and Kala Pattar via the Cho La.
20 nights.
THE FULL MONTY - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
NEPAL TRIP GENERAL INFORMATION
OVERSEAS COURSES HOME
PLEASE EMAIL US IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, EITHER TO BOOK OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
The combined Cho La Pass and Everest trek is a demanding trip into some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. It takes you into the heart of the Everest region and to the foot of the great mountain itself, as well as sampling the unique experience of the culture of the Khumbu region en route. This superb trek combines the two routes to Gokyo and Everest Base Camp by crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier and the Cho La pass.
After flying to Lukla airstrip, the trek starts with an easy walk to Phakding and crossing the Dudh Koshi river, before the ascent to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. A day will be spent here for acclimatization and to soak up the atmosphere of this bustling village.
From here the trail passes through some high Sherpa settlements with tremendous scenery, and as we climb towards Gokyo we have superb views down the valley to Kangtega and up towards Cho Oyu. The mountain views from Gokyo are spectacular.
After ths, we cross the Cho La pass (5,420m) and head up to Lobuche village. Just above here is Gorak Shep, the starting point for the climb up to Kala Patter (5545m) for stunning views of Mount Everest. There is also plenty of time to visit Everest base camp should you so wish.
From here the trail descends to Tengboche and Namche and then to Lukla, from where we fly back to Kathmandu.
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: Trek to Dole (4,040m). From Namche Bazaar, you will continue gradually gaining altitude. You will walk past a small airstrip at Syangboche, and then down to the villages of Khumjung and Khunde. Sir Edmund Hillary has built a school here, and in Khunde there is a hospital run by voluntary western doctors. From here, we walk down a little further, and turn left to climb stairs and then walk through the forest of birch and junipers. We will reach Phortse Tenga, a tiny village made up of only a few teahouses. It is very pleaseant looking across the valley towards the village of Phortse beautifully settled on a plateau with some farmlands. Rest at this viewpoint for a while before walking further along to the village of Dole where your tea house awaits you. "B,L,D"
Day 07: Trek to Machermo (4,410m). From Dole, the trail climbs to Labharma and Luza. The trail is steep as it ascends through scrub junipers. There are yak pastures wherever there is a flat area, but there is little or no hint of water anywhere. However, the village of Luza is situated on the riverbank and has no water problem. The trail continues to climb along side of the valley high above the river and then crosses the sandy slopes before finally reaching the village of Machermo. This is the village where it is believed that a Yeti killed several yaks and attacked Sherpa women. "B,L,D"
Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (4,750m). From Machermo, it is a steep climb up the moraine and alongside a stream before arriving at a small lake. Now the valley widens as the trail passes through the Fangka settlement, and then descends to the river bank before beginning the climb on to the terminal moraine of Ngozumpa glacier. The trail levels off as it follows the valley past the second lake and finally up the jumble of rocks and boulders to reach the lovely and isolated Gokyo Lake. "B,L,D"
Day 09: Day hike to Gokyo Ri (5,480m). You have the opportunity to ascend Gokyo Ri, and have a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy stunning Himalayan scenery from the summit. Alternatiely, you may wish to spend time just exploring around the area, taking in the magnificent vews from a variety of vantage points. "B,L,D"
Day 10: Trek to Nimagawa (4,700m). The trail continues climbing steeply through pine forests where we will reach the little Sherpa settlement of Nimagawa, consisting of a few teahouses. "B,L,D"
Day 11: Trek across Cho La Pass to Dzonglha (4,840m). Continuing across the moraine, the trail makes a steep ascent to the top of the snow covered Cho La Pass (5,420 meters). It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach the pass from our overnight halt. From the top, you can enjoy excellent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Mount Everest. From the pass, the trail now descends steeply towards Dzonglha, passing through pine forests en route. "B,L,D"
Day 12: Trek to Lobuche (4,910m). From Dzonglha, the trail levels and then makes a gradual climb up and then down to the small Sherpa settlement of Lobuche. From here, the sunset on Nuptse is a memorable sight. "B,L,D"
Day 13: Day hike to Kala Pattar, overnight at Lobuche (5,140m). The trail becomes rougher as you cross several side moraines to Gorakshep, a tiny settlement with two or three teahouses. From here, you will be able to climb up to the summit of Kala Pattar, which is 5,545 meters high. The top provides a superb vantage point for viewing Mount Everest and other mountains in the region. After time spent taking photographs and simply looking at the views, you return to Lobuche for the night. "B,L,D"
Day 14: Day hike to Everest Base Camp (5,310m), overnight at Lobuche. This is an optional hike to Everest Base Camp, where you may be able to talk to some expedition climbers. Alternatively, you can simply explore the area before heading back to Lobuche with our staff for a well earned rest. "B,L,D"
Day 15: Trek to Pangboche (3901m). From Lobuche, you retrace your steps back to Thuklha. Going straight up the hill from the bridge to reach an upper trail, you stay high above the valley floor, past the yak pastures at Dusa, to a Chorten at the head of the Imja valley. From here, the views of Island Peak are impressive and the great bulk of Makalu is visible in the distance. The trail descends into the valley past little stone huts, eventually leading to the village of Dingboche. The mountain scenery during this day is outstanding. After another hour of walking you will get to Pangboche. "B,L,D"
Day 16: Pangboche to Tengboche (3,867m). The trail now gradually descends through junipers and around mani stones as it follows the side of a hill, passing a number of mani walls in deep rhododendron forests. After crossing the Imja Khola on a steel suspension bridge, the trail climbs past many magnificently carved mani stones. After some more varied terrain, you climb gradually up to Tengboche, the largest monastery in the whole of the Khumbu region. From here, there are great view of Ama Dablam, amongst many other mountains. "B,L,D"
Day 17: Trek to Monjo. Walking down from the monastery you reach Phunki Tenga. The trail now climbs a little, and 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. The rhododendrons may be in superb colours making the valley even more beautiful. You pass though Namche Bazaar and trek further down for about an hour to reach Monjo. "B,L,D"
Day 18: 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 19: Flight to Kathmandu. After the breakfast, your trekking crews will help you carry your duffel bags to the airport and bid adieu for the last time. Our representative in Lukla will make all the arrangements for your flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. "B"
Day 20: Free day in Kathmandu. This is an extra day in case the Lukla flight has been delayed due to bad weather. The rest of the day is for you to explore. Enjoy our cultural programs in the evenings and dine at one of its excellent restaurants for a farewell dinner. "B,D"
Day 21: Depart Kathmandu. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure from Kathmandu.
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 £1100.
To book, enquire about availability or for further information, please email Pete or call 01340 871071.
START DATES:
2008: September 14th.
2009: March 1st, September 13th.
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'.