Trip Itinerary:
DAY 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300m /4,264 ft)
Upon your arrival at the Kathmandu airport (KTM) you will be greeted by a representative at the arrival gate. We will then take you to Hotel. After check in, you can either take a rest, hang around in the city, it all depends upon your interests. In the evening, we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine Nepali meal. Included meal: Dinner (D)
DAY 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today, after breakfast, we will start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of them listed as World Heritage Sites include the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and the Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is one of the large Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where you will meet our trek leader and other team members. You will be briefed about the trek during which you can ask as many questions you may have regarding the upcoming adventure. Included meal: Breakfast (B)
DAY 03: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 3-4 hours trek (Trekking time)
After breakfast, you head toward the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway destination from where our trek starts. After an adventurous 40 minute flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world, culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Here, we meet other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek walking through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To acclimatize, we take only a short hike today. However, if you are interested in additional activities, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding. Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B,L,D)
DAY 04: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280 ft): 5-6 hrs
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, the track leads us along the Dudh Koshi River through many suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. First, we catch wonderful prospect of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618 m). Through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We pass through the last village of Jorsale before reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail climbs through the forests and bridges until we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. After a final steep ascent of about two hours we get first sight fist of at Mt. Everest, peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We stop at Chauatra to admire the view. We still need to walk about 1.5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar, a gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. We stay overnight in Namche Bazaar. (B,L,D)
DAY 05: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatize Day.
This is the first of the two days set aside for “acclimatization”. Health experts recommend staying active and moving even during the days meant for rest instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and temporary market bursting with colors and people each Friday evening and Saturday. If we move up a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. Our guides will take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life in the Everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. (B,L,D)
DAY 06: Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5 – 6 hrs
After breakfast in Namche, we set out towards Tengboche, enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows more or less smooth trail with few ups and downs which won’t bother you as the magnificent view of the Himalayas keeps your company all through the journey. Along the way, we can spot wildlife musk deer, a herd of Himalayan Thar and multicolored pheasants. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sansa, which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through the pine forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga, we gear up for a slightly tougher climb through the pine forests before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Nuptse, and Mt Everest, and it has the biggest Buddhist Monastery of the Khumbu region. We visit the monastery the same day at around 4 pm to witness the ceremony in the principal and popular monastery of Everest region. Overnight stay at a lodge in Tengboche. (B,L,D)
DAY 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300ft):5- 6 hrs
Mountains as its backdrop, the monastery in Tengboche looks more spectacular in the morning. You can take pictures of the monastery and the scenery around and as usual start the day journey. We choose the upper trail for better views on the way to Pangboche village. We pass through several Chortens and Mani walls and small villages. The place where we stop for lunch not only serves delicious food but also allows a fantastic close-up view of Mt Ama Dablam. In the afternoon, walk north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Mt Ama Dablam. From here onwards, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. We descend into the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. On arrival in Dingboche, you will see beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight in Dingboche. (B,L,D)
DAY 08: Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300ft): Acclimatize Day.
We spend our second day of acclimatization in Dingboche. A refreshing breakfast while admiring a looming Ama Dablam (6856m/ 22493 ft) to the south is really fantastic. To better appreciate Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Lhotse and numerous other peaks visible from Dingboche, we climb the ridge on the north behind the village. This is an ideal acclimatizing excursion. From here you can see three of the world’s six highest peaks, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu and Mt Cho Yu. To the west, loom the towering peaks of Cholatse (6440 m/21,126 ft) and Taboche (6542 m/ 21,463 ft). As we look northwest, we see an array of peaks rising at the head of the Khumbu Khola valley. The Lobuche West and Lobuche East peaks are most dominant along with Lhotse which stands over 8500 meters (8501m/27, 890 ft). From a vantage point high on the ridge, you can scan the sweeping Imja Khola valley as well as the picturesque fields and pastures of Dingboche. Overnight in Dingboche. (B,L,D)
DAY 09: Dingboche – Duglha (4,600 m/15,090 ft): 3-4 hrs
We start the day with a climb to Duglha through the Khumbu Khola valley. The walk along the arid terrace is rewarding with awesome views of mountains on all sides. As we come to a yak herder’s place called Dusa, the valley begins to narrow and we continue through Phulung Karpo, the camp site of the first successful Everest Expedition in 1953. Above Phulung Karpo is Chola Lake. As we move on, the majestic view of Mt. Pumori (7138 m/ 23418 ft) comes into view. As the trail descends and curves, Mt. Pumori disappears from view and we come across a roaring stream. After crossing a small wooden bridge, we ascend to Duglha. We can see the tip of Mt Nuptse from here as well as Mt Cholatse, Mt Thamserku, and several other magnificent peaks. Spending a night in Duglha is ideal for acclimatization purposes. Overnight in Duglha. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: Duglha – Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 2-4 hrs
Beyond Duglha, we climb up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through boulder-strewn slopes as we ascend Chupki Lhara, an eerie ridge top with dramatic mountain views. At the top of the ridge, we will find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10 times Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (a Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves facing several great peaks — Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. We are now in the vicinity of Everest but the great mountain still remains elusive. Mt Nuptse towers to the right as the trail crosses the Khumbu Glacier. As we pass along a murmuring stream leaving the Khumbu Glacier behind, we now begin to feel a little out of breath due to high altitude. Overnight in Lobuche. (B,L,D)
DAY 11: Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft) – Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) – Gorak Shep: 8-9 hrs
The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world – Mount Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer’s tents stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the Spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. Everest actually is not visible from here. By now we have met the ultimate objective of our trip.
However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is suggested to visit Kala Patthar today during sunset. As the setting sun’s rays strike the snow capped mountains the resulting scenery is indescribable. For those trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar, our guides and Sherpas coordinate your hike to Kala Patthar for amazing sunset view today rather than waiting until the next day. Overnight in Gorak Shep at a local lodge. (B,L,D)
DAY 12: Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft)- Pheriche (4280 m/14,070 ft): 8-9 hrs
Today is the climax of our trip. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar and witness the first light of day caress the peaks of the mountains, particularly, Mount Everest. However, we need to be prepared for an early morning departure, amid predawn darkness and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C). Plus there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. During the ascent to Kala Patthar, we can pause to catch breath at several outstanding view points from where you can snap great pictures. After several hours of ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. From here we scramble up to the top of a rocky outcrop marked by cairns and prayer flags. Mind-blowing Himalayan panorama unfolds before your eyes as they wander from one mighty massif to another. You can take as many pictures as you want with your camera but don’t forget to imprint the vista in your mind’s eye so that it lasts a lifetime. On being back to Gorak Shep, we have breakfast and wait other participants to return.Those participants who wish to visit Everest Base Camp today will have early breakfast as the hike to base camp takes longer (4-5 hrs) than the Kala Patthar hike. Upon return to Gorak Shep, the group will have lunch together. We descend in the afternoon and arrive at Pheriche in time for a good night’s rest. (B,L,D)
DAY 13: Pheriche to Kyangjuma (3,570m/11,710ft): 5-6 hrs
Just after start of our trek, we cross Khumbu Khola (stream). Following the main Everest trail down the beautifully scenic valley, we pass through the villages of Tsuro Wog, Orsho, Shomare and reach Pangboche at the base of Ama Dablam. We cross the bridge over Imja Khola and pass through the Deboche village and reach Tengboche. We spend a brief time at Tengboche monastery, observe its many prayer wheels. We cannot explore prayer altars inside as the monastery opens only at 3 pm. From Tengboche, a steep descent of about 1500ft/500m leads through rhododendron bushes and fir trees to the Dudh Koshi River. We cross the first bridge over Dudh Koshi on our return trip at Phunki Tenga. Further we pass the village of Tashinga and Sansa before finally reaching beautiful village of Kyangjuma. Here, we appreciate the gorgeous Ama-dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest! Overnight at Kyangjuma. (B, L,D)
DAY 14: Kyangjuma to Monjo [2,840m/9,315ft]: 4-5 hrs
The trail to Namche Bazar clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. We lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colourful pheasants etc. while we pass through the forest by the trail. We have enough time in Namche to shop and relax in a bakery that serves coffee and cakes, and provides Internet access. A steep descent from Namche Hill leads to the suspension bridge crossing the Dudh Kosi river near the confluence of the Dhudh Koshi and the Bhote Koshi Rivers. We cross the Dudh Koshi River twice at separate locations before reaching Monjo. We are out of the Sagarmatha National Park after exiting from its official entrance near Monjo and finally reach Monjo Village. Not only is Monjo a quieter place to stay than Namche, it also means our porters have a less strenuous walk back to Lukla tomorrow. Overnight in Monjo. (B,L,D)
DAY 15: Monjo to Lukla: 4-5 hrs
Today we enjoy the last walk at lower altitude in the Everest region. Most tracks today is flat although we will have some descends and brief ascents too. Today, we enjoy a combo of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distant background Kwangde peak. As we walk through the Sherpa villages, we notice impressive display of faith in Buddhism and cultural practices associated with it as prayer stones dot the landscape and prayer flags flap in the wind. We cross the Dhud Koshi River three times through the prayer flags strewn suspension bridges and also cross one of its tributary, Thado Koshi once. The final ascent of about 45 minutes from Chheplung takes us to Lukla, where we stretch our fatigued legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. With that our fantastic trek culminates on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with faces that show happiness! This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity to spend some relaxing moments with whole crew as the porters will not accompany you to Kathmandu the next day. Overnight at Lukla. (B,L, D)
DAY 16: Lukla – Kathmandu
The early morning flight drops us at Kathmandu. We can rest and relax throughout the day in the hotel. If you want to take some gifts from Nepal for friends and relatives back home, you can visit some nearby shops or venture out to Thamel for buying typical Nepalese goods. You may take our guides along for assistance or do the shopping yourself. If fascinated to explore some other areas of Kathmandu, you can take time to do that today! Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our journey to the Everest Base Camp! Overnight in Kathmandu. (B,D)
DAY 17: Departure from Kathmandu.
Time to say goodbye to the mountains as journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have time, you can still go shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before the schedul our representative take you to the airport. On your way home, you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. (B)
