Overview: Here is the chance for an unforgettable adventure to the Khumbu (Everest) region of Nepal. Here you can easily see many 8000 meter peaks other than Mount Everest. Experienced travelers always tell us that the views in this region are more beautiful than anywhere else in the world.
The Everest trek sets the standard for every other trek in this region. Khumbu is a land of magnificent mountains and ancient Sherpa culture! We travel to the Everest region in the company of our small group (limited to eight participants) while staying in locally owned lodges or tea-houses.
Many people enjoy this opportunity to get to know the local Sherpa people in a meaningful way. In addition we visit the famous local market of Namche Bazaar and some beautiful monasteries most famous being the one at Tengboche.
We'll hike steep trails to climb Gokyo Ri and Kala Patter. Both peaks are over 18,000 feet - although not technical, the climbs are steep! Spring weather is milder (not as cold) than in the fall, but likely to have some rain or snow. Blooming Rhododendrons are the ultimate high altitude delight! This will be an extremely enjoyable experience if you like physical activity and the outdoors. However, you must be prepared to rough it, as conditions in Nepal are variable.
After political unrest for many years, last May there were huge demonstrations in Kathmandu - after which Nepal regained a democratic government. Since then, the country is more peacefully moving towards stability. You will enjoy the challenge of this trip creating many fond memories and great pictures. It's the experience of a lifetime!
Leadership: The Leader is Marin Johannsson. Marin holds a B.S. in Recreation with a special emphasis in Outdoor Leadership. She has taught rock climbing, snow camping, rafting and canoeing. She is trained in first aid and has led many treks in Nepal for us since 1990. Ask us to send you a list of references if you would like to talk to people who have traveled with her before.
When not leading treks she works as a rafting guide and collects Tibetan Thangkha paintings. It is Marin's sense of humor, knowledge of the Nepali language and rapport with our Nepali staff that make her a successful trip leader. Please see our website for more information. We'd be happy to send you references. Note that with a group of four or less on the trip, we will use a local (Nepali) leader.
Tour Itinerary
Pre Trip Days: In transit from your home (Americans lose one day crossing the international date line). Fly to Kathmandu, changing planes in Bangkok or Singapore. Your group leader or guide will meet your flight at the Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu (elevation 4,428 feet). They must wait for you outside the customs hall, so we meet after you get your visa, collect your luggage and pass through Nepal customs on your own.
Day 1: Please note that you must arrive in Kathmandu by April 27, 2007. Group arrival in Kathmandu today. Your group leader and local guide will meet your flight at the Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu. You will transfer to a delightful smaller hotel in the Thamel neighborhood of Kathmandu.
Our hotel offers comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms (good hot showers), telephones, email, faxes, laundry service, a free safety deposit box and luggage storage. What our guests tell us they enjoy most is the hotel's location and friendly staff. After a busy day of sightseeing or to rest from jet lag, you can always relax in the roof garden, enjoying views of the surrounding mountains and city skyline.
After some time to settle in, we'll take a walk or ride to enjoy the late afternoon light at the Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath (a stupa is a large dome and pyramid-like structure containing religious relics). Swayambhunath is also known as "the monkey temple" because of the large band of monkeys that make it their home.
At one time the Kathmandu Valley was a huge lake. Legend has it that the hill on which the monkey temple stands was an island. There is evidence that the Buddhist Emperor Ashoka visited the site 2,000 years ago. Later enjoy a traditional Nepalese style dinner. (Dinner)
Day 2: Enjoy guided sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley. Places of interest include the Hindu temples and ghats of Pasupatinath and the nearby Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath. Ghats are steps leading up from a river. There are bathing ghats where people wash themselves and their clothes.
Burning ghats are where Hindus cremate dead bodies in readiness for disposal in the river. There is also an important Shiva temple at Pashupatinath. Shiva is the great destroyer and creator God of the Hindu religion.
From Pashupatinath, we continue on to the nearby Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath. Bodhnath is a truly impressive site where pilgrims pray by circumambulating the large all seeing eyes of Buddha. Today is a good introduction to both the Buddhist and Hindu religions. Dinner at an Indian restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding. The flight is spectacular. From Lukla, the trail descends and we soon join the trail coming from the road at Jiri. We continue north through Choplung, a newly built town, and past the tributary of Kusum Khola. The beautiful peak at its head is Kusum Kangguru, which means "pure mountain house of the three Gods".
From the tea shop where we rest, the individual peaks of Kusum Kangguru dominate the sky. We then continue through the village of Ghat. You can see evidence of the landslide and flood caused by an earthquake years ago — the remains of the destroyed village lie on the other side of the river. The trail, which before the earthquake used to cross the river in Ghat, now continues on the east bank to the village of Phakding. In Phakding we spend our first night of trekking at a cozy, local guest house. Approximate hiking time: 3-4 hours. Climb: 500 feet. Distance: 5 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar. We cross the suspension bridge over the Dudh Khosi and continue through blue pine and rhododendron forests to the village of Benkar. We continue up the Dudh Kosi for a short amble to Mondzo and then another brief jaunt to Jorsale. Here the trail crosses a large suspension bridge. We cross the Dudh Kosi (9,325 feet) one final time on a new bridge and then begin an abrupt 2,000 foot ascent towards Namche Bazaar.
The trail weaves back and forth along the crest where Everest can be seen behind the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. The remainder of the climb to Namche Bazaar (11,300 feet) is not as steep. You are now in Khumbu. Sherpas run the stores, hotels and restaurants.
We climb to the very top of the hill, a section of the village known as Chorkhang ("thieves den"), where we will be staying at a very pleasant sherpa–run guesthouse. It's a great place to relax to enjoy the clean air, good food and impressive views. Approximate hiking time: 4-5 hours. Climb: 2,600 feet. Distance: 6 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Rest Day in Namche. In the morning we'll do some shopping at the colorful and interesting Saturday Market at Namche Bazaar. Tourism keeps the town thriving as you'll find at the market. Along with various local goods, once again allowed to be brought in from Tibet, you'll find western goods, such as chocolate bars and toilet paper, that are resold in the lodges and small shops.
This is a good time to stock up on snacks for the trek! You may desire to rest or visit the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park, perched on the hill to the east. There, you'll find a museum and fabulous panoramic views of Everest and surrounding peaks.
Optional Day Hike: We will enjoy spectacular scenery on our hike up the Thame Valley. Climbing up the valley we can see forests, Danphe Pheasants, a tree nursery, open fields, a hydroelectric project and a small village school. Many residents here are refugees from Chinese occupied Tibet. Approximate hiking time: 5-8 hours. Climb: 500-1,500 feet. Distance: 5-10 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: We'll continue today to Kunde and Khumjung. The trail that winds through Namche and beyond requires one to two hours, depending on how people feel — while short, it is a steep climb. Kunde is at 12,600 feet and is the site of the Kunde Hospital, built by the Himalayan Trust established by Sir Edmund Hillary.
Khumjung is located at 12,400 feet and the home of a famous local Sherpa artist. These smaller villages provide a chance to see how Sherpa people live. Approximate hiking time: 2 hours. Climb: 1,500 feet. Distance: 2 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: From Kunde and Khumjung we climb for about two hours. At the crest of the trail (13,000 feet) we discover a stupa symbolizing the five elements: The base stands for the earth, the dome for water, the parasols for fire, the moon and sun for air, the flame on top for ether (the upper regions of space). Building a chorten involves numerous rituals and ceremonies.
Often they are built to obtain merit for the deceased. For example, one of HHT's guides built a chorten in his village honoring his father who had died a few years before. Descending sharply, our trail approaches the river. We follow the path to Phortse (across the river) and continue our journey northward. We cross below silent, frozen waterfalls and meander through deep, moss-covered woods, occasionally glimpsing Musk Deer.
Emerging from the woods, the trail passes several yak herder summer huts including Tongba, Gyele and Dole (13,400 feet). Nearby, we will spend the night. Approximate hiking time: 6 hours. Climb: 3,700 feet. Distance: 10 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Trek to Macherma. Our hike today is an easy amble. We climb gradually, moving up the river valley passing Lhabarma and Luza to reach Macherma (14,650 feet). We have plenty of time and could go further, but at our lofty altitude it's best not to climb further.
In the afternoon we can enjoy a short hike up a pretty glacial valley, climb 3,250 feet up to a perch on Macherma Peak for exciting views of Mt. Everest or we can have an option to simply relax! Approximate hiking time: 3 hours. Climb: 1,700 feet. Distance: 4 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Trek to Gokyo. We climb steeply out of the village, then continue gradually climbing up through Pangka (14,925 feet). Before descending to follow along a glacial river, our trail crosses the river to emerge at a the first of several small lakes. We may catch a glimpse of the golden ducks who live on the high alpine lakes above 14,000 feet. We continue past a second lake to a third and to the village of Gokyo (15,720 feet) on its eastern shore. Tonight we stay at a comfy resort. Later, we can hike up to a small ridge overlooking the Ngozumpa Glacier.
One of the enjoyable experiences of the day is to spend time relaxing and absorbing the beauty of the glacier. Warmed by the sun, the ice usually seems to change before your eyes — cracking and crumbling. Approximate hiking time: 6 hours. Climb: 1,700 feet. Distance: 7 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Climb Gokyo Ri. For truly breathtaking panoramic views including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and beyond to Makalu, we'll travel northeast — ascending the summit of Gokyo Ri (17,990 feet). Approximate. hiking time: 4-5 hours. Climb: 2,700 feet. Distance: 2 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Descending from Gokyo. Rather than follow the trail back to Macherma, we'll choose a path less-traveled. This trail is a beautiful, desolate route perched high above a ravine. We cover a lot of ground with Thamserku (21,675 feet) and Kangtega (21,925 feet) directly in front of us. We soon reach Phortse (12,467 feet), a spot where we'll spend the night. Approximate hiking time: 7-8 hours. Climb: 1,800 feet. Descend: 4,800 feet. Distance: 10 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12: Trek to Dingboche. From Phortse we amble a high trail above the Imja Khola. In a few hours we approach the village of Pangboche (12,800 feet). The Gompa (Buddhist monastery) is the oldest in Khumbu and an interesting one to visit. We continue our route northeast along the Imja Khola, to a mani wall at about 13,725 feet, where our trail divides.
We'll follow toward the village of Dingboche (14,270), where we spend the night. This route offers a chance to see the Chukhung Valley with a stunning panorama of Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Approximate hiking time: 7-8 hours. Climb: 3,360 feet. Distance: 10 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13: Trek to Lobuche. From Dingboche our route follows a ridge with great views. At first, we reach a crest, then descend to cross a glacial stream and finally ascend to Dugla (15,075 feet). The trail then steers away to Lobuche (16,175 feet). A climb up the ridge to the west, rewards us with magical views — especially at sunset. Approximate hiking time: 3-4 hours. Climb: 2,700 feet. Distance: 5 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 14: Day hikes from Lobuche. We make an early start for our three mile hike to Gorak Shep (17,000 feet). From there, it's all uphill to the summit of Kala Pattar (18,450 feet). Views from Kala Pattar include Everest Base Camp and Mount Everest. We have a close view of the Ice Fall and the South Col. Kala Pattar ("Black Rock") is a spur of Pumori, a beautiful peak whose Tibetan name means "Daughter Peak."
If time permits, we might be able to visit Everest Base Camp. Otherwise, we still get a good view of it from Kala Pattar. Approximate hiking time: 7-8 hours. Climb: 3,000 feet. Distance: 8 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 15: Trek to Thangboche. We return through Pheriche Village, home of a medical clinic run by the Himalayan Rescue Association. We then follow the Imja Khoala down to Pangboche. After crossing the river, we make a short climb up to our pleasant lodge, situated just below Thangboche at about 12,400 feet. Approximate hiking time: 7-8 hours. Descent: 4,000 feet. Distance: 10 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 16: Trek to Jorsale. The famous Thangboche monastery is found on a saddle under the mighty Kangtega and Thamserku mountains — a short climb up from our guest house. Much of the gompa was destroyed in the fire of 1989 and has been rebuilt. We plan to visit the gompa and the Sherpa Cultural Center. From Thangboche, the trail descends through a rhododendron forest to the small village of Pungo Tengo.
Here we find several mills and a series of water-driven prayer wheels. Later, the trail ascends to join another adjacent to some large boulders (11,800 feet). From here, the trail contours high above the Dudh Kosi and past the park headquarters. Retracing our steps, we descend steeply through Namche and down 2000 feet on good trail tothe village of Jorsale (9,100 feet). Approximate hiking time: 7-8 hours. Climb: 2,000 feet. Descent: 4,000 feet. Distance: 10 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 17: Trek to Lukla. We follow the Dudh Kosi until we reach Choplung and continue to a small ridge. Passing a trail junction, we ascend to reach Lukla (9,350 feet). Lukla means "place with many goats and sheep," but it might be renamed "place with many trekkers waiting for a plane". Bad weather here can cause delays of several days. Weather permitting, your stay here will only be overnight! Approximate hiking time: 5-6 hours. Climb: 1,000 feet. Descent: 1000 feet. Distance: 9 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu. After a short yet spectacular flight, we make our return from Lukla to Kathmandu. Free time in the afternoon allows for relaxing and showering. Be sure to leave your laundry at the front desk so you can take home some clean clothes! Dinner is also on your own with good neighborhood restaurants. Some of the favorite restaurant choices include Nepali Kitchen (Nepalese Food), Third Eye Restaurant (Indian Food), The Yak (snacks and Tibetan food) and KC's (westerners favorites) and the Pumpernickel Bakery.
Day 19: Day 19 (May 5, 2007): Depart from Kathmandu. We may have a few hours for last minute shopping and a farewell garden brunch. An option many travelers enjoy, is to stay in Nepal extra days to enjoy a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park!
Post Trip: Same day return date for Americans crossing the international date line — to arrive home about midday. A dreamy day filled with wonderful memories — vignettes of new faces, places and friends you'll never forget!
Important Note: This is meant only as a general guide to the schedule of our days. Changes can be made as we go along, based on local conditions, acclimatization, health and fitness levels, etc. Ascents and descents listed in this itinerary are approximate totals of daily ups and downs. The exact amount will vary considerably and is impossible to measure accurately. The times and elevations given here are rounded off. Please bear in mind that this is a long and strenuous trek.
Travel Details: Inexpensive and reliable service to Nepal is available on Thai Airlines and other carriers. If you are making your own arrangements, note that you must arrive in Kathmandu no later than April 17, 2007 and that you should not depart earlier than May 5, 2007. Ask our ticketing agent to book a room should you have an overnight stopover.
You are welcome to travel early or stay for extra days at the end. We can arrange additional nights at any of our hotels or guest houses for you. The cost is approximately $35 per night (single) or $25 per night (sharing a double room) with comfortable deluxe rooms with attached bathrooms, telephones, room service, laundry service, a free safety deposit box and ample luggage storage. There are convenient, inexpensive internet cafes within a leisurely two minute walk from our hotel in Kathmandu.
Airport pickup for early arrivals is $10 per person. For late departures you can take a cab to the airport or have us arrange an airport transfer for $10 one way ($20 for round trip).
Expenses: Additional travel-related expenses include: your flight to the trip starting point of Kathmandu, Visas ($50 for Tibet) plus $180 for your in-trip flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and return. This internal flight will be booked separately through our agents in Nepal.
We also recommend that you purchase travel insurance (at an approximate cost of $180) which includes coverage for trip cancellation and emergency evacuation. We offer many other levels of trip insurance starting at $50.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Please see our Policy section for complete information on our trip cancellations policies. Payment for additional services may be required at the time the service is received. All prices mentioned in this document are in U. S. Dollars ($USD).
Trip Deposit: $250USD
Trip Price (Land Cost As Described): $1800USD
In-Trip (Round-Trip) Airfare Estimate: $180USD
Trip Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Maximum Group Size: 8
Also see tour packages in:
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Nepal
Hiking & Trekking
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