20 DAYS Trek + 4 nights in Kathmandu

This trek gives you "the grand tour" of the famous Khumbu Valley. This is a strenuous trek leading to Gokyo Lake and over the Cho La (La = pass) at 5420 m. making a circuit of Tawache (6367m.) and Cholatse (6440m.). Emerging into the Khumbu valley above Lobuje the trail continues up to Kalapattar and then back to Lukla via Thyangboche and Namche Bazaar.

Strenuous trekking is continuously rewarded with dramatic Himalayan scenes, including four of the world's eight highest peaks: Cho Oyu (8153m.), Makalu (8475m.), Lhotse (8500m.) and Everest (8848m.).

Breathtaking mountain vistas are complemented by visits to Sherpa villages, homes and monasteries offering you an insight into the quiet but culturally vibrant Sherpa way of life.

Day 01 : Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be greeted by a representative of Himalaya Journeys and transferred to your hotel.

Day 02 : Free day in Kathmandu to make final preparations for your trek. If you feel that you are adequately prepared and would like to have an escorted sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city, we will be glad to arrange it for you. Please ask for this service from our representative upon arrival.

Day 03 : Early morning transfer to airport for flight to Lukla. The flight into Lukla is a lifetime experience in itself. The airfield is on a slope and the difference between the two ends of the runway is about 60 metres! Meet with your sirdar and the rest of the crew. You will need to identify your luggage which is to be made into loads and then while you have lunch your crew will load these onto pack animals or get it ready for your team of porters. After lunch trek for a few hours along the Dudh Kosi river to the village of Phakding at 2800m.

Day 04 : The trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley to Jorsale, where the trail officially enters the Sagarmatha National Park. There is an entrance station just beyond the village where trekking permits are checked and National Park fees collected. Continue along the trail, crossing the Bhote Kosi River to begin the steep climb up to Namche Bazaar 3500m., the administrative center of the Sagarmatha National Park and the hub of Sherpa society. Remember to look out for glimpses of Mt. Everest from the trail on the way to Everest.

Day 05 : A moderately easy and beautiful walk to the Sherpa village of Thame 3800 m, situated at an important junction along the old primary trade route to and from Tibet via the Nangpa La pass. The trail leads west past a large array of prayer flags and mani stones - some of them very picturesque. After the village of Thomde the trail descends to the river and makes a steep climb to Thame.

Day 06 : Morning visit to the Thame Monastery, then trek to the serene Sherpa villages of Khunde 3890m and Khumjung 3790m. Sir Edmund Hillary established his first school and hospital in these villages.

Day 07 : Leaving the main trail to Mt. Everest, climb high on a ridge and then descend to the village of Phortse Tenga. From Phortse the trail leads through forests to Dole.

Day 08 : A steep but beautiful morning climb through pine, fir and rhododendron forests to Lhabama and Luza. After a leisurely afternoon trek, high above the river, camp at Machhermo 4410m. The days trek is short so that you are not exhausted and to allow time for acclimatization.

Day 09 : Rest day for acclimatization or optional hikes.

Day 10: This is your first real day at high altitude and the trekking today may be described as moderate at the most difficult. However, the going is slow (in fact, it is recommended that you walk slowly to avoid exhausting yourself). The valley opens wide as the trail passes through Pangkha. Mt. Cho Oyu (8153 m.) dominates the skyline to the north as the trail leads up to the moraine on the left flank of the Ngozumpa Glacier. The climb is steep to the first of the four lakes that lie in the Gokyo area but the trail levels off towards the second lake at 4750 meters.
The settlements of Gokyo and Luza are typical high altitude villages where the herders live when they bring their cattle up to high summer pastures during the warmer months leaving the lower pastures to regenerate.

Day 11: A free day to explore the area around Gokyo or rest. For enthusiasts a rigorous day's hike up the ridge above camp provides spectacular views of the Everest trinity: Nuptse 7879m, Lhotse 8511m, and Everest 8848 m, as well as Makalu 8463m looming to the east and Cho Oyu (8153m.) to the north.

Day 12: The long and most difficult part of this trek. The trail crosses the southern portion of the Ngozumpa Glacier then climbs steadily to a campsite on the 5169 m Chyugima Pass.

Day 13: A steep and challenging but, non-technical climb over rock, snow and perhaps ice with superb views links the glacial valleys of Cho Oyu and Everest. Today you will cross the 5420 metre Cho La. Camp will be at Dzongla 4730 m, a high altitude summer pasture directly beneath the north wall of Cholatse 6440 m.

Day 14: After a morning of rest, hike on a trail above Tsholo Lake and join the main Everest trail near the end of the Khumbu Glacier. Camp at Lobuje 4930 m.

Day 15: Walk along boulder fields and glacier debris to the edge of the Khumbu Glacier then continue up to Gorak Shep (5160 m.), nestled below the coned summit of Mt. Pumori (7161m.) and the sheer west face of Nuptse. Those feeling up to the strain of more hiking can climb up Kala Pattar (5545 m.) for views of Everest at sunset.

Day 16: The classic day hike to the summit of Kala Pattar high above the Khumbu Glacier and Everest Base Camp for a dramatic close-up view of Everest. Most of the famous photographs of Mt. Everest were taken from the top of this unassuming "black rock". In the afternoon, return to Lobuje and camp. A long but, exhilarating day.

Day 17: Descend the Khumbu valley and then make a traverse high on a ridge to Dingboche 4360m, a typical Sherpa summer village. Trek east from Dingboche into the Chhukhung Valley. This is the last of the glacial valleys you will explore. Chhukhung 4730 m lies directly under an incredible rock wall that links Nuptse with Lhotse. From here you will also have magnificent views of Amadablam (6856 m.), probably the most photographed mountain in Nepal.

Day 18: Retrace your way back to Dingboche along Imja Khola

Day 19: A most beautiful walk leads you to Himalayan Journeys own camp ground amid the Rhododendron forests of Thyangboche. A visit to the monastery is a must. The singular beauty of Ama Dablam, standing isolated from all other mountains provides a spectacular backdrop and constant reminders of the height of Himalayan peaks.

Day 20: Namche Bazaar, winding high above the river with views north towards Everest. The trail drops sharply down to the Dudh Kosi and up toward

Day 21: Down along the gorge of the Dudh Kosi to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla to catch your return flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting your trekking crew might prepare a farewell treat for you. You would be expected to join in the singing and the dancing!!

Day 22: Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel.

Day 23: In Kathmandu.

Day 24: Fly out of Nepal