Everest High Passes Trekking

Itinerary:

Day 01: You arrive in Kathmandu and are transferred to the Shangri La Hotel. A pre-trek briefing, given by the group leader, will be scheduled for the late afternoon. He will discuss the trekking program and co-ordinate any last-minute arrangements. The evening is free but usually the group leader will organise an evening meal at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.

Day 02: In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour, visiting Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. Here we may observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the Stupa. In addition we also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we will see Hindu holymen (or Sadhus), pilgrims performing ritual bathing, and occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The early afternoon is free to relax in the spacious hotel garden or you may wish to visit Thamel, for any last-minute shopping. In the afternoon you will be supplied with your Trek and Climbing Packs and trek departure information.

Day 03: Trekking 3 hours In the early morning we take the spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m), flying parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibetan China. Flight time is about 40 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing we will have  time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort and load the trekking equipment. In the afternoon, we begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Koshi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaunrikharka (2713m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2550m), it is a short distance to Phakding.

Day 04: Trekking 3½ hours From Phakding we cross the river and head up valley following porters from the south, ferrying supplies to Namche. The trail keeps close to the river valley and is lined with beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest that is very spectacular in the spring months when the flowers are in bloom. We cross the Dudh Kosi at Benkar where there are tantalizing glimpses of the snow peaks Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2835m) where we arrive in time for lunch. We spend the night in Monjo with the afternoon free, with the opportunity to do some exploring around the village. The day has been deliberately kept short to aid acclimatization, a very important process. 

Day 05: Trekking 4 hours Today the walking is a little tougher and includes the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. From Monjo, it is a short walk to the entrance of the National Park before we cross the Dudh Kosi, to Jorsale (2805m). The trek continues upstream on generally flat terrain, crossing back to the right bank, to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Koshi rivers; it is here that we start the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. After crossing a large and stable suspension bridge high above the river we slowly ascend at a steady pace towards Namche. There are some fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Taweche (6542m) come into view for the first time. After arriving in Namche, we enjoy lunch and the afternoon is free to bargain in the shops for 'Tibetan' artefacts, or relax and marvel at the beautiful scenery.

Day 06: Acclimatization We remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large, protected hollow. It gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. Today a limited amount of trade exists at Namche, and Tibetans are often seen in the village trading rugs and Chinese-made goods, clothing, salt and dried meat. It is recommended that you take the opportunity to see both the sunrise and sunset views from the National Park Headquarters above the village. The view is stunning with a superb panorama of the Khumbu peaks and great views of Everest. After breakfast, there is a variety of options: perhaps a walk towards Thami (3810m) above the beautiful Bhote Khola river valley or a visit to the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. There is also a mountaineering display and details of the park’s flora and fauna. Your guides will be on hand to offer advice and escort you on your walks.

Day 07: Walking 6 hours From Namche, we climb towards the park headquarters and follow a contouring trail high above the Dudh Kosi River. Above Namche the route to Thyangboche becomes visible with the monastery seen below the summit of Everest and surrounded by Himalayan peaks. On today’s walk there are opportunities to spot the local wildlife, including the beautiful Danphe Pheasant, often seen among the birch and silver fir forest between Shanasa and Trashinga, and Himalayan Thar on the high ground above the trail. After reaching the re-forestation nursery at Trashinga, the trail drops steeply to cross the Dudh Kosi at Phunkitenga (3250m), where we take lunch. In the afternoon we pass water-driven prayer wheels and ascend, initially steeply, through pine, fir, black juniper and rhododendron forest towards Thyangboche. The monastery and our lodge are located in a beautiful meadow surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks in a truly peaceful and tranquil setting. The most notable peaks seen from here are Kantega, Ama Dablam - perhaps the most beautiful peak in the region - and of course Mount Everest.

Day 08: Rest & acclimatization. According to legend, in the 17th century AD, the Lama Sange Dorje, from Tibet’s Rongbuk Monastery, founded the monastery. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1933, rebuilt and again badly damaged by fire in 1989. Construction of the present monastery was completed in 1992. We have a full day at Thyangboche and we will visit the monastery, and the nearby museum. (There is a small entrance fee for the museum and a small donation to the monastery is appreciated.) The day is free to relax and it is important you maintain adequate fluid levels and not overdo any excursions, in order to assist in the process of acclimatisation. A climb part way up the steep hill leading to Kantega can provide some great photo opportunities looking down across the monastery and over to the peaks and valley systems beyond.

Day 09: Trekking 6 hours From Thyangboche, we descend through forest of birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron, to the nunnery at Debuche. Along the way keep an eye open for Blood and Danphe Pheasant, Musk Deer and, high on the steep slopes of the valley, the Himalayan Thar. After half an hour’s fairly level walking we cross the Imja Khola and gradually ascend to the village of Pangboche where the peak of Ama Dablam dominates the skyline. We will take lunch here and perhaps view the beautiful monastery that once housed the legendary Yeti scalp. In the afternoon our route ascends gradually, high above the Imja Khola, passing the tea-houses at Orsho before crossing the Imja Khola and old glacial moraines to our lodge in the settlement of Dingboche. The scenery is spectacular: although Everest has disappeared behind the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, the huge peaks that tower above the eastern end of the valley are ample compensation. We are now almost completely above the treeline. In clear conditions, look out for spectacular sunsets here and on Ama Dablam. Today’s walk is quite tiring due to the altitude, so it is important to take notice of your leader’s advice and recommendations regarding rest and fluid intake.

Day 10: Rest & acclimatization Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds. It is occupied mainly through the monsoon months, when large numbers of yaks are brought here to graze on the valley pastures. Behind our lodge the huge rock faces of Taweche seem to soar to the heavens.

Day 11: Trekking 3 hours Another short day to aid acclimatisation. From the lodge in Dingboche we head up through the village, following the Imja Khola Valley. The ascent is gradual, crossing small streams, through open alpine pastures with fine views of Island Peak at the head of the valley. We will reach the Chukhung lodge in time for lunch, with the afternoon free to rest and acclimatise, or you may feel energetic enough to head up valley towards the old moraines that flow down from Lhotse. The views of the massive Lhotse Wall and Ama Dablam are particularly impressive as seen from Chukhung.

 Day 12: Trekking 4 hours In the morning we have the option of an early morning walk towards Island Peak (Imja Tse) base camp. On the other hand, those wishing to take it easy can sleep in and relax around the lodge until lunch. This will be taken early before setting off towards the Kongma La pass. The afternoon’s walk is a long and tiring climb up steep grassy slopes on a small, but well-defined trail. The angle of the slopes decreases as we near camp and the surrounding rocky peaks and small glacial lakes are a perfect setting for our first night’s wilderness camping.

Day 13: Trekking 4 hours After leaving camp we ascend past a series of small glacial lakes with fine views of Makalu to the south-east. As we near the pass we cross glacial moraines before a final rocky scramble leads to a narrow ridge adorned with prayer flags. The top of the pass is usually very windy, so after a short rest we descend the screes and boulders (ski stocks or walking sticks very useful) that lead down into the Khumbu valley. There is a short climb to the top of the lateral moraines of the Khumbu Glacier, before crossing on a series of short ascents and descents to the other side of this huge glacier. On the far side, atop the moraine wall, there are spectacular views looking towards Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), and - across the border in Tibet - Changtse (7550m) at the head of the valley. Everest is hidden behind the towering walls of Nuptse. From here we descend for a short while before following the stream to our lodge at Lobuje. It is a tiring walk today but the fantastic scenery makes it all very worthwhile.

Day 14: Excursion to Kala Patar Trekking 7 hours Today, we will leave Lobuje very early in the morning for the ascent of Kala Patar. Initially we follow the broad valley running parallel to the Khumbu glacier to the moraines of the Changri Nup Glacier where we will make a series of small ascents and descents to Gorak Shep (5160m). After a short rest we will ascend the slopes of Kala Patar (5545m), a small, rocky peak on the south-west ridge of Pumori, a slow, steady pace once again being the best attack. The climb is not easy but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. We will hear huge glaciers creaking as they move under pressure and be awe-struck at the sheer size and majesty of the surrounding peaks including Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and Everest - the highest mountain in the world. For many trekkers reaching Kala Patar is a very emotional experience and we have allowed plenty of time on Kala Patar to enjoy the experience. We return to Gorak Shep for a welcome cup of tea and a light lunch before walking back to Lobuje in the early afternoon.

Day 15: Trekking 4 hours After the tiring day to Kala Patthar we take the opportunity to enjoy a lazy start. The walk to Dzongla is less than four hours and a morning spent re-hydrating and relaxing before an early lunch is in order. After lunch we follow the main Everest trail back down the valley before bearing right to contour round the hillside above the Tshola Tso Lake before descending to the valley floor and the small huts at Dzongla. Upon arrival we make camp and prepare for the crossing of the snowfields that lead to the top of the Cho La pass.

Day 16: Trekking 6 -7 hours The day begins very early to reach the top of the pass in the best possible conditions. From camp we ascend steeply on a narrow trail passing large boulders and huge rock slabs, and keeping to the left of the main glacier. There are a number of cairns lining the route to the snowfield and while the trail is well defined it does involve a little scrambling. Once on the snowfield the angle eases off and we soon reach the top of the pass (5420m) where the views are spectacular and include Baruntse (7220m) and Ama Dablam, as well as a sea of lesser peaks. Do not wander around the snow-field as there are crevasses and we may need to rope up for the pass crossing! The descent from the pass is steep and care should be taken as we follow the narrow rocky trail down to the Nymagawa valley where we enjoy a packed lunch. From the valley we cross rocky screes and boulders and ascend the short distance to a small saddle that leads downhill all the way on an easy trail to the huts and tea houses at Dragnag. After a welcome break we cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to the lake at Gokyo from where it is a short walk to our lodge.

Day 17: Rest & exploration We will rise early for an ascent of Gokyo Peak (5360m), a straight-forward but steep climb, and tiring due to the altitude, although the past days at high altitude will help. The walk up will take just over two hours and the reward is one of the best panoramas in the Khumbu. From the rocky summit, four 8,000-metre peaks can be seen: Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyo (8153m), Lhotse (8511m) and Makalu (8481m). Countless other towering snow-peaks and rock spires fill the horizons, including Gyachung Kang (7922m) to the east of Cho-Oyo, Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m) and Kangchung (6103m). In addition, there’s a bird's-eye view of the Gokyo lakes and the huge creaking Ngozumpa Glacier now cutting half way across the world and snaking its way down the valley far beneath. Time permitting we may also follow the lateral moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier past Kangchung Peak to a point where the Gyubanare Glacier joins in and from where climbing the ridge to the left of the small trail gives excellent views of Everest’s North Face.

Day 18: Trekking 4 hours As with our previous pass crossings we will have the opportunity to take it easy this morning before setting off towards the Renjo La. There will be another opportunity to ascend Gokyo Peak again for the sunrise before breakfast. The rest of the morning is free and we will depart after an early lunch and follow the trail that contours above the northern shore of the lake to the old moraines of the glacier below Renjo Pass. From here we climb steeply, on a good trail up to the lip of an old glacier valley strewn with boulders and glacial debris. Keeping to the right of the valley we ascend less steeply to reach camp opposite the large glacial snowfield below two unnamed peaks (5,625m and 5,906m).

 Day 19: Trekking 7 hours Today is a long day but as we are now well acclimatised the altitude should pose few problems. The ascent from camp steepens and involves a little boulder hopping and movement on loose screes but there is a good trail leading all the way to the Renjo Pass at 5,465 metres. As we ascend the pass do stop and look behind, as there are fabulous views of Everest and Makalu in the east. The crest of the pass is a narrow rocky ridge and like most passes is adorned with prayer flags for good luck. The descent from the pass for the first hundred metres or so is quite tricky and we will place a short section of fixed rope for use as a handline to help the group and porters. The far side is barren and rocky and the steep descent leads to yak pastures and a hut beside a small lake. Here we will take a light lunch before descending into the main valley that, if followed northwards, leads to the Nangpa La (5716m), the trading route to Tibet that is still used today. Once we reach the main valley there is a further steep descent on a grassy trail leads to the temporary settlement at Lungare and the village of Marulung. From here we cross the Bhote Khola and follow the main trail via Tarnga to Thami and our lodge accommodation.

Day 20: We have added an extra day to the itinerary to be used as a buffer in case there have been bad trail conditions or bad weather or at any time on the trek.

Day 21: Trekking 6 hours After breakfast we leave Thami and descend to cross the Bhote Khola on a sturdy suspension bridge. There are some impressive Buddhist rock paintings in the area, and from here, on the cliffs above and below, Himalayan Thar are often seen. Our route continues through the village of Thamo and back to Namche Bazaar where we take a welcome break for lunch. In the afternoon we re-trace our steps of a fortnight ago down hill to the Dudh Kosi, to cross the airy suspension bridge that leads on to Jorsale and our lodge in Monjo.

Day 22: Trekking 5 hours We retrace our steps along the Dudh Kosi, crossing to the western bank at Benkar. It is a beautiful and easy walk through blue pine and rhododendron forest, with views of Kusum Kangaru behind us. We walk to Ghat for lunch, and then start the gradual climb out of the river valley to Lukla. We arrive in the mid-afternoon, still with plenty of time to relax, explore, and sort out equipment. In the evening, a farewell dinner may be followed by a few celebratory drinks and dancing with our Sherpa companions.

Day 23: We rise early in the morning to be ready for the arrival of our aircraft and the flight back to Kathmandu. From the airport, we transfer to our hotel.

Day 24: You can enjoy further sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley or perhaps shopping in downtown Thamel. This day is also set aside in case of delays from Lukla.

Day 25: After breakfast we farewell you to continue your journey or  Final departure from Kathmandu.

Or stay longer or for short tours such as game drive at National parks safari, do some wild-water rafting, a Tibet tour or even mountain biking, etc- please ask us).  

Cost per person

US $2118.00
Pound £1347.00
EURO €1480.00
Australian $2118.00
Canadian $2118.00

Fixed group departure 2014:

25th February 2014.
27th March 2014.
10th, and 29th April 2014.
22nd May 2014.
10th and 20th June 2014.
4th, 15th and 30th September 2014.
4thth, 14th and 24th October 2014.
3rd, 16th and 29th November 2014.
10th and 20 December 2014.

Fixed group departure 2015:

15th February 2015.
18th and 29th March 2015.
3rd, 13th, 26th and 30th April 2015.
10th and 13th May 2015
14th June 2015
21st and 25 September 2015.
13th, 25th and 27 October 2015.
6th, 14th and 28th November 2015.
9th and 19th December 2015

For the convenience of our travelers to Nepal and fallow up the fixed departure itinerary of Explore Alpine adventure guarantees all fixed group departures dates.

Group Departures are for an adventurous individual person willing to join a small group of other travelers. We can arrange group trekking tours or individual trekking tours, to suit your requirements. Please you can choose any dates which will be suitable for you and please match your arrival in Kathmandu and departure from Kathmandu. 

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation in lodge during the trek period. 
  
• Necessary Domestic air tickets and airport tax as per itinerary. 
  
• English speaking local expert guide, porters
  
• Accommodation at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu/ Pokhara on double sharing with breakfast as per itinerary.
  
• All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu/ Pokhara and entry fees as per itinerary.
  
• Airport transfers and escort
  
• Insurance of the guide and porters as per itinerary.
  
• All necessary paper works and national park entry permits.
  
• Travel & Rescue arrangement if necessary.
  
• TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
  
• All government taxes.

PRICE EXCLUDES:

• International flight & departure tax
  
• Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  
• Personal Trekking gears (available on hire in Nepal)
  
• Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance.

Equipment List for trekking:

 FOOT WEAR

• Trekking boots: (one pairs), Thick socks (4 pairs)
• Light socks (3 pairs)
• Camp shoes (1 pair)
• Sandals (1 pair)

 CLOTHING

• Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers (1)
• Fleece jacket or pullover ( 1)
• Warm cotton trousers (2 pairs)
• Shirts and T-shirts ( 4 pieces)
• Lightweight cotton long pants ( 3 pairs)
  
• Long under wear (2 pieces)
• Short under wear (4 pieces)
• Sun hat or scarf ( 1) Woolen hat (1)
• Sunglasses (1)
• Lightweight gloves (1)
• Rain coat(1)
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof (1)

OTHER EQUIPMENT

• Sleeping bag (4 seasons) 1
• Down jacket -1
• Day pack – 1
• Water bottle – 1
• Sun cream
• Sunglasses
• Flash light with spare bulbs, batteries, lip salve,  gaiters.

Booking & Payment Conditions

Explore Alpine Adventure and Alpine Explore Nepal tour and trek is a well-known government licensed trekking and touring company in Nepal. We accept your bookings under the following terms and conditions.

1. When you confirmed trip, we need photo copy of your passport and 30% down payment of the total price for advance flight tickets, hotel booking and permit process.

2. Payments can be wired by bank transfer to our company bank account or Master Card and Visa Card. but we give preference bank transfer to our company account.

Please inquiry for bank accounts for your convenience.

3. Bank service charge should be paid by the clients themselves at the time of deposit.

4. In addition, payments can be made by Cash, Travels Cheque, Master Card or Visa Card as well. If you would like to make the payment by Master Card or Visa Card, the cards payment handling bank service charge 3.5% will charge to the card holder. 

5. After receiving photo copy of your passport, and 30% advance form you, we send you final confirmation receipt.

6. Remaining balance can be made after your arrival in Nepal. Full payment should be made before trip departure. Be mindful, we also reserve the right to cancel your trip provided full amount is not paid in time.

7. Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour or Trek to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation, loss of luggage, etc.

8. If you wish to arrange your travel insurance from our Company, we will arrange travel insurance for you.

9 Cancellation by the Client: Cancellation of a confirmed booking must be made by the Client in writing either in written documents or on an email. Cancellation shall valid with approval from the company after receiving document. Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and as a cancellation charge, 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid.

10 Risk & Liabilities:

We are committed to providing the best services which will give you a once in a life time journey in this connection, we perform our duties honestly & seriously to make your journey very smooth & pleasant. However, the entire programs in Nepal/Tibet/Bhutan are conducted strictly under the rules and regulation of theirs’ own policies.
There for Explore Alpine Adventure and its related organization shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstance such as govt. restriction, Land slide, road blockage, flood, snow political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay, sickness or accident, Any extra cost incurring there of shall be borne by the clients on the spots.

Thank you for choosing Explore Alpine Adventure. We look forward to meet you In Nepal and serve you better.

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