With eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, Nepal is loaded with spectacular mountains vistas. Trekking in the Everest area is an awesome experience, not only for its proximity to the world’s highest mountain 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 and the legend lives on in the Khumbu.
Strenuous trekking is continuously rewarded with dramatic Himalayan scenes, including four of the world's eight highest peaks: Cho Oyu (8201m), Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8516 m) and Everest (8850m). Breathtaking mountain vistas are complemented by visits to Sherpa villages, homes and monasteries offering you an insight into the quiet but, culturally vibrant Sherpa way of life.
The following itinery is a suggested outline for a trek which covers the highlights of the Khumbu and the most visited places. Details may vary according to personal taste and time schedule. The schedule caters for tea house trekking, expedition style trekking where porters carry your tent and food, or a combination of both.
Critcally important though is to follow a proper acclimatisation process. This is so often hurried with dire consequences. This is a high altitude trek with considerable time sleeping at high altitudes.
After a few days of rest and sightseeing in Kathmandu you are ready to embark on the journey...
Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu (1310m) to Lukla (2840m), trek to Phakding (2610m)
It's an early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Lukla. The flight is an experience in itself. The airfield is on a slope and the difference in altitude between the two ends of the runway is about 60 meters! The fligts may often be delayed due to weather conditions such as mist. Occasionally the fligts may be delayed by a few days even, so it is a good idea to allow a few days before and after your trek as a buffer.
It's a good place to have lunch after which it's an easy few hours along the Dudh Kosi River to the village of Phakding.
Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Beginning with a slight climb to Jorsale we pass a waterfall and along this part of the trail villages are interspersed with magnificent forest – rhododendron, magnolia trees and giant firs. Then walk to Namche crossing a few bridges and then climb of several hundred meters, a steep descent and another steep climb through the forest.
Day 03: Acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Acclimatization is most important before proceeding to a higher elevation. You can spend a day taking a day hike to Thame, Khunde or Khumjung or relaxing, and explore Namche Bazaar, a Sherpa community.
Day 04: Trek to Thame (3800m)
A moderately easy and beautiful walk to the Sherpa village of Thame 3800 m, situated at an important junction along the old primary trade route to and from Tibet via the Nangpa La pass. The trail leads west past a large array of prayer flags and Mani stones - some of them very picturesque. After the village of Thomde the trail descends to the river and makes a steep climb to Thame.
Day 05: Trek to Khumjung (3790m)
Morning visit to the Thame Monastery, then trek to the serene Sherpa villages of Khunde 3890 m and Khumjung 3790 m. Sir Edmund Hillary established his first school and hospital in these villages.
Day 06: Trek to Dole (4200m)
Leaving the main trail to Mt. Everest, climb high on a ridge and then descend to the village of Phortse. From Phortse the trail leads through forests to Dole.
Day 07: Trek to Machhermo (4410m)
A steep but beautiful morning climb through pine, fir and rhododendron forests to Lhabama and Luza; after a leisurely afternoon trek, high above the river, stay at Machhermo 4410 m. The days trek is short so that you are not exhausted and to allow time for acclimatization.
Day 08: Acclimatisation dat at Machhermo (4410m)
Day 09: Trek to Gokyo (4750m)
This is your first real day at high altitude and the trekking today may be described as moderate at the most difficult. However, the going is slow (in fact, it is recommended that you walk slowly to avoid exhausting yourself). The valley opens wide as the trail passes through Pangkha. Mt. Cho Oyu (8153 m.) dominates the skyline to the north as the trail leads up to the moraine on the left flank of the Ngozumpa Glacier. The climb is steep to the first of the four lakes that lie in the Gokyo area but the trail levels off towards the second lake at 4750 meters.
The settlements of Gokyo and Luza are typical high altitude temporary villages where the herders live when they bring their cattle up to high summer pastures during the warmer months leaving the lower pastures.
Day 10: Free day at Gokyo (4750m)
A free day to explore the area around Gokyo or rest. For enthusiasts a rigorous day's hike up the ridge above camp provides spectacular views of the Everest trinity: Nuptse 7879 m, Lhotse 8511 m, and Everest 8848 m, as well as Makalu 8463 m looming to the east and Cho Oyu (8153 m.) to the north.
Day 11: Trek to Tangnak (4700m)
The trail crosses the Ngozumpa Glacier to Tangnak which consists of few lodges that are often fully booked. It is a very short day and if the group is well rested and acclimatised, then the pass may be crossed the same day, or the trek to Tangnak may be done in the afternoon of the previous day.
Day 12: Cross Cho La (5300m) – Trek to Dzongla (4730m)
A steep and challenging but, non-technical climb over rock, snow and perhaps ice with superb views links the glacial valleys of Cho Oyu and Everest. Today you will cross the 5420 meter Cho La. Camp or Lodge will be at Dzongla 4730 m, a high altitude summer pasture directly beneath the north wall of Cholatse 6440 m.
Day 13: Trek to Gorkshep (5140m)
After a morning of rest, hike on a trail above Tsholo Lake and join the main Everest trail near the end of the Khumbu Glacier, and on to Lobuje. The trail from Lobuche follows the muide, a geographer's name for the trough at the edge of the glaciers lateral moranie. A tributary glacier has piled another moranie across the trail which has to be crossed, giving a good view of Pumori. This section of the trek provides good views of the Everest group and Pumori from Gork Shep and Kala Pattar.
Day 14: Climb Kala Patthar (5,545m)- trek to Lobuche (4930m)
Hike up early in the morning to Kala Patthar to see the stunning views of Mount Everest. If you feel physically fit, optional hike to real Base Camp of Everest (5,200m) can be made. Get back to Gorakshep or Lobuche for the overnight stay.
Day 15: Trek to Tengboche (3860m)
Trekking to Tengboche we leave behind the Trekkers Aid Post at Pheriche 4240 m. A western volunteer doctor, supported by The Himalayan Rescue Association is stationed here and offers treatment and consultation to trekkers. Continue down the valley to the less altitude. Get into the valley to Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, spiritual center of the Khumbu. is adequately compensated by views of Mt. Amadablam and on clear days views of Mt. Everest and it surrounding peaks. Amadablam means "Mother's Charm Box" and is named after the little box that Sherpa women wear around their necks. It is also one of the most beautiful mountains in the Himalaya. Camp or Lodge Overnight.
Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
The trail then descents the right flank of the Dudh Kosi valley to Namche. The descent is long but, more takes you to the famous Sherpa habitat. Camp or Lodge Overnight.
Day 17: Trek to Lukla (2840m)
Trek further to the mountain airstrip at Lukla to catch your return flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting your trekking crew might prepare a farewell treat for you. You would be expected to join in the singing and the dancing! Overnight Camp or Lodge at Lukla.
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu
Fly to Kathmandu, with remainder of the day free. Hotel Overnight.
Interested? Vertical Endeavour can arrange this trip for you, as well as arranging accomodation and sight-seeing in Kathmandu. We also offer professional advice and can help you prepare adequately for this trip.
