Everest Base Camp 2027: The Meditative Ascent

This Everest Base Camp trekking and meditation retreat is a 15-day walk into the Khumbu region of Nepal, starting and ending in Kathmandu. It is for trekkers who want to pair a bucket-list high-altitude route with daily pranayama, yoga, journaling and quiet practice. The group is led by veteran guide Vishwas Raj, founder of Adventure Sindbad, who is also the lead guide for this expedition.

What to Expect

The trek is planned as a meditative ascent, with trekking days of roughly 6 to 10 hours. The group gathers in Kathmandu for an opening circle to meet one another and set intentions, then checks gear before flying to Lukla, weather permitting. From there the route follows the Dudh Koshi river, crossing suspension bridges and villages on the way to Namche Bazaar, the heart of the Khumbu.

Acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche include short hikes, guided breathwork, gentle yoga, restorative practice, pranayama and journaling. Along the trail there are pine forests with views of Ama Dablam, high valleys lined with prayer flags and mani walls, and a visit to Tengboche Monastery for a meditative ritual and quiet practice. Evenings often close with a meditation, mindfulness circle or group reflection.

The high point comes at Everest Base Camp, at approximately 5,364 metres, where there is time for silent reflection and photographs before returning to Gorak Shep. The next morning begins with a pre-dawn climb of Kala Patthar for sunrise over Everest and the surrounding peaks. The descent passes through Pheriche and Namche Bazaar, with a market stroll and sharing circle, and ends with a gratitude practice on the final trekking day toward Lukla. Back in Kathmandu there is a closing circle over a group dinner, and a day set aside for visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, including temples, a monastery and the Royal Square.

Days 13 and 14 act as buffer days. Mountain weather can delay the flight from Lukla, and if it does, the Kathmandu sightseeing may be shortened or missed.

Preparing Together

Training starts well before departure, built on five pillars:

- Breathing: a daily pranayama routine of bhastrika, kumbhaka, sama (box breathing) and anulom-vilom, since each breath carries less oxygen above 4,000 metres.
- Cardio: treadmill or stair-machine work on an incline, running, and weekly hiking.
- Strength: core, back and upper body as well as legs.
- Flexibility: daily stretching, which continues on the trek with morning stretching and breathing and evening stretching.
- Mindfulness: journaling and working with self-sabotaging habits, alongside daily visualisation and affirmation of reaching Base Camp with the group.

Trekkers share programs and inspiration in an online group, and confirmed participants join a private community for training updates, gear lists and logistics, with direct access to Vishwas Raj and the Awaken leadership team.

About Vishwas Raj

Vishwas Raj is the founder of Adventure Sindbad and the veteran lead guide for this Everest Base Camp expedition. He also curates the Himalayan reading and viewing list shared with participants, which includes Seven Years in Tibet, Into Thin Air and the documentary Sherpa.

Before You Go

Space is strictly limited. Flights into and out of Lukla depend on weather, so book your departure from Kathmandu late on the final day, on a flexible-dated ticket. Questions about physical requirements, gear or the meditative curriculum can be sent to the organizers directly before you commit.