Everest Base Camp Trek - WOMEN ONLY
17 days / 16 nights
2025 dates
march 28 to april 13
may 2 to 18
october 3 to 19
november 7 to 23
Photo credit: Sophie H.
Everest Base Camp trek is a "classic" for good reasons. But in addition to what this trek is known for such as the world-class sceneries and Everest, we are organizing a women-only trek that is led by a female guide to create equity and inclusion in the trekking tourism industry. This trek is open only to FEMALE HIKERS and supports the mission of the non-profit human rights organization, The Porter Voice Collective (PVC), which advocates for Workforce Equity for porters in Peru, Nepal & Tanzania. Hence, the trek ensures porters and guides receive fair wages, accident and illness insurance, essential gear for the trek, and proper meals & accommodations.
Note: Low-budget tour operators often offer this trek at low prices at the expense of mistreating and underpaying guides & porters. By joining this trek, you are supporting the work of PVC to create equity and inclusion for female guides and porters in Nepal.
Read more about Workforce Equity via the following articles: One Step at a Time: Creating Workforce Equity for Porters, Workforce Equity for Porters: Why It Matters & Why Travel Companies Should Be An Ally?
THE PORTER VOICE COLLECTIVE
Collectively, we
Listen.
Celebrate.
Amplify.
Elevate.
The Porter Voice.
HIMALAYAN WOMEN TRAIL LEADERS initiative
In the Spring of 2024, we sponsored the first Nepali female guide to walk 100 plus days on the Himalayan Trail including the Everest Base Camp Trek as a way to elevate female guides in Nepal’s trekking tourism industry. You can learn more about the campaign via this page. Our Himalayan Women Trail Leaders Campaign is now a Finalist for the Launch Track of the 2024 Social Entrepreneurship in Tourism Competition with a chance to win the Pitching Competition set for November, 2024. At this competition, we are developing an initiative that aims to provide female trekking guides with field training and support in the industry. By joining our treks, you are supporting our efforts to create gender equity in the industry.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
You can arrive in Kathmandu anytime on the first day. Transport is provided to your hotel. You have free day to explore the city. You will do your trek briefing and gear check in the afternoon/evening.
DAY 2 Flight to Lukla. Hike to Phakding (8,563 feet / 2,610 meters).
Today is the start of our legendary trip. You may have to wake up early for a drive to the airport to catch your flight to Lukla. Flying into the famous Tenzin Hillary airport is a thrilling experience in itself. You can see the small airstrip sprawled out in front of you as you bend around green hills. Lukla feels fascinating. You can smell the incense in the air, see yaks and donkeys all while smelling some real good coffee and walking through the bustling streets. As soon as you exit Lukla, it’s a whole different place. You pass prayer wheels and lush green forests. You cross a big suspension bridge just before you reach the Phakding village. Take time to explore the village or relax in the common room.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
DAY 3 Phakding to Namche Bazaar (11, 290 feet / 3,440 meters)
Get some good hearty breakfast as you have a big day today. The trail to Namche Bazaar is one of the most iconic and strenuous ones on the trip. You pass a check point at Monjo where we enter the Sagarmatha National Park. You will cross the Dudhkoshi river, the highest of the world several times and stop for lunch at Jorsalle. Enjoy lunch beside the rapid water. You walk through pine forests where we may get a glimpse of the Mt. Thamserku (6608m) if the weather permits. Once you reach the clearing on the top of the hill, you can see the gateway to the Everest. Namche Bazaar is a horse shoe shaped town which is right in front of the Kongde Ri peak. Settle into your room and entertain yourself with the view.
Hiking time: 6.5 hours
DAY 4 Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
As you gain altitude, it’s important that we take time to adjust and prevent altitude sickness. So, we will have an acclimatization day at Namche. This village has a lot to offer. From souvenir shops to cafes and bars, you can find almost anything here. You can choose to rest and explore the village or hike up to the Everest view hotel which is an hour away and enjoy the panoramic Himalayan view. There is also a Sherpa museum and Buddhist monasteries if you are up for it.
DAY 5 Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (12,664 feet / 3,860 meters)
Start your day feeling well rested. After breakfast, you will walk towards Tengboche. Walk in ease along the winding hills. On the way, you will see street vendors with handmade jewelries and home décor items. You can stop for a tea break and shop for souvenirs. Channel the spirit of a mythical being as you cross over silent flowing streams over a wooden bridge. You will get more chances to see wild animals such as monkeys and Musk Deer.
Hiking time: 5 hours
DAY 6 Tengboche to Dingboche (14,469 feet / 4410 meters)
After breakfast, you hike towards Dingboche. Today, you will walk along a very pleasant trail while enjoying the mountain view all the way. Depending on the time of the year, you will get to see the Rhododendron, Nepal’s national flower in pink, white and red in all its glory. If you are lucky, you may also spot the Danphe, Nepal’s national bird adorned with multicolored feathers. A perfect trail to take pictures and to charge your solar batteries. Our lunch destination is Somare. The village is decorated with prayer flags inter twining amongst themselves. There are old houses and you can also see the delicately painted prayer wheels. As you move towards Dingboche, the terrain becomes increasingly barren and you ascend above the tree lines. The houses are made of stones and wood with stonewall fences. The teahouses are usually family owned. You can enjoy some warm soup and popcorn near the heater and interact with the lovely locals.
Hiking time: 6 hours
DAY 7 Acclimatization day in Dingboche
You can climb up to the Nangkartshang hill. You can hike up to the ridge overlooking the village which serves excellent view of the mountains and the valley. If you are feeling up for it, you can hike up to the Chhukung Village. From both the ridge and Chhukung, you will be able to see the Makalu, the fifth highest peak in the world, Cholotse, Island Peak, Baruntse and more. For those who want to rest and acclimatize, you can go on a village tour and enjoy the rest of the day sunbathing. There is an amazing café nearby and you can treat yourself to some delicious food.
DAY 8 Dingboche to Lobuche (16,109 feet / 4,910 meters)
After a proper Sherpa breakfast, you will start the day. You will climb up hill and move up the Thukla ridge and onto the moraine towards the Khumbhu Glacier. Down the valley, you can see a small villag, Pheriche. As you gain altitude, it’s important that you walk slow and steady. Thukla is our lunch stop for the day. Basking under the warm sun, you will refuel your body with food and drinks. Right after lunch, there is a 200 meter climb but it will feel like it is much more than that. The trail is full of rocks and boulders and there are yaks and donkeys all the way. But You will take our time and walk comfortably. On top of the hill lies the Everest Memorial Ground, the highest graveyard of the world. The place is full of chortens built in memory of people who lost their lives in Everest. You will rest and look around. Your destination for the day is Lobuche. Getting there alone is a feat so you will eat and rest for the day.
Hiking time: 8 hours
DAY 9 Lobuche to Everest Base Camp to Gorakshep (17,000 feet / 5,182 meters)
Today, you will have an early start. It’s a short day in terms of the walking hours but with the altitude, it is going to be a challenge. We start our walk to Gorakshep where we will drop our bags and have lunch. After lunch, those of you who feel like going to the Base Camp will head out. Those who want to stay at the lodge and acclimatize can enjoy the wonderful view just outside their doorstep. On the way to Base camp, we continue along the side of the Khumbhu Glacier. After walking for an hour, you will move on to the glacier itself. In the spring season, the base camp will look like scattered flowers in a garden; climbing tents in red, blue and orange etc. When you get there, you can take turns taking pictures of each other. This is what you are here for. Sure, it was tiring sometimes but you have finally made it. Together and safe. You will have a little celebratory party with drinks and snacks. And then, you will return to Gorakshep in ease. The return trip to Gorakshep takes about two hours.
Hiking time: 8 hours
DAY 10 Gorakshep to Kala Pattar to Lobuche (17,575 feet / 5,357 meters)
Today, you will have an early start. After some warm drinks, you will head towards the Kala Pattar to catch the sunrise view. You will need to stock up on some sugar bars and snacks. Keeping the altitude in mind, the hike to Kala Pattar is relatively not an easy one. But we need not worry. You will take breaks and look out for each other. Kala Pattar translated to Nepali is “black rock” and it lives up to its name. It is draped with colorful prayer flags and khadas, religious silk scarves. The view on the top is absolutely spectacular. You are standing so close to the mountains as if you can almost touch them. You will have 360-degree views of Himalayan giants like Khumbutse, Changtse and Lhotse with the Everest peeking over shoulders of other mountains. You can also see the Everest Base Camp and an icy glacial lake down below.
Hiking time: 7 hours
DAY 11 Lobuche to Pangboche (12,894 feet / 3930 meters)
After breakfast, you will return and follow the route downhill from Lobuche Base Camp to Lobuche village then to Periche. Walking past the rhododendron and Junifer forests you arrive at Pangboche. You will enjoy the maleficent view of the Himalayas, Ama Dablam, Thamsekru and many others on your way to Pangboche. After hours of trek you will reach Pangboche where you can visit Pangboche monastery.
Hiking time: 7 hours
DAY 12 Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (11, 290 feet / 3,440 meters)
After a heavy breakfast you will be retracing the route, you will recall all the memories throughout the route that you are passing by. The route that you will follow are Imja Khola, Tengboche and then Namche Bazaar.
Hiking time: 7 hours
DAY 13 Namche Bazaar to Phakding (9,383 feet / 2,860 meters)
As yesterday, you will retrace your way back and spend another night in Phakding. You will descend through the bridge over Dudh Koshi river and continue walking towards Jorsella. Again you will descend through Monjo, Benkar and Phakding.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
DAY 14 Phakding to Lukla
Passing through the rhododendron forest, you will reach Lukla and there you can have a wonderful night after days of trekking.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
DAY 15 Fly to Kathmandu
You will board your flight to get you back to Kathmandu. Free day to explore the city.
DAY 16 Kathmandu city tour
You will get to visit temples and sights in the Kathmandu Valley via a full day tour. At night, you will have a farewell dinner.
DAY 17 Fly home.
You will be taken to the airport to catch your flight home.
*Please note the hiking times above are estimated times; the actual hiking time can be less or more than the times noted above.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Watch the recording of our trip meeting on GHT & all our treks in Nepal via this link.
TREK STYLE
This is a STRENUOUS trek. Recent hiking and/or backpacking experience is highly recommended. You will need to prepare for a cardio workout and consult with your doctor before joining the trip given the high altitude reaching up to almost 6000 meters / 20,000 feet. You will be required to familiarize yourself with the hazards and risks of high-altitude trekking, and sign a liability waiver and terms & conditions forms. However, this is a supported trek; hence, you only carry a daypack with your essentials (porters are hired to carry your belongings). You will be staying in teahouses each night.
pricing
$ 3195 per person
Minimum group sizes of 2 & maximum group size of 12.
HOW TO JOIN
You must fill out an application form and send the deposit of $950.
The trip balance is due 60 days before the departure date.
For solo hotel and/or teahouse stays, a single supplement fee applies.
Private tours with your date of choice are available upon request.
For questions, send us an email at equity@browngaltrekker.com.
Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS and LIABILITY WAIVER before booking.
Click on BOOK NOW to reserve your spot!
INCLUSIONS
3 nights hotel stay in Kathmandu with breakfast
Kathmandu city tour.
All airport transfers.
Round trip domestic flight to and from Lukla.
Round trip domestic flight for the guide (and assistant guide if applicable) to and from Lukla.
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
All teahouse accommodations during the trek.
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Guide and porter salaries.
Guide and porter insurance.
Assistant guide salary & insurance for a bigger group.
National Park entry fee.
First-Aid Kit.
Equipment for staff.
All trekking permit fees.
Trip informational & preparational meetings prior to your trip departure.
EXCLUSIONS
International airfare.
Visa fee.
Laundry and dry cleaning services.
Water, beverages & snacks outside of the itinerary.
Tips for guides and porters.
Internet and phone services.
Travel & medical insurance.
Non-scheduled meals outside of the trek (e.g. in Kathmandu)
Trekking equipment (available as rentals).
Any other expenses outside of the scheduled itinerary.
GEAR LIST The gear list will be provided to confirmed participants. Note that the gear list is comprehensive and covers all seasons as weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable.
FLIGHTS
International flights are excluded. You must fly to Kathmandu Airport from your home country. Clients must book their own flights and send a copy of their flight itinerary by e-mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
After making a deposit, you are required to obtain appropriate travel and medical evacuation insurance through Global Rescue. Proof of travel insurance must be provided via electronic mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date. Failure to obtain travel insurance by the trip balance due date will result in cancellation and no refund of your trip deposit and/or applicable cancellation fees as noted in the Terms & Conditions.
Note: If you opt to buy your insurance from a company other than what we recommend, please ensure that the insurance you purchase covers high-altitude trekking as there is a limited number of companies that provides such type of coverage.
VISA & VACCINATIONS
Please check ahead of time as to the visa requirements. You are responsible for securing your own visa if required. Check the CDC website for up-to-date information on vaccine requirements.
COVID-19 TRAVEL CONDITIONS
Please consult with the U.S. State Department, the CDC website, or the website of your embassy for up-to-date information on travel.
TRIP NOTES
Upon booking, you will receive trip notes that include the recommended gear list and specific trek information.