Price: $ 50 per person (25 GBP, 42 Euros) on trek, including meals, stay, porter, guide
A trek in this region takes one to the foothills of the mightiest of the mountains in the world. Enroute, one traverses through rhododendron and pine forests, rivers, Sherpa villages and Buddhist Monasteries from temperate to snow line regions.
"... I don't think I'll ever forget - walking by the wall of the Everest View Lodge and suddenly being presented with the most beautiful and amazing sight I have ever witnessed" - Vivienne McAlister, EBC trek
Description
The most famous among the Himalayan people are the Sherpas, who inhabit the Everest Region. Because of their impeccable mountaineering skills, they are an indispensable part of mountain expeditions as leaders, guides and porters. As an individual or in groups, they have set records of many 'firsts' in the mountaineering world. Due to their close affinity to Tibet, in trade, tradition and tongue, the Tibetan influence in their living style is quite distinct. The Sherpa people follow the Nying-mapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The famous Tyangboche and other monasteries are the common gathering place to celebrate religious festivals such as Dumje and Mani Rimdu. The route lies in the highest wildlife reserve in the world, the Sagarmatha National Park. It covers an area of 1,148 sq. km. of Himalayan ecological zone. The park altitudes range from 2,845m at Monju to the top of the world, UNESCO listed the park as a World Heritage Site in 1979 for its unique natural, cultural and landscape characteristics.
A trek in this region takes one to the foothills of the mightiest of the mountains in the world. Enroute, one traverses through rhododendron and pine forests, rivers, Sherpa villages and Buddhist Monasteries from temperate to snow line regions. The Himalayas are best seen on this trek as one traces the main route through the Khumbu region from the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. Trekkers get a close view of the world's greatest mountains, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Tawache and others.
The name Khumbu comes from its guardian deity Khumbila Tetsan Gelbu. The literal translation is "Khumbu country god." The teachings of Sherpa Buddhism talk of a spiritual understanding between all beings. This is probably why the level of hospitality and acceptance of westerners comes naturally to the Sherpa. Although it should be mentioned that the Tibetans are also considered fierce warriors.
Buddhism can be a very open and accepting theory of thought. There's a story of Swedish missionaries traveling to Tibet when it was opened to the west. While the Tibetans embraced the bible tales, listening and debating with intensity, little if any converting was done, and in fact, the missionaries started to embrace some Buddhist practices. Later, when questioned about the missionaries, the Tibetans responded, "Ah yes, we remember... such wonderful story tellers." Stories, their own and others, are sought out and readily accepted as on-going mythology. Sherpa religion (a mixture of Buddhist and animist) and culture have evolved from thousands of years of myths, stories and strong religious practice. Those of us attempting to understand this culture soon enter an endless maze of woven stories and tales. Views of Everest start getting better and better from Namche Bazaar and on to the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the first man on top Mt. Everest. The best view of course is from Kalapattar.
- Mountains: The Khumbu Himalaya Range: Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Tawatse, Kantega, Pumo Ri, etc.
- Rivers: Bhote Kosi and Arun.
- Ethnic Villages & Tribes: Mostly Sherpas and Tibetans in the villages like Namche Bazaar, Thyangboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, Lukla, etc. with monasteries, chortens and Mani stones.
- Forests: Rhododendron and Pine.
- Landscapes: Varying from temperate valleys to snow clad mountains.
Interesting extensions to a trek to this region can be cultural walks in the Kathmandu Valley, a two day rafting trip on the Bhote Kosi, or a three day Chitwan Wildlife Reserve Rhino safari. If you are an avid skier, we conduct a backcountry ski expedition in the Everest Region every December.
Itinerary
The sample itinerary here is a classic. The EBC trek modified to be interesting and not just a race against Edmund Hillary.Day 1:
Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding (2625m)
Early morning transfer to the airport to fly to Lukla which highlights the snowline of the Himalayan Range in the north and the rugged landing at the Lukla airport which is said to be one of the most spectacular flights in the world. After lunch, the trek is a very easy one and ultimately descends to the river at Phakding
Day 2: Namche Bazaar (3447m)
It is a pleasant walk for the first half of the day as one passes through agricultural countryside, small wayside villages and a monastery. After lunch, trek up to the checkpost and enter into the Sagarmatha National Park. Near half waypoint, we enjoy our first views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8383m) - the big three
Day 3: Thame (3801m)
Traverse westward with view of Kwangde (6343 m) and the waterfall cascading off its flanks. Thame is a secluded village and the birth place of Tenzing Norgay the first Sherpa to climb the Mount Everest. During the Thame Mani Rimdu festival, this place is visited by the Sherpas from all over the Khumbu region
Day 4: Khumjung (3791m)
Walk back down the valley by the way of Thamo, a hill side nunnery. Keep your eyes open for the splendid Danphe Pheasant, Nepal's national bird. At the monastery in Khumjung, there is what the Sherpas claim to be the scalp of a Yeti.
Day 5: Thyangboche (3863m)
The trail descends from Khumjung with chortens framing a dramatic view of Amadablam (6696m) and Kangtaige (6779m) flanked by the towering view of the Sagarmatha (Everest), Lhotse and Nuptse. The Thyangboche Monastery is one of the most important monasteries of the Khumbu Region and the late afternoon can be spent visiting this ancient Monastery. It is the traditional place where all Everest Expeditions receive their blessings as they walk in towards the base camp.
Day 6: Periche (4220m./14,052 ft.) - 5 hrs
After breakfast, set out on the trail with a short, steep and muddy descent through a forest of birch, conifer and rhododendron to the meadows of Devouche. The trek goes past the Tengboche (3985m) monastery which lies more on the route to Phortse and is not easily reached from the lower trail.
Day 7: Pheriche – acclimatization day
As per the study on high altitude sickness, it has been found that most of the people suffer or show signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) from the altitude of 14,000 ft. Thus it is highly recommended to have a rest day to acclimatize at this altitude before starting an ascent.
Day 8: Lobuche (4931m)
After lunch, there is a very steep ascent for about one hour to the ridge where there is a Sherpa memorial in remembrance to those brave mountaineers who died during expeditions. Lobuche is reached after another hour of steady trekking through the moraine and is suitated in a wind swept valley with the enchanting views of the Tawatse (6501m) and Nuptse (7855m).
Day 9: Gorakshep
On a clear day Mt. Everest can be seen looming behind Nuptse. Arrive at the ridge above Gorakshep and then descend to Gorakshep, After lunch, take the left-hand side trail and head straight up the hill to KalaPattar (5545m) for views of Mt. Everest. The giants of the earth are all around Pumori (7145m), Everest (8848m), China's peak Changtse (7553m), Nuptse (7855m), Lhotse(8516m), Ama Dablam and many others.
Day 10: Day trip to Everest Base Camp and back (5360m)
The trip to base camp, while fascinating, is not spectacular as the ascent of Kala Pattar because there is no view of Everest itself from the base camp. Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Nuptse, which loom over the Base Camp, shades the view of Everest
Day 11: Dingboche (4350m)
After breakfast set out backtracking on scattered rocks and jumbled moraines to return to Lobuche.
Day 12: Thyangboche (3867m)
Having been consistently at high altitude above 4200m most trekkers welcome the thought of returning to warmer, softer climbs and the days walk to Thyangboche is a delightful way of doing so.
Day 13: Namche Bazaar
The decent to the Imja Khola and the small village of Phunki (3250m) with its water powered Prayer Wheels takes about one and half hour. After lunch start the trek towards Namche by following the path round the eastern flanks of the hills. At the rear is the beautiful west face of the Thamserku (6608m) and Kang Taiga (6685m)
Day 14: Phakding
A very long days walk can also be made to Lukla but it is recommended to take an extra day to get there
Day 15: Lukla
From Phakding, it is a surprising hard uphill climb to Lukla, which should take about 3 hours. It is a delightful ending to the trip as one enters into this busy village of Lukla
Day 16: Early morning, fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the Hotel
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