Introduction

Our 23-day journey to the base of the world’s highest mountain is more than a trek – it’s a full cultural, physical, mental and emotional experience. Here, you’ll encounter and embrace all the elements of physical challenge and great travel. It includes:

  • Two days in Kathmandu pre-trek to have your first experience of Nepalese food and culture. We’ll take a short three-hour hike to monkey temple to get some local dirt on those trekking boots;
  • 18-day trek through Khumbu region to Everest Base Camp (5364m), including additional trek to Gokyo Ri for the best views of Everest;
  • Staying in teahouses along the trek, experiencing Sherpa villages, Nepalese and Buddhist culture in the mountains;
  • Conquering the high mountain pass (Cho La, 5420m) and walking across a glacier;
  • Three nights in a luxury 5-star hotel on return to Kathmandu post-trek to rest, repair and relax by the rooftop pool and process the life-changing experiences you just had.

Accommodation

All accommodation is twin-share, so if you prefer your own room, let us know when booking and we’ll provide you a separate quote.

For our first two nights in Kathmandu, we’ll stay in a luxury 4-star hotel, located in Thamel – the heart of Kathmandu and home to countless shops, restaurants and entertainment. Accommodation during the trek will be in teahouses, where services become more basic as we journey higher in elevation. However, please note that at higher elevations, single rooms may not be available at all.

Remember, almost everything you see on the trek has been carried in by a person or an animal. Washing and toilet facilities will often be shared, and separate from your bedroom. The dining area in teahouses will often be heated, while bedrooms will not. Many teahouses will have extra blankets to place over your sleeping bag, but it’s best to not rely on these for warmth, so ensure your sleeping bag is warm enough.

On return to Kathmandu from the trek, we’ve found that trekkers greatly appreciate a little pampering. That’s why we suggest staying in one of Kathmandu’s 5-star hotels with a pool and day spa. Once trek numbers are finalised we’ll get in touch with all participants to organise accommodation bookings for the three nights in Kathmandu after the trek. Allow approximately AU$225 (twin share)/AU$375 (single) for three nights stay (buffet breakfast included).

Meals

We’ll provide your welcome and farewell dinners on your first and last days in Kathmandu. Breakfast is also included with your accommodation in Kathmandu. Outside of this, no other meals are included in the trek cost.

In Kathmandu you’ll have access to hundreds of Nepalese and international restaurants within walking distance from your hotel. On the trek, we’ll enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well as some of the more common international cuisines (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be available from the tea house menu where we spend the night, whereas we’ll have lunch at a restaurant on the way to the next destination. Allow approximately AU$650-800 for meals.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

No prior trekking experience is necessary. However, a strong level of hiking fitness and a positive attitude is required to take part in this trek. For almost three weeks you’ll be walking for 4-8 hours a day on average, crossing steep, hilly and sometimes rocky terrain. When trekking up Kalapather, reaching Everest Base Camp, climbing Mt. Chukhung and crossing Cho La pass, we may encounter ice and snow, which will test your balance, coordination and core strength. Each year the conditions change and it’s crucial that we’re physically prepared for the worst possible conditions. Moreover, the high elevations trekkers experience throughout this route make it harder to breathe and physical exertion becomes more difficult.

As part of your application process, an assessment will be made by our coaches/guides to determine if you’re physically able to take part. Then once your 6 months build-up training begins, you’ll receive customised guidance on what training you need to do to be physically ready for the trek. Those without any trekking or hiking experience will be required to attend all training hikes during the build-up training to ensure you are adequately prepared for this trek.

Climbing Mt Chukhung is an optional extra, and participants will only need to decide if they would like to climb this mountain on day 8 of the trip. Climbing Mt Chukhung involves using specialised climbing equipment such as ropes, harness, helmet and possibly plastic boots. This equipment can be rented in Chukhung Village. Only those with a high level of fitness who are acclimatising well will be allowed to take part in this climb. Those who don’t climb will have the option of two other activities on day 9 of the trip.

Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases or injuries such as back, knees, ankles or hips should inform Rossfit before booking the trek. We also recommend that you consult your doctor before the trip.

What to Take

We give you the option to use a porter to assist carrying your gear, or to go solo and carry everything yourself. Most providers don’t give this option however, we want our participants to be able to pick a level of physical challenge that matches their capability and desire. If you’re fit and strong enough and would like to complete the trek without assistance, you can. Depending on which option you choose, your luggage configuration will need to vary slightly. Those using a porter will place the bulk of their trekking clothing & equipment into a duffel bag which the porter carries. You would carry a medium size day pack with water, snacks and a spare layer or two. Those carrying everything will need a large 65-75 litre trekking pack.

A full checklist will be provided to participants at the start of the build-up phase, and plenty of coaching is provided on packing configuration, weight minimisation and clothing/equipment selection. Here’s a brief version for your initial information and planning:

  • Medium day pack OR large trekking pack
  • Suitcase/bag to leave at hotel in Kathmandu with anything you don’t need on the trek
  • Trekking boots that protect ankles
  • Cold weather and wet weather trekking clothing
  • Sleeping bag (rated to -10 degrees Celsius) and liner, renting option available
  • Camera with spare batteries and memory cards
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Reusable water bottles (2 x 1 litre)
  • Head torch

Spending Money

Every traveller is different so spending money requirements will vary. Please consider your own spending habits to allow for drinks, shopping and tipping.

Emergency Funds

Please also ensure you have access to at least an additional AU$1100 as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances are outside of our control (eg. a natural disaster) requiring a change to our planned route. This includes the AU$700 emergency helicopter fund that is mentioned in the Important Notes.

Why Trek with Us

Trekking with Rossfit is an experience unlike any other offered. We aren’t just experienced mountain guides, we’re also world class health and movement coaches. We help people make positive changes to their thoughts, lifestyle and health as soon as you sign up. We won’t take your money and then just see you in Nepal when the trip starts. We offer support along the way through your 6 month build up training, and your 23-Day Adventure Challenge. Plus, we have a proven track record of 100% success rate on all our adventure challenge hikes and treks.

We have a bigger itinerary with more variety and options including:

  • Bonus additional trek to Gokyo Ri – with the most spectacular views of Everest –better than the views on the traditional Everest Base Camp route;
  • Bonus option to climb Mt Chukhung (5833m)
  • Additional rest days, to ensure better acclimatisation to the high altitude
  • 6-Month Build-Up Training Programs with the same guides who will take you on your trek – fitness, nutrition, trekking skills, high altitude awareness training, first aid.

6-Month Build-Up Training

Every participant is required to take part in the 6 Month Essentials and Build-Up Training Program to prepare you physically and mentally for the challenges faced in Nepal. We have a 100% success rate on all of our adventure challenge hikes and treks, and we plan to continue this record. We want to see you succeed and come out of this Adventure Challenge fitter, stronger, healthier and very happy.

The 6 Month Essentials and Build-Up Training Program includes:

  • Initial one-hour individual health and fitness assessment and a re-assessment midway through your build-up training
  • Custom training and nutrition guidelines
  • 7 x day training hikes (taking place at various locations around Melbourne, over seven Sundays)
  • One high altitude awareness and first aid training session
  • Facebook/Whatsapp group support throughout your build-up training - help and support are only a click away. We turn what could be a daunting trip to prepare for into an easy and exciting experience.
  • Professional assistance sourcing and purchasing the right clothing and equipment to give you the best experience possible in the Himalayas, including access to wholesale pricing of many high-quality outdoor gear brands.

Optional Extra - Outdoor boot camp classes (5+/week). 12 weeks $399 (normally $528), 6 months $749 (normally $1056)

DISCLAIMER

The information on this page has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However, it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator.

The itinerary featured is correct at time of release. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. It may be a minor change, such as which tea house we stay at one night, or a larger change, such as the length of the trek. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly and your guides may be forced to change the trip itinerary accordingly. Travellers need to be prepared for all weather conditions. More information on what clothing and equipment to take can be found in the "what to take" section on this page. While our itineraries are designed to allow for adequate acclimatisation you are likely to feel the effects of altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation while on this trek. Please be aware that your guide may deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, and arrange for you to descend to a lower attitude.

In the Himalayas weather can cancel or delay the scheduled flight(s) to/from Lukla airport. To be sure that you make your trek, or return from it, it may be necessary to make this flight by a chartered helicopter. Helicopters can operate in some weather that aircraft cannot. Should a helicopter be needed, it will be at the expense of the travellers, and not something covered by Rossfit. Please keep approximately AU$700 (one way) accessible in case this situation presents itself. This suggested amount is included in the emergency fund suggested above. There is more information on the alternative itinerary in case of bad weather in the full itinerary

Hopefully weather delays will not occur, or if they do it will be for a limited time. Should the delays stretch into days and neither helicopter nor flight are a viable option, a collective decision will be made by the group on how to proceed. This is especially true if the delays are prior to the trek, as the original trek may no longer be feasible. Your guides will be there to help with this process.