Everest Base Camp/Kala Patthar Trek (5550m)
20 Nights / 21 Days
Approximately $3070 USD pp sharing
*This advertised price is not fixed due to the ongoing situation in the Ukraine affecting supplies to Nepal including aviation fuel, transport and food costs, but should remain this price unless absolutely necessary to increase due to unforeseen increases.
This is an escorted tour with Joanne along with expert Mountain Guide and Porters.
Single rooms are only available in Kathmandu Hotels - all rooms on the trek are shared.
Please inquire for the single rate price.
*Priced Based on Minimum of 3 Booked Pax. Prices quoted in US$ currency.
If originating from outside of South Africa your welcome to join up in Kathmandu email for the itinerary and arrange collection from the Tribhuvan International Airport.
Arrival Day 1 - Your adventure begins the moment you touch down at Tribhuvan International airport and pass through customs where our friendly Nepali representative and your tour escort, Jo - will welcome you to Nepal and whisk you away through a bustling city to arrive at your hotel and settle you in. Trek Briefing in the evening.
The sights and sounds of of this bustling city can be quite overwhelming at first but as you settle in and slow down your pace, find your rhythm amidst this vibrant hub of Kathmandu, the welcome of being in Nepal will soon have you leaving your work and worries behind you as you begin to unwind and simply enjoy this slow paced life amongst a myriad of new and exciting discoveries. Time to sample delicious local cuisine of your choice at a nearby restaurant or wander the streets full of fascinating people selling their wares of every conceivable nature - from teas to hand spun clothing to Kumari dolls and Khukuri knives. Welcome to the thriving area of Thamel! An exciting part of the Kathmandu Valley.
Having had our trek briefing the previous evening we are on our way with an early spectacular 40 minute flight over the Himalayas to Lukla (2827m) and a trek through to Pakding. Every evening on our trek we'll be staying in local tea houses - here we can share stories with other trekkers in the communal dining areas, sample delicious mountain cuisine from the local momo's (dumplings), traditional dhal bhat (lentils and rice) and noodles done 10 different ways. I love a hot Lemon Ginger Honey tea to start (or end) my day, maybe your game enough to sample the local Raksi or Chhang beer brewed by the locals.
Namche Bazaar - trekking through rhododendron and blue pine forest, we'll cross the Dudh Koshi with snow-topped scenes of Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku etc. with a challenging climb up to Namche Bazaar - our reward is the sight of gigantic peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and of course the unmistakeable Ama Dablam. We'll take a day here for acclimatisation taking in the enormity of our location and the majestic views of these Khumbu region giants.
Taking our time here to ensure a proper acclimatisation we will be passing through mountain villages we'll move on through the forests of fir, black juniper, pine and rhododendron we'll make our way to different villages, Steadily making our way - altitude beginning to increase slowly - 3860m. Here the surrounded by the gigantic peaks of Ama Dablam, Kantega, Everest etc. Along our way we can stop and visit the famous Tengboche Monastery.
(4410m) Our route continues through trails of forest with glimpses of the Himalayas along the way. Being mindful of yak trains hauling supplies and goods to mountain villages - only man and beast can pass by these steep slopes. Crossings of suspension bridges, we overnight at a teahouse.
From Gokyo, we head over Cho La Pass, a steep ascent and then down the other side heading now for Lobuche (alt 4910m). Theres a steep ascent to the crest of the moraine before the path flattens out prior to our arrival into the lovely village of Lobuche. I always look forward to the Sherpa Stew here, its hearty, filling and sooooooo yummy.
Hiking up to Gorakshep (alt 5140m) The Final Push - we head to Everest Base Camp. The vista of the Khumbu Icefall is simply fabulous. We might even be lucky enough to meet some of the seasons climbers or watch them in the 'Climbers Playground' practicing technical rope climbs and keeping up their fitness regimes before their time to head for the Summit of Everest. Ups and downs continuing along until reaching the glacial sands of Gorak Shep, drop our gear and make our way to Base Camp. A steady pace is required at these altitudes as we make our way alongside Khumbu Glacier to reach Everest Base Camp We spend time here to explore this fantastic place on earth - admire the magnicifent giants of Lhotse and Nuptse, Pumori and others and take memorable pictures. Return to Gorakshep to overnight at teahouse.
Early in the morning hiking up to Kala Patthar (5550m) & Pheriche We head to the highest point of our trek for sunrise. Kala Patthar has excellent views of the Everest region including Mt Everest (8848m) and Pumo Ri (7,145m), Nuptse (7,861m), Khumbutse (6,623m), Lingtren (6,697m) and more which divides Nepal from Tibet and just above the Lho La pass we can see the huge face of Changtse (7,750m). An incredible 360 degree view - well worth the effort.
The morning we awake in this stunning little village of Pheriche, surrounded by more magnificent Himalayan Giants. We descent to Khumjung and Namche Bazaar Overnight
Namche to Lukla (5hr) Arriving into Lukla to celebrate our safe and wonderful return from this very special journey. A cold Everest Beer (or 2) awaits.
We take our flight back to Kathmandu (B) (Extra day if Inclement Weather)
Tomorrow brings a full day of sightseeing to some of Kathmandu's most historical and/or cultural UNESCO World heritage sights. Swayambunath (Monkey Temple) 2000 year old Buddhist temple where offerings to the Gods are a daily ritual. Pashupatinath (one of the most holiest Hindu sites in the world) where we find the holy Sadhu men and the site of cremations ongoing upon the ghats placed along the Bagmati river. We'll visit the City of Arts - Patan Durbar Square-founded in the 3rd century A.D. and home to some of the finest crafts with monuments from the medevil Malla period of the 16th-18th century and my favourite Boudhanath where the people observe their faith by perambulating clockwise around this magnificent stupa - the largest in Nepal. Marooned coloured robes of monks sitting chanting mantras and spinning prayer wheels or reciting precious sanskrit scriptures abound here - its a fascinating sight where people watching is a great past time.
We'll visit the city of Bhaktapur - City of Arts with its many famous temples, pottery, woven fabrics and the famous Peacock Window - one of Nepals most precious artworks.
We'll be treated to a family dinner at their home and enjoy festivities together to appreciate first hand the hospitality and kindness of this very special country.
Leaving Nepal the next day after taking the last opportunities to gather some precious trinkets and special memories, you'll depart with an open heart and a smiling face.
We'll see each other again soon - Once is Never Enough!
NAMASTE
Morning is at your wish for last minute gifts and trinkets until your transfer to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your International onward flight.
TO RECEIVE THE FULL ITINERARY OR SEND AN INQUIRY PLEASE EMAIL US info@himalayayogatrek.com
Note from Jo: I sincerely hope you decide to come with me to Everest Base Camp in the upcoming season. I'll be there to assist you every step of the way and provide you with the very best guides and porters, hotels and tea houses, most meals and permits and transportation required. Please send me an email through the contact form below to receive all the wonderful things I have been able to include in your package for a very fair price. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Namaste, Jo
Namaste and I'll see you again, because in Nepal - Once is not enough!
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