October 2 – 25, 2010
From Kathmandu
Overview: This trip is rightly called "the ultimate." Many experienced hikers choose it for their first Himalayan trek, as it offers the very best mountain scenery. Hikers arrive expecting to be awed by Mt. Everest and find that there are many other more spectacular mountains to see.
From the tiny airstrip at Lukla (altitude 9,400 feet), we load our gear onto yaks and begin our journey through Sherpa villages, forests and glacial lakes to our high point of over 18,000 feet. From Gokyo Ri, we gaze upon the roof of the world — the awe-inspiring panorama of Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse, Makalu and Everest, five peaks that rise above 25,000 feet! During our 18 days on the trail we cross a 17,778 foot pass, visit Everest Base Camp and local monasteries, discover Tibetan Buddhist culture and meet the Sherpa people, who are as memorable and captivating as the Himalayan peaks that tower above their home.
Each night is spent at a local guest house, supplying comfortable lodging and hot meals. Outdoor latrines and shared hot shower facilities are standard throughout this area. People often find the simple comforts and warm hospitality of these small family run hotels delightful.
This is a strenuous hike with some exposure on trails and bridge crossings. In addition, landslides may cause detours. This will be an enjoyable experience if you like physical activity and the outdoors. However, you must be prepared to "rough it," as conditions in Nepal are as variable as the topography. Be prepared for changes in weather, some unpleasant toilet facilities and the possibility of sickness. With a positive and flexible attitude, you will enjoy the challenge of this trip creating many fond memories and great pictures. It's the experience of a lifetime!
Leadership: The Ultimate Everest Trek Leader is Amber Tamang. Amber is from a small village in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal — a hamlet so small it isn't even on most maps! Amber began as a porter in 1992, working to put himself though high school and college. For his undergraduate Law degree, he wrote his thesis on legal protection for workers in the tourism industry and achieved his Masters Degree in in Nepali Culture, Religion and Philosophy. Amber is an independent researcher in the culture and religion of the Himalaya and has published articles in Nepali and English. He became a guide with Himalayan High Treks in 1995 and has introduced trekkers to the wonders of Nepal, Tibet and India. He is now a group leader and our Regional Manager for Nepal. Those who've traveled with him praise his patience and kindness. His English is articulate as he enthusiastically describes the local customs of the Himalayan mountains and Buddhist people.
Ultimate Everest Day-To-Day Itinerary Detail:
Pre Trip Days: In transit from your home (Americans lose one day crossing the international date line). Fly to Kathmandu, changing planes in Bangkok, Delhi, Hong Kong or Singapore. Your group leader will meet your flight at the Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu (elevation 4,428 feet). They must wait for you outside the airport building, so we meet after you get your visa, collect your luggage and pass through Nepal customs on your own.
Day 1: Please note that you must arrive in Kathmandu by October 2, 2010. We will escape the busy airport to a delightful smaller hotel in the Thamel neighborhood of Kathmandu. After time to settle in, we'll take an exciting tour of the Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath. A stupa is a large dome and pyramid-like structure containing religious relics. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple because of the large band of monkeys that call it their home. At one time, the Kathmandu Valley was a huge lake. Legend has it that the hill on which the Monkey Temple stands was an island. There is evidence that the great Buddhist Emperor Ashoka visited the site 2,000 years ago. Tonight we enjoy a traditional Nepalese dinner. (Dinner)
Day 2: Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu. Places of interest include the Hindu temples and the burning Ghats of Pashupatinath along the holy Bagmati River. Ghats are steps which lead up from a river. There are, for example, bathing Ghats, where people wash themselves and their clothes. Burning Ghats are steps where Hindus cremate their dead bodies in preparation for a ceremonial disposal in the river. There is also an important Shiva temple at Pashupatinath. Shiva is the great destroyer and creator God of the Hindu religion. From Pashupatinath we continue on to the nearby Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath. Bodhnath is a truly impressive site. Pilgrims pray by circumambulating the large "all-seeing eyes" of Buddha. After lunch we visit Bhaktapur and Patan. Today is a good introduction to both the Buddhist and Hindu religions. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 3: Kathmandu to Lukla/Phakding (9,184 feet). Morning transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight to Lukla, a remote landing strip hewn out of the rocky mountainside at an elevation of 9,400 feet. Lukla airport has been paved and has a small but well organized terminal building. Due to the unpredictable nature of mountain weather, delays can occur. With a flight path parallel to the Nepal Himalaya, you can see such massifs as Gaurishankar, Melungtse and Cho Oyu to the left of the aircraft. Our Sherpa team will be waiting for us at Lukla and will supervise the loading of the porters and yaks. When all is ready, we will set forth on foot on a broad trail leading down to the Dudh Kosi River. Here we join the main trail coming up from Chaurikharka. The trail leads along the east bank, gradually gaining elevation to the village of Phakding. Tonight's lodge is large, clean, comfortable and just a few hours away. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Namche Bazaar (11,300 feet). A rather long and challenging day up the infamous "Namche hill," which is a very steep 2,000 foot ascent. Since we have just arrived at altitude, we will proceed slowly with many rest stops. Along the trail are villages interspersed with magnificent forest of rhododendron, magnolia and giant fir trees. Near the halfway point, on the Namche Hill, Mt. Everest (29,028 feet) and Lhotse (27,916 feet) appear to our gaze. The remarkable town of Namche is the largest and most prosperous in the Khumbu, a historical trading center where grain from the south was exchanged for salt from Tibet. Expect a comfortable guest house with showers and a clean latrine. Hiking time today is five to six hours. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Namche Layover. Namche Bazaar has a long history as a trading center where grain brought from the south was bartered or sold for salt from Tibet. Today, Namche remains a brisk trading center, though the salt trade ended when the Chinese closed access to the passes in the North. Now, the bustle of tourism is the energy that keeps the town thriving and the market has adjusted to this new dynamic. Alongside once-embargoed goods from Tibet, there appears an array of commercial western goods such as chocolate bars, clothing and toilet paper — many items that are destined to be resold to needy trekkers in the lodges and small shops. This is a good time and place for you to stock up on snacks or provisions needed for the coming days! Namche also has a variety of reliable Internet services available. It's a good time to consider sending a message back home! Depending on our groups acclimatization, health and energy levels we can continue on a trail to Thame (12,925 feet) — traveling westward through rhododendron forests with magnificent views of Kwangde, Kangteiga, and Thamserku — snow covered peaks piercing the sky above us to over 20,000 feet. To the north of Thame is the Nangpo Tsangpo Valley, leading to the Nangpa La, a lofty 18,853 foot pass that traditionally provided access to Rongbuk Monastery and Lhasa in Tibet. It is in Thame at the hillside gompa (monastery) that the Buddhist masked dance drama, known as Mani Rimdu, depicts the introduction of Buddhism into Tibet by Padmasambhava in the eighth century. Today our trek is four to five hours with lots of climbing as the trail undulates both up and down. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: If the group is acclimatizing well, we'll continue on today to Kunde and Khumjung. The trail that winds through Namche and beyond requires one to two hours — depending on how people feel. Kunde lies at 12,600 feet and is the site of the Kunde Hospital, built by the Himalayan Trust established by Sir Edmund Hillary. Khumjung is located at 12,400 feet and the home of a famous local Sherpa artist. These smaller villages are more tranquil than Namche, providing a better chance to see how Sherpa people live. Approximate hiking time: 2 hours. Climb: 1,500 feet. Distance: 2 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Kunde to Dole (13,300 feet). The trail up the Dudh Kosi River transports us to summer yak-grazing country. Today's hike is a long one and includes two long ascents (over 1,000 feet) as well as one long descent. On average, we should accomplish it in about six to seven hours. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Dole to Macherma (14,650 feet). We'll take a break today with a short day on the trail— just about two hours of hiking. Because of our altitude gain, we won't go higher or push harder. We'll have most of the day to explore remote spots to the west, climb into the craggy mountains or simply kick back surrounded by a blissful panorama. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Macherma to Gokyo (15,720 feet). We amble along the banks of a melted glacial river that snakes down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. As we pass two small, deep–blue glacial lakes, we finally reach the yersa of Gokyo — poised on the stark eastern shore of the third lake. These are the rough stone huts that are the summer homes for the herders. Todays hike usually takes about five hours. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Gokyo Layover. This is a spectacular place to enjoy short hikes with incredible views. We will attempt a three–to–five–hour hike. Ascending a northeastern ridge we reach a small summit (17,990 feet) which offers an broad skyline from Cho Oyu, to Everest, past Lhotse, and all the way to Makalu. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Gokyo to Chugima (16,174 feet). Crossing the Dudh Kosi, we hike within clear sight of the terminal moraine of Ngosumpa Glacier before climbing up to the pass. We are hiking in the very rare air between 15,000 and 16,000 feet for six to seven hours through breathtaking hanging glaciers and astounding 360 degree mountain vistas. We walk purposefully as our eyes take in the amazing contrasts of earth and sky which surrounds us.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12: Chugima Pass to Dzongla (15,889 feet). Today your focus is aided by good sunglasses as we climb a 17,778 foot pass across blindingly–bright snowfields. We pass close views of hanging glaciers above us as we continue on a steep descent through loose rock and large stone slabs. Later we arrive at the yersa of Dzongla — perched on a shelf of land sporting fine views in every direction. Our hiking time should be about five to seven hours of challenging effort. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13: Dzongla to Labuche and Gorak Shep (16,175-17,000 feet). We descend past lush alpine pastures and temporary summer villages. In summer, villagers from lower altitudes bring their stock here to graze as well as cultivate several crops nearby. Soon we turn north to Lobuche (16,175 feet) and Gorak Shep (17,000 feet) three miles further. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 14: From Gorak Shep it's all uphill to the summit of Kala Pattar ("Black Rock" at 18,450 feet). Views from Kala Pattar include Everest Base Camp and Mount Everest, with a clear close view of the Ice Fall and the South Col. Black Rock is actually a spur of Pumori, a beautiful peak whose Tibetan name means "Daughter Peak." Afterwards, you continue across the glacier for more inspiring views at Everest Base Camp before returning to Gorak Shep to spend the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 15: Gorak Shep to Dingboche. Downhill hiking under majestic Tawoche (21,462 feet) to the beautiful stone village of Dingboche (14,250 feet) where we will lodge for the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Days 16-17: Chhukhung (15,535 feet). The trail travels east today. We cross numerous streams flowing from the Nuptse and Lhotse Glaciers to a number of yersa at Chhukhing. Here we gaze on the east face of Ama Dablam (21,964 feet). This hike is a gentle uphill grade and should require less than three hours. We can amble to some of the smaller peaks for close-up views of the limestone bands on the Lhotse-Nuptse Wall, Baruntse and Island Peak. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 18: Chhukhung to Pangboche (12,800 feet).
We make a long but moderate five to six hour descent to Pangboche, the highest year-round settlement in the Imja Khola Valley. Above the main village is the gompa, built some 300 years ago as Buddhism was introduced into the Khumbu. According to legend, the large black juniper trees that surround the monastery sprouted from the hairs of an old lama who tore out his hair and cast it around the gompa. Years ago, you could see relics of the Yeti or abominable snowman. A scalp and hand were kept in the gompa until they were abruptly stolen. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 19: Pangboche to Thangboche (12,670 feet) and Namche (11,300 feet). Our hiking starts with a two–hour hike and a short–but–steep climb bringing us to Thangboche (12,670 feet). The prominent monastery is the spiritual center of the Everest region and enjoys stunning panoramas of the Himalayas. The main gompa burned in January 1989, but was beautifully reconstructed. We continue hiking about five more hours to Namche, where we are grateful for a comfortable guest house. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Days 20-21: Namche to Lukla. We return to familiar territory as we head "down the hill" to the airport in two easy days or one long day of hiking. Don't forget there is one last steep climb up the hill into Lukla. Later that day, we'll enjoy a fond farewell dinner accompanied by our Sherpa staff. After dinner, it's time to prepare ourselves and our baggage for tomorrow's early morning flight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 22: Lukla to Kathmandu. Due to the unpredictable nature of mountain weather, it is possible that our flight will not depart on schedule, but with luck, we will arrive in Kathmandu before noon and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is designed for showers, leisure and independent activities. Lunch and dinner is on your own today and there are many choices to excite the taste buds. Some of the favorite restaurant choices include Nepali Kitchen (Nepalese Food), Third Eye Restaurant (Indian Food), The Yak (snacks and Tibetan food) and KC's (Traveler's western favorites) and the Pumpernickel Bakery. (Breakfast)
Day 23: Free day in Kathmandu today. Nepal's capital is a delight to the senses, the imagination and the heart. For centuries Kathmandu was forbidden to outsiders. Since it was opened to the world in the early 1950s, it has been one of the most eagerly sought travel destinations. If there is free time you might walk to Durbar Square on your own and bargain for a rickshaw ride back to the guest house. Lunch is on your own and our group dinner is at a neighborhood Tibetan restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner).
Day 24: Depart Kathmandu. We have an early Breakfast and transfer to the airport for our departure. Other options include remaining in Kathmandu for more sightseeing, exploring the Taj Mahal in nearby India or a visit Chitwan National Park for an exciting jungle safari. (Breakfast)
Post Trip: Usually a two–day return for Americans due to a forced stop–over in Delhi, Bangkok, Hong Kong or Singapore crossing the international date line — then arrive home about midday. A dreamy day filled with wonderful memories — vignettes of new faces, places and friends you'll never forget!
Important Note: This is meant only as a general guide to the schedule of our days. Changes can be made as we go along, based on local conditions, acclimatization, health and fitness levels, etc. Ascents and descents listed in this itinerary are approximate totals of daily ups and downs. The exact amount will vary considerably and is impossible to measure accurately. The times and elevations given here are rounded off. Please bear in mind that this is a long and strenuous trek.
Travel Details: If you are making your own arrangements, note that you must arrive in Kathmandu no later than October 2, 2010 and that you should not depart earlier than October 25, 2010. Ask us about accommodation should you have an overnight stopover. You are welcome to travel early or stay for extra days at the end. We can arrange additional nights at any of our hotels or guest houses for you (with comfortable deluxe rooms with attached bathrooms, telephones, room service, laundry service, a free safety deposit box and ample luggage storage). There is internet access at the guest house.
Safe airport pickup for early arrivals is available at a low cost.
Please see our Policy section for complete information on our trip cancellations policies. Payment for additional services may be required at the time the service is received. Please refer to the booking information section of our application form for more information.
Ultimate Everest Nepal Trek • Administrative Details: | |
(+) Land Cost (land cost as itinerary has described): |
$2460USD |
(+) In-Trip Airfare Estimate (air during itinerary program): |
+ $240USD |
(=) Total Program Cost (Land & In-Trip Air costs combined): |
= $2700USD |
Trip Deposit (submit with application): | $250USD |
Single Supplement (optional single accommodation): |
$280USD (optional) |
Maximum Group Size: |
Eight Participants |
Other Cost & Need Considerations: |
Passport, Visa(s), Physicians Visit, Emergency Medical & Evacuation Insurance, Travel to/from Kathmandu, Meals Beyond Above Itinerary, Beverages, Spending/Personal Money. |
Trip Activity–Level: |
Strenuous: Usually involves high-altitude hiking along rugged trails and crossing passes as high as 18,000 feet. Weather can be variable and snowfields may be encountered. Daily hiking is extensive — sometimes for as much as eight or nine hours. This trip is long in overall duration and are designed for experienced hikers who want to be challenged. No technical climbing skills are needed and days for rest are appropriately included, but overall this trip is arduous and meant for hearty hikers. |
Registration Deadline: |
August 2, 2010 ($100USD late fee thereafter) |
The Ultimate Everest Trek Printable Itinerary: |
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Trip Application: |
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Need More Information? Email Us, we're nice: |
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