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Day1 - 2
Arrival Kathmandu -1,350m/4,428ft
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM) you will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Himalayan Glacier display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to your hotel. After check in, you will visit HGT office, meet your trekking guide as well as other participants. Later in the evening we will organize a "Welcome Dinner" at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program along with a fine meal.
Included meals:Dinner
Moonlight Hotel
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Day2 - 3
Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Preparation
After breakfast, we can enjoy a free day on our own or participate in a sightseeing program. The sightseeing program is focused to introduce some highlights and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu such as Durbar square, Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath. After some hours' sightseeing, we get to the office and get our equipments checked by the climbing leader, prepare things as per need, introduce with fellow participants, and after Himalayan Glacier Trekking briefs us about the trip, we get chance to ask questions we might have regarding the trip. Overnight at hotel.
Included meals:Breakfast
Moonlight Hotel
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Day3 - 4
Kathmandu to Lukla [2,800 m/9,184 ft] to Phakding [2,652 m/8,700 ft]: 40 min flight; 3/4 hours trek
After breakfast, we will be escorted to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After an adventurous 40 minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Upon arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day4 - 5
Phakding to Namche Bazaar [3,440 m/11,283 ft]: 5/6 hrs
Trek starts in the morning after breakfast. The walk today is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill with multiple crossings over Dudh Koshi River and magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the Bengkar village. Cross some more bridges and reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked in order to keep record of trekkers and local trekking staffs as well. A descend and a gradual walk brings us to Jorsale, the last village until Namche Bazaar. The walk is enjoyable through the river bed and we reach Hillary Suspension Bridge. Now, as we climb up hill towards Namche Bazzar, closer and magnificent sight of Kwangde Peak, its sister peaks, Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains are viewed closer, we stop at the Chautara here to admire the view. Finally, we reach the colorful village of Namche Bazzar, the main gateway of Khumbu region.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day5 - 6
Namche Bazaar [3,440 m/11,283 ft]: Acclimatization Day
This is first scheduled 'acclimatization' day for this trek. Health experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or carry out relaxed exploration of Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. Visit the Tourist Visitor Center near the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters and observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung and climb up to famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak of Khumbila hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. Visit Hillary School which is at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, walk back down to Namche Bazzar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day6 - 7
Namche Bazzar to Tengboche [3,870m/12,694ft]: 5/6 hrs walk
After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek towards Tengboche enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows on the gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild lives like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through the pine forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga we then have a little tough climb steep up through the pine forests while before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has a biggest Buddhist Monastery all over in Khumbu region. We visit the monastery the same day at around 3 p.m. to witness the ceremony in the principal and popular monastery of Everest region.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day7 - 8
Tengboche to Dingboche [4,360 m/14,300 ft]: 5/6 hrs
Mountains as a backdrop, the monastery in Tengboche looks spectacular more in the morning. We snap pictures of the monastery and the sceneries around and as usual start the day journey. We choose the upper trail for better views to visit Pangboche village and its ancient Monastery. We pass through several Chortens and Mani walls and small villages. We enjoy lunch with fantastic close-up views of Ama-Dablam. In the afternoon, go north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Ama Dablam. From here onwards the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley ahead will begin to open up as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River, we descend into the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche On arrival in Dingboche, we enjoy the beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect the barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day8 - 9
Dingboche [4,360 m/14,300 ft]: Acclimatization Day
We spend our second day of acclimatization at Dingboche. A refreshing breakfast while admiring a looming Ama Dablam (6856m/ 22493 ft) to the south is really fantastic. To better appreciate Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Lhotse and numerous other peaks visible from Dingboche, we climb the ridge on the north behind the village. This will be an ideal acclimatizing excursion. Upon this juncture, we can see three of the world's six highest peaks, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu and Mt Cho Yu. To the west, loom the towering peaks of Cholatse (6440 m/21,126 ft) and Taboche (6542 m/ 21,463 ft). As we look northwest, we see an array of peaks rising at the head of the Khumbu Khola valley. The Lobuche West and Lobuche East peaks are most dominant along with Lhotse which stands over 8500 meters (8501m/27, 890 ft). From a vantage point high on the ridge, we can scan the sweeping Imja Khola valley as well as the picturesque fields and pastures of Dingboche. Overnight at Dingboche.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day9 - 10
Dingboche to Pokalde Base Camp [4,900m/16,072ft]: 4/5 hrs
This section of the peak climbing trip reaches to the base camp of Pokalde peak. In its course to the base camp, the steeply climbing trail around 4 to 5 hours brings us at the base camp of Pokalde Peak. Though the trek today is short it will be useful for acclimatizing purposes. After reaching the base camp we can introduce ourselves with some ice climbing skills. The base camp of Pokalde Peak is situated near a large circular lake in the middle below the Kongma La pass. Besides, the base camp of the peak receives you with captivating views of Mt. Makalu, Amadablam, the southern face of the Nuptse and many other remarkable mountain peaks in the Everest region. Overnight at Pokalde Peak Base Camp.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day10 - 11
Pokalde Peak Base Camp to High Camp [5,400m/17712ft]: 4/5 hrs
Today the climbing trail at first brings us at Kongma La Pass from where we can enjoy the views of the wide basin dotted with frozen lakes. The majestic view of Pokhalde Peak from the high pass is unavoidable. The forthcoming climbing trail also rewards us arresting views of Cholatse, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam and several other peaks in the Khumbu region. While enjoying the company of captivating views of the tallest mountain range in the Everest region, the trail today eventually stops at High Camp of Pokhalde Peak. Overnight at High Camp.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day11 - 12
High Camp to Pokalde Peak Summit and Trek to Chhukung [4,730m/15,518ft]: 8/9 hrs
This will be the climax of the whole trip in the Everest region. Hence today, we will wake up early in the morning and move forth towards our destination. This section of the trip is demanding as the trip follows slightly difficult climbing trail through stones. The climbing trail ultimately reaches to the narrow rocky summit, Pokalde Peak. Upon conquering the apex of Pokalde Peak, we can observe the most breathtaking and panoramic views of the world’s highest mountains which include the views of Mt Makalu, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and a number of other tallest peaks in the Khumbu region. After celebrating the captivating vistas from the top of the peak, we retrace back passing through Kongma La Pass to Chhukung. We might choose to hike to the rocky knoll of Chhukung Ri which offers stunning views of Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu and several others including Baruntse. Overnight at Lodge in Chhukung.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day12 - 13
Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp [5,200m/17,060ft]: 3/4 hrs
The path from Chhukung leads fairly steep way climbing south then turning east to the main line of the valley. It then winds along or below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. We continue short pleasant walking along a stream side. The route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. A cries-cross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island peak.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day13 - 14
Island Peak Base Camp to Summit and back to Base Camp [5,200m/17,060ft]]: 12/13 hrs
Today is the climax of our trip, so we wake up very early at around 1 to 2 am so that we can reach the summit before noon because subsequent to afternoon the strong winds in the high lands might be our barrier for successful summit. We eat breakfast and start the venture. The path leads up beyond base camp for several hundred meters before striking off the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As we climb the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the path enter a steep rock channel. We climb the rock gully. This is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. We need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses. The guides will fix a rope wherever necessary. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. After enjoying the summit views, and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Island Peak Base Camp where some of our crew is waiting for us. We celebrate on our successful Island peak climb.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day14 - 15
Island Peak Base Camp to Dingboche [4,360 m/14,300 ft]: 5/6 hrs
Today we clean ourselves and our equipments as well. Also the day for some hot bath and shaving. Moreover, it's important to leave least footprints possible for the conservation of the Himalayan environment. After packing up everything and cleaning the base camp, we retrace our path to Dingboche. The trail today is short and relaxing with few hours of mostly flat and downhill walking to reach Dingboche, going through the village of Chhukung. Overnight in Dingboche.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day15 - 16
Dingboche to Lobuche [4940 m/16,207 ft]: 5/6 hours
We start the day with a climb to Duglha through the Khumbu Khola valley. Beyond Duglha we trek up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We find our way through the boulder-strewn slope as we ascend Chupki Lhara, an eerie ridge top with dramatic mountains views. At the top of the ridge we will find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10 times Everest summitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (mountain guide from Nepal) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves right "in front of" several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. We are now in the vicinity of Everest but the great mountain still remains hidden. By this stage the effects of the altitude will be kicking in and we can feel colder nights. Overnight in Lobuche.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day16 - 17
Lobuche to Gorekshep to Everest Base Camp [5364 m/17,594 ft]to Gorak Shep [5170 m/16,961ft]: 6-7 hrs
Take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, come through the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The path from here can be misleading, hence follow the lead Sherpa, every year the trail changes due to the movements of the glacier - the walk is quite strenuous due to thin air in high altitude, passing through over rocky dunes and moraine and streams - until we reach the base camp. As we reach Everest Base Camp, we cannot stop ourselves from appreciating the Everest climbers who take the hazardous route through the Khumbu Icefall. Everest Base Camp is lively with commotion during the high expedition season. Mountaineer's tents stand out in bright colors against all the dull gray surroundings (especially in spring). Nuptse, Khumbutse, Pumori are the mountains we can view from base camp but Everest itself is not visible from here. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night's rest. However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view. As the setting sun's rays strike the snow capped mountains the resulting scenery is indescribable. For those trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar our guides and Sherpas coordinate a hike to Kala Patthar for amazing sunset view today rather than waiting until the next day. Overnight in Gorak Shep.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day17 - 18
Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar [5545 m/18,192 ft] to Lobuche [4940 m/16,207 ft]: 5/6 hrs
Today is the climax of our trip. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. Plus there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding view points to snap pictures. After several hours of an ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. From here we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar rocks our eyes taking in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we can with our camera and take the in view with our mind's eye to last lifetime. On being back to Gorak Shep, we have breakfast followed by a gradual descend down to Lobuche for a good night's rest.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day18 - 19
Lobuche to Lobuche East High Camp [5,400m/17,712 ft]: 4/5 hrs
Today, we begin our trek from Lobuche towards Lobuche High Camp. After walking some distance on relatively flatter plane, the path to the Lobuche Base Camp gets steeper and rocky. We move forward along the Lobuche Glacier while enjoying the great views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega, etc. From Base Camp, we continue on a rocky moraine path to reach the high camp. Upon reaching the high camp, we set up our camp, take lunch and rest.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day19 - 20
Lobuche High Camp to Summit [6119m/20,070 ft] and back to High Camp: 8/10 hrs
Today is our cherished day for the summit. We wake up very early at around 2 am, get prepared, eat breakfast and start early for the summit endeavor. Lobuche East offers more panoramic views of the mountains than other trekking peak. Once upon the Lobuche summit, you would enjoy magnificently panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, and many more. We spend some time at the summit celebrating and taking pictures, then we get back to the High Camp again.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day20 - 21
Reserve Day for Contingency
There is no such guarantee that we can get quite a favorable weather on our planned day for the summit, so this day is used as a contingency in case if we are unable to summit the Lobuche East Peak on the planned day due to bad weather condition or some other reasons. If weather gets exceptionally unfavorable we wisely have to postpone the program of summiting the peak for this day. Sometimes somebody in the group may get some problems in acclimatizing well enough to make the ascent; the day can be used in that condition too. If the trip goes smoothly and we do not need this spare day we trek down to Chhukung.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day21 - 22
Lobuche High Camp to Pangboche [3930m/12900 ft]: 6/7 hrs
After taking our breakfast, we trek downhill from Lobuche Base Camp and join the Everest Base Camp route at Lobuche again. We take our lunch at Lobuche. From Lobuche we again retrace our path to Pheriche. On the way to Pheriche, enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Ama Dablam in the distance. From Pheriche, we continue to Pangboche. Some of the other peaks that you would enjoy include Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega among others. We will trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it's spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings. Upon reaching Pangboche you may also consider visiting the famous Pangoche Monastery.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day22 - 23
Pangboche to Tengboche to Namche Bazzar [3,440 m/11,280 ft]: 5/6 hrs
After crossing the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction in the region. We unknowingly appreciate the gorgeous Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse with every bite. Following lunch, the trail to Namche Bazaar clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. We keep a lookout for wild life such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while we pass through the forest by the trail. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at of Namche Bazaar. We want to take a long last look (and picture!) back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche from here. On reaching our lodge, we take a nice hot shower and have very relaxed sleep in our room in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day23 - 24
Namche Bazaar to Lukla [2,800m/9,186ft]: 6/8 hrs
The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. By today we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this charming mountain air. Although we are travelling the same route down, we feel completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages. On arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smile on their faces!
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Teahouse/tented accommodation in mountain
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Day24 - 25
Lukla to Kathmandu
We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us at Kathmandu. You can rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel. If get interested to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit to some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods which can be assisted by our guides or you can do it yourself too. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu take the time to do that today! Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration dinner together for successfully completing a really adventurous and magnificent journey into the mountains.
Included meals:Breakfast Dinner
Moonlight Hotel
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Day25
Final Departure
You are saying good bye to the mountains of Nepal as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today. There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Himalayan Glacier Trekking drop you to the airport and say good bye. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.