Nepal is synonymous with mountaineering. It is known to the world as the home of Mount Everest, highest point on earth at 29,035', and home to 10 of the world's 14 8,000-meter peaks. Every mountaineer dreams of climbing Everest, and every trekker who gazes at these summits wonders what it would be like to stand on top.

A Mountaineering Trek takes to the heart of the Everest region, to Everest Base Camp , and to the tops of peaks that give a bird's eye view of the highest summit on earth. You'll trek up to 16,000 ft at Cho La, and have have the option of climbing 20,300 ft Imja Tse (Island Peak), at the foot of Lhotse and Everest. You will visit Sherpa homes, and listen to the lore and legend of fifty years of mountaineering from the climbers and their families.

Itinerary

Day 1-2 -Travel from US to Bangkok.

Day 3 Fly to Kathmandu, check in and visit Swayambunath Temple.

Day 4 Full day sightseeing to Bhaktapur & Patan medieval cities and the award-winning Patan museum.

Day 5 Morning flight to Lukla (9200'). Trek to Phakding (8800'). 3-4 hrs of hiking along the Dudh ("milk") Koshi river.

Day 6 Trek to Namche Bazar (11,300') A steep climb up to Namche is rewarded with first views of Everest. Namche is an active mountain community that thrives on trade and tourism. 5-6 hrs.

Day 7 In Namche Spend a day acclimatizing, visiting the Sherpa culture museum and national park center. Optional hike to Everest View Hotel.

Day 8 Namche to Phortse Tanga (12,180') Hillside trails offer panorama views of the walk in from Lukla, and encounters with an occasional Himalayan thar (mountain goat). Camp by the river at Phortse Tanga. 5-6 hrs.

Day 9 Trek to Dole (13,400') Traverse forests of birch, pine, rhododendron, and fir, far above the upper Dudh Koshi (river). A short day (4 hrs) to Dole.

Day 10 Machherma (14,650') Continue gradually up the glacially carved Gokyo Valley, stopping after lunch at Machherma, once a herders camp. 3 hrs.

Day 11 Gokyo Lake (16,000'). This is one of the most spectacular spots in all of Khumbu. Climb to the edge of the gigantic Ngozumpa glacier, covered with rock and sand. A frigid lake reflects the snow-capped peaks.

Day 12 Rise early to climb Gokyo Ri (17,990') for a panoramic view of Everest, Cho-Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu, four of the world's highest peaks.

Day 13-14 Descend to Tagnak and Cross Cho-La (17,800') From Gokyo, descend to Tagnak (overnight), crossing a spectacular glacier before camp. Next day mount Cho La (pass) and descend to camp at Dzongla.

Day 15 Dzongla to Lobuche Join the trail to Everest Base Camp, and overnight at Lobuche (16,400'). Sunset's glow on marbled Nuptse is stunning. Visit the High Altitude Research Laboratory (EvK2CNR) at Lobuche.

Day 16 Climb Kalapathar (18,450') and return to Loboche Rise early to reach the top of Kalapathar ("black rock") before clouds mask the spectacular views of Everest, and now familiar peaks. Return to Lobuche by mid-day.

Day 17 Trek to Everest Base Camp and return to Lobuche An optional all day hike along the Khumbu glacier - a fascinating experience - to base camp.

Day 18 Loboche to Chukhung All this is warm up to the upcoming climb. Camp in the upper Chukhung Valley, a productive potato farming area at 15,500'.

Day 19 Chukhung to Imja Tse Base Camp (16,500') The approach to Base Camp skirts Imja Tso (lake), threatening a glacial lake outburst flood!

Day 20 Climb Imja Tse return to BC Those members who attempt the summit will mount the 20,300 ft peak in one long day, beginning in the dark, and returning to Base Camp that day. The others will explore or rest.

Day 21 Base Camp to Tyangboche Monastery An easy walk down valley, returning to the lovely fir and rhododendron forests around Tyangboche.

Day 22 Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar Descend to the Dudh Koshi again, and follow the yak trains to Namche.

Day 23 Namche Bazar to Lukla Retrace your steps with new muscles, for last night of dancing and joking with your Sherpa staff.

Day 24-25 Fly to Kathmandu. Enjoy a massage or hot tub, or free time to shop.
Or visit some of the outlying temples (Pharping and Dakshinkali).

Day 26-27 Travel to US via Bangkok (overnight).


Trip Cost:

4-7 persons US$3,550/person

8-12 persons US$3,075/person

Single supplement US$400/person.

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