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DAY 01: Arrive in Kathmandu |
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Meet and greet at Airport then 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 delicious traditional Nepali well come
dinner await for you. O/N in Kathmandu |
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DAY 02: Kathmandu City Tour |
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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
processed 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. O/N in Kathmandu. |
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DAY 03: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding |
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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. 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
Koshi 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. |
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DAY 04: Phakding - Namche Bazaar |
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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 Koshi
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 Koshi, 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 Koshi and Dudh Koshi,
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. O/N in
Namche Bazaar. |
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DAY 05: Acclimatise Day in Namche Bazaar |
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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 colorful 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. |
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DAY 06: Namche Bazaar - Khumjung |
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Breakfast served in your Teahouse / Camping. From Namche,
we trek out of the village bowl and follow a small trail
high above the Dudh Koshi 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 meters
above the valley at Dingboche. On a small ridge across the
valley, the monastery of Thyangboche can be seen, a small
speck against the gigantic mountain background. Ascending
towards Khumjung, visit the Everest View Hotel enroute,
where coffee or hot chocolate and views of Everest are the
order of the day! 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. The afternoon has
been left free to assist with further acclimatisation. |
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DAY 07: Khumjung - Phortse Thanghka |
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After breakfast, we descend to the west of the village
down the broad valley leading to the Dudh Koshi River. The
Gokyo route is turn north, climbing above the more
frequented route to Tengboche and Everest Base Camp.
Here's choice of routes in the beginning: the yak trails
which climbs gently or the steep staircase-like trail made
of rocks embedded in a narrow cleft in a large bounder,
the two trails soon join and continue towards a large
Chorten on the top of the ridge at 3973 meters. This ridge
descends from Khumbila 5716m), abode the patron god of the
Khumbu. From the ridge, the trails descend in a series of
steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dudh Koshi and
we'll spend Overnight in Phortse Thanghka. |
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DAY 08:
Phortse Thanghka - Dole |
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Breakfast approx 7:00 am in the morning. After breakfast
we start our journey to Dole. The trails climbs steeply
out of the valley through rhododendron forests, which give
way to fragrant stands of juniper and large conifers as
the elevation increases. This trek is especially beautiful
in spring when the rhododendrons are blooming. The trails
pass many kharkas, summer settlements used when sherpas
bring herds of yaks to graze in these high pastures. The
route passes through the settlement s of Tongba (3950m)
and Gyele (3960m) to Dole where there're few Hotels. The
views of Khumbila and Twachee (6542m) are tremendous
throughout the day, and it is possible to climb a ridge
behind Dole for an even broader view up and down the
valley. O/N in Dole.
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DAY 09: Dole - Machhermo |
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From Dole the trail climbs to Lambara at 4220m and Luza at
4360m. The tails is steep in most places as it climbs
through scrub junipers. There're kharkas whenever there is
a flat spot and the slightest hint of water. People from
Khumjung own all the kharkas on this side of valley. The
trails continue to climb along the side of the valley,
high above the river, crossing sandy spurs to Machhermo at
4410 meters. It was in Machhermo in 1974 that YETI killed
three yaks and attached a Sherpa woman. This is the most
credit yeti incident ever reported, so be watchful as you
visit this reason. O/N in Machermo.
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DAY 10: Machhermo - Gokyo |
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The trail climbs a ridge for an excellent view both down
the valley to Kantega and up towards Cho Oyu (8153m).
Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes
through Pangka at 4390m then descends to the river bank
before beginning of climb on to the terminal moraine of
the Ngozumpa Glacier. It's a steep climb up the moraine,
switch backing alongside the stream to the first small lake
at 4650m, where a family of green Braminy ducks resides.
The trail now becomes almost level at 4690m and finally
Gokyo at 4750m. O/N in Gokyo. |
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DAY 11: Gokyo |
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After breakfast, trek around Gokyo Ri, the views in the
Gokyo region are tremendous. For the best view, climb to
Gokyo Ri, the small peak above the lake. This peaks of
5318m, it's a 2 hours climb to the top of the peak,
providing a panoramic view of Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang,
Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Twachee. Those with
more time and energy can make a trip up the valley to
another lake marked with the name Ngozumpa on the maps or
even beyond to a fifth lake. There're several small peaks
in this region that offer vantage points for the
surrounding peaks. O/N in Gokyo. |
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DAY 12-13: Gokyo Chhugyuma - Dzogla - Lobuche |
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The trail descending from Gokyo, the route passes the
second lake. About halfway between the fist and second
lakes a trail leads of across the moraine of the east.
We've to pass Cho La (or Chhugyuma) 5420 meters. The pass
is not difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier
crossing on the eastern side. Allow three day from Gokyo
to Lobuche on this high altitude route. An ice axe,
crampons and a rope are often necessary for negotiating
the small icefall at the foot of glacier on the other side
of the pass, although in ideal condition there're no
technical problems and there is a trail of sorts in the
rocks beside the icefall. The western approach to the pass
varies in difficulty depending on the amount of snow. The
pass is not possible for yaks and usually not suitable for
heavily laden porters. We've to spend a night at CHHUGYUMA
OR DZONGLA on other side. 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. O/N in Lobuche. |
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DAY 14-15:
Lobuche - Gorkshep - Kalapathar - EBC- Gorkshep-Lobuche |
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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 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. 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 Pumori'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. In 1852
it was recognized as the highest peak on earth and four
years later was given the name Everest in honor of Sir
George Everest, the early surveyor general. After some
time out to contemplate this view, we return to Lobuche.
O/N in Lobuche. |
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DAY 16: Lobuche - Tengboche |
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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. 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. O/N in
Thyangboche
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DAY 17: Tengboche - Monjo |
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Follow a similar trail through a forest of juniper,
rhododendron and fir to Phunkitenga, you continue on to
cross the Dudh Koshi for a steep descent to Trashinga.
After lunch at Shanasa you make you way back to Namche
Bazaar. Following a steep descent passing the Bhote Koshi,
crossing the river, follow the bank to Jorsale, then to
Monjo for overnight. O/N in Monjo |
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DAY 18: Monjo - Lukla |
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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. O/N in Lukla |
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DAY 19: Lukla - Kathmandu |
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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 your Hotel. The remainder
of the day has been left free. O/N in Kathmandu |
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DAY 20: Kathmandu |
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After breakfast you are free as your own in Kathmandu. O/N
in Kathmandu |
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DAY 21: Departure |
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After
breakfast, free to shop and pick up some last minute
souvenirs, rest and visit the shop etc for you until time
to leave the international airport for your final
destination. |