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 Day 1
Depart UK to
Kathmandu.
Day 2
Arrive into
Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.
A pre-trek briefing
will be given by local ground staff late afternoon. They will discuss the
trekking programme and co-ordinate any last-minute arrangements. The evening is
free, perhaps for a group meal.
Day 3
This morning, as
part of our acclimatisation programme, we explore Kathmandu visiting places of
interest such as Boudhanath Stupa (one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the
world), where we can visit the surrounding monasteries and perhaps watch the
monks as they chant their daily mantras. In addition, we visit Pashupatinath,
the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy
Bagmati River. Here we will see Hindu holymen (or Sadhus), pilgrims bathing
and, occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the ghats.
In the evening, you
will be supplied with your trek packs and final departure details for tomorrow.
 Day 4 Trekking 3 hours approx.
We fly in the early
morning from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,827m). The flight itself is awe-inspiring as
we fly parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibetan China.
Flight time is approximately 40 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund
Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-sixties.
In the afternoon,
we descend on a wide trail towards the Dudh Koshi (river), and then join the
main trail to Namche Bazaar, the Khumbu's capital, just above Chaunrikharka
(2,713 m). The trek is not too strenuous and after passing through the small
village of Ghat (2,550 m), we cross the Dudh Koshi to our accommodation at
Phakding.
Day 5 Trekking 7 hours approx.
From Phakding, we
head up valley on a busy trail used by porters and Sherpas with Zopkio (half
yak, half cow). We follow the river valley before re-crossing the Dudh Koshi at
Benkar where we have a tantalising glimpse of Kusum Kanguru (6,369 m) and
Thamserku (6,623 m).
In the afternoon,
we cross to the western bank at Jorsale (2,805 m) where we enter Sagarmatha
National Park. Continuing upstream to the intersection of the Bhote Koshi and
Dudh we cross a large suspension bridge and begin our steep ascent to Namche
Bazaar.
Day 6
Acclimatisation.
We remain at Namche
Bazaar for a second night to allow for proper acclimatisation to the altitude.
Namche is a prosperous village situated in a large, protected hollow. It gained
its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland
grains of Nepal, though now only a limited amount of trade exists between Nepal
and Tibet over the Nangpa La Pass since the Chinese occupation of the region.
Rising early, those
who climb to the ridge above Namche will be rewarded with the stunning dawn and
sunrise over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks.
After breakfast a
number of options exist: trek towards Thame (3,810 m) along the beautiful Bhote
Khola River valley, or visit the National Park Headquarters to see the
interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture, mountaineering in the
park, flora and fauna. Others may prefer to relax in the friendly atmosphere
around the village.
 Day 7 Trekking 3 hours approx.
From Namche, we
climb out of the village bowl and follow a small trail high above the Dudh Koshi
River. The views are incredible: behind to the west, the ridge of Nupla and
Kwangde Himal (6,194 m); across the valley to the south, the towering ice-fluted
walls of Thamserku (6,623 m), and to the east at the head of the valley, the
Lhotse and Nuptse wall, towering a full 3,500 m above the valley at Dingboche.
Everest looms above
the ridge, a black, triangular rock; Sagarmatha, "Goddess Mother of Earth", is a
truly magnificent sight.
On a small ridge
across the valley, the monastery of Tyanboche can be seen, a small speck against
the gigantic mountain background.
We reach the
airstrip at Shyangboche, and then ascend towards the Everest View Hotel, where
hot chocolate will revitalize your aching limbs!
We descend to
Khumjung for lunch and in the afternoon, visit the hospital at Kunde set up by
the Sir Edmund Hillary Himalayan Trust.
Day 8 Trekking 4 hours approx.
In the morning, we
descend to the village of Shanasa and then contour to Transhinga where the trail
drops steeply to cross the Dudh Koshi at Phunkitenge (3,250 m). We take a break
here by a series of water-driven prayer wheels.
In the late
morning, we initially climb steeply before the trail levels out to ascend
gradually towards Tyangboche. It is a steady ascend of approximately 2 ½ hours
through pine fir, black juniper and rhododendron forest. Tyangboche is set in a
beautiful meadow, high on a ridge surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. A
peaceful, tranquil position, surely one of the Wonders of the World
Day 9 Trekking 6 hours approx.
From Tyangboche, we
descend through a forest of birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron, to the nunnery
at Dingboche. Keep an eye open for Blood and Danphe Pheasant and high on the
steep slopes of the valley, the Himalayan Thar.
We cross the Imja
Khola, ascending gradually, with the beautiful Ama Dablam dominating the
skyline, to visit the monastery.
Our afternoon trek
follows a trail high above the Imja Khola. A little further upstream we cross
the tributary stream, and ascend over glacial moraines to our lodge in the
'summer settlement' of Dingboche.
Day 10
Refresh and
acclimatise.
Dingboche is a
beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops
of barley and potatoes from the cold winds. It is occupied mainly through the
monsoon months, when large numbers of yaks are brought here to graze on the
valley pastures.
Those looking for a
pleasant walk can head up the valley towards Chukung. The views are fantastic:
the towering south face of Lhotse to the north, Island Peak in the centre of the
valley, and the fluted ice-walls of unnamed peaks that line the southern end of
the valley form a hauntingly beautiful sight.
A more strenuous
trip would be the steep climb to the hill above our lodge. Once again fantastic
views are prominent, including that of the fifth-highest mountain in the World,
Makalu (8,481 m), which is not visible from the valley floor. Others may wish
to recharge their batteries and absorb the environment from our lodge situated
at the foot of Ama Dablam.
Day 11 Trekking 5 hours approx.
Ascending to the
small ridge behind the village, it is a gradual climb high above the Pheriche
Valley. Taweche and Cholatse (6,440 m) seem to lean towards us from across the
valley in the west. To the north, Lobuche Peak (6,119 m) and the snowfields of
the Cho La dominate the skyline behind Ama Dablam, forming an incredible
panoramic view.
After a short
descent to cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla (4,620 m), we take a light lunch at
the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off
Everest.
In the afternoon,
there is a short but steep climb over a rocky trail to the top of the moraines:
hard work, with everyone noticing the effects of the altitude. On the crest of
the ridge, we pass a line of memorial cairns, built in memory of the Sherpas who
have died on various Everest expeditions. The view here is spectacular, to
Pumori (7,145 m), Lingtren (6,697 m), Zumbutse (6,623 m), and across the border
in Tibet, Changtse (7,550 m) at the head of the valley. Everest cannot be seen
as it lies hidden behind the towering walls of Nuptse.
After another short
descent over moraines, we cross a stream and follow a narrow trail on the
western side of the huge lateral moraines of the Khumbu Glacier to the tea
houses at Lobuje. A short but tiring day, amply compensated by the fantastic
scenery and the sunset over Nuptse.
 Day 12 Trekking 7 hours approx.
Today we reach our
objective Everest Basecamp.
In the morning, we
follow the broad valley running parallel to the Khumbu Glacier. A gradual
ascend, enabling us to build the slow, steady, rhythm required when walking at
high altitude.
Soon we reach the
moraines of the Changri Nup Glacier: a series of small ascends and descends over
a rocky trail lined with cairns. After rounding a bend on the trail, we see
below the flat, sandy basin of Gorak Shep (5,160 m).
Leaving Gorak Shep
we continue to our goal Everest Basecamp. The rough track takes us beside a
glacial lake and then up onto the Khumbu Glacier itself.
After about 2
hours, we reach the prayer flags that is Everest Basecamp.
For those who wish
we can ascend steeply to Kala Patar (5,545 m), a small rocky peak on the south
west ridge of Pumori. It is a severe climb, but the view from the top surpasses
the wildest imagination. Huge creaking glaciers surround us. The mountains of
Khumbu are laid out in front of us and an incredible panorama comprising Pumori,
Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and Everest Sagarmatha - the
highest mountain in the World. Hard work, yes, but the rewards are fantastic
We descend to Gorak Shep for the evening.
Day 13 Trekking 7 hours approx.
Today we have quite
a long, physically and mentally demanding trek. Leaving Gorak Shep early, we
ascend steeply to Kala Patar (5,545m) a small rocky peak on the south-west
ridge of Pumori. It is a hard climb, but the view from the top surpasses the
wildest imagination with huge creaking glaciers surrounding us.
The mountains of
Khumbu are laid out in front of us an incredible panorama comprising Pumori,
Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and, of course, Sagarmatha.
Descend to Gorak Shep and down past the terminal moraines at Dughla.
Following the same
route back to the terminal moraines at Dughla, we then take a different return
trail. We following the wide alpine valley covered in scrub juniper, through to
the temporary settlement of Phulung Karpo (4,343 m), then on to Pheriche. A
small settlement, Pheriche has a number of welcome tea houses that often have
for sale "leftovers" from various climbing expeditions. It may be possible to
find imported chocolate, tinned prawns or smoked oysters: even vegemite! There
is also a trekkers' aid post here, supported by the Himalayan Rescue
Association.
Day 14 Trekking 8 hours approx.
This morning, we
cross the Khumbu Khola and ascend steeply to a small ridge with great views of
the Imja Valley, Ama Dablam and Kantega. We then trek on to Thyangboche.
Leaving the
monastery, we descend steeply through beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron
and fir to Phunkitenga. Here we stop by the small stream with the water-driven
prayer wheels.
Continuing, we
cross the Dudh Koshi, then ascend steeply on a dusty trail to Trashinga. We
then contour round to Shanasa. Here Tibetan traders with numerous "artefacts"
bargain hard to persuade trekkers to part with a few rupees.
We continue to
contour high above the river valley, back to Namche Bazaar.
Day 15 Trekking 7 hours approx.
Today, we descend
the steep trail to the Bhote Koshi and trek to its confluence with the Dudh
Koshi. At Jorsale we re-cross the river to Monjo.
We retrace our
steps along the Dudh Koshi, crossing to the western bank of Benkar. It is a
beautiful and vibrant trek through blue pine and rhododendron forest, with views
of Kusum Kangaru behind us. We trek to Phakding for lunch, then start the
gradual climb out of the river valley to Lukla. In the evening, a farewell
dinner may be followed by a few celebratory drinks and dancing with our Sherpa
companions.
Day 16
We rise early in
the morning to be ready for the arrival of our aircraft and the flight back to
Kathmandu. From the airport, we transfer to our hotel for a welcome shower or a
hot soothing bath.
Day 17
A free day in
Kathmandu for sightseeing and exploring bazaars. Farewell dinner in the
evening.
Day 18
Transfer to airport
for flight to UK.
*Please note that whilst we make
every effort to adhere to this schedule and the accommodation stated, this is
subject to alteration. |
