Sherpa Adventure

Overview
Itinerary
Map
What's included
Life on Trek
Equipments

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- Duration
  
  16 days
- Group
  
  16 Pax
- Difficulty
  
  Moderate To Strenous
- Accommodation
  
  Hotel / Lodge
- Max.Altitude
  
  5438m
- Season
  
  Summer

Also known as Everest Circuit trek, this is one of the most adventurous treks in the Everest Himalayas, it follows the route via high pass of Cho La at 5,330m into the Base Camp of Mount Everest. A unique trek that goes through Lukla, Namche bazaar and all the way to Gokyo, Chola Pass, Kalapattar and Everest Base Camp.

Leading you to the home of the legendary Sherpa people, based at the foothills of the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest at 8,848m. This trek follows the highly praised trekking route through the Dudh Koshi to its source the Gokyo Lake which is to the west of the Everest Base Camp, giving you the benefit to summit Gokyo Peak (5,483m) offering a fantastic panoramic view of Cho Oyo, Everest and Makalu.

As we cross the Cho-La pass, and return back to Lukla following the route through Everest Base Camp, Kalapattar down to Tengboche monastery, Khumjung village, Namche Bazar and Lukla. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Everest including several other similar peaks and explore the Buddhists monasteries located at the world's highest elevation.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m/4,413 ft)

Upon arriving at at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by our airport representatives who will warmly greet you and transfer to the hotel on a private tourist vehicle. We provide 3-star accommodation in the city and we arrange for a trip briefing with dinner in the evening.
Day 2

Visit old town of Kathmandu

A professional guide and vehicle are provided for a day of sightseeing in and around Kathmandu city. We visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city along with other interesting cultural monuments that dot the valley. These include Boudhanath Stupa (the largest Buddhist shrines in the world), Pashupatinath (the holiest Hindu temple in the world), Durbar Squares (Palaces and fortresses of medieval Kings), along with other popular cultural attractions. We get to observe the lifestyle of Nepalese people, holy sadhus and monks, fascinating history as well as awe-inspiring architecture.
Day 3

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800m/9,186 ft). Trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,563 ft)

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport in Kathmandu for a scenic 30-minute flight to Lukla. The airport guide will brief you and introduce our porters before we begin our trek towards Phakding (2,610m). There will be some time to explore the village while our Sherpa crew sorts and loads trekking equipment and baggage. The trek starts with a descent to Dudh Kosi River, from where the wider trail leads us to the village of Ghat (2,550m), and then to Phakding on an easy-paced walk.
Day 4

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar (3,440m/11,286 ft)

Walking along the shores of Dudh Kosi, we get to cross the serene river many times on exhilarating suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags. A little further, we enter Sagarmatha National Park from where the trail climbs steeply with picturesque sights. After trekking for a few hours, we reach Namche Bazaar, known as the Gateway of Everest.
Day 5

Namche Bazaar acclimatization day

In order to acclimatize to the altitude gained and thinner air, we spend a day in Namche Bazaar. There are several quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange services, internet cafes and bakeries at this town, also the largest in the Everest region. We pay a visit to the museum nearby known for its traditional artefacts that showcase the Sherpa culture. We also hike to Syangboche Airport from where we can see rewarding vistas of stunning sunrise and sunset over the Himalayan panorama.
Day 6

Trek from Namche Bazar to Phorste Thanga (3,680m/12,073 ft)

The trail climbs steeply out of valley through rhododendron forest, juniper and large conifers start to appear as the elevation increases making the trekking very pristine in spring. The trail passes through Yak Kharkas and summer settlements. The views of Khumbi La and Tawache are magnificent throughout the day.
Day 7

Trek from Phortse Thanga to Machherma (4,470m/14,665 ft)

We climb a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kengtega and up towards Cho Oyu and descend to a river and again climbs steep to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpz glacier. We will reach Machherma by early noon.
Day 8

Trek from Machherma to Gokyo (4,790m/15,715 ft)

The trek today takes us at one of our main destinations, Gokyo (4,790m). We will make this camp our base for 2 nights as we will have couple of sightseeing and hiking trips around Gokyo.
Day 9

Trek from Gokyo to Nah via Gokyo Ri (5,438m/17,841 ft)

The view from Gokyo is stunning, especially from atop the ridge to the northwest. Some trekkers consider the panorama from Gokyo Kang better than from Kalapather. Those who are well acclimatized can make this summit in three hours and will be rewarded by a stunning view from Cho Oyu via Gyachung Kang, Kangchung, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and JoboLhaptshan to Tawache etc. Descend to Gokyo and follow along a trail on the east side of the Gokyo valley to trek down on the warmer side of the valley to Nah.
Day 10

Trek from Nah to Phortse (3,680m/12,073 ft)

Continue our descent of the valley through summer pastures and the settlement of Konar to Phorste.
Day 11

Trek from Phortse to Tengboche (3,860m/12,664 ft)

The trail we follow now offers fine views of Kangtega, Thamserku and AmaDablam, as we make our way to the attractive village of Pangboche. Its monastery is the oldest in the Khumbu region. After lunch we descend past some marvelously carved Mani stones to the ImjaKhola. Cross the wooden bridge and ascend through the few houses of Milinggo and past the Nunnery at Deboche through thick rhododendron forest to Tengboche, the biggest monastery of the area.
Day 12

Trek from Tengboche to Monzo (2,825m/9,268 ft)

A steep descend through rhododendron and pine forest to PhunkiTenga, cross the river and a steep ascend brings us to Tashinga. Himalayan Thar (wild blue sheep) can be seen on the way to Namche. We pass Namche and descend to Mondzo.
Day 13

Trek from Monzo to Lukla (2,800m/9,186 ft)

We follow the Dudh Koshi River downstream until after Ghat, when we start to come up the side of the valley to reach Lukla.
Day 14

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,345m/4,413 ft)

Today we fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla, and during your flight you can enjoy some last-minute glimpses of the mountains. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can rest, relax and go sightseeing throughout the day.
Day 15

Leisure day in Kathmandu

This is a leisure and free day in Kathmandu for exploration. You are free to go souvenir shopping, spa and more exploration of the city, or extend your trip to include bungee jumping, rafting, mountain biking, Everest mountain flight and other adventurous activities. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner at Mul Chowk Restaurant’s cozy and elegant dining ambience.
Day 16

Departure from Nepal

The trip concludes today. You will be dropped at Kathmandu's Tribhuwan International Airport by our airport representative for your flight departure from Nepal.

Map

What's included

Price Details

Please enquire with us for prices

Price Includes

- All ground transportation by private vehicle for airport and hotel pick up/drop off, sightseeing and transfers
- All domestic flights (if any)
- Accommodation in teahouses and hotels
- All meals during trek
- Entry permit to parks, monuments and cultural landmarks
- Trekking guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s) their daily wages, food, accommodation and other expenses
- Comprehensive medical kit
- In case of emergency, we can send helicopters for evacuation, manage all paperwork, and deal with related insurance companies (provided the client has valid insurance)

Not included

Price Excludes

- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation by ground and air
- Nepal entry visa, obtained upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu
- Rescue and evacuation
- Extra road transport/flight cost in case member returns earlier
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and if applicable, in Pokhara
- Items of personal nature like laundry, communication and bar bill
- Tips for trip staff and driver. (Tipping is appreciated)
- Other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section

Life on Trek

Trekking staff

Whilst on the trek, the Nepali guides and porters will ensure that you are well looked after. Every trek has an English speaking guide, known as the Sirdar, who is in overall charge. It is his responsibility to organize the trek en route and manage the guides and porters and deal with the local peoples and they are experts in trek organization, as well as being able to discuss the local culture, religion, and landscape. In addition there will be other guides, sometimes referred to by the generic term Sherpa, who will be your walking companions on the trek and will assist the Sirdar in organizing the logistic of the trek. On camping treks there will be full kitchen crew who are responsible for all aspects of catering. And finally there will be porters who are the transportation system of the Nepali mountains. They will carry the duffle bags and other equipment as necessary.

Accommodation

Fully equipped Camping treks - accommodation is provided in spacious 2 person tents. We use this method for our climbing trips and some treks where lodges are less frequent.
Lodge trek - accommodation is provided in the local Nepali lodges, some times known as tea- houses. It is usually necessary to share a double room. We use this method for our treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions.

Food

On camping treks, all food is prepared by the trek cook - an expert in preparing delicious camp food. And most importantly, special care is taken to provide well - boiled, purified drinking water. On lodge treks, food is provided in the lodge and this ranges from delicious local specialties to common western dishes. If necessary, bottled water can be purchased from the lodges for a small fee, although many trekkers prefer to use fresh water with the added precaution of a purifying agent. You could bring some Chocolate or special energy drinks for yourself as these are hard to get in the Himalayas.

A typical trekking day

A typical day revolves around the Nepal sunrise and sunset. The day starts with an early wake up call. You then pack up your gear and enjoy a rousing breakfast before starting your morning's walk. The Sirdar will already be organized loads to porters and or animals, and your group will then set off on the trail at a leisurely pace, enjoying the view and stopping to take photographs. After 2-3 hours walk you stop for lunch. This lasts for about 90 minutes which gives you time to relax, or explore the local village. The afternoon's walk is usually shorter and we arrive at the campsite or tea-house in plenty of time to relax and savour the surroundings. Later in the evening dinner is served, giving you an opportunity to sample the delicious food, talk over the day's events, and look forward to another special day on the trails of Nepal.

Health and safety on the trek General

A comprehensive first aid kit is carried on the trek. However we advise that you also carry your personal first aid kit which includes specific items of preference.
We will, in an emergency, arrange for helicopter evacuation. (Note that you are required to hold insurance for this unlikely eventuality).
All meals on our camping trips are prepared to strict hygiene standards specifically for our groups, under the supervision of the trekking staff.
We use tea-houses that we now have strict hygiene standards and provide a broad menu.

High Altitude

Anyone can be affected by Altitude Sickness. However, our itineraries are specifically designed to minimize the risks associated with trekking to high altitudes by building in acclimatization and rest days. In the event of any symptoms we will ensure that the individual descends to a lower altitude to gain a quick recovery.

And finally……….. It must be stressed that whilst trekking in the Nepal Himalaya is challenging and rewarding, you must be prepared for he occasional inconvenience or discomfort. The correct mental attitude to trekking is as important as being physically prepared.

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Equipments

All equipment and food, and your own personal backpacks are carried by the porters or pack animals. It is only necessary to carry a camera or small daypack ! On camping treks all necessary camp equipment is provided - this includes dining tent, dining table and chairs, toilet tent, foam mattresses, and all cooking equipment. The only kit that you will need to bring is your own personal equipment and clothing.

Recommended Trekking Kit

The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend that you take with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable.

Footwear

Walking boots with suitable ankle support that have been worn - in prior to the trek, and which are waterproof.
Trainer or casual shoes, for trekking andor for traveling
Warm socks for colder areas.
Gaiters ,,in case of rain or snow.

Leg wear

Loose, casual trousers for trekking.
Thermal leggings for colder areas.
Long skirt for women as an alternative to trousers
Waterproof trousers

Body

Selection of T-shirts, and long sleeved shirts, preferably not cotton.
Thermal shirt for colder areas.
Warm shirt, possibly fleece, for colder areas.
Fleece jacket or warm wool jumper.
Windproof, waterproof outer shell garment for higher altitudes.
Down jacket (optional for cold nights & mornings: can be hired in Kathmandu cheaply)

Head Hands

Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava.
Hat or cap for sun protection while trekking.
Sunglasses or goggles.
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
Warm gloves.

Other Items

Strong rucksack, or large holdall to be carried by porters
Day sack to be carried personally.
Plastic bags or stuff sacks to storeseparate trekking gear inside your main bag.
One liter water bottle.
Personal first aid kit to include essential items.
Sleeping bag 4 season.
Torch, ideally head torch.
Camera and film! - for those not to be forgotten shots of the Himalaya.
Toilet items and towel.
Large handkerchief bandana for neck.

Recommended Mountaineering Kit

In additional to the items mentioned above for trekking the following is a list of the additional specialist items which are required for the trekking peaks.

Plastic or Leather mountaineering boots, with gaitors & crampons that have been tested for a good fit.
Fleece trousers or salopettes.
Additional mitts and gloves suitable for climbing.
Ice ace, and ski poles (Note: ice axe can hired in Kathmandu)
Climbing harness
2 X tape slings
2 X screw gate karabiners.
Descended abseil device Ascender