PACKAGE DETAIL
Everest Base camp & Kalapathar Trek
Duration: 16 days | Grade:
The trail leads off the end of the Lukla airstrip and ascends to join the main trail to Namche Bazaar meandering in an out of many valleys as it climbs gradually up, following the Dudh Khosi to its junction with the Bhote Khosi and on up the steep ridge, our first glimpse of the world's highest peak – Everest, flanked by Lhotse and the Nuptse ridge, Himalayan giants in their own right, before we arrive at the Sherpa 'capital' of Namche Bazaar at 3440m.
We have a rest day here for acclimatization and to allow you time to explore this very traditional Sherpa village. There are a number of side trips which can be done out of Namche on this day and your Leader or Guide will arrange this if you are interested.
A walk up to the Sagmartha NP HQ. is strongly recommended, as it offers well displayed information on the history and culture of the Everest region as well as spectacular views of the Everest massif. If you wish, you may simply relax and enjoy the 'luxuries' of Namche – cold beer, chocolates hot cinnamon rolls etc. You will probably want to stock up here for the next stage of the trek, as above Namche there is little to buy.
After Namche we head onto Thyangboche, a tiny village at 3860m. Which is the site of the famous monastery and Sherpa Cultural Center with the classic and gigantic Mt. Ama Dablam standing sentinel to the valley below. On the trail up to Thyangboche keep your eyes open, as you may be lucky enough to catch sight of a musk deer or the Himalayan pheasant, Nepal 's national bird.
On from Thyangboche, by about half a day's walk is Pangboche, where on show in one of the local gompas is the so-called Yeti scalp. The local monk will probably ask for a donation before showing you the scalp but remember that this is one of their few opportunities to get much needed funds to maintain the monastery.
Here we are really in the heart of the high, vast terrain that surround Everest and the other peaks of the region. There is little agriculture and the lives of the Sherpa people are spartan by any standards. From Orsha we walk to Dingboche – a village of stone houses, just beneath the most difficult to climb north face of Ama Dablam. Temperatures drop dramatically in this area, in winter, daytime temperatures are around 15 degrees C and can drop to as low as -15 degrees or even lower at night. Although autumn and spring are somewhat warmer, one should be prepared and have adequate warm clothing, so make sure you carry your down jacket in your day pack. Even though much of the walking in this area has a comparatively gentle gradient, we are now into higher altitudes and walking days are relatively short to allow safe acclimatization.
From Dingboche 4300m we proceed, via Dughla, to Lobuche 4930m. This is just a couple of stone houses in an icy, yet spectacular wilderness. In winter, some of this day's walking will be beside and across a frozen river, the Khumbu Khola, which we follow up to Lobuche. From the top of a ridge behind Lobuche is a breathtaking view of the Khumbu Icefall, Pumore and many other peaks. From Lobuche we will attempt to reach the top of Kala Pathar, boasting astounding views – Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and countless lesser-known peaks, the Khumbu Icefall and to the north, Tibet !
It is important that if you show signs of altitude sickness you MUST inform your Sirdar or Guide immediately. Chances are that you will have no problems reaching 4000m but after that point walking will become increasingly difficult and if you show signs of acute mountain sickness it is essential that you descend immediately.
Itinerary - Outline
Day 01 – Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 02 – Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
Day 03 – Fly out to Lukla. Trek start from here to Phakding
Day 04 – Phakding to Namche
Day 05 – Rest / Acclimatise day in Namche
Day 06 – Namche to Thayngboche
Day 07 – Thayngboche to Pheriche
Day 08 – Rest / Acclimatise day in Periche
Day 09 – Periche to Lobuche
Day 10 – Lobuche to Gorak Shep
Day 11 – Gorak Shep to Kala Patther and Everest Base camp
Day 12 – EBC to Pangboche
Day 13 – Pangboche to Namche
Day 14 – Namche to Lukla
Day 15 – Early morning flight to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 16 – Departure from Kathmandu
Itinerary Rating:This is a very popular, spectular trek but you must acclimatise and be properly kitted out. Kala Pathar is over 18000 feet.
