Everest Base Camp Trek Experience the classic Everest base camp trek

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Stunning views of Everest, , and • Colourful Buddhist culture • Spirited • Up close insight of an Everest Expedition

www.himalayanascent.com OVERVIEW journeys into the heartland of the Sherpa The trek to Everest base camp offers a people providing an insight into their rich comprehensive and colourful journey Buddhist culture and traditional way of through ’s most famous valley, the life. Sir Edmund Hillary grew a passion for , the home of Everest (8848m) Sherpas from his early mountaineering and Lhotse (8501m). The trail also offers years and following Everest, spent his glimpses of other 8000m giants, Cho remaining years dedicated to fundraising Oyu (8201m), Makalu (8463m) and and bringing development to the region. Shisapangma (8013m). Spring also brings climbers from around During Spring, the valley is awash with the global with Everest ambitions. You’ll flowering rhondodendron trees of various share the trail with yak and porters carrying colours and large white magnolia trees. supplies to Everest base camp (EBC). The rolling landscape varies from lush During this season, Himalayan Ascent can low alpine vegetation to dry high altitude offer you accommodation at an Everest scrub land. Inhabitating this harsh land Expedition camp. This unique opportunity are the Sherpa people, an ethnic group gives a chance to mix with excited and famous for their hardiness, spirit and anxious climbers, and highlights the mountaineering prowless. This trek operations behind an Everest Expedition.

Page 2 of 15 www.himalayanascent.com Our Route begins from the gateway We acclimatise in Dingboche first before airport town of Lukla at 2840m. Following trekking the last few kilometres of a high the Dudh kosi river on the valley floor, altitude trail to EBC. the trail first passes through farming villages of mixed Tamang, Rai and Sherpa At EBC we will explore the most famous communities. We then make a sharp base camp in the world and take in the scale ascent up to Namche, the capital of the of the Khumbhu icefall. We return to Gorak Khumbu and the traditional trading centre Shep and make our way to the summit of of Sherpa people. Kala Pattar to fully enjoy unobstructed views of Everest and Lhotse. The return From here it’s a climb up to picturesque journey passes through Pheriche and , which hosts the largest breaks at Tengboche to allow a prayer time monastery in the Khumbhu. session with the monks.

Page 3 of 15 www.himalayanascent.com GRADE/FITNESS INCLUDES: This is a trek and requires no prior Trekking permits, 4 nights Kathmandu trekking experience. Good fitness is hotel, trekking guides, transport in Nepal, required as most days will involve 4-6 extensive high altitude wilderness first aid hours of trekking carrying a 5kg day pack. kit, all meals outside Kathmandu, porters The trail is non technical but will reach a to carry personal/ group equipment, down maximum altitude of 5550m. jacket, sleeping bag and expedition duffel. EXCLUDES: International flights to Kathmandu, meals in Kathmandu (USD 10-15 per meal), aerated and alcoholic beverages, personal items (e.g. phone calls, laundry), tips, travel insurance (incl. early departure, rescue) and personal trekking gear.

Page 4 of 15 www.himalayanascent.com ITINERARY Day 1-2 Arrival and in Kathmandu and (hopefully!) catch the first glimpses A Himalayan Ascent representative will of Everest from the plane. In Lukla we will collect you from the airport. It’s a free day meet our porters and other BC staff, and to recover from your international flight. after lunch walk to Monjo, a small village Later in the evening, there will be a group on the roaring Dudh Koshi river, which briefing and welcome group dinner. You can drains the bulk of the Everest region. The use the next day to explore the crazy, yet milky, glacier-fed waters of the Dudh Koshi wondrously beautiful city of Kathmandu. are the source of its name, which means (Swayambu and Boudhanath). It’s a city “Milk River.” We will stay in a comfortable that stimulates all senses, so be prepared lodge on the edge of the river. because Kathmandu is a city that demands attention. Day 4 Trek Monjo (2610m) to Namche (3440m) ~4 hours Day 3 Fly to Lukla (2840m) and Before leaving Monjo, we’ll drop into the trek to Monjo (2610m) ~5 hours Khumbu National Park Information Centre Welcome to the Khumbu! We will take the where you can trace our trail from a 3D exhilarating flight on a Twin Otter to Lukla model of the region. The route crosses

Page 5 of 15 www.himalayanascent.com several steel suspension bridges covered panoramic view of Everest, Ama dablam with katas, white well-wishing scarves, and Thamserku. It’s just a taster for and prayer flags. From the last bridge, the spectacular scenery to come! From it’s a 2 to 3 hour hike up to Namche. On here, you can explore the villages of a clear day, you can catch your first view Khunde and where Sir Edmund of Everest from a lookout about mid-way Hillary opened a hospital and school, up the hill. Once in Namche, you have respectively. Or the afternoon is free for the afternoon to rest, do last minute gear wandering around Namche, emailing shopping or catch locals enjoying the friends/family or relaxing over coffee and Saturday market. cakes in the bakery.

Day 5 Acclimatisation day in Day 6 Trek Namche (3440m) to Namche Tengboche (3860m) ~ 5 hours The trail behind Namche is a gentle track We spend an extra day in Namche before that traverses high above the Imja river trekking higher to allow our bodies to with overlooking views of Thamserku adjust to the lower levels of oxgyen in and Ama dablam. We pass a chorten in the air. In the morning, we will walk up memory of Tenzing Norgay, Sir Edmund to the Everest View Hotel to enjoy a Hillary’s climbing partner, before reaching

Page 6 of 15 www.himalayanascent.com Kyangjuma to break for morning tea and settlements leading to EBC established to admire direct views of Ama dablam. to accommodate trekkers. It is a seasonal The route drops to a crossing of Imja river village with a few fields and yaks. The followed by an up hill hike to Tengboche. afternoon is free to use internet or to do This monastery village hosts the largest some much needed laundry. There are a monastery in the Khumbhu and it will be few bakeries you can try too. our rest stop for the night. Day 8 Acclimatisation in Day 7 Trek Tengboche (3860m) to Dingboche Dingboche (4410m) ~6 hours We take a rest day in Dingboche to As we hike up the track towards acclimatise to our increased altitude gain. Dingboche, there’s a distinct change in In the morning, we’ll walk up to a lookout the landscape as we cross the 4000m to touch the 5000m mark. It’s a steep climb barrier. High altitude scrubs replace trees but the views of Makalu (8463m), Lhotse and formidable suddenly (8501m), Nuptse (7861m) and on clear appear within reach. You feel instantly days, Cho Oyu (8201m) and Shispangma aware that Everest must be close! (8013m) are worth any feelings of Dingboche is the first of a series of breathlessness. After lunch, if you’re

Page 7 of 15 www.himalayanascent.com feeling energetic, you can hike towards Day 10 Trek Lobuche (4910m) to Chhukung village or down to Pheriche. EBC (5364m) ~5 hours Alternatively, curling in with a book and Climbing up the trail 3 hours beyond hot chocolate is also recommended. Lobuche, we will reach the small outpost of Gorak Shep (5140m), the EBC for the Day 9 Trek Dingboche (4410m) to 1953 expedition that first climbed Everest. Lobuche (4910m) ~5 hours From here, we walk 2 to 3 hours winding Just above Dingboche and along a plateau through the rubble and scree of the of yak herder shelters, we enter a serene , to reach EBC at the base santuary of panoramic mountains. Take a of the . moment to absorb and reflect on feelings of excitment that Everest is just around Day 11 Rest day in EBC (Spring the corner! Passing Dughla, it’s a 1 hour season only) hike up to Thokla pass (4830m) where This is a day to fully explore EBC. We will memorials have been built for fallen visit the Himalayan Rescue Association climbers. We then cross rocky terrain to clinic and learn about the volunteer work Lobuche. they do to provide medical assistance to climbers. We’ll tour the foot of the Khumbu ice fall and understand why this is one of

Page 8 of 15 www.himalayanascent.com the most dangerous sections on the South early start from EBC to reach Kala Pattar route to Everest. summit (2 hour). At 5550m, this is the highest point on our trek! The summit Also, we’ll visit other campsites and chat provides a close and unobstructed view to climbers about their Everest climbing of Everest and Lhotse, undoubtably a experience. Few trekking companies can worthy reward for making the strenuous offer such an EBC experience so enjoy this climb to the summit. We drop back to unique twist of the classic EBC trek. Gorak Shep for a snack before making the descent to Pheriche. Day 12 Trek EBC (5364m) to Pheriche (4270m) via Kala Pattar Day 13 Trek Pheriche (4270m) to (5550m) to ~7 hours Tengboche (3860m) ~4 hours As we descend to lower altitudes, every From Gorak Shep and EBC, Pumo Ri step you take from here to Lukla, you will (7165m), (6749m) and Nuptse feel rejuvenated with increasing oxygen (7861m) are clearly visible. However, in the air. We have lunch at Pangboche, Everest and Lhotse are largely blocked cross the river and pass through Debuche by the face of Nuptse. To see these to reach our destination of Tengboche mountains, we must climb another for the night. is vantage point behind Gorak Shep known famous for hosting the major Buddhist as Kala Pattar or “Black Rock”. It will be an

Page 9 of 15 www.himalayanascent.com festival, Mani Rimdu, in November. The culture that has prevailed throughout the monastery itself was rebuilt after a fire trek before returning to the melting pot in 1989. Visitors are allowed to observe of cultures found in Kathmandu. prayer time with the monks at mid morning/mid afternoon. This is not to be Day 16 Fly Lukla to Kathmandu, missed! Also enjoy a cake at the bakery. stay in Kathmandu Another early morning flight out of Lukla Day 14 Trek Tengboche (3860m) back to Kathmandu. You have the rest to Monjo (2840m) ~ 7 hours of the day to rest from the trek. A It’s a big descent from Tengboche to the massage is highly recommended! Dudh koshi river crossing, followed by a 45 minute hike up the otherside heading Day 17 In Kathmandu back to Namche. The trail from here is Our last day to catch in some sight seeing, an easy traverse with familiar sights of shop, relax and prepare for departure. Thamserku and the Kongde range. We If you didn’t make it to Bhaktapur or pause in Namche for lunch before making the other durbar squares in Patan/ another big descent back to the valley Kathmandu, make sure you don’t miss floor. Crossing over the many suspension these world heritage sites. They provide bridges in warmer temperatures again, another viewpoint of Nepal’s diverse we evenutally break in Monjo for the culture and ancient architectural talents. night. Day 18 Depart Kathmandu Day 15 Trek Monjo (2840m) to We bid Kathmandu and Nepal farewell.... Lukla (2840m) ~ 4 hours until next time. Enjoy the sights of the maniwalls around Ghat and other villages, as we make Note: daily walking hours include a lunch our way back to Lukla. This is our last break. opportunity to take in the Buddhist

Page 10 of 15 www.himalayanascent.com PACKING LIST boots • 1 pair of sandals (e.g. crocs) There are a number of branded • 1 set of trekking poles mountaineering equipment stores • 1 warm hat (wool/fleece) now open in Kathmandu. To save • 2 sets of buff/scarf some check-in luggage allowance, • 1 sunglasses (category 3) contact us about what’s available • 1 sunhat locally for purchase. • 2 One litre water bottles (e.g. Nalgene) • 20-40L day pack • 1 head torch (plus batteries), • Trekking clothes (1 shorts, 2 • Whistle and pocket knife t-shirts, 1 pants, etc) • Personal toiletries (including • 1 set windproof/waterproof sunscreen, hand sanitiser, face/ shells body wipes, etc) • 1 fleece (mid-heavy weight) • Passport, travel insurance • 1 mid layer shirt or fleece (including mountain rescue), • 1 fleece pants • Copies of passport, etc • 2 sets thermal underwear (top/ • Entertainment e.g. books/Kindles, bottom) notebooks, cameras or cards • 1 pair of insulating gloves • Down jackets (can also be • 5 pairs of trekking socks provided by Himalayan Ascent on • 2 pairs of liner socks request) • 1 pair of waterproof trekking • A duffel will be provided by Himalayan Ascent.

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What’s a typical day on the trail? kitchens cater for international and You will be woken up with a knock local tastes, from pizzas/pastas to on your door around 6am by a staff typical Nepali favourites. Other member. You’ll get dressed and facilities including showers, wifi, packed for the day’s walk, and have battery charging and laundry are your duffel ready for your porter sometimes available for an extra before breakfast ~7am. The aim will cost. be to leave the teahouse and hit the trail by 8am. Your Kathmandu accommodation is a midrange 3.5 star hotel, but we can On the trail, you’ll carry a small adjust according to your budget (i.e. day pack (20-40LL, ~5kg ) with your budget to 5-star). Note that meals in personal items, water, warm clothing Kathmandu are not included in the and wet weather gear. cost. Plan for USD 10-15 per meal on these days. Generally lunch is at the rest stop for the night, which leaves the Sherpa Culture afternoon free to rest and soak in Known as “Eastern People” in Tibet, the views. Sherpas were nomads who migrated and settled in the Solukhumbu Dinner is ~7pm, and most trekkers region around 500 years ago from then either read/play cards or head Tibet. Their dialect, dress and food is to bed early ~8-9pm to prepare for very similar to Tibetans, more than the next day’s adventure. the Hindu majority ethnic groups in Nepal. With a culture deeply Sleep and Food rooted in Buddhism, Sherpas have Whilst on the trail you’ll sleep in a strong respect for the mountains local friendly teahouses. These and its spirits. First employed as high provide basic accommodation (twin- altitude porters on early Himalayan share), common toilets and a large mountaineering expeditions, common dining hall. Teahouse

Page 12 of 15 www.himalayanascent.com Sherpas are now by their own before arrival to ensure good rights, well regarded accomplished immunity. Typhoid, Hepatitis A, climbers. and Hepatitis B are recommended. Ensure that you are up to date with Climate routine immunisation (MMR, DPT). During the trek to base camp in Malaria tablets are not needed. early April, the weather will mostly be dry with some periods of snow. Your guide will be carrying a well Below Namche (under 3000m), stocked first aid kit along the trail. temperatures can reach ~24oC in It will contain commonly used the day. In BC (above 5000m), day medication including ibufropen and temperatures can range 10oC-15oC. general antiibiotics. It is easy to stay Nights are cool and can drop to healthy and avoid bacterial/ parasitic -10oC. infections by eating from hygienic venues, and avoiding salad (raw) and Health tips unpeeled fruits. This trek reaches a maximum altitude of 5550m at Kala Pattar. Visas As such, you may experience Tourist visas can be obtained directly some affects of high altitude (e.g. at the immigration department of headaches, increased breathing, Tribhuwan International Airport in disturbed sleep) as your body Kathmandu. For faster processing adapts. The trek schedule has at the airport, first apply online at been designed to allow for proper http://online.nepalimmigration. acclimatisation. However, everyone gov.np/tourist-visa up to 15 days responds to high altitude differently, before you arrive and bring a print so the best advice is to walk slow, out of the application. Bring at least drink plenty of water (~4L/day), 2 passport sized photos and USD 50 listen to your body and alert your cash for a 30-day tourist visa. You guide if you are feeling unwell. can also prearrange a visa from your nearest Nepalese consulate. Nepal is a developing country so some travel vaccines are advised. Obtain these at least 2-6 months

Page 13 of 15 www.himalayanascent.com WHY HIMALAYAN ASCENT? Himalayan Ascent is a family owned a guiding team of personnel who business managed by local Nepali, actively enjoy the outdoors and Sumit Joshi, who has more than 20 love sharing the experience. The years of guiding experience in Nepal, philosophy of Himalayan Ascent India, Pakistan, Tibet, Bhutan and is simple: showcase the best of Argentina for reputed international Nepali culture and landscape with organisations. comfortable service. From trekking in remote areas to high altitude 8000m Our guides have been raised in the expeditions, Himalayan Ascent has outdoor wonderland of the Himalaya the experience to provide a type of and they are passionate adventurers. service that’s desired by internationals The Himalayan Ascent difference is outdoor lovers.

Page 14 of 15 www.himalayanascent.com P.O. Box 3885 Bansbari 3, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977 1 4379509 Email : [email protected] www.himalayanascent.com

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