734 meters/22093, peaking over its head in
the distance yet another 8000’r Makalu (8475 meters 27805ft) to the southeast we catch
the ridges of Baruntse (7720m/25328ft) and then continuing southward we see the high
pass that takes you into the Hunku valley before our eyes finally take us back to the
spectacular pinnacled mountain of Ama-Dablam 6856m/22,493 which stand as a sentinel
to Everest and all it’s surrounding peaks. This is one of the greatest summit views in the
world, a sight that will never be forgotten and one that will be hard to beat.
Weather
Generally in Autumn, the weather is more settled than in Spring. As you move into
November, it does get colder but it's not bitterly until December. Whilst it is sheltered
by Lhotse to the North, it also stands alone at the head of the Chukkung valley and it can
be reasonably windy some days. Temperatures can drop to -10 to -15 at night at Base
Camp but by day, it is usually quite pleasant. At High Camp it can get to -20 to -25 at
night so a 4 or 5 season sleeping bag is essential.
Island Peak Training
We will discuss specialised training for Island peak on a person-person basis.
Any alpine treks, snow-shoeing, skiing, snow and icy terrain experience is
somewhat advantageous. Our preparations will begin on day 2 of our fitness
assessment weekend.
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Island Peak Gear
Some gear will be made available for those who do not intend using these items
of alpine/rock climbing equipment again. Alpine boots are often a size larger
than your normal shoe size when fitted.
• Plastic boots or good pair of full shank leather boots, Plastic boots are a warmer boot
and highly recommended for the cold. (You should have a max of 2 pairs of boots in
total, one for trekking and one for snow and ice)
• Alpine Harness
• 4 screw gate, 2 snap gate Carabiners
• One belay device - figure of eight or modern belay plate
• 2 Prusiks - 6mm-cord 3 meters long for cutting, these can be made up by the guide
• 2 x 6 foot sling
• Good fitting crampons please make sure they fit before going on trip
• Walking Ice Axe with hand strap/leash
• Jumar (ascender) with krab attached
• Helmet
• Extra warm gloves and a pair of good mitts
• A pair of thermal liner socks under your expedition socks aids comfort.
• Balaclava, neck gaiter, buff
• Energy bar or a few sweets are handy
• Always keep the extra few days of power and memory in camera!
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