This trek takes you around the Everest region, which has recently witnessed the renaissance of Tibetan Buddhism with the renovation of Thyangboche Monastery at 3870 m - one of the world\'s highest Buddhist Monasteries. Lamaistic Buddhism plays an integral part and is influential in the lives of these Sherpa people. En route you will be fascinated by Buddhist Nyingmapa monasteries and monks, the ever present yaks, high pastures and mountains that are unforgettable in their gem-like presence. Reincarnated Lamas, the Yeti\'s scalp, saffron robed monks and legendary mountains of Khumbu - Everest (8848 m), Kwangde 6187 m) Ama Dablam (6812 m), Lhotse (8501 m) and Nuptse (7879 m) offer a stupendous backdrop for the experience of a lifetime.
Max. Elevation : 3446m | Grade : |
Best season : Oct-Dec&Feb-May | Type of trek : Tea house/Lodging |
Duration : 11 Days | Starting point : Lukla |
Ending point : Kathmandu | Highlights : Nature |
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu International Airport (1300m/4264ft) and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: After breakfast we set out for an extensive guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley’s cultural, historical, religious and world heritage sites. During the course, we visit the famous Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva situated at the holy bank of River Bagmati where we will also observe the Hindu cremation ritual. We then proceed to the Boudhanath stupa, a major pilgrimage centre for the Buddhist faith which also is the largest of its kind in the world. We then have a short break for lunch followed by a visit to Swoyambhunath stupa also known as the Monkey Temple from where we can have a bird’s eye view of whole of Kathmandu valley. Following this we then proceed for a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the oldest royal palace of Kathmandu and a UNESCO world heritage site. The whole are of Kathmandu Durbar Square is dotted with numerous fascinating Nepalese architect dating back many centuries. The site is also the home of Nepal’s living Goddess – Kumari, where we will also have the opportunity to experience firsthand this unique Nepali tradition. In the evening we will attend the welcome dinner hosted by Makalu Adventure with live Nepalese culture shows.
Day 03: Kathmandu ( 1310m) - Lukla (2827m) - Phakding (2652m) 5 hours
After a very early start, and an early take off from Kathmandu Domestic Airport, a 45 minute flight is all it takes to propel us into the Everest region of Nepal. The landing at Lukla (2800m) is spectacular and on arrival we are greeted by our sirdar and trekking crew who organise the luggage and hustle us off for tea. After a leisurely lunch we start the trek in earnest, setting off for a gentle walk to Phakding (2800m), a further 3 hours to the north. The trail leads through Lukla, past hotels, shops and airline offices to the edge of the Lukla plateauwhere the trail drops to meet the intersection of the Jiri trail at Chablung. From here the trail follows the Dudh Kosi north through the village of Ghat and then finally to Phakding where we spend the night.
Day 04: Phakding - Namche Bazar (3440m) 7 hours
From Phakding we cross the river and head up to the valley. The trail keeps close to the river valley and is lined with beautiful blue pine and rhododedron forest atht is very spectacular in the spring months when the flowers are in bloom. We cross the Dudh Kosi at Benkar where there are tantalizing glimpses of the snow peaks Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2835m) where we arrive in time for lunch and where the trail officially enters the Sagarmatha National Park boundry. There is an entrance station just beyond the village where trekking permits are checked and National Park fees collected. After lunch at Monjo, we continue along the trail, crossing the Bhote Kosi River to begin the steep climb up to Namche Bazaar 3500m., the administrative center of the Sagarmatha National Park and the hub of Sherpa society. Remember to look out for glimpses of Mt. Everest from the trail on the way to Everest! Overnight at the Camp or Lodge.
Day 05:Namche: Rest and acclimitazation:
Acclimatization is important before trekking higher, and allowing us to gradually become used to the effects of altitude - the lower pressure and the thinner air. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large, protected hollow. It gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. Today a limited amount of trade exists at Namche and Tibetans are often seen in the village trading rugs and Chinese-made goods, clothing, salt and dried meat.
We can spend the day by visiting the National Park Visitor Centre on the hill above Namche or by simply resting and browsing in the shops in the town. Namche is a fascinating place simply to “hang out” and take in the culture of the mountains, from the trading of visiting Tibetans to the stories of departing mountaineers. Overnight at lodge
Day 06: Namche – Thyangboche (3875m) 6 hours:
From Namche, we climb towards the park headquarters and follow a contouring trail high above the Dudh Kosi River. Above Namche the route to Thyangboche becomes visible with the monastery seen below the summit of Everest and surrounded by Himalayan peaks. On today's walk there are opportunities to spot the local wildlife, including the beautiful Danphe Pheasant often seen among the birch and silver fir forest between Shanasa and Trashinga, and Himalayan Thar on the high ground above the trail. After reaching the re-forestation nursery at Trashinga, the trail drops steeply to cross the Dudh Kosi at Phunkitenga (3250m), where we take lunch. In the afternoon we pass water-driven prayer wheels and ascend, initially steeply, through pine, fir, black juniper and rhododendron forest towards Thyangboche. The monastery and our lodge are located in a beautiful meadow surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks in a truly peaceful and tranquil setting. The most notable peaks seen from here are Kantega, Ama Dablam - perhaps the most beautiful peak in the region - and of course Mount Everest.
Day 07: Thyangboche – Namche, 5 hours:
From Thyangboche we trace our step back to Namche. From here the trail drops steeply to the river at Phunki Thanga, and then rises again to traverse high above the river on the winding trail that leads to Sanasa. From here we have an easy walk back to Namche where we can rest and relax or mingle with other trekkers sharing each other’s experiences.
Day 08: Namche - Lukla, 5 hours:
The final day of our trek, and a sense of relief for some and sadness for others as we retrace our steps along the trail above the Dudh Kosi. We start by descending steeply out of Namche and shortly before we cross the suspension bridge below Namche we get a last chance to see Everest before it is out of sight until the next time. We lunch at Phakding and then continue down the trail, before turning off the main Jiri route and rising up to Lukla to arrive by mid-afternoon. Rest of the day is at leisure followed by a farewell party (with the porters and rest of the accompanying crew) in the evening.
Day 09: Lukla – Kathmandu, by plane, 45min:
We return to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu with a 45 minute flight back to the domestic airport. Here we will be greeted and transferred back to your hotel in Kathmandu. Arrival times back into Kathmandu vary, however it is usual to arrive back at our hotel by mid-afternoon. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 10: After breakfast we will set out for a sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur and Patan and return to our hotel at late afternoon followed by farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 20: Final Departure from Nepal.