This is a classic trek. After spending a couple days in Kathmandu we will fly into the Lukla landing strip (9000’). We will spend the next 12 days trekking to Everest Base Camp (17,500’) climbing Kala Pattar (18,500’) then back to Lukla. We will stay in local tea house lodges and have porters to help us carry our gear. We will be day pack trekking the highest mountain range on the planet.
Day 1-3
Depart USA; See Itinerary. L.A. - Bangkok, Kathmandu. The flight arrives late and we spend the night in Bangkok. The hotel is close to the airport and has restaurants, International business center, very nice. The next morning we catch a China Airlines flight from Bangkok to Kathmandu. We check in our hotel and start to adjust to the time change. We will be in the heart of Kathmandu with plenty to see in the active city just outside our door.
Day 4
Kathmandu (4,383’). We will spend the day exploring Kathmandu, a sacred city, the Buddhist, Hindu culture, 3000 year old Monkey Temple, Dumbar square and various temples.Prepare for trek, get any last minute items.
Day 5
Phakding (8,700’). Fly via Twin Otter STOL (Great views of the eastern Himalayas) to the landing strip in Lukla (9000’). In Lukla we meet the porters and start our trek. Our first day is an easy walk through lush forest along the Dudh Kosi river to Phak Ding. We enter Sagamartha National Park.
Day 6
Namche Bazaar (11,800’). We follow the Dudh Kosi, ascending 2,300’ to Namche Bazaar. Namche is a historic trading post where Nepalese and Tibetan traders exchange salt, dried meat, gold, and textiles at open market. We will spend two days here, acclimating, visiting local shops, and enjoying the village.
Day 7
Namche Bazaar (11,800’). Acclimation day, we will visit the Sherpa museum, hike to the Everest View Hotel where we see the upper Khumbu valley for the first time. We will then trek back around through small villages and back to Namche Bazaar. Namche is the last place we will have internet access.
Day 8
Thyangboche (12,887’). A great day hike passing many gompas and stupas. Along the way, you really start to feel culture and mountain blend together.
Day 9
Dingboche (14,250’). We will attend the 6 am service at the Monastery. Inside there are incredible wall hangings, a 20’ statue of Buddha, the Llamas do the morning chants, play musical instruments and burn juniper in their morning ceremony. Then we will spend the day trekking to Dingboche.
Day 10:
Dingboche (14,250’). Today we will take another day to rest and acclimate. It is a good day to clean up, wash clothes, read, and charge the batteries. We can take a light hike to some of the surrounding areas.
Day 11
Lobuche (16,175’) From Dingboche the trails winds throughfarmlands and alpine meadows, we climb through the small village of Dzugla, before climbing to the viewpoint with stone memorials for climbers who have perished on nearby summits. The trial continues along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We spend the night at the Eco Lodge, hot showers are available upon request.
Day 12
Gorak Shep. We will spend the day moving up to Gorak Shep. This is the highest lodge in the valley and we will spend morning climbing Kala Patter 18,500’ then the afternoon relaxing in a greenhouse like sunroom taking in the views and the night at Gorak Shep.
Day 13
Everest Base Camp. We will hike up into base camp and check out the camps and theicefall. My friend Willie is guiding a group, and we will pay a special visit to their camp. Then Head back to Lobache after lunch.
Day 14
Lobache to Pheriche(13,950’) We will take a different route back down through the valley. High alpine cattle land and spend the night in Pheriche.
Day 15
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (11,800’) we can stay at the Zamling lodge with a great view of the area and hot showers. Internet café and the bakery, yippee!
Day 16
Namche Bazaar to Lukla (9000’). We will hike back out of the park and get on a list for the early morning flight the next day. We will spend the night in Lukla.
Day 17
Lukla to Kathmandu. We should arrive first thing in the morning and have the rest of the day to get any last minute shopping items.
Day 18
Kathmandu to Bangkok. We get there in the evening and can hit the city. I usually enjoy a hamburger at the Hard Rock café then do some shopping.
Day 19
Bangkok to USA.
*I would think you would want to add two days to this just to give ourselves extra time in the event of any delays.