Annapurna Circuit Trek

Highlights: Annapurna Circuit Trek, trip in Kathmandu.
Altitude: Highest at 5412 at Thorong La Pass
Grade: Moderate to difficulty
Stay: Standard hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Lodges during trek
Food: Multiple choices in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Nepalese as well as western cuisine during activities
Guiding: Fully guided by trained English Speaking Guide.


Itinerary:-

Day 01: Arrival and Transfer to Hotel.
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 02: Katmandu
Heritage tour of Kathmandu Valley
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 03: Katmandu- Pokhara
Drive to Pokhara from Katmandu
Overnight at Hotel

Day 04: NGADI
Drive to Khudi (792m) – a Gurung village crossing the Khudi khola (suspension bridge). From there it’s a 2 hours walk to Ngadi village (860m), the first night of the trek.

Day 05: JAGAT
Trek start early morning moving north up to a suspension bridge crossing the Ngadi khola. Taking the path upwards to Marshyangdi leads to the village of Lampata in the Manang District. The climb up is steep and takes 2 hours to reach Bahundanda- a Brahmin village Here, we stop for lunch and enjoy the view of Mount Phungi (6379m), towards the North. After lunch climb down a steep slope for about thirty minutes until we reach the Dhule Khola, cross over to reach the village of Besi. In about an hours time we get to see the magnificent water fall at Syange (1136m) flowing from the high plain hamlet of Ghulima. From here it takes about two hours to reach Jagat, a village along the ridge of the mountain, at a height of 1340m

Day 06: TAL
In the morning after ascending for about forty five minutes, we will reach bhatti, from where it will take another thirty minutes to reach the village of Chamje (1433m). It takes about one hour to reach the hamlet of Sattare ('top of the hill', in Tibetan) from Chamje. We have our lunch since this is the idle place to have lunch. After lunch we start by walking along the ridge of the hills and then uphill for about an hour through the bamboo forest, to reach the village of Tal set in the middle of the broad valley at a height of 1707 meters. Tal means 'lake' in Nepali language.

Day 07: CHAME (2,713m)
It takes 45 Minutes to reach the village of Bagarchap (2164m) which literally means 'the river bank'. Bagarchap marks the barrier between the humid valleys of the south, which we have crossed on the way, and dry regions of the high- Marsysngdi. That the monsoon is more or less absent in this region is evident by the change in vegetation. From Bagarchap, it will take an hour to climb up to the hamlet of Dhanagya (2300m) where we stop to have our lunch. After lunch it takes us about 2 ½ hrs to 3 hrs through the hamlet of Thanchock and Besi Salla (which means "the Garden of Pines") to reach Kodo( and also called Koto) meaning 'Millet' and then to the village of Kyupar (2600m). Outside the village a police check post controls the assess to the Nar Phu Khola Valley which leads to Tibet. We have to show our trekking permits here again before proceeding to Chame (2713m), the District Headquarters of Manang District, which is another forty five minutes away.

Day 08: PISANG (3,185m)
After the school at Chame we have to cross the bridge to get to the northern bank of Marsyangdi. We walk along the river to reach the village of Bratang (2919m), mainly populated by Tibetans. Here we stop to have a hearty Lunch. On the way Bratang we pass through a splendid pine forest with splendid views of Lamjung and Annapurna II and IV. After lunch its about two hours walk to reach the top, where trekkers traditionally plant a pine sapling, not only to establish that they have made it to the top, but also to contribute to the reforestation of the area. We have to go down to Pisang (3185m) from here and it takes about an hour to reach there. There are neither houses nor any water resources on the way down.

Day 09: MANANG (3,530m)
After crossing the Pisang Khola there is a forty-five minutes steep climb up to a steep pass. From the top of the pass we get a glimpse of Paunda Danda (4655m), mount Pisang and Manang valley, with right before you Mount Tilicho. On the way down to Hongde we come across a check post where the trekking permits will be again examined. We will have our lunch here until the permits are examined. After Hongde the valley widens and we get to see the Annapurnas III and IV (7555m and 7525m) to the left, East and West Chulus(6584m and 6419m) on the right, towards the horizon, there are views of highest peak of Mount Thoroung(6481m) and to the east, the crown of Mount Pissang. From Hongde we climb up to the ancient village of Braga (3505m).We can take time to wander around Braga to see this picturesque village with its flat roofed houses and to visit he Gompa, not only the largest in the region but also the richest with its fine collection of thangkas (religious scroll paintings) and prayer books. It takes only forty-five minutes to reach Manang from here, which sits on the plateau of 3530 meters.

Day 10: Acclimatization day at Manang
This is the day for rest and acclimatization before proceeding to higher altitudes.We can go for a walk in the afternoon to the north of the village, which offers a panoramic view of Annapurna IV and II to the southeast and Gangapurna (7455m) and Tarke Kang or Ice dome (7202m) to the southwest.

Day 11: YAKKHARKA

Day 12: PHEDI
Thorung Phedi means "foot of the hill" and it is situated at the height of 4220m on a small hill overlooking a high plateau. These Himalayan pastures are domains of Yak, a bovine of Tibetan origin, reared for its wool, milk and to transport goods. The thar, a kind of wild goat that lives in herds, is also found here.

This is also another short day to prepare oneself for the hard climb to the Thorung La (pass) the next day.

Day 13: THORUNG LA PASS
Early morning wake up and start the ascent to the pass. We have to cross about twenty hills on the way to reach to the summit, Thorungla, at 5,415meteres and it takes about 41/2 – 5 hours to reach here. On the way up, we get to see many prayer flags several cairns (small mounds of rocks). From the top, one can see the panoramic view of Yakgawa Kang or Thorungse (6481m) to the north, and Khatung Kang (6484m) to the south and the Annapurnas along with the Gaganpurna to the southeast. In the horizon to the west, Dhaulagiri (8169m) and Mount Tukuche (6920m) are also visible.

From the summit the descent to Muktinath (3802m) takes about three hours and the difference in altitude is of 1600m. Here we will find another check post where permits are checked.

Day 14: MARPHA (2,667m)
After crossing the hamlet of Ranipauwa, adjacent to Mukntinath, we arrive at the village of Jharkot (3612m), mainly populated by Tibetans. It takes about two hours through rocky terrain and horse caravans to reach Kagbni (2807m). It will take us about two -three hours to reach Jomsom (2713m) from Kagbeni, the administrative headquarters of the region. Here there is an airport with regular flights to Pokhara, a bank, post office, hospital and few hotels. We have to show our permits again before moving on to Syang (30 Min. away) and then to Marpha (2667m) our camping place for the day. Marpha is famous for its apple liquor and it has a charm of its own with its black-salted streets and unusual architecture.

Day 15: GHASA (2,012m)
We start by walking along the bank of the river Kali Gandaki for an hour and half to reach the village of Tukche (2951m), dominated by the name of the same peak, which stands at the height of 6930m. This beautiful village is populated by Thakalis, whose houses reflect just how significant this centre of Trans- Himalayan trade is.After Tukche, the path meanders along the Kali Gandakhi valley for about one and half-hours to reach the village of Lajung (2560m). Outaide the village there is against pine where villagers sacrifice chickens and goats to propitate the Goddess Kali.The hamlet of Sokung (2951m) is another thirty minutes away. From here it takes about forty-five minutes to reach the hamlet of Dhampu. Here we have to cross the river to enter into Kalopani (or 'black water') located at 2530m.We will have lunch here and enjoy the impressive views of Dhaulagiri, the Nilgiris (South: 6839m, Central: 6940m and North: 7061m) and Annapurna I (8091m).From Sokung the path climbs up and down over a low altitude tropical forest to reach the village of Ghasa(2012m) which is two and half hours away. On the way we have to show our permits at the check post in the village of Lete (2438m).

Day 16: TATONPANI (1,189m)
It will take about forty five minutes to reach the hamlet of Panoi Thaala and fifteen minutes from here we will reach Deorali, the boarder hamlet between the Mustang and Myagdi district. After crossing several hills from here, we start to descent until we reach the bridge leading to the west of the river. Few minutes walk from here will take us to the village of Rupse Chhara (1550m), near a huge a waterfall. We stop to have our lunch here.From Rupse it takes us about forty five minutes to reach the village of Dana (1446m), distinctive because of its large houses and decorative windows. From here it takes us about two hours easy descent to reach the camping place for the night, Tatopani (1189m). The names of the village mean 'hot springs' for which the village is famous.

Day 17: GHOREPANI (2,874m)
Today will be a hard day since we will cover a long distance with a difference in altitude of 1700 meters. From Tatoapni it takes two to three hours to reach the village of Ghara (1768m) and another hour to reach the village of Sikha(1920m) where we stop to have our lunch.After lunch a climb through terraced cultivation's, for about an hour and half brings us to the village of Chitre (2316m), and then across a rhododendron forest until Ghorapani, which is about an hour away. Ghorapani (2874m), means 'Horse water "or water place for horses' is, in fact, a stop over for donkey caravans traveling from Jomsom to Pokhara.Over the night at lodge.

Day 18: GHANDRUK (1920m / 6400 ft)
After breakfast trek towards Kyumrong Khola for lunch. After lunch trek to Ghandrung Village via Kyumrong Danda. Ghandrung (6297'). This area is offers some of the finest trekking in Nepal. The Anapurna range and Machapuchhere dominate the mountain views through glimpses further East to Lamjung Himal and Manaslu Range are also possible. Ghandrung village is rich through its excellent farming land and the generations of its sons who have sent and received pay and pensions from the British and Indian Gurkha armies.

Day 19: POKHARA
After breakfast, trek through a pleasant down hill trail and then the trail levels out and follows the banks of the river. After having spent a long time at higher altitudes, the heat sometimes makes traveling on the open riverbed an uncomfortable one. After about 3 hours arrive at the riverside settlement of Birethanti for lunch. This is also the main entry point to the Annapurna Conservation Area and after lunch, walk along the high banks of the Modi Khola for about 30 minutes and end trek at Naya Pul to meet waiting vehicles for the one hour drive back to Pokhara. Trek Duration - 4 hours + 1 hour drive.Overnight at the Hotel.
Situated at 925 meters, Pokhara is the country's second largest city, located on the west bank of Seti River. Only foothills separate Pokhara from the full height of the Himalayas, and the magnification 8000m. Peaks of Annapurna Range. It is a vacationer's paradise with it's crystal clear lakes and fantastic views of Annapurna range including The fish tail Mountain.

Day 20: Pokhara- Katmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara, Transfer to Hotel
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 21: Departure



**** End of Arrangement****


Trip includes:

All transport within Nepal
Guides, porters, meals, stay, permit during trek and safari
Welcome dinner and Farewell dinner
All Airport transfers
Drive to Pokhara and fly back to Katmandu

Trip does not include:

personal insurance
emergency evacuation
international flights

Renjo La trek incl. EBC

16 days Challenging Trekking Trip Highlights: Everest View from Renjo La and Kalapatthar, Sherpa Culture, Home stays Highest Alt: 5550m at Kalapatthar Trek Rating: Challenging Best time: Mid Feb - End Apr and Mid – Sep to End Nov Stay: Lodges in trek Meals: A La Carte (Western or Nepali) in Trek



A trek in the Everest Region is now considered to be one of the best journeys in the world, combining a strenuous trek with extremely rewarding cultural and ecological experiences.

To make your journey exclusive, we take you to the little visited Renjo-La pass, which lies at 5390m. The view from the pass in December 2004 is in the picture.

We go off the beaten track for about 3 days on this 16 days trek, and it is worth every minute, where you experience authentic Sherpa Culture, relatively untouched by the hustle of tourism in the main circuit. We stay in Sherpa homes in Thamo and Phortse, both stunning villages.

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Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu – Lukla –Monjo
Early morning flight to Lukla from where we start our trek. After breakfast, we trek 2-3 hours to reach the village of Monjo.
Overnight in Monjo.

Day 02: Monjo – Thamo
After breakfast we trek to Thamo via Namche Bazaar. The trek will be around 5 hours with stopover in Namche Bazaar. Thamo is also for acclimatization.

Day 03: Thamo – Thame.
This day is meant for acclimatization and hence we do not embark on any serious trekking. Instead we go to a slightly lower altitude of Thame, the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay, the first man on Everest. We conduct some sightseeing of the monastery there and generally rest.

Day 04: Thame – Lungden (4300m).
Today we start our serious high altitude trekking. We walk for about 4 hours through a stunning landscape on an old trade route to Tibet to the village of Lungden. This village has only one lodge and very aptly called the Renjo La Support Lodge

Day 05: The High Pass: Lungden – Renjo-La (5390m) – Gokyo (4400m).
The big day starts real early and it is a long day, as we have to walk about 5 hours to reach the pass, going slow because of the high altitude. After a brief stopover to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Everest Range and take photographs, we start on a remarkably difficult downhill journey for about 3 hours to reach the village of Gokyo walk along the stunning and beautiful Dudh Kunda (Milk Lake)

Day 06: Gokyo Ri (5483m) and Return.
Unlike the Kalapatthar hill from Lobuche, the foot of Gokyo Ri lies five minutes away from the stream the feeds the Gokyo Lake. After two to three hours "huff and puff" you reach the summit not to be disappointed for your effort at all, as the views from here are well worth the effort you put in. Everest (8848m), showing more of it's northern flank than from Kalapatthar, with Makalu (8475m) further to the east and Cho Oyu (8153m) towards the north make a mesmerizing view to watch.
Return back to Gokyo Ri after spending a wonderful break at the summit.

Day 07: Gokyo – Phortse.
It takes four to five hours of walking to reach the very beautiful village of Phortse, for our second home stay component in Sherpa houses. This village has over 23 Everest summiteers, and you meet a lot of them right there in the village. The village is famous for its tolerance and conservation of wildlife, so sights of deer and pheasants is common here.

Day 08: Phortse – Dingboche (4350 m).
The route passing through the moraine gradually loses altitude before reaching the windswept village of Pheriche. Here, the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) has its Aid Post.

A climb over the ridge past Chortens and Main walls you reach the Chukung valley and the prosperous village of Dingboche. This village with their own irrigation scheme is probably the place at highest altitude to grow crops.

Day 09. Dingboche- Chukung (4730m)
The three or four scattered stone and slated huts provide in the summer months the base for good high ground grazing but during the rest of the year this huts are run as tea house for trekkers. The path from Dingboche is ill-defined but follows the main line of the valley ascending gently towards the Ama Dablam to the high ridge leading to the difficult Amphu Labtse Pass (5780m) on the right and the massive flank of the Nuptse (7890m) on the left.

It takes two hours from Dingboche to reach Chukung and an early start would allow plenty of time to get a clear view of the famous south face of Lhotse (8501m) towards the north and the Island Peak (6189m) the most famous peak among the trekkers on the east end of the valley.

Day 10: Chukung- Lobuche (4931 m). The trail to Lobuche starts with an ascent to a ridge and then continues to contour along the ridge until it joins the main trail coming up from Periche and the trail from Cho la pass on to the left. On the way you can watch the beautiful view of the Mt. Cholatese (6442m) back on the Westside of the route and Mt. Ama Dablam to the rear. After arrival at the ridge, descend, for about ten minutes, cross a bridge and arrive at Thugla for lunch. After a quick 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. The memorial Chortens dots the skyline facing the mountains and overlooking the valley below. Further on the trail leads to the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with views of Pumori or Widow’s Peak in the foreground. The stark and the rugged beauty create almost a moonscape. Lobuche is reached after another hour of steady trekking through the moraine and is situated in a wind swept valley with the enchanting views of the Tawatse (6501m) and Nuptse (7855m).

Day11:Lubuche-GorakShep (5160m).
From Lobuche, a short climb brings one to another valley. Travel along the Khumbu Glacier through the jumbled moraines and scattered rocks. The trail continues to slowly contour on the open landscape through an ablation and after about an hour, there is a steep ascent for about 20 minutes. Climb slowly to a ridge and then continue on a trail of rocks caused by rockslides. On a clear day Mt. Everest can be seen looming behind Nuptse. Arrive at the ridge above GorakShep and then descend to GorakShep. This was the base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest expedition. In 1953 the British Everest expedition called this “lake camp’. GorakShep or "graveyard of the crows", has a small lake that is usually frozen and several monuments to climbers who have died during various Everest expedition.

Lunch at GorakShep.

After lunch, take the left-hand side trail and head straight up the hill to Kalapatthar (5545m) for views of Mt. Everest. The trek up to the top is an arduous one and takes about an hour to reach it. The late afternoon is the best time to view Mt. Everest from this vantage point as the sun is behind the observer and directly on the mountains in front. The climb to the Kalapatthar though tough, is well worth it as the views from here are breathtaking. 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. Later return to GorakShep. 3 – Hrs.

Day 12: GorakShep- Periche (4220 m./14,052 ft.) - 5 hrs.
After breakfast set out backtracking on scattered rocks and jumbled moraines to return to Lobuche which takes about 2 ½ hours. Cross the stream and then head towards the Sherpa Memorial for an hour before descending to Thugla. The going is more easier as we lose altitude. After lunch, cross the Thugla bridge and climb the ridge before descending on a level trail in an open landscape to Pheriche which is reached in about an hour.
Dinner and Overnight at Pheriche.

Day 13: Periche-Thyangboche After breakfast, set out through the village, cross the river on a wooden bridge and ascend to a ridge. Descend along the flanks of the hills to join the main trail coming from Dingboche. The route then passes through the village of Pangboche (3985m), an ideal place for a lunch break. Continue to backtrack and then descend to the spectacular little bridge over the Dudh Kosi River and head through the fir and rhododendron forest for a lovely afternoon's walk to the meadows of Debouche. From here it is a steep 45 minute ascent to Thyangboche. 6 hrs.

Day 14: Thyangboche-Monjo 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. The original bridge built by Sir Edmund Hillary was washed away when a flood caused by the land side from the Ama Dablam caused a flooding in this region. Cross the river over the smaller bridge and start the climb towards Khumjung. As the gradient lessens there are many beautiful lunch spots. 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). Continue through the edge of the Namche Village and then descend steeply for about 1 hour through the forest trail, cross the river on suspension bridge and then climb upto the Police Check Post, then descend to Monjo for overnight stay. 7 hours

Day 15: Monjo-Lukla From Monjo, it is interesting to watch others starting enthusiastically on the trek ahead as we head down to Phakding which is reached in about 1 ½ hours.

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: Lukla-Kathmandu Early morning, fly from Lukla to Katmandu on a twin Otter. Upon arrival, meet and transferred to the Hotel. Rest of day free for leisure

Tailormade Everest Region Treks

Classification: challenging treks, totally customisable

Departures: tailormade, between 5 - 30 days, small group adventure, 1 - 6 persons
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

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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.

Special features

• 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.

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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