The Everest Base Camp Wilderness and Expedition Medicine conference is one of the world’s truly epic journeys. It should be on every adventurer’s to-do list.

Our journey begins in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, followed by a dramatic mountain flight to Lukla (9,350 feet), the gateway to the Khumbu region of the Himalayas.

We follow an ancient trail through remote valleys and traditional villages, trekking along the Dudh Kosi River to Namche Bazaar (11,300 feet), the bustling heart of Sherpa culture. Along the way, we enjoy stunning views of the towering Himalayas.

A night near Tengboche Monastery (12,887 feet) offers spectacular panoramas of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Lhotse. Throughout the trek, we stay in welcoming teahouses and experience the warmth of Sherpa village life.

We hike to the rocky summit of Kala Patar (18,192 feet) for unforgettable views of Everest’s south face, and continue to Everest Base Camp, where climbers prepare for their summit attempts.

To conclude, we trade the trail for the sky—enjoying a breathtaking helicopter flight from Pheriche that saves three days of hiking and offers a stunning aerial finale to our trek.

Each evening before dinner, we gather for engaging CME lectures and discussions focused on wilderness and expedition medicine— an inspiring setting for learning. Non-medical guests are welcome to join or relax on their own.

The Everest Base Camp Trek Wilderness and Expedition Medicine conferences are 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.

CME ACCREDITATION INFORMATION
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the Center for Emergency Medical Education and Wilderness and Travel Medicine. The Center for Emergency Medical Education is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Center for Emergency Medical Education designates this live activity for a maximum of 16 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM.

Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu (4,600’)
Your trip leader or local staff 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. Relax in the beautiful gardens of the Yak & Yeti, or take a stroll before an evening trip briefing and group introductions.

Day 2 – Mountain flight to Lukla (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. Please note that flights into the mountain airstrip at Lukla are very dependent on clear weather and are often delayed. We have flexibility built into the itinerary to help accommodate changes, but a helicopter flight in or out of Lukla may be the only viable option to avoid multi-day delays if the airport is closed to fixed wing planes. This is usually not necessary and is not included in the price of the trip, but may be an additional expense in the event of bad weather. We will spend the day relaxing in Lukla, enjoying the views and quaint shops while we begin acclimatizing to the altitude. CME lectures will occur at our comfortable lodge before a group dinner.

Day 3 – Trek to Monjo (9,300’)
The trekking begins! From here are no more vehicles or roads, just a network of villages connected by ancient paths, rich culture, and stunning vistas. Your first night on the trail is typically at the Little Tibet 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 Ama Dablam 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 Moonlight Lodge (4-5 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 Moonlight Lodge (optional 3-4 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′)
Our longest day of trekking. Enjoy the 2-3 hour early morning walk along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep – one of the highest small villages in the world. After enjoying breakfast and a spectacular sunrise, we continue the trek up the Lower Kumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp. Spectacular views of Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest appear along the way. Enjoy lunch in Everest Base Camp while soaking in up close views of the spectacular Khumbu Icefall, and the amphitheater of peaks that surround, and the various expeditions preparing for and engaging in their ascents. Return to Gorak Shep to stay at Buddha Lodge (8-10 hours).

DAY 12 – Kala Patthar (18,192’) – Pheriche (14,340’)
Those who are well acclimatized and feeling strong can ascend Kala Patthar in the pre dawn hours to catch the sunrise over Mt. Everest. You’ll be rewarded with perhaps the most famous panoramic view of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the entire Khumbu Glacier. After breakfast in Gorak Shep, we will then make our way back to Lobuche to rest and enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue to the small village of Pheriche to spend the night Edelweiss Lodge or similar. Time permitting, we’ll have a brief tour of the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic (7-8 hours).

DAY 13 – Helicopter Flight to Lukla (9,300′)
Weather permitting we’ll take a spectacular helicopter flight down the Khumbu Valley to Lukla to avoid retracing your steps on this long, arduous downhill section of trail.

DAY 14 – Flight to Kathmandu
Weather permitting, we’ll take a morning plane flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.* After returning to the tranquil Yak and Yeti Hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax or stroll around town.

*If fixed wing planes are not able to fly then helicopters may be the best option to fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. Day 14 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 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. A chartered seat on a helicopter is often the best option once the Lukla airport becomes backed up because of weather and may be available for an additional charge of approximately $500 USD. We have scheduled an extra day at the end of the trek to aid in not interfering with your homeward-bound flights.

DAY 15 -Explore Kathmandu – Return Home
Enjoy a fascinating guided morning tour of two of Kathmandu’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Begin at Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most sacred Buddhist stupas in the world, where you’ll witness prayer rituals, spinning prayer wheels, and rows of fluttering prayer flags. Then continue to Swoyambhunath, also known as the “Monkey Temple,” perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. This ancient site blends Buddhist and Hindu symbolism and is home to a lively population of monkeys. After the tour, transfer to the airport for your international flight home— or choose to extend your adventure and explore more of Nepal or beyond.