Our Itinerary for the Trek!

Full Itinerary for the Trek...after a leisurely day exploring Kathmandu and sorting kit out etc. 

Day 1 Fly Lukla (2800m). Trek to Ghat (2530m). Walk approx 2 hours

We transfer to the airport for the 45 minute flight to the STOL airstrip at Lukla.  This was the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friends to service the Everest Region when he began his work of building schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people.  It is a memorable flight, with marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya.  At Lukla we are immediately impressed by the scale of the huge peaks that surround the village but this is only a foretaste of what is to come.  Our crew assemble and we head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks.  The vroad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buch-wheat and passes through small villages, as we pass rows of tree dahlia to make our way to the first overnight stop at our private permanent campsite at Ghat. (pictured below - Lukla Airport - the 8th most dangerous airport in the world...just check out that DROP!!!)

Day 2 To Monjo (2850m). Walk approx 4-5 hours

Today we cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named "Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river) because of its colour.  Sections of todays walk are through pine forest and cleared areas reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops.  We pass small groups of donkeys, yaks and dzopko carrying trading goods and trekgear along the trail.  (pictured below the Dudh Kosi river)

A dzopko (pictured below) is a yak-cow crossbreed while a yak is a full-blood long haired male, more commonly found at higher altitudes. Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree-line as they rise above the deep river valley. Shortly after leaving camp we cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary stream to the Dudh Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kangru(6369 m) can be seen to the East, at the head of the valley. Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-West, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde Ri (6093 m) rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises majestically, seemingly from the river floor.

We will see our first Mani walls today. These stone structures are a compilation of many stone tablets, each with the inscription “Om Mani Padme Hum” which translates to “Hail to the jewel in the lotus”, and is mantra (chant) venerated by Buddhists and Brahmans alike.  Buddhists will walk to the left of these Mani Walls and chortens, but you may notice that people of the lowlands who have no knowledge of Buddhism do not follow this practice.

The allure of the mountains is hard to resist, but we must be patient as it is very hard important to acclimatise slowly and thereby fully appreciate our time at higher altitude.  Today's walk is not a long one, and you will be eager to press on.  Slow down and enjoy the journey.  Overnight at our private permanent camp site above Monjo. 

Day 3 To Namche (3440m). Walk approx 3-4 hours

This morning we pass through the gates of the Sagamartha National Park.  The establishment of this national park is a very significant attempt to stem the use of fire-wood in the area and the few local people who have a permit to cut wood must gain approval from the authorities on the basis of it being primarily for personal use.  We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi, and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa 'capital' of Nepal.  It is a tough clmb as the trail passes through forest of pine, to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. 

 

Whilst looking for pictures of this region I came across this amazing picture.  The guy whos picture this is has some amazing pics on his site, which I totally recommend you check out! 

The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche, and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader’s stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Our accommodation will be at a delightful Sherpa Hotel above Namche village.

Day 4 Rest day Namche Bazaar

Sagarmartha National Park Headquarters just above our Sherpa hotel offers a very interesting display of photographs, memorabilia and information on the park, and the hill above is a wonderful vantage point for the spectacular view up the Imja Khola Valley towards Everest. The change from the narrow lowland valleys to the broad glacial ones is immediately obvious. The steep-sided glacial valley before us gradually winds towards the base of Everest, broken only by the moraines left by retreating glaciers. Its more gradual rate of climb is a blessing for those trekking higher. Towering to over 4000 metres above the valley floor, spectacular peaks seem to engulf us. Around us are Taweche (6542 m), Thamserku (6808 m), Kantega (6685 m), Ama Dablam (6856 m), Nuptse (7896 m) and Lhotse (8511 m). The greatest of all, Mt Everest (8848 m), rises at the head of the valley. 

The Sherpa Cultural Centre next to our hotel has an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs. Those who are fit and acclimatising well may wish to take the optional walk to the Everest View Hotel (4-5hrs) where spectacular views of Everest and Ama Dablam may be seen.  For those feeling well acclimatised there is also the option of a day walk to the pretty village of Khumjung. Khumjung is where Sir Edmund Hillary built his “Schoolhouse In the Clouds” and the famed Khunde hospital is close by. World Expeditions supports both of these famous community facilities, as well as the many other projects operated by the Himalayan Trust. There will generally be the opportunity for you to visit the hospital and school. We will also be able to visit the monastery at Khumjung where we may have the opportunity to see the “scalp of a yeti” (pictured below).  Overnight lodge.

 

Day 5 To Deboche (3770m) via Thyangboche. Walk approx 6-7 hours

 

The walk to Deboche is one of the most spectacular trekking days in Nepal. The trail meanders easily around the ridges and Everest can be clearly seen on the horizon ahead before we descend through splendid rhododendron forests for lunch. After lunch we cross the Dudh Kosi and begin the ascent to the top of a long ridge which flows from the summit of Kantega. Our trail takes us through pine and rhododendron forest, and, as this is a devout Buddhist region, the wildlife is unharmed and not too shy. As a result there is a possibility that we may see Himalayan Thar, Musked Deer or pheasants in the forest and around our campsite.

As we approach the ridgeline we pass through a traditional gateway and around a chorten before cresting the ridge onto a wide grassy meadow at the monastery village of Thyangboche. The monastery was re-built with the assistance of Sir Edmund Hillary after it was destroyed by fire in 1989. The views of the Everest massif, as well as all the other major peaks of the area are astounding. After a rest and visit to the monastery we head downhill to our private permanent campsite at Deboche.

Day 6 To Dingboche (4360m), walk approx. 6-7 hours

This morning we begin a steady ascent. The stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Kantega, Thamserku, Ama Dablam and Nuptse are spectacular throughout our walk today. We head down to cross the Imja Khola before an easy climb along a wide, open trail to the small village of Pangboche (4000m).  We may take a slight detour to visit the Pangboche Gompa - the oldest monastary (around 300 years old) in the Khumbu Region. We cross the river again and then gradually trek up to Dingboche, situated just beneath the impressive Ama Dablam. Overnight private permanent camp.

Day 7 Rest day in Dingboche

An important acclimatisation/rest day today with the option of hiking high up to the ridge overlooking the village, or perhaps up to Chukung Village. Excellent views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Chukung Peak and Imja Tse (6189m) are had from both in the valley or from the ridge above the camp. Massive glaciers drape beneath cliffs that soar up to 3,500 metres in this dramatic valley. Overnight private permanent camp.

Day 8 To Lobuche (4930m). Walk approx 6 hours

We are gaining altitude and it is important that we move at a slow, steady pace. The slopes are quite barren now as we move above the tree line. Views of different peaks, such as Cholatse and Lobuche, unfold before us in this contrasting and spectacular landscape. We move up the Dhugla Ridge and onto moraine towards the Khumbu Glacier. Rock cairns can be seen, many of which are dedicated to the memory of climbers attempting the high mountains of the area, including Everest.  The temperatures drop here as we are more exposed amongst this glacial moraine. We enjoy spectacular views all day today of Pumori and Nuptse. The hill above the town affords fine sunset views of Nuptse. Overnight eco lodge. (pictured below - the moon over Nuptse, taken from Lobuche)

Day 9 To Gorak Shep (5288m) and Kala Pattar (5545m). Walk approx 5 hours

 

We trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier as the path winds over the rocky moraine towards the settlement of Gorak Shep. We are high, among the glaciers of the world’s highest peaks. At the junction of two large glaciers and nestled in an amphitheatre of peaks, this campsite is spectacular.  Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m) surround our camp. Following our arrival at Gorak Shep we have an early lunch before ascending Kala Pattar. Kala Pattar is not a Nepali name but a Hindi name and translates to “black rock”. From these black rocks atop the hill the views are spectacular. Most eyes are locked on the mass of Everest and its rocky buttresses immediately before us. Many of the famous ascent routes are quite clear. Below us the Khumbu Glacier snakes towards the icefall and Western Cwm. We can see the area where expeditions set their base camp but the original site was at Lake Camp, now known as Gorak Shep. Take a look in every direction and soak it in. The view south and our route out, is particularly beautiful. The air is clear and the sun is strong but as the sun sets it becomes very cold. Sunsets here can be stunning.  Overnight eco lodge.

Day 10 To Base Camp (5360 m). Walk approx 7 hours

An early start, and the extra day of acclimatisation we have had by staying here will be invaluable on the walk to Base Camp. Although it has undoubtedly been a cold night we have time to comfortably ascend to the historic site and enjoy it to the fullest. Return to Gorak Shep. Overnight eco lodge.

Day 11 To Dingboche (4330m). Walk approx 6 hours

Descending alongside the glacier we reach the snout of the glacier and drop steeply onto the old moraine. We reach the site of a row of cairns to Sherpa climbers who died on Everest, before we continue to the small settlement at Tugla. Our path on an old lateral moraine takes us to the sheltered village of Dingboche and our permanent camp. To the east at the head of the Imja Khola valley sits the pyramid peak of Imja Tse (6189 m). This afternoon we can walk up the ridge behind Dingboche for sunset views of Nuptse, Lhotse and Chhukung Peak (see picture below).

Day 12 To Deboche (3770m). Walk approx 3-4 hours

There can be a tendency now to rush, particularly as we are walking downhill, but there is still much to see.  We descend to Pangboche and visit its historic old monastery, thought to be the oldest in Khumbu.  Continue on to our private permanent camp at Deboche for the night. 

Day 13 To Monjo (2850m), walk approx. 7-8 hours

If the weather is clear, the mountain views from Thyangboche monastery as we pass through are outstanding - Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are at the head of the valley, their line of sight flanked by Taweche on one side and Ama Dablam on the other. Almost directly above us are Kantega and Thamserku. Completing a 360 degree panorama of mountains are Khumblia and Kongde Ri which encircle us from across the valley. It is a full day’s walk down to Monjo, and as we near the villages we pass through terraced fields that are home to a brightly colored pheasant, the Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. We stop for lunch at Namche before continuing our decent to Monjo.  Although we are re-tracing our steps of a few weeks ago the descent offers a different perspective and is no less stunning than our first days spent trekking up the valley. In spring the rhododendrons and magnolias add colour to the pretty villages.  Overnight private permanent camp at Monjo.

Day 14 To Lukla (2800m). Walk approx 6 hours

Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle climb to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunsets of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a good time to have a small party for all the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here. There is usually lots of music, dancing and singing and if we are lucky, one of the superb cakes that our Nepali chefs are renowned for.  Overnight lodge.

Day 15 To Kathmandu by air (1330m)

This morning we fly to Kathmandu, a thrilling flight over forests, fields and villages, with the Himalaya in the background. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 16 and 17 – And RELAX...well, kind of!!!

Days 16 and 17 have been modified from what they were originally supposed to be, so we decided that what better a way to end such an adventure as to go on a safari trip.  The Chitwan National Park offers the chance to get up close and personal with elephants, something which Alistair can’t wait to do!  Can you see it now, Alistair on the back of an elephant, heehee!  We also hope to see Bengal Tigers, rhino’s, monkeys, Mongoose and lots more.   

I’m sure everyone will agree that this is the perfect end to such a wonderful adventure!