Trekking in Everest / Khumbu Region

Situated approximately 120 km north east of Kathmandu, Sagamartha National Park was established in 1976, it covers an area of 1,148 sq. km of the Himalayan ecological zone. The Park was listed by U.N.E.S.C.O. as a World Heritage Site in 1979.

It is largely composed of rugged terrain and deep gorges within an elevation of 2845m in the south to 8848 m (the summit of Everest) in the north. The vegetation is alpine at lower levels and is dominated by silver fir, birch and rhododendron. Around the altitude of 4500m the forest gives way to Juniper scrub.

A variety of mammals reside here, Himalayan thar, musk deer, the Himalayan red panda and the Himalayan black bear are all native to the park.

For many their journey to Nepal would not be complete without a glimpse of thehighest mountain on earth. For some it will be enough to view Everest from the Kathmandu valley rim on a clear day, it is also possible to sit in the comfort of a plane seat for the experience. Others however settle only for a more personal meeting with the most famous mountain on earth.

The Solu Khumbu region is second only to the Annapurna region inpopularity for trekking in Nepal. Famous not only for Mount Everest but also for its legendary Sherpas, who migrated from Tibet over five hundred years ago. They still manage to carve an existence from the frozen landscape. Sherpa villages, tremendous high mountains and ancient monasteries are but a few of the highlights in what is an extremely rich and dramatic region.

The trek commences with an early flight from Kathmandu to the air strip at Lukla in the heart of the Khumbu Region, the rest of the day is an easy one of around three hours to our first overnight at Phakding.

We continue north up the Dudh Kosi valley to Namche Bazaar,Namche was once a small village but is now the major trading hub of the region. Tibetan people travel regularly here to sell their wares, a day is spent for acclimatization - good food and accommodation.

From Namche the trail follows the Imja Khola, on route there are some spectacular views of the Khumbu Himal, Thamserku and Kantega with Amadablam in the distance, dominating the skyline ahead are Everest and Lhotse.

We spend the night at Thyangboche, the site of one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu region where we have an opportunity to visit.

The trail ascends, climbing gradually up the Imja Khola eventually emerging above the tree line before Dingboche. Here we take further acclimatization with a side trek to Chhukung Ri (peak). From Chhuking there are some amazing views of the south face of Lhotse to the north with a ring of smaller peaks surrounding it.

Dingboche to Kalapatthar takes a further two days via the lateral moraine of the Everest glacier for a truly "hands on" experience of Mnt's. Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse which tower above. A further five days are taken retracing to Lukla and the flight back to Kathmandu . An attainable trek for anyone who is reasonably fit with the itinerary set to minimize any affects of altitude.

ITINERARY:
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu - transfer hotel - tour briefing
Day 02: A full day Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 03:Flight to Lukla - trek Phakding (2652 m.)
Day 04: Phakding / Namche Bazaar (3446 m.)
Day 05: Namche Bazaar rest
Day 06: Namche Bazaar - Thyengboche (3867 m.)
Day 07: Tyangboche - Dingboche (4343 m.)
Day 08: Acclimatization trek to Chhukung Ri
Day 09: Dingboche - Lobuche (4930 m.)
Day 10: Lobuche - Gorak Shep – Base Camp then back to Gorakshep
Day 11: Early morning trek to Kalapatthar then trek back to Lobuche (4930 m.)
Day 12: Lobuche - Dingboche (4343 m.)
Day 13: Dengboche – Khumjung village
Day 14: Khumjung village - Phakding
Day 15: Phakding - Lukla
Day 16:Flight Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 17: At leisure
Day 18: Transfer airport - flight to onward destination

Price includes:
1. Airport – Hotel & Hotel – airport transfer in Kathmandu by private car/van/Bus
2. Domestic airport transfers while flying out to Lukla & return
4. 14 days trekking on full board (including breakfast, lunch & dinner + accommodation). Accommodation can be either twin sharing or dormitory
5. Everest National park fee / trek permit
6. Necessary staff (porter and Guide)
7. Kathmandu – Lukla & return air ticket
8. Domestic airport tax
9. First aid kit
9. One farewell dinner in Kathmandu with Nepali folk dance program
10. Salary, foods, transport, insurance and equipment for staff
11. All applicable taxes and service charges

Not included:

1. Flight ticket (Ktm – Pkr & return)
2. Accommodation in Kathmandu
3. Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
4. You insurance
5. Rescue and evacuation service
6. Personal expenses
7. Tip for staff