Everest 2006
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Highlights of our Everest Basecamp Trek
Climb Island Peak and Trek into Basecamp with our 2003 Everest Climbing Expedition team!
Kathmandu: A unique stop for the international traveler with fascinating temples and markets. We’ll spend a day sightseeing before departing for the trekking and climbing. While in Kathmandu we will see Pashupatinath, Syhumbunath, Bodanath and Durbar Square, fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples all with long interesting histories.
Lukla: We fly into Lukla at 9,000 ft. in either a 16 passenger Twin Otter fixed wing aircraft or 30 passenger Russian helicopter. Excellent views, lodges and food. The start of our trek.
Namche Bazaar: The cultural center of the Khumbu. Home for the weekly market where traders from the lowlands trade with the highland Sherpa people. A good stop for acclimatizing on the way in. We spend a couple days here, seeing the villages of Khumjung and Khundi and the Everest View hotel, for great views of Everest.
Tyangboche Monastary: We’ll visit the very important monastery here that is the center of the Sherpa peoples religion. It has been rebuilt after a major fire in the late 80's. Another day here to acclimatize with Mt. Everest, Tamserku, Kangtaga and Ama Dablam dominating the horizons! This is home for the famous Mani Rimdu festival during the fall season.This is one of the famous “…boches” or holy places where religious llamas touched down while flying through the Himalayas.
The Upper Khumbu Valley: We’ll spend several days acclimatizing, taking short day hikes out of Dingboche, up towards the Khumbu glacier and the Chukung Valley.
Imjatse Climb (Island Peak): Into the Chukung Valley and up to the summit of Imjatse via the normal southeast face, or the south ridge, moderate snow and ice climbing (this climb is completely optional if you prefer to only participate in the trek). If you do not want to climb Imjatse, there are plenty of day hikes in the area to choose from which our Sherpas can lead.
Everest Basecamp: After climbing Island Peak, we’ll travel further up the Khumbu Valley to Everest basecamp at 17,500 ft . We’ll spend two days here, and hopefully have the opportunity to participate in the traditional Sherpa puja (blessing) ceremony before expedition members begin the climb. From basecamp we can also climb Kala Patar, a trekking summit across the glacier from Everest and the Khumbu Icefall, offering spectacular views of the S. Col climbing route! For our return trek back out to Namche and Lukla we can alternate the route through Gokyo or Phortse.
Fly Back to Kathmandu: Time to relax, shop or visit more temples in fascinating Kathmandu. We recommend having an extra day planned at the end of the trip to enjoy Kathmandu and all its variety of experiences; it can also help in case of flight delays out from Lukla. Plan some time in Thailand on the way back to enjoy the beaches. Most tickets to the U.S. go through Bangkok.
Included: Transfers, trekking permits, Nepal Mountaineering Association climbing permit, local transportation, park fees, porters and yaks, all meals and lodging while trekking, lodging (2 nights) in Kathmandu, group climbing/camping equipment, 1 American guide and 1 or 2 Sherpa guides.
Not Included: Airfare to/from Kathmandu and flights to/from Lukla (approximately $192), visas and departure taxes, food and lodging in Kathmandu, tips, bottled water, soda, alcohol. Note, you will be responsible for any additional costs associated with delays due to flights and weather. Lodging upgrades available for Kathmandu, $200 for the Annapurna Hotel (2 nights).
Length: 24 days Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult trekking at altitude. To climb Island Peak, moderate technical snow and ice climbing.
Altitude: The schedule is carefully designed to maintain a safe rate of ascent, the most important factor at altitude. Island Peak is over 20,000 ft.
Trip Price: Please see schedule for current prices and departure dates.