Nepal·16 - 28 April 2025
Make the Pilgrimage to Everest Basecamp and Scale a Himalayan Classic, Lobuche East 6119m
ENQUIREThe Khumbu Valley is surely one of the most special places in the world. On lots of levels and for lots of reasons. The Everest Basecamp Trek has long been considered a right of passage for all adventurers; an epic journey, spiritual in nature, beautiful to behold and historic in its significance. Lobuche East is a classic in high altitude mountaineering providing perfect entry into Himalayan climbing, a great step up from Kilimanjaro, along with some of the best views of Mount Everest on earth from its summit. Follow in the footsteps of alpine giants; marveling at the sheer scale, beauty and enormity of the Himalayas as you do. Pass through tranquil Sherpa villages, staying in warm and welcoming tea houses, incredible lodges, visit remote monasteries and feel the sense of calm wash over you as you arrive at the start in Lukla. There is an energy here unlike anywhere else you might visit and a powerful experience awaits; an unbelievable immersion in nature and a chance to reflect, re-energise and be inspired. Challenge yourself on Lobuche and enjoy the support of the best Sherpa team in the Everest Region, with helicopter return flights to Kathmandu from Lobuche High Camp, this will be the best of the Khumbu Valley, in the best style.
Lobuche offers the perfect introduction to Himalayan climbing.
Safer and more convenient than fixed wing flights to Lukla, which now depart from Ramechhap, a 4 hour drive from Kathmandu. At the end of the expedition we take you from Lobuche High Camp to Kathmandu.
Nothing will be left to chance with guiding from our CEO and our specially selected Nepali Guides.
We book the best Lodge / Tea House option in each village but please note the facilities get more Spartan as we get higher.
Our Nepali partners are expert in Himalayan logistics and also own Heli Everest. Handy for getting around or in case of an emergency.
We are committed to giving you the most support possible, prior to and during the expedition.
Our expert guides will prepare you for using the fixed ropes and descending.
Oliver is the Founder of True Summit Adventures, a certified Mountain Leader and an experienced adventurer and alpinist.
He is passionate about Nepal, the Everest region and the basecamp trek in particular. "It's something everyone should do in their lifetime, whether you love climbing or just being in the great outdoors. It is unlike anything else," is his opinion.
Oliver first completed the trek in 2021, his second time in Nepal (the first time was in the lowland area of Bhardia playing the Elephant Polo World Championships!) whilst on an Everest expedition.
2021 was a difficult year for climbing, one heavily disrupted by the pandemic and weather, but although he did not summit, the spiritual affect and impact of the trek remained just as strong as ever.
Oliver led our 2023 expedition to EBC and Lobuche which saw him guide Patrick Kappaz to the summit of Lobuche East, 6119m, who was 16 years and 48 days old at the time - a likely record for any climber.
Oliver will be assisted by a team of high altitude porters and Nepali Sherpa guides.
Tashi comes from one of the most preeminent families in mountaineering and expedition management in the world.
Tashi holds the record for the youngest person to climb Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen (in 2005 aged 19) and has been to the summit 10 times in total, while his brothers Mingma and Dawa have each climbed all 14 mountains above 8000m; the first Nepali's, and the first brothers to do so.
Tashi has also completed the Seven Summits and alongside his brothers became the first Nepali to ski to the South Pole.
In May 2023, his 17 year old son Nima became the youngest person to have completed the Everest and Lhotse double summit, having also become the youngest person to summit Manaslu the previous October. He also holds the record for the fastest to complete the double climb of Gasherbrun 1 and Gasherbrun 2 in 25 hours.
Tashi is one of the best and most experienced expedition managers in Nepal, if not the nicest. His family also own Heli Everest, meaning their fleet of A-350 aircraft is always on hand and available to our clients.
Pasang Kami "PK" Sherpa from Bhortse is one of the most experienced and talented high altitude Sherpa guides in Nepal with numerous ascents of 8000'ers and 10 ascents of Mount Everst itself.
He has climbed Lhotse many times and lead the TSA, 2023 expedition to Lobuche East which saw 100% of our guests reach the summit.
PK is one of the few Nepali guides going through the IFMGA guiding certification making him one of the most technically proficent guides in Nepal.
Simply put, one of our favorite people in Nepal.
Kami Fura Sherpa hails from the famed village of Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region and started working in the mountain industry as a teenager, initially as a porter, a role that took him to the South Col (8000m) on Mount Everst, 5 times.
Kami is one of the kindest and most fun people in the Khumbu with an unmatched sense of humor and flair for looking after people on expedition.
Since becoming a guide he has climbed Mera Peak 6 times, Lobuche East twice, Island Peak 7 times and Thapa Peak once.
28 year old Angkaji Shepra hails from Sankhuwa Sabha in Eastern Nepal, an area renowned for producing high altitude mountaineers of note.
Fluent English speaker Angkaji started working in the mountain industry in his late teens, initially as a porter and now as an accredited trekking and climbing guide with a burgeoning CV that includes ascents of (the super technical) Ama Dablam (3 times), Island Peak (4 times), Lobuche Peak (3 times), Mera Peak (2 times), and Pokalde Peak (1 time).
He has also been to Camp 4 on Mount Everest where he was forced to descend after his climbing partner suffered a serious injury.
Ankaji brings great experience and knowledge of the Khumbu region to True Summit Adventures along with a kind, conscientious yet determined manner and impressed everyone with his professionalism on the 2023 TSA expedition to Lobuche East.
He is married and lives in Kathamndu when not on expedition.
Simone is one of the greatest alpinists of all time with 4 first ascents of mountains over 8000m in winter. Simone is known for climbing alpine style - without Sherpa support, fixed lines or supplemental oxygen in winter.
He is also one of the leading high altitude helicopter pilots in the world. Based in Bergamo in Italy he spends his springs in Nepal where he is the lead pilot for Heli Everest.
Journey to Everest Basecamp
We follow the classic route to Basecamp through the famed sherpa town of Namche Bazaar and important settlements Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and finally Gorakshep before arriving at EBC itself.
We then return to Gorakshep before trekking to the Lobuche high camp via Lobuche Village.
One of the most incredible mountain experiences there is; an adventure classic ...
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Welcome to Nepal and to the experience of a lifetime.
You will be met at the airport by a True Summit Adventures team member and taken to our team hotel, the Hyatt Regency in Bouda; one of the original and best five star hotels in Kathmandu.
Designed in traditional Newari-style architecture and set within 37 acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel offers an oasis of calm in bustling Kathmandu, yet is located, close to all the historic attractions, temples, restaurants and the outdoor shops should you need to make any last minute purchases.
Popular with the climbing community, it is highly probable to see famous alpinists at the breakfast counter, on the terrace or by the pool during the day. Relax by the pool or hit the gym!
In the evening we go for dinner at the Dwarinkas hotel's, Krishnarpan restaurant and enjoy a 6 course tasting menu of traditional Nepal cuisine after which can head for a night cap in Thamel for anyone who has the energy.
Today we explore Kathmandu, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth, founded in the 2nd Century AD and home to several World Heritage Sites; the Durbar Square, Swayambhu Mahachaitya (or Monkey Temple) Bouddha and (Hindu burial site) Pashupatinath.
We take these all in on our tour, stopping for lunch at the Roadhouse restaurant overlooking the Boudda Stupa.
Later, we visit the climbing shops in Thamel for any last minute purchases ahead of the expedition.
In the evening we have our official 'welcome dinner' at the Hyatt Regency.
Today is the day!
After an early breakfast we transfer to the airport and take the 1 hour helicopter flight to the world famous Lukla airport, the gateway to the Khumbu Valley.
The views are awe inspiring as we approach and expect a sense of calm to wash over you as you step off the plane and into this magical place, seeing the beautiful Himalayas for the first time.
After an energising lunch in Lukla and lots of ginger and lemon tea, we make the gentle hike to Phakding in the afternoon.
On the basecamp trek our accommodation is in the famous tea houses and in each location we will book the best option for you..
These provide basic, yet warm, cosy and comfortable lodgings, normally with a private bathroom, but not always in the latter stages of the trek, namely Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorakshep, but please bear in mind, these are very high places.
Your main bag of up to 15kg will be carried by our team of super human porters whose strength is unparralled at this altitude.
We operate on a full board basis for the duration of the trek and encourage you to eat and drink for a successful expedition!
Today the trek starts to gain some altitude and cross some very long bridges, suspended high above the Khumbu Valley! Not for the feint hearted, but exhilarating none the less!
Our destination is the almost mythical Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar nestled high in the Himalayan foothills.
Approaching the town, which can only be reached on foot or by helicopter, you will likely feel a sense of wonder at this truly unique mountain community.
Here you can stroll through the market, visit the barber shop, enjoy a cappuccino and slice of marble cake at the world famous Sherpa Barista Cafe or even a pint of Guinness at the worlds highest Irish pub.
Namche is also home to many outfitters so if you are not 100% happy with your trekking shoes you can still buy a new pair!
Accommodation is at the excellent Yeti Mountain Lodge, one of the bets high mountain accommodations in the world.
Today we take a pause in the expedition to allow ourselves to acclimatise to the increasing altitude. But it's not all sitting around drinking tea!
Today we hike for 2 hours to the famous Everest View Hotel at 3,888m for an epic lunch where we can enjoy the incredible views of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks, Lhotse, Nuptse and the mighty Ama Dablam.
After lunch we take the short walk to the small but charming village of Khumjung where we can visit the monastery, chat with the locals, buy souvenirs and drink more tea, before heading back to Namche.
Today has two distinct sections and prior to lunch the path winds its way gently up the valley until we cross the Dudh Khosi river at 3,250m.
After lunch we start to ascend rapidly towards our destination, Tengboche, a holy place in Sherpa culture, famed for its Buddhist monastery.
We have now hit some serious altitude and get more views of the Himalayan giants, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam.
At this time of year, the hill slopes around Tengboche are covered in with flowering rhododendrons and if we are lucky we may see the Himalayan Tahr in the surrounding woodland.
A visit to the monastery is a must, as is the bakery, before we descend to Rivendell, one of the best tea houses in the Everest region, complete with heated blankets, to enjoy more Sherpa hospitality, more ginger and lemon tea or perhaps a glass of red wine by the fire.
Today we head above the tree line, leaving the greener parts of the Khumbu Valley behind as we head for Dingboche. Huge mountains tower around us and the scenery is breathtaking; Everest looms larger in the distance.
In Dingboche we will see kilometers of stone walls, built from the stones that once covered the entire Valley of Imja, which were removed for cultivation and where potatoes now grow.
More amazing Sherpa hospitality awaits us!
At this height the accommodation becomes more spartan; here we are at the Hotel Bright Star, the best tea house in Dingboche.
Today we stay a second night in Dingboche, but continue our all important acclimatisation with a 3 hour trek to 5100m.
After which we return to Dingboche for lunch and more tea!
In the afternoon we take time to check our gear for the Lobuche East ascent and practice the climbing skills that will take us to the summit and back safely.
8.5km South West of Everest Basecamp and at the foot of the Khumbu glacier lies the village of Lobuche, our destination for today and one of the last Sherpa settlements before EBC itself.
Lobuche is a staging point for 8000m expeditions of Everest and Lhotse and the 7000m expeditions of Nuptse and Pumori and as such is a busy and bustling place famous for its bakery where fresh pastries and good coffee await the weary traveller.
We trek slowly and within ourselves given we are now at an altitude of nearly of 5000m and higher than the European giant, Mont Blanc!
Today is the day we have been looking forward to as we trek to the base of the highest mountain on Earth and marvel at its sheer enormity, stature and wildness.
Truly, this is a beautiful place, but a historic one also; the scene of so much triumph as well as tragedy in the hundred or so years since mankind began its obsession with reaching this most prized of summits.
Few people fail to be moved in its presence as we ponder on all the alpine giants who have gone before us; first ascents, first ascents without supplemental oxygen, speed ascents, winter ascents and perhaps the greatest ascent; by the late Swedish alpinist Goran Krupp who made a solo, alpine ascent (no sherpa assistance / fixed ropes) in 1996, having cycled to EBC from his home in Sweden, before cycling back.
Afterwards we make the 2 hour trek back to Gorakshep for dinner, rest and lots of story sharing of our experience together. Perhaps even a toast with the local beer!
This morning we wake early at around 4am and make the short climb to the summit of Kala Patthar to enjoy a spectacular sunrise - hopefully one of the best of your life.
Here we will get the best views of Mount Everest of the trip and enjoy a small glimpse into the world of high altitude mountaineering where the push to the summit is normally done in the dark.
After taking in the incredible views we descend back to Gorakshep for a well deserved breakfast afterwhich we make the short trek to Lobuche.
Here we prepare for the Lobuche East ascent with skills training delivered by our Head Guide, the 10 times Everest Summitter and IFMGA Aspirant, Pasang Kami Sherpa.
This morning we make the short trek back to Lobuche village.
Here we make our final preparations for the Lobuche ascent and meet the rest of our guiding team.
The guiding team will be made up of some of the most experienced and talented Sherpa guides in the Everest Region and be lead by 10 times Everest sumitter, Pasang Kami Sherpa from Bhortse. IFMGA candidate (rare in Nepal) "PK" lead the TSA, 2023 expedition to Lobuche East.
In the afternoon we trek to the Lobuche High, enjoying great views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega and others.
The hike to the high camp takes 3 to 4 hours. There we rest and fuel up ahead of the summit bid.
Waking up around midnight we take some breakfast at the High Camp before starting our ascent around 1am.
The crampon point is 45 minutes climb from the High Camp, after which we join the fixed line as we work our way up the mountain traversing sections of steeper ice and snow.
At this point we can choose to climb in smaller groups. The guide to client ratio is high meaning everyone can go at the speed they choose and every transition point on the fixed rope is closely monitored by a guide.
We should be on or near the summit by sunrise where the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse (4th highest mountain in the world), Nuptse and Pumori are out of this world.
Truly this is a great mountain for your first 6000'er!
After taking our photos on the small plateau below the summit we begin the descent to the High Camp for breakfast. After which helicopters will be on hand to take us back to Kathmandu where the celebrations begin in earnest.
All good things must come to an end.
Today we say our goodbyes and wish you a safe onwards journey, but we hope this experience will live long in the memory, that you will have felt a deep and profound feeling during your time in this most beautiful of places, the Khumbu Valley, Nepal.
Drivers will be on hand to take you to the airport.
For those whose thirst for adventure has not quit been quenched we invite you to visit Bhardia National Park in Western Nepal and the incredible Tiger Tops where you can attempt to see a tiger in the wild.
One of the original and best five star hotels in Kathmandu. Designed in traditional Newari-style architecture and set within 37 acres of landscaped gardens.
Nestling slightly above and looking out over Namche is Yeti Mountain Lodge, the best place to stay while in this historic town which can only be reached on foot or by helicopter.
One of the best and most comfortable tea houses in Nepal, complete with heated blankets and an atmospheric dining room serving delicious Himalayan food.
The best high camp on the mountain with individual tents, large communal dining area and excellent high altitude chefs.
Hotel transfers on arrival and departure
Accomodation on a full board basis
Return helicopter flights from Kathmandu
Western and Nepali guides
Dedicated first responder and first aid kit
Oxygen cylinder
All permits
Porters
Welcome and farewell dinners
All meals
Iridium satellite phone
Bottled water throughout
True Summit Cap, Beanie and Buff
Expedition duffle bag
International flights
Nepal entry visa
Travel insurance
Tip for mountain crew
Alcoholic drinks
WIFI in the Tea Houses
Lunch on Arrival / Departure Day
Come earlier or stay on later
PRICE$156.13/pp
ENQUIREReaching Everest Basecamp and climbing Lobuche East requires a good level of fitness; members should be comfortable walking for 6 to 7 hours a day for multiple days. Unlike, Kilimanjaro, accommodation is in Tea Houses meaning recovery is easier after a long day's walking.
The altitude for EBC trek should not be under estimated which is why we have a rest day in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to allow people to acclimatise better. If you are worried about your response to altitude then discuss with your GP about taking Diamox.
We always go for the best option in each location. In Namche Bazaar we stay at the excellent Yeti Mountain Lodge.
Otherwise, accommodation on the trek is in the famous tea houses.
The "tea houses" are clean, quaint and cosy, but they are not hotels and nor would we want them to be. That said, the tea houses we use mostly have private bathrooms and showers although please note, they become more basic above Tengboche.
At Lobuche High Camp we have the best high altitude camp available.
A training weekend on Toubkal (Morocco) or Ben Nevis (Scotland) to practice crampon skills and winter climbing generally would be useful.
Food in Nepal and in the high mountains in particular is relatively simple, but plentiful. Expect pancakes, eggs and porridge in the mornings and rice, pasta, pizza, noodle and the currry dishes for lunch and dinner.
Yes. You can rent technical boots for 6000m climbing, crampons, climbing harness, climbing helmet, ascender and ACT in Dingboche. Expect to pay US$ 100 for the whole set.
Handy for the entry visa on arrival (for those eligible) and for paying for things in Nepal, including the tip for high altitude crew
The better shape you can arrive in, the better you will cope with the altitude and the climb. Train at KXU, in London on Wednesday mornings in a specially prepared HIIT Class for alpinists.
Medical and Rescue from Global Rescue is the best insurance product on the market
Top notch; First class; Unparalleled; Exceptional - Choose your superlative and True Summit Adventures meets and exceeds it! My sons and I recently returned from another trip with them, this one trekking and mountaineering in the high Himalayas. Oliver and his team are not only world-class expedition leaders, they are superb and charming hosts who provide a level of personalized service and attentiveness rarely found in such operations. They really make an effort to ensure the team bonds, and usually lifelong friends are the result. TSA turns a memorable trip into the trip of a lifetime. I cannot recommend TSA enough!
George Kappaz, Private Equity Principal
EBC is a must-do for everyone who wants to have a physical challenge in breathtaking surroundings. Forget what is being said about it being a bit crowded (it is); when you're in the mountains with a group lead by Oliver, you feel it's all about you, group empowering and nature! Oliver leads in a way that you feel he's one of the group that just happened to know the mountains best. In a week he turned a bunch of individuals into a group of friends.
Rob Van Rozendaal, Entrepreneur
Oliver Browne & TSA are the BEST ! My son Sterling and I have done Kilimanjaro - best trip ever and Everest Base Camp this past year. Safety, reliability, fun with great people ..
James McBride, Hotelier
Absolutely great experience. True individual approach from Oliver and his team.
Dmitry Scherbakov, Founder, La Liga Tennis
Oliver organised the most awesome expedition. Not only a great guide he is also a master in logistics. Everything worked like a Swiss watch.
Farzin Pourmokthar, ex investment banker
