Rugged Luxury Trekkers Arrive in Nepal

Our first Rugged Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek & Stay is underway. The team has landed in Kathmandu, met their guide, checked their gear, and as of today, they are on the trail in the Khumbu Valley.

Here's a look at how their first two days unfolded.

As arrivals filtered in throughout the first day, trekkers were met by our team and transferred directly to their five-star hotel. The day was kept open by design so everyone could focus on shaking off the jet lag and preparing for the journey ahead.

Day 2 brought the group together for a morning briefing with their expedition leader, Senior Mountain Guide Tomi Ceppi. Tomi has summited Everest, climbed Lhotse without supplemental oxygen, led 14 expeditions to Antarctica's Vinson Massif, and skied to the South Pole. He has guided across the Himalayas, the Andes, and Patagonia. All of our programs at Rugged Luxury Expeditions are led by guides of the same caliber as Tomi.

That evening, the group gathered for their welcome dinner at Dechenling Garden of Joy, a Kathmandu institution since 1988. A copper Tibetan hot pot anchored the table, surrounded by handmade noodles, chutneys, and sides. This team dinner is the perfect way to kick off their epic journey to Everest Base Camp.

Today, the team flew into Lukla (9,337 ft / 2,845 m) and began the trek on foot, dropping down through the river valley to Phakding (8,562 ft / 2,610 m) for the first overnight in the mountains. From here, the team will continue to trek upwards, taking rest days after each significant elevation gain. All of our expeditions are just that: adventurous, rugged journeys with strategic luxury designed to help you rest, recover, and recharge.

Photos courtesy of Tomi Ceppi.