Kathmandu

Phakding - After an early morning b/fast, we take the super flight from Kathmandu to Lukla at 2827m. The airstrip was built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s, Flight time is about 35 minutes. We will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sorts out and load the trekking equipment after landing. In the afternoon, we begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaurikharka at 2713m. The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat at 2550m, it’s a short walk to Phakding where we’ll stay overnight.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu - Today we explored Kathmandu on an organized sightseeing tour. This will include a visit to the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. We also visit Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River and home to the most famous Hindu temple in the country. Here we will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) and pilgrims performing ritual bathing, and occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The cremation site here is used by the royal family and also for the simple man living next door. Your early afternoon will be free to relax in the hotel garden or visit Thamel for some curious shopping. You will be supplied with your trek departure information in the afternoon.

Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding

Phakding - After early morning breakfast, we take the super flight from Kathmandu to Lukla at 2827m. Flight time is about 35 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing we will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort out and load the trekking equipment.
In the afternoon, we begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaurikharka at 2713m. The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat at 2550m, it’s a short walk to Phakding where we’ll stay overnight.

Phakding - Monjo 2835m, 3 hours Trekking

Monjo - Namche Bazaar 3446m, 7 hours Trekking

Namche Bazaar - Today the walking is a little rough and includes the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. From Monjo, it is a short walk to the entrance of the National Park before we cross the Dudh Kosi to Jorsale at 2805m. The trek continues upstream on generally flat terrain, crossing back to the right bank, to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi rivers. It is here that we start the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. After crossing a large and stable suspension bridge high above the river we slowly ascend at a steady pace towards Namche. There are some fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Taweche (6542m) come into view for the first time. After arriving in Namche, we’ll have lunch and the afternoon is free to bargain in the shops for ‘Tibetan’ artifacts, or relax and marvel at the beautiful scenery. It’s your day.

Namche Bazaar Acclimitization

Namche Bazaar - We remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large protected hollow. It is recommended that you take the opportunity to see both the sunrise and sunset views from the National Park Headquarters above the village. The view is stunning and offers a superb panorama of the Khumbu peaks with great views of Everest. After breakfast, there are a number of options: perhaps a walk towards Thami (3810m) above the beautiful Bhote Khola river valley, or a visit to the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. There is also a mountaineering display and details of the park’s flora and fauna. Your guides will be on hand to offer advice and escort you on your walks.

Namche Bazaar - Phortse Bridge, 3670m, 7 hours Trekking

Phortse Bridge - Dole 4084m, 5 hours Trekking

Dole - Machhermo 4465m, Trekking 4 hours

Machhermo - Gokyo 4720m, trekking 4 hours

Gokyo Lake - A short, steep climb leads from the Machhermo Valley onto the steep grassy slopes of the Dudh Kosi Valley. Keep an eye open for the colorful Tibetan Snow Cocks often found in this area. The valley widens as we pass through Pangka (4390m) and onto the jumbled, terminal moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal and the source of the Dudh Kosi River. Climbing steeply over a rocky trail we keep to the western side of the glacier to reach a small lake at the head of a wide valley; we soon pass a larger lake at Longponga (4690m) before following the lateral moraines to the third lake at Gokyo (4750m). Gokyo consists of a number of stone dwellings surrounded by stone-walled yak pastures.

Gokyo Lake 4720m, Exploration Day

Gokyo Ri - We will rise early for an ascent of Gokyo Peak, a straightforward but steep climb that can be tiring due to the altitude. The walk up will take just over two hours and the reward is one of the most absorbing panoramas in the Khumbu…a spectacle of immense beauty. From the rocky summit, four 8000m peaks can be seen: Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyo (8153m), Lhotse (8511m), and Makalu (8481m). Countless other towering snow peaks and rock spires fill the horizons, including Gyachung Kang (7922m) to the east of Cho-Oyo, Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m), and Kangchung (6103m). In addition, there’s a bird’s-eye view of the Gokyo lakes, and the huge creaking Ngozumpa Glacier now cutting halfway across the world and snaking its way down the valley far beneath.

Gokyo - Thangnag 4690m, trekking 5 hours

Thangnag - Lobuche 4930m, trekking long & strenuous 8 - 9 hours

Dzongla - Lobuche 4,940 metres 5 hours trekking

Lobuche - The way to Lobuche contours the grassy slopes above a lake, Tshola Tsho, to join up with the main Everest trail from Pheriche and Thyangboche. The trail flattens out and follows the valley on the west side of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche.

Lobuche - Gorak Shep 5180m, trekking 4 hours

Gorakshep - From Lobuche, we follow the broad valley running parallel to the Khumbu glacier. A gradual ascent enables us to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at a high altitude. When we reach the moraines of the Changri Nup Glacier, we make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns that eventually leads to the surprising glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5160m) after about three hours.

Hiking to Everest Base Camp 5357, trekking 6 hours

Everest Base Camp Trekking Route - After breakfast, we set off for Everest Base Camp. The trail can sometimes be difficult to follow so keep an eye on your guides and fellow trekkers on this section. The trek to the base camp can be achieved in around three hours. If you are trekking in the popular climbing period of March to May you will almost certainly encounter yaks and porters supplying food and equipment to expeditions. From Base Camp, we do not get views of Everest but we will be able to see the notorious Everest Ice Fall. This particular area is said to be technically the hardest and most dangerous section of the mountain.

Gorak Shep - Kalapather 5555m - Pheriche 4252m, trekking 8 hours

Pheriche - Early in the morning, we will make a steep ascent to Kala Pattar. You will need to start real slow and try to ascend at a steady rhythmic pace. Our goal, Kala Pattar, is the rocky hilltop below Pumori. It is a truly roughshod walk due to the altitude but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. It will probably take a good hour and a half to reach the summit from Gorak Shep, although lower viewpoints will provide views almost as good. Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and Everest surround us. About 3kms away and some 200m below, the area of Everest Base Camp can be seen in a bowl at the bottom of the Khumbu IceFall. For many trekkers, reaching Kala Patar is a very emotional experience and it is worthwhile spending as long as you can to relish this special moment that shows us the love of God for mankind. The descent back down to Gorak Shep is easy; it’s then downhill most of the way, as we retrace our steps to Duglha and descend to Pheriche.

Pheriche - Dingboche 4360m - Chukkhung 4780m, Trekking 5 hours

Chukhung - From the lodge, we head up through the village of Dingboche, following the Imja Khola Valley. The ascent is gradual, crossing small streams, through open alpine pastures with fine views of Island Peak at the head of the valley. We will reach the Chukkhung lodge in time for lunch, with the afternoon free to rest and acclimatize. If you feel energetic enough, you can head up the valley towards the old moraines that flow down from Lhotse. The views of the massive Lhotse Wall and Ama Dablam are wonderful to look at.

Chukhung - Tangboche 3875m, trekking 6 hours

Tyangboche - After breakfast follows the Imja Khola valley and trek to Dingboche. From Dingboche, we cross the Khumbu Khola and ascend a short steep trail to the top of a small ridge for great views of the Imja valley, Ama Dablam, and Kantega. We then descend to the small settlements at Orsho and Shomare and later pass through Lower Pangboche to reach the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River. We’ll then ascend gradually through Debuche and onto Thyangboche where we’ll spend the night.

Tangboche - Namche Bazaar - Manjo 3440m, trekking 7 hours

Manjo - Lukla 2800m, trekking 5 hours

Lukla - Everest Base Camp Trekking Route - Today is our last day of trekking. It’s only a short walk along the valley before we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. We’ll have lunch at our lodge and the afternoon is free for you to wander around, relax or perhaps have a hot shower which is the best thing to do after a trek of this kind! In the evening, we’ll have a farewell dinner followed by a few celebratory drinks.

Lukla - Kathmandu 1300m, 35 minute flight

Flights to Lukla - We get up early in the morning, enjoy b/fast and get ready for the arrival of our aircraft for the flight back to Kathmandu. We will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel and a soft warm bed.

• • Breakfast
• • Lunch
• • Dinner

• • Food (Kathmandu) - lunch and dinner, International flights from your home to home.
• • Airport taxes, car, taxi or van, visa fees.
• • Medical examination (if required) and vaccination costs.
• All bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, hot shower in the mountain, mineral water, sweet deserts,
• Delays beyond Nepal Nomad’s control. Anything not specified in the Cost Includes section.

In Kathmandu, we start our journey by spending two days discovering this pulsating Asian city before catching a flight to Lukla, the commencement point of our hike. We traverse the Dudh Kosi valley, reaching Namche Bazaar, and advance into the Gokyo Valley. The hiking path rises gently, with shorter stages of trail days to promote effective acclimatization. Our journey takes us alongside the Ngozumpa glacier’s moraines and azure lakes until we arrive at our Gokyo lodging. From this point, it’s possible to hike up to Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5360m for panoramic views of the area’s 8000m peaks namely Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, a vista that leaves one gasping for breath. From Gokyo, the path inclines, leading us across the dramatic Renjo La with the impressive backdrop of the Everest ranges, a standout trail highlight. Moving into the Bhote Kosi valley, we walk back through yak rearing meadows to Thami and finally return to Lukla, ready for our flight back to Kathmandu.

• Single Supplement: 200.00 USD single supplement is mandatory for single traveler booking and payable once you arrive in Nepal.
• Domestic flight luggage allowance: 15 kg
• Down jacket & sleeping bags can be hired (USD 30 for each item for the entire trek)
• Prior to set off we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu office on the 2nd day of your itinerary which starts in the evening during and introduce your trek & Climb Leader. It is an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about your trek trip as well as introduce you to one another.
• Requires a good level of fitness and experience of mountain climbing can beneficial. These tend to be longer treks and climb with some more difficult days, some of which may involve walking at increased altitudes and more difficult terrain. There may occasionally be a longer day when negotiating the more challenging sections such as a mountain pass or viewing peak. Altitude may range up to 5000 meters.
• At 6.30 am your Sherpa knocks on your door with a cup of good morning tea. Then it’s time to have breakfast, tight up your bag pack and head off for today’s trekking hiking for the next three to four hours then stop for an hour at pleasant spot along the way for a well-prepared hot lunch. Afterward, walk another three hours or so, before you stop for the over night. The evening can be spent reading or chatting with your fellow climbing and trekking crew about the trip of the day. Pack of games can be an asset to these nights; your trekking & climbing crew love teaching various Nepali card games and learning new Western games. Eventually, it’s time to bed for a well deserved night
• Whilst in the mountain, accommodation options are limited so please do not expect the Ritz! Nepal Nomad use simple family run lodges, with a large sociable central dining area and a cozy chimney burning fire. Accommodations are on a twin share basis and we recommend you use your own sleeping bag. Lodges and tent in Island Peak climbing tend to have shared bathroom facilities and you may not always have access to a shower. Despite the lack of facilities, these lodges certainly have a rustic charm, most are blessed with spectacular views and being family run operations, they offer a great insight into the daily life of the Mountain people.
• It is Nepal Nomad’s booking terms & conditions of joining this type of tours with us that you must be fully insured with medical, emergency rescue evacuations including trip cancellation insurance which should cover over 3000m to 6000m.
• Itinerary designed to ensure there is plenty of times for adequate occurs as a result of acclimatization and cases of mountain sickness are rare. The common Symptoms are headaches, nausea, irregular breathing, insomnia and the swelling of fingers and glands. Treatment is to descend to a lower altitude as quickly as possible which normally results in rapid improvement and recovery.
• Three meals on full board basis will be provided (Nepali, Sherpa, and Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Chinese and Indian cousins). Each day dinner and breakfast will be taken in the same lodge you spend over night but Lunch will be taken on your way to next village.
• Equipment List:
• The following gives you a general idea of the trekking equipment and clothing needed for this trek. This is a porter-supported trek. Two clients share one porter. We will supply you a trek duffel bag where you keep your heavy items and this bag is carried by the porter. You will need to bring your own daypack to be carried by you. In the daypack, you can put money, important documents, water bottle/bladder, camera, toiletries, sunscreen, notebook, etc. The weight limit for Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flights is 15 kg or 33 pounds. This is combining both the duffel bag and the daypack. If you exceed this limit, you will have to pay an additional fee. When this happens, sometimes the airline sends your bag in later flights and this can be very problematic for many reasons. So, we recommend you to pack as carefully as you can and not exceed the weight limit. You can leave your non-trekking stuff at the locker facility in the Kathmandu hotel.
• General:
• 4-season sleeping bag (You can rent for $35 pp if you need it but has to be returned after the trek)
• Duffel bag
• Daypack
• Down jacket (Must have for mornings, nights and evenings, and for altitudes above 4,000 m; You can rent for $35 pp if you need one but has to be returned after the trek)
• Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes
• Sun hat
• Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Headlamp
• Neck warmer
• Hand
• Liner gloves
• Heavier shell gloves
• Core Body
• T-shirts (2)
• Lightweight expedition thermal tops
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
• Synthetic sports bras (for women)
• Lower Body - Legs
• Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
• Nylon hiking shorts
• Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
• Water/windproof trousers
• Casual pants
• Feet
• Liner socks
• Heavyweight socks
• Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
• Light shoes/sneakers
• Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
• Medicines and First Aid Kits
• Please note our guide will carry the first-aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personalized first-aid kit as well.
• Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
• Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
• Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
• Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
• Anti-infection ointments
• Band-aids
• Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
• Sunscreen (SPF 40)
• Miscellaneous, but Important:
• Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
• Airline tickets (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in KTM just in case if you need to change the date of yours)
• Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
• Water bottle/bladder
• Water purification Iodine tablets
• Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
• Optional
• Adjustable trekking poles
• Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
• Paperback books, cards, mp3 player
• Binoculars
• Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and also batteries)
• Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman
• This list is only a guide pattern. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipment can be easily found in the stores in Kathmandu in a resonable prices.
• Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing can be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.