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.  We saunter through the busy streets and markets of the Thamel in the old region of the city and experience at first-hand the hustle, bustle, sights, sounds and smells 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 o f 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 recognized 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.

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

On route to our objective of climbing Kala-Patthar and visiting Basecamp, we visit the famous Buddhist monastery at Tengboche and 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 pattar - 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.

From here you then descend to Lukla, marveling at what you have achieved and all the while with stunning views and fantastic scenery all around you!

Grade

Grade is: Trekking - Moderate (Streneous for some)

This trek is suitable to all and can be achieved by a beginner with 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 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 6 hours walking excluding acclimatizing days.  We recommend that you attend our free meet day to join your group and our experienced guide to go for a preparatory hill-walk. 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 also run Fitness assessment (link) and Hill-walking (link) weekends that are ideally suited for those who need a little more preparation. We recommend these options to ensure a good level of understanding of the requirements for the upcoming trek.

Acclimatisation
Although the climb is possible in 10 days or even less, at Irish & Worldwide Adventures we have agreed a 12 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)

Prices

TREK EVEREST BASE CAMP PRICES, INCLUSIONS & OPTIONS

€1,900 euro Land Only from Kathmandu

€2,850 euro All-in Group from Ireland

Land Only Inclusions

• * Hotel Accommadation B&B 2 nights (min. 3 *)
• * Park fee’s (€10-€20)
• * Camping, Meals & boiled water on mountain
• * Guides, Porters & Cooks

Land Only Exclusions

• * Fully escorted from/to Ireland
  * Flights from/to Ireland
  * Nepal Visa (€20-€30)
  * All transfers
• * Meals en route before and after trek
• * Bar Bills & laundry
• * Travel Insurance
• * Extra's for porterage taken on
• * Mountain permit fee - if Island Peak option

Group Inclusions

• * Fully escorted from/to Ireland
• * Flights from/to Ireland
• * Nepal Visa (€20-€30)
• * All transfers
• * Hotel Accommadation B&B 3 nights (min. 3 *)
• * Park fee’s (€10-€20)
• * Camping, Meals & boiled water on mountain
• * Guides, Porters & Cooks
• * Mountain permit fee - if Island Peak option

Exclusions

• * Meals en route before and after trek
• * Bar Bills & laundry
• * Travel Insurance
• * Extra's for porterage taken on

Optional Extra’s

Island Peak – 4 days - €600 euro

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.

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.

Guides

Walking and trekking guides & tour leaders

Gerry Walsh is one of our senior tour leaders. He is a co-ordinator for those interested in pursuing walks and treks in other countries. Gerry also leads some of our international treks and safari’s to Africa and Nepal. He has a vast experience in Africa and has climbed Kilimanjaro over 10 times.

Pat Falvey - Pat occasionally guides on selected trips

Niall Foley

Lorraine Gordon

Tony Nation

See also our Travel team page

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. For more guidelines and information on porters please go to our 'Porter guidelines' (link) in the righthand menu.

Itinerary

Here is a sample daily Itinerary, on booking you will be issued a more detailed version. We can also customise the itinerary to your needs if required. Land only will start on the evening of Day 2* and  finish on the morning of Day 16* Island Peak addon Itinerary details will be issued at time of booking.

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)
Day 12-14: Lobuche - Deboche - Monjo - Lukla (2800m)
Day 15: Fly Lukla - Kathmandu - Hotel B&B - Free Day
Day 16: Free Day / Bad weather Day
Day 17: Fly Kathmandu - Ireland
Day 18: Arrive Ireland

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. For more info on this fitness assessment weekends (link) and day walks, go to our Irish training section. 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 pack 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 Free meet 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-passport photos for visas at departure.

We will need to get a visa and this can be got on entry.

Gear

For general wear on trek: cotton pants, t-shirts and if you have light thermals these will be ideal.

• One pair of trekking boots for trek. These boots can be used for good wear also. If you have a hillwalking pair of boots you can also bring them.  If you like comfort we recommend boots with extra insulation in sole around 150euro 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 etc.
• 1 fleece or pile jacket. Windproof is good.
• Wind and water proofs (Gortex 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.
• 1 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: 1pair of thermal and 1 pair over gloves or mitts, no harm in bringing spare sets.
• 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 recommeded 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.

Miscellaneous items:
Sun-block (very important and use it!!)
Backpacking towel and general toiletries.
Insect repellent
Extra Clothes for travelling and/or socialising.

Climbers doing Island Peak

• Plastic boots or good pair of full shank leather boots, Plastic boots are a warmer boot and highly recommended for the cold.
• 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/ 6 foot sling
• Extra warm gloves and a pair of good mitts
• Helmet
• Good fitting crampons please make sure they fit before going on trip
• Walking Ice Axe with hand strap
• Jumar (ascender) with krab attached

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.

Testimonials

''This was the trip of a lifetime. We were blessed with superb weather every day which gave us incredible views of the mountains. I strongly recommend anyone going on this trek takes as many photo's and videos as possible to look at when you get back home. I'm glad I did. Many thanks to Jerry and Lorraine for getting us there''- Sue

''Overall, a very positive experience- trip of a lifetime. Tough & Rough but totally worth the effort, cursing and breathlessness''- Mary

''Just recovering from my chest infection and adjusting to reality. Yes the trip was a great experience and I was glad to have made it to base camp, with everyones support and help''- Willie

''Gerry is a great guide. He is enthusiastic, encouraging, extremely patient, great to coax you on another bit and good fun. Lorraine was marvelous also''- Mary

''Thank you to everyone at The Mountain Lodge for helping me realize my dream'- Mary

''This was a very good trip with a great sense of achievement''- Willie

''Trip of a lifetime.. Most amazing place on this planet... Life changing experience. Made great friendship with lads.. two brilliant guides and friends and one place I definitely fell in love with''- Chris