These Mount Everest base camps are rudimentary. They are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. South Base Camp is used when climbing via the southeast ridge, while North Base Camp is used when climbing via the northeast ridge.

Supplies are carried to the South Base Camp by sherpas or porters, and with help of animals, usually yaks. The North Base Camp has vehicle access (at least in the summer months). Climbers typically rest at base camp for several days for acclimatization; to reduce the risks and severity of altitude sickness.

The Everest Base Camp trek on the south side is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas and is visited by thousands of trekkers each year. Trekkers usually fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to save time and energy before beginning the morning trek to this base camp. From Lukla, trekkers hike upward to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, 11,290 ft (3,440 meters), following the valley of the Dudh Kosi river. The village is a central hub of the area, and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.

This takes about two days. Typically at this point, climbers allow a day of rest for acclimatization. They then trek another two days to Dingboche, 13,980 ft (4,260 meters) before resting for another day for further acclimatization. Another two days takes them to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar, 18,192 ft (5,545 meters) and Mt. Pumori.

Keep in mind that you will be paying for airfare separately. You can find flight information here. You will also want to purchase travel insurance, by clicking on the banners on the right, in case you can’t make your trip or something happens on your trek that will require medical assistance, rescue or delays.

Remember, Himalayan Mountain Treks’ guides will be with you from airport-to-hotel-to-trek and back so you will not be lost confused or stranded alone in a foreign country.

Enjoy planning your trip of a lifetime. We look forward to hearing from you.

The best time for doing the Everest base camp trek is from early September to early December (Autumn) or March to end May (Spring).

Autumn generally has clear weather with sunny days and warm nights, whereas spring has occasional rainfall.

June to August is the monsoon season. Trekking is generally difficult and uncomfortable as the climate of Nepal at this time of year brings hot weather and heavy rainfalls almost every day. Himalayan Mountain Treks does not run treks to Everest base camp during this period but offers many alternative treks such as Annapurna, Manaslu and Mustang that receive significantly less rain than the southern regions.

From here most tours start the trek back to Lukla. However, if being at the actual base camp is important to you, continue your journey one extra day. The trek from Lukla to Kala Pattar to Lukla takes a total of 14 days and reaches an elevation of 5545 meters.

Local’s tip: Tibetan Buddhists believe that the mantra om mani padme hum invites blessings from Chenrezig, the deity of compassion. Remember it: It’ll come in handy when you’re wheezing along at 20,000 feet.

Plan It Himalayan Mountain Treks offers all the information you need to get there. Read The Other Side of Everest, by Matt Dickinson (Crown, $8) before you go, or bring it to trace different routes up the mountain while your dal bhat cooks.

Cost: $2495 Per Person (This includes guides that are with you the entire trip and a tour of Kathmandu)

The two-month expedition seeks to repeat the historic climb of the 1963 National Geographic-sponsored American Mount Everest Expedition, almost 50 years after that first American ascent. Mountaineer Conrad Anker and photographer Cory Richards will attempt the risky West Ridge route. At the same time a second team with additional climbers from The North Face and National Geographic writer Mark Jenkins will take on the mountain’s Southeast Ridge.

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Autumn is the prime trekking season in the Everest region, and the visitors were on the  Everest Base Camp Trek where  they hike  from Lukla for a week to reach Mount Everest’s base camp at 17,400 feet (5,300 meters). From there they return back to Lukla and fly back to Kathamandu. You can see the entire route here.

If this happens when you are on a Himalayan Mountain Trek our guides will stay with you throughout the duration of the trek. They will make sure that you have adequate food, warmth and shelter until you are able to get a flight out. They will also fly back with you to Kathmandu and take you back to the hotel. With Himalayan Mountain Treks you do not have to worry about any of you accommodations in good weather or bad. The guides will make sure that you are well taken care of until you leave Nepal.

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Need pants for trekking the Annapurna Circuit? Of course you do. Convertible pants are the way to go. That way you can carry less clothing and can remove the legs for the warm climates of Nepal and put them back on for windy, wet climates. The Men’s Paramount Peak Convertible Pant by The North Face are a good solution. These are The North Face’s best-selling convertible pants. They have modern styling, bluesign fabric – which is socially responsible manufacturing processes, extra carrying capacity and improved durability. These pants have an UPF of 30, DWR finish- water repellency, they are quick drying, have partial elastic waist with belt loops, a zipper fly and a built in belt. They convert  into 10″ shorts, with color coded leg zips, and a secure zipped pocket near the right hand pocket.They are 100% nylon faille fabric.

• Durable, midweight, abrasion-resistant nylon
• DWR finish
• 30 UPF (Ultraviolet protection factor )
• Quick drying
• Modern style
• Partial elastic waist with belt loops, zipper fly and belt included
• Pant legs zip off into a longer 10″ short
• Color-coded convertible leg zips
• Front cargo pockets rotated to side
• Back pocket size increased for extra capacity
• Secure zip pocket near right-hand pocket
• Side-leg zips for easy on-off
• Gusset at crotch for increased mobility
• Extra strong, TEX40 thread throughout for increased durability

Specifications

Average Weight: 17.6 oz / 500 g
Inseam: short: 30″, regular: 32″, large: 34″
Fabric: 165 g/m2 100% nylon faille (bluesign approved fabric)
Color: Asphalt Grey, New Taupe Green, Dune Beige, Moab Khaki, Weimaraner Brown