Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by a staff / representative from Ang Rita Trek & Expedition as you come out at the airport after the immigration formalities. You will be transferred to a hotel. A briefing of the trekking trip will be arranged at a convenient time.
Day 02: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 3 - 4 hrs.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway for Everest. After an adventurous 35 minute flight with spectacular views of breathtaking Himalalays, we land at Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. Upon arrival at Lukla, the trekking guide will arrange the loads for the porters to carry and commence the trek. We take easy walk to Phakding for three hours and spend the night there to help acclimatize. You can make a small side trips in Phakding if you are not so tired and the time permits.
Day 03: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3440 m): 5 - 6 hrs
We walk through beautiful pine forest passing Dhudhkosi River crossing several suspension bridges. We Walk through the busy trail and view the tantalizing glimpses of Kusum Kangru (6,369 m), Everest (8,848 m.) and Nuptse (7,879 m ). Arrive at Namche Bazar (3,440 m). a gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region.
Day 04: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
A pleasant day can be spent exploring the village, talking to the Sherpas and marveling at the incredible scenery. You can make a side trip to Thame, another Sherpa town north – west of Namche for acclimatization. Another option could be a day hike to Khumjung and Everest View Hotel for a good view of Everest.
Day 05: Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,870m) - 5 - 6 hrs.
It is a steep one hour walk to Synagboche. The trail descends gradually to Phunki Thanga and then climbs steeply at first and then gradually ascends through forest and mani stones to Tengboche (3870m.).The views of the Himalayas including Kwangde (6,187m.), Everest (8,848m.), Nuptse (7,879m.), Lhotse, Tawache, Amadablam are magnificent from here. You will visit famous
Tengboche monastery.
Day 06: Tengboche to Pheriche (4,240 m): 5 - 6 hrs
We pass through the forest of briches, conifers & rhododendrons with possible sights of snow pigeons, golden eagles, goshawks in the trail. The route climbs past some magnificently carved mani stones to Pangboche. The views of Amadablam appear magnificent. We enter into Imja valley passing through beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls leaving behind alpine meadows to Pheriche ( 4,240m).
Day 07: Rest & Acclimatization day in Pheriche.
We make side trip hiking up to Nagazong Ri for acclimatization.
Day 08: Pheriche – Lobuche ( 4930m. ): 5 – 6 hrs.
The valley begins to narrow as we pass through Dusa, the yak herders place and Phulung Karpo. We walk up a small ridge and then contour round the base of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we take a short steep climb to the terminal moraine of the glacier from where the views are stunning. We Arrive at Lobuje (4,930 m).
Day 09: Lobuche – Kalpatthar ( 5560m. ) – Lobuche; 8 - 9 hrs.
We start our hiking early in the morning with the target to reach Kalapatthar for sunrise to witness the first day light shining on Everest and gradually making yellowish glittering mighty massive. The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with the views of. Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including Mt. Everest. Walking at dark with cold temperature and chilly wind, gasp and slow steps will be paid off as we reach Kalapatthar for the breathtaking panorama of Himalayas and the bet and closest views of Pumori, Chnagtse, Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse, Amadablam etc. We marvel at from one awesome massive to another taking life memorable pictures and leave before the chilly strong wind hit us. We retrace to Gorakhshep and then to to Lobuche.
Day 10: Lobuche – Chukkung ( 4730m. ); 5 – 6 hrs.
We descend to Dingboche following the terminal moraine of the glacier. Leaving behind the stone walled fields and meadows, the trail follows Imja Khola valley. As we gradually hike Lhotse towers on our left and Amadablam on our right. As we arrive at Bibre, we see the popular Island Peak ( Imja Tse) the destination for novice climbers to experience climbing on the high Himalayas and acclimatization climbing trips for Everest climbing mountaineers soars high. We hike up the moraine and arrive at Chhukung
Day 11: Chukkung – Island Peak base camp ( 5200m. ); 3 – 4 hrs.
We pass through the yak pastures and bushes gradually climbing up the slopes. The trail further follows gently along the moraine of the massive Imja and Lhotse glacier to the wide valley flanking the South – West side of Island Peak. We will camp for the night with delicious food and lot of liquid that will keep us well nourished and hydrated for the final and long summit push for the next day.
Day 12: Summit ( 6189m. ) – Base camp - Chukkung; 9 – 10 hrs.
Today is the day of our ultimate destination. After light breakfast at around 2:am, we start from the base camp. First we climb through the slopes and then through rock gully. After we reach ridgeline, We climb up through ice and glaciers. We cross a large snow plateau climbing 40 degree headwall on snow using fixed ropes to gain the summit shoulder. We further climb up using fixed ropes on steep slope which leads to the summit. Once we reach the summit, we will be surrounded by awe inspiring views of the four highest peaks in the world. After enjoying the magnificent views of High Himalayas and taking pictures from the summit, we retrace our steps to the base camp where hot drinks and food await us. We further descend to Chukkung.
Day 13: Spare Day for Summit
The spare day will be used as contingency if we could not climb the peak due to unfavorable weather condition or for some other reasons.
Day 14: Chukkung – Tengboche ( 3870m. ) 5 – 6 hrs.
We retrace our steps passing wide alpine valley. We cross Khumbu Khola and ascend a short steep trail to the top of a small ridge and have the great views of Imja valley, Amadablam and Kangtega. After passing Pangboche, we descend through beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir. If it is in spring season, rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings. We gradually ascend through the forest and arrive at Tengboche.
Day 15: Tengboche – Namche ( 2800m. )
We descend to Dhudhkosi, cross the bridge and pass through pine trees and ascend to Thasinga. Thamserku and Kangtega are still visible from here. From here the trail contours high above the valley through Sanasa. We bid farewell to the view of Lhotse, tip of Everest and Tengboche from Kyangjuma and arrive at Namche.
Day 16: Namche Bazaar-Lukla (2,800m): 6 - 8 hrs
The trail descends steeply downward. We walk slowly through rocky terrain. We cross suspension bridges over Dhudh Koshi River for server times pass through rhododendron and pine forest, Sherpa villages and arrive at Lukla.
Day 17: Lukla – Kathmandu
We fly back to Kathmandu. You can rest and relax throughout the day at the hotel after a long mountain journey. We take you for a farewell dinner at one of the finest typical Nepali restaurant with traditional Nepali culture program.
Day 18: Airport transfer for your onward journeys.
We will transfer you to the airport and bid good bye.
Note: Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu flight may be delayed by few hours or even cancelled due to bad weather condition. You should be prepared for such flight delays or cancellations. We will do our best to avoid such conditions. In case of flight cancellation, we will try to get you on the flight for the next day. Getting early flight for the next day may be not possible during the high season. We can arrange flight by helicopter as well with extra cost. If we have a group of 4- 5 people, we can charter helicopter for you to fly from Kathmandu - Lukla or vice versa. It will be advisable to have extra days in Kathmandu before and after the trekking. Ang Rita Trek & Expedition can arrange you cultural / adventure tours ( such as sightseeing tours, rafting, jungle safari, ) with extra cost if the extra days are not used for the flight conditions to Lukla and back.
If the flight is delayed and cancelled for several days which could disturb your onward journey, you are free to choose trekking in Annapurna, Langtang and other regions and Ang Rita Trek & Expedition will arrange the alternative trek for you as soon as possible.
