Projected costs to trek to Everest base camp?

“Alright... i've been doing my research because I, a few buddies of mine, and a few teachers from my highschool have come together to plan a trip like this. Now don't get me wrong... we know what is in store for us. We are aware of the Maoist activity, and the costs of the trip, but we are still going to try and make it happen, because in the end it's worth it. Wel atleast the possibility to trek to Everest base Camp would be the peak of my life for now. So insights on the trip... how much will it cost, how much time... anything. I'm vaguely familiar with all of this but i still like to hear from you guys because you always seem to find things i can't.”

“By the way... were planing on havng this trip be either next summer or the summer after next.”

“http://www.rei.com/adventures/trips/asia/nepal_everest.jsp

Not Included: Air transportation to/from Nepal, Bangkok hotel costs, flights within Nepal, some meals in Kathmandu (except breakfasts), visas, any necessary emergency evacuation flight, tips to camp staff, airport taxes, cost of obtaining a passport or medical immunizations, insurance, and items of a personal nature such as liquor or laundry fees.

I've been eyeing up that trip for awhile.”

“Perhaps Snowdancer (Sherpa Sandy) will check in. She has been there I believe. I'll buzz her if she doesn't check in soon.”

“Check you mail.....”

“I have wanted to do that REI trip for ages.”

“Here's a place to start:

http://www.nepalembassyusa.org/

Some friends an I looked into doing a trek/climb of Mera and Island peaks about 15 years ago. We eventually dropped that idea due to the time involved, logistics, and $$$. Instead we opted for 2 1/2 weeks in Ecuador - it had similar style peaks (1-2 days from base), great snow, lots of scenery, and cheaper. Climbed Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Antisana.

You also might want to read "Into Thin Air." It describes the all too popular trek into Everest's base camp area.”

“My parents just went on a 3 week trek to the base camp at K2. Two weeks to climb up, one week to go back down again.”

“"Into Thin Air" is a great book, but I can see your point on the description of the trip. Ungh!”

“Wow - I am so jealous that you are planning a trip. Steve is right, I have been there. However, the cost? Hmmm..I did the trip for charity so I had to raise a certain sum of money for my charity and the cost of the trip was included.

So, my airfare from London to Kathmandhu, to Lukla, back to Kathmandhu, and London, lodging (tents) and meals for 14 days was approximatley, plus funds for charity (MS) $2700. I think...it has been a couple years. Plus I believe I paid abount $800 to get to London to even join the group.

Go with the knowledge this is a lifechanging experience. You sound young so maybe it will not be too overwhelming, the poverty, the lack of basic facilities. Did I mention the people or the scenery? The people are the most amazing and generous I have ever met. The views of Everest and Lhotse and Nuptse from Kala Pattar!? Have you ever seen snow blowing from an evlevation of 17,800ft off of a peek 29,032ft? How about the smell of burning yak dung and kerosene mixed with the smell of food laced with garlic to combat altitude sickness?

I went in 2002 within a couple months of the uprising where the royal Nepalese family were killed. There was a traffic shutdown where only tourists were allowed on the roadways. Razor wire lined the roads past the Palace and RNA members stood guard with automatic guns. Dogs running wild, days where it was so cold if your hair was wet you had icicles. The views of Ama Dablam and Thyanboche Monastery. have you ever awoken to the sounds of Buddhist Monks in their morning rituals? I have....Have you ever been brought to tears over the sound of beauty? Did I mention how jealous I am? I could go on and on. While I will miss her dearly, a friend of mine is moving back to India next week. I thank Ganesh and Buddha that I will have a home to go back to when I am fortunate to travel back to the rooftop of the world! if you want a small sample of the ever popular Everest Base Camp Trek, check this out... http://community.webshots.com/album/64468305hmPGYL


Good Luck and Namaste
last edited: 9/07/05 11:23:21 PM”

“Thanks for all the info... Any more info on flights from kathmandu to Lukla? Food? Is it possible to get to everest base camp with out sherpas? All that kind of stuff...”

“Another question... Would anybody want to join us on this trip? My email is Joshnewall@lycos.com.

Just food for thought....


Any any good ideas for fundraising... How would that be done?
last edited: 9/08/05 7:58:55 PM”

“Yes, you can do the trek without Sherpa's. It is advisable, IMHO, to at the very least have a guide. If you are planning to go with Sherpa's then I assume that you will be staying in Lodges? You will want the guide with you to arrange lodging, etc., if you have never been. If you do the trek with no Sherpa's then you will be carrying all of your own gear obviously. Be ready for the altitude to affect you and carrying all of your belongings will be a challenge at 12, 14, 16,000ft. Good Luck!

For an idea of the lodges that are available - here is a site with some of the lodges we passed by or ate a meal at on our trip plus there are some prices quoted http://www.everestlodges.com/programs.htm

From Kathmandhu to Lukla - not sure about the flight cost - however be prepared for delays due to weather either up on the mountain or down in the valley. the flight into Lukla is awesome - but the flight down the running out of Lukla is quite exhilarating. Most restaurants/lodges in the Khumbu region serve traditional Nepalese food and western food. Here is another link - I spent my last night in Nepal at this place http://www.karmainn.com/”

“I have two books on my desk at work right this very minute regarding different treks and logistics.....I plan on going myself within two years. There is a gentleman in my town who has traveled to the area several times as a volunteer in the BC clinic. I've talked to him about his trips and what to expect and the best way to go about it. According to him, he advises against paying $$$$$$$ to big expeditions who offer Base Camp trekking and says everything can basically be done on your own rather inexpensively, including hiring sherpas (which he does). To say the least.....you have EMAIL!!!!!!!!!!”

“Well, regarding Sandyann's post, we will not be traveling with a guide. Unfortunatly we are going to have to familiarize ourselves with the area as much as possible, my friend and I will be accompanied by one of the best technical climbers in the White Mountains, and hell, we're just gonna go for it. Now... I just found out the flight to Lukla is a mear 90 dollars! Once arriving in Lukla, is it usual for trekkers to head into the sherpa villages and hire sherpas right on the spot? By the way, is their a language i should familiarize my self with in order to communicate better with the sherpas, for i'd like to get started on that now. And for creekjumper, this guy you were speaking of who has been there, is there any possible way to persuade him on joining us? For right now our group is very small, and I wouldn't mind adding to it. Right now it's basically my buddy from School, and two of our teachers. Right now were working on getting a grant from our school, with the leverage of telling the school board that it would increase the prestige of the school to say you sent students to the base camp of Everest? Would it not? Now i've found flights to Kathmandu for 1,800 per person. I'd estimate one night in Kathmandu, maybe two, then the following day take the flight to Lukla for the amazingly low 90 dollars per person one way. And continue our trip from Lukla on foot. Now... about the Sherpa villages. What are they like? What is their language? Can we re-supply on food in these villages? Can we hire sherpas right in the villages without making reservations? And hearing from the hospitality of these amazing people, is there chances we may get the uniquie experience of spending a night in one of the sherpas homes? All that kinda stuff, I need to know. By the way for people with a good amount of knowledge on this area, would you mind giving me your email? I'd like to stay in further contact with you. Thanks alot.”

“Estimate on hiring sherpas?

Proper fundraising for the trip? How would we do that?

Sponsorships? I have no clue but it just popped up in my mind... I guess that's out of the idea... I mean we're only going to the base camp.

And anything else? Temperatures at the base camp? Would my mountain light 20 degree bag work fine?
last edited: 9/09/05 8:03:51 AM”