+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Enjoying the privacy and comfort of upmarket lodges, this stunning trek amongst the towering peaks of the Himalayas offers a chance to enjoy one of the world s greatest adventures in style. Whilst avoiding Base Camp, this strenuous journey still affords an opportunity to walk in the shadow of giants, with excellent views of the entire Khumbu range including Everest itself. From Kathmandu you will journey on to Lukla by light aircraft, arriving in time to spend your first morning trekking down to Phakding on the banks of the Dudh Khosi. Over the following days you will then trek amongst some of the finest mountain scenery anywhere, as you hike up to the bustling Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar and on to the mountain village of Thame. There will ample time to acclimatise, as you enjoy guided walks around the mountain villages and visit the home of some of the most famous Sherpa guides ever to grace these steep valleys. Returning to Kathmandu at the end of the journey, you will have an opportunity to visit the historic Newari towns of Bhaktapur and Patan, before paying a final visit to Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in the country. HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy the stunning Himalayan scenery, including Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse Explore the bustling streets and markets of Kathmandu Plenty of time to acclimatise to the mountain setting Visit the unspoiled monastery of Thame and the fascinating Nangpa La Valley Discover the old Newari towns of the Kathmandu Valley TOUR INCLUDES: 2 domestic flights 9 nights comfortable mountain lodge accommodation, 3 nights 4* hotel accommodation 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners Private driver & vehicle, normally a SUV car for one or two people Private trekking guide and porters Trekking permits and sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *This trek is graded moderate to strenuous. *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: KATHMANDU Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer on to Gokarna Forest Resort, situated inside the Gokarna Protected Forest, previously the private royal hunting ground of the kings of Nepal. DAY 2: KATHMANDU - LUKLA (2800M) - PHAKDING (2610M) Leaving Kathmandu this morning you will take the exhilarating flight on to Lukla. The starting point of the trek takes you down towards the Dudh Khosi River, following a relatively easy trail on towards Phakding. You will pass by many stones intricately carved with prayers in the evocative Tibetan script, colorful strings of prayer flags and prayer wheels of all sizes. A 2-3 hour hike today, the landscape is dominated by the towering peaks of Kusumkang, Nupla and Konge Ri and you will arrive in Phakding around lunchtime. This afternoon is then free to relax and perhaps enjoy an optional walk. Overnight in Phakding. (B,L,D) DAY 3: PHAKDING - MONJO (2845M) Departing Phakding after breakfast, you'll begin following a trail that runs along the right bank of the Dudh Khosi towards Monjo. As you climb up through the terraced hills, the sight of Thamserku Peak looms high above you. After arriving at the village of Phakding, you will cross the first of several river crossings today on wire suspension bridges. Continue through pine forest and small villages for a couple more hours before arriving at the small village of Monjo. Your lodge is located above the village, with spectacular views of Thamserku and KusumKangri, and after lunch you can join your guide on a walk around the local area. (B,L,D) DAY 4: MONJO - NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440M) Taking around five hours, today's trek sees you heading up towards Namche Bazaar, initially following a route that descends down to a suspension bridge before climbing up to Jorshale and the entrance of Sagamartha National Park. From here, you then follow the river and enter a forested area, before crossing the Bhote Khosi by another suspension bridge and ascending to the colourful Sherpa capital of Namche. This afternoon is free to explore the town at your leisure. This is our first night above 3000m so it's important to take it easy and let your body adjust. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: NAMCHE BAZAAR - NAMCHE Go on a hike today or explore Namche Bazaar. An ancient market place where goods from as far away as Tibet are still traded, Namche today boasts an abundance of lodges, cafes, bars and souvenir shops. A must-see is the Museum of Sherpa Culture or a half-day excursion to the traditional villages of Kunde and Kumjung. An acclimatization hike to a viewpoint of Ama Dablam, one of the most beautiful mountains in all Nepal and of Lhotse and Everest. (B,L,D) DAY 6: NAMCHE - THAME (3800M) Following part of the old trading route between Nepal and neighbouring Tibet, today's four hour trek to Thame offers up the stunning backdrop of Cho Oyu as an accompaniment to the journey. Stopping for lunch in Thamo you then continue on to the home village of a number of famous Sherpa guides, including Tenzing Norgay and Ang Rita, who holds the record of summiting Everest no fewer than 10 times without oxygen. Crossing the Bhote Khosi, you then end the day in the village of Thame. The village is very picturesque and also has a magnificent 16th century Nyingmapa gompa (monastery) built by Lama Rolwa Dorje. (B,L,D) DAY 7: THAME Following breakfast you will pay a visit to Thame's beautiful unspoiled monastery this morning. The day also provides an opportunity to explore something of the fascinating Nangpa La Valley, where Tibetan traders bring their goods-laden yaks across the border to trade. Returning to the lodge for lunch, this afternoon then offers up a chance to explore more of Thame itself. Total trek time 4 hours. (B,L,D) DAY 8: THAME - NAMCHE Retracing your steps after breakfast, the return journey takes you back through Thamo and down along a series of gentle trails that run through forests of pine. Stopping for lunch en route you'll arrive back in Namche later this afternoon, where the rest of the day is free to relax with a good book or explore a little more. Trek time 4-5 hours. (B,L,D) DAY 9: NAMCHE - MONJO Departing Namche after breakfast, the trek down to Monjo today will take around three and a half hours. Arriving in time for lunch, this afternoon is free to enjoy an optional hike to a nearby monastery. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: MONJO - LUKLA Passing back through Phakding, you'll retrace the journey back to Lukla this morning. This trek has bite to it as you cross the river back and forth across the glacial torrent. After Phakding, it's around a three hour walk uphill to Lukla, with the last hour regaining 200m of height. On the way you'll have some drink stops and a chance to visit Chaurikharka High School and Kyongma Monastery. The end of the trek then allows for some free time to explore Lukla, celebrating a job well done with a picture at the 'gateway' arch and then a celebratory dinner at the lodge with your guides and porters. (B,L,D) DAY 11: LUKLA - KATHMANDU Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free. (B) DAY 12: KATHMANDU This morning you will embark on a sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur, also known as the 'City of Devotees' to see some of the finest examples of Newari stone, wood sculptures and architecture in Nepal. Walk along the cobbled streets to visit the Lion Gate, the Art Gallery, the famous Golden Gate and the Palace of Fifty-five Windows. In the afternoon, you will tour around Patan City, a city of arts and architecture founded in 250 A.D. See the Durbar Square, Royal Baths, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and Hiranya Verna Mahabihar (the Golden Temple). Finally, you will visit the Patan Museum, set within the former Malla residential palace. (B) DAY 13: KATHMANDU Transfer to Kathmandu's international today airport for your onward journey. (B)
ACCOMMODATION KATHMANDU GOKARNA FOREST RESORT Gorkana Forest Resort is a 4* hotel situated within Gokarna Protected Forest in the Kathmandu Valley. The hotel has been constructed with a blend of Malla and Rana period architecture. The 100 spacious deluxe and superior rooms and suites are all decorated in a Nepali-style and all rooms come with a large modern bathroom, cable TV, mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities. Wi-Fi is also available. Breakfast and all-day dining is served at the Durbar Restaurant and the hotel also has the Club House Restaurant which offers a variety of Chinese and Thai cuisine. The resort also has an indoor pool and gym, a spa, hot tub, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room as well as a business centre and travel desk. PHAKDING YETI MOUNTAIN HOME A selection of six comfortable traditional lodges located in the stunning Everest region, Yeti Mountain Home offer luxury and style in the heart of some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. A family run business that was originally set up by Sherpas from the Solu-Khumbu area of Nepal, each lodge is built using sustainable material and resources, using locally grown product, providing en suite bathrooms, employing local people and overall replicating the warm hospitality of the people of this region. Each property is located in a different but equally beautiful location along your route and offers a welcome retreat with spacious and cozy rooms and all your creature comforts that will be keep you warm and rested throughout this epic journey. Properties can be found in Lukla, Phakding, Monjo, Namche Bazaar, Thame, and Kongde. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com