Overview
This journey to the highest mountain on earth winds through the peaks of Nepal’s Khumbu region and into Everest Base Camp itself. Although high-elevation hiking is a real workout, our exertion is generously rewarded by continuously evolving Himalayan vistas. Among them are four of the world’s eight loftiest peaks: Cho Oyu (26,750’), Makalu (27,805’),Lhotse (27,890’) and Everest (29,035’). Magnificent mountain scenery sets the backdrop for the village lifestyle of the local Sherpa people, whom we see tending their fields and herds at lower elevations, trading their goods in the market at Namche and herding their yaks in alpine pastures. The Sherpas graciously lend their expertise to visitors, often guiding treks and expeditions in the Everest region.
The walk to Everest Base Camp, which follows the Khumbu Glacier and moraine, features breathtaking views of tall ice towers. In addition, this trek links the Khumbu’s three main parapets: Gokyo Ri, the Cho La pass and Kala Pattar. Because of the extended time spent at high altitudes, this trek should be undertaken only by those in good physical condition. This trek will push you, but if you’re in reasonably good physical condition, you can do it. In other words, if you regularly ride a bike, ski, run or work out in a gym, you will enjoy the rigors of this trek and you’ll be in great shape at the end of the trek. Most days are five to six hours, but expect occasional days of eight to twelve hours.
Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu airport meets and transfers to Hotel.
Day 02 During our full day in Kathmandu, we take a guided sightseeing tour of the Hindu site at
Pashupatinath and the Buddhist site of Bouddhanath. Our afternoon is open to make final trek preparations or do a little exploring. In the evening, we can enjoy the city center at Durbar Square and the nightlife of Katmandu’s lively Thamel area.
Day 03 We fly to Lukla and begin trekking. This initial section follows the Dudh Kosi River Valley
Through a relatively rich agricultural area. The Sherpas in these villages raise large crops of corn, potatoes, wheat, turnips, cauliflower and cabbage, and tend herds of cows, sheep, goats and yak cross-breeds. Interspersed between villages, we see magnificent forests of magnolia, rhododendron and fir trees. As we hike, watch the cliffs above the river for a glimpse of musk deer and Himalayan tahr. We visit the gompa (monastery) at Phakding, the Pharak District’s largest. We spend the night in Phakding (8,300’).
Day 04 At Jorsale our trail enters Sagarmatha National Park, established in 1976 with the support
of the New Zealand government. The remaining stretch to Namche Bazaar ascends steeply. With good weather, however, we are rewarded with views of peaks including Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. Namche Bazaar, at 11,286’, is a prosperous market town and the administrative center for the Khumbu region.
Day 05 This is a rest day to explore Namche and acclimatize.
Day 06 After leaving Namche Bazaar, we ascend to the villages of Kunde and Khumjung. The
latter is the site of the Hillary School, a primary school built for the children of the Khumbu by the Himalayan Trust. Also in Khumjung does a gompa possess a skull said to have belonged to the yeti (the Abominable Snowman). We pause the rest of the day for acclimatization. B/L/D deluxe camping
Day 07-11 Crossing the flanks of Khumbila, home to the patron god of the Khumbu region, we
descend steep switchbacks back to the Dudh Kosi River. We climb up the valley toward the river’s source and move into a vegetated zone of juniper and conifer. Along the way, our trail passes through many kharkas, or summer settlements inhabited during the warmer months when the Sherpas bring their yaks to graze in the high pastures. One of these kharkas, called Machhermo, is where a Sherpa woman says the yeti attacked her and a yak herd in 1974! Our arrival in Gokyo is heralded by a landscape of turquoise lakes, glaciers and pristine mountain scenery. While there, we may scale the easily climbable peak of Gokyo Ri (17,585’) for a magnificent panorama of summits including Cho Oyu,Gyachung Kang, Pumori, Changtse, Everest, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Kang Taiga, Thamserku, Khumbila, Tawoche and Cholatse.
Day 12-14 We cross Ngozumpa Glacier and ascend the Cho La Pass (17,782’). We then
Descend to Lobuche.
]Day 15 We leave at dawn to summit Kalapatthar. Hiking up an increasingly rough and steep trail
