2026 Blog #1 - The Everest Base Camp Experience: A Worthwhile Journey
Goko Village and Lake from Gokyo Ri
Sagarmatha, or Mt Everest, stands as the ultimate icon of challenge and adventure, soaring to over 8848m (29,000 feet).
Trekking in Nepal brings a deep, uncomplicated satisfaction that settles in the bones. Each step through highland trails, rhododendron forests and remote villages strips away everyday noise and reveals a clearer sense of self. The rhythm of walking, the crisp mountain air and the slow unfolding of grand, snow-capped peaks create space for reflection and quiet achievement. Beyond the physical challenge, there’s the simple joy of connection — with fellow trekkers, warm local communities and the land’s timeless presence. Reaching a viewpoint or a high pass is less about conquest and more about gratitude: for endurance, for the beauty around you, and for the renewed perspective you carry home. Read on for some FAQ’s on our December 2026 adventure.
In December 2026, join our fully escorted Everest Base Camp Trek and experience this legendary landscape firsthand. This is a profound and immersive adventure, ledby highly experienced mountain guide Heather Kinang.
We retrace the footsteps of history on the iconic Jiri to Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek—the original and legendary path used by the 1952 Swiss and 1953 British expeditions. This route offers a less-travelled alternative to the more congested trails.
The journey starts in the lush, green foothills and verdant valleys of eastern Nepal and ascends to the vast glaciers and razor-sharp ridgelines of the Everest Himalayas, home to the world's highest peaks. To fully appreciate the high-altitude landscape, this combined route incorporates the stunning Gokyo Lakes and theexhilarating Cho La pass. While adding approximately two extra days to the standard Jiri to EBC trek, this variation transforms the journey into a deeply personal discovery amidst unparalleled natural beauty.
The Journey
This itinerary prioritises a rich cultural experience and safe acclimatization.
Begin in the vibrant culture of Kathmandu before driving to Jiri to start the trek at 1800m. Ease into the rhythm with a half-day start. The trail crosses numerous ridges in the first week, dropping to rivers around 1500m, and ascending passes over 3000m. After Namche the way eases as we ascend slowly up the Gokyo valley before crossing the Cho La pass and continuing to Base Camp, before returning via the more common route via Tengboche Monastery, Namche and our short flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Rest days are strategically scheduled at -
Junbesi (2680m): Visit the Thubten Chholing Monastery.
Namche Bazaar (3440m): The bustling business hub of the Khumbu region
Gokyo Lakes(4790m): Simply Stunning
Itinerary Overview
Start: Scenic 7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Jiri.
Lower Solukhumbu Trek: 7 days of trekking through traditional Sherpa
villages (Bhandar, Sete, Junbesi, Phakding) to reach Namche Bazaar.
Gokyo Valley: Ascend slowly via Phortse Tenga and Machhermo to the
stunning Gokyo Lakes (4,790m).
High Passes: optional climb of Gokyo Ri (5,360m) for panoramic views of
Everest, Cho Oyu, and Makalu, then cross Cho La Pass (5,420m).
EBC Section: Proceed to Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp
(5,364m), and/or a sunrise hike up Kala Patthar (5,550m).
Descent & Departure: Trek down via Dingboche/Tengboche to Lukla for the
flight back to Kathmandu.
What is Included?
Fully escorted trekking experience with trekking guide Heather Kinang
Highly experienced and caring guides and porters.
A comprehensive Information Pack, Detailed Itinerary and Gear List
Use of an expedition-rated sleeping bag (rated to -20c), a kit bag (15kg
maximum) & trekking poles. These will be waiting for you in Kathmandu
Access to a comprehensive Medical Kit 24/7
All Airport/Hotel transfers and private transport from Kathmandu to Jiri.
Lukla to Kathmandu flight.
Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and best available lodge accommodation (twin-share) during the trek.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu before and after trek (single room option available upon request)
Breakfast and some dinners in Kathmandu
All required National Park permits
Well-earned R&R in Kathmandu to conclude your incredible journey
12 weeks of pre-departure training walks at Mt Coot-tha
Personalised advice on gear selection
Full gear check service prior to departure
Not Included
Flights to/from Kathmandu (via Singapore, KL or Bangkok)
Nepal Visa Costs (AUD$95 for 30 days) *at time of writing
Inoculations
Personal Medical Kit
Some lunches/dinners in Kathmandu
Price - USD$3,300 (land only)
A deposit of USD$700 will secure your place