| EVEREST BASE CAMP | ||
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Trek Grade: Moderate-Challenging
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Duration: 18 days
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| Among all the mountain communities, the Sherpas are arguably the most discussed. Their life-style on the high mountain side, the sparse vegetation of the high Himalayas, their co-relation with yaks (a source of transportation, milk, cheese, meat, and wool), and their courage have been praised by the likes of Hillary, Bonnington, and Messner. Our Everest experience begins at Lukla; the flight in and out of this airstrip alone may be worth this trip. Sacred stones, chortens (some built to commemorate the memories of climbers who died on Everest expeditions) and fluttering prayer flags make the path to the base camp more than a trekking route. You will frequently meet yak caravans and cross precarious suspension bridges. This route passes through forests of birch, conifer, rhododendron, juniper, and tundra. |
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| Namche Bazaar at 3,446 meters makes an enchanting resting site. Shaped like a horseshoe, the settlement could well be the greatest mountain amphitheater on earth. You will see Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m), Lhotse (8501m), Ama Dablam, Kwangde and Thamserku mountains. On Saturday people bring vegetables, clothes, meat, yak tails, and butter for trade and the Sherpa people gather to exchange goods and gossip. Mountaineering souvenirs, left behind by legendary expeditions to Everest, can also be purchased. Stop at the village of Khumjung will fill you with tales of the legendary Yeti a visit to the local monastery will give you a view of the Yeti's scalp. Tengboche monastery will show you how Sherpa religion works, and perhaps, if lucky, see an endangered snow leopard. | ||
| At Dingboche you will rest for a day to acclimatize, you may go to Chhukung (4730m) on this day and see the Island Peak (6189m), the south face of Lhotse, the eastern face of Ama Dablam, and Amphu Lapcha at 5,780 meter pass. | ||
| The climb to Kalapathar will bring before you perhaps the best view of Everest and the Lho La pass that takes travelers from Nepal to Tibet, the West Ridge route, and Everest all the way to South Col. The trip to the base camp from there is fascinating, and at the base camp you may meet members of Everest expeditions. | ||
| ITINERARY | ||
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Day 1-2
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Arrive in Kathmandu - Transfer to Hotel - Welcome dinner. Full day sightseeing tour around ancient Stupas , Temples & Palaces of Kathmandu. | |
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Day 3-6
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Mountain flight to Lukla (2870m) Trek to Phakding (2652m) - Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) - Trek to Khumjung (3790m)- Visit local school supported by Sir Edmund Hillary - visit local monastery - Trek to Tengboche (3870m) - Tour of the monastery and the surrounding locality. | |
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Day 7-9
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Pheriche (4240m) - One hour trek to Dingboche (4350m) & Rest - Lobuje (4930m) | |
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Day 10
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Gorak Shep (5160m) - Visit Kalapathar (5555m) | |
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Day 11-15
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Visit Everest Base Camp & trek back to Lobuje - Tengboche - Namche - Phakding - Lukla | |
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Day 16-17
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Fly to Kathmandu - Time on own | |
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Day 18
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Trip ends after breakfast - Transfer to International airport for departure. | |