INTRODUCTION
The trek into the Everest region is probably the best known of all the treks in Nepal. The spectacular scenery is unrivalled and the people of the hills make the travelers feel welcome in their villages. Solukhumbu or Everest region is justifiably famous, not only for its proximity to the world's peak Mt. Everest (8848m), but also for its Sherpas and monasteries. The trek is at times strenuous but people of average fitness can cope as ascent is slow to allow maximum acclimatization.
TRIP OUTLINE
Eventually we will join the main trail at the Dudh Koshi valley after leaving the small town of Lukla, the river that drains Everest. Following this valley north we soon reach Namche Bazaar, which lies on the lap of Khumbu Himal range - about 245 km north-east of Kathmandu. This is home of the legendary Sherpas who are internationally renown as being the most sturdy climbers to scale the peaks with their indomitable will. From Namche the scenery becomes unbelievably spectacular. There are massive snow covered peaks towering around us and to the north, dominating the skyline, is Mt. Everest. We will spend two nights at Namche to allow for maximum acclimatization on our way to EBC, Kala Patthar (5545m) or Gokyo Peak (5483m). It takes about a week long trek to reach our final destination before base camp at the isolated settlement of Gorekshep. You cannot see Everest from the base camp, so most Trekkers climb Kalapatthar, a 5545m bump on the southern flank of Pumori (7145m). From Kalapatthar there is a dramatic view of Everest including many other gigantic snowy peaks.
If you have an itinerary of the Gokyo valley the trail will intersperse beyond Namche after about 2 hours walking. From Gokyo, more of Everest is visible, though from a slightly greater distance than from Kalapatthar. The mountains are more spectacular, and from the ridge above Gokyo, four 8000m peaks (Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu) are magnificently visible at once. The view of the tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang (7922m) is one of the most dramatic panoramas in Khumbu.
The last part of the trek involves retracing our steps back to Namche and then onto Lukla airstrip where we can catch a flight back to Kathmandu.
Trek Grade
Adventurous
Highest Elevation
5545m
Days 1
Fly Kathmandu/Lukla. Commence trek to Phakding (2652m) about 3 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 2
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3446m) about 7 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 3
Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatisation. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 4
Trek from Namche to Tyangboche (3867m) about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 5
Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche (4410m) about 5 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 6
Rest day at Dingboche for acclimatisation. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 7
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4930m) about 5 hour's. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 8
Commence Trek at early morning from Lobuche to Gorekshep & climb upto Kala-Pattar (5545m), back to Lobuche about 8 to 9 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 9
Trek back to Tyangboche about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 10
Trek from Tyangboche to Khumjung (3790m) about 4 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 11
Free at Khumjung to explore around the surrounding area. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 12
Trek down hill to Mondzo (2840m) about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 13
Trek back to Lukla (2840m) about 5 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 14
Have a short walk onto the Lukla airstrip and Fly out Lukla/Kathmandu.