Everest Base Camp Trek for SeniorsEverest Base Camp Trek for Seniors

Everest Base Camp Trek for Seniors

  • Duration20 Days
Everest Base Camp Trek for Seniors is tailored for individuals over 50 and spans a total of 20 days in Nepal, including a cultural tour in Kathmandu and 16 days of trekking in the Everest region. This itinerary offers shorter, more manageable trekking days and ample time for acclimatization, making it ideal for seniors. The trek begins with a flight to Lukla, followed by an initial hike to Phakding. On the second day, you'll face a challenging ascent to Namche Bazaar, reaching an elevation of over 3,400 meters. By the fourth day, you'll arrive at Tyangboche, where you can explore the monastery and take in the breathtaking views of the Mahalangur Mountain range, including Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse.
 
From Tyangboche, you'll continue to Dingboche on the fifth day, with a sixth-day acclimatization hike to Nagarjuna Hill. The trek then proceeds to Thukla and Lobuche, with breaks to adapt to the altitude and minimize the risk of altitude sickness. On the ninth day, you’ll reach Gorakshep and then ascend to Kala Patthar early on the tenth day for spectacular views of Everest and the sunrise. Afterward, you'll visit Everest Base Camp before returning to Gorakshep for the night.
 
The eleventh day involves descending to Pheriche, with subsequent days spent hiking to Phortse, Namche Bazaar, and finally Phakding. On the fifteenth day, you’ll arrive in Lukla and prepare for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon returning to Kathmandu, you’ll have a chance to rest, enjoy a spa visit, and have a farewell dinner at Bhojan Griha. You’ll also receive a Trip Achievement Certificate, marking the completion of your Everest Base Camp Trek.
  • Enjoy a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, with window seats offering the best views.
  • Explore Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the Himalayan flora and fauna.
  • Cross high suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River.
  • Visit the Sherpa Museum in Namche Bazaar to see intriguing Sherpa artifacts.
  • Hike to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse.
  • Experience the peaceful ambiance of Tengboche Monastery and listen to the monks' prayers.
  • Witness a stunning sunrise and view Mt. Everest from Kala Patthar.
  • Admire the striking Khumbu Glacier.
  • Learn about the Sherpa way of life through local interactions.
  • Explore Everest Base Camp and feel the thrill of being at the base of the world’s highest peak.

What to Expect on the EBC Trek for Seniors

The EBC Trek for seniors is designed to offer a more gradual and enriching experience, featuring 16 days of trekking in the Khumbu Himalayas, compared to the typical 12 day trek. This extended itinerary ensures a slower pace and a more thorough exploration of the Everest region.
Cultural Immersion: Start in Lukla and engage with the Sherpas, known for their exceptional hospitality. The Sherpas manage many local businesses and offer essential services, including well-maintained hospitals and schools at lower elevations.
Scenic Trail: The trek is demanding but achievable with adequate physical preparation. Regular training can ease the challenge. The trail offers stunning vistas and the chance to adjust to the high-altitude environment.
Wildlife and Flora: Observe Himalayan wildlife such as Himalayan Goats (Thar), Pikas, the Danphe (Nepal's national bird), Musk Deer, and possibly snow leopards. The flora includes vibrant rhododendrons (in spring), pine trees, junipers, and various medicinal herbs.
Mountain Views: Marvel at breathtaking mountain scenery throughout the trek. From Thamserku near Namche Bazaar to Kongde, Ama Dablam, and further peaks like Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse, you’ll enjoy spectacular views. The Everest View Hotel offers panoramic vistas of these towering mountains.
Everest Base Camp: The trek's conclusion is at Everest Base Camp, where you can see some of the highest peaks in the world up close.

Best Time for Senior Citizens to Trek to Everest Base Camp

For senior citizens aiming for a comfortable trek with stunning views, selecting the right time is key. The Everest Base Camp Trek is tailored for both ease and spectacular scenery. Here’s when to go:
Spring (March to June):
Spring is perfect for trekking, offering mild weather and clear mountain views. The blooming flowers add vibrant colors to the landscape, though occasional clouds might appear. This season is ideal for those sensitive to cold, as temperatures are generally moderate and pleasant.
Autumn (October to December):
Autumn provides some of the clearest skies, ensuring excellent mountain visibility. However, the weather can be colder, and there are no blooming flowers. For those who prefer cooler temperatures and don’t mind layering up, autumn is a great time to trek to Everest Base Camp.

Cost and Itinerary for Everest Base Camp Trek for Senior Citizens

A 20 day Everest Base Camp trek for seniors begins at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Nepal, where a representative from Nepal Nomad Trekking will meet you. You'll be taken to a well-situated hotel in the city center, ideal for exploring local attractions, shopping, and dining. After a two-night stay in Kathmandu, you'll fly to Lukla from either Kathmandu Domestic Airport or Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, depending on the season, to start your trek.
 
Your trek will follow the Dudh Koshi River through Sagarmatha National Park. After an overnight stay in Phakding, you'll proceed to Namche Bazaar, where you'll spend two nights acclimatizing. During this time, you can visit the Hotel Everest View, ancient stupas, the Sherpa Museum, and Memorial Stones. Equipment and data plans can also be purchased in Namche for internet connectivity. Next, you’ll trek to Tengboche Village, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Thamserku. In Dingboche, you’ll have the opportunity to view Ama Dablam and, in addition, trek to Nangkartshang Peak.
 
From Dingboche, continue to Thukla and then Lobuche. Following the EBC route, you’ll reach Gorak Shep, where you'll visit Everest Base Camp and marvel at the Khumbu Icefalls. You’ll return to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay. The following day, hike to Kala Patthar to witness the sunrise over Everest. Afterward, descend to Pheriche and retrace your steps through Tengboche, Namche, and Phakding before concluding the trek in Lukla. The next day, fly back to Kathmandu and enjoy a reserve or rest day.
 
For a tailored itinerary and experienced guidance, book your Everest Base Camp trek for senior citizens with Nepal Nomad Trekking. Costs generally range from $2,500 to $5,000 USD, depending on the trek's duration, comfort level, and included services. 

Itinerary

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Arrive in Kathmandu at any time, where our airport representative will greet you and provide details about the program. After checking into your hotel, you can relax or explore the Thamel area in the evening. Enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner hosted by Nepal Nomad.

    You will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, which include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple (also known as the Monkey Temple), Bouddhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. These historic and culturally significant sites offer a glimpse into the rich heritage and architectural marvels of the region.

      In the early morning, you'll head to the airport for your flight to Lukla, an experience you'll never forget. The airfield is located at a high altitude, with a distinctive 60 meter gradient on its runway. Once in Lukla, you'll trek to Phakding, taking in the beautiful green scenery and views of Kusum Kangraru as you go.

        From Phakding, the trek ascends through a beautiful valley, crossing a scenic river, and passing through enchanting blue pine and rhododendron forests. In spring, the blooming rhododendrons add vibrant colors to the trail.
        You then continue towards Monjo, situated at 2,835 meters, which takes about three hours. Monjo provides a peaceful resting spot for the night, offering a serene retreat amid the mountains.
          On the fifth day of the trek, you face a demanding hike towards Namche Bazaar. The trail from Monjo involves steep sections and requires significant physical endurance. Starting with a short walk from Monjo to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, you cross the Dudh Kosi River and continue to Jorsale, situated at 2,805 meters. From Jorsale, we follow a mostly flat path to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi rivers.
          The trek then includes a steep ascent towards Namche Bazaar. You cross a wide suspension bridge high above the river and continue with a steady, gradual climb. This section offers fantastic photography opportunities as the majestic peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Taweche (6,542 meters) come into view, creating a stunning panorama. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, the vibrant capital of the Khumbu region, you can enjoy a well-deserved lunch and rest, replenishing our energy amidst the lively atmosphere of this Sherpa town.

            Today is dedicated to acclimatization. You'll visit Syangboche Airport (3,700 meters), known as the world’s highest airport, and then hike up to the Everest View Hotel for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Tawache, among other peaks. On your return, you can explore the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery.

              A gentle trail offers stunning views of Mount Everest as it descends into the Dudh Koshi Valley at Phungki Thanka. From there, a path ascends the right side of the valley, leading to Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m). Though the climb is long, the breathtaking vistas of Mount Ama Dablam and Everest more than make up for it.

                As you descend through a scenic forest, you'll cross the Imja Khola and make your way through the village of Pangboche (3,900 m). Unlike previous days, today you won't be gaining much altitude. The trek offers stunning views of Mount Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other peaks as you continue through lush pastures toward Dingboche, also known as the summer valley of Khumbu.

                  Today will be your second acclimatization day, involving about 5–6 hours of trekking to reach an elevation of 5,100 m. After breakfast, you'll begin the climb to Nagerjun (5,100 m), a hill situated on the slopes of the Chhukung Valley, rising directly above Dingboche.
                  The primary objective is to ascend high and sleep low. The trail can be steep at times, making it a physically challenging day. The ascent to the hill at this altitude could take up to 5 hours. From this height, you'll be rewarded with views of Lobuche East (6,119 m), Lobuche West (6,145 m), Toboche Peak (6,367 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), Kangtega (6,685 m), and Ama Dablam (6,856 m). On a clear day, Mount Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak, is also visible, along with the Pheriche Valley below.
                  After a brief rest, you'll begin your descent back to Dingboche, which should take around 2 hours. After lunch, you'll enjoy a well-deserved rest. As the afternoon temperatures drop quickly with the setting sun over the mountain peaks, you'll spend a second night in Dingboche.

                    The trail follows the river upstream and eventually leads to a glacier. It then veers right and reconnects with the river. You'll cross a bridge over the river and continue on to the village of Thukla.

                      The trail from Thukla to Lobuche is notably steep and challenging due to the sharp incline and lower oxygen levels at higher elevations. Upon reaching Thukla Pass, you’ll encounter a memorial park dedicated to the fallen mountaineers of Everest. Continuing alongside the Khumbu Glacier, you’ll eventually see Kala Patthar and be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, steep valleys, and towering mountains.
                       
                      As you navigate through sharp rocks and boulders, the trek will become less strenuous and more manageable as you approach Lobuche. After about 30 minutes, you’ll arrive in the small village of Lobuche, located 8.5 kilometers southwest of Everest Base Camp. The village, often busy in April with trekkers, guides, and porters, offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Once you reach Lobuche, you can settle into your lodge, freshen up, and enjoy lunch in the dining hall while taking in the remote beauty of the area.

                        After a brief climb through meadows, you’ll catch glimpses of the Khumbu Glacier below. Ahead lies Kala Patthar, a prime vantage point for viewing the full south face of Mount Everest and its neighboring peaks. Trekking to Gorak Shep will set the stage for tomorrow's expedition to Everest Base Camp at 5,400 meters.

                          Today, you'll start your trek to Everest Base Camp. While the trail doesn't involve significant elevation gain, it features many ups and downs, which, combines with the high altitude, can be quite exhausting. However, the effort is definitely worth it. After about 3 hours of hiking, you'll reach Base Camp and have the chance to take in the stunning views of the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall, the starting point for Everest expeditions.

                            Your day starts with a climb to Kalapatthar (5545 m), which offers stunning views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After enjoying the panoramic scenery, you'll hike back to Gorak Shep for a hearty breakfast before descending to Pheriche.

                              Today, you'll descend from Pheriche to Phorste. The trek, which takes about 5-6 hours, is relatively easy and offers a scenic journey through beautiful landscapes on the opposite side of Tengboche Monastery. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Himalayan range, making the walk both enjoyable and picturesque.

                                Today, you’ll descend to Phortse Thanga, then tackle a steep climb to Mong-la Danda. From there, you'll make a brief descent to Kyangjuma before following a gentle trail to Namche.

                                  Today's trek from Namche Bazaar to Phakding is downhill and takes 4-5 hours. You'll leave Namche and follow a trail that crosses several suspension bridges and passes through small settlements along the way.

                                    The trek continues along the Dudh Koshi River to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla, where you’ll board your flight back to Kathmandu.

                                      After breakfast in Lukla, you’ll take a morning flight back to Kathmandu. The 45-minute flight provides one last chance to enjoy views of the surrounding peaks. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel, where you can either relax or explore the city.

                                        About 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Nepal Nomad Trekking will take you to the airport. If you have extra time, you can use it for shopping or sightseeing.

                                          What's Included
                                          • Private ground transportation, including airport transfers
                                          • Four nights of accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star catagory hotel in Kathmandu
                                          • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea/coffee throughout the trek
                                          • Lodge-to-lodge accommodation during the trek in the best available twin-sharing rooms, including private bathrooms with hot showers at Phakding, Namche, and Lukla
                                          • Seasonal fruits provided during the trek
                                          • Services of an experienced, friendly guide and porters (1 porter per 2 trekkers), including their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accident insurance
                                          • Round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Lukla, including departure taxes
                                          • A duffle bag for the trek
                                          • A down jacket and sleeping bag for use during the trek
                                          • A first-aid medical kit
                                          • Sagarmatha National Park permits (please bring 2 passport-sized photos for the permit)
                                          • Government taxes and office service charges
                                          What's not Included
                                          • Meals not listed under 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary
                                          • Travel insurance
                                          • International airfare
                                          • Nepal entry visa
                                          • Cold drinks, including Coke, water, Fanta, etc.
                                          • Snacks and other personal expenses
                                          • Hot showers during the trek, except in Phakding, Namche, and Lukla
                                          • Personal trekking gear
                                          • Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers