Everest Base Camp Trek among National Geographic’s World’s Best Hikes: 20 Dream Trails

Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal

Mt-Everest Base Camp

Hiker: Jim Whittaker, mountaineer

In His Words

I would recommend the trek to Everest Base Camp to anybody. The people are incredible, the scenery can’t be beat, and you get to take a look at Everest or Chomolungma, meaning the “Goddess Mother of the World.” It’s spectacular just to see the highest point on planet Earth. In 1963, it was a 185-mile trip. These days you can start by flying into to Lukla, a village at 9,000 feet with a slanted airstrip that makes for a hell of a takeoff and landing. In May, the rhododendrons are in bloom with orchids growing in them. There are guest houses on the way up. You can get a beer. There are waste baskets on the trail. They have done a nice job of cleaning it up. I made the trek to Everest Base Camp last year but had to turn back near the camp due to intestinal difficulties. I went ten years ago for the 40th anniversary of the climb with Gombu [Nawang Gombu Sherpa who summited with Whittaker in 1963] and our families. That is when my son Leif decided he wanted to climb it. Who knows, I might wander up there again. —Jim Whittaker

Length: About 40 miles

The Details: The two-week trek to Everest Base Camp and back has become increasingly popular—REI even runs a trip—but no less spectacular, if you don’t mind how much the route and the now-bottlenecked climb to the summit have changed since 1963. And why not? It’s a bucket list trip available to people who don’t have the ability (or money, a guided trip to the top of the world runs around $50,000) to actually climb Everest. Simply viewing the peak is a must. And while so many books and films have focused on the trip from Base Camp to the summit, the journey to Base Camp is no less miraculous.

Beyond the chance to come face to face with the mountain from the spot where climbers begin their ascent, the route passes through the heart of the Khumbu region and wanders into its bustling, little capital, Namche Bazaar. Perched at 11,286 feet, this is where most trekkers spend a few days getting acclimatized and immersing themselves in the local culture—as well as returning to their own by checking email at an Internet cafe. From here, the trek heads up past smaller villages, like at 13,074-foot Pangboche, with its famed Buddhist monastery, before topping out at 17,650 feet at base camp, with the summit towering over 11,000 feet above.

Don’t feel bad if climbers who are acclimatizing at Everest Base Camp seem to keep at a distance from you—they don’t want to be exposed to germs from trekkers before making an attempt at the highest spot on planet Earth. And while many trekkers are quite content just looking at that summit, some others, like Leif Whittaker, feel the urge to return.

When to Go: Spring from March until the monsoons move in in May is best but September–November after the monsoon season can be beautiful as well, and a bit less crowded.

 About Whittaker: Jim Whittaker became the first American to stand on the summit of Mount Everest on May 1, 1963, for which he and the members of his team were awarded National Geographic Society’s Hubbard Medal and invited to the White House by President John F. Kennedy. Before he climbed to the top of the world, Whittaker was already a proficient mountaineer in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, and like many climbing bums he worked in outdoor retail—he was the first full-time employee at Seattle’s Recreation Equipment, Inc. (REI), and later its CEO. He also led the first successful American summit of 18,151-foot K2—the world’s second highest mountain and a more difficult climb than Everest—in 1978 and the 1990 Everest Peace Climb, which included American, Soviet, and Chinese mountaineers and helped remove two tons of trash from the mountain. His son Leif followed in his father’s footsteps, reaching the top of the world in 2010 and again in 2012 when Jim set out on the Base Camp trek with him.

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Source: National Geographic

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New Trekking Route “Loluphera” Identified

  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
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    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
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    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
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  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
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A new trekking route has been established by integrating religious, historical and natural beauty embedded in the west Nepal.

The trekking route namely ‘Loluphera’ has been identified including over a dozen tourism sites of Dhaulagiri, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali zones.

The task of geographical mapping is underway after undertaking a primary feasibility study as part of the implementation of an idea of establishing trekking route connecting Lomanthang of Mustang to Lumbini and Fewa Lake of Pokhara to Rara Lake of Mugu, said Loluphera Trekking Route Campaign Coordinator Krishna KC said.

He further said discussions are being held from local residents of trekking route zone to Ministry of Tourism and political leadership for the operation of trekking route.

The campaigners´ team has already carried out feasibility study of proposed sites connecting trekking routes in Kaski, Parbat, Baglung, Dolpa, Mugu, Mustang, Manang and Myagdi districts.

The team comprising tourism experts and technicians which has arrived in Beni of Myagdi via Mustang is studying probability of trekking route linking Gulmi, Palpa and Lumbini, KC informed.

There is huge potential of attracting religious tourists with the prevalence of natural beauty, historical sites, mountain series, art, culture, hilly life and mind-blowing landscape along with the availability of religious sites including Lumbini, Muktinath and Damodar Kunda, KC added. -RSS

Wonderful Pilgrimage Destination: Damodar Kund

Wonderful Pilgrimage Destination: Damodar Kund

  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    This trek is the one of best views of annapurna range, nilgiri , Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak , Dhampus peak , Hiunchuli ,Machhapuchhre , Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal other many more greatest views of mountains you never seen before.
  • KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
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    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
  • 08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP:  KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    Sagamartha (Everest) Base Camp trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world.
  • KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia.
  • KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash, the sacred mountain and the abode of the Hindu god Shiva is one of the world's greatest pilgrimage destinations especially for Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others.
  • MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.


Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund, situated at the lap of high Himalayas in Upper Mustang area of Nepal . Here we are at their service to make their dream come true. 

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In the column of Barah Puran; Lord Krishna have said that who pays a visit to this Kunda and takes a deep-bath, they will be freed from all the sin. It is also mentioned in Puran that two sons of Kubers were suffering from their wrongdoing & sin, which they did in their previous birth but lord Krishna suggested them to take bath in this Kunda and immediately after taking bath in this Kunda they were released from all their sin. So the importance of a visit to this sacred place cannot be described in a short paragraph.

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Itinerary: Damodarkund Tour By Helicopter – 05 Nights 06 Days

Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing Fly or drive to pokhara overnight stay at Hotel
Day 03: Pokhara – Muktinath-Damodar kund-Pokhara overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 04: Sightseeing of Pokhara, Fly Pokhara – Kathmandu by Flight.
Day 05: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing onvernight stay at Hotel
Day 06: Transfer to Airport, Departure for onward destination.

Cost: Ask for Quotation
Download for Booking Form

Tour Cost:
INR 135,555.00 Per Person for Indian.

What to wear:
1 Warm clothes, a pair of hiking shoes, sun-tan cream, sunglass, nuts biscuits, huts, Chocolate, of choice, Personal towel, woolen socks etc. Torch and Cameras tele or still with enough batteries.

Food and Drink:
1. We offer vegetarian food, Morning, evening tea/coffee along with snacks, while you would be in trekking.
2. Alcoholic drinks beverages should not be consumed.

Month to visit Damodar Kund: 
By Helicopter visit in the month of April and September is suitable. For the treks on foot / Pony May, June is preferable. Helicopter Services will be conducted from Jomsom/Pokhara.

Others Requirement:
Indians are required to carry authorized identity card, preferably passport, Indians and others SAARC nationals will have to pay ACAP fee of Rs. 200 and others nationals will be paying Rs. 2000.

Means & Equipment:
A group of highly competent and professional staffing who care for your needs. We are linked with world on our website and have other communication mode. We maintain a sophisticated range of equipment and a fleet of luxury cars and buses. We have a well stocked store with the equipment required for trekking and expedition.

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