Maximum altitude: (3867m). Trek grade: easy/moderate. The Khumbu region is famous for its Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries situated amongst unbeatable mountain scenery. The picturesque village of Khumjung is home to one of the oldest gompas in the region. Inside, there is the famous yeti scalp and frightening masks of demons that stare down from the ceiling. Arguably one of the best views in the world can be seen from Tengboche. The monastery here is surrounded by snow capped peaks: Kangteiga, Ama Dablam, Kwangde, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Tawachee, none under 6000m high. We trek through the Sagarmatha, (Everest), National Park where we may see golden eagles soaring way above. In the brush close to the trail we may see the brightly coloured impeyan pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. Below Tengboche musk deer graze in the woods, whilst the high trail between Pangboche and Khumjung offers many opportunities to see Himalayan tahr. These long haired shaggy creatures are often seen perched high above the trail watching the passage of trekkers below.
This leisurely paced trek is perfect for those with limited time and offers superb views of Mt Everest (8,846m) and the Himalayan giants of the Khumbu without having to reach extremes of altitude. Trails are well defined and use switchbacks to aid ascent. There are ample resting places and lodges where refreshments can be purchased. Accommodation is in comfortable lodges which are pre - booked for our travelers.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Day 3: 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. 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: We continue to head north following the Dudh Kosi to enter Sagarmatha 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 our first Everest panorama. 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 acclimatisation 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 to the headquarters of the Thame Hydro Power Plant that rightly proclaims to provide energy from the top of the world. From here we will retrace our steps to Namche. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: 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 acclimatisation 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 to the headquarters of the Thame Hydro Power Plant that rightly proclaims to provide energy from the top of the world. From here we will retrace our steps to Namche. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Our trail leaves Namche by climbing past the museum to contour high above the Dudh Khosi. 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: Pangboche (3860m). In the morning we will 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, from where there is a fine vantage point of Ama Dablam. The trail now climbs gradually past beautifully carved mani stones to reach the village of Pangboche. In the upper village we can visit the gompa, the oldest in the Khumbu. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: Khumjung (3600m). Today is a longer day as we take a high contouring trail towards Phortse. The views are incredible and we should be lucky enough to spot Himalayan tahr on the slopes above the trail. Across the Dudh Khosi valley we can see the Moung La, a low pass 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 the Moung La. After welcome refreshments we switchback steeply down a stone staircase to the village of Khumjung. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 10: Khumjung is a pleasant village situated on the southern slopes of Khumbila and dominated by the beautiful mountain of Ama Dablam (6812m) which literally means ‘Mothers Charm Box’ and is named after the little box that Sherpa women wear around their necks. There is plenty to see or do within the village, including a visit to the Everest Bakery- a must for hungry trekkers! The village temple or gompa contains many traditional murals and thankas, and some fierce looking masks of demons. The Sherpa people of the Khumbu are firm believers in the existance 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 region. One of the best places to see the sunset on Mt Everest is from the Everest View Hotel situated on a ridge about 1 hours walk from Khumjung. The return to Khumjung beneath a star studded sky and the snowy silhouettes of the high mountains is unforgettable. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 11: Phakding (2652m). From Khumjung we climb over the small ridge separating the village from Namche where we rejoin our outward route and descend to Phakding. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 12. Lukla (2800m). Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 13. Fly Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Included: (B).
Day 14. We recommend allowing an extra night in Kathmandu in case of flight delays at Kathmandu - $25 per person per night bed & breakfast. Included: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single person supplements only apply if a single room is specifically requested.
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Asia
Nepal
Hiking & Trekking
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