Tour Overview
In the shadow of Everest lies the traditional homeland of the Sherpas, the renowned mountain people who migrated south from the Tibetan plateau. We explore the region using colourful village inns, maximising our contact with the Sherpa people. Our first destination is Namche Bazaar, the trading capital and main town of the Khumbu region. Leaving Namche, we follow trails used by many Everest expeditions to the highlight of the trek, the famous monastery at Thyangboche, one of the finest mountain viewpoints in the world. We spend two nights here with the option to trek to Ama Dablam Basecamp or climb Tawoche Hill (5000m) from where we get magnificent mountain views.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. Those on Land Only arrangements will join us in the afternoon at the Royal Singi Hotel.
Day 2
Today there is a half-day tour of Kathmandu, led by a trained local guide. The tour visits the Durbar Square in the heart of the old city. Here is the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving and four fine towers. Outside is Kumari Chowk, home of the Kumari, the young girl who is revered as a living goddess. All around is a maze of temples and images, such as the terrifying Black Bhairab, and Shiva and Parvati gazing benignly down on their subjects. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing – you may like to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Bodnath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. There will also be a full trek briefing today.
Day 3
We fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (2800m), and set off on the first short leg of our trek, heading northwards up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (or 'milk river'). We descend from the small plateau, which only just manages to hold Lukla airstrip, down into the forested valley. The trail crosses several tributary streams and we have some tantalising views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2652m), where we will spend our first night.
Day 4-6
Day 5 We spend today acclimatising to the altitude, exploring fascinating Namche Bazaar and its surrounding villages, the heart of the Khumbu region, and a chance to introduce ourselves properly to the Sherpas and their way of life. We visit the quiet Thame Valley and walk to the village of Thamo. At Thamo we visit a Tibetan nunnery founded by Tibetan nuns who fled from Tibet over the Nangpa La. There will also be time today to visit the Everest National Park Museum and the Sherpa Cultural Centre where get our first good views of Everest on a clear day. Day 6 We climb steeply out of Namche Bazaar to the villages of Kunde and Khumjung with excellent views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and many other magnificent peaks. We can perhaps take tea at the spectacularly situated Everest View Hotel. We will also have the opportunity of visiting the Edmund Hillary hospital in Kunde. Passing through the village of Khumjung we drop down to join the main trail at Kyanjuma high above the Dudh Kosi offering excellent views of Ama Dablam across the valley. Day 7 Passing through the woods we descend gradually to the village of Teshinga, after which the trail drops more steeply to the river to cross it at the little settlement of Phunki Thangkha at 3250m. Climbing steeply beyond these we enter forest again and continue with a more gradual ascent, passing a number of Mani stones. We continue climbing up to the saddle of a hill where we come to Thyangboche at 3867m. The sunset on the fantastic panorama of mountains surrounding us including Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam is not to be missed. Thyangboche has long been a sacred spot. The Lama Sange Dorje, who first brought Buddhism to the region, is said to have flown from his monastery in Tibet over the Himalaya, landing and leaving his footprints here and at Pangboche. Visitors should be careful to respect the spirit of this special place. From Thyangboche we descend through rhododendron forests through Devoche to a small bridge crossing the rushing icy waters of the Dudh Kosi. The trail then climbs slowly to Pangboche (3900m) with stunning views of Ama Dablam ahead.
Day 7-8
Passing through the woods we descend gradually to the village of Teshinga, after which the trail drops more steeply to the river to cross it at the little settlement of Phunki Thangkha at 3250m. Climbing steeply beyond these we enter forest again and continue with a more gradual ascent, passing a number of Mani stones. We continue climbing up to the saddle of a hill where we come to Thyangboche at 3867m. The sunset on the fantastic panorama of mountains surrounding us including Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam is not to be missed. Thyangboche has long been a sacred spot. The Lama Sange Dorje, who first brought Buddhism to the region, is said to have flown from his monastery in Tibet over the Himalaya, landing and leaving his footprints here and at Pangboche. Visitors should be careful to respect the spirit of this special place. From Thyangboche we descend through rhododendron forests through Devoche to a small bridge crossing the rushing icy waters of the Dudh Kosi. The trail then climbs slowly to Pangboche (3900m) with stunning views of Ama Dablam aheadDay 8 We spend the day in Pangboche with various options for day walks. The energetic can take a packed lunch and make the full day excursion to the trekking peak of Tawoche Hill at around 5000m for stunning views of the world's highest mountains. Other options are a chance to walk to Ama Dablam Base Camp or to visit Upper Pangboche village and monastery, one of the oldest in the region.
Day 9-10
We descend back to the river at Devoche and climb back up to Thyangboche for one of our last panoramic views of Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. Descending off the ridge the trail drops down to Phunki Tenga and then climbs through Teshinda to Kyanjuma. The walk back from here to Namche Bazaar is along a beautiful undulating trail high above the Dudh Kosi. Descending through Namche Bazaar, we pick up our outward trail again, following the Dudh Kosi south through rhododendron and pine forests, past Jorsale, Monzo and Benkar to Chaunrikhara. Here we leave the main trail and climb the short distance to Lukla.
Day 11
We fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel.
Day 12
We drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel.
Day 13
The trip ends after breakfast but there may also be some time in the morning for last minute shopping or sightseeing. Those not travelling back to London with the group will leave us at the hotel at midday.
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