Whatever it's namesake – be it Sagamatha or "sky head" to the people of Nepal; Chomolunga or "mother goddess of the earth" to the natives of Tibet – Mount Everest never fails to evoke dauntingly epic imagery in the minds of individuals around the world. Larger-than-life, all-encompassing mountain scenes envelop awed and adventurous trekkers making their voyage through enchanting valleys and trails stocked with unique flora and fauna. Spotted amongst these trails, Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries greet passer-bys with warm, smiling faces amid the background of Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Mount Everest.
Proposed Itinerary
Day 1. Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding
In the morning, participants will take a spectacular 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla – perched at 9400ft (2865m) in the Khumbu region of Eastern Nepal – providing unforgettable views of the terraced landscape and river valleys below, as well as up-close perspectives of some of the world's highest mountains followed by a trip to Phakding (8700ft, 2650m). After an easy afternoon's scenic walk, the group will camp near Phakding.
- Trip Duration: 14 days
- Trip Leader: Tour Leader, local guides
- Food Included: No meals included
- Accommodation: Hotels/guesthouses
- Best Season: January – June and September – December
- Trek Rating: Moderate to Strenuous
- Price: US$999
Day 2. Phakding – Namche Bazaar (Elevation: 3446m)
Voyage through the magnificent forest of rhododendron, ending your nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar (7 hrs from Phakding). While passing this long and often-steep passage, experience both the serenity and scenery of blue pine forests, firs, and junipers – all serving as the foreground to the beautiful backsplash that is Mount Everest.
Day 3. Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Enjoy the beauty of Namche’s quaint village as well as the friendliness and hospitality of its local people. Trekkers may also visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mount Everest region.
Day 4. Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867m)
Participants begin their trek with awe-inspiring, unforgettable views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Cholatse, Kantaiga, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. This stretch of the trek (approximately three hours) is quite an easy walk from Namche to Phunki, followed by a three-hour ascent towards Tengboche.
Day 5: Tengboche – Pheriche (4252m)
A short day’s journey towards Pheriche consists of a trek through forests filled with of a variety of lush trees – birch, conifers and rhododendron. This picturesque trail dips down to Devuche, crossing the Imja River before climbing up to Pheriche where there is an HRA Trekkers’ aid post and possible medical assistance (should it be required).
Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Pheriche
Acclimatize for trekking. Follow the invaluable suggestions/advice of guides while taking short journeys to Dingboche and Chhukung while simultaneously experiencing the various but beautiful views of Himalayas.
Day 7: Pheriche – Lobuje (4930m)
Continuation of ascent, climbing up to the terminal debris of Khumbu Glacier – crossing the row of stone monuments: established in the memory of six Sherpas who perished as the result of an avalanche at Lobuje.
Day 8: Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5160m) – Kala Patthar (5545m)
While enduring a climb of approximately two (2) hours and arriving at Gorak Shep, trekkers are treated to yet another beautiful view of Mt. Everest and Pumori – reaching Kala Patthar (within two hours of trekking). Once observing one of the most up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest from Kala Patthar, trekkers return back to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.
Day 9: Gorak Shep – Lobuje
Walk along the Khumbu Glacier and up to the Everest Base Camp (5380m) – the closest destination reachable without proper mountain-climbing equipment. Here, participants can enjoy the spectacular view of the Khumbu Icefall from the world-renowned Mount Everest Base Camp prior to descending to Lobuche for the evening.
Day 10: Lobuje – Dingboche (4110m)
A gentle, view-filled descent.
Day 11: Dingboche – Namche Bazaar
Further return-descent to Namche Bazaar – once again traversing the beautiful, prismatic forests of blue pine and rhododendron.
Day 12: Day of rest and exploration of Namche Bazaar
Day 13: Namche Bazaar – Lukla
An easy walk down to Lulka for the final night’s stay in the Khumbu region – participants can explore Lukla, a rapidly changing portion of the Himalayas.
Day 14: Lukla – Kathmandu
Take a return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu where participants can kick up their feet and relax at a hotel; taking time to reflect on the journey behind them.
This is sample Itinerary and can change to meet the changes in the field conditions
Dates and Price
Price:
US $999 ONLY for Global Crossroad Volunteers
Dates:
To be determined by country coordinator (Most likely at the end or middle of the volunteer program)
What’s Included
- Teahouse/Guesthouse accommodations during the trek
- airport transfers (pick-up/drop–off)
- ground transportation
- guides and porters
- entrance fees and permits
- baggage storage
What’s Not Included
- flights within Nepal ($300-$350) KTM–Lukla–KTM – pay it in Nepal
- meals (estimated budget $10-20 per day)
- optional tips to leader and Sherpa staff
- excess baggage charges
- airport tax
- items of personal consumption (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
- group gear and equipment
- sleeping bags