Everest Highlights

Nepal

Everest Highlights

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To the Nepalese it is called Sagarmatha, variously translated as “Forehead Touching the Sky” or “Churning Stick of the Ocean of Existence”. To the Tibetans it is Chomolungma, the “Mother Goddess of the World”. For the rest of us, it is simply the highest and most renowned mountain of all. When it comes to breathtaking mountain panoramas, the Everest Trek is without equal. The trail to Upper Pangboche and Tengboche from Lukla takes you through lush valleys with abundant flora and fauna and past friendly Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries, before emerging almost at the treeline below the earth’s highest mountains. Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and Everest tower above you on this challenging but very rewarding trek.

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the Kathmandu Guest House. There will be a short arrival briefing to get you oriented and to take care of the necessary bureaucracy for the trek.

We have a full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and Patan that will give you a good introduction to the Kathmandu Valley and plenty of ideas for further exploration on your own.

Free morning, followed by a major trek briefing. We can also assist you with the purchase or rental of trekking equipment if required.

In the morning we have a spectacular 40 min. flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, perched at 9350ft (2850m) in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal. The flight is bound to be one of the most exhilarating you will ever take. Much of it is only a few hundred feet above the ground, and the views of the river valleys and terraced landscapes below as well as the proximity of some of the world’s highest mountains make it a truly memorable experience. The porters’ loads are organised in Lukla before we head north up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (“Milk River”) to our camp above the river at Phakding (8661ft, 2640m). (3 – 3.5 hours walking)

Today we enter the Sagarmatha National Park before beginning the long, steep climb up to the town of Namche Bazaar (11319ft, 3450m), the main administrative and trading centre for the Khumbu region. Magnificent forests of blue pine, fir, juniper and rhododendron as well as our first views of Everest help ease the climb. Our camp will be at the upper end of Namche to afford the best views. (4 – 5 hours walking)

Acclimatisation day in Namche. Although this day can be spent relaxing in camp or exploring the tiny shops in the bazaar, the best option for altitude acclimatisation is a hike up the valley of the Bhote Kosi (“River from Tibet”) to the west. This is a wonderful pastoral walk, and those who are very keen and well-acclimatised can continue to the village of Thame and its monastery. Camp in Namche Bazaar. (3.5 – 5 hours walking)

Morning visit to the colourful Saturday market, where local and Chinese goods (brought over the high passes from Tibet) can be seen and purchased. A short, stiff climb brings us to the small airstrip at Shyangboche before we detour to visit the Everest View Hotel with its spectacular views of the Khumbu Himal including Everest and Ama Dablam. We then descend briefly to our camp in the village of Khumjung (12434ft, 3790m). The afternoon is free to visit Khumjung Monastery with its famous “yeti scalp” and the Hillary School (1.5 – 2 hours walking)

Staying high above the main trail, we contour and climb to the Mong La with terrific views of Ama Dablam. Camp is in the very traditional Sherpa village of Phortse (12467ft, 3800m) where we may well see Himalayan tahr (mountain goats), danphe (impeyan pheasants) and musk deer. (3 – 3.5 hours walking)

There are stunning views of Tengboche and Ama Dablam during this morning’s ridge contour/climb up the Imja Khola Valley to the village of Upper Pangboche with its ancient monastery. After lunch we cross the Imja Khola and climb to our camp at Tengboche (12664ft, 3860m), site of the Khumbu’s most important Buddhist monastery. (4 – 4.5 hours walking)

There will be plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise, visit the monastery, and observe red-robed monks of all ages at prayer and at work before hiking to our camp at Kyangjuma (11,811ft, 3600m). (2.5 – 3 hours walking)

A ridge contour route offers farewell views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and other Himalayan giants en route to Namche Bazaar. We then descend into the valley of the Dudh Kosi to our camp in Chumoa (9235ft, 2815m) just outside the National Park. (3 – 4 hours walking)

An easy day’s walk brings us back to Lukla for our final night in the Khumbu. Although it may have looked primitive the first time through, Lukla will seem quite modern compared to the isolated villages further up the valley (4 –.5 hours walking)

An early morning flight takes us back to Kathmandu, and gives us a last view of the mountains we have just spent ten days exploring. Overnight at the Kathmandu Guest House.

Free in Kathmandu to continue exploring the valley and surrounding hill towns.

End of the Everest Highlights programme. Transfer to the airport for your return flight, or start optional jungle safari, rafting trip, Tibet or India extensions, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: On adventure trips of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary, the leader will decide what is the best alternative taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Synopsis

Trip Grading:

Length: 15 days total, 10-day trek.

Max. Altitude: 13,000ft / 4000m

Begins/Ends in Kathmandu

Land Cost: $2365 Full-service tented trek (includes everything). Standard "Tea-house" trek is 40% less.

International Airfare: Apx. $1800 (Airfare to Kathmandu)

Oct 04 - Oct 18, '20
Nov 01 - Nov 15, '20
Dec 06 - Dec 20, '20
Feb 14 - Feb 28, '21
Mar 07 - Mar 21, '21
Apr 04 - Apr 18, '21

Apr 25 - May 09, '21
May 02- May 16, '21
Oct 10 - Oct 31, '21
Oct 31 - Nov 04, '21
Nov 07 - Nov 21, '21
Dec 05 - Dec 19, '21

Included in the land cost: Airfare Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu; all internal group transportation; 10 days trekking in the Everest region including all food and major equipment; 5 nights accommodation in Kathmandu; airport transfers for group flights; one day sightseeing of Kathmandu; services of an experienced trip leader, cook, porters, and local guides.

Single Suppliment: $195us

Note: (Trips start two days earlier and end one day later from North America.)

'FULL SERVICE CAMPING' vs 'TEA HOUSE' trek: THIS IS A FULL-SERVICE CAMPING TREK, WITH PRIVATE KITCHEN, FOOD, AND STAFF, COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT OF "TEA HOUSES". IF YOU WANT TO DO THIS SAME TREK STAYING AND EATING IN "TEA-HOUSES", THE COST IS ABOUT 40% LESS THAN FULL-SERVICE, BASED ON A MINIMUM OF 4 PARTICIPANTS. PLEASE INQUIRE.

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.