EXPEDITION TO EVEREST BASE CAMP -2010 - DETAILS OF TRIP
I have organised this expedition through Trekking Encounters. Please visit their site for more info on the trips they offer.
Overview
While one is still on this earth and fit and well the trek to Everest Base Camp is an undertaking not to be missed. Nepal claims 8 of the world’s 10 highest mountains which means that it possesses a multitude of spectacular views, including of course Mt Everest itself, the highest at 8848m (29,028ft). Other factors which make the Everest trek so noteworthy are the friendly attitude of the area’s basic ethnic group the Sherpas who form the majority of the population, their beautiful Buddhist monasteries (gompas) and the colourful festivals which take place throughout the area. The Mt Everest region also known as the Solu-Khumbu is contained within the boundaries of the Sagarmatha National Park – Sagarmatha being the Nepalese name for Mt Everest – which is also a World Heritage Site. The Sagarmatha National Park holds an abundance of flora and fauna and the “Yeti” (the abominable snowman) is an ongoing unsolved mystery! During April and May many expedition teams use the Everest Base Camp trail as they head for greater heights, spurred on with expectations of reaching the summit.
Trekking Highlights:
Spectacular views of Mt Everest and the notorious Khumbu ice flow
Breathtaking panoramic views over the mountains on the flights to and from Lukla
Namche Bazaar the administrative centre of the Khumbu and the Sherpa hometown
Many fine Buddhist monasteries (gompas)
Kala Patthar the highest point on the trek (5545m, 18,192ft)
Participation Statement
Trekking Encounters recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury. Participants in these activities should be fully aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
Trekking Encounters– Accuracy of Itinerary
Although it is our intention to operate this itinerary as printed, it may be necessary to make some changes as a result of flight schedules, climatic conditions, limitations of infrastructure or other operational factors. As a consequence, the order or location of overnight stops and the duration of the day may vary from those outlined. You should be aware that some events are beyond our control and we would ask for your patience and understanding.
Itinerary
Key: H-hotel, T-teahouse/lodge, C-camping, B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner/evening meal
27.02.10
Depart UK
28.02.10
Arrive Kathmandu (1337m, 4386ft), collect from airport and transfer to hotel. (H.B)
01.03.10
Kathmandu guided sightseeing. There are a total of 7 World Heritage Sites in the city, including at least fifty important shrines and temples in Durbar Square alone.
02.03.10
Kathmandu guided sightseeing. There are a total of 7 World Heritage Sites in the city, including at least fifty important shrines and temples in Durbar Square alone.
Kathmandu Durbar (Palace) Square the palaces, courtyards and temples were built between the 12th and 18th centuries during the ancient Malla and Shah Kings of Kathmandu. This large square was the historic seat of the Nepalese Royalty. A captivating piece of history here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in15 languages. The Durbar Square is a UNESCO world heritage site and is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city.
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred phallic symbol. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River beside the temple. This is one of the most sacred Hindu cremation sites. Entrance to the temple precinct is permitted to the “Hindus Only”, however visitors can clearly see the temple from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. Pashupati, literally, “Lord of the Animals” is the patron deity of Nepal and believed to have been unearthed by an obscure herdsman while one of his cattle was showering the earth with milk. It is a UNESCO listed world heritage site.
Boudhanath is known as a Tibetan style of Buddhist Stupa. This is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist site in Kathmandu. It towers 36m high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of Stupa design. It was constructed in the first century and is one of the largest Stupas in the world. All day, the devotees walk around the Stupa, which is a very emotional and unforgettable scene. You can feel and experience the great influence from Tibet here. Boudhanath is protected as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Swoyambhunath Stupa or Monkey Temple, on the west side of Kathmandu gives a scenic view of the whole Kathmandu valley from the top of the hill. The huge Stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists’ sites in Nepal dating back more than 2000 years and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu valley out of a primordial Lake. The main structure of is made of a solid hemisphere of brick and clay supporting a lofty conical spire capped by pinnacle of copper gilt Painted on the four sides on the base of the spire are the “All Seeing Eyes” of Lord Buddha It is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
In the evening a welcome Nepali dinner. (H.D/B)
03.03.10
Fly to Lukla (2840m, 9318ft) then trek to Phakding (2610m, 8563ft) Today’s trek from Lukla to Phakding will take us 2-3 hours. The trail from the starting point is broad and very clear. From the airstrip it heads north through a kani (arch), then slopes downhill to a low agricultural land area and after just over 30 minutes reaches a junction of trails in Choplung (2660m, 8727ft). Here we bear right on the main route and after a short while drop suddenly to cross a suspension bridge over the Kusum Khola river in a narrow gorge and then enter a string of lodges at Thador Koshi (or Tharo Koshi) from where there is a splendid view of the very difficult trekking peak Kusum Kanguru (6367m, 20,889ft). After the bridge the trail climbs stone steps, then drops down again into the village of Ghat (2591m, 8501ft), which has lodges, teahouses, prayer wheels, a small gompa (Tibetan Buddhist temple or monastery) and huge boulders decorated with Buddhist mantra (prayer formula or chant), while the hillside above the village is adorned with a multitude of prayer flags. From this point the way first heads through a rough rocky area, then after an undulating stretch passes above a new lodge complex built in 2004 – the Farakpa Village Resort – before reaching our overnight stop, the settlement of Phakding. This is a village in two parts with about a 10 minute trek between them, and a long suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river. (T.B/L/D).
04.03.10
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3446m, 11,306ft) Today we will be trekking for 5-6 hours, the first stage from Phakding to the village of Mondzo (or Monjor) (2835m, 9301ft), taking 2-2½ hours or so. After crossing the suspension bridge at Phakding we will soon come to the few teahouses and lodges of Zamphuti, cross a wooden bridge over a tributary of the river, climb a short steep slope, pass the simple lodges and camping ground of Toktok and in about another 20 minutes come to a waterfall, before reaching Benkar Village (2790m, 9154ft). Interestingly, a lodge on the ridge just above the waterfall has hot springs in a shed in the garden. Shortly after leaving Benkar, the trail crosses back to the east bank of the river on a Swiss-built suspension bridge and rises to Chumoa which has lodges and camping grounds set among conifers and rhododendrons. From here the trail descends steeply to cross the Kyashar Khola river and then climbs steeply up rough stone steps before reaching the long paved village of Mondzo on the edge of Sagarmatha National Park. In addition to lodges, shingle-roofed houses and a few basic shops, there is a small gompa nearby. The trek from Mondzo to Namche Bazaar will take another 3-3½ hour. Minutes after leaving Mondzo we will come to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park where an entry permit must be obtained and kept safely for showing on leaving the park. Once through the gate, the trail drops to river level at Thaog, which is set among fields of huge cabbages, crosses to the west bank of the Dudh Koshi on a long suspension bridge and passes teahouses and lodges in Jorsale (2775m, 9104ft), the last available accommodation before Namche Bazaar. Beyond this settlement the trail returns to the east bank, with the option of using either one of the two bridges and then winds along the stony bed of the valley to the confluence of the Bhotse Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers. The path now leaves the valley bed and climbs steeply to reach a bridge across the Dudh Koshi, descends a few concrete steps and then continues with a further climb of around 700m (2300ft). About halfway up, at a bend on this ascent we should get our first brief view of Mt Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. Continuing up mostly among trees, we will eventually come to a group of buildings, then broad stone steps and finally reach one of the lower streets of our overnight stop Namche Bazaar. This town, the Sherpa “Capital” is the administrative centre for the Khumbu district and has many facilities – a post office, a bank, money exchange centre, a health post, a dental clinic, numerous shops, restaurants, cyber cafés and telephone facilities, a gompa and several chortens. Also situated above the town are the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park and a military post, well worth a visit. (T.B/L/D).
05.03.10
Rest and acclimatisation day.
Because of the altitude, it will be necessary for us to spend a minimum of two nights here to aid acclimatisation. During this free day, we have the choice of just relaxing and browsing round this interesting town, or alternatively trekking round a nearby 3½-4 hour circuit which has stunning views and reaches a high point of about 3870m (12,697ft). En route it passes through two traditional Sherpa villages, Khumjung (3780m, 12,402ft) which has a chorten at its entrance and Khunde (3841m. 12,602ft) where there is a small hospital. This trek is a good way to aid acclimatisation. (T.B/L/D).
06.03.10
Trek to Tengboche (3867m, 12,687ft) Today the trail first climbs out of Namche Bazaar and then contours easily along the hillside to a point where one gets stunning views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. The route now switchbacks along the steep hillside and passes a large white chorten built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest in 1953. After reaching a high point, the trail now goes downhill among rhododendrons to the two lodges of Kyangjuma (3550m, 11,647ft), with great views of the surrounding area. Next we come to the small settlement of Sanasa (3580m, 11,745ft) with a group of lodges and teahouses, then after curving round the hillside, the trail descends among trees to the village of Trashingo (or Tesing) with more lodges and teahouses and continues on a steep descent to cross the Dudh Koshi on a suspension bridge, the lowest point since the approach to Namche Bazaar. From the bridge there is roughly a 2 hour steady climb (620m, 2034ft) to Tengboche our overnight stop. Just beyond the bridge we will reach the settlement of Phunki Tenga (3250m, 10,663ft) with a series of water-driven prayer wheels and lodges alongside the trail and then continue to climb mainly through forest. Immediately before topping the ridge at Tengboche, the path goes through a kani then past a chorten with Nepal’s largest gompa nearby. The up valley view from here is unbelievable with Mt Everest dominating the background ( a great photo shoot). Tengboche is understandably very popular with trekkers and mountaineers. (T.B/L/D).
07.03.10
Trek to Pheriche (4252m. 13,950ft) Today we start downhill from Tengboche through pine and birch trees and tall rhododendrons and after about 10 minutes pass several lodges. A few minutes later we come to Dingboche (3820m, 12,533ft) which has a trekkers’ health post. The main trail bypasses the few buildings of this settlement and continues on through parkland-like scenery, - in two places divided by mani walls carved with Tibetan Buddhist prayers – to reach a suspension bridge over the Imja Khola river about 30-40 minutes after leaving Tengboche. Over the bridge, the way climbs up valley, passes chortens and mani walls, then goes through a kani. Shortly after this the trail divides as it approaches the important two-part village of Pangboche (3930m, 12,894ft), with the left-hand fork going to the upper region and the right-hand option (recommended) to the lower part. We should reach this point in about 1½ hours from Tengboche and after a further 1 hour or so, having passed a rock face adorned with Buddhist paintings, will pass through the expanding settlement of Shomare, which has several lodges. Next comes Orso a high yak-grazing pastureland, with two isolated lodges – the last refreshment stop before Pheriche. Beyond the second lodge the trail splits at a small mani wall, the left-hand branch going to Pheriche and the other fork to Dingboche. Heading for Pheriche the trail climbs steeply in places to reach a high point marked by cairns, manis and prayer flags. From here the path descends to the river, crosses a wooden bridge and soon enters our two night stop. (T.B/L/D).
08.03.10
Rest and acclimatisation day This expanding village, a somewhat cold and windy place, consists of lodges and houses and most importantly it has a health post manned in the main trekking season by western volunteer doctors. It is strongly recommended that we attend one of the lectures (given each afternoon) on how to avoid AMS (altitude mountain sickness). To aid acclimatisation while relaxing in Pheriche, it is beneficial to have a trek up the hillside behind the health post, to the crest of a ridge with a chorten at 4412m (14,475ft). There are also one or two other options for acclimatisation hikes, e.g. Dingboche. (T.B/L/D).
09.03.10
Trek to Lobuche (4910m, 16,109ft) Shortly after setting off today we cross a bridge over the Khumbu Khola river and proceed up the east bank to the kharka (grazing pastureland) of Phulong Karpo with its stone-built hutments. Shortly after this point the trail climbs northward, quite steeply at times and then about 1½ hours from Pheriche it joins another trail – the high route from Dingboche. Now we bear left, descend a short distance to cross the Khumbu Kola on a wooden bridge and then climb to Duglha (4620m, 15,157ft) where there are a few lodges. From here the route heads up steep moraine (ridge of rocks) slopes, to a ridge with a number of large cairns, chortens, prayer flags and mani stones covered with Tibetan Buddhist prayer. The way now eases considerably, enters the Khumbu valley, crosses to the western side from which one gets a clear view of the massive face of Nuptse (7861m, 25,791ft) and finally comes to a group of lodges at our overnight stop, Lobuche. This is a busy place with trekkers camping in various spots on the far side of the stream and around the lodges. It can be very cold here overnight. (T.B/L/D).
10.03.10
Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m, 17,598ft) then back down to Gorak Shep (5140m, 16,864ft) Today, it is first of all off to Everest Base Camp with the trail initially crossing a stream below Lobuche and then progressing along the left-hand side of the valley, before rising to a higher narrower step. Soon we will reach a point where a narrow side valley cuts off to the left. After about 200m it takes us to the “Italian Pyramid”, a stone-built lodge and scientific station which collects meteorological and seismic (earthquake) data. Continuing on, the main trail comes to a more open area, climbs a moraine where edelweiss grows on a slope – crosses a sandy stretch, weaves among heaps of moraine, climbs once again and then drops down to Gorak Shep. The trek to this point from Lobuche should take us 1½-2 hours (rest time not included). The trail to Base Camp begins just beyond the Gorak Shep lake, runs for some way along the moraine crest and then appears (not very clearly) to descend to the Khumbu glacier. Once in the centre of the glacier, the route signs are somewhat dubious – e.g. the occasional cairn of yak dung! – but we will be okay with our experienced guide. Although Everest Base Camp does not provide a view of the world’s highest mountain itself, - tomorrow’s trek will more than compensate for this – today we will get a real close-up of the impressive Khumbu ice flow. The Base Camp can be quite a bustling place with expeditions camping, porters, trekkers and yaks, etc. Having achieved our first goal, and after resting, we will return to Gorak Shep for our overnight stay. It consists of three lodges on the rim of a level basin of glacial sand, with the small lake nearby. Tibetan snow cocks chase one another noisily across this sand flat. Although it is very close, Everest is not visible from Gorak Shep, however there is a stunning view of the majestic Nuptse, soaring high in the east. (T.B/L/D).
11.03.10
Climb Kala Patthar (5545m 18,192ft) then return trek to Lobuche Today’s hike is not only literally the “high point” of our entire trek it also has the absolutely high point with unbelievable views from the summit of Kala Patthar. Starting around 5.00am the climb takes about 1-2 hours (depending upon which route) to reach the summit on arrival at the summit you can experience the most fantastic sunrise over Everest. Kala Patthar is a spur of Pumo Ri (7165m, 23,507ft) and in Hindi means “black rock” which is appropriate. It has two summits and two ascent routes, both paths being clearly visible from Gorak Shep. The left-hand path which wriggles its way to the secondary summit (5545m, 18,192ft) takes 1-1½ hours and the other which zig-zags up the eastern flank to the higher summit (5623m, 18,448ft) takes 1½-2 hours. Neither route is technically difficult, so the choice is yours! Another alternative is available which takes in both summits, climb the left-hand trail to gain the lower top, marked with a number of slender cairns and then continue along the ridge scrambling over rocks and reach the higher summit with its flutter of prayer flags. From both summits a truly incredible panorama is spread before you. Although Everest is of course the main focus of attention, the ice cone of Nuptse which from this view point appears higher than Everest, has stunning beauty. Having really soaked up these incredible views we will return downhill to Gorak Shep and then continue our Trek to Lobuche which is our overnight stop. (T.B/L/D).
12.03.10
Trek to Dingboche (4410m, 14,469ft) From Lobuche we start by trekking southward along part of the route already covered in the opposite direction on day 9. We pass through Duglha, re-cross the Khumbu Kola on the wooden bridge and shortly afterwards take the left-hand fork at the road junction and continue on to our overnight stop Dingboche, on the way passing yak-herders’ huts at Dusa. Dingboche has a number of lodges, spread among its stone-walled fields. At least two of the lodges have telephone facilities, while several others have shops. On the western hillside adjacent to the village, there are two large chortens. Dingboche is dominated by the world’s fourth highest mountain, Lhotse (8501m, 27,890ft). (T.B/L/D).
13.03.10
Trek to Tengboche Again we set off southward down the west bank of the Imja Khola, cross a bridge over the Khumbu Khola close to where it is joined the by Imja Khola and proceed down the west bank through Orsho and Pangboche to Tengboche, our overnight stop. This last section of the trail is of course the one we covered on our northbound trek, but now facing in the opposite direction will have a totally different prospect. (T.B/L/D).
14.03.10
Trek to Namche Bazaar Today we retrace our route covered on day 6 and stay overnight in Namche Bazaar. (T.B/L/D).
15.03.10
Trek to Lukla Again we proceed southward, retracing the route trekked on day 3 and 4, crossing and re-crossing the Dudh Koshi at intervals. We stay overnight in Lukla. (T.B/L/D).
16.03.10
Fly to Kathmandu We take the 35 minute breathtaking flight from Lukla. (H/B)
17.03.10
Kathmandu
18.03.10
Transfer to Chitwan to the Jungle Safari hotel where you will be offered refreshment and be given a briefing on the lodge and its facilities. After being given your programme for the day, your room will then be allocated to you.
13:00 Lunch
STRONG>15.00 Village tour to a nearby ethnic Tharu village where you will learn more about the life and lifestyle of the Tharus. Visit to the National Park Visitor's centre where you can learn more about the history of the National Park and about wildlife and see the sun set from the banks of Rapti River.
19.00 Tharu cultural dance presentation by the local villagers or slide show presentation on almost everything about Chitwan.
20.00 Dinner.
19.03.10
06.00 Wake up call.
06.30 Breakfast.
07.00 Canoe ride along the Rapti River. An excellent opportunity for Bird Watching and for seeing the 2 rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the fish eating Gharial. + Jungle Walk + on the way back one can enjoy the elephant bathing.
13.00 Lunch.
15.00 Elephant Safari. An excellent opportunity to see four different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, wild bore, monkey, leopard, sloth bear and the Royal Bengal Tiger (If you are lucky). You will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Chitwan their home.
19.00 Tharu cultural dance presentation or Slides show presentation.
20.00 Dinner
20.03.10
06.00 Wake up call.
06.30 Breakfast.
07.00 Visit to the Government Elephant Breeding Centre .plus Jungle walk.
13.00 Lunch
14.00 Jeep safari
20.00 Dinner
21.03.10
06.00 Wake up call.
06.30 Breakfast.
07.30 Depart for White Water Rafting All day Rafting.
P.M Arrive Kathmandu (H.B/L)
22.03.10
Kathmandu Sightseeing
23.03.10
Transfer to airport – depart Kathmandu
24,03.10
Arrive UK
Insurance Cover
Of paramount importance is comprehensive medical, rescue and evacuation insurance. For this you have to use trusted International insurance that provides 24/7/365 emergency help. In the event of serious ailment or injury the first call is to the organizer in Kathmandu, Nepal who immediately forward to the insurance company who will immediately give clearance for treatment and will if necessary arrange evacuation.
Payment for Treatment
It is normally the case that medical treatment in Nepal and Tibet is paid for by the individual or team and later reclaimed from the insurance company. To this end it is important that the team leader has sufficient funds set aside for medical emergencies. If needed we can assist you with whatever possible amount, which has to be reimbursed later.
Rescue
There are provisions for rescue and evacuation by land / or air (helicopter) in Nepal. If anyone / or group becomes seriously ill and determined by the group that rescue is necessary, one of the staff (or group member) will get to the nearest available place for communication to inform the organiser in Kathmandu. The operations section will immediately report the case to the insurance company and obtain clearance for evacuation. Rescue helicopter will be sent as immediately possible. Usually, it can reach on asked place within 2 or 3 hours.
