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Everest Base Camp Trekking
With eight of the world's ten
highest peaks, Nepal is loaded with spectacular mountains
vistas. Everest trek in justifiably famous, not only for its
proximity to the world's highest mountain (8848m) but also for
its friendly Sherpa people, picturesque villages great variety
of cultures and traditions, colourful festivals and
monasteries. The flora and fauna are other ornaments of the
Sagarmatha National Park. The story of the yeti is still a
mystery to the world from the Kahumbu region.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu; you'll be taken to your hotel. While in
Kathmandu you will have time fascinating Buddhist and Hindu
temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are
highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the
city's many charms on your own too. In the evening, a welcome
delicious traditional Nepali dinner await for you. Stay
overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu City Tour
After breakfast, we'll visit Swayambhunath temple, and said to
be 2000 years stupa on a hillock offers breath-taking view of
Kathmandu City. We will then process to Visit Pasupatinath and
Bouddhanath. After lunch we'll visit Kathmandu Durbar Square,
Patan (Lalitpur) - which is the oldest of the three major
cities in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments
and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans
working with wood, stones and metals. Stay overnight in
Kathmandu.
Day 03: Kathmandu - Lukla -
Phakding
This morning we will be transferred from your hotel to
Kathmandu Airport for our domestic flight to Lukla. The flight
itself is awe-inspiring as we fly parallel to the Himalayan
giants bordering Nepal and Tibetan China. Flying time to Lukla
is approximately 40 minutes. Upon arrival in Lukla, we will be
met by our local guides and porters. There will be time to
explore the village whilst the Sherpa crew sort and load
equipment. Lukla lies at an altitude of 2850m ("luk
la" = place of sheep). From Lukla we descend on a wide
trail northwest to the village of Choblung in the Dudh Kosi
Valley. The valley radiates energy through beautiful pine and
rhododendron forest. The walking is easy and we follow the
river's course, passing through the village of Ghat. Our
destination is the small village of Phakding where
accommodation is provided in the form of Tea House Lodges.
Day 04: Phakding - Namche
Bazzar
From Phakding we head up valley on a busy trail: porters from
the lower Solu district in the south ferrying supplies to
Namche, Sherpas with their Zopkio (half yak, half cow) taking
trekking or climbing expedition equipment to the higher
valleys. Continue along beside the Dudh Kosi amongst beautiful
alpine scenery, through the fragrant blue pine and fir forest,
glimpsing spectacular views of Kusum Kangru (6369m) and
Thanserku (6608m) along the way. We again cross the Dudh Kosi,
to the western bank at Jorsale prior to trekking through the
entrance to the Sagamartha National Park. Continuing upstream
along the banks to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh
Kosi, it is here we begin our first sustained ascent to Namche
Bazar after crossing the large suspension bridge. Walking at a
slow pace, we have fantastic photographic opportunities as the
peaks of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8511m), Nuptse (7879m), Arna
Dablam (6856m) and Taweche (6542m) come into view for the
first time. Climbing again, the path takes us through pine
trees to reach the distinctive horse-shoe shaped bowl
containing the village of Namche Bazar. Stay in the heart of
the village. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 05: Acclimatize day in Namche Bazaar
Today is a full day at rest to acclimatize. As the name
suggest, Namche is famous for its local market or bazaar. Each
week, Sherpas from the surrounding villages come to buy food
and to socialize. Any food not grown locally, such as rice,
corn and some vegetables is brought in from the lowland
village, which can be up to a 6-10 day walk from Namche Bazar.
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. Spend the morning exploring this
colourful and lovely spectacle. Perhaps walk along the Thami
Valley in the afternoon or visit the National Park
Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa
lifestyle and culture, mountaineering in the park, flora and
fauna.
Day 06: Namche Bazzar -
Khumjung
Breakfast served in your Tea House Lodge. From Namche, we trek
out of the village bowl and follow a small trail high above
the Dudh Kosi River, where the views are incredible; behind to
the west, the ridge of Nupla and Kwangde Himal (6194m); across
the valley to the south, the towering ice-fluted walls of
Thamserku (6623m), and to the east at the head of the valley,
the Lhotse and Nuptse wall, towering a full three and a half
thousand metres 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
Thyangboche can be seen, a small speck against the gigantic
mountain background. We descend to Khumjung, and after staying
in the more westernized town of Namche Bazar, these villages
make a welcome change. Here tourism has hardly changed the
life of the Sherpas. It is possible to take the opportunity to
sample the Sherpa speciality, Riki Kur - a type of potato
fritter enriched with yak butter. The afternoon has been left
free to assist with further acclimatization. Stay overnight in
Khunjung
Day 07: Khungjung -
Thengboche (Thyangboche)
In the morning, we descend to the village of Shanasa and then
contour to Trashinga where the trail drops steeply to cross
the Dudh Kosi at Phukitenga (3250m). A break is taken 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 Thyangboche. It is a steady ascent of
approximately 2 ? hours through pine fir, black juniper and
rhododendron forest. Thyangboche 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 and the Thyangboche Monastery is spectacularly situated.
The monastery dominated by the gamma with its prayer flags and
many stones was founded in 1916 as a meditation centre. Stay
overnight in Thengboche.
Day 08: Tengboche -
Dingboche
From Thyangboche, we descend through a forest of birch, fir,
juniper and rhododendron, to the nunnery at Deboche. Keep an
eye open for Blood and Danphe Pheasant and high on the steep
slopes of the valley, Himalayan Thar (wild goats). We cross
the Imja Khola, ascending gradually, with the beautiful Ama
Dablam dominating the skyline, to visit the monastery. The
afternoon walk 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. Stay overnight in Dingboche
Day 09: Acclimatization Day
in Dingboche.
Today we have a full day for acclimatization and exploring.
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. Stay overnight in Dingboche
Day 10: Dingboche - Lobuche
We are now well above the tree line and your journey today
brings you to Dusa from where you descend to a stream at
4850m. We begin our climb of the Khumbu Glacier en route to
the tea shops at Dughla. Continue along the moraine of the
glacier, with views of Kalar Pattar and Pumori to reach
Lobuche at 4930m for your evening stay. This will be your last
stop before your climb to the base camp tomorrow. Take time to
rest and acclimatize for this unforgettable day. Stay
overnight in Lobuche
Day 11-12: Lobuche -
Kalapatter - Gorkshep - EBC - Lobuche
Early this morning you begin your trek, which will prove to be
both mentally and physically demanding. Above Lobuche, we
follow the path running through a trough alongside the Khumbu
Glacier. Continuing on over rough ground we reach Gorak Shep,
where a short break is offered to replenish fluids. A walk for
a further hour and a half reaches Kala Pattar, a small, rocky
peak on the southwest ridge of Pumori - a slow, steady pace,
once again being the best attack. Avoid rushing. Stop and turn
around: the scenery is fantastic. It is a hard climb, but the
view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. Huge
creaking glaciers surround us and classic views of Everest are
available. The views from the summit of Kala Pattar (5630m)
are truly outstanding. Here you are directly below Pumo Ri's
light granite and slanted snow channel. The surroundings have
an awesome and unnatural brilliance. To the south, the Khumbu
Glacier sweeps below you; northwards rise several border peaks
including the vertical Lho La, reached from the Tibetan side
in 1921, the first time foreigners had seen the Khumbu
Glacier. Mt Everest rises above them all. Known as "Chomolungma"
(Lady Goddess of the Wind) by the Nepalese, the mountain was
initially called Peak XV. In 1852 it was recognized as the
highest peak on earth and four years later was given the name
Everest in honour of Sir George Everest, the early surveyor
general. After some time out to contemplate this view, we
return to Lobuche. Stay overnight in Gorkshep and Lobuche
Day 13: Lobuche - Tehgbuche
After our tiring ascent to Kala Patar, today is an easier walk
to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back to the
terminal moraines at Dughla, we then take a different return
trail. We follow the wide alpine valley covered in scrub
juniper through the temporary settlement of Phulung Karpo
(4343m), then on to Pheriche. A small settlement, Pheriche has
a number of welcome tea houses that often have "left
over" for sale from various climbing expeditions. It may
be possible to find imported chocolate, tinned prawns or
smoked oysters: even vegemite! The town consists of several
low stone buildings and is considered a "years" -
summer settlement. Continue down to Orsho, then on through
Lower Pangboche and down to Deboche, reaching our lodge at
Thyangboche in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Thyangboche
Day 14: Tengboche - Monjo
Follow a similar trail through a forest of juniper,
rhododendron and fir to Phunkitenga; you continue on to cross
the Dudh Kosi for a steep descent to Trashinga. After lunch at
Shanasa you make you way back to Namche Bazar. Following a
steep descent passing the Bhote Kosil, crossing the river,
follow the bank to Jorsale, then to Monjo for staying
overnight in Monjo.
Day 15: Monjo - Lukla
This morning you will depart Monjo and continue your descent
along the Dudh Kosi, before making a final ascent to reach the
Lukla plateau by mid afternoon. On arrival in Lukla you will
have time to relax and celebrate the completion of your trek.
Stay overnight in Lukla
Day 16: Lukla - Kathmandu
This morning you will be transferred to Lukla Airport for your
flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be
met and conveyed to the Hotel Shanker. The remainder of the
day has been left free. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 17: Kathmandu
After breakfast you're free for shopping and preparing
yourself to return home.
Day 18: Depart Kathmandu
After breakfast, you're free until we pick you up to airport
for your next destination.
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