Itinerary

Day 1:     Arrive in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. Relax in afternoon. Evening meal to try the local fare and to get acquainted with the group. Evening: A get together for drinks and briefing about the next morning's departure is given, which will be followed by dinner.

Day 2 :     Fly to Lukla (2,840m) for a spectacular view of the Himalayas.
We trek through mountain villages, which are home to the Sherpas and people of various ethnic backgrounds. Phakding. Overnight lodge. 2650m.3 hours trek

Day 3 :     Trek to Namche Bazaar (3441m)
We will continue towards the north following the path of the Dudh Kosi River and on to Monjo and Jorsale from where we will enter Mt. Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. It is a short walk to the confluence of two rivers, the Imja Drangpa (Imja Khola) and the Nangpo Tsangpo (Bhote Kosi), which is followed by a steep climb (around 2 hrs) to Namche Bazaar, the main village in the Khumbu. Half way up the hill, if the weather is clear we can get our first view of Mt. Everest and Lhotse. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa village and an important trading centre with a Saturday market. Fresh foodstuffs are brought up from lower villages by Sherpas. (5 hours walking) Overnight lodging.

Day 4 :     This will be the first of our acclimatisation and exploration days.
We will visit the Sherpa Cultural Centre and the National Park headquarters. The views of Ama Dablam (6856m), Kwangde (6011m), Tawache (6501m), Thamserku (6608m) and Kangtega (6779m) from here are fantastic.

Day 5 :     Trek to Pangboche via the famous Thyangboche Monastery (3790m) along with overnight lodging
We have designed the next couple of days to lose the crowds by passing the often popular and crowded Tengboche monastery and hiking an extra 90 minutes to Pangboche where very few trekkers stop for the night. We will ascend out of the village and follow a high-level path above the Dudh Kosi River enjoying the spectacular mountain views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse as we move on. We will pass through various shops set up by Tibetans selling trinkets and then descend through forests of blue pine to cross the Dudh Kosi again at Phunki Tenga (3250m). Sometimes, the track becomes quite dusty by yak trains. We will reach the spectacularly sited Thyangboche Monastery (3867m) from where we can see the spectacular views of Everest (8850m), Lhotse (8501m), Nuptse (7861m), Ama Dablam (6856m) and Taboche to the north and the northeast, Thamserku (6608m) and Kantega (6779m) to the southeast and Kwangde (6011m) to the southwest. Thyangboche Monastery was seriously damaged by fire in 1989. However, it has been rebuilt and there will be time to visit both the monastery and the museum. We will stay below the monastery at Deboche which is 6 hours walk away.

Day 6 :     DAY EXCURSION TO AMA DABLAM BASE CAMP (4,576m) 6-7 hrs approx.
Ama Dablam (6,856m) is one of the most loved and admired mountains in Khumbu. After crossing the Imja Drangka river, followed by a gradual ascent to Lhabarma you are suddenly standing right in front of the mountain ridge. You can walk to its foothill and absorb the enormity of the mountain. Ama Dablam Base Camp sits at 4,576m on an open yak pasture beneath the west face, with the summit some 2,300m almost straight up above. Base Camp affords particularly fine views of Kan Tega (6,783m), Thamserku (6,618m) and Tawache (6,542m). We will proceed further up on a ridge up to 5000m - perfect for acclimatisation. This itinerary not only allows you to see one of the most beautiful and off-the-beaten-path parts of the region but also helps a lodge in Pangboche to make some income as very few trekkers stop overnight here. Overnight Pangboche.

Day 7:     Trek to Dingboche (4320m) along with Overnight lodge
We are now well above the treeline and our walking today brings us to Dusa from where we descend to a stream at 4580m. Immediately above we reach the teahouse of Dughla and continue to a ridge, which has several memorials of Sherpas and other climbers who died on expeditions to Everest. We will continue along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, with views of Kalar Kala and Pumori to reach Lobuche at 4930m. About 5-6hours of walk.

Day 8 :     Trek to Lobuche (4900m) Overnight lodge
We are now well above the treeline and our walking today brings us to Dusa from where we descend to a stream at 4580m. Immediately, above we reach the teahouse of Dughla and continue to a ridge, which has several memorials of Sherpas and other climbers who died on the expeditions to Everest. We will continue along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, with views of Kalar Pattar and Pumori to reach Lobuche at 4930m. About 5-6hours of walk.

Day 9 :     Trek to Everest Base Camp and overnight lodging at Gorakshep (5120m)
At first the trail is fairly level but then starts to ascend and descend across moraine to reach Gorak Shep at 5120m. Contouring along the valley side, the trail leads to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and becomes quite vague, weaving between mounds of rubble. After about 3 hours from Gorak Shep, we will eventually reach Base Camp near the foot of Khumbu icefall. For those visiting Base Camp in the spring, it is a chance to meet teams making an ascent of the mountain. Base Camp is actually spread over quite a wide area and we will spend some time wandering through it and getting a sense of what it must be like to be camped here for two whole months, whilst attempting the mountain. To go any further than Base Camp, you need to be a mountaineer. You will have packed lunch, which you can enjoy before we make the return trek to Gorak Shep.

Day 10 :     Trek to Kalapathar and head back toward Lobuche or Pheriche with overnight lodging
From Gorak Shep its a steep uphill climb, sometimes over rock slabs, to the top of KalaPathar at 5545m. The views from the summit are outstanding, with Everest (8850m) directly to the east, together with Lhotse 8501m Nuptse 7864, Pumori 7145 Changtse 7553m from close range. We will return by the same route- a long path but a rewarding walk. (9 hours walk)

Day 11 :     Trek Kyangjuma or Namche Bazaar (Overnight lodging)
We will return down the Khumbu Valley, stopping in Dugla for break. With views of the stunning peak of Ama Dablam ahead of us, we will continue along the flat valley of Pheriche. Following the main Everest trail down the beautifully scenic valley, we will pass through Pangboche and re-cross the river before climbing to the monastery at Thyangboche. A steep descent of around 1500ft/500m leading towards bird filled rhododendron bushes and fir trees to the Dudh Kosi River. From here, we will continue to Kyangjuma (3,550m/11,545ft) or Namche Bazaar to spend the night.

Day 12 :     Trek to Phakding or Monjo. Overnight Lodge

Day 13 :     Trek to Lukla. Last night party with the lads!
Overnight Lodge

Day 14 :     Fly Back to Kathmandu

Day 15 :     Free day in Kathmandu
Morning: Walking tour of Ason (an old spice market), walking through old busy streets of the capital, seeing the old Durbar Square (Palace). After the walking tour, we will head for Kilroy's restaurant for lunch. Then, you are free for rest of the afternoon.

Day 16 :     International Departure

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