Day
1:
Arrival in Kathmandu -
(opt for the flight landing in Kathmandu before noon) –
Transfer to Kathmandu Guest House (centrally located,
mid-range hotel next to Himalayan Encounters’ office).
Day
2:
Fly to Lukla (2,820m/45mins) & Trek to Phakding (O/nt
Altitude 2,610m/4hrs approx.) An early morning stunning
flight to the gateway to the region of the legendary
Sherpas. Start trekking north towards Phakding -
meandering trails lined with stoned walls.O/nt teahouse
Day
3:
To Namche Bazaar (O/nt Altitude 3,440m/ 6hrs approx.)
Following the torrent of the Dudh Koshi, the trail climbs
north through forests of rhododendron, magnolia and giant
firs, to the village of Jorsalle for lunch, before
ascending to Namche Bazaar, the largest village often
called the ‘Sherpa Capital' of Khumbu.O/nt teahouse.
Day
4:
In Namche Bazaar Today is for acclimatisation to the high
altitude; adjust by exploring the local markets, mingle
with the people, walk up to the Everest view point,
breathing deeply and happily lazing around in sunshine.O/nt
teahouse.
Day
5:
To Tengboche (O/nt Altitude 3,860m/5hrs approx.) The
trail now forks northeast along a tributary valley
with the mountain views opening up to become very
dramatic as the steep climb approaches the holy ground
of Tengboche. Monastery, yak pasture and world’s
highest sacred institution combined! Amazing
views, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Everest. O/nt
teahouse.
Day
6:
To Dingboche (O/nt Altitude 4,360m/5hrs approx.) Trekking
past the Gompa, which holds the famous Yeti scalp, at
Pangboche, are the summer yak pastures and here lies no
doubt as to the Spartan lives of Sherpas. Beyond this, it
is as well to understand that overnight sleeping
facilities can reflect the harshness of our surroundings.
Much of the walking in this area is of comparatively
gentle gradient, although a leisurely pace is anyway
recommended due to the high altitude. O/nt teahouse,
Day
7:
In Dingboche A second acclimatisation day, with optional
hikes to Nagajun Hill (approx. 5,050m) or Chukung village
(5 hrs approx to & fro), with fine views of Ama Dablam,
Makalu and other peaks, interspersed with lakes and
glaciers. O/nt teahouse
Day
8:
To Lobuche (O/nt Altitude 4,930m/5hrs approx.)
Ascending at a sensible pace, traversing ice
covered torrents, to Lobuche where stone houses
sit amongst a frozen wilderness of stunning beauty
and where exists a thrilling sense of closeness to
our ultimate goal. O/nt teahouse.
Day
9:
To Everest Base Camp (5,367m) & returning to Gorakshep (O/nt
Altitude 5,160m/9hrs approx.) The goal that is Base Camp
is a demanding day. Here the Sirdar’s duty is to have us
safely navigate the Khumbu Glacier so as to have Khumbu’s
infamous icefall impose itself, leaving only the awesome,
humbling South Face beyond. O/nt teahouse.
Day
10:
To Kala Patthar (5,545m) & Pheriche (O/nt Altitude 4,240m/6hrs
approx.) The best vantage point for viewing Everest and the
surrounding peaks at sunrise; as if not just Everest but the entire
world is breathtaking. Then descend to the flat and sandy expanse of
Gorakshep, and on down to Pheriche. O/nt teahouse.
Day
11:
To Tengboche (O/nt Altitude 3,860m/4hrs approx.)
And so down to Tengboche. The trail descends gently,
crossing the Dudh Koshi torrent that higher up had
been the glacier of Khumbu, then, leaving behind
alpine meadows, the trail descends to Tengboche for
the night. O/nt teahouse.
Day
12:
To Monjo (O/nt Altitude 2,700m/6hrs approx.) Retracing the
now familiar route via Namche Bazaar to the less harsh
climes of Monjo. O/nt teahouse.
Day
13:
To Lukla (O/nt Altitude 2,820m/4-5hrs approx.) The trail
followed is almost easy, up and down through scrub forests
and a final steep ascent leading to a Tamang village and
so to Lukla, where the time to relax in Sherpa ambience is
abundant. O/nt teahouse.
Day
14:
To Kathmandu (O/nt Altitude 1,400m/45mins approx.) Short,
spectacular flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival, transfer
to hotel. O/nt Kathmandu Guest House.
