Days: 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,264ft)
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Nepal New Generation Trek signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Note: If you happen to arrive after 4 pm you would be briefed about the trip by our guide, this will be the pre-trip meeting for you, so please make sure that you ask all the questions. But if you arrive earlier than 4 pm, your pre-trip meeting would be on that very day at our office. During the meeting, we will introduce your trek leader/guide. For the meeting, please make sure you bring the passport, three copies of passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Overnight at a hotel. No meals included.
Days: 2 Guided Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley
After a hearty breakfast, at 8.30 am your sightseeing trip will start. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. Today we will visit some heritages listed below: Boudhanath Stupa: Boudhananath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. It was built in the 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.
Days: 3 Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2652m/8699ft (Walking Distance: 8 KM) Duration: 3 hours
From Kathmandu, a flight to Lukla commences the trek. The Lukla flight is one of the most dramatic short flights in the world. The Lukla Airport itself is located on a hill and contains a single runway that drops off towards its end to the deep gaping valley below. Surrounded by tall mountains and jaded hills, the airstrip at Lukla is quite fascinating and the flight is deemed as a little thrilling adventure in itself. Upon arriving at Lukla, the change in the scenery is immediately felt. The mountainous landscape becomes quite prominent and the air carries a crisp freshness to it that only Himalayan atmosphere carries. From Lukla, the trekking trail slowly moves towards the Cheplung Village. View of the sacred Mount Khumbila from the village at Cheplung is beautiful. From there, a gradual walk downwards leads to the village of Phakding. The terrain is amazing and tall hills surround the trail like giant mounds of emeralds. From Phakding, the sight of the Kusum Kangraru Mountain can be seen. The village of Phakding lies in the Dudh Koshi River valley north of Lukla and contains many guesthouses and lodges that cater to tourism and trekkers. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Days: 4 Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283ft) (Walking Distance: 10-12 KM) Duration: 6 hours
After breakfast at Phakding, the trail further opens out to reach the celebrated mountain town of Namche Bazaar. En route to Namche, several smaller villages are crossed, like Jorsale and Monjo. Monjo lies north of Phakding and is the entry point of the Sagarmatha National Park. The trail ventures through the national park and finally arrives at Namche. Walking along the trekking route through the Sagarmatha National Park presents many virtues, like its alpine woods, small rivers and brooks and deciduous forests. Thick acreages of Pine and Cedar cover the lands and provide a pleasant atmosphere to trek through. Namche Bazaar, because of its strategic location, is the commercial hub of the Khumbu region. It is located on a mountain side and views of the Thamserku Peak and the Kongdi RI Himal from here are amazing. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Days: 5 Acclimatization Day - Hike to Everest View Hotel (Walking Distance: 3-4 KM) Duration: 3-4 Hours
Namche is a great place to acclimatize. The sights around Namche are spectacular and beautiful. After breakfast, you can visit the Syangboche Airstrip that lies on a hill above the town. From here, you can get panoramic view of Namche and can see amazing sights of the Himalayas as well. Further from Namche lies the Everest View Hotel. The hotel is the highest located hotel in the world and provides view of Mount Everest and many other Himalayan peaks from all of its windows. Back at Namche, you can visit the Everest Photo Gallery and the Sherpa Culture Museum as well. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Days: 6 Namche to Tengboche (3860m/12660ft) (Walking Distance: 10-11 KM) Duration: 5 Hours
An easy trail from Namche opens out towards the Dudh Koshi Valley at the settlement of Phungki Thanka. From the settlement, the views of Mount Everest are magnificent. Following the trail that marches along the right side of the Dudh Koshi River, the village of Tengboche is reached. The journey from Namche to Tengboche is filled with amazing natural scenery of rivers, hills and Himalayan peaks. The village of Tengboche is located at the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and the Imja Khola Rivers and is surrounded by tall hills that are covered in rhododendron trees. The village is also famous for Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery of the Khumbu region. The monastery is a hamlet from where the sight of Mount Ama Dablam, Mount Everest and numerous other peaks are beautiful to look at. The Tengboche Monastery is also regarded as the spiritual hub of the Khumbu region and is surrounded by forests that are inhabited by Impeyan Pheasants and eagles. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Days: 07 - Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m/14464ft) (Walking Distance: 11-12 KM) Duration: 5 Hours
The trekking trail crosses the Imja River via a suspension bride and moves towards the village of Dingboche. Along the way, the village of Pangboche is passed. Dingboche is called the “Summer Valley” of the Khumbu and contains a kilometer long wall built to protect the village’s crops from the cold winds that descends down the Imja Valley. Dingboche, as the name reflects, receives more sun too. Graceful views of Lhotse, the Ama Dablam and the Island Peak from Dingboche are quite amazing. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Days: 8 Acclimatization Day - Hike to Nagerjun and return (Walking Distance: 5-6 KM) Duration: 4-5 Hours
Dingboche is also a great village for acclimatizing. A hike to Nagerjun is a great way to spend time at Dingboche. Nagerjun is located at the height of 5100 meters and lies just above Dingboche on a hill at the edges of the Chhukung valley. The hike is uphill and steep, and requires a bit of a strenuous energy. Walking for approximately 3-4 hours, we will reach Nagerjun from where marvelous panorama of Lobuche East (6119m), Lobuche West (6145m), Kangtega (6685m), Taboche Peak (6367m), Thamserku (6608m), and the Ama Dablam (6856m) can be seen. If you are lucky, you can also spot stunning sights of Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth tallest peak on a clear day. The view of the Pheriche Valley from here is also splendid. Returning back to Dingboche is also very beautiful. After finishing our lunch, we can take a rejuvenating sunbath and relax at the village. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Days: 9 Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m/16105ft) (Walking Distance.: 11-12 KM) Duration: 5 Hours
Making our way to Dhungla from Dingboche, you will come across the Trekkers Aid Post- situated at Pheriche (4210m). It is run by the Western Volunteer Doctors and assisted by The Himalayan Rescue Association. The aid post helps in the treatment of trekkers. The Chupki Lhara is then reached. It is a rock-strewn oblique from where sight of magisterial mountains can be seen. The path follows further down to the Khumbu Glacier moraine from there. The views of mountain peaks like Khumbutse, the Mahalangur Himal, Lingtren and the Pumori from the moraine are amazing. Mount Nuptse also looms up ahead once the glacier pass is crossed. We shall then check into our guesthouse at Lobuche for the night. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Days: 10 Lobuche - Everest Base Camp (5364m/17594ft) - Gorekshep (Distance: 14-15 KM) 8 Hours
An anticipated day of the trip, it will commence with a slow walk. Avoiding altitude sickness, a slow walk further on from Lobuche runs alongside the sight of the world’s highest glacier- the Khumbu Glacier, to the right. Walking for about 2-3 hours from Lobuche, we will get to Gorakshep (5181m/16994ft), a tranquil location dotted with some lodges. From here, the path moves all the way to the top of the edge, finally arriving at the Everest Base Camp. Here, the sight of the Khumbu Icefall and the view of the Khumbutse and Lingtren mountains are quite heavenly. After spending some time at the base camp enjoying the sights and the environment, we shall return back to Gorakshep. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Days: 11 : Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft) and back to Lobuche (4940m/16,207ft): 7-8 hours
We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Lobuche.
Days: 12 : Lobuche to Kongma La (5,535m/18,159ft) to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft): 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we trek via Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp (5,000m/16,404ft). The ascent to Kongma La pass is the most difficult part of our trek today. In the Kongma La, we see cairn wrapped in prayer flags to mark the pass. Then we descend gradually to Imja Khola valley, followed by another descent to Chhukung, a small summer settlement. After reaching Chhukung we will also check our equipment in order to get ready for our ultimate climb. Overnight in Chhukung.
Days: 13: Chhukung to Island Peak base camp (5,200m/17,060ft): 3-4 hours
The trek to Island Peak Base Camp is on a fairly steep trail. First, we climb south then turn east to the main line of the valley. We then walk on a winding path below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Next, we continue walking on a pleasant trail along a streamside. The route to the Amphu Labtsa lies to the southeast. A crisscross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island Peak. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.
Days: 14 : Pre-climb training on Island Peak Base Camp
We begin our pre-climb training today after breakfast. Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice ax climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training for Island Peak Climbing, we strongly believe that some training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. We can spend the rest of the day hiking to high camp and back or resting for the next day’s climb. Overnight at the base camp.
Days: 15 : Island Peak base camp to Island Peak summit (6,189m/20,305ft), back to base camp: 10-12 hours
We wake up early today at around 12 to 1 am and have our breakfast before beginning our climb. It is important we reach the summit before noon because in the afternoon the strong winds in the highlands might become a barrier for a successful summit. The trail moves up beyond the base camp for several hundred meters before striking off the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As we climb up the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the trail enters a steep rock channel. We climb the rock gully. This is not difficult, but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. The guides will fix a rope when required. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. Both fixed rope and man rope will be used during the climb for safety. We use fixed rope after successfully climbing on rock. The length of the rope will usually be 350 m. However, the length depends on the time of the season and the crevasses.There are two newly formed crevasses which are approximately 3 and 4 meters long. We will be using ladders to cross them. After enjoying the summit views and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Island Peak Base Camp where some of our crew are waiting for us. We celebrate on our successful Island Peak climb.
Days: 16 : Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3,985m/13,074ft) 5-6 hours
Today’s walk will be a much easier as we descend to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back through the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, we pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages, Orsho and Shomare. We can also take a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche, which is believed to be the oldest in the Khumbu region or take the regular trail to reach Pangboche. Pangboche is a scenic village surrounded by Everest to its north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south and the Imja Tse river flowing through the wide fertile valley.
Days: 17 : Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft): 4-5 hours
From Pangboche we retrace our steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, we can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Days: 18 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 6-7 hours
The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Overnight in Lukla.
Days: 19 : Fly back to Kathmandu/ Manthali from Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft)
Flight Hours 40/20 minutes This is the last of your trek. After breakfast, you will fly back to Kathmandu or Manthali, depending on the trekking season. If you are trekking in peak seasons (March, April, May, Sept, October, and November), from Lukla, you will take a 20-minute flight to Manthali Airport, and we will then drive you to Kathmandu from Manthali. In other months (December, January, February, June, July, and August), you will take the 40-minute flight back to Kathmandu. You can book a helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu to avoid the five-hour-long drive from Manthali to Kathmandu. However, it will cost around 500 USD extra, provided you share your helicopter with four others. We hope your flight will be a relaxing one and provide you some time to appreciate your achievement and fall back on your memories. After arriving in Kathmandu, you can return to your hotel. How you spend the rest of the day is entirely up to you.
Days: 20 : Final Departure
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Nepal New Generation Trek will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
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