EVEREST KALAPATHAR TREK

Arrive in Kathmandu

Meet with our representative at the airport. Drive to hotel.

Kathmandu

Half day visit of Kathmandu city and Swayambhunath. PM: Free, preparation for the trekking. O/N hotel.

Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) which takes approximately 30 minutes and trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640m.) which takes three hours.You transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. It is a small town with an airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores. You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding.

Phakding - Namche Bazaar

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) which takes about four and half hours.This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You can also visit some of the village monasteries on the way of trekking to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.). Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and holds a busy Saturday market. There is set a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have reached there by crossing the glaciated Nangpa La.

Namche Bazaar - Khumjung

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 westernised 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.

Khunjung - Thengboche

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 paryer 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 ½ 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 gompa with its prayer flags and mani stones was founded in 1916 as a meditation centre.

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. O/N in Dingboche

Dingboche - Lobuche

We are now well above the tree line and your journey todays 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. O/N in Lobuche

Lobuche - Kalapatter - Gorkshep – Everest Base Camp - 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 replentish 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 recognised 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. O/n in Gorkshep and Lobuche

Lobuche - Tengbuche

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 house that often have “left overs” 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. O/N in Thyangboche

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 overnight. O/N in Monjo

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. O/N in Lukla.

Lukla - Kathmandu

This morning you will be transferred to Lukla Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be meet our representative at the airport and conveyed to the Hotel.

Departure

Final day to departure