Overview: This trip is rightly called "the classic." Many experienced hikers choose it for their first Himalayan trek, as it offers the very best mountain scenery. Hikers arrive expecting to be awed by Mt. Everest and find that there are many other more spectacular mountains to see.
From the tiny airstrip at Lukla (altitude 9,400 feet), we load our gear onto yaks and begin our journey through Sherpa villages, forests and glacial lakes to our high point of over 18,000 feet. From Gokyo Ri, we gaze upon the roof of the world — the awe-inspiring panorama of Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse, Makalu and Everest, five peaks that rise above 25,000 feet!
During our 18 days on the trail we cross a 17,778 foot pass, visit a Saturday market and local monasteries, discover Tibetan Buddhist culture and meet the Sherpa people, who are as memorable and captivating as the Himalayan peaks that tower above their home.
This is a strenuous hike with some exposure on trails and bridge crossings. In addition, landslides may cause detours. This will be an enjoyable experience if you like physical activity and the outdoors. However, you must be prepared to "rough it," as conditions in Nepal are as variable as the topography.
Be prepared for changes in weather, some unpleasant toilet facilities and the possibility of sickness. With a positive and flexible attitude, you will enjoy the challenge of this trip creating many fond memories and great pictures. It's the experience of a lifetime!
Leadership: The Everest Classic Trek Leader is Priscilla McKenney, who is trained as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and maintains current first aid certification. Priscilla has guided for over 20 years and Everest remains one of her favorite areas. She made her first journey to Nepal in 1987 and has studied both the Nepali language and Tibetan Buddhism. Priscilla has a great sense of humor, is highly energetic and very safety conscious.
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 Wednesday, November 4, 2007. Your Trek Leader will meet your flight at the Tribhuvan airport. She must wait for you outside the airline building so you will need to get your visa, collect your luggage and proceed through Nepal customs on your own. A van will transport us from the busy airport to a delightful smaller hotel in the Thamel neighborhood of Kathmandu.
After time to settle in, we'll take a relaxing walk to 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 call 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 great Buddhist Emperor Ashoka visited the site 2,000 years ago. Tonight we enjoy a traditional Nepalese dinner.
Day 2: Preparation for the trek. Your Trek Leader will be preoccupied with many final arrangements this morning. Please be sure that your international air ticket is confirmed, that you have all the gear you need for the trek and that it is organized. Nepal's capital is a delight to the senses, the imagination and the heart. For centuries Kathmandu was forbidden to outsiders.
Since it was opened to the world in the early 1950s, it has been one of the most eagerly sought travel destinations. If there is free time you might walk to Durbar Square on your own and bargain for a rickshaw ride back to the guest house. Dinner is at a local Indian restaurant in the neighborhood.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Lukla/Phakding (9,184 feet). Morning transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight to Lukla, a grass-covered landing strip hewn out of the rocky mountainside at an elevation of 9,400 feet. Lukla airport has been paved and has a small but pretty well organized terminal building is also build. Due to the unpredictable nature of mountain weather, delays frequently occur.
With a flight path parallel to the Nepal Himalaya, you can see such massifs as Gaurishankar, Melungtse and Cho Oyu to the left of the aircraft Our Sherpa team will be waiting for us at Lukla and will supervise the loading of the porters and yaks. When all is ready, we will set forth on foot on a broad trail leading down to the Dudh Kosi River. Here we join the main trail coming up from Chaurikharka. The trail leads along the east bank, gradually gaining elevation to the village of Phakding, our first camp is located just a few hours away.
Day 4: Namche Bazaar (11,300 feet). A rather long and challenging day up the infamous "Namche hill," which is a very steep 2,000 foot ascent. Since we have just arrived at altitude, we will proceed slowly with many rest stops. Along the trail are villages interspersed with magnificent forest of rhododendron, magnolia and giant fir trees.
Near the halfway point, on the Namche Hill, Mt. Everest (29,028 feet) and Lhotse (27,916 feet) appear to our gaze. The remarkable town of Namche is the largest and most prosperous in the Khumbu, a historical trading center where grain from the south was exchanged for salt from Tibet. Hiking time today is five to six hours.
Day 5: Namche Layover. Namche Bazaar has a long history as a trading center where grain brought from the south was bartered or sold for salt from Tibet. Today, Namche remains a brisk trading center, though the salt trade ended when the Chinese closed access to the passes in the North. Now, the bustle of tourism is the energy that keeps the town thriving and the market has adjusted to this new dynamic.
Alongside once-embargoed goods from Tibet, there appears an array of commercial western goods such as chocolate bars, clothing and toilet paper — many items that are destined to be resold to needy trekkers in the lodges and small shops.
This is a good time and place for you to stock up on snacks or provisions needed for the coming days! Namche also has a variety of reliable Internet services available. It's a good time to consider sending a message back home! Depending on our groups acclimatization, health and energy levels we can continue on a trail to Thame (12,925 feet) — traveling westward through rhododendron forests with magnificent views of Kwangde, Kangteiga, and Thamserku — snow covered peaks piercing the sky above us to over 20,000 feet.
To the north of Thame is the Nangpo Tsangpo Valley, leading to the Nangpa La, a lofty 18,853 foot pass that traditionally provided access to Rongbuk Monastery and Lhasa in Tibet. It is in Thame at the hillside gompa (monastery) that the Buddhist masked dance drama, known as Mani Rimdu, depicts the introduction of Buddhism into Tibet by Padmasambhava in the eighth century. Today our trek is four to five hours with lots of climbing as the trail undulates both up and down.
Day 6: To Kunde (12,600 feet). As soon as we pass Namche village we trek along the hillside that offers excellent views of most of the Khumbu valley panoramically surrounded by Mt. Everest and Lhotse on the north and Amadablam on the east. As we trek through ups and downs, the trail then descends to Phungi Thanga, where a few small teashops are set on the bank of Dudhkoshi River.
After crossing the bridge, it's straight uphill until we finally reach the small plateau of Tengboche monastery where we find relief as we set up tonight's camp. After settling at the camp, walk to the Tenboche Monastery to witness the famous festival of Mani Rimdu. Mani Rimdu is a festival where Tibetan Buddhist Monks perform series of Mask Dances representing victory of Buddhist teachers and deities over demons. This special festival is performed every full moon of November at Tengboche. The evening is followed by traditional Sherpa dance. Today's approximate hiking time is six hours.
Day 7: Tengboche: Fire Puja at the Monastery. The three days' festival of Mani Rimdu is concluded with fire puja and blessing by the head monk (Tengboche Rimpoche). Fire puja represent the end of the evil beings in the area. In addition to observing the festival, you may also take any of several side hikes near the monastery, which offers excellent views of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks.
Day 8: Hike to Dole (14,650 feet). From Tengboche Monastery, the trail drops to the river through the rhododendron forest and climbs to Phortse village. Along the trail, it's more possible to see mountain goats (Tahr and Blue sheep) and pheasants. A short drop from Phortse brings to the tributary to Dhukoshi that comes from Gokyo lake up high in the north. It's continuous gradual uphill from the river to Dole. Hiking time eight hours.
Day 9: Dole to Macharmo (15,720 feet). We hike along the banks of a melted glacial river that flows down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. As we amble past two small glacial lakes, we will finally reach the yersa of Gokyo (stone huts used as summer homes for the herders), poised on the stark eastern shore of the third lake. Todays hike usually takes about five hours.
Day 10: Macharmo to Gokyo A short hike takes us past a small village and two of Gokyo's beautiful lakes. Hiking time is about two to three hours.
Day 11: Gokyo Layover. This is a spectacular place to spend at least a day or two in order to get acclimatized in the high altitude and explore the nearby areas. In the early morning we will take a three to five hour hike to ascend the summit of Gokyo Peak (17990 feet), which offers a broad panorama from Cho Oyu, to Everest, to Lhotse and all the way to Makalu to the East. After spending sometime at the summit, return to camp for lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon. Today's hiking time three to five hours.
Day 12: Gokyo to Chugima (16,174 feet). Crossing the Dudh Kosi, we hike within clear sight of the terminal moraine of the Ngosumpa Glacier before climbing up to our cold, windswept camp. We are hiking in the thin air between 15,000 and 16,000 feet for six to seven hours through breathtaking hanging glaciers and astounding 360 degree mountain vistas.
Day 13: Chugima to Chola Pass (Chugima Pass) and to Dzongla (15,889 feet). Today our focus is climbing a 17,778 foot pass across brilliant snow fields. Chugima Pass is more popularly known and mentioned in the maps and guide books as Chola Pass. We walk with views of hanging glaciers above us while we continue on a steep descent through loose rock and large stone slabs before arriving at the yersa of Dzongla — situated on a shelf of land with fine views in every direction. Hiking time will be between five and seven hours depending on the conditions. This is a challenging day.
Day 14: Dzongla to Dingboche (14,150 feet). We descend through lush high pastures and "summer villages". During the summer, villagers from lower altitudes bring their stock here to graze. They also cultivate several crops nearby.
The trail passes under majestic Tawoche (21,462 feet) and crosses the Imja Khola River to reach the beautiful stone village of Dingboche Ñ surrounded by fields of winter wheat. Note that, from Dzongla, your group leader can guide you on an optional side trip to Kala Patar for intimate views of Everest and its base camp. This alternate route goes north to Lobuche (16,175 feet) and Gorak Shep (17,000 feet) three miles further. From there it's all up hill to the summit of Kala Pattar (18,450 feet).
Views from Kala Pattar include Everest Base Camp and Mount Everest, with a clear close view of the Ice Fall and the South Col. Kala Pattar, which means "Black Rock". Black Rock is actually a spur of Pumori, a beautiful peak whose Tibetan name means "Daughter Peak." If you choose this option, you will separate from the group at Dzongla and continue on to Lobuche and Kala Patar. Afterwards, if the weather is good, you continue crossing the Kongma La (over 18,000 feet) for more inspiring views before finally rejoining the rest of group at Chhukhung.
Day 15: Dingboche Layover. For those not taking the side trip to Kala Patar, today can be used for rest, laundry or for exploring the small village. There are also some interesting day hikes in the area.
Days 16-17: Chhukhung (15,535 feet). The trail travels east today. We cross numerous streams flowing from the Nuptse and Lhotse Glaciers to a number of yersa at Chhukhing. Here we gaze on the east face of Ama Dablam (21,964 feet). This hike is a gentle uphill grade and should require less than three hours. From our camp we can amble to some of the smaller peaks for close-up views of the limestone bands on the Lhotse-Nuptse Wall, Baruntse and Island Peak.
Day 18: Chhukhung to Pangboche (12,800 feet). We make a long but moderate five to six hour descent to Pangboche, the highest year-round settlement in the Imja Khola Valley. Above the main village is the gompa, built some 300 years ago as Buddhism was introduced into the Khumbu.
According to legend, the large black juniper trees that surround the monastery sprouted from the hairs of an old lama who tore out his hair and cast it around the gompa. Years ago, you could see relics of the Yeti or abominable snowman. A scalp and hand were kept in the gompa until they were abruptly stolen.
Day 19: Pangboche to Khumjung. Full moon and Kate's Birth day (12,670 feet). On our short but steep climb from Pangboche we trek atop a high trail heading south west across the Tengboche monastery to arrive at Phortse village. From Phortse we trek down to the same bridge from where we had hiked towards Dole. After passing the trail to Dole, we trek on a steep uphill track to arrive atop the hillock of Mon La.
From here it's gradually downhill to enter the Khumjung village. Khumjung is the largest village in Khumbu area. It is the spot where Sir Edmund Hillary established a high school to educate the local sherpa kids. Kunde is the neighboring village of Khumjung, where there is a hospital also established by Sir Hillary. It is found about half hour trek north west from Khumjung. Total hiking time seven hours.
Days 20-21: Khunde/Khumjung to Lukla. We return to familiar territory as we head "down the hill" to the airport in two easy days or one long day of hiking. Don't forget there is one last steep climb up the hill into Lukla. Later that day, we'll enjoy a fond farewell dinner accompanied by our Sherpa staff. After dinner, it's time to prepare ourselves and our baggage for tomorrow's early morning flight.
Day 22: Lukla to Kathmandu. Due to the unpredictable nature of mountain weather, it is possible that our flight will not depart on schedule, but with luck, we will arrive in Kathmandu before noon and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is designed for showers, leisure and independent activities.
Lunch and dinner is on your own today and there are many choices to excite the taste buds. 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 (Traveler's western favorites) and the Pumpernickel Bakery.
Day 23: Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu. Places of interest include the Hindu temples and the burning Ghats of Pashupatinath along the holy Bagmati River. Ghats are steps which lead up from a river. There are, for example, bathing Ghats, where people wash themselves and their clothes. Burning Ghats are steps where Hindus cremate their dead bodies in preparation for a ceremonial 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. Pilgrims pray by circumambulating the large "all-seeing eyes" of Buddha. After lunch we visit Bhaktapur and Patan. Today is a good introduction to both the Buddhist and Hindu religions.
Day 24: Depart Kathmandu. We have an early Breakfast and transfer to the airport for our departure. Other options include remaining in Kathmandu for more sightseeing, exploring the Taj Mahal or a visit Chitwan National Park for an exciting jungle safari. Finally note that you will want to save currency for departure tax. Airport Departure Tax at Kathmandu airport (international flights) is Nepali Rupees 1,700 (about US $24).
The departure Tax should be paid before checking in at the airline counter. There is a bank counter that collects the tax. Return flight with optional two night stop over en route (gain a day crossing the international date line).
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!
Travel Details: We will automatically send you an air itinerary after we receive your application form and passport photo copy. 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 November 4, 2007 and that you should not depart earlier than November 27,2007.
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.
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, Visa ($60 for Nepal) plus $340 for your in-trip flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa 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 $200) which includes coverage for trip cancellation and emergency evacuation. We offer many other levels of trip insurance starting at $50.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Trip Deposit: $250USD
Trip Price (Land Cost As Described): $2100USD
In-Trip (Round-Trip) Airfare Estimate: $180USD
Trip Difficulty Rating: Strenuous
Maximum Group Size: 8
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Nepal
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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