The Everest Base Camp International Veterinary Seminar conference is one of the world’s truly epic journeys. You will visit the highest and most spectacular mountains in the world. You will also travel through a wonderful cultural area and stay in inns in remote Sherpa villages. It should be on every adventurer’s list of things “to do”.

Our group will explore the exotic city of Kathmandu before flying into the remote mountain town of Lukla (9,250). At Lukla, we will begin our trek into the Khumbu region of the Himalayas for this unique IVS conference. We follow an ancient route that will take us through tiny villages, across high mountain passes, and through remote valleys. The views of the Himalayas are awe-inspiring as we venture up the Dudh Kosi River to Namche Bazaar – the gateway to the Khumbu region at 11,300 feet. We spend one night next to the Thyangboche Monastery (12,700), which has spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, and Lhotse. We’ll have a chance to meet the friendly Nepali people and soak up the colors, sights, and sounds of Sherpa village life.

Then it’s on to the stunning rocky outcrop of Kala Pattar (18,450) where we feast on awesome panoramic views of countless peaks including arguably the best view of the South Face of Everest. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp (17,400) at the base of the Khumbu Icefall, get a first hand look at the expeditions preparing for their summit attempts in this spectacular and historical setting.

The Everest Base Camp Trek IVS conference is strenuous and you should be in excellent physical condition. It does not require that you have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience. You should be equipped with a spirit of adventure and the willingness to undergo the potential hardships of outdoor trekking and long days on the trail.

Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu (4,600’)
Your trip leader will meet you outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. He or she will answer questions, brief you on the immediate arrangements, and escort you to the centrally located Yak & Yeti Hotel. In the afternoon you’ll meet with the group for introductions and a brief CE lecture from 5-6 pm at the Yak & Yeti Hotel.

Day 2 – Explore Kathmandu
Following breakfast, we will spend the morning attending a trip briefing and CE lectures at our hotel. In the afternoon, Kathmandu is yours to explore. By western standards, the city is intimate with many interesting sights, shrines, and markets. Overnight at the Yak & Yeti Hotel.

Day 3 – Mountain flight to Lukla and begin trek (9,300’)
Early morning transfer to the airport for the mountain flight to Lukla (9,300’) airstrip. During the short but spectacular flight you will leave the Kathmandu Valley and head into the Himalaya, the world’s highest mountains rising before you. Your first night on the trail will be at the Mt. Kailash Lodge at 9,300′ near Monjo, along the rushing Dudh Kosi River (5-7 hours hiking).

Day 4 – Namche Bazaar (11,300′)
The trail continues north up the glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi River to the Sherpa capital village of Namche Bazaar. A clearing on the way provides our first view of the summit of Everest – peeking over the massive Lhotse/Nuptse face. Overnight at Hotel Namche (4-5 hours).

Day 5 – Rest day around Namche Bazaar
A rest day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization, with a short optional hike to gain magnificent views, and plenty of time to explore the quaint shops and markets of the beautiful village. Overnight at Hotel Namche.

Day 6 – Khumjung (12,400′)
A morning hike to the lovely village of Khumjung, with spectacular views of Ama Dablam on the way. Explore the school Sir Edmund Hillary established in Khumjung and the hospital he founded in close by Kunde in the afternoon. Overnight at Khumjung Lodge. (3 hours).

Day 7 – Deboche (12,300′)
Descend into the deep Dudh Kosi Gorge and ascend the other side – one of the most beautiful valley walks on Earth, full of blooming rhododendron flowers – to the spectacular and renowned Tengboche Monastery. After visiting the monastery, we will stay in the lovely meadows in Deboche just below. Overnight at Rivendell Lodge (5-6 hours).

Day 8 – Dingboche (14,300′)
Hike down through a beautiful forest of pine and juniper, cross the Imja Khola, and pass through the village of Pangboche. Keep your eyes peeled for Himilayan Thar and Musk Deer in this section. After lunch we will pass the tree line and ascend to the beautiful pastures and potato fields in Dingboche at the base of the dramatic Chukkung Valley. From here you’ll have up close-up views of the sheer Lhotse face, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak. Overnight at Peak 38 Lodge (5-6 hours).

DAY 9 – Rest day in Dingboche with optional hike to Chhukhung (15,500’)
Morning hike up the Imja Kola River Valley towards Chhukhung (15,500’) and Island Peak Base Camp — with the Lhoste face guarding Mt. Everest in the distance. Retrace your steps back to Dingboche to rest in the afternoon. Overnight at Peak 38 Lodge (optional 5 hours).

DAY 10 – Lobuche (16,200′)
Hike up along the broad plateau to Dughla (15,100′) where we stop for lunch. Continue to the high mountain village of Lobuche with views of Taboche, Cholotse, and Loboje East along the way. Overnight at Eco Lodge (5-6 hours).

DAY 11 –– Everest Base Camp (17,600′) — Gorak Shep (17,000′)
Walk along boulder fields and glacial debris to one of the highest small villages in the world in Gorak Shep. After filling our water bottles, we’ll make the hike up the Lower Kumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp for views of the Khumbu Icefall, a visit to the Everest E.R. tent, and a close up view of the various expeditions preparing for their ascents. We will then make our way back to Gorak Shep to spend the night Buddha Lodge (8-10 hours).

DAY 12 – Kala Patthar (18,450)
From Gorak Shep make the optional early morning short but steep climb to the summit of Kala Patthar. Enjoy perhaps the most famous panoramic view of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the entire Khumbu Glacier as the sun rises above the peaks. Return to Lobuche to stay at Eco Lodge (2-3 hours to Kala Pattar, 2 hours to Lobuche).

DAY 13 – Deboche (12,300′)
A mostly downhill walk along the Imja Khola with a brief tour of the Himalayan Rescue Association Post in Pheriche on the way. Overnight at the Rivendell Lodge (5-6 hours).

DAY 14 – Namche Bazaar (11,300′)
A steep descent to the Dudh Kosi River and a gradual climb back up to Namche Bazaar. (5-6 hours).

DAY 15 – Return to Lukla (9,300′)
A long, but leisurely trek down the Dudh Kosi to Lukla passing the quaint riverside villages along the way. Overnight at Namaste Hotel (7 hours).

DAY 16 – Return to Kathmandu
*Fly to Kathmandu in the morning (weather permitting!). Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel. Overnight at Hotel Yak & Yeti.

*Day 17 will be spent either in Kathmandu or Lukla, depending on our luck with the Lukla flight. Flights in and out of this small mountain airstrip are commonly delayed and we have no way of predicting the length of the delay; it’s something we just have to live with. With luck you’ll get out the first day. All meals in Lukla are included while waiting. Though while we devote an enormous amount of time, money and energy into securing reservations and obtaining replacement reservations when flights are cancelled, you should be prepared for potential disappointments, delays, and cancellations of Lukla flights. For those wanting to return to Kathmandu with less of a delay, a seat on a helicopter may be available for an additional charge. We have scheduled an extra day at the end of the trek to aid in not interfering with your homeward-bound flights.

DAY 17 – Kathmandu
If the Lukla flight is not delayed, you’ll have a fascinating guided morning tour of World Heritage Site Bodhnath Stupa. The afternoon is free to relax or do some last minute shopping or sightseeing on your own. Celebration dinner and overnight at Hotel Yak & Yeti.

DAY 18 – Fly home
Transfer to airport and depart Kathmandu.