yomads everest base camp trek

yomads everest base
camp trek
trip highligh­­­ts
Yomads: Unique travel experiences for the 20s and 30s
Trek safely on this carefully thought out route to Everest
Base Camp which allows for proper acclimatisation
Trek happily knowing you are helping the local environment
by staying at our permanent campsites and eco lodges
Discover a side of Kathmandu that many travellers miss, be it the
fantastic food, eye‑opening philanthropy or intriguing culture
Enjoy the flexibility of taking time to experience
Kathmandu’s many markets and vibrant nightlife
Learn to cook Tibetan momos
Enjoy the sunset over Kathmandu from the Monkey Temple
Explore the Sherpa ‘capital’ of Namche Bazaar
Drink tea with monks at the beautiful Thyangboche Monastery
Add to your Himalayan experience with amazing options
including a flight over Mt Everest, whitewater rafting, trip duration16 days
and a wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park sweat levelhardcore
trip code: YOEV
activitiestrekking
summary16 day trip, 12 day trek, 9 nights permanent
campsite, 3 nights eco lodge and 3 nights hotel
the yomads philosophy
why yomads?
We’ve called ourselves Yomads Travel to represent the idea of young
nomads travelling across the vast and varied environments of the
world ‑ from the deserts of Africa to the jungles of the Amazon. At
Yomads we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences
as they immerse you in local culture and provide you with a sense of
freedom that is often missed on traditional tours. We know you’re keen
to see amazing and hidden corners of the world so we’ve designed our
adventures just for you. There are plenty of scheduled activities such
as hiking, cycling, cooking classes and visits to inspiring conservation
projects to get you truly up close and personal to the environments and
its peoples, but there’s also plenty of free time so you can explore and
enjoy the wonders yourself. While our trips are strictly for the 20s and
30s, we limit our groups to 15 travellers so that you can truly enjoy a life
changing experience intimately. That also means that you’ll be travelling
with likeminded companions from all corners of the globe, giving you the
opportunity to forge lifelong friendships and memories you won’t forget.
Yomads is a division of three international companies, World Expeditions (Australia,
North America, UK and NZ), SNP (the Netherlands), and Hauser (Germany).
When you travel with Yomads you’ll have peace of mind knowing that a great depth
of experience with these reputable adventure travel companies is in the background.
Every trek in Nepal is accompanied by an experienced local leader trained in
wilderness first aid, as well as knowledgeable crew that share a passion for the
region in which they work and a desire to share it with you. A highlight of trekking
with Yomads in the Everest region is our unique eco‑friendly private permanent
campsites. At these sites, you have the option to enjoy wholesome meals that are
prepared to the highest standards of hygiene and served in our heated dining rooms
where you are welcome to relax at the beginning and end of the trekking day. Our
tented accommodation is locally made, head high tents with comfortable camp
beds, and bathrooms are comprised of composting toilets and convenient wash
basins. Most importantly, our adventures have always sought to benefit the local
peoples we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore, and contribute to
the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience.
1 – © Yomads Travel - Michael Pike 5/27/2015 11:05:48 AM
yomads everest
base camp trek
Walk through Sherpa villages to the base
of the world’s highest mountain
when we go
2015 02Oct- 17Oct
23Oct-07Nov
14Nov-29Nov
12Dec- 27Dec
2016 02Jan- 17Jan
19Mar-03Apr
16Apr- 01May
01Oct- 16Oct
22Oct-06Nov
12Nov- 27Nov
10Dec- 25Dec
the trip
This trek takes young nomads into the heart of Nepalese culture during a unique adventure to
Everest Base Camp. Our carefully devised itinerary includes a number of rest days that offer an
exceptional way to acclimatise safely, ample time to explore Nepal’s hidden corners, and authentic
activities that will immerse us in the local scene. We never want to rush a trek in the Himalaya,
so we make our ascent through wonderful Sherpa villages slowly, allowing enough time to enjoy
the stunning scenery, wildlife, and visit a number of monasteries. Our dedication to sustainability,
private permanent campsites and Sherpa guides with exceptional experience, knowledge and
passion for trekking in the Khumbu region add further dimension to this memorable trek designed
specifically for travellers in their 20s and 30s.
at a glance
Need advice planning flights and stopovers?
Contact one of our Yomads experts to receive
more information and a detailed quote.
meals on trek :
Unlike most companies, Yomads includes
most breakfasts and offers the option for
trekkers to purchase meals from our private
permanent campsite meal services. We
believe in the value of providing you with
food options that lower the risks to you
and to ensure you stay healthy, travel safely
and with maximum enjoyment. Choosing
to dine at our campsites gives you access
to our full‑time cook and assistant that
prepare a creative menu using almost all
fresh ingredients and carefully manage the
food preparation and hygiene standards.
Every day is different but here is a
sample of a menu on the trail:
Breakfast
Tea, coffee or hot chocolate served in
your tent, porridge or a grain cereal, toast
with spreads, eggs – fried, omelette or
boiled, baked beans and fried tomatoes
Lunch
Lemon drink, tomato, cucumber and carrot
salad, cheese and gherkins, chapatis, pizza,
canned tuna and meats, fresh oranges
and bananas, tea, coffee or hot chocolate
Dinner
2 – © Yomads Travel - Michael Pike 5/27/2015 11:05:48 AM
DAY 1ARRIVE KATHMANDU
DAY 2FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU, MOMO COOKING CLASS
DAY 3FLY LUKLA (2800M), TREK TO GHAT (2530M), WALK APPROX. 2 HOURS
DAY 4TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440M), WALK APPROX. 7 HOURS
DAY 5REST DAY AT NAMCHE BAZAAR
DAY 6TO DEBOCHE (3770M) VIA THYANGBOCHE, WALK APPROX. 6-7 HOURS
DAY 7TO DINGBOCHE (4360M), WALK APPROX. 6-7 HOURS
DAY 8REST DAY IN DINGBOCHE
DAY 9TO LOBUCHE (4930M), WALK APPROX. 6 HOURS
DAY 10TO GORAK SHEP (5288M) AND BASE CAMP (5360M), WALK APPROX. 7-8 HOURS
DAY 11TREK TO KALA PATTAR (5545M) AND DINGBOCHE (4330M), WALK APPROX. 7-8
HOURS
DAY 12DESCEND TO DEBOCHE (3770M), WALK APPROX. 4-5 HOURS
DAY 13TO MONJO (2850M), WALK APPROX. 6-7 HOURS
DAY 14TO LUKLA (2800M), WALK APPROX. 4-5 HOURS
DAY 15TO KATHMANDU BY AIR (1330M)
DAY 16TRIP CONCLUDES KATHMANDU
what we provide
All internal transfers and transportation (including internal flights from Kathmandu to Lukla return
valued at US$290)
9 nights private permanent campsites, 3 nights eco lodge, 3 nights hotel
15 x breakfasts
Local English speaking trek guide
Cooking staff
Porters to carry baggage during the trek
Momo cooking class in Kathmandu
detailed itinerary
DAY 1Arrive Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! On your arrival transfer to the Kathmandu Guest House. Catch up on some
sleep or get straight into it with a trip to the markets. At 5pm you’ll meet your local Nepali trek
leader at the Yomads group briefing in your hotel.
meals: NIL
yomads everest
base camp trek
Walk through Sherpa villages to the base
of the world’s highest mountain
Creamed corn soup, steamed vegetables,
steamed rice, fried chicken, goat curry,
daal, spaghetti, chocolate cake, fresh
apples, tea, coffee or hot chocolate
DAY 2Free day in Kathmandu, momo cooking class
Today you will get to know this amazing city. The morning is free to do your own thing. In the
Thamel area, we participate in a momo making class where you’ll learn the art of making this
traditional Tibetan dish, which can be vegetarian or meat. You have even more free time in the
afternoon to discover the many excellent bookshops and find a bargain in the extensive markets,
novelty and handicraft shops before completing your first day in Nepal with a guided walking trip
at sunset to Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple) for a great view over Kathmandu city. Our
suggestions for your free time are visiting the temples of Durbar Square and the holy Hindu
temple of Pashupatinath, heading to one of the world’s largest Buddhist Stupas, Boudhanath,
and exploring the UNESCO listed Bhaktapur, the ancient Nepali capital.
meals: B
DAY 3Fly Lukla (2800m), trek to Ghat (2530m), walk approx. 2 hours
This morning we get up early and transfer to the domestic airport for the exciting 45 minute
flight to the gateway to the Everest region, the STOL airstrip at Lukla. This airstrip was built by
Sir Edmund Hillary, the first westerner to climb Mt Everest, to service the Everest Region when
he began his philanthropic work of building schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. At Lukla
you’ll immediately be impressed by the scale of the huge peaks that surround the village - but
this is only a foretaste of what is to come! Your trekking crew will assemble here and head with
you downhill towards the Dudh Kosi river. On the way to our private permanent campsite the
6369m Kusum Kangru will come into view.
meals: B
DAY 4To Namche Bazaar (3440m), walk approx. 7 hours
This morning we pass through the gates of the Sagamartha (Everest) National Park and ascend
to the ancient trading village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa ‘capital’ of Nepal. It is a tough
climb, but you must keep going as the trail passes through forests of pine to a vantage point that
provides your first glimpse of Mt Everest.
meals: B
DAY 5Rest day at Namche Bazaar
Wake up to an amazing amphitheatre of snow capped giants! Today is a free day, with many
optional things to do including visiting the Sherpa Museum, exploring the Tibetan traders market
in Namche village, taking an acclimatisation walk to the Everest View Hotel for excellent views
of Thamserku (6808m), Kantega (6685m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Nuptse (7896m), Lhotse
(8511m) and Mt Everest (8848m) at the head of the valley, and walking to Khumjung to visit Sir
Edmund Hillary’s “Schoolhouse In the Clouds” and the famed Khunde Hospital.
meals: B
DAY 6To Deboche (3770m) via Thyangboche, walk approx. 6-7 hours
The walk to Deboche is one of the most spectacular trekking days in Nepal. The trail meanders
easily around the ridges and Everest can be clearly seen on the horizon ahead. As we approach
the ridgeline we pass a chorten before cresting the ridge onto a wide grassy meadow at the
monastery village of Thyangboche, where we can enjoy a cup of tea with the cheerful monks.
3 – © Yomads Travel - Michael Pike 5/27/2015 11:05:48 AM
yomads everest
base camp trek
Walk through Sherpa villages to the base
of the world’s highest mountain
fast facts
Countries Visited:
Nepal
Visas:
Yes*
Vaccinations:
Please consult a travel vaccination
specialist for up to date information
Singles:
Group Size Min:
4
Group Size Max:
15
A single supplement is available for this trip*
*Ask our staff for more information.
The monastery is the most important in the region and was re-built with the assistance of Sir
Edmund Hillary after it was destroyed by fire in 1989. The views of the Everest massif, as well as
all the other major peaks of the area, are astounding.
meals: B
DAY 7To Dingboche (4360m), walk approx. 6-7 hours
This morning we begin a steady ascent. The stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Kantega,
Thamserku, Ama Dablam and Nuptse are spectacular throughout our walk. We cross the river
again and then gradually trek up to Dingboche, the location of the next two day’s private
permanent campsite, situated just beneath the impressive Ama Dablam.
meals: B
DAY 8Rest day in Dingboche
An important acclimatisation/rest day today with the option of hiking high up to the ridge
overlooking the village, or perhaps up to Chukung Village. Here, you’ll truly appreciate why you
chose this trip. Excellent views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Chukung Peak and Imja Tse (6189m) are had
from both in the valley and from the ridge above the camp. Massive glaciers drape dramatically
beneath cliffs that soar up to 3500 metres in this dramatic valley.
meals: B
DAY 9To Lobuche (4930m), walk approx. 6 hours
We are gaining altitude and it is important that we move at a slow, steady pace. We move up the
Dhugla Ridge and onto moraine towards the Khumbu Glacier. You may notice some rock cairns,
many of which are dedicated to the memory of climbers attempting the high mountains of the
area, including Everest. The temperatures drop here as we are more exposed amongst this glacial
moraine. We enjoy spectacular views all day today of Pumori and Nuptse.
meals: B
DAY 10To Gorak Shep (5288m) and Base Camp (5360m), walk approx. 7-8 hours
We trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier among the glaciers of the world’s highest peaks.
Following our arrival at Gorak Shep it’s an early lunch before embarking on our trek to Everest
Base Camp to experience the exhilaration of ascending to this historic point.
meals: B
DAY 11Trek to Kala Pattar (5545m) and Dingboche (4330m), walk approx. 7-8 hours
Kala Pattar is atop the hill where most eyes are locked on the mass of Everest and its rocky
buttresses immediately before us. Many of the famous ascent routes are quite clear from this
point, but it’s also the Khumbu Glacier towards the icefall and Western Cwm that make this
vantage point particularly beautiful.
meals: B
DAY 12Descend to Deboche (3770m), walk approx. 4-5 hours
Taking in the mountain vistas that surround today’s open trail, we pass through Pangboche,
home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu, and descend to our campsite at
Deboche.
meals: B
4 – © Yomads Travel - Michael Pike 5/27/2015 11:05:48 AM
yomads everest
base camp trek
Walk through Sherpa villages to the base
of the world’s highest mountain
green is good
The environments we pass through are fragile,
making it our responsibility as travellers to
minimize the impact of our presence. We are
dedicated to using ‘best practice’ in terms of
sustainable and responsible initiatives and our
accommodations have been selected based on
their environmental practices, location, and
charm. While all of our guides are expertly
trained in wilderness first aid, each local
agent has been certified at the highest level.
Operating with a ‘Green is Good’ philosophy
means that all of our trips are big adventures
with a small environmental footprint.
sweat level
Fitness is an important aspect of our trips,
and the fitter you are the more easily you
will adjust and enjoy yourself. The trip has
been assigned a Sweat Level of “Hardcore”.
Trips graded “Hardcore” will include
sustained physical activity over multiple
days. The best preparation for this trip is
partaking in day walks or cycle trips each
fortnight in order to build your endurance
coupled with hour‑long “cardio” workouts
up to 3 times a week. We recommend that
you begin your fitness training at least 3
months prior to your trip departure. We
also recommend that you do some full day
walks before departure to improve your
stamina which is essential on this trek.
about these trip notes
These trip notes represent the most current
information for this itinerary and the
advertised prices. The itinerary should be seen
as a guide only and may change at any time
due to adverse weather, forces of nature, and
any other circumstances beyond our control.
5 – © Yomads Travel - Michael Pike 5/27/2015 11:05:48 AM
DAY 13To Monjo (2850m), walk approx. 6-7 hours
It’s a pleasant walk down toward Namche, and as we near the village we pass through terraced
fields that are home to the brightly colored Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. It will
seem like a long time since we ascended through the villages on our first days of the trek and by
late afternoon we arrive at our private permanent campsite at Monjo.
meals: B
DAY 14To Lukla (2800m), walk approx. 4-5 hours
Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before
a gentle climb to Lukla. Our last evening of the trek is a good time to have a small party for all
the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here.
meals: B
DAY 15To Kathmandu by air (1330m)
This morning we fly to Kathmandu on a thrilling flight over forests, fields and villages with the
Himalaya in the background. The rest of the day is free time.
meals: B
DAY 16Trip concludes Kathmandu
The tour concludes after breakfast. If you’re flying home today you will be transferred to the
airport.
meals: B
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
country information
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‑contained
expedition, far from the rush of the modern world and in the delightful company of the trek
crew as they tend to our needs and ensure that we are comfortable and able to enjoy the trek
to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp‑witted and have an incredibly positive attitude
towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the
Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers it is a paradise and even
avowed non‑walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what
lies beyond. Nepal’s population of around 20 million people is a blend of Hindu, Buddhism and
animist religion. Nepal is a mosaic of cultures, ethnic groups and languages. It is remarkable that
in a country of this size there are over 30 different ethnic groups, with at least as many languages.
One million people live in the Kathmandu Valley, but at least ninety percent of the population live
in the rural areas of the lower and middle hills of the Himalayan Range. Nepal is predominantly a
simple rural society and a trek in the foothills of the Himalaya is a strong cultural experience as we
spend time with our crew and meet local village people.
yomads everest
base camp trek
Walk through Sherpa villages to the base
of the world’s highest mountain
climate
The trekking season in Nepal extends from mid‑September to May. From early September the
monsoon rains decrease. By mid‑October through to December the weather is usually stable with
mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25‑30°C at low
altitude in October and nights can drop to below 0°C at higher altitudes.
Trekking in Nepal during winter, from December to February, offers cool to mild and clear days
with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will be mild, around 20°C and
at night may drop to 0°C or as low as ‑10°C at the higher points. Occasionally winter storms can
bring snow as low as 2500m.
In March, mornings are usually clear with cloud build‑up occasionally bringing afternoon rain.
Daytime temperatures increase quickly with temperatures of up to 30°C and mild nights at low
altitudes.
a typical day
Each day may vary based on the day’s trek, but the wake‑up call will usually be around 6:30AM.
We are usually on the trail by 7:30 – 7:45AM and, following a good morning’s walk, will stop for
lunch by around 11AM. Lunch is usually a 2 hour break to allow time to do your washing in the
warmest part of the day, catch up on reading and take in your surroundings. The afternoon walk is
generally shorter and camp is usually reached between 3:30 and 4:30PM. Once we have reached
camp and have settled in you’ll be able to rest or set off to explore what the local scene has to
offer. This period of your trekking day is a nice time to relax and enjoy the wilderness, mountains
and people among it.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets
and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure
you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to
determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please
note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more
expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need
to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and
therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take
all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must
travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these
medications.
equipment provided
You will be provided with a Yomads kit bag to use during the trek which will be yours to keep after
the trip concludes. The kit bags are useful for storing and organising your personal belongings
while on the trail. All general camping equipment including tents and eating utensils will be
provided by Yomads. A dining tent with chairs and lighting, along with toilet tent, will be available
at each campsite. Porters and cooking staff will accompany the group throughout the trek to tend
to travellers’ baggage and meals.
6 – © Yomads Travel - Michael Pike 5/27/2015 11:05:48 AM
yomads everest
base camp trek
Walk through Sherpa villages to the base
of the world’s highest mountain
pre and post tour accommodation
A Yomads expert can assist you with pre and post tour accommodation. Please advise us at
least 14 days prior to departure if you would like to us to help you extend your stay in Nepal.
Additionally, you can make use of the various major hotel websites and organise your own
arrangements.
equipment required
Specialist gear required including walking boots (should already be worn in) and a day pack. A
comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information received upon booking.
acute mountain sickness
When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of
the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust we have structured our treks so that you ascend
slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process, you may
experience some of the following symptoms.
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Disturbed sleep
• Loss of appetite/nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Palpitation
• Swelling of the hands and face
Individuals acclimatise at different rates. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty
of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it
does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive first
aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe
you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms. The only cure
for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend.
Please note that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if
symptoms persist.
protecting the environment
Deforestation is Nepal’s greatest environmental problem. We do not have camp fires and we
strongly discourage trekkers from buying wood‑fuelled hot showers that they may encounter
along the way. Additionally, we do not use wood for cooking or heating water whilst in lodges but
use kerosene stoves that we carry with us. We carry our own food supplies in order to maintain the
highest standards of hygiene and meal quality. By joining a trek with Yomads you are supporting a
sustainable trekking service, rather than depleting natural resources. Camping, rather than staying
in tea houses, ensures we can fulfill this.
7 – © Australian Yomads Travel - Michael Pike 5/27/2015 11:05:48 AM
yomads everest
base camp trek
Walk through Sherpa villages to the base
of the world’s highest mountain
what you need
Meals not included in itinerary
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
Tips
International flights
Airport and departure taxes
Visa
Travel insurance
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latest Yomads adventures, news, and travel info.
8 – © Australian Yomads Travel - Michael Pike 5/27/2015 11:05:48 AM