karma
5th November 2006, 01:54 PM
Everest Base Camp Trekking at Nomad
Everest Base Camp Trekking Itineary
Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu
We Pick up and take you to best tourists standard hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast and brinfing about your Everest Trekking and meeting with your Sherpa professional guide.
Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla
We will make an early morning start for the Twin Otter flight to Lukla (2,840m/9,317ft), the gateway to the Khumbu. This is an exciting flight, which should give a glimpse of Everest in the distance. In Lukla, we will meet our trek staff and porters and set off straightaway for our first night's stop at Phakding. Situated on the banks of the Dudh Kosi, which drains the whole of the Khumbu region, this small hamlet is on the main trade route through the area and there are a number of clean, well-built lodges where we can spend the night.
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar
We will continue up the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing it twice by small suspension bridges before reaching the village of Monjo where we will enter the Khumbu National Park. We will then cross the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi on a high suspension bridge and climb steeply for about two hours to reach Namche Bazaar (3,400m/11,155ft). This is a prosperous trading town and the capital of the Khumbu region. Many Tibetans cross the nearby border to trade their wares and the local market is a fascinating spectacle. This is a good place to buy genuine Tibetan artefacts. Just across the valley to the east stand the peaks of Thamserku and Kangtega, both very impressive mountains.
Day 5: At leisure in Namche Bazaar
We will spend a day in Namche Bazaar resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatised to the altitude of 3,450m (11,300ft).
Day 6: Trek to Khumjung
This is a short day, continuing up the crest of the ridge behind Namche to reach the large village of Khumjung (3,790m/12,434ft). This village is one of the most beautiful in the Khumbu. Its symmetrically laid out stone dwellings house the families of many of our Sherpas. Across the valley to the East there are tremendous views of the peaks of Thamserku and Kangtaiga. Time: 2 hours.
Day 7: Trek to Dole
The trail leads down through rhododendron scrub forest towards an impregnable looking rock wall on the north side of the valley. A 'giant's causeway' of granite steps forms an incredible route up this face before the trail emerges on high grazing ground. One hour further down the trail, an attractive chorten sets off wonderful views across the valley to Ama Dablam, rising above the rooftops of Thyangboche. The trail then descends steeply towards the Dudh Kosi, leaves the main route through to Phortse and Pangboche, and instead turns north towards Gokyo. There is a good lunch spot beneath a canopy of birch and rhododendron just after the turn off. A stiff but attractive climb leads to Dole (4,040m/13,251ft), which lies just above the tree-line .Time: 6 hours.
Day 8: Trek to Macherma
A short day due to the need to maintain a safe rate of ascent. Gokyo appears to be within easy reach but a night at Macherma (4,480m/14,246ft) is essential.
Day 9: Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4,750m/15,580ft)
Another short climb leads to the lunch spot in the Phanga Valley and then a steady afternoon's plod leads past the first of the Gokyo Lakes to the camping area by the main lake. There are excellent views of Cho Oyu ahead, with Taweche and Cholatse dominating the opposite side of the valley. Time: 4 hours.
Day 10: Gokyo Ri (5,483m/17,984ft)
It is well worth the effort to make the 3-hour ascent to the summit of Gokyo Ri, a small hill which rises immediately to the north of the lake. The view from the top is stunning, with the west ridge and south-west face of Everest beautifully framed by Changtse and Nuptse, Makalu rising further to the east, and in the foreground to the north the chaotic moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier leading to the snowy bastion of Cho Oyu.
Day 11: Chyugima (5,040m/16,531ft)
The trail crosses the ice and moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier, to the summer settlement of Dragnag and a good place for lunch. There are stunning views of Cho Oyu across the ice towers and blue-green lakes of the glacier. After lunch, there is a steep and demanding climb across loose scree (some scrambling may be necessary) to the rock caves at Chyugima beneath the western flanks of Cholatse and Taweche. Time: 5.5 hours.
Day 12: Dzongla (4,843m/15,889ft)
An early start is recommended for the steep climb over boulders and scree to the top of the Cho La pass (17,773ft/5,420m). Wonderful panoramic views are the reward, before a gradual descent down glacier steepens onto rock, which may require a rope for security. The trail then improves and leads to the tiny settlement of Dzongla. Time: 5 hours.
Day 13: Lobuje (4,940m/16,207ft)
We traverse around the flanks of Lobuje Peak, bearing left into the upper Khumbu valley. After a steep ascent, we gain the main Everest trail and the village of Lobuje. After our journey over the Cho La, it will seem very busy here! Time: 4 hours.
Day 14: Gorak Shep (5,220m/17,126ft)
About 3 hours beyond Lobuje we reach Gorak Shep, the site of the 1953 expedition's base camp. An evening ascent of Kala Pattar (5,545m/18,188ft) is highly recommended for hopefully a sunset view of Everest. The climb takes about 2 hours and can be hard work, but the effort is rewarded by the classic view of Everest and the Khumbu Icefall, as well as Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori immediately above.
Day 15: Trek to Everest Base Camp
Contouring along the valley side, the trail leads on to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and becomes quite vague, weaving between mounds of rubble and eventually reaching base camp near the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. Being at base camp, right at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, and watching climbers weave their way through it, will be a stirring climax to the trek. To go any further than this, you will need to be a mountaineer! Our Everest team cooks will serve us with lunch before we make the return trek to Gorak Shep.
Please note: Trekkers on the Autumn treks will not meet our Everest team in base camp, as they are only on the mountain in the spring.
Day 16: Trek to Pheriche
We retrace our steps to Lobuje, and keep going down the Khumbu valley. Passing the snout of the Khumbu Glacier, we reach a line of memorials to Sherpas who have died on Everest. With the stunning peak of Ama Dablam in the background, we pass the small settlement of Dugla, and continue to Pheriche. This is a large village with many tea-houses, and the home of a Himalayan Rescue Association hospital. The hospital always welcome donations and have Tee Shirts to sell. Time: 6 hours.
Day 17: Trek to Kyangjuma
Following the main Everest trail down the beautifully scenic valley, we pass through Pangboche and re-cross the river before climbing to the monastery at Thyangboche. A steep descent of around 1500ft/500m leads through bird filled rhododendron bushes and fir trees to the Dudh Kosi River. From here we will continue to Kyangjuma (3,550m/11,545ft) to spend the night.
Day 18: Trek to Monjo
Crossing on yet another suspension bridge, we climb up the opposite side of the valley to reach the contouring path leading back through Namche Bazaar. A steep descent for 600m/2,000ft leads to the suspension bridge crossing the Dudh Kosi river and the small village of Monjo (2,835m/9,300ft). Not only is Monjo a quieter place to stay than Namche, it also means our porters have a less strenuous walk back to Lukla tomorrow.
Day 19: Trek to Lukla
The trail now flattens out and we cross the river twice more before a rising traverse up the hill-side, past numerous tea-houses to Lukla. Our last day of trekking will be a real joy as at lower altitudes and with two weeks behind us, we will feel almost superhuman! All excess energy is guaranteed at our party this evening with our Nepalese crew.
Day 20: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
An early morning flight. We will be met at the airport and taken to the Summit Hotel.
Day 21: At Leisure in Kathmandu
Our flight back to the UK departs in the late evening, after our final meal together.
Nomad Nepal Trekking
For Price Details please email at nomadnepal@wlink.com.np or nomadtour@wlink.com.np or info@nomadexpedition.com
Visit our company website www.nomadtreks.com and www.nomadexpedition.com
Everest Base Camp Trekking Itineary
Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu
We Pick up and take you to best tourists standard hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast and brinfing about your Everest Trekking and meeting with your Sherpa professional guide.
Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla
We will make an early morning start for the Twin Otter flight to Lukla (2,840m/9,317ft), the gateway to the Khumbu. This is an exciting flight, which should give a glimpse of Everest in the distance. In Lukla, we will meet our trek staff and porters and set off straightaway for our first night's stop at Phakding. Situated on the banks of the Dudh Kosi, which drains the whole of the Khumbu region, this small hamlet is on the main trade route through the area and there are a number of clean, well-built lodges where we can spend the night.
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar
We will continue up the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing it twice by small suspension bridges before reaching the village of Monjo where we will enter the Khumbu National Park. We will then cross the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi on a high suspension bridge and climb steeply for about two hours to reach Namche Bazaar (3,400m/11,155ft). This is a prosperous trading town and the capital of the Khumbu region. Many Tibetans cross the nearby border to trade their wares and the local market is a fascinating spectacle. This is a good place to buy genuine Tibetan artefacts. Just across the valley to the east stand the peaks of Thamserku and Kangtega, both very impressive mountains.
Day 5: At leisure in Namche Bazaar
We will spend a day in Namche Bazaar resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatised to the altitude of 3,450m (11,300ft).
Day 6: Trek to Khumjung
This is a short day, continuing up the crest of the ridge behind Namche to reach the large village of Khumjung (3,790m/12,434ft). This village is one of the most beautiful in the Khumbu. Its symmetrically laid out stone dwellings house the families of many of our Sherpas. Across the valley to the East there are tremendous views of the peaks of Thamserku and Kangtaiga. Time: 2 hours.
Day 7: Trek to Dole
The trail leads down through rhododendron scrub forest towards an impregnable looking rock wall on the north side of the valley. A 'giant's causeway' of granite steps forms an incredible route up this face before the trail emerges on high grazing ground. One hour further down the trail, an attractive chorten sets off wonderful views across the valley to Ama Dablam, rising above the rooftops of Thyangboche. The trail then descends steeply towards the Dudh Kosi, leaves the main route through to Phortse and Pangboche, and instead turns north towards Gokyo. There is a good lunch spot beneath a canopy of birch and rhododendron just after the turn off. A stiff but attractive climb leads to Dole (4,040m/13,251ft), which lies just above the tree-line .Time: 6 hours.
Day 8: Trek to Macherma
A short day due to the need to maintain a safe rate of ascent. Gokyo appears to be within easy reach but a night at Macherma (4,480m/14,246ft) is essential.
Day 9: Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4,750m/15,580ft)
Another short climb leads to the lunch spot in the Phanga Valley and then a steady afternoon's plod leads past the first of the Gokyo Lakes to the camping area by the main lake. There are excellent views of Cho Oyu ahead, with Taweche and Cholatse dominating the opposite side of the valley. Time: 4 hours.
Day 10: Gokyo Ri (5,483m/17,984ft)
It is well worth the effort to make the 3-hour ascent to the summit of Gokyo Ri, a small hill which rises immediately to the north of the lake. The view from the top is stunning, with the west ridge and south-west face of Everest beautifully framed by Changtse and Nuptse, Makalu rising further to the east, and in the foreground to the north the chaotic moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier leading to the snowy bastion of Cho Oyu.
Day 11: Chyugima (5,040m/16,531ft)
The trail crosses the ice and moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier, to the summer settlement of Dragnag and a good place for lunch. There are stunning views of Cho Oyu across the ice towers and blue-green lakes of the glacier. After lunch, there is a steep and demanding climb across loose scree (some scrambling may be necessary) to the rock caves at Chyugima beneath the western flanks of Cholatse and Taweche. Time: 5.5 hours.
Day 12: Dzongla (4,843m/15,889ft)
An early start is recommended for the steep climb over boulders and scree to the top of the Cho La pass (17,773ft/5,420m). Wonderful panoramic views are the reward, before a gradual descent down glacier steepens onto rock, which may require a rope for security. The trail then improves and leads to the tiny settlement of Dzongla. Time: 5 hours.
Day 13: Lobuje (4,940m/16,207ft)
We traverse around the flanks of Lobuje Peak, bearing left into the upper Khumbu valley. After a steep ascent, we gain the main Everest trail and the village of Lobuje. After our journey over the Cho La, it will seem very busy here! Time: 4 hours.
Day 14: Gorak Shep (5,220m/17,126ft)
About 3 hours beyond Lobuje we reach Gorak Shep, the site of the 1953 expedition's base camp. An evening ascent of Kala Pattar (5,545m/18,188ft) is highly recommended for hopefully a sunset view of Everest. The climb takes about 2 hours and can be hard work, but the effort is rewarded by the classic view of Everest and the Khumbu Icefall, as well as Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori immediately above.
Day 15: Trek to Everest Base Camp
Contouring along the valley side, the trail leads on to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and becomes quite vague, weaving between mounds of rubble and eventually reaching base camp near the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. Being at base camp, right at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, and watching climbers weave their way through it, will be a stirring climax to the trek. To go any further than this, you will need to be a mountaineer! Our Everest team cooks will serve us with lunch before we make the return trek to Gorak Shep.
Please note: Trekkers on the Autumn treks will not meet our Everest team in base camp, as they are only on the mountain in the spring.
Day 16: Trek to Pheriche
We retrace our steps to Lobuje, and keep going down the Khumbu valley. Passing the snout of the Khumbu Glacier, we reach a line of memorials to Sherpas who have died on Everest. With the stunning peak of Ama Dablam in the background, we pass the small settlement of Dugla, and continue to Pheriche. This is a large village with many tea-houses, and the home of a Himalayan Rescue Association hospital. The hospital always welcome donations and have Tee Shirts to sell. Time: 6 hours.
Day 17: Trek to Kyangjuma
Following the main Everest trail down the beautifully scenic valley, we pass through Pangboche and re-cross the river before climbing to the monastery at Thyangboche. A steep descent of around 1500ft/500m leads through bird filled rhododendron bushes and fir trees to the Dudh Kosi River. From here we will continue to Kyangjuma (3,550m/11,545ft) to spend the night.
Day 18: Trek to Monjo
Crossing on yet another suspension bridge, we climb up the opposite side of the valley to reach the contouring path leading back through Namche Bazaar. A steep descent for 600m/2,000ft leads to the suspension bridge crossing the Dudh Kosi river and the small village of Monjo (2,835m/9,300ft). Not only is Monjo a quieter place to stay than Namche, it also means our porters have a less strenuous walk back to Lukla tomorrow.
Day 19: Trek to Lukla
The trail now flattens out and we cross the river twice more before a rising traverse up the hill-side, past numerous tea-houses to Lukla. Our last day of trekking will be a real joy as at lower altitudes and with two weeks behind us, we will feel almost superhuman! All excess energy is guaranteed at our party this evening with our Nepalese crew.
Day 20: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
An early morning flight. We will be met at the airport and taken to the Summit Hotel.
Day 21: At Leisure in Kathmandu
Our flight back to the UK departs in the late evening, after our final meal together.
Nomad Nepal Trekking
For Price Details please email at nomadnepal@wlink.com.np or nomadtour@wlink.com.np or info@nomadexpedition.com
Visit our company website www.nomadtreks.com and www.nomadexpedition.com