The Way to Base Camp

In the wake of Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air and David Breashears's Everest IMAX film, Everest Base Camp is attracting trekkers like never before, with outfitted trips booked solid months in advance. There is little variation in the basic fly-into-Lukla-and-trek-up-the-Khumbu-Valley itinerary, so choose an outfitter for its services—push for those extra hot-water bottles and cappuccino makers. Spring is prime climbing season, but the warmer weather can mean view-marring clouds; fall and winter treks get clearer skies but colder temperatures. All trips, unless otherwise indicated, depart from and return to Kathmandu; all prices are per person.

Himalaya Expeditions
These guys are locals and their Everest Base Camp trek incorporates more of the Sherpa traditions and religious sites. COST: $1,085 ($1,195 in 2001) plus $150 in land costs. DATES: October 14–November 1, 2000; March 10–28, 2001. They also lead a Dhaulagiri trek, which goes via the Kali Gandaki River and the French Col to the base camp on 26,810-foot Dhaulagiri, the world's ninth-highest peak. COST: $1,345 plus $210 for land costs. DATES: April 21–May 16, 2001. CONTACT: 011-977-01-545-900; www.himalayas.org

Geographic Expeditions
The Great Route to Everest trek benefits from the personal touch of trek leader Sona Hishi Sherpa, who takes you to his native village and shares his perspective on life in the mountains. COST: $2,400 plus $390 for internal airfare. DATES: April 19–May 15, 2001. Another option is the more remote base camp of Manaslu, the world's eleventh-highest peak at 26,660 feet. COST: $3,095. DATES: October 21–November 20, 2000; April 7–May 7 and October 20–November 19, 2001. CONTACT: 800-777-8183; www.geoex.com

Mountain Travel–Sobek
The Everest Base Camp Trek includes a side hike to Kala Patar (18,192 feet) and its stunning view of Everest. COST: $2,390 ($2,590 for 2001 trips) plus $200 for interior airfare ($220 in 2001). DATES: November 3–26, 2000; March 31–April 23, April 7–30, and October 13–November 5, 2001. You can also trek to the base camp of K2, the world's second-highest peak at 28,250 feet, and to the Chinese Karakoram. COST: $5,590 for 10–12 people; $6,090 for 8–9 people. Expect an extra $1,120 in interior costs. DATES: August 6–September 6, 2001. Flights are into and out of Hong Kong. CONTACT: 800-282-8747; www.mtsobek.com

Wilderness Travel
The Ultimate Everest Trek shows you six of the world's highest mountains from Kala Patar and Gokyo Ri; the November 5 trip detours to Tengboche for the Mani Rimdu festival. COST: $2,495 plus $250 for internal airfare and $150 Mani Rimdu surcharge (2000); $2,695 plus $220 for internal airfare (2001). DATES: October 22– November 17 and November 5–December 2, 2000; March 19–April 12 and April 16–May 10, 2001. The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek goes to Annapurna's base camp at 13,550 feet. You'll camp at the 12,150-foot-high Machhapuchhare base camp along the way. COST: $2,295 plus $150 for internal airfare. DATES: November 5–26, 2000; March 27– April 11 and October 9–24, 2001. CONTACT: 800-368-2794; www.wildernesstravel.com

World of Wonder Adventures Inc.
This trip covers familiar ground (Kala Patar, Gokyo Ri, Namche Bazaar) on its Everest Base Camp Adventure, but the company, only five years old, is eager to please. COST: $4,250, including airfare from Los Angeles. DATES: April 25–May 13, 2001. It also runs the Lhasa to Kathmandu Mountain Biking Trip, which includes a trek to Everest's north-side base camp in Tibet. COST: $5,975, including airfare from Los Angeles. DATES: September 1–29, 2001. CONTACT: 888-496-9386; www.wowadventure.com

KE Adventure Travel
The Ultimate Everest Trek includes Kala Patar and Gokyo Ri for views of Everest's southwest face and visits to Buddhist monasteries en route. COST: $2,595. DATES: November 6–25 and November 27–December 16, 2000; December 18, 2000–January 6, 2001, March 19–April 7, and April 9–28, 2001. Also, try the trek to the peak-ringed valley of Chomolhari in Bhutan. COST: $4,095. DATES: October 22– November 6, 2000. CONTACT: 800-497-9675; www.keadventure.com  —Philip D. Armour