Hiking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal

Get ready for the journey of a lifetime on our Queer Women's Adventure to Everest Base Camp in Nepal! Now, it's time to embark on an epic adventure in a breathtaking landscape, with serious high-altitude hikes and activities that will get your adrenaline pumping. This tour is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, as we'll be hiking, trekking, and experiencing the rugged beauty of Nepal like never before. And what makes it even more special? You'll be sharing this exhilarating journey with your fellow queer women, creating lasting memories and celebrating the freedom to be yourself. Nepal, a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ rights, recently achieved a historic milestone as the second Asian country to register same-sex marriage. The nation is also making strides in political representation, with its first openly gay member of parliament. Come prepared for the physical challenge, be ready to sweat, and let's conquer Everest Base Camp together!

• English-speaking local guide and assistants for the trek
  
• Porters included on the trek
  
• Trekking to Everest Base Camp
  
• Trekking to Everest Base Camp
• EveryQueer Welcome

• International Flights
• Spending Money
• Cash for tips
• Meals (360-470 for meals not included).
  
• Travel Insurance

Itinerary

Day 1, Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu at your own pace, and get ready for an exciting start! Join us for the group's welcome meeting, where the adventure officially kicks off. But that's not all – the day gets even better as we gather for a proper EveryQueer welcome dinner. It's the perfect opportunity to bond with the group before our thrilling trekking adventure begins. Let the excitement build!

Day 2, Kathmandu/Phakding

Embark on a tranquil mountain flight to Lukla, where the grandeur of the Himalayas unfolds before your eyes. The landing, though exciting, sets the tone for our adventure, with one end of the runway towering 60 meters (197 feet) higher than the other. This scenic flight aboard a small Dornier/Twin Otter aircraft typically lasts around 25 to 30 minutes.

In Lukla, meet our sherpa guides and porters as we begin our trek towards Phakding. Our path winds through pine and cedar woods alongside the Dudh Kosi River, originating from the majestic Himalayas. Along the way, we'll traverse hanging bridges and encounter mani stones, boulders adorned with Buddhist inscriptions. The trek lasts approximately 4 hours, initially descending gently to Thado Koshi for about 2 hours. Afterward, we'll embark on our first uphill stretch, gradually ascending to Phakding (2610m), which takes another 2 hours.

While the journey is challenging, involving demanding trekking at high altitudes, the awe-inspiring experience makes it all worthwhile. Get ready to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas and savor the serenity of the trek.

Day 3, Phakding/Namche Bazaar

Embark on a challenging ascent from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest Base Camp. This uphill hike, taking around 6 hours, winds through pine forests, crosses suspension bridges, and offers occasional views of distant snow-capped peaks.

Upon arrival at Namche Bazaar (3440m), take time to acclimate to the altitude. You can also explore nearby villages like Thame and Khumjung on short day walks, helping you adjust to high-altitude trekking. Keep a lookout for the awe-inspiring Mt. Everest—the world's highest peak—visible for the first time on this journey. Despite the steep terrain, the breathtaking scenery makes it a rewarding adventure.

Day 4, Namche Bazaar

Today's acclimatization day includes a hike to Syangboche at 3860m. Weather permitting, you'll have the chance to savor tea or coffee while gazing at the majestic Himalayas, including the awe-inspiring Everest Peak. Afterward, we'll return to Namche, where the remainder of the day is yours to relax as you wish.

Our hike today spans around 3 hours and involves mostly uphill terrain, allowing for ample time to explore. During our rest day in Namche, we'll also have opportunities to delve into the Everest Expedition history and immerse ourselves in the rich Sherpa culture.

Day 5, Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Embark on a captivating 5–6 hour trek through enchanting pine and rhododendron forests, arriving at the charming village of Tengboche. Here, you'll discover the renowned Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region.

The journey from Namche to Tengboche (3810m) is a visual feast, with the Dudh Kosi river below and a backdrop of majestic peaks, including Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest. The trail leads you through lush woods, pine and rhododendron forests, past mani walls, chorten (stupas), and picturesque suspension bridges that add to the allure of this scenic walk.

Covering a distance of approximately 10 kilometers and lasting 5-6 hours, this trek involves steep ascents and descents, as you pass through forests of rhododendron, pine, and fir trees. Get ready for a day filled with natural beauty and cultural exploration.

Day 6, Tengboche to Dingboche

Embark on an exhilarating trek to Dingboche, a journey filled with picturesque bridges, river crossings, and sweeping vistas of the Himalayan region. As you traverse through forests and alpine meadows, keep an eye out for the region's wildlife, including the almost-tame pheasants that are a common sight due to hunting bans in the area. Along the way, you'll encounter the charming village of Deboche, home to a nunnery and nestled at the base of stone steps adorned with rhododendrons, birches, and conifers.

Ascending above the tree line, the trail leads you through alpine meadows adorned with scrub juniper and a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers during the summer months. Upon reaching Dingboche (4410m), you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring mountain views that will leave you breathless. This unique village also stands as the only place in the region where barley is cultivated.

Covering a distance of approximately 12 kilometers and lasting 5-6 hours, the trek offers a mix of uphill stretches, flat sections, and occasional flats. As you approach Dingboche, the terrain becomes more rugged and rocky, with sparse vegetation giving way to a barren, awe-inspiring landscape the higher you ascend. 

Day 7, Dingboche

Today marks an essential acclimatization day, allowing you to adjust to the higher altitude. During this time, you have the option to embark on a hike to Chhukung or Nagarzhang Peak, both offering spectacular vistas.

Chhukung, a small summer settlement, sits alongside the Imja Khola and provides breathtaking views of Island Peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the striking fluted ice walls surrounding the Amphu Lapcha pass. These views stand as some of the trek's most memorable highlights.

Take the opportunity to relax and savor the scenery, ensuring you stay hydrated and prepare for the upcoming day's hiking. You can also consider a short hike to Gangapurna Lake at 3700m, with a total elevation gain of 160m. Enjoy this day of acclimatization and natural beauty.

Day 8: Dingboche/Lobuche

Trek through alpine meadows and summer yak pastures toward the Khumbu Glacier's moraine, reaching Lobuche. This picturesque village offers spectacular views of Nuptse. The day's hike lasts approximately 5-6 hours, gradually following an uphill trail along a glacial river and passing through settlements at Dughla and Thukla.

As you ascend toward Everest Base Camp, you'll encounter stone monuments commemorating sherpas who lost their lives in avalanches, as well as tributes to other climbers. The challenging climb continues to the village of Gorak Shep, and from there, the journey leads to Lobuche (4900m). Here, you'll be treated to stunning views of Nuptse, and the sunset promises to be a magnificent spectacle.

Covering a distance of approximately 11 kilometers, this trek offers a mix of gradual uphill terrain, and rocky, and rugged sections. Prepare for a day of natural beauty and exploration.

Day 9: Everest Base Camp (Gorak Shep).

Get ready for an action-packed day! Today, we embark on a challenging climb past the Khumbu Glacier, leading to the stunning Nuptse. After crossing the Changri Glacier to Gorakshep, the grand finale awaits at Everest Base Camp.

As we ascend to higher altitudes, this day's trekking brings its fair share of challenges. By lunchtime, we'll arrive at a small frozen lake, allowing us to rest and acclimate before our epic attempt to reach Everest Base Camp.

Covering approximately 5 kilometers in around 3 hours, the terrain is mostly rocky and barren, with scattered shrubs and vegetation.

After lunch, we'll continue to Everest Base Camp (5300m), following the captivating Khumbu Glacier with its 15-meter-high seracs of ice—a unique Himalayan feature. After this thrilling achievement, we'll return to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

This leg spans approximately 9 kilometers, with a trekking time of 4-5 hours, featuring mostly rocky terrain, scattered boulders, and glacial moraines, including a traverse of the Khumbu Glacier. Get ready for an unforgettable day!

Day 10: Gorak Shep/Pheriche

Embark on an early morning trek to Kala Pattar for breathtaking sunrise views of Everest and surroundings. Later, journey to Pheriche along a mostly downhill route.

Kala Pattar (5644m) offers unique Everest views, though it's a challenging trek.

Distance: 3km, 3 hours, 480m elevation gain, steep with rocky terrain.

Descend from Kala Pattar to Pheriche (4371m). Not too demanding, but altitude makes previous sections seem tough.

Distance: 12km, 5 hours, 1273m elevation loss, mostly downhill with rocky terrain. Enjoy the journey!

Day 11: Pheriche to Kenjuma

Today, descend through Pangboche, the highest permanent settlement in the region, known for its ancient gompa. The trek concludes in Kenjuma, where we'll rest and recover after a long day on the trail.

The trek from Pheriche to Kenjuma spans about 16.5 kilometers, taking approximately 7 hours. With a significant elevation loss of 531 meters, you'll experience a major downhill journey, returning to Kenjuma.

Day 12: Kenjuma to Monjo

We press on with our trek, encountering both ascents and descents. Our journey today ends in the quaint village of Monjo after a downhill trek.

Day 13: Monjo/Lukla

On the last day of our trek, we journey back to Lukla, offering a well-deserved opportunity to unwind after our challenging adventure.

Day 14: Lukla/Kathmandu

Embark on a short flight back to Kathmandu, and then the day is yours to indulge in shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing at rooftop cafés. While LGBTQ spaces may not be widely visible, the EveryQueer team has gathered insider tips from locals in Kathmandu to help you find LGBTQ nightlife options.

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