Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes & The Cho La

Transcription

1 Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes & The Cho La A Challenging Exploration of The Everest Region Highlights: Arguably the best view of Everest from Gokyo Ri (5483m). Experiencing the rich and welcoming Sherpa culture in the Solu Khumbu region. Crossing the challenging Cho La Pass (5420m) into the Khumbu valley. Reaching Everest Base Camp and your view of the Khumbu Ice Fall. The breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu & Cho Oyu from Gokyo. The sense of achievement as you stand atop Kala Pattar at dawn looking up at Everest. 22 Days in Nepal, 17 Days Trekking Independent Treks for Individuals and Small Groups, starting on any day of your choice with your own guide and porters. Small Group Treks Available on Scheduled Dates. Teahouse Trekking with all meals on trek included. One of the World s Great Treks. Prices from 1150pp. (Land Only) Everest Base, Gokyo Lakes & The Cho La Pass Introduction Trekking to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes and the Cho La pass offers a challenging 17 day trek for experienced trekkers looking for a real insight into the majesty of the Everest region. The Gokyo Lakes trek offers an alternative to the traditional trek to Everest Base Camp and from Gokyo Ri the views of Everest are arguably the best on offer and the panorama includes views of four 8000m peaks and the largest glacier in Nepal. Additionally the circular nature of the trek adds immensely to your trekking experience. Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Kathmandu where you will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour. Your trek starts the following day with a short flight to Lukla and your first day s trek to Phakding. After the first couple of days on the main Everest Trail you branch left into the spectacular Gokyo Valley and after a thorough exploration of this spectacular valley you cross the Cho La Pass (5330m) to rejoin the main route to Everest Base Camp where you will will visit both the site of Everest Base Camp and summit Kala Patter (5545m). The highlights of your trek will surely include thee panoramic views from Gokyo Ri, the challenging crossing the Cho La Pass, your visit to Everest base Camp and the dawn view of Everest from the summit of Kala Pattar. The descent from Everest Base Camp is considerably quicker and after 17 days of trekking you will be looking forward to the short hop back to Kathmandu and the relative luxury that it offers.

2 Why choose Macs Adventure? Macs Adventure offers a range of independent and selfguided walking holidays in Nepal, Europe and the UK. Our holidays are for individuals and small groups so your holiday is perfectly suited to your needs. All our holidays in Nepal are operated in partnership with our local partner who has over 15 years experience of organising trekking adventures in Nepal and are fully licensed and recognised as one of the leading agencies in Nepal. Macs Adventure is a small, energetic owner/operated company dedicated to delivering adventure excellence. We are passionate about delivering outstanding trekking holidays where every last detail is taken care of. All our treks are researched on the ground by a member of our team and we understand what makes for an unforgettable adventure: great trails, breathtaking scenery, professional & experienced leaders, hand-picked accommodation and a warm welcome all backed up by outstanding customer service. From your first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a local specialist who knows the region intimately. They will help you to make the most of your time in Nepal with their in-depth knowledge of the route, accommodation and must-see attractions on the way. Why Choose an Independent Trek in Nepal? Independent treks are for individuals, couples or small groups and the trek is tailored to your needs and interests. You don t join a scheduled group but rather have your own guide and porter(s) so your trek can be tailored to your needs and interests. Independent treks are a wonderful relaxed way to discover the magic of Nepal s mountain areas for individuals, couples or small groups. You are free to start on any date, travel at your own pace and wander off the beaten track you will discover the beauty of the landscape, the warmth of her people and the rich culture of this spectacular land. We will supply you a comprehensive pre-departure information pack and your qualified and an experienced local guide will coordinate and guide your trek. Why Choose a Small Group Adventure Trek in Nepal? We run regular scheduled small group departures for those who wish to join the friendly and social atmosphere of our small groups. Group departures are perfect for those trekking solo or friends and couples who prefer to trek in a small group with likeminded individuals. Groups run with a minimum of two and a maximum of ten trekkers. This ensures a cohesive, friendly and supportive atmosphere on the trek. Our small group treks are led by qualified and experienced Nepalese guides who will ensure your trek is the experience of a lifetime. Is this trek for me? The trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La pass is a far more challenging and rewarding trek to Everest Base Camp than the standard trek to base camp. The trek is challenging and the walking strenuous because of the high altitude so a good level of fitness and previous experience of multi day trekking (and preferably at altitude above 3000m) is recommended. The accommodation is fairly basic but comfortable and the food simple but nutritious and tasty. So if you relish a challenge, are physically fit, are happy to forgo a few of life s luxuries and want the experience of a lifetime then this trek is for you. Detailed Itinerary: Our Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass Itinerary includes 17 days of trekking in the high Himalaya and several days in the vibrant city of Kathmandu to give a total of 22 days in Nepal. The trekking itinerary includes acclimatisation days and gradual height gain to ensure that the effects of altitude are minimised and to give you the greatest chance of a successful trek to Gokyo Lakes, the Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp. Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. Our local representative will meet you at Kathmandu Airport and transfer you to your Kathmandu Hotel. If time permits you will meet your guide and have some time to relax and explore Kathmandu. Day 2: Full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, a vibrant, exciting and culturally fascinating city. Your local guide will help you discover the sights, sounds and smells of Kathmandu during an exciting full day tour of Kathmandu. Day 3: Flight to Lukla (2804m) and trek to Phakding (2610m). An early start and private transfer to the airport and then a spectacular 30 minute flight over foothills of the Himalaya to your hoping off point of Lukla has to be one of the most spectacular starts to any walk. You will meet your porters in Lukla and then after all the build up it is great to be on the trail and on your way to base camp. A three hour walk brings you to your first overnight tea house in the village of Phakding. Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3535m) The green slopes around Phakding are intensively terraced

3 and farmed and offer a fascinating insight into the village life of the Sherpa people. The snow capped mountains tower around you as you crisscross the valley bottom on nerve jangling suspension bridges on your way to Namche Bazaar and a final sustained climb brings the welcome sight of Namche Bazaar. Day 5: Namche Bazaar acclimatization Day Regular acclimatisation days are crucial to a successful trek to in the Everest region and minimising the effects of altitude and also offer a great excuse to explore the Sherpa villages in the area. Generally you will trek to Khumjung and the Everest View Hotel but other options are available. You will also have time to wander around the important market town of Namche Bazaar and enjoy the delicious pastries at the German Bakery. Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Phortse Drengka (3675m) Your day starts with a steep climb and passes numerous Chortens and buddist paintings as you climb to the top of the ridge at 3973m. You then descend steeply to the Dubh Kosi and your overnight accommodation. Today is a fairly short day to aid acclimatisation. Day 7: Phortse Drengka to Machherma (4470m) The climb to Dole through the rhododendron, juniper and conifer forests makes for a particularly beautiful mornings walk. After lunch at Dole you continue to climb and the landscape gets increasingly barren as you gain altitude. Machhermo is your overnight stop and home to a very credible yeti sighting so tread carefully. Day 8: Machherma to Gokyo (4790m) Three to four hours of trekking through the magnificent scenery of the high Himalaya bring you to the small village of Gokyo. It is important to keep a close eye out for the symtoms of AMS as you have gained significant height over the last couple of days. Day 9: Climb Gokyo Ri (5483m) You rise before the dawn for the steep and strenuous climb of Gokyo Ri which is arguably the best viewpoint in the Everest Region. There are spectacular views of the stunning Goyko Valley, massive Ngozumpa Glacier and four 8000m peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho-Oyo. Back in time for a hearty lunch and relaxed afternoon of acclimatization. Day 10: Trekking in the Upper Gokyo Valley (4998m). To aid acclimatisation and explore this mountain paradise fully you will enjoy a challenging trek to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes which are close to Cho-Oyo base camp. Day 11: Trek to Thangna (4700m) A relatively short days trek to the foot of the Cho La Pass at Thangna (Dragna) means that you will be fully acclimatised and fighting fit for the Cho La crossing the following day. Day 12: Cho La (5330m) Crossing and descent to Dzongla (4830m) This is probably the most challenging day of your trek and the conditions can be very hard going depending on the time of year and recent weather conditions. Whatever the conditions you will enjoy a huge sense of achievement on reaching Dzongla. Day 13: Dzongla to Lobuche (4930m) From Dzongla you continue to descend to Duglha which nestes at the base of the Khumbu Glacier moraine. After lunch in this spectacular location you climb steeply to Lobuche and the mighty Khumbu Glacier slowly reveals itself to you. Lobuche is a cold and desolate settlement and has a real frontier feeling. Day 14: Everest Base Camp (5364m). An early start from Lobuche means you should reach Ghorak Shep by mid morning and you will then continue on to Everest Base Camp. From Ghorak Shep the round trip to Everest Base Camp takes about six challenging hours as the ground is very rough and path ever changing as the glacier moves. Despite what others may say the round trip to EBC is worth every minute and it is a simply awe inspiring place The sight of the Khumbu Ice Fall is one you will not forget in a hurry. Day 15: Climb Kala Pattar (5545m Everest Viewpoint) and descend to Pheriche (4280m) An very early morning start for the climb to the summit of Kala Pattar will give you the best view of Everest and in the thin air you really do feel as if you could reach out and touch it. It is definitely a moment to treasure. You return to Ghorak Shep for breakfast and then begin the surprisingly quick descent, reaching Periche that afternoon. Day 16: Pheriche to Tengboche (3867m) As you continue to descend the air feels positively thick and you really do feel great. A lovely day of walking brings you to the village of Tengboche for your overnight stop. Tengboche is the largest and most active monastery in Nepal. If time permits you will visit the monastery and witness a prayer ceremony. Day 17: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3750m) A cracking day of walking through Rhododrendron forests on the steep sided slopes that descend to the churning

4 Dubh Kosi brings you back to the hussle and bustle of Namche. Day 18: Namche Bazaar to Phakding (2610m) A relaxed descent to Phakding for your penultimate nights stay in a Nepalese Tea House. Day 19: Phakding to Lukla The relatively short three hour trek to Lukla allows you to reflect on the challenges and highlights of your trek and all too soon you find yourself among the hustle and bustle of Lukla and the relative luxury that it offers. You will say goodbye to your porters and enjoy the comforts available and perhaps even enjoy a celebration with your fellow trekkers. Day 20: Morning flight back to Kathmandu. The early morning is the best time for flying back to Kathmandu and after a short transfer to your hotel you can enjoy a day of rest and relaxation as well as that treat you have been craving for two weeks. Day 21: Leisure day in Kathmandu (Spare day in case of day weather disrupting flight from Lukla). Flights from Lukla are occasionally disrupted due to bad weather so it is important to have a spare day in case of delays and there is plenty to do in Kathmandu. Day 22: Transfer to airport and Travel Home. Recommendations: Extensions: Trekking Extensions: Our independent Everest Base Camp treks are tailor made for you so if you wish to add trekking days this is no problem and they can be added at any point along the trek. Nepal Extensions: While you are in Nepal you may wish to experience some of the other delights this wonderful country has to offer. We would suggest the following: Chitwan Jungle Safari: (4 Days/ 3 Nights) Experience the other side of Nepal in the jungle of the Chitwan National Park. The park offers protection to 56 species of mammals including the one horned rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, striped hyena, Gangetic dolphin and wild bison. There are an estimated species of birds, 126 species of fish, 590 species of butterflies and 47 species of reptiles in the park. Your visit will include canoeing, an elephant back safari, visit to an elephant breeding centre and cultural shows for trekking in the Everest Region is from early October to late May. The most popular months for trekking are October/November and March/April/May although the trails can be busy at peak times and the colder periods in the middle of winter do reward you with clear crisp skies, although night time temperatures do get very cold at altitude. Most days start clear and dry and even in the middle of winter the warm sunshine makes for very pleasant trekking weather. Often the afternoons will cloud over and as soon as the sun sets the temperature does drop rapidly. At altitude the temperature regularly reaches -10C and in the middle of winter may reach -20C at night. Accommodation: While on trek you will stay in traditional Nepali Teahouses (Guesthouses), these are traditional mountain lodges operated by local people (17 Nights). The lodges have a comfortable central living and eating room which is heated and individual twin share bedrooms. Toilets and washing facilities are shared and hot showers may be available at an additional charge at some lodges. While in Kathmandu you will stay at the 5 star Hotel de l Annapurna or Shanker which are opposite the Royal Palace within 5 minutes walk of the busy tourist area of Thamel. (4 nights) Single Rooms: This independent trekking holiday is available to solo walkers and you will have a single room throughout your trip, but as all our holidays are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs we incur. Single rooms are generally not available whilst on trek. If you are an individual joining a small group departure we will room you with another group member of the same sex but if this is not possible a single room supplement will be payable. Single rooms are available in Kathmandu but there is a supplement payable. Kathmandu Extra Nights: Additional nights can be arranged in Kathmandu at reasonable rates. River Rafting: Nepal has some of the best rafting in the world and several multi day trips are available. Prices start from 30pp per day Holiday Information Climate & Weather: Nepal has a two season monsoon climate. The rainy monsoon dominates from June to September while the dry season lasts from late September to May. The best season Meals: In Kathmandu your accommodation includes breakfast and other meals are not included so you should allow per day for lunch and dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included while on trek as well as tea and coffee at meals. Food while on trek is good but does get more basic the higher you climb as fewer ingredients become

5 available. Pancakes, bread and cereal forms the basis for breakfast, lunch is normally a warming noodle soup at a convenient tea house on the trail and the evening staple dish while trekking is dal bhaat, which is a filling dish of lentil soup, rice and curried vegetables. Baggage Transfer: While trekking you will only have to carry a day bag with water, snacks, spare clothes and your camera. Your main bag will be moved by a porter. Each porter carries 2 clients bags which must be of a duffle bag or backpack design and weigh a maximum of 15kg. Hard cases are not suitable for this trek. Your Guide: Our Nepalese guides are fully qualified and trained according to Nepalese law and all have many years experience of guiding trekkers in Nepal. All speak fluent English and they will add hugely to your experience of trekking in Nepal. As well as guiding you on the trail they bring a wealth of knowledge to your journey and coordinate all your porters, accommodation and meals. Nepalese guides are fully trained and experienced in dealing with cases of Altitude Sickness. Holiday Grading & Suitability This holiday is graded strenuous and you should be in good physical fitness and have experience of multi day trekking or walking trips prior to undertaking an Everest Base Camp Trek. Although the distances are short the affect of altitude should not be underestimated and you should be in good physical fitness. The trails are the roads of the area and are generally well maintained and a good walking surface. The Cho La Pass is rough going and steep and scrambly in places whilst the main path to base camp gets very rough once you reach the Khumbu Glacier. Equipment: The equipment you require will vary depending on the time of year and the altitude that you are trekking in. Your pre-departure information pack has a detailed section on equipment but the main things you will require are a down sleeping bag, down jacket, day pack (30-40L), duffle bag, trekking clothes, thermal base layers, trekking boots (3 season), fleece layers, hats and gloves, sunglasses and first aid kit with personal medication. Down sleeping bags and jackets are available to hire in Kathmandu. Pre-Departure Information Pack: Your pre-departure information pack includes full details of your trek will be sent to you before departure. Independent Trekking Availability: This trek is best enjoyed between mid-september and late May although the optimal conditions for crossing the Cho La Pass are in October/November and March/April. If you have chosen an independent trekking holiday you can start your trek on any day that you prefer subject to availability. It is best to book as far in advance as possible and a minimum of four weeks prior to arrival in Kathmandu. Small Group Trekking Departures: We run several small group treks to Everest Base Camp, Goyko Lakes and the Cho La each season. Please check our website for available dates. Price: Up to date prices are available on our website Included: Airport pickup and transfers by private vehicle. 4 Nights deluxe hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast. 17 Nights Twin sharing accommodation in traditional Tea Houses during the trek. Breakfast, lunch & dinner with tea & coffee during the trek 1 highly experienced, qualified, helpful and friendly guide per group. Porters (1 porter between 2 people) Food, accommodation, salary, insurance and equipment for your guide and porters. Return Internal flight from Kathmandu to Lukla including domestic airport taxes. Sagarmatha National Park Permit & TIMS Excluded: International flights to/from Nepal. Lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu. Travel Insurance. Personal Equipment. Nepal Visa (US$30) Disembarkation Airport Tax (Approx US$24) Personal items such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, extra hot drinks, bottled water, laundry, hot showers. Tips for your trekking crew. (Expected but not mandatory). Financial Security: Total Payment Protection (topp) Policy cover: In compliance with the UK Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 an insurance policy has been arranged with Travel & General Insurance Company plc to protect customers prepayments paid in respect of

6 -non-flight inclusive packages commencing and returning to the UK -the ground handling aspects of packages where the customer is responsible for arranging travel to the destination offered in this brochure/literature/document/on this website (subject to the terms of the insurance policy), for: [delete as appropriate] -a refund of such prepayments if customers have not yet travelled -making arrangements to enable the holiday to continue if customers have already travelled or in the unlikely event of our financial failure. Travel Insurance Travel insurance which includes evacuation cover and covers trekking to the altitude of Everest Base Camp (5545m) is a requirement for this holiday and we will require proof of cover and the insurance companies emergency number prior to your departure. Macs Adventure does not sell travel insurance but we recommend Sports Cover Direct whose Venture Guard Policy is well suited to this trek. The cost for single trip insurance to cover an adult for this trek is in the region of 90. Phone: Web: Phone: Recommended Reading: Nepal - Lonely Planet Guides Himalaya Michael Palin Into Thin Air Jon Krakauer The Ghosts of Everest Jochen Hemmleb Everest Region Maps There are several excellent Everest Region Maps available in Kathmandu. Practical Information: Flights to Kathmandu Flights to Kathmandu are available daily from London and major regional airports in the UK via the Gulf. Airlines include Emirates, Gulf Air, and Qatar Airways & Etihad Airways. Flights start at about 500 and during the peak trekking period may increase to about We do not sell flights as we cannot compete with the experts on price and availability but would recommend both Opodo and Expedia for competitive flights. Passport & Visas: All nationalities require a full passport valid for at least six months after your intended departure from Nepal. Most nationalities require an entry visa for Nepal which can be obtained in advance or at the airport on entry to Nepal. The current cost is US$30 which must be paid in hard currency and you will need two passport photos. Passport and visa requirements do change so although this information is supplied in good faith it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documentation. Health & Vaccinations: In addition to those vaccinations and boosters required for life in Britain the following vaccinations/boosters are recommended: hepatitis A; typhoid; diphtheria; tetanus; poliomyelitis. For detailed advice on travel health visit the Fit For Travel Website: Acute Mountain Sickness: Acute Mountain Sickness or Altitude Sickness is a major concern on the trek to Everest Base Camp and although our itinerary is designed to minimise the chances of you suffering from AMS each individual is affected differently by altitude. Our pre-departure information pack has detailed information on minimising the risks of AMS and recognising the signs of AMS and the appropriate course of action. Your leaders are all fully trained in dealing with AMS. If you have any pre-existing health conditions that you think may make you more susceptible to AMS we recommend you consult your doctor before booking this trip. Currency, Money & Local Costs: The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee and 1 GBP will buy you 133 Nepalese Rupees (June 08). The best way to carry money is a combination of cash is GB pound sterling (which can be changed at the airport and in Kathmandu), pound sterling traveller s cheques and credit/debit cards although there are no ATMS outside Kathmandu. You will need some money to pay for your visa on arrival, departure tax, meals in Kathmandu, sundries such as hot showers, toilet paper, extra hot/cold drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks, souvenirs and trekking crew tips. Macs Adventure Testimonials: We're back from our walk and I just wanted to thank you for your help and for all of the wonderful places you found for us to stay. The walks couldn't have been more lovely (and we were helped by the marvellous weather). And each of the towns and each of the inns and hotels you put us into had something special going for it--and all of them were spotless and comfortable. If you ever need a recommendation from an American, I'd be happy to give you one. Best wishes,sheila McMillen, USA We were really pleased with all the organisation, information pack, guide book and in particular, delighted with the accommodation booked for us which suited us perfectly. Our luggage was always there when we arrived

7 and a welcome sight when tired and perhaps rather wet. This is the first time I have done a long distance walk with the support of a company and luggage carrier and I would recommend Macs Adventure to others who I know are planning a similar trip. So very many thanks! Just wanted to say, what an amazing walk and holiday we all had. Still speechless really. Absolutely amazing. Thanks for all the information and assistance. Pauline Roenisch, London Responsible Tourism Tourism is one of Nepal s most important industries and trekking in remote areas can deliver huge benefits to the local community if done in a responsible manner. Our treks in Nepal are designed to maximise positive impact and minimise negative impact. We operate in an environmentally and socially aware and sustainable manner. We do this by Working in true partnership with and paying fair prices to our local partner in Nepal so the majority of your trip cost stays in Nepal. Employing guides and porters from the communities you visit and staying and eating in locally owned and operated accommodation while trekking so the communities you visit benefit directly. Our guides and porters are fully insured and equipped to a minimum standard by our Nepalese partner. Supplying detailed pre-departure information to you on environmentally and socially responsible practice while on trek in Nepal. We operate small group adventures which minimizes the impact on the environment and other trail users. We encourage the use of Carbon Offsetting. Travel does have a hidden cost. Air Travel produces an inordinate amount of Carbon Dioxide emissions which contribute to climate change. Help to minimise the impact of your journey by offsetting your carbon emissions. Visit The Carbon Neutral Company for further details. Web: How to Book: Once you have read all the information in this dossier or our website and decided on your trek visit our website or give us a call to confirm availability. You can then book by any of the following methods: Book Securely online: Telephone: +44 (0) Fax/Post: Download or request a booking form and post it to Macs Adventure, Unit 510, 355 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8QZ, UK or fax it to +44 (0) Please don t hesitate to contact us by phone on +44 (0) or info@macsadventure.com if you have any queries and one of our expert customer service team will be happy to help. Book with Confidence: Macs Adventure has arranged an insurance policy with Travel & General Insurance Plc to ensure that all monies you pay for a trip are fully protected. Macs Adventure has arranged public and professional liability insurance policy though Vantage Insurance Services which has limit of liability of 2.5 Million. Macs Adventure has been operating since 2003 and operates according to the highest professional standards.