Trekkers will be guided through the sights of Kathmandu and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary school project. The trek then begins, allowing you to explore the rich culture and traditions of Nepal guided by Asian Trekking Ltd. . a touring company that understands your needs for a safe relaxed pace, and all the factors that go into making a memorable and rewarding adventure. Choose the trek that suits your time table and interests!
On a group trek in the Solu-Khumbu yaks or porters carry all camping equipment, food, kitchen stores and personal baggage, leaving you free to carry just a light backpack containing items such as water bottle, camera, fleece, binoculars and/or a rain jacket.
Note: Although these Treks have been carefully planned, reasonable changes and substitutions in the itinerary may be made where deemed necessary for the comfort, safety and well-being of the members.
Note regarding room sharing: Accommodation will be shared with varying numbers of beds and conditions may be basic. Rooms/tents will be single-sex but where possible couples will be catered for. Please give the name of anyone with whom you specifically wish to share – we will do our best to accommodate this, but it cannot be guaranteed.
Day 1: Fly from Calgary.
Day 2: En-route.
Day 3: Arrival in Kathmandu
You will be met by Asian staff and transferred to the hotel. The afternoon is left open to rest and explore. Perhaps, take a walking tour with guide and explore the streets of bustling Kathmandu. There will be an evening orientation to review trip’s itinerary with Welcome Nepali dinner.
Day 4: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Tour Kathmandu, the historical and cultural heart of Nepal, which has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century palace of 55 windows Bhaktapur and Swoyambhunath. The rest of the day is open to explore and to re-pack bags for tomorrow’s departure.
All of your other baggage will be safely stored at the hotel or in Asian Trekking office while you are on the trek.
Day 5: Fly to Phaplu
A spectacular 35 to 40 min. flight and hair rising landing on the mountain runway to Phaplu.
Day 6: Project work in Phaplu
Here you will see and possibly work on The Zeke O’Connor Secondary Community School which will be the only school in the region to offer a high school science curriculum.
Day 7: Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding [2652m]
A spectacular 10 to 15 min. flight from Phaplu to Lukla [2850m]. Head up the Dudh Kosi Valley on a well-marked trail.
After an early breakfast all participants will catch a flight to Lukla, 2,800m/9,800ft. The Sherpa staff with accompany you on this trek, you will begin your journey up the tallest mountain on Earth. Over the next 3-4 hours you will slowly make your way up to Phakding.
Day 8: Trek to Namche [3450m]
From Phakding, Cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. Ascend steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt. Everest in the distance. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed Nangpa La.
After an early breakfast you will continue your ascent to Namche Bazar, 3,440m/11,286ft. This day’s trek will be a gradual ascent, spanning 5-6 hours. Along the way you will have the opportunity to visit Buddhist Monasteries.
Namche Bazar is a village steeped in Sherpa culture. Namche Bazar is a historic trading village where Nepalese and Tibetans exchange a myriad of goods. Once you have reached this village you will have the opportunity to explore the local markets and mingle with the people.
Day 9: Rest day in Namche
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. Options for acclimatization walks include a visit to Khunde hospital set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary or a one hour walk up to the Everest view hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are good views from the national park centre and museum just above the town.
Today you will rest in Namche Bazar in order to allow your body to acclimatise to the elevation. Namche Bazar is known as the gateway of Everest. You will meet other climbers, some continuing on to the summit of Everest, others journeying to Base Camp. During your stay in Namche you will have the opportunity to visit with the Sherpa people, buy gifts in their marketplace and explore the valley. If you feel up to it your guide will lead you to Shyangboche, 3800m/12,467ft. Here you will have your first clear view of Mount Everest.
Day 10: Trek to Tengboche [3867m]
From Namche, the trail contours around the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Kosi. Now you get your first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga. The village is an excellent lunch spot, and here you can rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche. Although tiring, the hike up the zigzag path has numerous distractions, with rhododendron bushes, beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu.
After an early breakfast you will cross the Bhote Koshi River at Phungi Thanga. Phungi Thanga lies between Namche and Tyangboche. From Phungi Thanga the trek becomes steep as you ascend to Tyangboche, 3867m/12,687ft. After 4-5 hours you will reach Tyangboche and enjoy a much-deserved dinner in the dining tent and a restful night in one of the many teahouses (lodges) you will stay in along this trek.
You will stay in Tyangboche today in order to further acclimatise your body to the change in elevation. This is a spectacular place to spend the day not only due to the amazing view but also due to the world renowned Tyangboche Monastery. This monastery is the highest monastery in the world and is also home to the revered Rinpoche, a Buddhist Monk. Your guide will arrange for the team to watch a Buddhist Prayer Ceremony performed by the local monks.
Tyangboche has amazing views of a myriad of impressive mountains including, Mount Everest 8,845m/29,021ft, Mount Kwangde 8,928m/20,293ft, Mount Nuptse 7,876m/25,843ft, Mount Ama Dablam 6,854m/22,487ft, Mount Kantega 6,777m/22,235ft, Mount Thamserku 6,911m/21,674ft, Mount Tawachee 6,540m/21,457ft, and Mount Lhotse 8,498m/27,883ft.
Day 11: Trek to Dingbouche [4352m]
Descend steeply through a forest, cross the Imja Khola and climb steadily to the village of Pangboche. This is directly opposite Ama Dablam [6856m], and has exceptional views of the mountain, with the gompa, mani walls and scattered pine trees in the foreground. A further two hours walk brings you to Dingbouche.
After breakfast you will begin your ascent to Dingboche, 4530m/14,862ft. The trek to Dingboche will be a gradual climb over 2-3 hours. With Makula peak in the distance you will enjoy a leisurely dinner.
Day 12: Rest day in Dingbouche
A day to rest and acclimatize. You get a chance to wander up the valley to take a look at the Tshola Tsho Lake and the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. Alternatively, you can climb up onto the ridge overlooking for the view up the Imja Valley and the incredible south face of Lhotse.
Today will be another acclimatisation day as you rest in Dingboche. Today you may join your guide on a side trek to Chukkung, 4,730m/15,518ft. On the way to this mountain you will have a spectacular view of Mount Lotse Shar 8,383m/27,503ft. Once you have reached Chukkung you will have a full view of Island Peak, 6,189m/20,305. If the weather is clear you may also walk to Khambala Peak, 5,400m/17,716ft.
Day 13: Trek to Lobuje [4930m]
You continue up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawache on the left. You then turn right and climb more steeply towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. The tea house at Duglha is a good spot to have lunch, before zigzagging up through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine. At the top of this climb there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to the many Climbers who have died while climbing Mt Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuje.
While trekking to Lobuche for 4-5 hours today you will have the opportunity to see some of the most famous mountains on Earth and an impressive Sherpa memorial. During your journey you will see Mount Nuptse 7,896m/25,905ft, Mount Tawoche 6,542m/21,463ft, Mount Ama Dablam 6,856m/22,493ft, Mount Pumori 7,145m/23,441ft and many more.
Day 14: Trek to Gorak Shep [5184m]
To reach our next objective, Kala Pattar (5,554m.) for a view of Mt.Everest if clear. We start at 4.30 am with headlamp the trail follows the Khumbu Glacier, and offers superb views of the surrounding mountains, especially where the path is forced to rise to cross a tributary glacier.
Today you will trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep, 5,288m/17,349ft. After your 2-hour trek you will have lunch, take a rest and if you feel you are able you may join your guide and climb to Klapatthar, 5,545m/18,192ft, to watch the sunset. On this mountain you will be able to see many of the world-renowned Himalayan Mountains, including Mount Everest.
The Sherpa name for Mount Everest is 'Chomolungma' or 'Mother Goddess of the World.' Tomorrow you will make your final ascent to the Mount Everest Base Camp.
Day 15: Trek to Everest base camp [5357m]
To reach Everest Base Camp, a very early start is required, as it takes 3 to 4 hours on a trail which weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. We will spend 30 to 40 min. at Base camp take pictures meet with climber and back to Lobuje.
Today you will spend one full day trekking to Base Camp and then back to Gorakshep. The team will navigate the Khumba glacier as you make your way to The Base Camp of Mount Everest. After reaching Base Camp you will meet climbers preparing for their final ascent and watch as groups navigate the treacherous glacier walls leading to the summit of Mount Everest. You will be standing at the base of the tallest mountain on Earth and shall see the infamous Khumba icefall. After you have soaked in the city of tents you will descend back to Gorakshep for the night.
Day 16: Trek to Lobuje Base Camp [5400m]
Leaving Lobuje, you trek along the trail about four hours to Lobuje Base Camp. After walking half way on flat land, follow steep ascending path to reach Lobuje Base Camp. The path is quite rocky and it moves along the bank of Lobuje Glacier. En route, enjoy the spectacular views of Cholatse, Tawache, Ama Dablam, Pokhalde, Thanserku, Kantega, etc.
Day 17: Rest Day at Base Camp
Today is a rest day at the Base Camp for acclimatization and also for making the necessary preparation for the climb.
Day 18: Climb to the Summit [5760m] and Return to Base Camp [5400m]
Climb begins around 3 am as you hike over smooth slabs, following cairns, (stone markers), onto the hard snow. Further on, there is steep climbing of about 60 degrees. Climb along the knife-edged ridge, less than 12inches (25 centimeters) in places to finally reach the summit. At the summit, you will catch panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Cholatse, Pumori, Changri, etc. After enjoying your hard earned climb, you return to the Base Camp. Today trek for 10 to 12 hours.
Day 19: Trek to Tengboche [3867m]
Continuing along the trail, you trek along a gradually descending path till Deboche and from there you ascend for twenty minutes to reach Tengboche. Your trek today includes impressive views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Everest, Thamserku, Kantega, Lobuje and so on. En route, you pass villages such as Pangboche and Shomare.
Day 20: Trek to Namche [3450m]
From Tengboche you descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi at Phunki Tenga, where there are water driven prayer wheels, before making way to Namche.
Day 21: Trek to Lukla [2800m]
Final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi back down to Lukla. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the Sherpa guides and porters, where you can sample some chang, try Sherpa dancing and look back on a memorable trekking experience.
After a celebration dinner and continuous replays of the last 17 days you will fall asleep with the knowledge that you have completed a strenuous but extremely worthwhile trek.
Day 22: Fly to Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla in the morning. Relax or spend the afternoon doing some final shopping in Thamel.
Representatives will organize visits to various programs and projects throughout Kathmandu. All of these projects have been created in order to help Nepali children. The projects you might visit include orphanages, schools, street children night shelters and day care facilities. By the end of the trip you will have gained what most donators never receive, a chance to see the faces of the children your funds are going to help.
Tonight will be your last night together. Participants will gather for one final team dinner.
Day 23: Depart Kathmandu - Firm
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