16 nights
The classic trek, with incredible views of the world's highest mountain
NEPAL TRIP GENERAL INFORMATION
OVERSEAS COURSES HOME
PLEASE EMAIL US IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, EITHER TO BOOK OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
The Everest and Kala Pattar trek offers a superb experience of natural beauty, geological magnificence and profound cross-cultural discovery, in particular with the Sherpa people of Khumbu, whose home is the great valley below Mount Everest.
This trek takes the classic approach to Kala Pattar, a superb viewpoint for the highest point on earth. The Khumbu region is justifiably famous, not only for its proximity to the world's highest mountain but also for its Sherpa villages and Monasteries. The views from Kala Pattar are stunning, and features such as the famous south col, below Everest's summit, are clearly visible.
THE ITINERARY
The following itinerary is for guidance only, as things are subject to change at the last minute. We will, however, endeavour to keep as close to this as possible.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet our staff and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing about the trek/tour. (D)
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing. Optional (price included) sightseeing trip to Bouddhanath, the biggest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, and then to Pashupatinath, the biggest Hindu Temple and finally to Bhaktapur, a typical Newar village where the culture has remained unchanged for many years. (B)
Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,640m). Transfer to Tribhuvan airport for the flight to Lukla. The trekking starts by passing through Chaurikharka village, and makes a descent towards the Dudh Kosi Ghat (2,530m). The trail follows the right bank of the Dudh Kosi River until a tea house at Phakding is reached. This first day is short to allow for acclimatization. (B,L,D)
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). After breakfast, the trail winds along the river, crossing it at a number of points by means of wooden bridges at Benkar (2,713m), Jorsale (2,804m) and two Hillary bridges at the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi Rivers. After lunch, it is an uphill climb towards Namche Bazaar. In this important village, you will find shops, a health clinic, banks, and telephone services. (B,L,D)
Day 05: Acclimatisation day in Namche. Acclimatisation is important before trekking higher, and this is the first of two scheduled stops which allows us to gradually become used to the effects of altitude. We can spend the day taking a side trip to Thami or Khumjung, visiting the National Park Visitor Centre on the hill above Namche or resting and browsing in the shops in the town. Namche is a fascinating place simply to 'hang out' and take in the culture of the mountains, from the trading of visiting Tibetans to the stories of departing mountaineers. (B,L,D)
Day 06: Namche to Tengboche. From Namche we trek towards Everest, starting up the hill to the Visitor Centre and continuing on an easy trail high above the Dudh Kosi. Ahead of us we can see one of the most beautiful mountains in the Khumbu, Ama Dablam (6856m), as well as Everest in the distance. We pass through the settlement of Sanasa before making our descent to the Dudh Kosi and the village of Phunki Thanga. From here it is a steep climb to the saddle on which Tengboche monastery is spectacularly located at 3867m. As we enter the grounds of the monastery we are welcomed by the most magnificent mountain view in the world, including Everest as it peeks above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. (B,L,D)
Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche. The trail descends through beautiful rhododendron forests and reaches a bridge across the Imja Khola where the river rushes through a narrow gorge, from here it is a short walk to the settlement of Pangboche (3860m). After this point the trail and surroundings become distinctly Alpine in appearance as we trek above the tree line. The trail is relatively easy, with a gentle climb towards Dingboche (4410m). Dingboche is a long thin settlement nestled below a ridge that separates it from its neighbour Pheriche, at which there is a Himalayan Rescue Association medical centre. To the east we have fantastic views of Lhotse (8501m), and the popular climbing peak of Island Peak (6189m). (B,L,D)
Day 08: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche. This is the second of our acclimatisation days. Whilst by no means compulsory, a recommended aid to acclimatisation is a side trip to Chhukung at 4730m. This is a short hike eastwards up the Imja Khola valley and is rewarded with fantastic views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Island Peak. Alternatives are to climb the ridge above Dingboche, walk across to Pheriche, or walk ahead to Duglha (4620m), tomorrow's lunch spot. (B,L,D)
Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche. We start by ascending to the ridge above Dingboche and continue northwards on a gentle sloping trail to the settlement of Duglha. At this point we reach the terminal moraine of the great Khumbu Glacier where the trail and the surrounding terrain becomes more barren. After a rest, we trek into the Khumbu valley proper. From the entrance to the valley we have a fantastic view of the mountains that form the border with Tibet, as well as the giants that are part of the Everest massif. The trail follows the western side of the valley and eventually reaches Lobuche at 4910m, with the huge bulk of Nuptse (7879m) dominating the view. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep, and ascent of Kala Pattar. We start early from Lobuche and trek along the western side of the Khumbu Valley, through meadows and over scree slopes. Shortly, the pyramid peak of Pumori (7145m) comes into view and soon we see the black peak of Kala Pattar (5545m). The trail descends to the small settlement of Gorak Shep (5160m) where we take a break before our ascent of Kala Pattar. This is a superb vantage point for views of Everest, and the ascent takes approx. 2 hours of steady walking, stopping occasionally to take in the view of the increasing bulk of Everest. From the summit it is possible to see many of the key features of this great mountain - for instance,the South Col from which Hillary and Tenzing made their first ascent in 1953 is clearly visible. After spending time taking photographs and experiencing the greatest mountain view in the world we descend to Gorak Shep and then return to Lobuche. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Lobuche to Tengboche. We can now look forward to a reduction in altitude and easier going, as we descend back down the trail that we trekked up a few days ago. There is a chance to relax now that the hard part is over, and concentrate on those aspects of mountain life that may have been overlooked on the way up. The walking now seems easier due to the fact that our bodies are acclimatised, and the views are still ever-changing. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Tengboche to Monjo (2,850m). Walking down from the monastery, you eventually reach Phunki Tenga before then climbing up gradually through a forest. Once you are out of the forest, you will be walking along a ridge from where you can see some of the deepest gorges in Nepal. Namche Bazaar is reached in about 5 hours and Monjo about 1 hour further. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Trek to Lukla. The trek back to Lukla takes about 5-6 hours, and as ever the scenery is constantly changing. This will be the last true 'trekking' night, so a farewell dinner party will be arranged where, should you wish (and if you haven't already!), you can also try two local alcoholic beverages 'Chang' and 'Rakshi.' (B,L,D)
Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu.We take an early flight back to Kathmandu and back to the hotel. (B)
Day 15: Kathmandu at leisure. Free day to spend as you wish. This day is also a useful back-up in case our flight from Luka is delayed due to bad weather.(B)
Day 16: Kathmandu at leisure. Free day. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 17: Drive to airport for return journey back home. (B)
PRE-TRIP MEETING.
We wll be offering at least one informal pre-trip meeting, at a date and location to suit group members. This will be so that everyone can get together and meet prior to the trip, at a place where we can walk or climb, as well as having a meal and a beer or two in the evening.
FLIGHTS
This trip is priced excluding international flights. This is to allow a flexible approach for anyone wishing to travel out early, stay on later, or join from another country. We will, however, give you full help and guidance in booking an appropriate flight, and this often means that many of the team will travel together. Further details will be supplied with your booking confirmation, but as a guideline you should allow a cost of around £600 for a return flight from the UK.
COST
The cost for the trip KTM-KTM is £995.00.
To book, enquire about availability or for further information, please email Pete or call 01340 871071.
START DATES:
2008: September 21st.
2009: March 8th, September 20th.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
International and domestic airport pick-up and drop-off.
Welcome and farewell dinners.
3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Sightseeing with English speaking guide.
Sightseeing entry fee and transport.
Return internal flights to Lukla.
Tea House accommodation during the trek.
Highly experienced and first-aid trained English speaking trekking guide.
Transport by private coach.
Meals as detailed above (B,L,D).
Conservation permit.
Trekking registration certificate.
Required numbers of porters including insurance and equipment.
Meals/accommodation/salary/insurance/equipment for guide/cook/porters.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights.
Personal trekking equipment.
Meals other than mentioned above.
Drinks and bar bill.
Tipping.
Personal insurance, emergency evacuation insurance and visas.
Airport departure taxes.
Any other things that are not mentioned in 'included'.