11 June - 28 June, 2024 | $6,600

A Unique Everest Base Camp Adventure

Experience the grandeur of the Himalayan mountains and the hidden tapestry of mushrooms and medicinal herbs throughout the trek.

Join International Mountain Trekking on a unique ecological adventure!

Embark on an 18-day expedition (June 11th - June 28th, 2024) to the legendary Everest Base Camp that transcends the typical trek. IMT’s carefully curated itinerary delves into the fascinating biodiversity of the Khumbu region, particularly its diverse mushrooms and medicinal herbs. Led by an accomplished team of internationally renowned scientists Chris Hobbs, Ph.D., Nepal's foremost mycologist Shiva Devkota, Ph.D., and our licensed and experienced Sherpa guides, this adventure offers an extraordinary, in-depth perspective on the region's natural wonders.

Uncovering Everest's Hidden Treasures

This off-season trek avoids the climbing season crowds and coincides with peak mushroom season. Learn from the experts as our team leaders Dr. Hobbs and Dr. Devkota illuminate us on the ecological and cultural significance of fascinating mushrooms and medicinal herbs. As you explore this biodiverse region, you will also experience the vibrant Himalayan culture through the annual Buddhist Festival of Dumji within Sherpa communities. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region with visits to charming villages, historical landmarks, the bustling Namche Bazaar, and the spiritual Tengboche Monastery. Enjoy the cozy hospitality of teahouse accommodations and breathtaking mountain views throughout the journey.

Limited Group, Personalized Experience

Limited to only 14 trekkers, this exclusive Everest Base Camp trek allows for a deeper understanding of this extraordinary region in the Himalayas of Nepal. For those seeking an additional challenge, the option to climb Lobuche Peak (20,075 ft) guided by IMT’s experienced high altitude Sherpa guides is available (details can be found in the "Optional: Lobuche Climb" tab).

Embrace Sustainability

By opting for this expedition during a less busy time, your participation directly supports the livelihoods of Sherpa communities who rely on tourism income throughout the year. This trek fosters a model of responsible tourism, combining science and exploration to illuminate and protect the diverse ecology of the Himalayas of Nepal. We invite you to explore and experience the wonders of Nepal up close, in depth and to be transformed by the experience.

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu

June 11

Transfer from Tribhuvan International Airport to Kathmandu Guest House. Explore the sights and sounds of Thamel, one of Kathmandu's most vibrant neighborhoods.

Day 2: Tour Kathmandu

June 12

We wake before dawn for an early morning visit to Kathmandu's holiest site, Swayambhunath Temple. After a tour of the temple grounds, we enjoy a comfortable guided walk back through Kathmandu and return to Kathmandu Guest House for breakfast. After breakfast, we explore historic Kathmandu with our private guide. We then drive to Nepal's National Botanical Garden with trees, medicinal plants and shrubs from all over Nepal. Return to Kathmandu Guest House. Dinner is on your own. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Overland Travel to Phaplu

June 13

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Early morning, we load up and into our private Toyota Land Cruisers for our overland entry into the Khumbu. After a long day on the road with stops along the way for cold beer and lunch, we arrive in the picturesque village of Phaplu in the Solukhumbu. Overnight in Phaplu.

Day 4: Beginning of Trek

June 14

Morning vehicle travel to Kharikhola, the end of the road and the beginning of our trek to the village of Bupsa (6,760 ft/2,060m). Overnight in Bupsa.

Day 5: Trek to Shurke

June 15

Trek from Bupsa to Puiya for lunch, then on to Shurke (7,600ft/2,310m). Overnight in Shurke.

Day 6: Trek to Phakding

June 16

We cross the thundering Dudh Kosi river on a high suspension bridge to our lodge in Phakding Village (8,500ft/2610m). We will have an opportunity to foray the surrounding forests for rare and interesting mushrooms. 6.7 mi./10.8 km.

Day 7: Trek to Namche Bazar - Experience the Dumji Festival

June 17

A full day of trekking as we cross and re-cross the thundering Dudh Kosi river on suspension bridges and through forests of Himalayan Pine to Monjo and the entrance to Sagarmartha Park. We continue up and along the Dudh Kosi foraging for mushrooms along the trail. Then over another suspension bridge and up the long hill to Namche Bazaar (11,200ft/3440m). We will join the villagers of Namche in celebrating the festival of Dumji. Overnight in Namche. 5.9 mi/9.4 km

Day 8: Acclimatization Day - Visit Sagarmatha Next

June 18

On this acclimatization day, we will trek above Namche and visit Sagarmatha Next in Syangboche. Sagarmatha Next is an important and creative environmental project of the Himalayan Museum and Sustainability Park. We will tour the facilities, art gallery and grounds and enjoy watching videos about the project and climate change research in the Himalaya. Return to Namche where the festival of Dumji will continue and where we spend the night.

Day 9: Trek to Tengboche - Tour Monastery

June 19

Trek to Tengboche (12,700ft/3,867m) with a private visit to Tenboche monastery, afternoon prayer service and Puja ceremony. This UNESCO World Heritage site is in the heart of Sagarmatha National Park and offers views of Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Overnight in Debouche. 6.0 mi/9.6 km

Day 10: Trek to Dingboche

June 20

From Deboche, we trek to Somare for lunch at the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and the Imja Khola Rivers. We then continue our trek to Dingboche (14,470 ft./4,410 m). Overnight in Dingboche. 6.2 mi./10 km.

Day 11: Acclimatization Hike to Nangharshang

June 21

Acclimatization day. After breakfast we will hike above Dingboche to Nangkarshang Peak with, weather permitting, extraordinary views of the world’s three highest mountains: Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,749m), Cho Oyu (8,201m) along with Island peak (6,189m), Amadablam (6,812m), Kangtega (6,782m), Thamserku (6,623m), Taboche (6,542m), Cholatse (6,440m) and the Imja Glacier. Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 12: Trek to the Pyramid - Tour Research Lab

June 22

Trek to Lobuche and the Italian Research Pyramid. The trail leads into a wide grassland and then continues upwards and across a bridge to the village of Thukla where we will stop for lunch. After lunch we hike up the steep path to Memorial Park and continue into Lobuche village. We continue on about 1.5 kilometers outside of Lobuche to the Italian Pyramid research station and lodge. (16,200ft/4,930 m). Overnight at the research center's lodge. 11.8 km/7.3 mi.

Day 13: Trek to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp

June 23

After breakfast, we will continue to gain altitude and trek to Gorakshep (2.67 mi./4.3 km) along the Pumori Bench with views of the Khumbu glacier and the world’s highest mountains. After arriving at Gorakshep, and a short break, we head to Everest Base Camp (17,600ft/5365m) 2.2mi/3.5 km. The trek from Gorak Shep to EBC is challenging because of the high altitude, rocky path and rough terrain. Towering overhead will be views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse. Return to Gorakshep and overnight. (16,942 ft/5164m).

Day 14: Climb Kala Patthar and Trek to Pheriche

June 24

Early in the morning, we will hike up Kala Patthar (18,515ft/5,643m). From Kala Patthar, weather permitting, we will enjoy unobstructed views of Mt. Everest along with spectacular 360-degree views of the world’s highest peaks -- with views of Nuptse Peak (25,538ft/7784m), Mount Everest/Sagarmatha/Chomolungma (29,032ft/8849m), Khumbutse Peak (21,772ft/6636m), Mount Lingtren (22,028ft/6714m), and Mount Pumori (23494ft/7,161m). Trek down to Pheriche (14,300ft/4370m), with views of Thamserku (21,729ft/6623m) and Kangtega (22,254ft/6783m) to the south, Ama Dablam (22,493ft/6856m) and Amphu Gyabjen (18,527ft/5647m) to the east, and Taboche (21,309ft/6495m) and Cholatse (21,129ft/6440m) to the west. Continue to the village of Pheriche with visits along the trail with Yaks, Naks (female Yaks) and their newborns. Overnight in Pheriche Village (12,600ft/3840m) 7.1 mi/11.5 km.

Day 15: Trek to Phortse – Local Sherpa Dinner Experience

June 25

Trek to Phortse Village. We will visit Phortse's Buddhist Monastery and the Alex Lowe Khumbu Climbing Center. We will foray for mushrooms in the woods surrounding the village. Enjoy dinner at the home of one of our Sherpa guides. 7.8 mi/12.5 km.

Day 16: Heli to Kathmandu - Contingency Day in Phortse

June 26

No plans for this day except for mushroom foray in and around Phortse village. Pictured above is Tenzing Tashi Sherpa holding Leccinum aurantiacum found in the woods near the helipad.

Day 17: Heli to Kathmandu

June 27

Helicopter to Kathmandu from Phortse and transfer back to the Kathmandu Guest House. Celebratory dinner in Kathmandu. Overnight.

Day 18: Depart Kathmandu for Home

June 28

Transfer from Kathmandu Guest House to Tribhuvan International Airport for your return flight home.

Essential Information for Participants

This information should answer many of your questions and is designed to guide you in preparing for your expedition to Everest Base Camp. First and foremost, please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about your gear, training, inoculations, travel, or trekking logistics. My mobile phone number is +1-202-255-1191 and my email address is rsilber@imt-nepal.com.

We are excited you have chosen International Mountain Trekking to experience the spectacular Khumbu region located in the Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal. On an IMT trek, you will have the opportunity to visit Sherpa communities, enjoy traditional meals with Sherpa families, visit historic Buddhist monasteries and engage with the latest scientific discoveries in the region in a way not offered by other trekking companies.

The information here will address the details of the trek, including the safety and COVID-19 protocol during your time in Nepal. We have strong connections with Nepal’s Embassy here in Washington, and we are in regular contact with them to have the latest details on conditions in and traveling to Nepal.

1) Pre-Trip Preparation and Travel

NEPAL ENTRY PROTOCOL: Nepal has returned to its pre-Covid policy of issuing tourist visas at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport. Therefore, you will obtain your 30-day tourist visa as you make your way through customs at Tribhuvan Airport. Here are the steps you will take upon entry to the airport:

You will first enter a line to have your passport checked.
Upon exiting this line, you will begin the process of getting your 30-day tourist visa. After exiting the first line, go to the right side of the immigration room to fill out a form for a 30-day tourist visa on one of several visa kiosk machines. The machines are not connected to a printer, so once you have completed the form, use your phone to take a photo of your completed application. You are staying at the Kathmandu Guest House Saat Ghumti Marg 16, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal Phone: +977 1-4700800
When the form is completed, go to the payment counter on the opposite side of the entrance hall. Upon paying $50 dollars , you will receive a receipt for your visa payment. Present that receipt with your passport and boarding pass to the immigration booths at the front of the room and you will pass through immigration control.
Upon passing immigration, go down one level to the baggage claim room. Grab a cart, collect your baggage at the baggage claim area and head down the corridor to the elevators. Take the elevator to ground level. You will be greeted for pickup outside of the airport’s main doors. Look for the IMT Banner or someone holding a sign with your name. Your escort will be among the line of other individuals waiting to greet arrivals. Namaste! Welcome to Nepal!

BAGGAGE: We recommend you use your daypack as a carry-on bag and that you check one rolling suitcase. When you arrive at the hotel, we will provide you with your own IMT duffel which you will use on the trek and is yours to take home. Please bring a few items of clothing in your carry-on day pack in the event your larger bag is delayed. Don’t forget your passport, cash and the medications you require during your travel. Please take a photograph of your passport with and store it in your phone to have a record of it in the event of loss. Please check your luggage from your departing airport all the way through to Kathmandu. We recommend the use of TSA-approved locks to secure your luggage so that they can be opened, if necessary, by airport security.

EXTRA MONEY: How much additional cash to bring is an individual decision. We suggest you have at least $800 to spend for gifts, tips for your guides and porters and any additional meals outside of the itinerary. In Kathmandu you can use your credit card and a debit card to obtain Nepali rupees. It is difficult to change money once the trek starts.

IMT’s TIP POLICY: We will collect a tip pool in U.S. currency and ask IMT’s clients to each contribute $300. We will collect this tip pool in Kathmandu and distribute it at the conclusion of the trip as a thank you gift to the dedicated guides and porters who you will get to know throughout the trek. You may also provide an additional tip to your guides, porters, drivers and hotel personnel if you so choose.

TRAVEL AND MEDICAL EVACUATION INSURANCE: IMT requires you to insure yourself if you experience a medical emergency during the trek. While optional, we also strongly recommend you purchase Trip Cancellation, Interruptions, and Medical Insurance option, so that you are covered if you must cancel your trip, cut it short, or require medical attention while traveling. Your current health insurance may not cover your health care needs while travelling internationally.

We encourage you to contact the Travel Insurance Center +1-866-979-6753, ext. 3648 and ask for Mark Reineke whom I have found to be responsive, thorough, and extremely professional. As an insurance broker, the Travel Insurance Center represent 23 different companies, and they offer a wide range of options to meet your needs. Let them know you are an IMT client as they are familiar with our insurance requirements.

IMMUNIZATION CHECKLIST: Please consult your physician or check the Center for Disease Control Website at www.cdc.gov. Consistent with the current CDC guidelines, you should ask you doctor whether you require the following inoculations:

COVID-19 vaccination and booster vaccination.
Tetanus-Diphtheria – You should already have. Do you need a booster?
Polio -You should already have. Do you need a booster?
MMR -You should already have. Do you need a booster?
Meningitis – Recommended. Consult your physician.
Hepatitis A – Recommended. Consult your physician.
Hepatitis B – Recommended. Consult your physician.
Typhoid – Recommended. The tablet form, Vivotif, is good for five years.

If you or your physician are uncertain, please check the Center for Disease Control Website at www.cdc.gov.

ALTITUDE PROTOCOL: The itinerary is carefully designed to include acclimation days in order for you to comfortably adjust to the increasing altitude on the trek. Our guides are trained to recognize and treat varying forms of altitude sickness.

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS:

Antibiotic for upper respiratory problems (Zithromax Z-Pak)
Antibiotic for GI problems (Cipro and/or Z-Pak)
Diamox (acetazolamide) for acclimatization (125 mg tabs recommended, enough for a week)
Sleep-aids for the first few days of jet lag
Nifedipine (for pulmonary edema, the 30 mg time release x 2 tablets) and dexamethasone (for cerebral edema, 4 mg x 10 tablets)

RECOMMEND NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS:

Ibuprophen (enough to take 600 mg x 3x/day for the duration of the trek.
Imodium for diarrhea
Pepto Bismol (tablets recommended)
Throat lozenges
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
Lip balm
Broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or more)

CLOTHING, TREKKING GEAR, EYEWEAR: Please review the clothing and trekking equipment list on IMT’s website. For much of the trek you will be above tree line, potentially on snow. During the approach to Everest Base Camp, you will be exposed to higher rates of UV light and glare from ice sheets. Good eyewear is important, therefore, to both protect your eyes and to enhance your visual experience of the Khumbu. There are several different brands for you to consider. For those in need of prescription sport eyewear, we recommend contacting Opticus in Lyons, Colorado to either swap out prescription lenses in your frames or to purchase frames and prescription lenses from them.

COSTS INCLUDED IN TRIP FEE:

Transfer upon arrival from airport
Jeep travel or domestic flight subject to weather
Hotel in Kathmandu for stated itinerary
All permit fees
Guides
Porters
Return helicopter flight including 20kg per person
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day of the trek
Emergency oxygen

COSTS NOT INCLUDED IN TRIP FEE:

Flights from home to and from Kathmandu, travel expenses and hotels before or after the stated itinerary (we can assist you making reservations if you wish to extend your stay )
Airport taxes, visas, and insurance policies (medical evacuation, trip interruption and cancellation)
Personal gear, personal items and alcoholic beverages
Tips for your guides and porters (see IMT’s Tip Policy)
Costs incurred because of delays or events beyond the control of IMT

2) Entry Protocols in Nepal

KATHMANDU ENTRY AND VISA: Your most important responsibility is to show up healthy and with your bags. You can obtain your tourist visa at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport. We will update you if there are any changes in protocols for arrival. Remember to carry a ballpoint pen and some cash. After collecting your luggage, we will find you when you emerge outside. Please look for someone holding a sign with your name on it, or our International Mountain Trekking banner!

KATHMANDU HOTEL: You will be staying at the Kathmandu Guest House. This is a beautiful, historic, and perfectly situated hotel in the Thamel neighborhood of Kathmandu. Breakfast is included. You are responsible for all incidental charges to your room, including other meals, beverages, phone calls, and the like, and must clear these charges before we leave the hotel to start our trek.

PREPARING YOUR GEAR FOR THE TREK: While on the trek, you will leave your extra clothing and belongings in your rolling suitcase at the hotel in Kathmandu, including your street/travel items that will not be needed until you return to Kathmandu. You will transfer your trekking clothes and gear to the IMT-provided duffle which you will use on the trek. The maximum weight allowed on the helicopter is 15 kg (33 pounds) for your trekking duffle bag and 5 kg (11 pounds) for your trekking backpack. We will meet with each of you at the hotel to make sure you have all the right clothing and gear and to make sure you are not bringing unnecessary items and we will weigh your packed duffle!

PASSPORT SECURITY AND TRAVEL: We recommend you carry a photocopy of your passport on the trek (and take a photo with your phone so you have a backup). Please make sure you have the contact information for your travel agent or airline in case you need to email or call to make any changes. You may choose to leave your passport with your luggage at the Kathmandu Guest House.

FIXED-WING, GROUND AND HELICOPTER TRAVEL: We are traveling from Kathmandu to the Khumbu either by fixed-wing aircraft or by private Toyota Land Cruiser. Delays due to weather and/or road conditions may occur. At the conclusion of the trek, depending on your specific trek’s itinerary, you will return to Kathmandu by private helicopter or aircraft from Lukla.

END OF THE TRIP LOGISTICS: When we return to Kathmandu, we will transport you back to the Kathmandu Guest House. We will have room reservations for you. IMT will cover the cost of your room for that last night or nights and a celebratory dinner. When you are ready to depart the hotel for the airport, please let us and/or the hotel staff to arrange transportation for you. Hold onto a few hundred rupees for the airport so you can buy a drink in the departure lounge and for tips for the baggage porters at the airport.

3) Trekking Logistics and Information

ACCLIMATIZATION AND HEALTH: We anticipate that you will not have difficulty with acclimatization. We have an itinerary and proven schedule which will enable you to acclimatize successfully. Based on peer-reviewed studies, we recommend 600 mg Ibuprofen prophylactically every 6 hours and staying well hydrated as a good overall strategy for handling the higher elevation. If you regularly drink coffee, stay on this routine. On the trek, you can also take Diamox (acetazolamide) if you desire, but we do not generally recommend it unless you are symptomatic for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Current protocol is 125mg in the morning and 125 mg in the evening, starting when you begin to experience symptoms. Taking the smallest possible dose is best to avoid potential side effects, such as dehydration and tingling in your extremities.

Personal hygiene is important, and we recommend that before meals, you wash your hands with soap and water followed by antibacterial hand sanitizer. We also recommend bringing wet wipes and body wipes which will be used in lieu of showers on parts of the trek. It would not be unusual for you to get a cold or some travelers’ diarrhea at some point on the trek. The combination of travel in a developing country along with new foods, other trekkers, mountain lodges etc. will increase the risk of you contracting a minor illness. Should this occur, the likelihood is that you will recover fully within a few days without having to take medications. Current protocol for persistent diarrhea (≥3x days) is to start taking Cipro, but if there is no improvement after 24 hours, then can start on Zithromycin (Z-Pak). The Z-Pak also works well for bronchial ailments, so make sure you have a course or two of Zithromycin.

FOOD & DRINKING WATER: All meals on the trek are provided. You should bring sufficient additional snack foods and energy bars that you know you will enjoy eating for the duration of the trek. You should also consider supplementing your fluid intake with one of the many energy and endurance powders, such as those available from Hammer Nutrition. There are small grocery stores nearby the Kathmandu Guest House that sell an array of snack foods. On the trek, bottled water is available for purchase, or you can use water purification tablets or other purification methods. Using water purification tablets, while discretionary, helps to reduce the amount of plastic bottles in the Khumbu.

MEDICAL SUPPORT: In case of any severe issues, we will call in a helicopter for evacuation to Kathmandu. It is important that you have your rescue insurance and personal health insurance information with you. There is also a small hospital in Lukla.

POWER AND INTERNET: All the tea-house lodges where we are staying now have solar power available for charging your phone (normally at a rate of a couple hundred rupees/hour). Internet scratch cards are available in Namche Bazaar which you can use for wi-fi access with your smart phone. You may want to bring a small solar power charger.

18-Day All Inclusive Trek Cost of $6,600 Includes:

Kathmandu airport pick-up
3 nights at 4-star Kathmandu Guest House hotel with complimentary breakfast
Kathmandu city tour and visit to Nepal's National Botanical Garden
IMT trekking duffle for each client
Private Toyota Land Cruiser transportation from Kathmandu to the Solukhumbu region
National Park fees and permits
Licensed experienced Sherpa guides
Porters
Accommodations in tea house lodges while on trek
All meals, beverages outside of Kathmandu
Visit Tengboche Monastery with Puja Ceremony
Return by helicopter to Kathmandu from Phortse village
Final celebratory dinner in Kathmandu

Not Included In Trip Cost

Items of a personal nature (personal trekking gear, telephone calls, alcohol, laundry, etc.)
Airfare to and from Kathmandu
30-day Nepal tourist visa ($50)
Sherpa guide/porter gratuities ($300)
Non-scheduled meals and accommodations while in Kathmandu
Charging fees and bottled water in tea house lodges
Trip cancellation insurance (optional but recommended)
Medical rescue insurance (required)
Optional Lobuche Peak Climb (request quote)

Optional: Climb Lobuche Peak

For those interested in adding an additional level of challenge and excitement, take advantage of your acclimatization and set your sights on Lobuche Peak (20,075’). Led by our licensed and experienced high-altitude Sherpa guides, IMT’s Lobuche climb provides you with the ideal objective of climbing a Himalayan peak – all within the itinerary of our mushroom trek to Everest Base Camp. After reaching Everest Base Camp, our Lobuche team turns off the main trekking route and heads over to Lobuche base camp. Here, prior to your climb, you will receive mountaineering skills and training on the use of crampons, ice axe and ascending on fixed ropes. Climbing Lobuche Peak is an excellent opportunity for new or veteran climbers in good shape to expand their alpine experience, or for the first time, to summit a worthy Himalayan mountain. Lobuche is a terrific challenge with the fun and excitement of tackling stretches on fixed ropes of moderately steep glacier terrain toward the summit. There you will have incredible views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu and mountain peaks across the region. If you already have your own mountaineering equipment, bring it along. IMT can also arrange to supply or rent everything you’ll need for a safe and successful climb. Please review IMT’s equipment list for what you’ll need to bring or rent in country.

Join a team of mycologists, mountaineers, journalists, and adventurers as they trek high into the Himalayas on a mushroom foraging expedition. Led by renowned Nepali mycologist Dr. Shiva Devkota, the group explores the remote mountains and forests of the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park of Nepal, searching for rare and undiscovered mushroom species. Along the journey they connect with local villagers, experience Sherpa culture, witness the staggering natural beauty of Nepal, and have their spirits transformed through poignant moments of joy and sorrow.

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