THE EVEREST MARATHON 

RUN THE HIGHEST MARATHON ON EARTH, IN THE SHADOW OF MT EVEREST - PLUS CLIMB LOBUCHE EAST

Trip Overview

After a very successful private Everest Marathon expedition in 2017, we’re pleased to offer full services for next year’s race. On our bespoke private tour, you’ll be accompanied by a Nepalese climbing Sherpa throughout your adventure. Your Sherpa will also run with you on race day, to shadow you on the course. Throughout the trip you’ll stay in the best lodges available, and will have a private Base Camp with your own chef. You’ll also make use of our modern Airbus helicopters to access the region safely and efficiently.

Accommodation & Service

This is a full service expedition with everything taken care of. In Kathmandu we use a small selection of hotels of a very high standard.

On the trek, we use the best available mountain lodges. These all have private rooms, and all but the highest also have ensuite with toilets and sometimes showers too. 

At Base Camp, instead of staying in the marathon area, you’ll have a private section with chef and full services including internet, a heated dining tent, high quality sleeping tent and private toilet and shower.

You’ll fly in to Lukla by private B3 helicopter, which makes landing at the infamous Lukla airstrip much safer. The same helicopter can be used to extract you from Namche Bazaar after the race, getting you back to Kathmandu quickly for celebratory drinks.

The Itinerary 

15th May - Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu - Yak and Yeti Hotel

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport, you’ll be met by your driver and taken to the famous Yak and Yeti Hotel. One of the best hotels in Nepal, it is truly an urban oasis. Evening kit check and briefing. 

16th May - Day 2: Fly to Lukla 2,800m, Trek to Phakding 2,610m

This morning the adventure begins with a short drive to the domestic section of the airport. You’ll avoid the hustle of the main terminal, and be driven to the heliport for your private helicopter ride to Lukla at 2,800m, the staging point of all expeditions. You’ll be using a 2015 Airbus B3E and the pilots are world class. The flight is spectacular, and on a clear day you’ll get your first glimpse of the Himalayan giants, including the tallest of them all; Mount Everest. The trek from Lukla to Phakding is undulating, losing around 200m in altitude, and sleeping at 2,610m. B/L/D

17th May - Day 3: Trek Phakding to Namche 3,440m

We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, passing a checkpoint before crossing this roaring river on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply, offering us our first breathtaking views on foot of Everest and Lhotse as we reach Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu region. B/L/D. 

18th May - Day 4: Namche, hike to Syangboche,- 3,440m 

Today you’ll take an acclimatisation hike above Namche and around Syangboche, slowly getting used to the thinner air and enjoying the views both up and down the valley. The idea today is not to gain lots of height, but to give your body a chance to adjust to 3,400m before gaining height the next day.  B/L/D

19th May - Day 5: Trek to Deboche - 3,700m

Today you start to gain some height and hike the classic Everest Base Camp trail. The vegetation begins to thin out, and each corner you turn the view is slightly different, as Lhotse, Everest, Ama Dablam and many more peaks reveal themselves. You’ll trek past Tengboche Monastery, where you may have time to join the monks for prayers, and spin the prayer wheels for good luck. Overnight in a lodge underneath the striking and jagged Ama Dablam. B/L/D

20th May - Day 6: Trek to Dingboche - 4,350m 

Today’s hike follows a gradual valley for around 5hrs, up to Dingboche. The mighty Ama Dablam, arguably the most beautiful mountain in the world and described by Sir Edmund Hillary as “unclimbable” will tower over you all day. The air will start to cool and it’s another night to enjoy one of the best star shows on earth. B/L/D

21st May - Day 7: Acclimatisation and Bibre Loop, Dingboche

A leisurely start to the day before you take an acclimatisation walk to Bibre. This valley forms an important part of the marathon course, as you double back on yourself for what’s known as “Bibre Loop”. Afternoon resting/ enjoying the delights of the excellent bakery.

22nd May - Day 8: Dingboche Summit - 4,350m - 5,100m - 4,350m

Today you’ll hike away from the main trail, for great acclimatisation, more big views, and also a summit at around 5,100m. Even if the summit is not reached, it’s a perfect opportunity to spend some time around the magical 5,000m mark, which will all be a tremendous help for the final stage of the trek. B/L/D

23rd May - Day 9: Trek to Lobuche - 4,920m

One of the tougher days of the trek, today you’ll hike for around 5-6hrs to Lobuche, at 4,920m. On the way you’ll pass memorials to climbers who have lost their lives on Everest. It’s a sobering reminder of the price paid by those who wish to stand atop the World’s highest peak, which you’re becoming ever closer to. Overnight in the Lodge. B/L/D

24th May - Day 10: Trek to Lobuche East High Camp - 5,400m

Today we’ll hike up to our camp on Lobuche East, from where we’ll stage our summit bid. Afternoon resting and acclimatising ready for our early start tomorrow. Overnight, tented camp at 5,400m. B/L/D

25th May - Day 11: Lobuche East Summit, Descend to Lobuche - 5,400-6,119m-4,920

Summit day! A very early start as we make our bid for one of the most beautiful trekking peaks in the Everest region. We’ll skirt along a glacier, before climbing steeply on snow up to a spectacular summit ridge. There are fixed lines protecting the more difficult sections. After a brief celebration on top, we’ll descend all the way to Lobuche village for a good nights sleep. B/L/D. 

26th May - Day 12: Trek to Gorak Shep, 5100m. 

A short day today, and a welcome break from the previous day’s efforts. We’ll follow the main trail to Gorak Shep, around 3hrs away, with very little height gain. It will also be a good preview of some of the terrain you’ll be crossing in a few days on marathon day. Afternoon resting. Overnight in a mountain lodge. B/L/D

27th May - Day 13: Trek to Everest Base Camp, 5,360m. 

Another short day on the trail, picking our way through the rocky trail to Mount Everest Base Camp. Here you’ll report to the event organisers before settling in to your private Base Camp area. Overnight Everest Base Camp. B/L/D

28th May - Day 14: Trek to Everest Base Camp, 5,360m. 

Full day at Everest BC. Rest/ acclimatise/ race briefings. Overnight Base Camp. B/L/D. 

29th May - Day 15: Everest Marathon. 

Marathon day! Time to retrace your steps for 26.2 beautiful, challenging miles of trail running! Medals and congratulations await in Namche Bazaar.  Overnight lodge in Namche. B/L/D

30th May - Day 16: Fly Namche to Kathmandu. 

This morning the helicopter will return to pick you up and fly you down to Kathmandu for a very well earned long hot shower. Evening celebrations. Overnight Kathmandu or flights home.

Included: 

Qualified English speaking Guide and climbing Sherpa

Private helicopter Kathmandu to Lukla and Namche to Kathmandu

All accommodation as specified in the final itinerary

All National Park Fees

All meals as specified in the final itinerary

Private Base Camp services

All ropes and technical equipment for Lobuche East

Marathon entry fee

Excluded:

Flights to/ from Kathmandu

Additional meals, snacks and drinks not listed as included

Entry visas 

Items of a personal nature 

Alterations to the itinerary 

Airport departure taxes (unless stated) 

Laundry 

Hospital bills and international evacuation in the event of an emergency 

Tips

Insurance

More Information

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