Ecofriendly Treks & Expeditions

Highlights

• Our most experience guides of the route are leading this trip as per above Fix departure schedule. If you like customized trip itinerary and services, please contact us.
• This is a geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating trek passing from the local villages of the lower hills to the Sherpas of the Everest region.
• The mountain views are sensational including Cho Oyu (8201m), Lhotse (8511m), Makalu (8463m) and of course Mt. EVEREST (8,848m)
• This trek would appeal to anyone who is looking for a challenging trek in a remote region of Nepal The route heads to Base Camp of Mt. Everest, the highest peak all over the world.
• Eco-friendly Team led this trip in 2009 and has modified the itinerary based on our synergized experiences. We will be able to answer any questions you might have.

Brief Itinary

DAY 01: ARRIVE KATHMANDU (A)
DAY 02: 3 HRs SIGHTSEEING IN KATHMANDU (A,B)
DAY 03: FLY LUKLA, TREK TO CHUMA (2,743m) 5-6 HRS (A,B,L,D)
DAY 04: TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,445m). 6 HRS (A,B,L,D)
DAY 05: TREK TO THAME (3,801m). 3-4 HRS. (A,B,L,D)
DAY 06: TREK TO KHUNDE (3,840m) 4-5 HRS. (A,B,L,D)
DAY 07: REST DAY AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY. (A,B,L,D)
DAY 08: TREK TO THYANGBOCHE (3,863m). 4-5 HRS. (A,B,L,D)
DAY 09: TREK TO DHINGBOCHE (14267FT/4350M). 5 HRS. (A,B,L,D)
DAY 10: REST, EXPLORATION AND ACCLIMATIZATION. (A,B,L,D)
DAY 11: TREK TO LOBUCHE (16468FT/5018M). 5-6 HRS. (A,B,L,D)
DAY 12: ASCEND KALA PATTAR (5,545m) 8 HRS OR TREK TO EVEREST BC (5,300m) DESCEND TO LOBUCHE 9 HRS (A,B,L,D)
DAY 13: TREK TO PANGBOCHE (4,000m) 4-5 HRS (A,B,L,D)
DAY 14: TREK TO MONG LA (3,973m) 5-6 HRS (A,B,L,D)
DAY 15: TREK TO CHUOMA (2,743m). 5-6 HRS (A,B,L,D)
DAY 16: TREK TO LUKLA (2,880m). 6 to 7 HRS (A,B,L,D)
DAY 17: FLY TO KATHMANDU. (A,B)
DAY 18: AT LEISURE IN KATHMANDU. (A,B)
DAY 19: FLY BACK. (B)
(Abbreviation: A-Accommodation, B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)

In the morning after breakfast at 9 AM, we host a Pre-Trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduced your trek Guide mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about your trek and to introduce you to other participants. This includes a final briefing and preparations for the trip. Please advise us if you will be arriving late and are therefore unable to attend the pre-trip meeting.

In THE PRE-TRIP MEETING, All passengers must bring:

1. Original valid passport
2. Four copies of Passport size photos each
3. Travel Insurance Policy
4. A writing pen
5. Notepad
6. Final payment in cash USD

PRICE INCLUDES (Eco-friendly class)

• Welcome with flower beat at KTM Airport
• Airport pick up service & transfer to your hotel
• Seasonal welcome drink
• KTM 4 nights 5 stars hotel room with breakfast
• Sightseeing in three cultural heritage sites for 3 hrs.
• Eco-friendly sleeping bag with liner, down jacket, kit bag and trekking poles
• All necessary trekking paper works such as trekking permit (TIMS), national park entry permit & conservation permit
• Everest National Park Permit fee
• Trekking Permit (TIMS) fee
• Personally trekking map
• Everest region 15 years experienced government licensed and trained local English speaking guide
• Local porter for each of you
• Local people operated attached deluxe room in lodges where available
• Camp/dine fire/warm up charge where available
• All hot meals on trek as per itinerary order with our hygienic Eco-friendly Outdoor Menu
• Supplementary seasonal fresh fruits, dry nuts, snickers, mars and drinks
• 7 solar showers while on trek
• 2 men North Face branded tent in sharing basis
• Carry mattress each of you
•  Bed sheet and pillowcases
• All camping site charges
• Camp/dine fire/warm up charge where available
• Treated drinking water to fill in your bottle
• Guide staff/porter foods, insurance, salary, equipment, transportation & local taxes
• Your all road transport by private vehicles as per itinerary
•  KTM-LUA-KTM round way internal flights
• KTM & Lukla domestic airport tax
• Applicable government taxes (13% VAT and 10% tourism service charges)
• Hotel domestic airport/bus park-hotel transfers service
• Travel and rescue arrangement support
• Trip crew medical supplies (first aid kit)
• Trip success certificate (case of trip success)
• Farewell dinner
• Airport transfer to KTM Airport by vehicle after trip

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Your all kinds of insurance
• Visa fees
• Single supplements except solo trip service
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
• Airport departure taxes (about USD 25 per person)
• Bar bills and laundry
• Optional trips
• Tips
• All except explained in "PRICE INCLUDES" section above

PRICE INCLUDES (Economy class)

• Welcome at KTM Airport
• Airport pick up service & transfer to your hotel
• KTM 4 nights 2 stars hotel room with breakfast
• Sightseeing in three cultural heritage sites for 3 hrs.
• All necessary trekking paper works such as trekking permit (TIMS), national park entry permit & conservation permit
• Everest National Park Permit fee
• Trekking Permit (TIMS) fee
• Everest region 5 years experienced government licensed and trained local English speaking guide
• A local porter for each four of you
• Local people operated common room in lodges
• All hot meals on trek as per itinerary order with our hygienic Eco-friendly Outdoor Menu
• 2 solar showers while on trek
• Treated drinking water to fill in your bottle
• Camp/dine fire/warm up charge where available
• Guide staff/porter foods, insurance, salary, equipment, transportation & local taxes
• All road transport by public/private vehicle as per itinerary
• KTM-LUA-KTM round way internal flights
• KTM & Lukla domestic airport tax
• Applicable government taxes (13% VAT and 10% tourism service charges)
• Hotel Domestic airport/bus park-hotel transfers service
• Travel and rescue arrangement support
• Trip crew medical supplies (first aid kit)
• Trip success certificate (case of trip success)
• Airport transfer to KTM Airport by vehicle after trip

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Your all kinds of insurance
• Visa fees
• Single supplements except solo trip service
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
• Airport departure taxes (about USD 25 per person)
• Bar bills and laundry
• Optional trips
• Tips
• All except explained in "PRICE INCLUDES" section above

For Quotation: Please Contact Us

NOTE:

Weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary, it is however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary your guide will decide what is the best alternative consulting with you, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

DAY 01: ARRIVE KATHMANDU (A)
Airport representative of Eco-friendly Trek will meet; well-come you with flower beat and transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel. The rest of the day at leisure to adjust to the culture shock of medieval Kathmandu, with its bustling bazaars interspersed with shrines and temples and interesting architecture. In the evening you can either eat in at your hotel or venture out to one of the many restaurants in Thamel. Overnight.

DAY 02: SIGHTSEEING IN KATHMANDU 3 HOURS (A,B)
KATHMANDU 3 hours Half-day sightseeing to Kathmandu Durbar Square,  Monkey Temple & Pashupati Nath Temple.  All are world cultural heritage sites listed by UNESCO. Rest of the day finalizes trekking permit (TIMS), national park permit and final packing for the trekking.

DAY 03: FLY TO LUKLA, TREK TO CHUMA (2,743m). 5-6 hours. (A,B,L,D) Trekking inside Everest National Park the UNESCO listed Natural World Heritage Site. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This is one of the most spectacular flights in the world. As you fly east, the snow line of the Himalayan range to the north, will be on your left, with the rugged foothills of Nepal immediately below and stretching away to the south on your right. Lukla is situated high above the river on a shelf at 2,800m, and arriving there is a one off experience because the runway is on a slope and there is a difference of almost 60 metres between its lower and upper ends which all makes for an interesting landing! On arrival you can have a cup of tea while your staff sort out your baggage. From the airstrip you will head north-west, through the village of Lukla and descend to the Dudh Koshi river at Phakding (2,652m). The path leads upstream along the valley, through areas of conifer trees and several more small villages. Another 2-3 hours walking will bring you to Chumoa, a small and picturesque village of about 25 houses located below Thamserku mountain (6,618m) at an altitude of about 9,301ft/2,835m and close to the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. Overnight lodge.

DAY 04: TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,445m). 6 hours. (A,B,L,D)
A principal benefit of walking as far as Chumoa on the first day is that you can walk up the steep hill to Namche when fit and fresh in the early morning. Shortly after leaving Chomoa you cross the Monjo Khola and continue to the park gates of the Sagarmartha National Park where you complete entry formalities. You then walk on alongside the river to arrive at the confluence of the Imja Drangka and the Nangpo Drangpo, which combine to form the Dudh Khosi. Crossing the river on a high bridge you start the steep climb to Namche. Near the halfway point up the hill, if the sky is clear, your first views of Everest and Lhotse come into sight. You then continue the climb, less steeply now, to Namche. Namche is the largest and most prosperous village in the Khumbu. Thamserku (6,618m) and Kwangde (6,224m) loom to the east and west and the sacred mountain Khumbila (5,707m) dominates the skyline to the north behind the village. The narrow streets at its centre are a mixture of traditional and modern, with Sherpa homes mingled with cafes, handicraft shops and shops selling or renting trekking and climbing equipment, foodstuffs and vegetables, tennis shoes and Tibetan boots. Don’t be surprised if, after the exertion of the climb and the rise in elevation, you feel a little tired and head-achey. You will feel better after a cup of tea and a rest. Overnight lodge.

DAY 05: TREK TO THAME (3,801m). 3-4 hours. (A,B,L,D)
Today you head north-west, up the Nangpo Drangpo valley (Bhote Khosi). As you walk up the valley, up to your left you have fine views of Kwangde (6,343m) and the waterfalls cascading off its flanks. You continue high above the river, the Bhote Khosi, on a contouring trail through fine rhododendron forest. Watch out along here for colorful Impeyan Pheasant (the Nepalese national bird) and small deer. Just before the village of Thamo you cross a side valley (Kyajo Kola) and from there you can look back for fine views of Thamserku (6,648m) and Kusum Kangru (6,370m). You might choose to visit the little nunnery passed just as you leave the village. Leaving Thamo you continue up the valley, still staying high above the river before descending to cross the river near some Buddhist rock paintings. For the final part of the walk you climb alongside a small stream to arrive at the cultivated fields in front of Thame village. This is where Tenzing Norgay, the first Sherpa ever to climb Mt. Everest, lived for many years with his first wife. If you are still feeling energetic on arrival you could make the short climb (about 1 hour) to Thame monastery clinging to the cliff side above the village in a truly spectacular location. The monks here have a Mani Rimdu festival every year in the late spring. You climb to the top of the ridge above the village and then ascend left to the monastery. From the monastery terrace there are fantastic views back down the valley of the mountains beyond Namche. As you descend from the monastery it is worth while walking to the end of the ridge to look up the valley towards the Nangpa La, a pass to leading to Tibet and a principal trade route between Nepal and Tibet for many hundreds of years. Overnight lodge.

DAY 06: TREK TO KHUNDE (3,840m) 4-5 hours. (A,B,L,D)
In the morning, if you did not have time yesterday you may visit the Thame gompa. You then descend back down the valley. Crossing back over the Kyajo Khola you will take a high, scenic trail up to the left which by-passes Namche and ascends past the high airstrip at Syangboche and continues over the top of the ridge before descending to Khunde. Overnight lodge. Clients on the December departure in appropriate date will celebrate Christmas here.

DAY 07: REST DAY AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY. (A,B,L,D)
To assist with acclimatization another day is spent in Khunde. You may explore the area and your guide will suggest possible excursions. You may visit the controversial Everest View Hotel (lots of good stories behind that!). Situated above the village of Khumjung in a spectacular position this is an extremely ugly, Alcatraz-like building and although out of keeping with its surroundings there are really superb views from its terrace. You can enjoy a cup of tea or a hot lemon while looking out at Everest and other Himalayan giants. It might also be possible to visit the clinic in Khunde and the Khumjung School (both projects supported by the Himalayan Trust). The picturesque little gompa in Khumjung, set in a grove of trees above the houses of the village, is also well worth a visit. On payment of a small donation to the caretaker you may be allowed to see the so-called head of a yeti which is kept there. For those feeling more energetic it might be possible to take a packed lunch and go further afield. It is possible to climb the ridge above Khunde, to 4,238m, to view Mount Everest and Ama Dablam. You could also visit the memorial to Sir Edmund Hillary’s wife and daughter who were tragically killed in an air accident. This excursion would be good for acclimatization as you would end up sleeping lower than you have climbed during the day – it is a mantra of good acclimatization to ‘climb high, sleep low’. Overnight lodge.

DAY 08: TREK TO THYANGBOCHE (3,863m). 4-5 hours. (A,B,L,D)
The trail descends f rom Khumjung with chortens forming a dramatic frame to a view of Ama Dablam (6,696m), and Kangtaiga (6,779m), flanked by the towering heights of Sagarmatha (the Nepalese name for Everest), Lhotse and Nuptse. As you descend from the village first through walled fields and then through moss-covered rhododendron forest watch out for blood pheasant and Impeyan pheasant scratching in the undergrowth. You then descend through forests of rhododendron and blue pine to the village of Trashinga – watch out here for the Tibetan traders selling their wares alongside the trail – they are very jolly ladies! You descend further to cross the Dudh Kosi at Phungithanga and then climb through beautiful forests to reach Thyangboche, the main monastery of the Khumbu area, sited on a saddle of the forested ridge.  Thyangboche lies on the ridge at the base of Kangtaiga and this position affords panoramic views of the main peaks of Khumbu including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. It will probably be cloudy by the time you arrive in the early afternoon, but should normally be clear first thing in the morning so it will be well worthwhile getting up early for the sensational views. There should be time this afternoon to visit the monastery - it is interesting to visit at the time of evening prayers. Remember that a small donation is normally expected when you visit monasteries. Overnight lodge.

DAY 09: TREK TO DHINGBOCHE (14267FT/4350M). 5 hours. (A,B,L,D)
You will probably be woken in the early hours, while it is still dark, by the sound of horns and cymbals as the monks have their first prayers of the day. You will have time to visit the monastery in the morning if you did not go yesterday. Then, leaving Thyangboche, your path descends through trees to Deboche where the small and atmospheric nunnery is well worth a visit. You pass further houses and ‘mani’ walls as the path continues along the river valley amongst the trees. After crossing a bridge over a picturesque gorge, the path gradually climbs, with stunning views of Ama Dablam ahead. There are numerous fantastic photo opportunities in both directions, and frequent chortens and mani walls to pass, as height is gained to reach the village of Pangboche. This is a very picturesque village with stone walled fields and there is a very interesting monastery set in trees at the top of the village. This is probably the oldest monastery of the Khumbu region, possibility dating back as far as the first introduction of Buddhism into the Khumbu. There used to be a ‘yeti’ scalp and claw kept here but they were stolen some years ago. From Pangboche the path ascends above the village, the sparse landscape now reflecting the height. You pass some yak herders’ cottages and walled fields at Orsho before crossing a stream and making a final steep ascent to Dingboche. The village of Dingboche is set in a stunning position, surrounded by high peaks. In summer months they grow barley here – possibly the highest altitude in the world at which this crop is grown. For acclimatization you need to spend two nights around the 4,000m level and Dingboche, lying in a sheltered spot above the Imja Khola is generally more attractive for this than Pheriche, another settlement situated on the other side of the ridge. Overnight Lodge.

DAY 10: REST, EXPLORATION AND ACCLIMATIZATION. (A,B,L,D)
There are several opportunities for interesting acclimatization walks in this region. It is possible to walk up the ridge behind the village to make an energetic ascent of Naga Dzong Ri. This is a steep but not technically difficult ascent to a summit at 5083 meters, from where there are stunning views of Makalu and Amphu Laptse. You can take in the small temple of Nagartsang Gompa on the way down – there is a nice sheltered terrace here from where you can enjoy the views. You will descend in time for lunch in the village. In the afternoon you might care to walk across to the village of Pheriche to visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic – one of the doctors there often gives a talk about high altitude acclimatization in the afternoon. If none of these appeal it is possible to walk up the valley to the yak grazing pastures at Chukhung (4,730m) – a 4-5 hour round trip. Overnight Lodge.

DAY 11: TREK TO LOBUCHE (16468FT/5018M). 5-6 hours. (A,B,L,D)
You ascend the ridge to a large chorten above Dingboche village and then it is an easy walk up a wide, grassy plateau. The peaks of Tawoche and Cholatse tower above and it is possible to see Pheriche in the valley below to your left. At the tiny hamlet of Duglha you reach a jumble of rocks which marks the terminal moraine at the base of the Khumbu glacier. You ascend this moraine to reach the top where there are many memorial cairns to those who have died on Everest. The landscape is now wild and rocky and there is a real feeling of being high in the mountains. Following the often frozen stream at one side of the moraine you soon reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche. This rather bleak spot was once a yak grazing settlement and was then inhabited only during the summer months but now it is open throughout the winter serving trekkers and climbers and is the jumping off point for Everest Base Camp and Kalar Patar. Sunset over Nuptse is particularly spectacular from here. It is worth walking over to the moraine to view the moraine covered glacier behind it. Overnight Lodge.

DAY 12: ASCEND KALA PATTAR (5,545m) 8 hours OR TREK TO EVEREST BASE CAMP (5,300m) DESCEND TO LOBUCHE 9 hours (A,B,L,D)
You have a choice today to either ascend Kala Pattar for the magnificent views across to Everest, looking down over the Base Camp area, or take the tough walk up over rubble-strewn moraine to Base Camp itself. From Base Camp the Khumbu Icefall obstructs the summit of Everest, and most people prefer to climb Kala Pattar for the superb views. However if you would like to trek to Base Camp please let your head guide know several days in advance so the necessary arrangements can be made. Either way this is the day for the big views! An early start is essential to get there before any cloud comes down and it will probably be very cold when you set off. Make sure to have something for breakfast even if you don’t feel like it as you will need the energy! You are at high altitude so take some snacks to keep you going along the way and be sure to have your water bottle filled when you set off. From Lobuche you head north-east, along the side of the Khumbu Glacier through jumbled moraine and shattered rock. There is almost no vegetation here. Even so, small coveys of the delightful Tibetan Snow Cock can often be seen along the way or heard calling from the hillsides. You make several energetic ups and downs across the moraine and descend to Gorak Shep where it is worth having a reviving cup of tea and a snack. From Gorak Shep to Kala Patar (4 hours return trek) Although not far this next stage is a tough ascent of approximately 3 hours until you finally reach the rocky summit of Kalar Pattar at 5,545m – quite literally the high-point of your trek! From here there are great views of the summit of Everest as well as other Himalayan giants - Pumori (7,145m), the Tibetan peak Changtse (4,501m), Nuptse, Lhotse and countless other needles and snow fluted ridges. You can also look down on the Khumbu glacier where base camp is located during the climbing season in late spring. From Gorak Shep to Base Camp (5-7 hours return trek) From Gorak Shep it is a long, fairly arduous trek to base camp, initially following the top of the moraine and then descending onto the boulder-strewn glacier. In the climbing season you may follow mountaineering groups, or yaks carrying supplies, but at other times there are just a series of small cairns along the route. Be warned, there are no views of Everest from Base Camp, just close-up views of the terrifying Khumbu ice-fall. At this altitude the long return to Lobuche, will still feel like quite a long way and will use up your remaining reserves of energy! Overnight Lodge.

DAY 13: TREK TO PANGBOCHE (4,000m) 4-5 hours. (A,B,L,D)
Today will seem more relaxed than the past few days. You may make a slightly later start once the sun has reached the buildings of Lobuche and it is warmer. Then it is pleasant walk to descend, first to Pheriche for lunch, enjoying beautiful views of Amadablam and Taboche along the way. You then descend further to Pangboche, the highest all year round settlement in the valley. If you did not have time to visit the gompa on your way up you should have time now. Overnight Lodge.

DAY 14: TREK TO MONG LA (3,973m)  5-6 hours. (A,B,L,D)
From Pangboche you take a wonderful high trail above the Imja Drengkha river. This trail undulates along the valley side and you have fabulous views across to the mountains and Thyangboche perched on its ridge. Also, as you walk look out for Himalayan thar grazing among the boulders and lammergeyer vultures, himalayan griffon vultures and golden eagles flying overhead. Finally after about 2-3 hours you round a corner and the isolated village of Phortse lies below you, situated in a spectacular spot on a promontory overlooking the Dudh Kosi in one direction and the Imja Drengka in the other. You walk down through the village and then descend more steeply through birch and rhododendron forest to the river (look out for musk deer and pheasants in these lovely quiet woods). You cross the river and then passing a couple of isolated houses there is one hour’s final ascent to the Mong La (3,973m), a small pass marked by a chorten, birth place of Lama Sagwa Dorje. Mong La looks down on the junction of the Dudh River coming down from the Ngozumpa Glacier up in the Gokyo Valley and the Imja Drengka which comes down from Everest. At the pass, there are a couple of pleasant lodges and a very large chorten and prayer flags. The views from here are absolutely magical, particularly of Ama Dablam (6,814m). Overnight lodge - where those on the December departure will probably wish to celebrate New Year’s Eve. 2009.

DAY 15: TREK TO CHUOMA (2,743m). 5-6 hours. (A,B,L,D)
From Mong La you traverse across the hillside and then descend on steep stone steps to Tashinga (last chances for souvenir shopping with the Tibetan ladies!). You then climb to Kangzhuma and take the high trail which roller coasters round the hillside high above the Dudh Kosi River. Again you have fabulous views of the mountains across the valley – principally Thamserkhu and Kang Taiga. You then descend into Namche before making the knee crunching descent back down to the valley. The warmer climate should offer a good opportunity to finally shed a layer or two. You will still have wonderful views, and the chance to relax in slightly warmer valley surroundings. Trek back down the Dudh Kosi valley for a short way past the checkpoint at Jorsale to CHUMA. Overnight lodge.

DAY 16: TREK TO LUKLA (2,880m). 6 to 7 hrs. (A,B,L,D)
Most people head towards Lukla with a heavy heart. There is something very special about the setting, the villages and the people of the high Khumbu hills and valleys and these memories will help you up the deceptively long, final climb into Lukla. The trail to Lukla follows the upward route as far as Chablung, and then turns off above the village of Chaunrikharka towards Lukla. There are signs beyond the stream at Chablung pointing you in the direction of Lukla. The broad trail, leading uphill to the left, climbs steadily past a few bhattis and the school, then through scrub forests above the school and houses of Chaunrikharka. After a steep final climb there is a collection of houses and bhattis in Tamang Tole, a new settlement a short distance from the airport. As you approach the airstrip the houses and hotels rapidly proliferate. On arrival you can finally relax and enjoy a celebratory beer. Overnight Lodge.

DAY 17: FLY TO KATHMANDU. (A,B)
Lukla is situated high above the river on a shelf at 2,800m and as the runway is on a slope there is a difference of almost 60 metres between its lower and upper ends which makes for an interesting take off. Another chance to enjoy this great flight. Please note that flights into Lukla are sometimes delayed due to weather conditions either in fog-bound Kathmandu or windy Lukla; be reassured that our staff in Lukla and in Kathmandu will be doing everything possible to minimize the inconvenience caused if this happens. Your patience in the trying circumstances, which can occur, will be greatly appreciated. On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

DAY 18: AT LEISURE IN KATHMANDU. (A,B)
An opportunity to relax and reflect on your adventures and to complete any sightseeing and last-minute shopping. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 19: FLY BACK. (B)
We will serve you appropriate vehicle to transfer you to Kathmandu International Airport as per group size.