This trek begins with a mountain flight, always exciting, to Tumlingar before heading into the beautiful and remote Arun Valley in the eastern Everest region - an area astoundingly rich in flora and fauna, with numerous species of birds and animals found no where else in the country. From the fertile tropical valleys inhabited by Rai peoples cross the Salpa Bhanjyang pass and alpine ridges to reach the Dudh Kosi Valley, heartland of the Sherpa. Namche Bazaar is a colorful, bustling market with traders from surrounding villages and as far as Tibet, and from Tengboche the views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam are sensational. Continue into the rugged mountain terrain at the base of Everest where the peaks of Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8511m) tower above as we approach the summit of Kala Pattar (5545).
Tour Itinerary:
Days 1-2: Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. In the morning of day 2 a half-day city tour will introduce you to some of the highlights of Kathmandu.
Days 3-5: Our morning flight is to Tumlingtar, a village of the Kuhmale (potter) caste who manufacture earthenware pots from the red clay of the region. From here the trail follows the Arun River gorge, sometimes high above the river, sometimes traversing the sandy riverbank – this mighty river has its origins in Tibet and is one of the major tributaries of the Ganges.
Even in winter the climate here is hot and tropical and many of the settlements are inhabited only during planting and harvesting, the inhabitants preferring to live high above their fertile farmlands. Cross the spur separating the Arun and Inkhuwa Kola. The original inhabitants of the area were almost exclusively Rai, but following the Gurkha conquest about 200 years ago considerable numbers of Chhetris and Brahmins have settled here.
Day 6: The trail leads upwards, almost imperceptibly gaining in elevation, through the rice fields. Numerous bamboo bridges, flimsy and substantial – all picturesque – cross and re-cross the river and there are many pools large enough for swimming. An enjoyable day in preparation for the continuous ups and downs to come.
Days 7-9: Ascend through bamboo then rhododendron, from the steamy Arun valley to the Salpa Bhanjyung Pass (3349m) where a large chorten marks the pass and the beginning of Sherpa influence. It is a long descent to the Hongu Khola, through hemlock and fir forest that abounds with bird and animal life including Himalayan bear, barking deer and lesser panda. This is followed by an equally long, although steeper, ascent to Bung.
This rice growing area is one of the most fertile regions of Nepal and is almost exclusively Rai, although you begin to find some Sherpa villages at higher elevations. The ascents and descents continue across the Hinku Khola towards the Dudh Kosi, which leads north tar woods along the Dudh Kosi to Pakding you will encounter your first yak caravans carrying trekking and equipment and supplies – including yours – towards base camp. These wonderful beasts creating mobile roadblocks, or virtual avalanches on downhill stretches, are a feature of all treks in the Everest region. It is also possible to see musk deer, Himalayan tahr and, if you sit quietly on the river banks, water rats. Namche Bazaar is the administrative capital of the region, historically it was the staging point for trading expeditions to Tibet and its Saturday market remains an important event bringing traders from villages a week’s walk away.
Day 12: Leaving Namche Bazaar the route is unbelievably beautiful – the Dudh Kosi is far below and Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest rise in front. Woods, rhododendron forests, mani walls, chorten and suspension bridges across the river make this a lovely walk. The morning view from Tengboche is justifiably considered one of the most magnificent in the world. Tengboche Gompa, the cultural and religious center of Khumbu. Founded in 1912, it has been destroyed and rebuilt twice as the result of earthquake and fire.
Days 13-14: Stone steps lead down through rhododendrons, birches and conifers where, due to the hunting ban, almost tame pheasants are regularly seen. At the bottom lies the small village of Deboche and its nunnery. Rising above the tree line the trail enters alpine meadows of scrub juniper and, in summer, a profusion of wild flowers. From Dingboche, the only place in the region where barley is grown, the mountain views are outstanding. An acclimatization day here can be used to hike up the Imja Khola to Chhukung, a small summer settlement from where the views of Island Peak (6189), Lhotse, Ama Dablam and the fluted ice walls flanking the Amphu Lapcha pass are one of the highlights of the entire trek.
Days 15-16: Alpine meadows and summer yak pasture lead toward the end of the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier where there is a steep, tough climb. There are stone monuments to six Sherpa who died in avalanche as well as monuments to other climbers.
From Lobuche the view is straight towards Nuptse and sunset is truly magnificent. Altitude makes the climb onto the Changri Glacier tough. From Gorakshep, near a small, usually frozen lake, climb to Kala Pattar, a 5545m peak which provides the best view of Everest. The descent back to Lobuche is not difficult, but altitude induced lethargy can make the many uphill sections below Gorakshep seem endless.
Days 17-20: Descending the Imja Khola overnight at Pangboche, the highest permanent settlement. Its gompa, the oldest in Khumbu, is built over the hermitage of Khumbu’s saint Lama Sanga Dorje. The juniper trees on either side are said to have sprung from hair cut from his head and a rock-like projection is a piece of mountainside he pulled out for protection one day. Continue down through Namche Bazaar and Phakding to Lukla.
Day 21: Fly Lukla back to Kathmandu.
Day 22: Depart or join your.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The prices are matter to change!
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