INTRODUCTIONNepal is a country in a league of its own with breathtakingly beautiful scenery, a fascinating culture and friendly people. Meeting the villagers whilst trekking through this landlocked gem of a nation is one of its greatest pleasures.
Our route takes us via the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar through beautiful valleys, dense forests and across glacial rivers before we reach the renowned viewpoint of Kalapatar, on the approach to Everest Base Camp, and see the highest mountain on the planet. There is also time built in to trek to Base Camp itself. We also have time to explore the colourful and frenetic capital of Kathmandu.
ITINERARYDay 1: Depart UK, fly to Kathmandu.
Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to hotel in Thamel area. We have a half-day exploring the city and discovering the sights, sounds and smells! Kathmandu is a labyrinth of streets and markets, crowded with exotic produce and a mystifying blend of people. Visit the central Durbar Square, infused with a medieval atmosphere, overflowing with stupas and home to the Old Royal Palace. There is also the opportunity to hire/buy any last minute trekking equipment or haggle for your souvenirs at the many shops and stalls.
Day 3: We take a tour around Kathmandu and take in some awe-inspiring sights, such as Bodhnath and Swayambhunath (more commonly known as the monkey-temple): Buddhist temples swathed in prayer-flags and incredibly photogenic! Temples and palaces, markets and sadhus, we will see as much as we can before returning to Thamel for our evening meal and final packing session.
Day 4: We take a stunning early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, ‘Gateway to the Everest region,’ perched above the Dudh Kosi or ‘River of Milk’ – so named because of the pale milky appearance of the glacier melt-water. We are now in the region of the legendary Sherpas and you will notice the difference in the faces of the people you meet here and those from the Kathmandu valley. After lunch we trek north down towards Phakding along a meandering trail which is lined with mani stone walls, made with hundreds of stone tablets and giant carved boulders, brilliantly decorated with brightly-coloured paints. The Buddhists believe these to be sacred and so as a sign of respect to the local culture we pass them in a clockwise direction.
Trek Approx 3 hours
Day 5: We head onwards and upwards as the trail starts to rise through a forest of rhododendron, magnolia and giant fir-trees. Our target this evening is Namche Bazaar, a delightful mountain village and the Sherpa ‘capital’, but first we must ascend Namche Hill; walking at a gentle but steady pace we finally arrive at the town that is itself an important meeting and trading point for the local people.
Trek Approx 5 – 7 hours
Day 6: We take a day to rest in Namche (3450m); we can explore the markets (which sell everything a trekker could require here!) or happily laze around in the sun. It is important to note that acclimatisation is extremely important and that by using these acclimatisation days correctly we greatly improve our chances of reaching our goal of Kalapatar, which lies at an altitude of 5545m.
Days 7 - 10: The trail turns northeast from Namche along a tributary valley and the mountain views start to open up, becoming more dramatic as the climb approaches the holy ground of Tyangboche, which is surrounded by a protected juniper forest. From here, on a ridge above the much-photographed gompa (monastery) is a mountain vista with few equals: Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kwangde and Kangtega all loom above us. The village of Pangboche (3950m) is a great place to stop en route to Dingboche (4100m) so we have plenty of time to acclimatise and experience these picturesque places!
Trek Approx 3 – 6 hours
Days 11 – 14: Leaving Dingboche the trails ascend gently but still the pace is easy, it’s important not to rush in the rarefied atmosphere. We reach Lobuche (4940m), often reached by walking past frozen rivers where stone houses sit in an icy
wilderness of stunning beauty. We are en route to our final destination Everest Base Camp. Over the next two days we will climb up to the look out point of Kalapatar (5600m) and on to the infamous spot where many a climber has set off to climb the world’s Highest Mountain. Reaching Base Camp fills us with a real sense of achievement as we complete our challenge and stare in awe at the spectacular surroundings. Return to Lobuche.
Trek Approx 4 – 8 hours
Days 15 - 17: We retrace the trail with comparative ease to Lukla, via Pengboche, which is home to Khumbu’s oldest gompa, and home to yeti relics. Our bodies are acclimatised to the altitude and the further we descend the fitter we feel.
Trek Approx 4 – 8 hours
Day 18: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu, and spend the rest of the day sightseeing, exploring, shopping or just relaxing in Kathmandu’s numerous cafes and roof-top restaurants! There will also be an opportunity to visit a children’s home, a community project supported by Discover Adventure – your tour leader will advise you further.
Day 19: Free time to explore Kathmandu before transferring to the airport for our flight back to the UK.
Day 20: Arrive London UK.
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