Our Everest Trek Print E-mail
Saturday, 03 September 2005
This is the trek route we are planning to take.  This is the world’s most famous trek via the recently opened Nangpa Valley. Cross Renjo and Cho la. Climb both Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar and camp overnight at Everest Base Camp.
 
The trek travels to the remotest parts of the Khumbu Himal and visits all the main valleys of the region. We can explore fascinating Sherpa villages and visit the Buddhist monasteries at Tengboche and Pangboche, whilst the names of so many famous mountains including Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Pumori will become part of our vocabulary. Not only does this trek include ascents of both Gokyo Ri and Kalapattar, we even camp overnight at Everest Base camp, allowing us to soak up the atmosphere of this hallowed place.
 
In common with most Everest treks we fly up to the mountain airstrip at Lukla and head north along the well-worn trail, which follows the mighty Dudh Kosi river to Namche Bazaar. This sizeable Sherpa village is situated at the heart of the Khumbu and all the principal valleys of the region converge here. Most parties continue to follow Imagewell-trodden paths, but we leave the crowds behind and head up the remote Nangpa valley to Marulung. Only recently opened to trekkers, this valley was off-limits for many years owing to its proximity to the sensitive Tibetan border. Its unspoilt authentic Sherpa villages offer a unique insight into how the area would have been when Hillary first walked these paths fifty years ago.
 
Our route now takes us across the Renjo La (5340m) to the cobalt-blue lakes at Gokyo. From our campsite by the lakes we can trek to the farthest reaches of the valley for close range views of Cho Oyu (8201m) and Gyachung Kang (7922m).We can also make the ascent of Gokyo Ri (5483m) for a unique panoramic view of the Everest massif.
 
We will continue across the Cho La (5420m), a classic pass which links Gokyo with the Khumbu Glacier and the small settlement of Lobuche. The fantastic peak of Nuptse (7879m) towers over our campsite here, but Everest is tantalisingly hidden from view. Only by trekking further up the valley to Gorak Shep does the Earth’s highest mountain gradually begin to reveal itself. Our ascent of Kala Pattar (5545m) is followed by a tough trek along the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base camp, and here at the foot of the mountain we can marvel at the spectacle of the great Khumbu icefall cascading from the ramparts of the Western Cwm.
 
Outline Itinerary
 
Day 1 Kathmandu
A trekking representative will greet us at the Tribhuvan International Airport and  transport us to our Kathmandu hotel.  In the afternoon we will gather for a pre trek briefing and introduction to your trek leader and make arrangements for our trek. We than plan to relax in the evening, and eat in the heart of Kathmandu.
 
Day 2: Sightseeing Tour
After having had breakfast in Kathmandu, we are will go on a tour of the amazing sightseeing of the Kathmandu Valley. We will visit Durbar Square, Swayambhunath ‘Monkey’ Temple, the famous Hindu temple – Pashupatinath and the largest Stupa in Nepal – Boudha.
 
Day 3: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding
Early morning we will transfer to Tribhuvan Airport for a Twin Otter flight to STOL airfield in Lukla that takes about 35 to 40 minutes. Our trekking crew at Lukla will receive us. After final preparations, the trekking starts passing Chaurikharka village, and makes a descent towards the Dudhkosi Ghat (2,530 meters). The trail follows the precise bank of the Dudhkosi River until camp at Phakding is reached. This first day is short because we need to acclimatize.
 
Day 4: Phakding   to Namche Bazaar
Follow the Bhote Koshi through forest and pasture land, along a valley dotted with small Sherpa settlements. Cross the Bhote Koshi and climb steeply along switch-backing trail to large Sherpa village, views of Everest (8848m) and Lhoste (8511m) come into sight. This prosperous town is the largest Khumbu. A traditional trading Imagecenter, the Bazaar is held every Saturday. The goods on display are available. Thamserku (21886'/ 6648m) and Kwangde Ri (6224m) become visible to the east and west, and the sacred mountain Khumbila(5707m) dominates the skyline to the north behind the village. Six hours.  Night stay at Namche Bazzar (3440 m)
 
Day 5: Namche Bazaar
Rest and acclimatization at Namche Bazaar. A pleasant day can be spent exploring the village, talking to the Sherpas and marveling at the incredible scenery. A hike to the Everest view hotel in Syangboche or Thame will be a good option. The rest day is intended for acclimatization purpose. HIKE HIGH, SLEEP LOW. 
 
Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Thame
We leave Namche and head up the Thame valley to the village of the same name (3800m). This valley is ‘off route’ for most trekking groups and we are likely to find the paths relatively quiet. The village houses are very spread out and we camp in one of the fields surrounding the house of a Sherpa friend. In the afternoon we can visit the small gompa situated on a rocky promontary above the village, or challenge the local youngsters to a game of football (which at this altitude they always win!).
 
Day 7: Thame   to Marulung
We head north into the remote Nangpa Valley. Until last year this valley was off limits to trekkers because it was a main access route to the Nangpa La, a high pass linking Nepal with Tibet. For hundrdeds of years, many Tibetan traders have travelled this route, bringing a variety of Chinese goods on the backs of their yaks to sell in Namche Bazaar, but the ease with which China can be reached was in the past sufficient reason for the Nepalese Government to keep tourists out of the area. However, the catastrophic downturn in tourism following September 11 has forced the Nepalese Governent to open up many previously restricted areas in a desperate attempt to kick-start the tourism industry which is the country’s main earner of foreign currency. We camp at the village of Marulung (4150m) or just above at Lungare.
 
Day  8, 9, 10, 11 & 12:  Marulung - Renjo pass - Gokyo - Gokyo Ri
We continue trekking up the remote Nangpa Valley to our camp at the pastures of Chule, situated at the snout of the Nangpai Glacier. After pitching our camp and having lunch we leave our camp in-situ and trek further up the Nangpa valley. At the farthest reaches of the valley lies the superb Nangpai Gosum (7352m) and on the western side of the Nangpa La the spectacular peak of Jobo Lapsang (6668m) rises up. We should be able to reach an altitude of over 5000 metres at the collection of sherpherds huts at Lunag (5090m) before returning to our camp.
 
We descend down the Nanga Valley for some distance before beginning the steep climb up to the small lake of Renjo Tsho, effectively the high camp for the crossing of the pass.
 
A big day over the Renjo La (5340m). We leave our camp after an early breakfast and climb into a wide corrie making for the ridge line ahead of us. The actual pass is only a small notch and the final section involves some very easy scrambling. When we come over the pass we are greeted with a fantastic panorama looking out over the turquoise lakes at Gokyo and across the the Everest massif. We descend over rough glacial slabs and moraine to our campsite in a secluded location on the western shore of Gokyo’s main lake, away from the lodges and other trekkers.
 
You can have this trek in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy the beautiful isolated Himalayan scenes by exploring around or climbing Gokyo Ri (5,483 meters).  Back to Gokyo for overnight
 
Day 13 & 14:  Gokyo - Chola high camp – Dzonglha
After breakfast this short trek supports the same way and crossing the Ngojumba glacier where we will reach Thagna of few teahouses. Trek continues to   chola Base camp (4920m) for overnight.  Day follows with continue walking across the moraine, the trail makes a steep ascent to the top of the snow covered Chola Pass (5,420 meters). Walking takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. From the top, we can enjoy excellent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Mt. Everest. From the pass, the trail descends steeply towards the Dzonglha (4,850 m) passing through pine forests. It takes about 7 hours to walk.
 
Day 15: Dzonglha to Lubuche
From Dzonglha, the trail levels and then makes a gradual climb up and down to the small Sherpa settlement of Lubuche (4,930). This is a small village situated nearby the stream. The sunset on Nuptse is a memorable sight. 
 
Day 16: Lubuche to Ghorakshep
After breakfasts start   your normal   day hiking on the way we will cross several side moraines to Ghorakshep (5,000 m), Short but high altitude walk.
 
Day 17: Ghorakshep – Kalapattar - Lubuche
Early start is essential. Travel along the Khumbu glacier through jumbled moraine and shattered rock. Climb Kalapattar (5545m) viewing the massive of the earth Pumori (7145m), Mt. Everest. The Tibetan peak Changtse (7501m) Nuptse, Lhoste and count less other needles and snow fluted ridges. It may take about 2 to 3 hours to climb the summit. The top provides the best vintage point viewing Mt. Everest. Afterwards, we go back to Lubuche. For overnight.
 
Day 18: Lubuche to Pangboche
From Lubuche we retrace our route for an hour and continue descending to the small collection of buildings at Dugla (4600m). We continue down the broad valley to Pheriche (4240m). This sprawling village is home to the Himalayan Rescue Association and there is a small medical post here staffed by western volunteers. We cross the Dudh Kosi by a small wooden bridge and continue on a delightful path high above the river to the village of Pangboche. There are superb views of Ama Dablam (6856m) from all along the trail, offering varied perspectives on this famous peak. Pangboche is a sizeable Sherpa community with a large Gompa situated high above the village. It is here that they used to claim to have a yeti skull, but this questionable artifact was recently stolen.
 
Day 19 Pangboche to Namche Bazaar
our final day in the high mountains takes us back to Namche Bazaar. Although we are leaving the Khumbu now, this is one of the best days walking on the entire trek. The path initially descends to the river below Pangboche and crosses via a rickety suspension bridge spanning a narrow chasm. We then climb up through pretty forest to the famous Gompa at Tengboche. Here we can gaze back north at the fantastic panorama which includes Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, whilst to the east we can see Kang Tega and Thamserku. We will also be able to visit the Gompa which has been newly built since the old one was destroyed by fire in 1989. We then begin the long descent down a seemingly endless series of switch-backs to the Dudh Kosi at Punki Tenga. We stop here for lunch in a very pleasant and sunny location. Finally we begin our last big hill which climbs up to the lodges at Sanasa. From here the path contours around the hillside in a superb high-level position until we reach Namche and our comfortable lodge.
 
Day 20 Namche Bazaar to Lukla
After breakfast we depart Monjo and continue our descent along the Dudh Kosi, before making a final ascent to reach the Lukla plateau by mid afternoon. We trek back to Lukla along the same trail, although it always looks different coming from the opposite direction on arrival in Lukla we will have time to relax and celebrate the completion of our trek. Trek concludes.
 
Day 21 Lukla to KATHMANDU
We fly out of Lukla to Katmandu in the morning, transfer back to our hotel and spend the rest of the day exploiting Katmandu.
 
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