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Trip Itinerary

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Day 1: Kathmandu (1360m) Arrival and welcome dinner

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Organised transport will collect you from the airport and bring you to your hotel. We highly recommend if you have the time to arrive in Kathmandu a day early. This will give you time to check-in, walk around Thamel and get your bearings. There are tons of tourist activities for you to do in Kathmandu, including Garden of Dreams, Bauddha Temple and Nagarkot. If you do plan on arriving today, arrange for your flight to arrive at Kathmandu international airport no later than 8am, so you have time to get to the hotel by 10.30am. We’ll meet in the hotel foyer at 11am for an initial brief by your guides. The afternoon we will walk around Thamel (the part of town where your hotel is situated) to make any purchases required for the trek. If you are going to rent a sleeping bag or other equipment now is when you will arrange that, with your guides on hand to assist if required. In the evening we will have a welcome dinner with your local and Australian guides.

Accommodation

  • Hotel

Meals

  • Welcome dinner at restaurant included in cost

Day 2: Kathmandu. Day walking tour

Today we will take off after breakfast for a city walking tour, guided by a licenced city guide, along with our local trekking guides. We will hike to Kathmandu’s most important Buddhist shrine Swayambhunath or the ‘monkey temple’, an opportunity to get some local dirty on your hiking boots. We will also check out the atmosphere in Durbar Square. The afternoon will be left free for you to explore the city.

Accommodation

  • Hotel

Meals

  • Hotel breakfast included

Day 3: Kathmandu to Phakding (2610m). Mountain flight. First day of trek

Sitting at 8848m Mt Everest, the highest peak in the world, is one of the greatest trekking destinations. Locally known as Sagarmatha, the mountain has long been revered as the home of the gods. First conquered by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, Everest is considered the ultimate mountaineer’s goal. On this trip you will take on the challenge of reaching the mountaineer's base camp and gain an insight into the world-renowned Sherpa culture. You’ll cross glaciers and broad plains, traverse valleys and climb high passes to reach the picturesque Everest Base Camp. Our accommodation comprises small, basic teahouses along the track. These basic but cosy remote houses are operated by the mountain Nepalese to offer shelter and simple yet filling and delicious meals to sustain our efforts. This is a challenging trip and involves difficult trekking at high altitudes but the whole experience is simply awe-inspiring!

Today we have a very early (approx. 6:30am) flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (45 minutes). If the weather is good, the views of the Himalayas from the small plane will be amazing! After breakfast in Lukla (2840 m) and a short safety talk, we gear up and commence our trek. It will be a fairly gentle introduction, following the milk-white Dudh Kosi River approximately 3-4 hours (6km) to Phakding (2610 m).

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

ALTERNATIVE ITINERARY DUE TO FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS

Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly, which frequently results in the need for changes to be made to our intended itineraries. Flights throughout Nepal, particularly in high mountain areas, can be delayed or cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are particularly prone to these delays which has the potential to vary the itinerary of all departures in the Everest region. Our contingency plans in case of bad weather preventing the fixed wing aircraft flight from Kathmandu to Lukla are as follows:

Day 3 – We’ll try to board our booked fixed wing flight as per the itinerary. If this flight is cancelled we’ll return to our hotel in Kathmandu for an additional night.

Day 4 – We’ll again try to board our booked fixed wing flight. If this flight is cancelled but helicopters are available and permitted to fly to Lukla, we’ll use our best endeavours to charter a helicopter to transport the group. Travellers will need to use their emergency fund to cover the cost of this chartered helicopter. The exact cost will depend on how many travellers are in your group and could be up to AUD700. If we reach Lukla on Day 4 by either fixed wing aircraft or helicopter, we’ll then follow the same trek itinerary, but descend over one less day in order to take our return flight from Lukla on Day 20.

Day 5 - If no flights (either plane or helicopter) are possible on the morning of Day 4, then on Day 5 we’ll travel by road to Phaplu (approximate 9-hour drive by private vehicle) and then trek to Everest Base Camp via Lukla. While we’ll not be able to cross Cho La pass or visit Gokyo Lake, we’ll still complete the main objective of the trek – reach Everest Base Camp and see spectacular views of the Himalayan mountains, including Mt Everest itself.

Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Today you’ll trek around 6-7 hours (9km) to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend a couple of days acclimatising to the altitude. You’ll also get your first look at Everest itself. From Phakding you’ll cross the river and head up the valley, following in the footsteps of the porters loaded with supplies for Namche Bazaar. The trail, lined with blue pine forest, follows the river valley and is especially spectacular in spring when the rhododendron flowers are bright in bloom. Cross the Dudh Kosi River at Benkar, and look way up above 6,000 metres to see the peaks of snow-capped Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). Press on to Monjo (2835m), a good place to break for lunch. From here the walk starts to get a little tougher, with a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. Enter the national park, cross the river through the village of Jorsale (2805m) and then continue upstream. Cross another spectacular suspension bridge and begin the ascent to Namche Bazaar. Get your camera out as now there will be your first glimpse of the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Taweche. Namche will be your last chance to check your equipment and hire any additional gear for the high altitudes from Dingboche onwards. Namche Bazaar is also the last chance to enjoy the local nightlife or take to the pool hall and video parlours.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 5: Namche Bazaar (3440m). Acclimatisation day

You’ll stay at Namche Bazaar for another night so that you can properly acclimatise to the altitude. One of the best ways to do this is to take a strenuous walk up to a higher altitude then come back down to sleep – so there’s an optional walk above the Bhote Khola River Valley towards Thami (3810m). Taking a walk to see both the sunrise and sunset views from the national park headquarters above the village is also a great option. This stunning vista includes a super panorama of the Khumbu peaks and great views of Everest. The national park headquarters is home to interesting displays about Sherpa lifestyle and culture, and the local flora and fauna. Namche gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. Rugs, clothing, salt and dried meat still all do a roaring trade in the village centre, so haggle for any extra supplies you might need.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses/restaurants

Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3870m)

Today you’ll trek for 5-6 hours (10km) to the town of Tengboche. This segment of the trek includes the famous descent to the Dudh-Koshi River and the equally famous ascent along the rhododendron forests to Tengboche. While descending to Dudh Kish River, we enjoy the views of mountain tops like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. Upon reaching Tengboche, we visit Tengboche monastery-the largest monastery in the region and soak in the views of Everest, Ama Dablam and other peaks.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 7: Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m)

You’ll trek for 5-6 hours (9km) today to reach Dingboche. We descent and trek through forests filled with a variety of lush trees – birch, conifers and rhododendrons. This journey again rewards us with tremendous views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The picturesque trail dips down to Devuche, crosses the Imja River and takes us to Pangboche. The upper Pangboche trails reward us with a more pristine view of the Himalayas and the Pangboche Monastery. The trek moves ahead towards the Imja Valley, Lobuche River and ultimately begins climbing up to Dingboche. At Dingboche, we see a beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 8: Dingboche to Chukhung Village (4730m)

Today you have a short three-hour (4km) trek to Chukhung Village along the Chukhung Valley where we will spend two nights. Walking along the south slopes of Lhotse and Nuptse, with the picturesque Mount Ama Dablam to the south. This afternoon will be used to rest and for those choosing to climb Mt Chukhung to hire climbing equipment and prepare for summiting the following morning.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 9: Chukhung Village. Acclimatisation day. Option to climb Mt Chukhung (5833m)

Today there are multiple options varying in difficulty. You can use this day to rest, read and explore the valley, possibly visiting Island Peak Base Camp. The second option is to trek up Chukhung Ri – a rocky peak rising above the village at 5550m. This trek is a solid challenge with great views, and a good way to assist acclimatising for the move to Lobuche the following day. The final option is the most difficult, involving a guided summit of Mt Chukhung (5833m). This is a non-technical mountain climb that does require the use of some technical mountaineering equipment, including ropes, harness, helmet and possibly plastic boots. E quipment can be hired in Chukhung Village at an extra cost. Only those who are acclimatising well and are very fit can choose this option.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses

Day 10: Chukhung to Lobuche (4900m). Option to travel via Kongma La Pass (5535m)

You have a big day of trekking today as we move closer to our goal! The 7-8 hour (11km) trek to Lobuche takes us back past Dingboche, along an open wide and relatively flat valley to Dughla. From here, we climb up a steep trail to Chupki Lhara, where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest.  Next, we continue to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and find ourselves facing several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuche. For the fit and game, there is an option to take an alternate route to Lobuche, crossing Kongma La pass – an exposed high mountain pass at 5535m. The distance is roughly the same as the other route, however, the difficulty level is much greater, roughly a 10-11 hour trek.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 11: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5140m). Visit Everest Base Camp (5364m)

This morning we’ll trek for 3 hours (6km) to Gorakshep. After a brief rest we continue to Everest Base Camp, coming across the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence, it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colours against the monotony of grey surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a much-needed rest.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 12: Gorakshep to Lobuche (4900m). Sunrise trek up Kala Patar (5550m)

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there’s always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it’s upon reaching Kala Patar that we get to see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and return to Gorakshep for a late breakfast. We then trek down to Lobuche (3 hours) for a good night's sleep.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 13: Lobuche to Dzongla (4830m)

Today the journey towards Cho La pass begins, with a 3-4 hour (7km) trek to Dzongla. Descending to Dughla, we pass Dughla glacier lake as we ascend to Dzongla.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 14:  Dzongla to Dragnag (4700m), via Cho La Pass (5420m)

Brace yourself for an exciting and big day crossing Cho La Pass (5420m) to Dragnag. The trek takes 7-8 hours (7km), initially moving up a long steep ascent to Cho La Pass, where you’ll experience exceptional views of Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, Numbur, Kangchung, Ama Dablam and Cholatse. Once you cross the high mountain pass, the route becomes challenging with steep glacier traversing as you move down the valley, crossing a ridge and passing rocky unstable terrain.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 15: Dragnag to Gokyo Lake (4790m)

Good news. Today is shorter and less arduous, trekking for 3-4 hours (4km) to Gokyo Lake where you’ll spend two nights. Along the way to Gokyo Lake you will cross the Ngozumba Glacier, followed by a short uphill trek to our new home for the next couple of days.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 16: Gokyo Lake. Explore 4th and 5th lakes

No need to pack up your gear today. After breakfast we take off on a day hike north along the west ridge of Ngozumba Glacier to reach the 4th and 5th lakes of the Gokyo valley. Make sure your camera battery is fully charged today, as the scenic views are many and spectacular. In the afternoon you return to your teahouse for rest and dinner.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 17: Gokyo Lake to Dole (4200m). Trek up Gokyo Ri (5330m) for views of Mt Everest

The descent begins, however, not until you’ve trekked up Gokyo Ri (3 hours) to witness arguably the most outstanding views of the entire trek – a wide landscape of the Himalayas with Mt Everest winning the show. You’ll return to Gokyo Lake for breakfast, and then trek down the valley to Dole (4-5 hours, 11km), passing the 3rd, 2nd and 1st lakes along the way. Sleeping at the relatively low altitude of 4200m will be a welcomed feeling.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 18: Dole to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

The trek down to Namche Bazaar will take 5-6 hours (9km), arriving early afternoon. You’ll have the afternoon to explore this fascinating town one last time, possibly picking up some souvenirs.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 19: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840m)

Today you trek a longer distance than usual, covering 15km down the valley to Lukla, the starting point of this great trek. The 6-7 hour trek will end with a well-earned dinner, and possibly a drink to celebrate the end of the last day of trekking. Congratulations!

Accommodation

  • Teahouse

Meals

  • No meals included
  • All meals at teahouses along the route

Day 20: Lukla to Kathmandu (1360m). Early morning flight

The 45-min flight from Lukla to Kathmandu early this morning will be sweet. You have now completed trekking in high altitude conditions for over two weeks, and as you arrive at your luxury hotel to shower and slip on fresh clean clothes, you’ll relish the simple things in life that we often take so much for granted. Today is for rest. Enjoy it. You earnt it!

Accommodation

  • Hotel, cost not included. We will assist you in arranging a booking once trip numbers are confirmed

Meals

  • No meals included

Day 21: Kathmandu. Rest/Recovery day. Farewell dinner

Trust us, you will not want to do much today. Relax by the pool, maybe book in a massage. Soak up the sun and re-live the highlights from the previous 18 days. We’ll have our farewell dinner this evening, saying goodbye to our local guides. You’ll have an opportunity today, as well as Day 20 in Lukla to donate any unwanted clothing and equipment to your local guides and porters.

Accommodation

  • Hotel, cost not included. We will assist you in arranging a booking once trip numbers are confirmed

Meals

  • Farewell dinner included in cost

Day 22: Kathmandu. More rest, shopping, sightseeing

You may want to stay fixed by the rooftop pool and book in another massage. If you do have some energy then this is a great time to do some shopping – maybe find some artwork of the Himalayas to hang in the pool room. If you have even more energy then consider exploring nearby Naharkot and gaining views of the Himalayas for the last time.

Accommodation

  • Same as Day 21

Meals

  • No meals included

Day 23: International flight home

Day 23 is departure day and we say 'Namaste' for memories that will last a lifetime. There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 10am. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

Meals

  • No meals included