To have been at the base of the
highest mountain in the world, surrounded by the stunning attractions that come
with it, is an accomplishment by itself and speaks for itself. It is also one of the hardest treks that require experience
in trekking and extra time for high altitude adjustments.
While on route on this famous trek you will meet the most wonderful
outgoing people, the Sherpa who live in the Solu Khumbu region, where Mt.
Everest lies with its neighboring companions.
The Everest trek starts in the Nepali-speaking Hindu lowlands and ends in
the Tibetan-Buddhist highlands.
Day
1
Kathmandu arrival, register at your embassy
Check into Hotel/Guest House
Rest of the day free to relax and get over your jet-lag!
Day
2
Kathmandu sight seeing, including a visit to Bhaktapur and Patan
Rest of the day free to relax and/or explore
Day
3
Morning is free for your own use
Afternoon will be used mainly for organizing and preparing for the trek.
Evening welcoming dinner and slide show
Day
4
Kathmandu flight to Lukla (9400ft, 2865m)
A
most spectacular 40 minute flight – a breathtaking experience to glide above
the Himalayan mountains of Eastern Nepal. Our day will continue to take an
easy afternoon scenic walk to Phakding (8700ft, 2650m)
Day
5
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (11300ft, 3440m)
As
you move along the long steep climb to the town of Namche Bazaar you will
encounter your first view of Mt. Everest. The
long hard walk will bring you joy to see the diverse forests of blue pine,
juniper, fir and rhododendron. Since
this is the first climb to an altitude where Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) also
known as altitude sickness may be a problem, our guides will caution you to take
it easy.
Day
6
Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Namche
is the main center in the Solu Khumbu region and offers a variety of shops,
restaurants and even a bank. As you
stroll through the settlement, pay a visit to the Pollution Control Committee
office to find out about the conservation efforts that are being made in the
region. Also, a visit to the local
museum and the national park visitor center is in order.
Your trekking permit will be inspected at a police checkpoint.
If you are there on a Saturday, spend some time at the market where local
and Chinese goods brought over the high passes from Tibet can be purchased.
Day
7
This day can be another acclimatization day or moving on to our next
destination. It will depend on the
group, their condition and the decision made among guides and trekkers.
It is important to do a strenuous walk to a higher altitude as part of
your acclimatization, coming back down to Namche to sleep.
For this purpose the day walk to Thami is a good target.
If Day 7 is not another acclimatization day then a brisk walk on day 6
will be added.
Day
8
Namche to Tengpoche ((12700ft, 3875m)
This
trail offers us most spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Kantaiga, Ama Dablam and
Lhotse. We will also pay a visit to the famous Buddhist monastery which is a
photographer’s delight allowing us to capture Ama Dablam, Everest and other
peaks in the background. During full moon in November-December the colourful
Mani Rimdu festival is held there with much singing and dancing.
Day
9
Tengpoche to Pheriche (13900ft, 4240m)
On our way out of Tengpoche we are beginning
to notice the effects of the altitude . We
also gradually emerge above the tree-line.
In Pheriche we will find several restaurants with unusual historical
artifacts from the international mountaineering expeditions.
A trekkers’ aide post and medical assistance is also available.
Day
10
Acclimatization Day at Pheriche
Again a solid walk to a higher altitude is
better than just resting. Dingboche
(13950ft, 4252m) is a good destination enjoying the scenic views of Ama Dablam,
or an excursion up the Imja Khola valley to Chuckkung (15500ft, 4730m), to get a
marvelous view of the surrounding mountains, especially Lhote’s massive south
wall.
Day
11
Pheriche to Lobuje (16170ft, 4930m)
Paying
heavy attention to the high altitude we cautiously continue to Phalang Karpo and
then to Duglha before reaching the village of Lobuje. Again the views are
most spectacular, a just reward for the long hard journey.
Day
12
Lobuje to Gorak Shep (16950ft, 5170m)
Get
a good nights rest to prepare for the biggest day of all as we reach the Everest
Base Camp next morning.
Day
13
Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (18200ft, 5545m) back to Gorak Shep
This
will be one of the most difficult yet rewarding days of the trek.
First comes the climb of Mt. Kala Patar, than the ascent of a demanding
but also magnificent panoramic view of Everest, the highest point on our planet
at 29021ft, 8848m. Beside this magnificent giant lie the peaks of Naptse,
Chagatse, Pumori, Lhotse and many others. To
experience the sunset, if possible, is extra icing on the cake. The descent to Gorak Shep is quick and harmless.
Day
14
Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp (17600ft, 5380m)
This
day is spent walking along the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp.
This is the closest proximity to Mt Everest without needing
mountaineering equipment. But the
teams will be there about to attempt the summit.
The return will be swift reaching the village of Lobuje.
Day
15
Lobuche to Dingboche (13950ft, 4252m)
Enjoy the beautifully carved mani (prayer) stones on your way. If
time permits or we decide to spend an extra day, we will take a side tour to the
tiny settlement of Dughla (15150ft, 4620m) on the terminal moraine of the great
Khumbu Glacier.
Day
16
Dingboche to Pangboche (12900ft, 3930m)
Day
17
Pangboche to Khumjung (12400ft, 3780m)
Day
18
Khumjung to Monjo (9300ft, 2840m)
Day
19
Monjo to Lukla (9400ft, 2865m)
Lukla, may have seemed primitive on your way up, but coming back and being
weathered by sun, wind and civilized isolation, it may appear now as a dreamful
garden spot to rest.
Day
20
Lukla to Kathmandu
Early morning flight to Kathmandu
Check into hotel
Rest of day to rest
Evening fare well dinner
