In May 2018 I did a recce of the Everest Base Camp trek for Skyline Events to check out the competence of a local guide company and their safety protocols and an assessment of the accommodation they use.

For photographs of this expedition see Nepal – Everest Base Camp Trek, May 2018

 

This expedition is arranged by Skyline Events

16 May 2018 Fly from Manchester to Kathmandu

17 May 2018 Arrive Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! Meet and greet with local crew. Overnight hotel.

18 May 2018 Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding

We catch a morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m), the most renowned mountain airstrip in the world! Our flight is cancelled, so we take a helicopter instead! Upon arrival we will meet our mountain crew and porters who will be carrying our luggage throughout our journey before we begin our trek along the undulation trail to Phakding, which is situated at 2,600m. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 4-5 hours trekking.

19 May 2018 Trek to Namche Bazaar

Today we trek into the Sherpa capital and heart of the Khumbu. The trail up the hill is steep but we will take the climb slowly and enjoy the surrounding views of the valley and river before we enter Everest National Park. After the formalities at the park entrance we continue up hill to Namche which is built on the steep side of the mountain. Overnight at 3,440m. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 6-7 hours trekking

20 May 2018 Acclimatisation day in Namche

With Everest now in sight, it’s time for us to acclimatise before we continue our trek. Today we’ll walk up to the Everest View Hotel and visit the Hilary Museum to learn more about the region’s mountaineering history. Tonight we’ll stay at the lodge in Namche. Overnight local tea house.

21 May 2018 Trek to Phortse

This morning we leave Namche along the classic route to Everest which contours the hillside high above the Imja Khosi and offers an amazing insight into the life and culture of the Sherpas. Today we’ll enjoy spectacular views of many peaks in the area including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and the beautifully shaped Ama Dablam (6,812m). Tonight we stay in Phortse (3,810m), home to a number of Sherpas who have reached Everest’s summit. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 6-7 hours trekking.

22 May 2018 Trek to Dingboche

Today we will feel the high-altitude as we climb above the Imjatse River. From the top of this climb we’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Imjatse Valley which we’ll trek through as we descend into Dingboche (4,410m), with the mountains of Nuptse, Lohtse and Ama Dablam looming above us. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 6 hours trekking.

23 May 2018 Acclimatisation day in Dingboche

Today we take a short acclimatisation walk and then rest to help aid acclimatisation. Overnight local tea house.

24 May 2018 Trek to Lobuche

We head North above the village of Pheriche and stop for lunch before taking on the steep hill to the top. Today we will pass beautiful prayer flags fluttering in the wind before we follow the valley into Lobuche(4,900m) and our lodge for the evening. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 5 hours trekking.

25 May 2018 Trek to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep

This will be a challenging hike but is undoubtedly the highlight of the challenge as we make our way to Everest Base Camp (5,380m) and experience the wonderful lively atmosphere with fellow trekkers. It will be a tough climb but we will be rewarded with spectacular views. After a stop at camp with breath-taking scenery, including the Khumbu icefall, we will make our way back to Gorakshep which will be our place of rest for the night! Overnight local tea house. Approx. 5 hours trekking

26 May 2018 Trek to Kala Pathar

Today we will attempt to summit Kala Pathar (new summit 5,650m), our highest point of the trek, and witness the incredible views of Everest and the Khumbu Icefall. We will spend some time at summit so we can revel in our incredible achievement and take in the beautiful views. This will give us the chance to reflect on the awe-inspiring journey we have accomplished so far and take in the majestic mountains around us. From here we return to Pheriche or Orsho for a well-deserved sleep! Overnight local tea house. Approx. 8-12 hours trekking

27 May 2018 Trek to Tengboche

After a hearty breakfast we set off from Pheriche or Orsho and make our way onwards to Tengboche (3,840m), taking in the stunning views of the now familiar Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse – some of the most beautiful peaks in the Himalayas. We’ll visit Tengboche Monastery and the Sherpa Heritage Foundation to soak up the wonderful culture of this popular village, Overnight local tea house. Approx. 3-5 hours trekking.

28 May 2018 Trek to Monjo

Leaving Tengboche, we will pass yak herders cottages and high peaks as we make our way to Monjo (2,860m). We will have a slow descent as we lose 1,000m with Monjo standing at 2,800m quite a dramatic change from our previous night’s lodgings! Today will see us making our way over suspension bridges, taking us along beautiful paths and past tea houses as we make our way into Monjo. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 7.5 hours trekking

29 May 2018 Trek to Lukla

This will be our final day trekking and will be a pleasant day to end our incredible challenge! We make our way through small villages on our final climb as we trek towards our final destination of Lukla (2,840m) where we can enjoy our last evening with the Sherpa guides and porters and thank them for a wonderful adventure. Overnight local tea house. Approx. 5 hours trekking

30 May 2018 Fly back to Kathmandu

Today marks the end of our unforgettable trek as we leave Lukla and the breath-taking Himalayas behind and fly over to Kathmandu where we can enjoy a well deserved rest in our hotel. This afternoon enjoy a tour of Kathmandu, if time allows. Overnight hotel.

31 May 2018 Transfer to airport for flight home.


Steve

Steve holds the prestigious International Mountain Leader Award and also the Summer and Winter Mountain Leader Awards. He is a full member of BAIML and an adviser to Mountain Training UK&I. Steve has travelled extensively on six continents and has a wide experience, gained over more than thirty five years, of explorations and leading expeditions in remote environments on land – trekking in mountains, jungles, deserts and safaris and on water – rafting and canoeing. He works with his own clients and travel companies and takes adults and children on amazing adventures around the world. He has trained at and been assessed by Britain’s National Mountain Centres who are world class in the instruction and coaching of outdoor professionals. Steve is a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Accredited Expedition Assessor. He trains, supervises and assesses candidates on Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE Expeditions. He is a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, has an enhanced DBS disclosure and his own public liability insurance.