Pilgrimage to Mansarovar and the Holy Mt. Kailash

Tibet one of those extraordinary destination where indeed adventure lurks around every corner! Adventure on the road is never short on the beautiful Transhimalayan drive, through mountain, passes, promising a panorama of a cultural and scenic diversity unsurpassable anywhere. It culminates on an arid plateau - a varitable treasure trove of architectural masterpieces -
the Buddhist monasteries of Drepung, once the largest in the country The Jhokhang - a spiritual center, and the awesome palaces of the Dalai Lama - Norbulinga ( the summer palace ) and the Potala ( the traditional seat ). Ancient Barkhor Bazaar still barters the bric -- a -- brac, in a region that's not so much a little strange as utterly surreal.

Mt.Kailash claimed to be the apex of the Hindu religious axis is also one of the highest mountain in Tibet at 22,022 feet, and Lake Mansarovar at 14,950 feet is said to be the highest fresh water lake in the world. Certainly a difficult region to reach due to the variable and extreme weather conditions. The distance from Lhasa for example is approximately 2000 km.

Only during the last few years have lots of ordinary and not so ordinary travellers, been able to experience this region. Road conditions are difficult much of the time and we have to make many preparations to ensure that we have a reasonable chance of reaching Kailash. We need to bring our own food and camping equipment. Basic lodges and tea-houses can be found but
the plateau is so remote that it is possible to travel for several days without finding food available.

To travel for days on this remote plateau with the chance encounters of nomads herding their sheep or yaks is to be transformed into another way of life, to see and become part of such a devout pilgrimage as shown by pilgrims around Mt.Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is to put some aspects of our western way of life into proper perspective.

We begin the tour by traveling to Kathmandu and departing by flight to Lhasa. We travel by the SOUTHERN route and after our pilgrimage (religious or secular) we return by the same route up to Lhatse and then turn south to Nepal via Nyalam and Zhangmu. The day to day program is outlined as follows:

12 May

Arrive Kathmandu. Meet at the airport and transfer to hotel.

13 May

Kathmandu. Preperation of the trip, visa arrangements and briefing. This day can be used as reserve day if in case of flight cancellation if some one already have Chinese visa at home.

14 May

Fly Kathmandu to Lhasa 3650m

15 May

Lhasa: Today will be spent visiting, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Jokhang Temple.

16 May

Lhasa: This morning we will visit the Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery

17 May

Drive to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km

18 May

Drive to Shigatse (3900m) 90kms

19 May

Drive to Lhatse (4050m) 157km

20 May

Drive to Saga (4600m)

21 May

Drive to Paryang (4750m)

22 May

Drive to Manasarovar (4560m)

23 May

Rest day

24 May

drive to Tarboche (4750m)

25 May

Trek to Dira-puk

26 May

Trek to Zutul-puk (4790m)

27 May

Trek to Darchen (4560m)

28 May

Drive to Paryang (4750m)

29 May

Drive to Saga (4600m)

30 May

Drive to Peiko-tso 110km

31 May

Drive to Zhangmu (2300m) 180km and then to Dhulikhel 90 Km 1650m.

June 01

1 Hour drive to Kathmandu (1400m)

June 02

Departure from kathmandu

Cost US$ 2500


IMPORTANT PRE DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Included in the Land cost: Transport by motorcoach coach/landrover/automobile as required, and accommodation with daily
breakfast. Tibet for the rest of we use the best available guest houses, but these offer more basic accommodation and fewer amenities. Sightseeing Tours, Services of English speaking Local Tibetan /Chinese Guides, entrance fees to monasteries and other points of interest, Tibet permits, Kathmandu - Lhasa airfare as per itinerary and visa charges are also included. 3 nights
accommodation and transfers also included.Trek: Guide, cook, Yak, food, cooking uttensils, camping gear etc also
included.

Not included in the land cost: Insurance, airport departure taxes, Nepalese Visa, Passport fees, immunizations, hard and soft drinks, Photographic charges in various monasteries, gratuities and items of any personal nature that have not been specifically included above.

Visas and documentation: You must be in possession of a valid passport. We obtain your visa for Tibet, and will require the following information when making your reservation: full name, date of expiry, place of issue, nationality, date of birth, sex and occupation. Two passport size photographs are also required. Additionally you must allow three full working days in Kathmandu for the visa to be fiscally stamped in your passport. A 60 day's double entry visa for Nepal can be obtained from all Nepalese Embassies abroad or upon your arrival in Kathmandu airport in US$ 55.

Accessories: We recommend you to bring the following items to make your journey more comfortable : Personal first aid kid, water purification tablets, toilet kit with toilet paper, flashlight with extra batteries, sunglasses, water botle, note book, pens, pencils, camera and film and extra batteries for electronic Cameras, binoculars, Duffel bag, rain gear, strong footwear, pocket knife, sewing kits, compass, altimeter, drinking cup, towel, plastic bags, dust mask, strong sun cream, chapstic, and money belt.

Insurance: We recommend you to insure yourself against sickness, emergency rescue, accident, Hospitalization, cancellation etc., as we accept no responsibility or expenses which may arise from mishaps to persons or their belongings during these tours.

Altitude Sickness: The Tibetan Plateau lies over 12000 feet, most people will experience some of the minor symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness, until their body adjust to the elevation. This can take from a few hours to couple of days, depending on the individual.


Arun Valley to Everest
MODERATE PLUS



23 DAY CAMPING TREK 5 NIGHTS KATHMANDU US1420

Arrive Kahmandu 25th March

This is a trek to beat all treks. This classic trek that trekker's worldwide want to leave their bootprint on! Few treks compare with this spectacular trek in the remote eastern region of Nepal. As we ascend from the lush tropical pastures of the Arun Valley 400mtrs to Gokyo Ri 5360mtrs, we view some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and of course "The Top of the World Mt Everest." Our first acclimatization days are spent at Namche Bazaar, home of the legendary Sherpa people. This colorful village was once the main trading route between Tibet and Nepal and offers a unique insight into the traditional Nepali and Tibetan way of life.

On this 23 day trek we will visit the famous Buddhist Monastery at Thyanboche which has been restored after being destroyed by fire in 1989. Thyangboche is surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountainous scenery in the world and majestically towering above is Ama Dablam. Here your efforts will be truly rewarded as our experienced and knowledgable guides
point out the classic routes to the summit of Mount Everest. We visit the famous school that was built and funded by Sir Edmund Hillary. As we ascend higher to our destination of Gokyo we pass a series of 5 high altitude blue
lakes which will take your breath away with their beauty. On our descent we return to our final destination of Lukla for the traditional end of trek party and a spectacular return flight to Kathmandu where we will spend 3 days exploring this fascinating city. This trip is truly an adventure to remember.
 

INCLUDED:

  • 23-Day Fully escorted camping trek All meals included

  • Internal flights:

  • 5 nights in one of Kathmandu's *** Hotels

  • 1/2 day sightseeing in Kathmandu

  • Fully escorted trek with experienced Aust. group leader

  •  English Speaking Nepalese Sirdar

  • Arrival and departure transfers

  • Twin share accommodation in Kathmandu and b'fast

  • All meals whilst on trek

  •  High Altitude Chamber is carried on all treks above 3000mtrs

  • Comprehensive medical kit

  • Trekking permit and National Park Fees
     

NOT INCLUDED:

  • International Airfare

  • Visas $30

  • Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage charges

  • Other meals not stated (Lunch/Dinner Kathmandu) allow $20 per day

  • Items of personal nature ie. Soft/hard drinks, tips etc.

  • Travel Insurance (this is a mandatory condition of booking)

  • Medical evacuation in case of emergency

  • Spending money required approx. $300


ANNAPURNA ADVENTURE

10 Day Lodge Trek - 5 Nights Pokhara - 8 day Camping Trek - 5 nights Kathmandu - 2 Nights Royal Chitwan National Park LAND CONTENT COST……………US$980

This is an introductory trek geared towards those people who have always wanted to experience trekking in the Himalayas without the hard work associated with high altitude trekking. This trek is suitable for anyone who is generally fit and healthy, regardless of age. A typical day on the trail begins with a steaming hot cup of tea and a lovely Nepalese smile before tucking into a big hearty breakfast. Most days would include walking "a little bit up and a little bit down" where a maximum altitude of
approximately 3,300m is attained.

1st Feb Day 1

Arrive Kathmandu airport 12.30pm you will be met by the staff from my agency in Kathmandu. Transfer to the very friendly family owned Karma Hotel. Tonight you will meet your guide and Sherpas for the trek.O/N

02 Feb Day 2

The following morning you will be taken on a 1/2 sightseeing tour of the many holy temples and interesting surrounding sights of Kathmandu including the Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Nepal's oldest city, Bhaktapur. A visit to the headquarters of KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Programme) is also included. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the many shops and bazaars and eating-houses of Kathmandu. O/N

03 Feb Day 3

Transfer by Tourist Coach for your 6-hour drive to Pokhara, a beautiful town set on the banks of the Phewa Lake. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu and is the perfect starting point for your trek

4th Feb Day 4

On your first day in Pokhara a tour will be arranged for you to visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp and Devi Falls. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You may wish to do some last minute shopping for your trek or pack your kitty bag for the following day's departure. O/N

5th Feb Day 5

This morning you will drive to the start of your 10-day trek North of the Himalayas. You will climb gradually along the ridges that are the foothills of the Annapurnas. Remember, however, that you are in the Himalayas and that 95 percent of the country is hilly and criss-crossed by numerous trails. There is very little flat land. If you take it slowly and walk at an even pace you should not experience any problems. You will pass through many villages where you will have ample time to take photographs and chat with the local people. Language is not a big problem as many of the local people speak English, your Guide will be happy to translate for you. There are many different ethnic groups along the trail, but the predominant people in this area are the Gurungs. Together with the Magar and Chetrie people, the Gurungs are famous as soldiers in the British Army, better known as Gurkhas.

Along the trail the views of Machapuchare and the Annapurnas are magnificent. The various trails from which we can choose lead us towards such Himalayan giants as Dhaulagiri (8167m), Lamjung, Annapurna II, and Machapuchare (6993m). Climbing higher, the winding trail passes through magnificent forests of oak and rhododendron that line the southern foothills of the Himalaya. The terrain varies from sub-tropical valleys with banana trees and rice paddies to high ridges clad in thick rhododendron forest. In January and February these may well be covered in snow, while during March and April they will be a blaze of red rhododendron flowers.

You will visit the famous Poon Hill where you will hopefully be blessed with a fantastic sunrise and 360 deg view of all the Annapurna Range including Annapurna South (7272m) Annapurna I (8091m) with imposing views of the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8157m) and the Dhaulagiri Range to the West. The views here are breath taking as you sit and sip on a hot chocolate before heading down the main trail to Pokhara. Here you will be able to see how things have changed over the years since western man started visiting the Himalayas. One of the added advantage of lodge trekking is being able to sit and chat to the Sougi (InnKeeper), whilst he spins you yarns about life in Nepal. The altitudes of this trek vary between about 915m at Pokhara to approx.3300m at Ghorepani, going up and down will test the best pair of knees. The secret is, take it SLOWLY!

14th Feb Day 14

Sadly this is the last day of your trek you return to Pokhara for a further 2 nights. Pokhara will seem like a teeming metropolis after the serenity of the hill trails. You're last night in Pokhara is a great opportunity to throw a party for the Sherpas and porters.

15th Feb Day 15

Free Day Pokhara

SIKLIS 8 DAY CAMPING TREK

16th - 23th Feb Day 16

23 Rough and wild this trek cuts through less traveled country south of Annapurna II & Lamjung Himal massif. It boasts fantastic mountain views and as it is a more "off the beaten track" than
other treks we will see very few other trekkers. It is a spectacular short trek and traverses a variety of terrains from low land villages and rice terraces up to Nepal's largest Ghurkha village at 3,000m. After trekking for 8 days we head back to Pokhara for 1 night

24th - 25th Feb Day 24

25 This morning you will take an early bus for your 4-hour drive to Royal Chitwan National Park. This is reward indeed as you spoil yourself with 2 night's stay at Chitwan where the spirit of the great
explorer-adventurers live on. Here, from atop an elephant, you can search for the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger and the endangered Great one-horned rhino, which roams the jungle together with leopards, sloth bears, bison and many more wildlife species. Hidden deep in the swamps are rare crocodiles and freshwater dolphins, which can be spotted when we journey down the River Rapti by traditional dugout canoe. Meanwhile back at the "Gol Ghar" Round House we can relate our day's adventures in front of the campfire surrounded by jungle sounds and good company.

26th Feb Day 26

This morning you will depart early for your 6-hour bus ride to the capital of Nepal - Kathmandu arriving late afternoon O/N

27th Feb 28th -Day 27

28 The next 2 days are yours to explore the many shops and bazaars and eating houses of Kathmandu.or you may wish to lake an optional scenic flight over Mt Everest. This is at an extra cost of approx. US$105 and is highly recommended as the "flight" of a lifetime. Whatever you decide to do in Kathmandu it is guaranteed to be a buzz!!

Day 29

Early this morning you will transfer to the airport for you return flight to Bangkok and transfer to Sydney 1st March



WHAT'S INCLUDED:

  • Airport transfers, 1/2 day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu All Coach
    transport

  • 4 ngts Accom Kathmandu in Hotel Karma centrally located and safe hotel 5
    ngts Pokhara Lakeside

  • 10 Day Lodge Trek All meals and accommodation

  • 08 Day Camping trek all meals camping equipment porters


All park permits Qualified English Speaking Nepalese Guide and Porters to carry your kit bag 2 Nights Accommodation at Chitwan (outside the park)


NOT INCLUDED:

  • International Airfare Visas $30 Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage
    charges

  • All meals whilst in Kathmandu/Pokhara/Chitwan approx.$12-per day
    Activities whilst at Chitwan

Items of personal nature ie. Soft/hard drinks, tips etc. Travel Insurance (this is a mandatory condition of booking) Medical evacuation in case of emergency


TASTE OF NEPAL 9-24 March 2002


8 DAY TREK - 3 NIGHTS POKHARA -3 NIGHTS KATHMANDU
2 NIGHTS CHITWAN WILDLIFE RESERVE US$1080


If you have always had the desire to visit Nepal but thought the treks were too long and hard then this is the trip for you. On this trip we incorporate a short but spectacular trek, and a visit to Nepal's famous Royal Chitwan National Park!

Our adventure begins when you arrive at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport and transfer to our 45-minute flight to Pokhara. After arriving at the beautiful family-owned Tibetan Hotel in Pokhara your afternoon will be free to explore this friendly easy going town or just relax at the hotel after your journey. The following morning a tour will be arranged for you to visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp and Devi Falls. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You may wish to do some last minute shopping for your trek or pack your kitty bag for the following day's departure.

Rough and wild this trek cuts through less travelled country south of Annapurna II & Lamjung Himal massif. It boasts fantastic mountain views and as it is a more "off the beaten track" than other treks we will see very few other trekkers. It is a spectacular short trek and traverses a variety of terrains from low land villages and rice terraces up to Nepal's largest Ghurkha village at 3,000m.

After trekking for 8 days we head back to Pokhara for 2 night before driving down to begin our safari in the Royal Chitwan National Park. This is reward indeed as we spoil ourselves with 2 night's stay in the heart of the Chitwan Jungle where the spirit of the great explorer-adventurers lives on. Here, from atop an elephant, we can search for the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger and
the endangered Great one-horned rhino, which roams the jungle together with leopards, sloth bears, bison and many many more wildlife species. Hidden deep in the swamps are rare crocodiles and freshwater dolphins, which can be spotted when we journey down the River Rapti by traditional dugout canoe. Meanwhile back at the "Gol Ghar" Round House we can relate our day's adventures in front of the campfire surrounded by jungle sounds and good company.

We spend 2 nights in the Reserve before driving to Kathmandu. The remainder of your stay in Kathmandu you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of the many holy temples and interesting surrounding sights of Kathmandu including the Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Nepal's oldest city, Bhaktapur. A visit to the headquarters of KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Programme) is also included. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the many shops and bazaars and eating-houses of Kathmandu. The following day an optional scenic flight over Mt Everest can be arranged. This is at an extra cost of approx. $140 and is highly recommended as the "flight" of a lifetime. Whatever you decide to do in Kathmandu it is guaranteed to be a buzz!


WHAT'S INCLUDED:

  • 8 Day Camping Trek

  • 1/2 day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Internal flights and Bus Transfers

  • 3 ngts B&B Kathmandu (twin share - single suppl.extra 3 ngts B&B Pokhara
    (twin share - single suppl. extra) 2 ngts Royal Chitwan Jungle Reserve all
    meals incl.

  • All meals whilst on trek All camping equipment

  • All park permits Qualified Nepalese and Australian Guides


NOT INCLUDED:

  • International Airfare Visas US$ 30 Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage
    charges

  • Other meals not stated Items of personal nature ie. Soft/hard drinks, tips
    etc.

Travel Insurance (this is a mandatory condition of booking) Medical
evacuation in case of emergency


Manirimdu festival one starting from Jiri and other start at Lukla.


EVEREST Gokyo Trek With eight of the worlds ten highest peaks, Nepal is loaded with spectacular mountains vistas. The Everest Trek is justifiably famous, not only for its proximity to the world's highest mountain but also for its friendly Sherpa people, picturesque villages, great variety of cultures and traditions, colourful festivals and monasteries. The Sagarmatha National Park is rich with flora and fauna, but the existence of the yeti remains a mystery.

Mani Rimdu: (Tengboche and Chiwang) Mani Rimdu, a very important festival to the Sherpas, falls on the full moon day of Tibetan ninenth month (October/November/December). The three day celebrations of Mani Rimdu follow the ten-day non-stop prayer sessions addressed to the parton deities - seeking " blessing for the good of all mainkind". The portagoniest of all is
Guru Rimpoche, the founder of Vajrayan Buddism in Tibet. Masked Lamas of Khumbu region perform various religious rituals amidts dancing and singing.

ITINERARY:

This itinerary is intended as a working guide only and is subject to variation as a result of weather, local conditions, government
restrictions, or any other reason beyond the control of Langtang Ri trekking. We reserve the right to alter (lengthen or shorten) any trek at any time if this is necessary.


Kathmandu – Jiri – Namche Bazar – Gokyo – Kalapattar– Lukla – Kathmandu

US$ 1332

08 Oct Day 01

Arrive Kathmandu: You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel, the Vaishali, or similar. Evening pre-trek briefing.

09 Oct Day 02

Half day excursion touring Kathmandu (private bus) with its many temples and pagodas. In the afternoon your trek packs will be issued and other pre-trek arrangements are dealt with. Rest of the day free in Kathmandu.

10 Oct Day 03

Kathmandu - Jiri : Drive to Jiri, 187 km from Kathmandu.

11 Oct: Day 04

Jiri – Deorali: The trek begins with a steady climb through cultivated fields and tiny Tamang villages. Climbing diagonally, we cross forested areas and open pasture land, before again descending to Shivalaya.
>From here it's a steady climb to the top of the Deorali pass (3000 m) where
we spend the night.

12 Oct Day 05

Deorali - Sete : From Deorali, it's a short walk to the Sherpa village of Bhandar, which is littered with prayer walls and small gompas (Buddhist temples.) Descending to the valley floor at the riverside town of Kenja, the trail climbs steeply up a ridge richly forested with oak and rhododendron to Sete (2575m) whose beautiful hilltop monastery is worth a visit.

13 October Day 6
Sete - Junbesi

We climb through fragrant pine and oak forest to the Lamjura pass (3500 m) for our first glimpse of Everest. Then it's downhill again to the large Sherpa village of Junbesi. From here there are good views of Gaurishankar, Numbur Himal and Dudh Kunda.

14 Oct Day 7
Junbesi - Nuntala

From here we walk up the Solung ridge, from where Everest is again visible and then descend to Ringmo Khola, ringed with apple orchards. The trail crosses the Traksindo La (3071m) before descending once again through the forest to Nuntala.

15 Oct Day 8 Nuntala - Khari Khola

From Nuntala the descent continues to Dudh Kosi (milk river) the largest river on the trek. Then ascend through several Sherpa and Rai villages, terraced fields and forest to the spread out village of Khari Khola.

16 Oct Day 9
Khari Khola - Puiyan

The path ascends through Sherpa villages and a forest inhabited by monkeys, and then winds steeply up and down through the Dudh Koshi canyon to Puiyan.

17 Oct Day 10
Puiyan - Phakding

The trail climbs for about an hour after Puiyan to a ridge at 2800 metres, then up to another ridge, passing the path to Lukla airport, after which we climb on to Phakding. Meet other people at
Phakding who are flying to Lukla to join the group.

18 Oct: Day 11

Phakding to Namche Bazaar : The trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley to Jorsale, where the trail officially enters the Sagarmatha National Park. There is an entrance station just beyond the
village where trekking permits are checked and National Park fees collected. We continue along the trail, cross the Bhote Kosi River and climb steeply to Namche Bazaar 3500 m. Remember to look out for glimpses of Mt. Everest early on the trail.

19 Oct: Day 12

Rest day for acclimatisation. : We have a rest day in Namche Bazaar to acclimatise. This town, the hub of Sherpa society, is the administrative centre of the Khumbu region and has a police check post (we
must all register there), the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park, a bank, several shops selling items of every description and a proliferation of Sherpa inns. We spend the day relaxing or exploring the town.

20 Oct Day 13
Namche - Tengboche

From Namche a steep one hour climb to Syangboche (3720 m) provides excellent views of EVEREST and Ama Dablam. From there we descend to Punki Thanka via Khumjung, then the trail climbs through
forests where you can spot musk deer. Tengboche sits on a saddle at 3870m in a clearing surrounded by dwarf fires and rhododendrons. Kwangde (6187m,) Tawachhe (6542m) EVEREST (8848 m) Nuptse (7855m,) Lhotse (8618m,) Ama Dablam (6856m) Thamserku (6608m) provide an inspiring panorama of Himalayan giants. We visit the monastery at Tengboche, the largest in Khumbu region.

21 to 22 Oct Day 14/15
in Tengboche

We enjoy the Manirimdu festival (The festival date can be changed due to any circumstances) in beautiful Tengboche.

23 Oct Day 16
Tengboche - Phortse

Tengboche Monastery, spiritual center for Sherpas, where about 40 Tibetan Buddhist monks are in residence. The view of Everest's summit is particularly striking here in the late afternoon alpenglow. We head to Pangboche (12,600'), the Khumbu's highest year-round settlement, which houses the Khumbu's oldest monastery. We continue across scenic trails to the tranquil village of Phortse at the mouth of the Gokyo Valley for Overnight.

24 Oct Day 17 Dole

From Phortse the trai climbs steeply through forests of rhododendrons and then stands of juniper and large conifers as the altitude increases. We pass through Sherpa kharkas (high pasture summer settlements used by Sherpas to graze their herds of yaks allowing their lower winter pastures to recover) and the villages of Tongba 3950m and Gyele 3960m to Dole. We have great views of Khumbila and Tawachee peaks throughout the day.

25 Oct - Day 18
Dole to Machhermo

Today we have a short and fairly leisurely trek to allow us to acclimatize to the altitude. In the morning
we have a steep but beautiful climb through conifer and rhododendron forests and stands of juniper to Lhabarma 4220m and Luza 4360m. There are kharkas wherever there is a flat spot and the slightest hint of water. We continue to climb along the side of the valley, high above the river to the camp at
Machhermo 4410 m. It was here in 1974 that a yeti supposedly killed three yaks and attacked a Sherpa woman. So watch out for Yeti in this area.

26 Oct - Day 19

Machhermo to Gokyo: This is your first real day at high altitude and the trekking today may be described as moderate to difficult. However, the going is slow (in fact, it is recommended that you walk slowly to avoid exhausting yourself). We climb a ridge from where the valley opens wide as the trail passes through Pangkha. Mt. Cho Oyu 8153 m dominates the skyline to the north as we climb the moraine on the left flank of the Ngozumpa Glacier. The climb is steep to the first of the four lakes that
lie in the Gokyo area but the trail levels off towards the second lake, Longponga at 4690m. We finally ascend a path past the largest of the lakes Dudh Pokhari to Gokyo at 4750m. Gokyo is a typical kharka stone houses and stone walled pastures.

27 Oct - Day 20
Rest and Explore around

A free day to explore the area around Gokyo or rest. For enthusiasts a rigorous hike up Gokyo Ri 5360m, the small peak above camp provides spectacular views of the Everest trinity, Nuptse 7879m, Lhotse 8511m, and Everest 8848m, as well as Makalu 8463m looming to the east, Cho Oyu 8153m to the north and the smaller but closer peaks of Cholatse and Tawachee to the south. There is a wonderful view of Gokyo and Dudh Pokhari spread out below us. The next day we will explore further up the valley Of the Ngozumpa Glacier and visit two glacial lakes. The really fit can climb to the top of a nameless peak 5800m overlooking the two lakes.

28 Oct: Day 21
Goykyo to Chhyugima (Dragnag)

A long day and the most difficult part of this trek. We cross the southern end of the Ngozumpa Glacier, pass by the stone huts of Thagna kharka then climb steadily up a narrow and steep valley which opens up to a wide shallow valley leading to our camp at Kharka Chhyugima 5170m.

29 Oct: Day 22
Chhyugima to Dzonglha

Today we have a steep and challenging but, non-technical climb over rock, snow and perhaps ice to
Chola La (pass) 5420m which links the glacial valleys of Cho Oyu and Everest and from where we have superb views. We descend from the pass, cross a small glacier, negotiate the ice fall at the end of it and descend via Leisyasa to our camp at Dzonglha Kharka 4730 m, a high altitude summer pasture
directly beneath the north wall of Cholatse Peak 6440 m.

30 Oct Day 23
Dzonglha to Lobuche

After a morning of rest, we hike on a trail above Tsholo Lake and join the main Everest trail at Dughla on the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From Dughla we climb up the moraine past a row of stone monuments in memory of Sherpas who died on expeditions to Everest and on to our camp at Lobuche 4930m.

31 Oct Day 24
Excursion to Kala Pattar: Overnight (O/N at Gorkshep)

We make an early morning start and ascend the trail along boulder fields and glacial debris to the edge of the Khumbu Glacier then continue up to Gorak Shep (5160 m.), nestled below the coned summit of Mt. Pumori (7161m.) and the sheer west face of Nuptse. From there we make a steep ascent to the top
of a small peak, Kala Pattar 5545m meaning "black rock". From here the views is magnificent enough to make us forget the difficulty of the climb. Everest , Nuptse, Ama Dablan, Kantega, Tamserku, Tawatse and Pumo Ri all present themselves in a 360 degree panorama.

01 Nov Day 25
Spare day

Spare Day Or Excurssion to Everest Base Camp if there are any climebrs just return from Everest expedition: Spare day for rest and recreation or excursions or washing or whatever. It may be used as
a catch up day if we are running behind time, things don't always turn out as planned in the Himalayas.

02 Nov Day 26
Gorkshep - Thukla (4620m)- Dingboche (4320m)

Return trek to Lobuche and a short descend to Thukla and an easy flat trail to and a small descend to Dingboche. This is the highest big settelement in the Khumbu area of Sherpas.

03 Nov Day 27

Excursions around Chhukung: There are many interesting excursions possible using Chhukung as a base each one revealing ever more spectacular views of the nearby high peaks. For the more energetic the climb to Chhukung Ri 5546m is very rewarding. with spectacular views of the south faces of Nuptse and Lhotse and a great view of Kkongma La across the Nuptse Glacier. An alternative excursion is to Pareshaya Gyab, the base camp for assaults on Imja Tse formerly known as Island Peak.

04 Nov Day 28
Chhukung - Thyangboche

From Chhukung we descend the valley of the Imja Khola, trek through the village of Dingboche with its stone walled potatoe fields, down alpine pastures through the kharkas of Tsura, Orsho and Shomare to the village of Pangboche, the highest year round settlement in the valley. The Pangboche Gompa (monastory) is the oldest in the Khumbu and once used to boast the skull and hand of a Yeti, (stolen in
1991)

Leaving Pangboche the route descends past some magnificently carved mani stones to the Imja Khola which we cross via a steel suspension bridge high above the river at a spot where it rushes through a narrow cleft. From there we have a gentle climb to the tiny village of Debache past mani walls deep
in a rhododendron forest. From Debache we have a short steep climb to Thyangboche through a forest of birches conifers and rhododendrons. Because of the ban on hunting at Thyangboche there is much wildlife in this area. we may see almost tame blood pheasants, Napal's national bird the Himalayan
monal or ipeyan pheasnt, snow pigeons and red billed choughs (they will pinch any food you leave lying around ). A visit to the monastery is a must. The singular beauty of Ama Dablam, standing isolated from all other mountains provides a spectacular backdrop and reminder of the height of Himalayan peaks.

05 NOv Day 29 Thyanboche to Namche Bazaar

From Thyangboche the trail drops sharply down to the Dudh Kosi and the village of Phunki, where we
cross the river, and up toward Namche Bazaar, winding high above the river with views north towards Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.

06 Nov Day 30
Trek to Lukla

We retrace our trek down along the gorge of the Dudh Kosi to at Lukla to catch our return flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting our trekking crew might prepare a farewell treat for you. You
will be invited and expected to join in the singing and the dancing!! It's great fun !!

07 Nov Day 31

Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel, and then free time in Kathmandu.

08 Nov Day 32
Explore Kathmandu

Explore Kathmandu. It might be a nice gesture to invite and shout our Sirdar, his assistant guide/s and the cook to dinner at one of the "posher" restaurant inexpensive to us but unreachably expensive to them.

09 Nov Day 33

End of Ulitmate Everest Trek End of Sherpaland Ultimate Everest Trek in Kathmandu.

Cost Includes:

All land and domestic air transfer as per itinerary

  • Arrival and departure transfers

  • Twin share accommodation in Kathmandu and b'fast as per itinerary

  • Internal flights

  • 1/2 day sightseeing in Kathmandu

  • All accommodation and 3 meals while on the trek in Tea Houses

  • Fully escorted trek with English speaking guide and 1 porter between each 2
    person

  • Trekking permit and National Park Fees

  • Wages, equipment, insurance and other facilities to staffs
     

Not Incuded:

  • International Airfare

  • Visas US$30

  • Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage charges

  • Other meals not stated (Lunch/Dinner Kathmandu) allow $20 per day

  • Items of personal nature ie. Soft/hard drinks, tips etc.

  • Travel Insurance (this is a mandatory condition of booking)

  • Medical evacuation in case of emergency

  • Personal spending money