Day 01
ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel by our staff. In the evening you will be taken to one of the finest local restaurants for complementary welcome dinner. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02
FULL DAY OF GUIDED SIGHTSEEING
After your breakfast proceed for your full day sightseeing tour to Kathmandu Durbar square visiting, ancient palace, living goddess temple Kumari temple, Hanuman Dhoka and Kastamandap temple. Transfer to Swoyambhunath stupa is also known as the Monkey Temple, further transfer to Pashupatinath temple the holiest shrine of the Hindu people and Boudhnath stupa of Buddhist pilgrimage center and back to hotel, evening briefing about the trek with guide introduction. Be ready this evening for tomorrow leaving to trek and overnight at Hotel.
Day 03
FLY TO LUKLA & TREK TO PHAKDING (2652M) 3-4 HRS
A 30 minute direct flight will take you to Lukla 2,800m. Followed by a 9-10km (2 1/2 -3hr) walk to Phakding at 2,652m. Early after breakfast you will be transferred from the hotel to the domestic Airport, it is a short drive of 20-30 minutes. After the necessary security formalities (keep your pen-knife-lighter-matches and other sharp cutting items including scissors and other knife in the bigger baggage not in hand bags) board in the twin otter or similar plane for the sweeping panoramic flight to Lukla. On arrival into Lukla, you will be received by our trekking guides. In Lukla, you will have time to wander around, while the Sherpa crew sort and divide the load and baggage to be carried by porters. Lunch hour will depend on the time of arrival at Lukla, and we will have it in either Lukla or a bit further down the route to Phakding. The walk is gradual most of the way, with few ups from Tarhe khola, where you can have a superb view of Kusum-Kangru 6,369m and we will cross a short suspension bridge, from here after a short climb brings you to Ghat village, another hour of gradual walk brings you to Phakding village for the overnight stop near the bank of the Dudh Koshi river.
Day 04
NAMCHE BAZAAR(3440M) 5-6 HRS
From Phakding after crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh-Koshi the walk is pleasant with few a few short ups and downs, at which point we will re-cross the same river again, with magnificent view of Thermasarkhu 6,608m. From the village of Benkar, we cross the long suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi river; to reach Monjo situated below the magnificent peak of Thermasarkhu and near the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. After few minutes walk from Monjo, comes to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, where your trekking permit (keep them safe and handy! We told you they would be checked!), especially the park ticket is checked as they must keep the record of all trekkers to the area. From here a short descent and a gradual walk brings us to the suspension bridge over the Bhote-Koshi river, after the bridge Jorsalle village is reached, the last village and the only place to shop till Namche Bazaar. From here the walk is pleasant on the river bed till the last bridge over the Imjatse river is reached, from here the walk is along the winding uphill path all the way to Namche Bazaar, with magnificent view of Kwangde peak and its other sister peaks towards east, with Kusum Kangru on the back. As you climb higher, you will have a view of Mt. Everest- Nuptsse wall, Lhotse, and the closer view of Taweche peak can be seen all the way up to Thop Danda, where there's a resting stone wall for the porters and trekkers. From here another 1-2 hour walk up reaches you to the famed Namche Bazaar, where the colorful houses are situated in an amphitheater.
Day 05
REST DAY AT NAMCHE BAZAAR
Today is a day of rest at Namche Bazaar, but that does not mean there isn't a lot to see and do! Suggested activities include a short walk uphill to the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarter, a magnificent spot perched on top of Namche Bazaar with breathtaking views of the surrounding snow capped giants and the valleys way down. There is an interesting museum with all kinds of information regarding the history of the Himalayas, geographical information, culture, mountaineering history and existing information on flora and fauna of this region. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 06
TREK TO THAME (3800M) 4-5 HRS
From Namche, our route leads west, contouring the hillside. After reaching the ridge looking Namche down below, walk follows a gradual winding path as we head up the Bhote Koshi valley, once a popular trading route into Tibet. This route is still quite often used by the Tibetan traders even today. Along the way we pass many prayer flags and Mani stones, all indicative of the Tibetan Buddhist culture of this area. The trail passes through Gonglha and Drama and the village of Thomde, where we can make a detour and visit the monastery at Mende. After descending to the Bhote Koshi the trail climbs steeply for 45 minutes to Thame village where we camp for the overnight. Here at Thame there are excellent views of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde and to the north is the Nangpa-la 5,710m pass leading to Tibet. Thame monastery is situated above overlooking the valley and is the important site for the spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival.
Day 07
TREK TO KHUNDE VILLAGE (3800M) 5-6 HRS
After a great time at Thame, we trace our route down the Bhote Koshi valley towards an area just above Namche. We follow the trail to Khunde and Khumjung the largest of the Sherpa villages in the Khumbu area. Our trek leads towards the Syangboche where there is a small airstrip. The first one and an half hour walk is quite strenuous uphill, due to high altitude overlooking the magnificent view of Mt. Kwangde, Thermasherkhu and other neighboring peaks with an aerial view of Namche Bazaar down below. On reaching Syangboche, we take a short climb towards the Khunde village situated in the same glacial valley as Khumjung village beneath the sacred Mt. Khumbila 5,761m. A quiet gentle path brings us to the sleepy village of Khunde for the overnight stay. At Khunde, there is a hospital built with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary's Foundation, we can visit this hospital of the Khumbu area which is just 15 minutes walk from the campsite.
Day 08
TREK TO PHORTSE TENGA (3900M) 4 HRS
After a wonderful, albeit challenging time here, we will be rewarded with a slow gentle an hour descent that leads to the valley at Khumjung village where we will have time to visit the village, and its old Monastery, the one and the only place which has a Yeti scalp. Khumjung also has a High School built with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary. The walk is fairly easy for the first half, from Khumjung the trail leads to an hour downhill joining the main busy trail at Shanasa. On this area there are more chances of seeing the beautiful colorful Danphe pheasant (Impeyan Pheasant), the national bird of Nepal and the elusive musk deer, and sometimes, we will even be graced with the presence of a herd of Himalayan Thar (mountain goat). From Shanasa, the Gokyo route diverts from the main trail towards north. The path climbs gently on the steep rock steps embedded in a narrow cleft in a large boulder; the two trails soon join and continue towards a large Chorten on the top of the ridge at 3,973 meters. This ridge descends from Khumbila 5,716m abode of the patron god Khumbu. From this ridge, the path meanders in a series of switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dudh Koshi at Phortse Thanghka for our overnight camp.
Day 09
TREK TO DOLE (4200M) 3-4 HRS
After Phortse, we continue trek to Dole, from here the trail climbs steeply out of the valley through a patch of rhododendron forest which gives way to juniper and conifers trees. In the spring time, this place will be vivid when all the flowers in bloom. This path passes many summer pastures where the Yak and other cattle graze in this high pastureland. The trek winds through the Tongba village at 3,950m and Gyele at 3,960m and finally arriving at Dole. A superb view of Khumbila and Taweche 6,542m can be seen throughout the walk.
Day 10
TREK TO MACHERMO (4410M) 3-4 HRS
From Dole a steadily climb along the side of the valley, we pass through a rhododendron forest giving way to scrub juniper as altitude gains gradually. The trail climbs on a fairly level path for one hour to Lhabarma Karaka at 4,325 m and further ahead an hour to Luza at 4,390m. Eventually, skirting around a ridge to gain our first views of Machermo village, spread out in the valley below. There is an excellent Swiss chalet style lodge at Machermo. Arriving into Machermo, it is an ideal time for the overnight rest and camp. We will have time as there are plenty of possibilities for exploration above the camp. Just above the village there is a superb view encompassing Cho Oyo 8,210m and all the mountains that flank the Ngozumba Glacier.
Day 11
TREK TO GOKYO (4760M) 4-5 HRS
Today, the trek heads for the holy lakes at Gokyo. We follow a very scenic trail to Pangka 4,545m and then descend slightly, following one of the glacial fed rivers which flow down the west of Ngozumba Glacier. We then climb a steep rocky incline into the ablation valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first lake. We soon arrive at the second lake, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to the Cho -La (another tough route to Loboche and beyond to Everest Base Camp). Coming to the third lake known as Dudh Pokhari and on its east shore is the summer settlement of Gokyo at 4,790 meters. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the peak of Cho Oyo and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters. We will be camping just by shore of the lake depending upon the availability of the campsite with a good view.
Day 12
AT GOKYO FOR LOCAL HIKE
A rest day free from packing and unpacking! After breakfast we will take a hike to Gokyo Ri, one of the highlights of this trip, as the view around Gokyo itself is marvelous. For the very best panoramic views, we take a hike to Gokyo Ri, a small peak above the lake. Gokyo Ri at 5,357m. This offers breathtaking views providing a panorama of Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, Taweche and far as to Mt. Makalu in the east. A two hour short, but worth it, climb brings you to this wonderful spot.
Day 13
TREK TO NA (4440M) 3 HRS
After a wonderful time here at Gokyo we have a leisure morning as today is a short walk of only 2-3 hours. We retrace the journey back on the same way for few hours then our route turns east descending to the village of Na situated at the foot of the Ngozumba glacier/
Day 14
TREK TO PHORTSE (3800M) 5 HRS
Our trail leads to a descent opposite side of the Dudh Koshi valley to the village of Phortse. The downhill walk is straight forward following the east side of the valley providing different views of the Khumbu peaks. We enter Phortse at the upper part of the village to camp among the potato fields. Phortse, magnificently situated village, beneath steep hills and overlooking the junction of the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola.
Day 15
TREK TO THYANGBOCHE (3865M) 5 HRS
After a great morning with the view of the surrounding snow capped peaks our route climbs and contours around the west side of the Imjatse Khola valley providing excellent views of Ama Dablam, the Nuptse-Lhotse wall and Everest. The trail initially has some steep drops but the paths are good. We enter Pangboche, and after lunch visit the monastery. From Pangboche we head downhill again towards Imjatse River, after crossing the wooden bridge, an easy gradual walk brings you at Pangboche village. After Pangboche, an hour descent leads to another bridge over the whipping fast Imjatse River, from here on back to green vegetation and tree lines, a short half hour gradual climb brings you at Debouche. From here the path climbs for another half hour to Thyangboche for the overnight camp, in a wonderful spot near the Thyangboche Monastery.
Day 16
TREK TO MONJO (2750M) 6HRS VIA NAMCHE BAZAAR
An easy descent of one hour brings you at the bottom at Phunge-Tenga. From here we cross the bridge over the Imjatse River. The walk from here leads uphill for half an hour, with a gradual path for a while, again the path winds up for an hour bringing you to the familiar place of Shanasa. The walk continues for another two hours on the winding scenic trail to Namche, after a break here we continue our journey on the same downhill slope to the river crossing the same three time before we arrive at Monjo for the overnight stop just few minutes further from the Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate.
Day 17
TREK BACK TO LUKLA VIA PHAKDING 5 HRS
Retrace the journey back to Phakding on the easy winding downhill track following the Dudh Koshi River down streams with few short ups in between.
Walk from Phakding will be very pleasant, except for the last 45 minutes climb after the last final climb, its more of a stroll leading us back to the busy village of Lukla for the last overnight camp of this memorable adventure.
Day 18
FLY LUKLA-KATHMANDU
The flight time to Kathmandu is scheduled for morning normally, due to the wind in the afternoon. It is always possible that the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason beyond our control. We will get our boarding passes, depending upon our flight time, and make our way to the terminal for security check. This scenic flight from Lukla takes about 25 minutes to Kathmandu. A panoramic view of the snow capped peaks can be seen from window of the plane. Arriving at Kathmandu domestic terminal, one of our tour officers will be waiting to receive and escort you back to the hotel.
Day 19
FREE DAY AT LEISURE
A free day in Kathmandu, please let our staff or tour guide know if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley or for another of our exciting extension trips, including White Water Rafting, Jungle Safari, Paragliding or Bungee Jumping.
Day 20
TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE.
Today as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket, departure tax (in local currency) and your passport handy. Our Tour Officer will take you to the airport for your final departure from our amazing country, Nepal.
THE GOKYO VALLEY AND THAME TREK
‘GEM OF EVEREST on the high valley, in a serene forest, and traditional villages rich with sherpa culture’
The Gokyo Valley and Thame Trek offers an intelligent alternative from the busy trail to Everest Base Camp. From Gokyo, four 8000m peaks (Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu) are clearly visible. There are several options for additional side trips and high altitude walking and a visit to the home of the famed Sherpa climbers.
This is an outstanding trek in which you will visit the high lush valleys of the Khumbu with time to explore villages and monasteries and to sample the incredible hospitality of the Sherpa people. Adventure begins with a picturesque and thrilling flight to Lukla, which is a popular destination, and provides a fascinating contrast to the high mountain landscapes. From Lukla, you trek slowly to Padding to our first night’s overnight stop. Next day, trek leads ahead to the Sherpa capital at Namche Bazaar.
We will have the time to acclimatize ourselves, before following the quite trail to Gokyo and Khumjung village in the high valley .We will also take the opportunity to visit an ancient Buddhist monastery here. Then we will descend to Khumjung, where we will be stunned by the incredible view of Khangtega, Thamserku, and the Nuptsse – Lhotse wall with the Mt. Everest rearing above. At Khumjung we will set up overnight camp below Khumbila Peak, home of the patron God of the Khumbu area. After which we will make our way through lovely forests towards Pangboche, and Thyangboche the main highlights of the adventure. The views along the trail throughout are tremendous; it is a panorama of snow capped chain of mountain ranges to all sides and many more exciting fun and enjoyment on the way.
The Everest region is understandably one of the most popular and spectacular destinations for trekkers. It offers some of the most fascinating and enjoyable trekking not only in the region, but in the world,, with beautiful views of the highest snow capped peaks of the world, and to the highest spot of our trek at Gokyo Ri, which stands at the impressive 5,357 meters and provides outstanding, breathtaking views of panorama of peaks and glaciers; including the impossibly high Mt. Everest, which will be at stones throw distance.
