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Everest Base Camp Trek

20 Days in Nepal / (Skill level: Introductory)

Price per person

$4,200.00
  • Next Available: Apr 16, 2023 - May 05, 2023
  • Upcoming: Oct 07, 2023 - Oct 26, 2023
  • Apr 14, 2024 - May 03, 2024
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About this trip

Trek to Everest Base Camp and gain unparalleled perspectives while trekking alongside Sherpa, guides, and climbers who are continuing on to the summits of Everest and Ama Dablam. Experience Nepal's culture and learn its history while trekking in the beautiful Khumbu Valley. We use premier logistics that are the same as those used on the region's high altitude climbing peaks.

Overview

  • skill level

    Introductory

  • Duration

    20 Days

Mount Everest has long captured the imaginations of people the world over. The fact that its summit is the highest point in the world speaks for itself, but when traveling in the Khumbu Valley, it becomes apparent that it’s not only Mount Everest’s most famous statistic that makes this place so special, but the greater picture of the mountain range, including the history, the weather, the people who live there, and the climbers who visit.

Trek Beside Climbers and Mountain Guides

When trekking in the Khumbu Valley with Alpenglow Expeditions, you become a part of the community of mountain enthusiasts that migrates to this region in order to pursue their dreams. As you travel and trek beside the sherpa, guides, and climbers who continue on to the summits of the surrounding peaks, you will get a perspective unlike any other. You will gain an understanding of the region’s culture, its history, and the sport that brought you there.

Fall and Spring Treks

We have two similar programs for the spring and autumn Himalayan seasons. Our autumn trek accompanies expeditions on their way to Ama Dablam. Trekkers with Alpenglow Expeditions in the Khumbu are extremely fortunate to be able to utilize the same high-level logistics as those used on the region’s high altitude climbing peaks. With our support staff, guides, accommodations, and food being the best in the business, you are able to focus your energy on yourself and your surroundings.

Come to the Khumbu with us and find yourself on the adventure of a lifetime!

Everest Base Camp Trek elevation profile

 

Preparation

  • Fitness

    Trekkers must be in great physical shape to join this expedition. This is perhaps the most important aspect of high altitude trekking, and cannot be stressed enough. Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed. Please contact us for more information on physical training.

  • Altitude Experience

    No prior experience at altitude required.

  • Download Trip Details

    • Day 1 — Arrival

      Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal (4,600 feet/1,400 meters). We transfer to our hotel, and begin the process of getting over jetlag.

    • Day 2 — Explore Kathmandu

      Today we explore some of Kathmandu’s most famous sites. These include Swyambunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupati (Nepal’s largest Hindu temple), Boudanath (Kathmandu’s most important Buddhist temple) and the old city’s original central square, Durbar. We also have our first team meeting, and organize our bags for the trek.

    • Day 3 — Fly to Lukla & Trek to Monjo

      Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (9,000 feet/2,743 meters), 45 minutes. Trek Lukla to Monjo (9,300 feet/2,835 meters), 3-5 hours. One of the most beautiful and memorable mountain flights in the world, our 45-minute flight takes us from Kathmandu to Lukla, the town where we begin our trek to base camp. After organizing our yaks and porters we begin the half-day hike to the town of Monjo. The trail is excellent, and after descending to the town of Phakding, climbs easily from the river and across our first suspension bridges up to our lodge in Monjo.

    • Day 4 — Trek to Namche Bazaar

      Trek Monjo (9,300 feet/2,835 meters) to Namche Bazaar (11,300 feet/3,444 meters), 3-4 hours. The walk begins with a couple of thrilling suspension bridges and wanders along the banks of the raging Dudh Khosi River, before climbing steeply up a 2,000 foot (610 meter) hill into Namche Bazaar. This hill is the first of our challenging climbs. Along the way we are rewarded with our first views of Mt. Everest, and plenty of well-built stone terraces to stop and rest. We have lunch in Namche Bazaar, and spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant town. Namche is the most important town in the Khumbu Valley, and is filled with fun shops, great bakeries, and colorful winding streets. We also visit the local monastery and the Sherpa Museum of Culture and Himalayan Climbing History. The museum’s exhibits chronicling sherpa climbing history are not to be missed.

    • Day 5 — Trek to Khumjung

      Trek Namche Bazaar (11,300 feet/3,444 meters) to Khumjung (12,400 feet/3,790 meters), 1 hour. For acclimatization purposes we spend a second night near Namche Bazaar. After a relaxing morning exploring town and enjoying our first stunning views of Ama Dablam from a viewpoint above town, we have lunch and then take a one-hour walk to Khumjung and our sirdar’s (lead sherpa’s) home. We spend the night with Phurba Tashi and his family in his comfortable lodge, and possibly visit the Hillary School in Khumjung, and the Khunde hospital, both projects of Sir Edmund Hillary, and significant centers of Sherpa life.

    • Day 6 — Trek to Phortse

      Trek Khumjung (12,400 feet/3,790 meters) to Phortse (12,450 feet/3,800 meters), 3 hours. Phortse is home to most of our sherpa team. It is a mountain town perched on the walls of a massive river valley and sees few Western visitors. To get there we set off on small trails, featuring a long stone staircase through vertical rock cliffs that ends at the Mong La, a high pass with striking 360 degree views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kantegri. We descend to the river then climb easily to Phortse, arriving in time for lunch. We spend the afternoon visiting our sherpa team in their homes, drinking tea and tasting the locally made yak yogurt.

    • Day 7 — Trek to Dingboche

      Trek Phortse (12,450 feet/3,800 meters) to Dingboche (14,800 feet/4,530 meters), 5-7 hours. We begin today’s trek far from other trekkers on the trail from Phortse to upper Pangboche. In Pangboche we visit the oldest monastery and temple in the region and explore its paintings and statues. If we are fortunate, we may also receive blessings from the local lama. Once finished, we continue hiking to Dingboche, a small seasonal town perched at the base of Lhotse’s South Face that has incredible views of Ama Dablam’s North Ridge.

    • Day 8 — Rest Day in Dingboche

      Rest day in Dingboche (14,800 feet/4,530 meters). Optional climb of Chukkung Ri (17,600 feet/5,364 meters), 6-8 hours. Chukkung Ri is not glaciated, but provides an excellent way for us to gain additional acclimatization, as well as stunning views of Lhotse’s South Face and the huge glaciers filling the Amphu Valley. In the afternoon we return to Dingboche. As needed, this day also makes for a great rest and recuperation day prior to continuing higher in the Khumbu Valley. Many shorter day hikes also exist around the town of Dingboche offering an opportunity to explore without attempting the complete climb of Chukkung Ri.

    • Day 9 — Trek to Lobuche

      Trek Dingboche (14,800 feet/4,530 meters) to Lobuche (16,109 feet/4,910 meters), 4-6 hours. We say goodbye to the Ama Dablam climbing team this morning, and then take our time and move slowly as we move considerably higher in the valley. The walk to Lobuche follows a high plateau with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and yak herders’ huts, before crossing a small river and climbing steeply above the town of Dughla to the Everest memorial zone. Here there are stone memorials and plaques to many of the local and international climbers who have been lost climbing Everest and the Khumbu’s other big peaks. After some time here to take in the beauty of this place, we continue up the valley to Lobuche.

    • Day 10 — Trek to Gorak Shep

      Trek Lobuche (16,109 feet/4,910 meters) to Gorak Shep (16,942 feet/4,910 meters), 3 hours. Optional climb of Kala Patar (18,192 feet/5,164 meters), 4 hours round-trip. Today, although not long, is quite challenging due to the altitude and occasionally difficult trail. After an early morning start, we follow the valley next to the Khumbu Glacier all the way to the final Sherpa settlement of Gorak Shep. If the weather and views warrant, we may choose to climb Kala Patar this afternoon to see sunset on Everest’s South Face. Summiting Kala Patar is a non-technical but strenuous hike on good, generally snow-free, trails. The views of Everest from its summit are the best anywhere in Nepal, and well worth the hard hike. We spend the night in a lodge at Gorak Shep.

    • Day 11 — Trek to Lobuche

      Trek Gorak Shep (16,942 feet/4,910 meters) to Lobuche (16,109 feet/4,910 meters), 2 hours. Optional hike to Everest Base Camp (17,575 feet/5360 meters), 3-4 hours round trip. Depending on our day yesterday, we may wake early to summit Kala Patar this morning. We also have the option to hike to Everest Base Camp at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. In the autumn the base camp is quiet, but still a stunning place to visit. In the afternoon we descend all the way to Lobuche.

    • Day 12 — Trek to Pangboche

      Trek Lobuche (16,109 feet/4,910 meters) to Pangboche (12,894 feet/3,930 meters), 5 hours. Along the way we visit the town of Pheriche, home to the HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association), an important medical clinic that treats both foreign trekkers and the local Sherpa. We will also enjoy having more oxygen for our bodies, warmer temperatures, and re-entering the world of trees and vegetation after the stark beauty of Everest. We spend the night in one of our sherpa’s lodges in Pangboche.

    • Day 13 — Trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp

      Trek Pangboche (12,894 feet/3,930 meters) to Ama Dablam Base Camp (14,500 feet/4,420 meters), 3-4 hours. Today we make a short but steep climb away from the main tourist track to visit our climbing team in Ama Dablam Base Camp. This base camp may be the most beautiful in Nepal, with unbelievable views of Ama Dablam and a perfectly flat grassy valley with a river running through it. We enjoy a comfortable night in tents, and food from the best chef in the mountains.

    • Day 14 — Rest Day in Ama Dablam Bascecamp

      Rest day in Ama Dablam Basecamp (14,500 feet/4,420 meters). Optional hike to Ama Dablam Yak Camp (17,100 feet/5,200 meters), 6-7 hours round-trip. Since our climbing team and Sherpa will all be here preparing for their climb of Ama Dablam, this is an opportunity to see the inner workings of a major Himalayan climbing expedition. For trekkers that are feeling strong, there is an optional hike to Yak Camp on Ama Dablam. This hike gives a close-up view of the technical Southwest Ridge on Ama Dablam, our climbing group’s route of ascent. We spend a second night in tents at Ama Dablam Base Camp.

    • Day 15 — Trek to Thyanboche

      Trek from Ama Dablam BC (14,500 feet/4,420 meters) to Thyangboche (12,664 feet/3,860 meters), 4-5 hours. We leave base camp in the morning and hike down the hill to Pangboche. After tea we continue down the valley and through thick rhododendron forests to Thyangboche. Thyangboche is home to the most important and active monastery in the Khumbu and we will spend the afternoon visiting the monastery and monks and watching a traditional Tibetan Buddhist ceremony.

    • Day 16 — Trek to Namche Bazaar

      Trek from Thyangboche (12,664 feet/3,860 meters) to Namche Bazaar (11,300 feet/3,444 meters), 5 hours. Our walk begins with a big drop down to the Dudh Khosi River and a stunning suspension bridge. After crossing the bridge we climb again to our lunch spot in Sanasa. After lunch, we continue contouring along hillsides and over small ridges until dropping into Namche Bazaar.

    • Day 17 — Trek to Lukla

      Trek from Namche Bazaar (11,300 feet/3,444 meters) to Lukla (9,000 feet/2,743 meters), 5-7 hours. Our final day of walking covers the same ground we spent 2 days climbing on the way in. Now that we are acclimatized we cover the distance easily, and enjoy the many suspension bridges, tumultuous rivers, small towns and monasteries. After lunch in Phakding, the trail climbs a final 600 vertical feet (180 meters) to the airstrip in Lukla, and our final lodge where we spend the night.

    • Day 18 — Fly to Kathmandu

      Fly Lukla (9,000 feet/2,743 meters) to Kathmandu. This 45-minute flight begins with one of the most exciting takeoffs in the world. Once airborne, there are incredible views of the mountains, the foothills, and finally the city. After landing in Kathmandu we return to our hotel for an evening of celebration. Night in hotel.

    • Day 19 — Weather Day

      Contingency day for flights from Lukla to Kathmandu. Since the flights to and from Lukla are often delayed or cancelled due to bad weather in the mountains, this is an essential extra day. If we arrive back in Kathmandu on time, this day can be used for sightseeing in the city, shopping for souvenirs, or sleeping in and enjoying the fantastic pool at the hotel.

    • Day 20 — Departure

      Depart Kathmandu for home. After a final group breakfast, return to the airport to catch international flights home.

  • Download Equipment List

      • Headwear and Eyewear

      • Hat

        Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim - the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding. Recommended: Alpenglow 5-Panel

        $25.00

      • Beanie

        A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet. Recommended: Eddie Bauer First Slouch Beanie

      • Neck Gaiter (Buff)

        A multi purpose neck gator that can also be worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible and yet is still comfy. Recommended: Alpenglow Expeditions Buff

      • Balaclava

        We recommend a tight-fitting balaclava that is worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible, but is comfortable enough to wear for hours. Recommended: Patagonia Balaclava

      • Sunglasses

        Must have dark lenses. Minimal light should come in below, above, or around the sides of the lenses.“Wrap” style is best. Ventilation is important and a retainer strap is very useful (Chums or Croakies). Recommended: Julbo Shield

      • Hands and Feet

      • Lightweight Gloves

        All-around gloves for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and hiking. These gloves (and similar options) are warm, wind-resistant, durable and have a sure grip. You will rarely take these gloves off. They should be snug-fitting, and have some sort of reinforced palm. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Mountain Glove

      • Midweight Gloves

        These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, and insulated. These will be your main glove for the trip until summit days, or when it gets especially cold. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Guide Glove

      • Liner Socks (optional)

        A super-thin wicking sock that repels moisture. Liner socks help to reduce the likelihood of blisters. The socks should be thin wool, nylon, or Capilene®. NO COTTON. Recommended: Ice Breaker Hike Liner Crew

      • Hiking Socks

        Your everyday sock, good for day hikes, trekking, and in- town. NO COTTON. Recommended: Patagonia Lightweight Merino Performance Crew Socks

      • Warm Socks

        A wool synthetic blend. Pure rag wool socks are not nearly as effective in wicking moisture or retaining their shape and reducing blisters. NO COTTON. Recommended: Smartwool Mountaineering Extra Heavy Crew Socks

      • Hiking Shoes

        These light to mid-weight shoes are for every day use. The ideal shoe is comfortable to wear for multiple days and scrambles decently on rock. A Gore-tex lined shoe stays drier when hiking in rain or snow. Recommended: La Sportiva TX Guide

      • Upper Body Apparel

      • Lightweight Top

        Ultra-light base layer that effectively wicks moisture away from your body and is breathable. Quick-dry is important as well. One light colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days. The new wool blends are also an option. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Resolution Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

      • Long Sleeve Base Layer

        A poly-pro mid-layer that you will never take off. Fitted, light- weight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck-in and we recommend zipper collars for more ventilation. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Midweight FreeDry® Merino Hybrid Baselayer 1/4-Zip

      • Warm Layer

        A polarguard or fleece jacket. This is your mid layer that will be worn over your baselayer most of the trip. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Cloud Layer Pro 1/4 Zip or Patagonia R1 Jacket

      • Synthetic Top

        A simple, lightweight synthetic jacket. This item is good for layering systems and the Primaloft keeps you warm when wet. Recommended: Eddie Bauer IgniteLite Stretch Reversible

      • Hard Shell Jacket

        A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket WITH A HOOD that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Make sure you have pit-zips and if you are using an old jacket, re-waterproof it. Recommended: Eddie Bauer BC Freshline Jacket

      • Soft Shell Jacket

        While this item isn’t required, we know that those who don’t have one wish they did! More breathable than Gore-tex, these jackets block wind and light precipitation. A windshirt is an option for this layer. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Sandstone

      • Down Parka (5-6,000 Meter Peaks)

        A puffy jacket with a hood that will keep you warm during the coldest of conditions. The higher the quality down, the better (800-fill is best). However, be sure the jacket is still lightweight. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Downlight Hooded Jacket

      • Lower Body Apparel

      • Quick Dry Shorts

        Throw these on under other layers for when the sun begins to beat, or you have a sudden urge to jump in a glacial lake. Lightweight, durable and comfortable. NO COTTON. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Short

      • Trekking Pants

        You will spend most of your days in these pants. Choose a breathable and water resistant pant. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro

      • Base Layer Bottoms

        Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures. Recommended: SmartwoolMen's Intraknit™ Merino 250 Thermal Bottom

      • Hard Shell Pants

        Your waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets. Recommended:Eddie Bauer BC Duraweave Alpine Pants

      • Insulated Pants (optional)

        Full-length side zippers are recommended, for throwing on top of all of your layers. This layer is optional for those who are prone to the cold! Recommended: Black Diamond Stance Belay Pants

      • Expedition Equipment

      • Duffle Bags

        2 Duffle Bags - At least one bag should be extremely durable, waterproof, and big - between 90L and 120L. You should feel comfortable leaving it in a puddle for several hours. Remember dry clothes are hot commodities in the mountains! Large enough to fit everything you own, plus what you anticipate buying. Two duffel bags are necessary to fit all your equipment for travel (we don't recommend checking your backpack, best is to put all gear and backpack into your duffle). Once in country, you can consolidate your gear into one duffel and your backpack. It's common to leave the second duffel with city clothes and other non-necessary items behind in a locked and secure location that your guide will arrange for you. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Maximus Duffel

      • Sleeping Bag (-20°)

        Rated to -20º F. Choose an 800+ Fill Premium Goose Down bag. Make certain that the sleeping bag is the right length. DON’T FORGET A COMPRESSION SACK FOR THE SLEEPING BAG. Granite Gear Compression Sack is desired. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Kara Koram with Compression Sack

      • Inflatable Sleeping Pad

        72 inch long inflatable pad required. Make sure you also purchase and bring a repair kit + bag for the sleeping pad. Recommended: NeoAir Xtherm

      • Day Pack

        Mid-size pack for city days and trekking. Streamlined, neat and lightweight (10-20 liters). Recommended: Eddie Bauer Bacon 2.0 Pack

      • Backpack 35-45 Liters

        Internal frame pack that is between 35 and 45 liters. Either purchase a matching pack cover, or use garbage bags as liners to protect from precipitation. Make sure the pack is fitted to YOUR body. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Alchemist 40 Pack, or Black Diamond Mission 35 Pack

      • Hydration System (optional)

        Should carry 70-100 ounces. Must be durable and have a reliable closure system. Recommended: MSR Dromlite 2L with Hydration Tube

      • Headlamp

        L.E.D. headlamps are required. Make sure they have 3+ bulbs. Bring extra batteries. We highly recommend a tilting lamp. Recommended:Black Diamond Revolt 350

      • Trekking Pole(s)

        Make sure that they are durable, lightweight + easily adjustable. Recommended:Black Diamond Trailback Trekking Poles

      • Two 1L Nalgene Bottles

        Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles. Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth

      • Plastic Bowl, Mug and Spoon

        A lightweight and compact cookware setup. You'll want a plastic bowl, mug and spoon. Recommended Kit: MSR 2 Person Mess Kit

      • Coffee

        While Alpenglow provides hot drink options every morning, it can be nice to have your own on hand any time you need a boost. With hot water always readily available, having instant coffee packets can give you the energy you need after a long day in the mountains! Recommended: Alpine Start Original Blend Instant Coffee

      • Miscellaneous Items

      • Miscellaneous Items

        • Passport (with visa, if necessary)
        • 2 luggage locks (TSA compliant)
        • Non-cotton underwear
        • Wag bags, 1 per night camping as to leave no trace
        • Heavy duty garbage bags (at least 4)
        • Stuffsacks: assorted sizes, for organizing your clothes and gear
        • Sunscreen: SPF 30 (or higher)
        • Lip balm with SPF 15 (or higher)
        • Personal first-aid kit (Band-aids, Ibuprofen, Cough Drops, Moleskin, Pepto-bismol, Imodium, Personal Medications)
        • Toiletries
        • 3-4lbs of Snack food (a variety of snack food, some whole food, some bars, some gels)
        • Hand Warmers
        • Face Mask
        • Hand Sanitizer
        • Knife
        • Steripen

      • In Town Items

        - External Battery Packs for phones, and other electronics. Recommended: Anker PowerCore Speed 10000.

        - Ear Plugs

        - Journal/Cards/Games for personal entertainment

        - Language Phrase Book

        - Camera - Full size DSLRs not recommended as your summit camera.  Sony RX100 is a guide’s favorite. Remember extra SD cards and batteries.

        - Compact Binoculars

        - Sandals (Flip-Flops, Chacos or Tevas)

      • Packing Note

        For your international flights we recommend that you pack all of your equipment in your two duffle bags. Do not simply pack your backpack (since its straps can be damaged by baggage handling machines). It is important to lock these bags for their trip. Depending on airport, you may be able to put your travel locks on after they have been searched. If not, lock the bag with zip ties. If the TSA cuts off the zip tie to search your bag, they will replace it. You will still need travel locks to lock your bags in the hotel and in Basecamp. Generally, you will take one duffle to Basecamp, and leave one in the hotel with your belongings for town.

  • Download Trip Details

    • What is your cancellation policy?

      Please click here to review our international cancellation policy. 

    • Would you consider doing a custom trek in the Himalaya?

      We always welcome custom expeditions and treks. 50% of Alpenglow’s expeditions are customized.

    • Do I need to purchase Rescue Insurance and Travel Insurance?

      We require Rescue Insurance on all of our international expeditions. Rescue insurance will help cover costs in the event that you need to be rescued off the mountain (Ex: Helicopter/medical evacuation). Travel Insurance (which we strongly recommend) can cover issues that would cause you to cancel your trip in advance, like illness. We recommend Global Rescue for both types of insurance.

      If you do choose Global Rescue, be sure to select the High Altitude Evacuation Add-On that is needed for insurance coverage above 15,000 ft.

    • Are Covid vaccination required?

      Our leadership has made the decision to require all participants to be vaccinated for international travel. This is a safety measure that we have made to not only protect our clients, but also to protect our guide team and the local people in which we interact with during our expeditions. We want to do our utmost to mitigate the risk of Covid disrupting our expeditions, and having our teams vaccinated has become an important part of our risk management system with international travel. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or issues regarding this decision, we’d be happy to hop on a call and discuss this further.

    • What all is included and excluded?

      The cost of your trip includes your land costs (excluding in-town meals). This includes:

      • Double occupancy lodging while in town, according to itinerary.
      • Meals on the mountain
      • Group camping and climbing equipment
      • Base camp and mountain infrastructure
      • Scheduled transportation while in the countries we are visiting
      • Certified guides
      • Covid testing arrangements for re-entry into home country (does not include cost of test)

      The cost of your trip does not include:

      • Flights to/from the city where the expedition begins
      • Additional nights in hotel outside of the itinerary, this includes but is not limited to extra hotel nights due to an early departure from the mountains.
      • Airport taxes
      • Visas
      • In-town meals
      • Immunizations
      • Tips for guides or local staff
      • Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance
      • Hospitalization or evacuation costs
      • Single supplement room charges
      • Excess baggage charges
      • Alcohol
      • Antigen/PCR Covid test cost
      • Other personal expenses
      • Airport transportation for early arrival/late departures outside of scheduled itinerary
      • The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Alpenglow Expeditions or its agents are not included.

Meet your guides

Logan Talbott

Logan Talbott

co-owner / chief guide

Logan has been guiding professionally for over a decade in the disciplines of Rock, Alpine and Ski Mountaineering. When not out guiding, Logan spends time in the office helping the team with the day-to-day operations of the business. From one day ascents of El Capitan to big Alpine climbs in the Himalaya, from ski descents on Denali to backyard ski tours in Lake Tahoe, he can’t help but smile when out running around the hills. Logan is an AMGA/IFMGA mountain guide, an Avalanche course leader with AIARE, as well as a wilderness EMT. In addition to guiding, Logan has extensive experience in mountain rescue, having worked for rescue teams in both Yosemite and Denali National Parks, and volunteering locally for Tahoe Nordic SAR. When not out in the hills, he lives in Truckee, CA with his lovely wife Lynette and daughter Maggie.

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA - American Mountain Guide
  • IVBV IFMGA UIAGM - Mountain Guide
Esteban “Topo” Mena

Esteban “Topo” Mena

Topo’s formal name is Esteban Mena, but he goes by his nickname. Esteban Topo Mena is 28 years old and began his guiding career at 19, when he climbed Aconcagua’s South Face and became the youngest person to accomplish this difficult climb. Topo began guiding in Ecuador and Peru. In 2012, Topo summited Manaslu and in 2013, he summited Everest – both without using supplementary oxygen. Topo again summited Everest in 2016 while supporting his wonderful partner Carla as she successfully summited without supplemental oxygen. In 2018 Topo summited both Cho Oyu and Everest with clients in under 30 days. An incredible achievement that only the best guides in the word could attempt. He also has climbed challenging new routes in Kyrgyzstan and China and one of his climbs (Kyzyl Asker) has been nominated for the Piolet d’Or (as part of an Ecuadorian team).

Guide Certifications
  • ASEGUIM
  • IVBV IFMGA UIAGM - Mountain Guide
Jaime Avila

Jaime Avila

Jaime is Alpenglow Expeditions’ senior lead guide. A native Ecuadorian, Jaime has been guiding and climbing throughout South America and the world for twenty years. He has successfully led groups on challenging routes like the Southwest Ridge of Ama Dablam (Nepal), the Shield Route of Huascaran (Peru), the Polish Direct on Aconcagua (Argentina), and El Altar (Ecuador). We have been guiding, climbing, and traveling with Jaime since 1998 and the feedback from members is always the same: there is no better teammate. Whether climbing a tough ice route, humping a huge pack, or stuck in a storm, Jaime will keep you laughing, learning, and glad to be in the mountains. He is an ASEGUIM / IFMGA certified mountain guide.

 

Guide Certifications
  • ASEGUIM
  • IVBV IFMGA UIAGM - Mountain Guide
Gaspar Navarrete

Gaspar Navarrete

Gaspar hails from Ecuador, and has been guiding for over 18 years, and climbing since he was 12. He has extensive experience in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Patagonia, Aconcagua, the Himalaya, the Cascades, the Alps and the Pyrenees. Gaspar has established new routes in both Ecuador and Bolivia. As an active instructor with the Ecuadorian School for Mountain Guides, he has trained in Ecuador, Bolivia and France. He is a Wilderness First Responder, and has spent a great deal of time working at high altitude.

Gaspar joined one of Quito’s oldest climbing clubs at a young age, which gave him the opportunity to mentor under very experienced climbers. He considers the Andes, including Patagonia, his home, and he love to share his enthusiasm for the mountains, the Andean traditions, food and culture with his guests.

Gaspar is an ASEGUIM/IFMGA mountain guide

Guide Certifications
  • ASEGUIM
  • IVBV IFMGA UIAGM - Mountain Guide
Ignacio “Nacho” Espinosa Andrade

Ignacio “Nacho” Espinosa Andrade

Nacho was born in Ecuador and started to climb at the age of 12. After that Nacho climbed continuously in Ecuador leading expeditions and people to the summit of the Ecuadorian Andes for the last 15 years. He is a very active guide in the Cordillera Blanca range of the Peruvian Andes where he has been an active guide for the past 10 years.

He started his formal mountain guide training with the Ecuadorian Mountain Guide Association where he received the ASEGUIM certification. After that he continued his process in Bolivia where, with the support of the alpinism French school ENSA,  he received the UIAGM/IFMGA certification. He is also a WFR certified guide and for 5 years has been an instructor for the ESGUIM, the local mountain guide school.

Among his long list of climbs the biggest highlights are ascents in Peru like the South Face of Piramide de Garcilazo, South Face of Caraz I, West Face of Cayesh, and the South Face of Chacraraju Este. He also has notable climbs in  Bolivia like the West Face of Huayna Potosi in 4 hours and 30 minutes and the British Route of Hallomen in the Condoriri Masiff.

Guide Certifications
  • ASEGUIM
  • IVBV IFMGA UIAGM - Mountain Guide
Santiago Espinosa

Santiago Espinosa

Living in Quito Ecuador, Santiago is a certified hard man with many high quality and difficult alpine and rock ascents under his belt. He has climbed on 5 different continents and is currently a part of the Ecuador Escala team pursuing the 7 continents and 14 walls project.

Taking many guide courses in Canada, Santiago is fluent in English and  is an IFMGA aspirant guide currently working on his certification to become a full IFMGA guide through Ecuador’s certifying body, ASEGUIM.

Not only is Santiago quickly becoming a master of all disciplines in the mountains, but he is also a published photographer with his photos appearing in Rock and Ice Magazine, Climbing Magazine, and National Geographic Español. Check out his portfolio here.

Guide Certifications
  • ASEGUIM
Mike Pond

Mike Pond

Mike is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide. He became a mountain guide immediately upon completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Expeditionary Studies in 2008. Since then, Mike has led expeditions in Alaska (including 6 successful Denali summits), South America, and throughout the American West, and is always looking for the next place to travel. He has completed several first ascents in Alaska, Canada, Washington and California. Mike also completed a Masters Degree in Outdoor Education with a Masters thesis titled “Investigating Climbing as a Spiritual Experience.”

After spending the last decade traveling while based out of Washington, Mike and his wife moved to Reno in winter 2020. While Mike feels generally at home on glaciers, snow, rock, and ice, he enjoys rock climbing on big, sunny granite the most. Hello, California! He loves sharing his passion for mountain adventure with others, and teaching aspiring climbers to reach their goals. While not on the rock, Mike also enjoys gardening, fostering rescue dogs, mountain biking, yoga, and swimming in as many brisk alpine lakes as his metabolism will allow.

 

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA Certified Rock Guide
Isaac Laredo

Isaac Laredo

Isaac found his appreciation for the outdoors growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Isaac attended Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe where his appreciation  evolved into a lifelong passion. The scenery, accessibility, and culture of the surrounding mountains captivated Isaac to major in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Environmental Science and Outdoor Adventure Leadership at Sierra Nevada College. Here he was inspired by his teachers and peers to facilitate the creation of special moments in the outdoors. As one of his mentors say “special moments happen, we just have to show up for them”. These special moments have been responsible for lots of personal growth for himself and those around him. He has experienced the power of the outdoors first hand and looks forward to life long learning in the mountains through climbing and skiing.
Isaac is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Ski and Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, and Leave No Trace Master Educator.
Guide Certifications
  • AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor

What others are saying about this trip

  • Everest Base Camp Trek - A Transformative Experience

    The trek was a fantastic journey... a transformative experience for me. From the experienced guides to Alpenglow's top notch logistics, we were taken care of every step of the way.

    Peter A

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      Everest Base Camp Trek

    Everest Base Camp Trek

    Trek to Everest Base Camp and gain unparalleled perspectives while trekking alongside Sherpa, guides, and climbers who are continuing on to the summits of Everest and Ama Dablam. Experience Nepal's culture and learn its history while trekking in the beautiful Khumbu Valley. We use premier logistics that are the same as those used on the region's high altitude climbing peaks.

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