Everest 2006
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Highlights of our Everest/Khumbu Trek
Trek into the heart of the Khumbu area in the shadow of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Makalu and Cho Oyu with a summit climb of Island Peak.
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 up to the beautiful Tshola Tsho lake.
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, we have a trek to the base of Lhotse’s south face planned or optionally you can travel up the Khumbu Valley to try Kala Patar with one of our Sherpas; this is an easier 18,000 ft. trekking peak across the glacier from Everest and the Khumbu Icefall, spectacular viewpoint!
Cho La Pass: After climbing Island Peak, we will descend the Chukung Valley and either cross the Kongma La Pass or via Dingboche travel up the Khumbu Valley. Time and weather permitting, we’ll go over the beautiful Cho La Pass leading across to the Gokyo Valley, via Zongma and Tangnak. Truly spectacular! From Gokyo you can see Cho Oyu; this is the perfect loop on our way back out to Namche and Lukla. We also have the option of going up to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patar, an ambitious group can do most of the above, weather permitting.
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: 21 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.