Everest Base Camp and Kalar Patar Adventure Trekking Tour in Nepal

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Nepal

Everest Base Camp

Trekking

(19 Days)

There is no greater mountain than Everest, the world’s highest peak at 29,028ft/ 8848m. This special trip is to Everest Base Camp, the foot of the mighty Everest summit. After exploring Kathmandu, we fly to Lukla where we begin a 14-day trek through Sherpa country. We hike along cultivated fields and through small villages, through the Khumbu Valley, savouring the high mountain views from our selected campsites. We follow the Dudh Kosi before the hard work begins as we climb up to Namche Bazaar. There are rest days at the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar and Dingboche village, set below the spectacular peak of Ama Dablam to help adjust to the altitude. Once we reach Loboche, the temperatures will have dropped and we’ll be walking amongst icy rivers in a winter wonderland. From here, it’s the stretch to Base Camp and lastly the final highlight, Kalar Patar (18,300 ft/ 5545m) with intoxicating views of Everest and the Khumbu Glacier cascading below. This trek is designed to fulfill the dream of many trekkers to experience the historic route to the base of the world’s highest mountain.

*The October 18, 2010 departure is a festival date and is based around the the colourful and noisy Mani Rimdu Festival, a religious ceremony performed by the monks of The Chiwong and Tengboche monasteries. Sherpas trek for many days to witness this important event.

Trip Highlights

Trekking through the snow Peaked Himalayas
Reaching Everest Base Camp
Cultural Encounters with the Villagers

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

After clearing Nepalese immigrations a BikeHike Adventures representative will be awaiting you and will transfer you to a comfortable hotel in Thamel, an area of the city close to the Royal Narayanhity Palace. The afternoon is free to explore the streets of bustling Kathmandu. Thamel is one of the best areas of Kathmandu for shopping and has many great restaurants and pubs.

Day 2: Kathmandu (Sightseeing)

After a leisurely breakfast to help alleviate any jetlag we set off to visit 3 heritage sites in Kathmandu. First we drive to the big stupa of Boudhanath, one of the religious sites primarily for Buddhists. Next is Pashupatinath, the famous Hindu temple, also known as the temple of Vishnu. If we’re lucky we may see a Hindu cremation or religious ceremony. The last site is the ancient palace of Durbar Square, a world the UNESCO heritage site. Kathmandu valley has 3 cities that include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square. We end with a walk back to our hotel through the old narrow streets with lots of local markets and shops. In the evening, we have a group briefing in preparation for our Everest Base Camp Trek. (B)

Day 3: Everest Base Camp - Lukla (Trekking)

We wake at the crack of dawn and transfer to the local airport to catch a Twin Otter flight to Lukla (9,200 ft'). Our trekking crew will be awaiting for us here and will transfer us to the start point of our trek. After final preparations, the adventure begins. We set off on foot past Chaurikharka village, and descending towards the Dudhkosi Ghat (8450 ft/2,530 meters). We follow the right bank of the Dudhkosi River right to our first camp at Phakding. This first day is short for acclimatization reasons. Trekking time is approximately 4 hours. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Everest Base Camp - Namche Bazaar (Trekking)

Our Sherpas wake us at 6am, with a tap on our tents. We have a few minutes to wake-up before gathering in the dining tent for a hearty hot-cooked breakfast. Afterwards we depart our campsite and follow the river, crisscrossing back and forth over wooden bridges at Benkar (8950 ft./2,713 meters), Jorsale (9253 ft./2,804 meters) and two Hillary bridges at the confluence off the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi Rivers. We’ll stop for lunch near the confluence. After lunch, it is an uphill grudge over a 1000 ft./304 meters stretch towards Namche Bazaar, a village of Sherpa settlements. Namche Bazaar is the main trading hub for the Sherpa people. Every Saturday villagers come from the lowlands and also from Tibet, a 3-5 day walk, to sell their goods. With the Tibetans, come their herds of yaks, its quite the amazing site. There’s a park check post here with a few shops, a health clinic, banks, and telephone services. Walking distance is approximately 6 to 7 hours. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Everest Base Camp - Namche Bazaar (Trekking)

The sounds of temple horns and yak bells awaken us this morning. As we crawl out of our tents to a brilliant sunrise we’re surrounded by snowy mountain over 20,000’ high -Kwangde (20,930'), Thamserku (21,856'), and Kangtega (22,240'). Today is a layover day for relaxation and acclimatization. There’s time to relax and wander around the shops and Sherpa houses today, observing Sherpa culture and their lifestyles in this beautiful valley surrounded by craggy hills and majestic snow-capped peaks. At some point we’ll venture out for a gentle day hike to the Everest View Hotel (12,400 ft/3750 meters) to acclimate and get some stunning views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam (22,943’) and Mount Everest (29,028’). Overnight camping in Namche Bazaar. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Everest Base Camp - Tengboche (Trekking)

Today we descend gradually towards the Phunki Tenga Bridge on The Dudh Kosi River. Our lunch stop will be near the Stupas and some teahouses. The trail now is quite steep except for the last few miles before reaching Tengboche Monastery. A visit to the Monastery and calling on the Head Lama (priest) if possible is worthwhile. From here, Everest is visible flanked by Lhotse and Nuptse. Beautiful snow-capped Tawoche on the West and Ama Dablam on the East appear so close. Trekking distance is approximately 6 hours. Overnight camping in Tengboche, with magnificent views of Mt. Everest. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Everest Base Camp - Dingboche (Trekking)

Today we have 5 - 6.5 hours of spectacular trekking to Dingboche. We'll pass through a forest, abundant with moss-covered rhododendron trees. In the spring these trees bloom with brilliant red and white flowers. Dingoche has one of the oldest nunneries in the Khumbu region, located within the forest. We'll pass through the villages of Debouche, lower Pangboche, and Somare, located at 13,200 ft/4000 meters. The views the whole way are dramatically beautiful, with crisp blues skies, razor Edge Mountains buried in snow and colorful prayer flags, flapping in the wind. We'll gain approximately 1650 ft/500 meters of altitude today. Finally we reach our campsite at Dingboche located at approximately at 14,550 ft/4410 meters. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Everest Base Camp - Dingboche (optional Trekking)

Today is designed as an acclimatization day, but with so many day hikes possible, you may find it tough to sit still. One favourite option is to hike to Nagarjung Danda at the elevation of 16,830 ft/5100 meters. The goal of this rest day is to help acclimate to hike high by day, but sleep low by night. It’s a great day for sleeping in, washing, photography, journaling and simply absorbing the awesome scenery. Our campsite is located on the lap of Mt. Amadablam, with amazing views of Mt. Tawoche, Mt. Cho La Tse and Island Peak. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Everest Base Camp - Lobuche (Trekking)

Today we ascend gently through alpine scrub and yak pastures to Thugla (15,156' ft/4590 meters) surrounded by many of the incredible snowy peaks of Mt. Amadablam, Cho La Tse and Tawoche. Our primary elevation gain is on the Thugla pass, where we reach the Summiteers memorial. The trail drops a bit and follows the eastern and then western side of the valley to Lobuche, a summer village that boasts several well-stocked hotels. We hike above the Pheriche valley towards the village of Thugla, and then over the Thugla Pass to our next campsite Lobuche. Trekking approximately 6 - 8 hours. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Everest Base Camp - Gorekshep (Trekking)

Enjoy a relaxing morning before a 3-hour trek up to Gorekshep (17,100’). This tiny “village” consists of a couple of small stone huts residing in the shadow of Kalapathar Ri (18,190’). We arrive approximately 11:30am. The walk from Lobuche to Gorekshep is approximately 2.5 hours. We'll trek over the Lobuche pass to the glacier rock beds of Gorekshep, which come from the Ghangri Nup Glacier. From the start of this glacier bed, we have breathtaking views of Mt. Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse and Nupste. After we reach Gorekshep, we have lunch and leap towards Everest Base Camp. The walk from Gorekshep to the Base Camp is approximately 2.5 hours one-way. This could be a long day for some, but a very rewarding one. The total hike today can range from 7 – 8.5 hours depending on our pace. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Everest Base Camp - Lobuche or Thugla (Trekking)

Today we will hike up to the Kalapathar, with a spectacular view of Mt. Everest. We set out very early this morning. We'll gear up with flashlights, water, and warm clothing. The round trip journey from Gorekshep – Kalapathar – Gorekshep can be between 3.5 hrs – 4.5 hrs. We should make it back to camp by 9am, just in time for a hot breakfast after this exhausting walk to the Kalapathar. After breakfast and repacking our gear, we will head down towards Thugla or Lobuche. The remaining day is to descend as much as possible, and if the group is feeling energetic, it is a good idea to camp in Thugla. The walk from Gorekshep to Lobuche is about 2 hours, the extra walk from Lobuche – Thugla is approximately 2 hrs. Trek to Lobuche or Thugla: 2 hours – 4.5hours; trekking to Kalapathar, Overnight at Lobuche or Thugla: 8 hours. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Everest Base Camp – Upper Pangboche (Trekking)

Today we trace our route back to valley of Pheriche, meandering towards Somare and Upper Pangboche. Since we're descending, it’s a relatively short day. After crossing through the village of Somare, the trail winds to upper and lower Pangboche. We'll divert to upper Pangboche, an old settlement of the Sherpa people in the Khumbu region. There is a 400 year old monastery in this village, and also it’s where we'll make camp for the night. This old monastery is where Lama Sangye Dorji meditated for many years. The Sherpa people believe that yeti used to run errands for this famous saint. We'll have a spectacular view of the face of Mt. Amadablam, and a sneak peak of Mt. Tawoche from our campsite. Total trekking between 4 - 5+ hours. Today could be a lunch and a camp day, if the energy level of group is great. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Everest Base Camp – Phortse Tenga (Trekking)

Today we hike from Upper Pangboche to Phortse Tenga. The riverbank of Phortse Tenga is a lush and fragrant evergreen forest. We'll hike high up into the hills from Upper Pangboche to Phortse and be rewarded with great views of the Imja River below. The trail is fairly easy, mostly a descent down the mountain with some uphill stretches. First we approach the village of Phortse, and then 30 minutes later, make it to Phortse Tenga. This day could also shorten, with lunch and an overnight camp location in Phortse Tenga. If we decide to break for lunch, then we rest for 2 hours for lunch, and then hike down to Phortse Tenga at our camp. Total trekking between 4 – 5.5 hours. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Everest Base Camp - Namche Bazaar (Trekking)

Today we walk from Phortse Tenga to Namche Bazaar. The first half of the walk is primarily uphill up to Mong La. We start at 11,880 ft/3600 meters at Phortse Tenga and climb to approximately 12,540 ft/ 3800 meters in Mong La. Here we again descend and then gently trek up to village of Khumjung. We will hike up to Khumjung, the famous village for its first school established by Sir. Edmund Hillary. If the monastery is open then we can see the only Yeti skull in the Khumbu region. From here the trek to Namche Bazaar is approximately 2 hours or less. Total trekking between 4 – 5.5 hours. (B,L,D)

Day 15: Everest Base Camp - Phakding (Trekking)

Today we start walking from Namche Bazaar to Phakding. You will be walking through the villages of Monjo, Chauma, Benkar, and Tok Tok. This is the second last day of the hike and you will enjoy retracing your footsteps back to Phakding. Total trekking between 4 – 5 hours. (B,L,D)

Day 16: Everest Base Camp - Lukla (Trekking)

Today depart Phakding and retrace our steps back to Lukla. We will be gaining approximately 660 ft/200 meters of elevation from Phakding to Lukla. Tonight we overnight in Lukla. Total trekking between 4 – 5 hours. (B,L,D)

Day 17: Lukla – Kathmandu

We have another very early morning transferring to the airport in Lukla to catch a flight back to Kathmandu. We’ll be met upon arrival and transferred to our hotel in Thamel for a well-deserved hot shower, clean clothes and a warm cozy bed. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and explore Kathmandu on your own. (B)

Note about flights: Our tours run during the best weather conditions of the year and there is an extra day at the end of the trek to allow for poor weather, sightseeing and shopping. Flights to and from Lukla are not always dependable. Weather conditions may cause flight delays or cancellations or even necessitate chartering a rescue helicopter for evacuation. Costs of any evacuation are in addition to any previously paid air/land costs and are not included; therefore we highly recommend the purchase of cancellation Insurance.

Day 18: Everest Base Camp – Lukla (Free Day)

This day is your own. Kathmandu Valley is fascinating, and there is much yet to see and explore. (B)

Day 19: Departure

You’ll be transferred to the international airport for your flight back home. (B)

Sept 29, 2010	-	Oct 17, 2010
Oct 18, 2010	-	Nov 6, 2010
Mar 19, 2011	-	Apr 6, 2011


Hotel	Camping
4 Nights	14 Nights