EVEREST BASE CAMP - SMALL GROUP TREKKING HOLIDAY

Everest exerts a pull like no other mountain and trekking to the base of Everest with a

small group is the perfect way to experience the spectacle of one of the worlds greatest

treks. The mountain scenery is simply spectacular, the complete cultural immersion in

the Sherpa culture is fascinating and the physical challenge a reward in itself.

Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Kathmandu where you will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour.

The Everest Base Trek starts the following day with a short flight to Lukla and your first day’s trek to

Phakding. Your journey then continues ever upwards via Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and Dingboche and

Ghorak Shep to Everest Base Camp after nine days of trekking through simply awe inspiring scenery in

the footsteps of the world’s great mountaineers. The highlight of your trek will surely be the visit to Everest

Base Camp and the dawn view of Everest from the summit of Kala Pattar. The descent from Everest Base

Camp is considerably quicker and after 13 days of trekking you will be looking forward to the short hop

back to Kathmandu and the relative luxury that it offers.

Macs Adventure offers a range of independent and self-guided adventure holidays in Nepal, Europe and

the UK. Our holidays are for individuals and small groups so your holiday is perfectly suited to your needs.

All our treks in Nepal are operated in partnership with our local partner who have over 15 years

experience of organising trekking adventures in Nepal and are fully licensed and recognised as one of the

leading agencies in Nepal.

Your first glimpse of Everest.

The rich and welcoming Sherpa culture in the Solu Khumbu region.

Reaching Everest Base Camp and your view of the Khumbu Ice Fall.

Small friendly groups and experienced professional guides.

The achievement of standing atop Kala Pattar at dawn with Everest before you.

WHY CHOOSE A SMALL GROUP TREKKING HOLIDAY WITH US?

Macs Adventure is a small, energetic company dedicated to delivering adventure excellence. We are

passionate about delivering outstanding trekking holidays where every last detail is taken care of. From

your first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a member of our team who will help you to make

the most of your time in Nepal with their in-depth knowledge of the route.

We run regular scheduled small group departures for those who wish to join the friendly and social

atmosphere of our small groups. Group departures are perfect for those trekking solo or friends and

couples who prefer to trek in a small group with likeminded individuals.

Groups run with a minimum of two and a maximum of ten trekkers. This ensures a cohesive, friendly and

supportive atmosphere on the trek. Our small group treks are led by qualified and experienced Nepalese

guides who will ensure your trek is the experience of a lifetime.

So from the moment you decide to visit Nepal and the Everest Base Camp trek you can relax and look

forward to an unforgettable trek with Macs Adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

SMALL GROUP TREKS TO THE ROOF OF THE WORLD

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Accommodation: 13 Nights Nepali

Teahouses (guesthouses), 4 nights 5 star

hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner while

trekking, Breakfast only in Kathmandu

Baggage Transfer: Fully qualified and

trained, English-speaking guides, services of

a porter.

IS IT FOR ME?

Small group treks are perfect if you are trekking solo orwith a friend and want to join a small friendly group oflike minded people. The trek to Everest Base camp ischallenging and the walking strenuous because of thehigh altitude so a good level of fitness and previousexperience of multi day is recommended.So if you relish a challenge, are physically fit, arehappy to forgo a few of life’s luxuries and want theexperience of a lifetime then our Everest base CampTrek is for you.

Tour: Everest Base Camp

Code: TNGEBC

Type: Small Group Walking Holiday

Price: See Website

Departures: September to May

Group Size: 2-10

Walking Days: 13

Nights: 17

Start/Finish: Kathmandu

SUMMARY

Everest Base Camp Trek

Code: TNGEBC

Walking Days: 13

Duration: 17 Nights & 18 Days

Everest Base Camp is arguably the world’s

greatest mountain trek. Each day you are

treated to the worlds finest mountain as you

journey through the Himalaya.

Grade

This holiday is graded strenuous and you should

be in good physical fitness and have experience

of multi day trekking or walking trips prior to

undertaking an Everest Base Camp Trek. The

effect of altitude should not be underestimated.

The trails are the roads of the area and are

generally well maintained and a good walking

surface although the going can be rough once

you reach the base of the Khumbu Glacier.

DAY 1

Arrive Starting Point: Kathmandu

Our local representative will meet you at

Kathmandu Airport and transfer you to your

Kathmandu Hotel. In the evening you will meet

your guide and the other group members.

Overnight: Kathmandu Deluxe Hotel

DAY 2

Full Day City Sightseeing Tour

Kathmandu is a vibrant, exciting and culturally

fascinating city. Your local guide will help you

discover the sights, sounds and smells of

Kathmandu during an exciting full day tour of

Kathmandu.

Overnight: Kathmandu Deluxe Hotel

DAY 3

Flight to Lukla (2804m) and Trek toPhakding (2610m)

Private transfer to the airport and then a

spectacular 30 minute flight over foothills of the

Himalaya to Lukla. You will meet your porters in

and then it is on the trail and on your way to base

camp. A three hour walk brings you to your first

overnight tea house in the village of Phakding.

Overnight: Phakding Teahouse

DAY 4

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3535m)

The snow capped mountains tower around you

as you crisscross the valley bottom on nerve

jangling suspension bridges on your way to

Namche Bazaar and a final sustained climb

brings the welcome sight of Namche Bazaar.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar Teahouse

DAY 5

Namche Bazaar Acclimatisation Day

Regular acclimatisation days are crucial to a

successful trek to Everest Base Camp and

minimising the effects of altitude and also offer a

great excuse to explore the Sherpa villages on a

full days walk which aids acclimatization.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar Teahouse

DAY 6

Namche Bazaar to Tengboche(3850m)

The views of Everest and Ama Dablam really

start to open up as you trek high above the Dubh

Kosi. You will be taken to observe the prayer

ceremony in the famous monastery of

Tengboche.

Overnight: Tengboche Teahouse

DAY 7

Tengboche to Dingboche (4350m)

Once you leave Tengboche the landscape

becomes increasingly barren and mountainous

and only the hardiest crops survive as the

altitude and cold begins to tell.

Overnight: Dingboche Teahouse

DAY 8

Day trip up Chhukung Valley

From Dingboche you enjoy another challenging

acclimatisation day with a side trip to the

Chhukung Valley and for those feeling strong a

ascent of Chhukung Ri (5546m) is a must. It also

gives you a close up view of Island Peak.

Overnight: Dingboche Teahouse

Day Daily Itinerary

1234567891011

12131415161718

Arrive KathmanduKathmandu City TourFlight to Lukla. Trek to PhakdingPhakding to Namche BazaarAcclimatisation Day NacmcheNamche Bazaar to TengbocheTengboche to DingbocheChhukung Valley AcclimatisationDingboche to LoboucheLobouche to Ghorak ShepGhorak Shep to Everest BaseCamp (return)Climb KalapattarGhorak Shep to PherichePheriche to Khumjung VillageKhumjung to PhakdingPhakding to LuklaFlight to KathmanduFree Day in KathmanduOnward travel

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

SMALL GROUP TRIPS TO THE ROOF OF THE WORLD

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 9

Dingboche to Lobuche (4950m)

The really hard work starts as you reach the

terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier and

climb to the small summer village of Lobuche.

The cold and altitude make this a challenging

overnight stop and no doubt you will look forward

to continuing in the morning.

Overnight: Lobuche Teahouse

DAY 10

Lobouche to Ghorak Shep (5160m)

The trail continues upwards to Ghorak Shep

alongside the enormous Khumbu glacier and the

views of Pumori are spectacular. Ghorak Shep

consists of a few tea houses and has a real

frontier feeling.

Overnight: Ghorak Shep Teahouse

DAY 11

Ghorak Shep to Everest Base Camp(5400) and return

From Ghorak Shep the round trip to Everest

Base Camp takes about six hours and is the

most challenging walking that you will do on your

trek. Despite what others may say the round trip

to EBC is worth every minute and it is a simply

awe inspiring place and the sight of the Khumbu

Ice Fall is one you will not forget in a hurry.

Overnight: Ghorak Shep Teahouse

DAY 12

Climb Kala Pattar (5545m) anddescend to Pheriche (4280m)

A very early morning start for the climb to the

summit of Kala Pattar will give you a panoramic

view of Everest and in the thin air you really do

feel as if you could reach out and touch it. It is a

moment to treasure. You return to Ghorak Shep

for breakfast and then begin the descent,

reaching Periche that afternoon.

Overnight: Pheriche Teahouse

DAY 13

Pheriche to Khumjung Village(3753m)

As you continue to descend the air feels

positively thick and you really do feel great. A

lovely day of walking brings you to the village of

Khumjung for your overnight stop.

Overnight: Khumjung Village Teahouse

DAY 14

Khumjung to Phakding (2610m)

Another long but interesting day of the return trek

as you pass Namche Bazaar and descend to

Phakding and the relative hustle and bustle of

lower altitude.

Overnight: Phakding Teahouse

DAY 15

Phakding to Lukla

The short three hour trek to Lukla allows you to

reflect on the challenges and highlights of your

trek and all too soon you find yourself among the

hustle and bustle of Lukla. You will say goodbye

to your porters and perhaps even enjoy a

celebration with your fellow trekkers.

Overnight: Lukla Teahouse

DAY 16

Morning flight back to Kathmandu

The early morning is the best time for flying back

to Kathmandu and after a short transfer to your

hotel you can enjoy a day of rest and relaxation

as well as that treat you have been craving for

two weeks.

Overnight: Kathmandu Deluxe Hotel

DAY 17

Explore Kathmandu

Flights from Lukla are occasionally disrupted due

to bad weather so it is important to have a spare

day in case of delays and there is plenty to do in

Kathmandu.

Overnight: Kathmandu Deluxe Hotel

DAY 18

Flight home

Itinerary Changes

The nature of trekking in remote mountain

regions at high altitude dictates that the above

itinerary may change slightly for operational,

safety or weather reasons.

Nepal Extensions

While you are in Nepal you may wish to

experience some of the other delights this

wonderful country has to offer. We would

suggest the following:

Chitwan Jungle Safari: (4 Days/ 3 Nights)

Experience the other side of Nepal in the jungle

of the Chitwan National Park. The park offers

protection to 56 species of mammals including

the one horned rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger,

leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, striped hyena,

Gangetic dolphin and wild bison. There are an

estimated species of birds, 126 species of fish,

590 species of butterflies and 47 species of

reptiles in the park. Your visit will include

canoeing, an elephant back safari, visit to an

elephant breeding centre and cultural shows.

Price available on booking.

River Rafting: Nepal has some of the best

rafting in the world and several multi day trips are

available. Prices start from £30pp per day

Additional Nights

Additional nights can be arranged in Kathmandu

at deluxe standard hotels including breakfast.

Prices on website.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

SMALL GROUP TREKS TO THE CEILING OF THE WORLD

RECOMMENDATIONS

Accommodation

While on trek you will stay in traditional Nepali

Teahouses (Guesthouses), these are traditional

mountain lodges operated by local people (13

Nights). The lodges have a comfortable central

living and eating room which is heated and

individual twin share bedrooms. You will have a

private room with twin beds and if you are

travelling solo you will be roomed with someone

of the same sex. Toilets and washing facilities

are shared and hot showers may be available at

an additional charge at some lodges. While in

Kathmandu you will stay at the 5 star Hotel de l’

Annapurna or Shanker which are opposite the

Royal Palace within 5 minutes walk of the busy

tourist area of Thamel. (4 nights).

Travelling Solo

About 50% of the people joining our small group

departures are travelling solo so you will be in

good company and the small group (2-10) nature

of our holidays make for a friendly, sociable and

encouraging group dynamic.

Single Rooms

Single rooms are generally not available whilst

on trek. If you are an individual joining a small

group departure we will room you with another

group member of the same sex but if this is not

possible a single room supplement will be

payable. Single rooms are available in

Kathmandu and there is a supplement payable.

Meals

In Kathmandu your accommodation includes

breakfast, so you should allow £10- 15 per day

for lunch and dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner

are included while on trek as well as tea and

coffee at meals. Food while on trek is good but

does get more basic the higher you climb as

fewer ingredients become available. Pancakes,

bread and cereal forms the basis for breakfast,

lunch is normally a warming noodle soup at a

convenient tea house on the trail and the evening

staple dish while trekking is dal bhaat, which is a

filling dish of lentil soup, rice and curried

vegetables.

Equipment

While trekking you will only have to carry a day

bag with water, snacks, spare clothes and your

camera. Your main bag will be moved by a

porter. Each porter carries 2 clients’ bags which

must be of a duffle bag or backpack design and

weigh a maximum of 15kg. Hard cases are not

suitable for this trek. You can download a full

equipment list from our website downloads page.

Your Guide

Our Nepalese guides are fully qualified and

trained according to Nepalese law and all have

many years experience of guiding trekkers in

Nepal. All speak fluent English and they will add

hugely to your experience of trekking in Nepal.

As well as guiding you on the trail they bring a

wealth of knowledge to your journey and

coordinate all your porters, accommodation and

meals. Nepalese guides are fully trained and

experienced in dealing with cases of Altitude

Sickness.

Your Porters

Porters are an integral part of every aspect of life

in the mountains of Nepal. We hire porters locally

in the Khumbu, insure them and equip them with

the necessary equipment such as boots,

sunglasses and warm clothing. By using porters

you are helping to support a family and your trek

is having a positive impact on the community.

Availability

We have regular small group departures

between mid-September and mid-May. Check

our website for up to date availability.

Price

Detailed up to date prices for all our Everest

Base Camp Holidays are available on our

website here...

Included

Airport pickup and transfers by private vehicle.

4 nights deluxe accommodation in Kathmandu,including breakfast.

13 nights twin share accommodation inTraditional Tea Houses during the trek.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the trek.

1 fully qualified, English speaking guide

Services of a porter.

Food, accommodation, salary, insurance andequipment for your guide and porters.

Return internal flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.

Sagarmatha National Park Permit and TIMS.

Excluded

International flights to/from Nepal.

Lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu.

Travel Insurance

Personal Equipment

Nepal Visa (US$30)

Disembarkation Airport Tax (approx US$24)

Drinks and snacks

Tips for your trekking crew (expected, but notmandatory)

EVEREST BASE CAMP

SMALL GROUP TRIPS TO THE CEILING OF THE WORLD

HOLIDAY INFORMATION PRICE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Flights to Kathmandu

Flights to Kathmandu are available daily from

London and major regional airports in the UK via

the Gulf. Airlines include Emirates, Gulf Air, and

Qatar Airways & Etihad Airways. Flights start at

about £500 and during the peak trekking period

may increase to about £1200.

We do not sell but would recommend both

Opodo and Expedia for competitive flights.

Passport & Visas

All nationalities require a full passport valid for at

least six months after your intended departure

from Nepal. Most nationalities require an entry

visa for Nepal which can be obtained in advance

or at the airport on entry to Nepal. The current

cost is US$30 which must be paid in hard

currency and you will need two passport photos.

Passport and visa requirements do change so

although this information is supplied in good faith

it is your responsibility to ensure that you have

the correct travel documentation.

Health & Vaccinations

In addition to those vaccinations and boosters

required for life in Britain the following

vaccinations/boosters are recommended:

hepatitis A; typhoid; diphtheria; tetanus;

poliomyelitis.

For detailed advice on travel health visit the Fit

For Travel Website: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness or Altitude Sickness is

a major concern on the trek to Everest Base

Camp and although our itinerary is designed to

minimise the chances of you suffering from AMS

each individual is affected differently by altitude.

Our pre-departure information pack has detailed

information on minimising the risks of AMS and

recognising the signs of AMS and the

appropriate course of action. Your leaders are all

fully trained in dealing with AMS. If you have any

pre-existing health conditions that you think may

make you more susceptible to AMS we

recommend you consult your doctor before

booking this trip.

Currency, Money & Local Costs

The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee. The

best way to carry money is a combination of cash

is GB pound sterling (which can be changed at

the airport and in Kathmandu), pound sterling

traveller’s cheques and credit/debit cards

although there are no ATMS outside Kathmandu.

You will need some money to pay for your visa

on arrival, departure tax, meals in Kathmandu,

sundries such as hot showers, toilet paper, extra

hot/cold drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks,

souvenirs and trekking crew tips.

Recommended Reading

Nepal - Lonely Planet Guides

Himalaya – Michael Palin

Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer

The Ghosts of Everest – Jochen Hemmleb

Everest Region Maps – There are several

excellent Everest Region Maps available in

Kathmandu.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance which includes evacuation

cover and covers trekking to the altitude of

Everest Base Camp (5545m) is a requirement for

this holiday and we will require proof of cover

and the insurance companies emergency

number prior to your departure.

Minimise Impact & Maximise Benefit

Our operating policies, office policies, holidays

and tours are all designed to minimise impact

and maximise benefit to the environment and

local communities.

Action & Advocacy

We believe that by engaging our team and

clients in environmental and community projects

we can make a real difference.

Carbon & Communities

Travel and our business activity does of course

contribute to carbon output and climate change.

We have put several policies in place to minimise

our carbon footprint.

Sensitive & Sustainable

Macs Adventure has worked hard to ensure that

our holidays are sensitive to the community you

are visiting and sustainable over the long term.

We are justifiably proud of our reputation foroutstanding holidays on Everest Base Camp.You can read numerous customer reviews on ourwebsite to get a good idea of what to expect fromMacs Adventure on Everest Base Camp.

EVEREST BASE CAMP

SMALL GROUP TRIPS TO THE CEILING OF THE WORLD

M.A.C.S RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Once you have read all the information in this

factsheet or on our website and decided on your

preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a

call to confirm availability. You can then book by

any of the following methods:

Book Securely Online: www.macsadventure.com

Telephone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886

Fax/Post: Download or request a booking form

and post it to Macs Adventure, 44 Speirs Wharf,

Glasgow, G4 9TH, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845

527 5688

Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on

+44 (0) 0141 530 8886 or email:

info@macsadventure.com if you have any

queries and one of our expert customer service

team will be happy to help.

Financial Security

In order to provide clients with peace of mind

Macs Adventure Ltd has effected a policy with

IGI Insurance Company Ltd through travel

insurance specialists Milsom Howard Limited to

ensure that all passengers booking with Macs

Adventure Limited are fully protected for the

initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all

monies paid to Macs Adventure Ltd, arising from

cancellation or curtailment of your travel

arrangements due to the insolvency of Macs

Adventure Limited.

AITO Quality Statement

Macs Adventure is a member of the Association

of Independent Tour Operators.

The Association represents

Britain’s leading independent

tour operators and encourages

high standards of quality and

service.

Macs Adventure abides by the Association’s

Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO

Quality Charter which can be viewed on

www.aito.com. Visit the website to find out more

about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.

ABTA MemberStatement

Macs Adventure Holidays

is a Member of ABTA. ABTA and ABTA

Members help holidaymakers to get the most

from their travel and assist when things don’t go

according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a

high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code

of Conduct. For more information on ABTA, the

Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme

available to you if you have a complaint, contact

ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020

3117 0581 www.abta.com

“We're back from our walk and I justwanted to thank you for your help andfor all of the wonderful places youfound for us to stay. The walkscouldn't have been more lovely (andwe were helped by the marvellousweather). And each of the towns andeach of the inns and hotels you put usinto had something special going for it--and all of them were spotless andcomfortable. If you ever need arecommendation from an American,I'd be happy to give you one. ”Best wishes,Sheila McMillen, USA

“We were really pleased with all theorganisation, information pack, guidebook and in particular, delighted withthe accommodation booked for uswhich suited us perfectly. Our luggagewas always there when we arrivedand a welcome sight when tired andperhaps rather wet. This is the firsttime I have done a long distance walkwith the support of a company andluggage carrier and I wouldrecommend Macs Adventure to otherswho I know are planning a similartrip. So very many thanks!”

“Just wanted to say, what an amazingwalk and holiday we all had. Stillspeechless really. Absolutelyamazing. Thanks for all theinformation and assistance.” PaulineRoenisch, LondonPauline Roenisch, London

EVEREST BASE CAMP

SMALL GROUP TRIPS TO THE CEILING OF THE WORLD

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