This trek is deservedly one of the most popular in Nepal. It offers an insight into the lives and culture of the famous Sherpa people combined with a journey into some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. We will trek through the heart of the Khumbu to Namche Bazaar and the beautiful village of Khumjung. Buddhist Monasteries, mani stones and chortens all add a spiritual feel to this spectacular mountain environment of Himalayan giants: Kangteiga, Ama Dablam, Kwangde, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Tawachee, none under 6000m high. Our rate of ascent has been carefully planned to maximize acclimatization in preparation for the ascent of Kala Pattar. The sunrise on the snow capped peaks above the Khumbu Glacier is an unforgettable sight as we wend our way along the edge of the glacier to Gorak Shep. From here the bare summit of Kala Pattar will be pointed out, a mere ‘pimple’ dwarfed by the towering crags of 7,855m Pumo Ri. The effort required to reach the summit is worth every breath! Below, the Khumbu glacier stretches back towards Lobuche. Across the mass of ice, towers Nuptse and Everest…...a worthy goal indeed!
This trek is one for the mountain connoisseur and the lover of high places. To see the worlds highest mountain is what many dreams are made of. It is a tough proposition and not to be taken lightly. Although trails are generally well graded there is a rough section along the Khumbu glacier. Beyond Namche ascents are not particularly steep though the effects of altitude may make them feel a lot steeper! It is suitable for reasonably fit people who are used to walking and is a suitable proposition for a first trek in Nepal.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Guided sightseeing of Kathmandu to include the Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath; one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world at Bodnath, and the ancient city of Patan where a highlight of the tour is the visit to the ‘Golden Temple’. Here gilded statues and shrines are enclosed within a courtyard ringed by prayer wheels and butter lamps. There will be time in the afternoon to wander through the bazaars of Thamel. In the evening there will be a trek briefing at the hotel. Included: (B).
Day 3: Transfer to the domestic airport for the spectacular 35 minute mountain flight to Lukla (2827m), the gateway to the Khumbu. After meeting our porters we trek north along a well used trail to join the main trail from Solu at Choplung. We continue on a descending trail to the banks of the Dudh Kosi ( milk river) to reach Phakding (2652m) in about 3 hours from Lukla. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Namche Bazaar (3340m).We continue to head north following the Dudh Kosi to enter Sagamartha National Park. The high mountains become closer with each step as we trek through sparse woodland and cross the river on one of the famous Khumbu suspension bridges that affords superb views up-river. It is a slow and sometimes dusty climb to Namche Bazaar through woodland that provides welcome shade. We may meet yaks or more likely cross breeds known as zopkio, and heavily laden porters carrying goods to re-supply the stores of Namche. It is necessary to check our permits at the police post, a short distance below the Sherpa museum where we can watch the sun set on Mt Everest. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Namche,at an elevation of 3340m, is situated in an amphitheatre surrounded by towering peaks such as Thamserku (6,623m) and Kwangde (6,011m). We have time to experience this magical setting over a leisurely breakfast before setting off towards Thame. This is an important acclimatization day as we follow a relatively level trail past highly fragmented potato fields to Phurte, the site of a nursery established with the aid of the Sir Edmund Hillary Himalayan Trust. The trail to Thame used to be a major trade route over the Nangpa La to Tibet and is still used occasionally by Tibetans bringing goods for sale at the weekly market in Namche. The mountain views are spectacular as we continue along the easy trail past the headquarters of the Thame Hydro Power Plant that rightly proclaims to provide energy from the top of the world. A short climb takes us to the village of Thame (3780m) on a flat area above the Bhote Kosi. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Today is another relatively short day as we descend to cross the Bhote Kosi and pass by religious wall paintings to traverse beneath the holy mountain of Khumbila (5,761m). Ahead we are faced with the spectacular views of Thamserku, Kangteiga and Kusum Kangru. With plenty of time to appreciate our surroundings there is no rush as we acclimatise to the altitude and reach Khumjung, 3600m, in about 5 hours. Khumjung is a pleasant village situated on the southern slopes of Khumbila and dominated by the beautiful mountain of Ama Dablam (6812m) which means ‘Mothers Charm Box’ and is named after the little box that Sherpa women wear around their necks. A rest day here is an essential part of our acclimatization program and there is plenty to see or do within the village. The Everest Bakery is a tempting place in which to relax over a cappucino and pizza! The temple or gompa contains many traditional murals and thankas, and some fierce looking masks of demons that stare down at you from the ceiling. The Sherpa people of the Khumbu are firm believers in the existence of the yeti, and for a small donation the temple caretaker will allow you to see the last remaining yeti scalp in the region. There have been a number of reported sightings of this large human like creature in the Khumbu area. We can also climb one of the nearby ridges for more spectacular mountain views. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Tengboche (3867m).Our trail descends to join the main trail from Namche. There are excellent views of Ama Dablam and further away the black summit of Everest peering above the Lhotse - Nuptse wall. Ahead we can see Tengboche Monastery on a small plateau jutting out into the valley. We must descend first through sparse forest to a forest nursery established with the help of the Sir Edmund Hillary Himalayan Trust. Our descent continues to Phunki Thanga, a small settlement on the banks of the Dudh Khosi, marked by a collection of small water driven prayer wheels. From here it is about a two hour climb to Tengboche. At 3,867m above sea level Tengboche is situated in a clearing that provides outstanding views of the Himalayan peaks of Kwangde (6187m), Thamserku (6608m), Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8501m). Tengboche Monastery is the most active in the Khumbu and we may be fortunate enough to witness a religious ceremony and hear the deep throated horns or dunchen being blown from inside the monastery. It is possible to visit and admire the newly painted wall paintings and statues of Pawa Chenrezig and Guru Rimpoche. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Dingboche (4343m). In the morning we can visit the Monastery and have time to enjoy the 360 degree mountain panorama before descending to Devouche. The trail remains level as it winds through rhododendron forest to a crossing of the Imja Khola. This is a fine vantage point of Ama Dablam. The trail now climbs gradually past beautifully carved main stones to reach the village of Pangboche. We continue to climb to the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Kholas, where we turn east into the Imja Valley. A stone walled path leads through fields to the houses of Dingboche. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: Dingboche. Today is a rest day for acclimatisation and exploration of the Imja Khola valley. Included: (B), (L), (D),
Day 10: Lobuche (4930m). We head up the Chola Khola valley towards the tiny village of Dughla. Our route continues to climb up moraine past a collection of stone memorials to climbers and Sherpas who have died on these mountains. This is an eerie spot when the mist is down and not a place to linger. From here we descend slightly to follow the western edge of the valley to Lobuche. This can be a cold, bleak place but has an awesome view of Nuptse particularly when lit by a full moon. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 11: Lobuche, the ascent of Kala Pattar. Today has a real expedition feel to it with an alpine start that sees us leaving Lobuche at dawn. The sun soon reaches the summits of the Himalayan peaks, casting a golden shadow that slowly reaches the valley bottom. We slowly pick our way around the boulders of the moraine on the Khumbu Glacier, gradually climbing towards Gorak Shep. The name means ‘Graveyard of Crows’ and is the site for a couple of very basic lodges set amongst breathtaking mountain scenery. It is a slow steady climb to the summit, with views of the Khumbu Glacier below unfolding with every step. To reach the summit is a real achievement that is rewarded with spectacular views of the highest mountain in the world. We return to Lobuche to complete a long but unforgettable day. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 12: Pheriche (4240m). We descend via a different route towards Phalang Karpo with superb views of Tawachee and Cholatse. A gentle descent down a broad valley leads to the windy settlement of Pheriche where there is a trekkers Aid Post operated by the Himalayan Rescue Association. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 13: Pangboche (3860m).We rejoin our route of ascent and follow the trail down to upper Pangboche. The gompa in Pangboche is particularly interesting with murals of richly coloured paintings depicting the life story of Padmasambhava, the founder of Nyingma Buddhism. There are many main, or prayer stones, and chorten that are deemed to protect this area from evil spirits. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 14: Khumjung (3600m). Today we take a high contouring trail towards Phortse reached in about 4 hours from Pangboche.The views are incredible and we may be lucky enough to spot Himalayan tahr on the slopes above the trail. Across the Dudh Khosi valley we can see the Moung La, marked by a large chorten and tea shop. From Phortse we descend steeply to Phortse Thanga, on the banks of the Dudh Khosi, before climbing to this small pass. After welcome refreshments we switchback steeply down a stone staircase to the village of Khumjung. We will celebrate the dawn of the New Millenium at the Hotel Konchok Chumbi and for those with energy to spare a short walk of about 1 hour leads to the Everest View Hotel. This ridge is one of the best places to see the sunset on Mt Everest; the return to Khumjung beneath a star studded sky and the snowy silhouettes of the high mountains is simply unforgettable. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 15: New Years Day in the Year 2000. A day to recover, contemplate, or continue the celebrations. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 16: Phakding (2652m). We retrace our steps through Namche to exit Sagarmatha National Park. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 17: Lukla (2800m). A leisurely start this morning for our last day of trekking and the gradual climb back to Lukla. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Included: (B).
Day 19: At leisure in Kathmandu. We have built in extra time in Kathmandu to allow for any possible delays in flights from Lukla. There is plenty to see and do in this fascinating city. Visit Durbar Square, Patan or take the forty minute walk to Swayambunath, (the monkey temple), from Thamel. You could also take a guided mountain bike tour in the Kathmandu Valley or see the Valley from the air in a spectacular balloon fligh. Included: (B).
Day 20: Kathmandu. Included: (B).
Day 21: Depart. Included: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
PRICE INCLUDES:
-twin accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Hotel Marshyangdi in Kathmandu
-all internal transport
- trekking permits,National Park fees etc
- all inclusive trek with food and lodge accommodation
- services of trek staff and western leader
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- all international flights
-equipment hire
- main meals in kathmandu
- visa fees
- vaccinations
- airport taxes
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Nepal
Hiking & Trekking
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