Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport meet our staff with GA complimentary transport transfer to relevant Hotels, our guide will give you briefing of the Hotel, Kathmandu, Trekking, and related information that you might require while in Nepal with Great Adventure.
Day 02: A day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
In Kathmandu, half day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at places of interest, as Kathmandu valley is rich in World’s Heritage Sites.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla & trek to Phakding.
Approx: 30 minutes flight to Lukla 2,800m with 3 hrs walk to Phakding at 2,652m. An early morning start with a drive to domestic airport board as per the flight time board in the smaller twin otter or similar plane for the sweeping panoramic flight to Lukla, our trekking guides will receive you. The walk from here is gradual most of the way, with few ups offering views of Kusum-Kangru 6,369m after 2-3 hrs of good walk reaching at Phakding for the overnight stop in one of the best available lodge, Phakding village situated by the bank of the Dudh-Kosi River.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440m approx. 5 – 6 hrs.
After Phakding crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh-Kosi the walk is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill and re-crossing the same river again, with magnificent view of Thermasarkhu 6,608m, then reaching a small village of Monjo after the last 20 minutes climb from the stream, after Monjo, comes to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, from here a short descend with a gradual walk to the Jorsalle village is reached, the trek continues to the last bridge over the Imjatse river, from here the walk is along the winding uphill path all the way to Namche Bazaar, with magnificent view of Kwangde peak, Kusum kangru Mt.Everest- Nuptse wall, Lhotse and the closer view of Taweche peak can be seen all the way up, from here 1hour walk up to the Sherpa’s capital at Namche Bazaar, the houses and lodges are placed in an amphitheatre shape.
Day 05: Rest Day at Namche Bazaar.
Necessary rest day for acclimatisation optional activities a short hike uphill to the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarter, a magnificent spot perched on top of Namche Bazaar with grand views of snow capped peaks and valleys, visit the museum with all types of information regarding the Himalayas, geographic, culture, mountaineering history and existing information on flora and fauna of this region, afternoon free at leisure.
Day 06: Trek to Khunde / Khumjung village 3, 730m. 3 – 4 hrs.
After a great time at Namche, trace the route above the ridge of Namche towards Syangboche just above Namche, following the trail to Khunde and Khumjung the largest of the Sherpa villages in the Khumbu area, trek leads towards the Syangboche small airstrip, the first one and half hour walk is quite strenuous uphill due to high altitude overlooking the magnificent view of Mt.Kwangde, Thermasherkhu and other neighboring peaks with an aerial view of Namche Bazaar down below. On reaching Syangboche small airstrip, take a short climb towards the Khunde village situated in the same glacial valley as Khumjung village beneath the sacred Mt.Khumbila 5,761m. A quiet gentle path brings to the sleepy village of Khumjung via Khunde for the overnight halt. At Khunde there’s a hospital built with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary’s Foundation. Afternoon visit the Khumjung old Monastery, Khumjung also has a High School built with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation.
Day 07: Trek to Phortse Tenga 3,900m. 4 hrs.
After a wonderful time here, the walk is fairly easy for the first half, from Khumjung the trail leads to an hour downhill joining the main busy trail at Shanasa, on this area there is more chances of seeing the beautiful colourful Danphe pheasant (Impeyan Pheasant) national bird of Nepal and the elusive musk deer, and sometime even herd of Himalayan Thar (mountain goat). From Shanasa, Gokyo route diverts from the main trail towards north. The path climbs gently on the steep rock steps embedded in a narrow cleft in a large boulder; the two trails soon join and continue towards a large Chorten on the top of the ridge at Mong 3,973 meters. This ridge descends from Khumbila 5,716m abode of the patron god Khumbu. From this ridge, the path meanders in a series of switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dudh Kosi at Phortse Thanghka for our overnight stop.
Day 08: Trek to Dole 4,200m. 3 – 4 hrs.
After Phortse, continue trek to Dole, from here the trail climbs steeply out of the valley through a patch of rhododendron forest which gives way to juniper and conifers trees. In the spring time this place will be vivid when all the flowers in bloom. This path passes many summer pastures where the Yak and other cattle graze in this high pastureland. The trek winds through the Tongba village at 3,950m and Gyele 3,960m and finally arriving at Dole. A superb view of Khumbila and Tawache 6,542m can be seen throughout the walk.
Day 09: Trek to Machermo 4,410m. 3 – 4 hrs.
From Dole climb steadily along the side of the valley, rhododendron forest giving way to scrub juniper as altitude gains gradually. The trail climbs on a fairly level path for one hour to Lhabarma Kharka at 4,325 m and a further an hour to Luza at 4,390m, eventually skirting around a ridge to gain our first views of Machermo village, spread out in the valley below. There is an excellent Swiss chalet style lodge at Machermo, Arriving at Machermo on good time for the overnight halt and camp. Just above the village there is a superb view encompassing Cho Oyo 8,210m and all the mountains that flank the Ngozumba Glacier.
Day 10: Trek to Gokyo 4,760m. 3 – 4 hrs.
Today, head for the holy lake at Gokyo, following a very scenic trail to Pangka 4,545m and then descend slightly, following one of the glacial fed rivers which flow down the west of Ngozumba Glacier. Then climb a steep rocky incline into the ablation valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first lake. Soon arriving at the second lake, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to the Cho -La (another tough route to Loboche and beyond to Everest base camp) Coming to the third lake known as Dudh Pokhari and on its east shore is the summer settlement of Gokyo at 4,790 meters. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the peak of Cho Oyo and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.
Day 11: Morning at Gokyo for local hike and trek to Dragnak 4,440m. 2 – 3 hrs.
Today, after breakfast a hike to Gokyo Ri the highlight of this trip, the view around Gokyo itself is marvelous, for the very best panorama hike to Gokyo Ri, a high ridge above the lake, Gokyo Ri at 5,357m offers breathe taking views providing a panorama of Cho Oyo, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, Taweche and far as to Mt. Makalu in the east. A two hours climb brings you to this wonderful spot, afternoon walk to Thagnag / Dagnak after a wonderful time at Gokyo, just above the village at Na situated at the foot of the Ngozumba glacier.
Day 12: Cross Cho-la 5,430m and then to Dzong-la 4,830m. 6 – 7 hrs.
After a wonderful time at Gokyo, a short walk of few hours leads to Dragnak on the base of Chugyuma or Cho-la pass, just above the village of Na situated at the foot of the Ngozumba glacier. From here the walk climbs steadily towards Cho-la pass for few hours, then descending towards the small hidden valley at Dzong-la for the overnight stop.
Day 13: Trek to Loboche 4,928m. 5 hours.
From Dzongla the trail diverts towards north east, the path is gentle on the hard meadow looking down below Pheriche village, today’s walk offers beautiful view of the Mt.Tawache, Ama Dablam and to the north Pokalde 5,741m, Kongma-tse 5,820m and the great wall of Nuptse. Then reaching to the junction where the path from Pheriche meets above Thugla ridge. From here you can have great view of Mt.Pumori and other peaks west of Everest, the spot here is good place for a few minutes break after the great scenic walk, close to this spot you can also see a number of memorial of the unfortunate climbers, who died in expeditions around the mountain of this region, From here an hour gradual up brings you to Loboche, situated in the corner well hidden and sheltered from the wind. Loboche has about 5-6 Teahouses.
Day 14: Trek to Gorakshep 5,160m. & Kalapathar 5,545m.
Today towards at the foot of number one, the first hour walk is gradual up the valley at the end of the grassy field, a short 20 minutes climb, the walk from here follows the rocky moraine path, as you walk you can see the icy-glacial pond and icebergs down below of Khumbu glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes a short downhill walk bring you to Gorakshep on the flat field below Kalapathar 5,545m and Mt.Pumori 7,145m. Gorakshep has two teahouses, and it used to be a base camp in the early 50’s expedition to Mt.Everest. After a break here at Gorakshep continues towards Kalapatthar.Top of Kalapatthar a small rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Mt.Pumori, view from here is spectacular as the Everest looks within a stone throw distance, between the summit of Nuptse and Lho-la and Lhotse, after a great moment with the panoramic view descend for the overnight at Loboche.
Day 15: Trek to Loboche East Peak Base Camp 5,340m. Approx: 3 – 4 hrs.
The final day of this great adventure, continues towards Loboche East Peak Base Camp, the path from here can be misleading, follow the lead Sherpa, every year the trail changes due to the movements of the glacier, the walk is quite strenuous due to the high altitude and thin air, the walk passes through over rocky dunes and moraine and streams, till you reach the base camp.
Day 16: At Loboche East Peak Base Camp.
Rest day which help for the final preparation for the climb or trek and climb further to establish high camp at around 5,600m if there is space available to camp. This will make it easier and shorten the day and effort.
Day 17: Climb of Loboche Peak and return to Base Camp or to Loboche.
Today the final day to achieve the goal of this trip, if the weather is fine can be done in a day with strenuous effort on reaching the top of the summit grand panorama of the surrounding peaks including the number one Mt.Everest. After the climb time permitting either descend towards the Base Camp or continue towards Loboche village for the celebration.
Day 18: Trek to Thyangboche approx. 5 hrs.
From Pheriche a short walk brings you to the bridge, after the bridge it is nearly downhill all the way with few ups in between Pangboche and Thyangboche, on reaching the bridge back to the tree-lines and green vegetation, an hour up to Thyangboche for the overnight stop.
Day 19: Trek to Monjo. 2,835m. Approx: 5 – 6 hrs.
Retrace the journey back to Namche Bazaar on the downhill and gradual path. After Namche Bazaar down hill walk most of the way to Monjo for the overnight, Monjo village located near Sagarmatha National Park Entrance.
Day 20: Trek to Lukla 5 hrs walk.
Today the end of this great adventure trekking back to Lukla, a leisure and pleasant walk, with few short up-hills to encounter, on reaching at Lukla, last dinner with the fellow Sherpa guides and porters.
Day 21: Fly Lukla – Kathmandu.
As per the flight time, (sometime the flight delays due to bad weather and other technical reason). Check in for the scenic flight to Kathmandu with panoramic views of high mountains during 30 minutes flight. On arrival at domestic terminal, GA staffs transfer you back to the Hotel.
Day 22: Free day in Kathmandu at leisure.
A free day in Kathmandu, inform our GA staff if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley.
Day 23: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.
Today as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket, Great Adventure Trek staff will transfer you to international airport for your final departure from Nepal, the land of high Himalayas.
SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK
AREA (1,148 SQ. KMS.)
LOCATION: Sagarmatha National Park is located to the Northeast of Kathmandu in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The park includes the highest peak in the world,
Mt.Sagarmatha (Everest), and several other well-known peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyo, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thermasarkhu, Kwangde, Khangtiaga and Gyachung Kang. The park was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 1979.
FEATURES: The Mountains of Sagarmatha National Park are geologically young and broken up by deep gorges and glacial valleys. Vegetation includes pine and hemlock forests at lower altitudes, fir, juniper, birch and rhododendron woods, scrub and alpine plant communities, and bare rock and snow. The famed bloom of rhododendrons occurs during spring (April and May) although other flora is mostly colorful during the monsoon season (June to August)
Wild animals most likely to be seen in the park are the Himalayan thar, goral, serow and musk deer. The snow leopard and Himalayan black bear are present but rarely sighted, other mammals rarely seen are the weasel, marten, Himalayan mouse hare (pika), and jackal and languor monkey. The park is populated by approximately 3,000 of the famed Sherpa people whose lives are interwoven with the teaching of Buddhism. The main settlements are Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Khunde, Thame, Thyangboche, Pangboche and Phortse. The economy of the Khumbu Sherpa community has traditionally been heavily based on trade and livestock herding. But with the coming of international mountaineering expeditions since 1950 and the influx of foreign trekkers, the Sherpa economy today is becoming increasingly dependent on tourism.