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The trekker who solicits the most donations for GFV (above $2,500) will receive the Golden Days of Nepal gift certificate as our thanks for their especially 'high altitude' endeavors for GFV
KALA PATTHAR PEAK & EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK
15 Nights / 16 Days
Introduction
A Khumbu region trek involves a tremendous amount of up-and-down walking. All the rivers in this part of Nepal flow south from Himalayan glaciers, but the trek route proceeds east. The trail climbs to a ridge that separates two rivers; descending nearly to the river itself, and ascends the next ridge. The trek begins at an elevation of 1860m; on the sixth day it crosses the Dudh Kosi at only 1500m. After a considerable uphill climbing we will reach our highest point at 5550m or . The Nepal Himalayas are best seen on this trek as one traces the main route through the Khumbu Region from the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. The trekkers get a close view of the world's greatest mountains: Everest and others.
The Everest Base Camp Trek takes one to the foothills of the mightiest of the mountains in the world. En route, traverse through rhododendron and pine forests, rivers, Sherpa villages and Buddhist Monasteries from temperate to snow line regions.
Day 1 (Oct 16): Arrival in Kathmandu. (1545m)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, meet Himalayan Holidays representative, transfer to Kathmandu Guest House, where there will be welcome refreshments followed by room check-in – assistance. Before dinner a short briefing about the trip will be given in the hotel garden.
Evening: Welcome dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant featuring cultural program.
Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House
Day 2 (Oct 17): Tour of Patan City and visit Global Family Village Bungmati House
After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Patan city, “City of fine arts” to see medieval art and architecture followed by a visit to Global Family Village Bungmati House.
Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House
Day 3 (Oct 18): Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu & trek to Phakding (2652m) - 3 hours
The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2880m) with snowline of the Himalayan Range in the north and the rugged landing in the Lukla airport is said to be one of the most spectacular flight in the world. After a short break, the trek starts by following the trial leading to the northwest direction, which ultimately descends to the river at Phakding (2652m). Trek duration: 3 hours.
Dinner and overnight at lodge in Phakding
Day 4 (Oct 19): Trek to Namche Bazaar (3447m) - 4~6 hours
The trek starts gently passing through small rural villages and past a monastery. In the afternoon we will trek through the Sagarmatha National Park to Jorsale. After crossing an interesting suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, the steep climb to Namche Bazaar begins, enjoying the first views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.
Dinner and overnight at lodge in Namche Bazaar
Day 5 (Oct 20): Rest day at Namche Bazaar (3447m)
Free day to rest and acclimatize in Namche Bazaar OR traverse to the nearby Sherpa villages of Khunde/Khumjung, Syangboche, etc., and return back to Namche.
Dinner and overnight at lodge in Namche Bazaar
Day 6 (Oct 21): Trek to Thyangboche (3863m) - 5~6 hours
Following a brief uphill stretch, the path levels out for two hours, with dramatic views of the “big three”. Down through the rhododendron forest to the Imja Khola River for a lunch stop at Phunki next to several water-driven prayer wheels. The afternoon will be spent climbing slowly to the Thyangboche Monastery, one of the most beautiful spots on earth. It is the traditional place where Everest expeditions receive their blessings as they walk in towards base camp.
Dinner and overnight at lodge in Namche Bazaar
Day 7 (Oct 22): Trek to Pheriche (4220m) - 5 hours
The day starts with a steep muddy descent through mixed woodland to the meadows of Devouche, across the river’s suspension bridge and on to the village of Thyangboche. Trekking along a trail cut out along a sheer rock cliff, to the upper Pangboche village followed by a steep climb to Khumbu Khola into the windswept valley of Pheriche for the night.
Dinner and overnight at lodge in Pheriche
Day 8 (Oct 23): Rest day in Pheriche for acclimatization
Acclimatization day before starting the major ascents. You are encouraged to walk for a couple of hours exploring around the area during the day to assist in acclimatizing.
Dinner and overnight at lodge in Pheriche
Day 9 (Oct 24): Trek to Lobouche (4931m) - 5~6 hours
An ill-defined track traverses the open landscape, with a short steep ascent cresting a ridge, taking in the beautiful view of Mt Cholatese to the west. Following an early lunch, a steep trek to the Sherpa memorial for those who have died during Everest expeditions. Follow the trail through the moonscape of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, to emerge at the Campsite at Lobouche.
Dinner and overnight at lodge in Lobuche
Day 10 (Oct 25): Trek to Kala Pattar and Gorak Shep (5160m) - 7~8 hours
Along the Khumbu Glacier, through jumbled moraine and scattered rocks. A steep climb takes you out on a ridge, from where Mt Everest can be seen on a clear day looming behind Nuptse. The small community of Gorak Shep is a short way down the ridge. After lunch, an arduous climb to Kala Pattar (5545m) for the breathtaking views of the giants of the earth: Pumori, Everest, Changtse, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and many others!
Dinner and overnight at lodge in Gorak Shep
Day 11 (Oct 26): Day trip to Everest Base Camp (5360m) descend to Lobouche (4931m) - 8 hours
The trip to base camp, while fascinating, is not as visually exciting as the ascent of Kala Pattar, because there is no view of Everest from the base camp. Mts. Lhotse and Nuptse loom over the site of the camp, blocking the view. After some scrambling, the trail leads to the entrance of the Khumbu Glacier and through the inside of this “fridge” to sites of several base camps. Some of the sites are identifiable from debris on the glacier at 5360m or more. The highlight of the day is the sight of the Khumbu Icefall and the exhilarating trek along it.
Dinner ad overnight at lodge in Lobouche
Day 12 (Oct 27): Trek down to Devouche (3800m) - 7 hours
The walk to Devouche is delightful, made easier by decreasing altitude and warmer, softer climes.
Dinner and overnight at lodge in Devouche.
Day 13 (Oct 28): Trek to Monjo (2860m) - 6 hours
The walk to the small riverside village of Phunki with its water powered Prayer Wheels is “up and down”, cresting ridges and bridging rivers with many beautiful spots, passing through the village of Namche and descending down to Dudh Kosi River and walking on to Monjo for the night..
Dinner and overnight at lodge in Monjo
Day 14 (Oct 29): Trek back to Lukla - 5 hours
Following a 2-hour descent to Phakding, it is a surprisingly hard 3 hour uphill climb to Lukla – a delightful ending to the trip entering the busy village.
Eve: Sherpa farewell party.
Dinner and overnight at lodge in Lukla
Day 15 (Oct 30): Fly back to Kathmandu
Early morning fly from Lukla to Kathmandu in Twin Otter. Transfer to the Kathmandu Guest House. Spend a free afternoon in Kathmandu relaxing or shopping.
Eve: Walk to Farewell dinner at the Rum Doodle Restaurant, Thamel.
Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House
Day 16 (Oct 31): Final departure from Kathmandu
Free until final departure transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.
Trip Cost includes:
- All arrival and departure transfers, sightseeing and drives in a private a/c vehicle with English speaking escort/guide/representative from Himalayan Holidays.
- Three night’s accommodation at Kathmandu Guest House or similar in Kathmandu including breakfast inclusive of all applicable taxes.
- Airfare for Guide, Sherpa team + airport taxes + insurance surcharge.
- All inclusive 13 days teahouse trek in the Khumbu Region inclusive of all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with accommodation at tourist class lodges/teahouses throughout the trek.
- Sagarmatha National Park fees and Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) with necessary documentation charges.
- Services of experienced trekking guide accompanied by trained and trusted Sherpa team and porters.
- Welcome and farewell dinner at local restaurants with transfers.
Trip Cost excludes:
- International airfares and airport departure taxes.
- Nepal visa (available on arrival at Kathmandu airport– 3 passport size photos each required).
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (Except welcome and farewell dinner).
- Expenditure of personal nature such as; bar bills for alcoholic and aerated beverages, mineral water, laundry, telephone calls, extra mileage, tips to guides, drivers and porters, etc.
- Travel Insurance Policy (mandatory) to cover costs incurred due to sickness, hospitalization, natural calamities, flight delays or Emergency Helicopter evacuation, etc.