Way back in 2019 we launched our 2020 Everest Base Camp expedition. Well, a worldwide pandemic meant we had two years of postponements, but finally in October of 2022 we managed to get not one, but two expeditions into Nepal for an adventure to Everest Base Camp.
The two groups were made up of individuals, fundraisers for St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston, and also Black Dog Outdoors. The trek managers were myself (Matt Le Voi) and Felicity Turner, working once again with our in country agents Basant & Siddik. Sonam was our Sirdar once more, and it was excellent to see familiar guiding faces such as Saila.
Here is a photo journal of the journey to EBC and back.
After a morning in Kathmandu and the trek briefing we drive to Mulkot where we overnight. The following morning we transfer to Ramechaap to then grab our flight to Lukla.
Lukla Airport - the most dangerous airport in the world! Now we're in the mountains! Situated at 2,700m
The first day holds just a few hours of pretty easy trekking down to Phakding.
The next day we climb higher to the Sherpa Capital of Namche Bazaar (3,400m). This involves a big hill climb in the afternoon, as well as the highest (drop) suspension bridge in Nepal.
Thanks to the big climb to Namche, it is wise to have an 'acclimatisation day' from there. We stay there 2 nights, and on the second day we ventured up to Khumjung for lunch before returning. We also got to enjoy epic views of Everest, and Ama Dablam.
From Namche, we then trekked to Debuche (3,700m) via Tengboche Monastery.
And then from Debuche to Dingboche (4,400m)
Dingboche is an epic village, equipped with some fine bakeries. Again, we spent two nights here.
We enjoyed an awesome 3 hour Acclimatisation hike to roughly 5,000m.
The next day we left Dingboche behind and hiked to Lobuche (4900m). The terrain is now much different to that of the forested valleys, and the mountains surrounding you are far more epic.
From Lobuche we launch our attack on EBC itself. We lunch at Gorak Shep before making the final 90 minute walk to Base Camp.
Energy levels pending, after EBC it is possible to ascend Kallar Pathar (5545m) that sits above Gorak Shep to see the sun set against Everest.
It's now time to return down the trail. First it's Gorak Shep to Periche, via the Thukla Pass.
And from Periche we then drop back into Namche Bazaar.
A final day of trekking through the lush green land gets you back to Lukla. We overnight here and celebrate with our trekking team before departing back to Kathmandu in the morning. You will often get at least one full day, and two evenings in Kathmandu before the itinerary is over. The team certainly enjoyed some 'decompression time' in Kathmandu before heading home. Get in touch with us to organise your own bespoke trip to EBC, or to see what dates we have available!