DAY 1-15 MAY: ARRIVAL INTO KATHMANDU On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport you will be received by our staff and transfer you to the Hotel, where our guide will give you a brief orientation of the Hotel, Kathmandu, Trekking, do's and don'ts and other related information that you might require while in Nepal. DAY 2 16 MAY: FLIGHT TO LUKLA AND TREK TO PHAKDING (ALTITUDE 2860M TO 2652M) Approx: 30 minutes flight to Lukla 2,800m 9-10km (2 ½ -3hr walk) to Phakding at 2,652m. Early morning after breakfast transfer to the domestic Airport after necessary security formalities, board on the smaller twin otter, Dornier or similar plane for the sweeping panoramic flight to Lukla. On arrival, you will be received by our trekking guides. In Lukla you will have time to wander around, while the Sherpa crew sort and divide the load baggage. Lunch depending upon the time of arrival at Lukla either in Lukla or few hours walks further down towards Phakding. The walk is gradual and most of the way, with few ups from Tarhe khola, where you can have a superb view of Kusum-Kangru 6,369m crossing a short suspension bridge, from here after a short climb brings us to the Ghat village, another 1 1/2hr of gradual walk brings you to Phakding village for the overnight stop near the bank of the Dudh-Kosi river. DAY 3 17 MAY: PHAKDING TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (ALTITUDE 3446M) From Phakding after crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh-Kosi the walk is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill and re-crossing the same river again, with magnificent view of Thamserku 6,608m, then reaching a small village of Monjo and to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park From here a short descend with a gradual walk to the Jorsalle village is reached, the last village till Namche Bazaar, the walk is pleasant on the river bed till the last bridge over the Imjatse river is reached, from here the walk is along the winding uphill path all the way to Namche Bazaar, with magnificent views of Kwangde peak, Kusum Kangru Mt. Everest- Nuptse wall. Lhotse and the closer view of Tawache peak can be seen all the way up. From here another 1-2 hour walk up brings to the famed Namche Bazaar. Trek Distance: Approximately 15km (5-6 Hours). Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous DAY 4 18 MAY: ACCLIMATISATION AT NAMCHE BAZAAR (ALTITUDE 3446M) A leisure day to enjoy and relax around the town or visit the Sagarmatha National Park museum just above Namche Bazaar for outstanding views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Thamserku, Kang Tenga and Khunde peaks. DAY 5 19 MAY: NAMCHE BAZAAR TO KHUMJUNG VILLAGE (ALTITUDE 3740M) After a great time at Namche, trace the route above the ridge of Namche towards Syangboche just above Namche, following the trail to Khunde and Khumjung, the largest of the Sherpa villages in the Khumbu area The trek leads towards the Syangboche small airstrip and the first one and half hour walk is quite strenuous uphill due to high altitude. The trek is overlooking the magnificent view of Mt. Kwangde, Thamserku and other neighbouring peaks with an aerial view of Namche Bazaar down below. From Shanasa, Gokyo route diverts from the main trail towards north. The path climbs gently on the steep rock steps embedded in a narrow cleft in a large boulder; the two trails soon join and continue towards a large Chorten on the top of the ridge at Mong 3,973 meters. This ridge descends from Khumbila 5,761m abode of the patron god Khumbu. Trek Distance: Approximately 2.5-3km (2-3 Hours). Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
DAY 6-20 MAY: KHUMJUNG TO DOLE (ALTITUDE 4200M) The trek leads towards the Syangboche small airstrip and the first one and half hour walk is quite strenuous uphill due to high altitude. The trek is overlooking the magnificent view of Mt. Kwangde, Thamserku and other neighboring peaks with an aerial view of Namche Bazaar down below. From Shanasa, Gokyo route diverts from the main trail towards north. The path climbs gently on the steep rock steps embedded in a narrow cleft in a large boulder; the two trails soon join and continue towards a large Chorten on the top of the ridge at Mong 3,973 meters. This ridge descends from Khumbila 5,716m abode of the patron god Khumbu. From this ridge, the path meanders in a series of switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dudh Kosi at Phortse Thanghka for lunch stop. After Phortse, continue trek to Dole, from here the trail climbs steeply out of the valley through a patch of rhododendron forest which gives way to juniper and conifers trees. In the spring time this place will be vivid when all the flowers in bloom. This path passes many summer pastures where the Yak and other cattle graze in this high pastureland. The trek winds through the Tongba village at 3,950m and Gyele 3,960m and finally arriving at Dole. A superb view of Khumbila and Tawache 6,542m can be seen throughout the walk. Trek Distance: (3-4 Hours). Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous DAY 7-21 MAY: DOLE TO MACHERMO (ALTITUDE 4410M) From Dole, our route climbs steadily along the side of the valley, rhododendron forest giving way to scrub juniper as altitude gains gradually. The trail climbs on a fairly level path for one hour to Lhabarma Kharka at 4,325 m and a further an hour to Luza at 4,390m; eventually skirting around a ridge to gain the first views of Machermo village, spread out in the valley below. There is an excellent Swiss chalet style lodge at Machermo, arriving at Machermo where we will overnight and have time to explore the village. Just above the village there is a superb view encompassing Cho Oyo 8,210m and all the mountains that flank the Ngozumba Glacier. Trek Distance: (5-6 Hours). Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous DAY 8-22 MAY: MACHERMO TO PHORTSE (ALTITUDE 3800M) The trek leads to a descend opposite side of the Dudh Kosi valley to the village of Phortse. Downhill walk is straight forward following the east side of the valley providing different views of the Khumbu peaks, then reaching at Phortse. Phortse is a magnificently situated village beneath the steep hills and Taboche peak overlooking the junction of the Dudh Kosi and Imja Khola. Trek Distance: (5-6 Hours). Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
DAY 9-23 MAY: PHORTSE TO DINGBOCHE (ALTITUDE 4330M) After a great morning with the view of the surrounding snow capped peaks the route climbs and contours around the west side of the Imjatse Khola valley providing excellent views of Ama Dablam, the Nuptse- Lhotse wall and Everest. The trail initially has some steep drops but the paths are good. Then reaching at Pangboche for lunch, here visit the old monastery, and from Pangboche the journey continues towards the east. The road splits into two ways, the north going to Pheriche and our trail leading towards the east beneath towering north face of Ama Dablam. From here onwards Ama Dablam looks completely different. From the bridge, the trails climbs slowly winding above the Imjatse river to a big mani Stupa and from here onwards the walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imja tse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse with views of the eastern snow capped mountains including the Island peak or Imja tse 6,189m, which is a popular peak amongst all the trekking peaks in Nepal. Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of field enclosed by stone walls, protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Dingboche has about more than ten teahouses. Trek Distance: (5 Hours). Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous DAY 10-24 MAY: DINGBOCHE (ALTITUDE 4330M) A leisure day for a short hike around Dingboche where there are places where one can go for a short walk. The trek to Chhukhung 4,730m. is worthwhile and takes approx. 3-4 hours from Dingboche towards the east within the Imja tse Valley. Although the trek is gradual, you can feel the thin air as the altitude gains slowly coming towards Chhukhung. At Chhukhung, there are about five teahouses overlooking superb view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of Lhotse, Ama-Dablam and Imja glacier, Chhukhung is the last settlement in eastern Khumbu. DAY 11-25 MAY: DINGBOCHE TO LOBUCHE (ALTITUDE 4840M) From Dingboche the trail leads north and the path is gradual up for about 40-50 minutes as you come to a mani-prayer Stupa. From here the trail is gentle in the hard meadow looking down below Pheriche village. Today's walk offers beautiful view of the Mt.Tawache, Ama Dablam and to the north Pokalde 5,741m, Kongma-tse 5,820m and the great wall of Nuptse. From Thugla, an hours steep trek up brings you to the top, where you can view Mt.Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. The spot here is good place for a few minutes break after the strenuous climb. Close to this spot you can also see a number of memorial to the unfortunate climbers who died in expeditions around the mountain of this region. From here another 1 1/2 to 2 hours of gradual ascend brings you to Lobuche, Lobuche comes as a surprise, as its situated in the corner well-hidden and sheltered from the wind. Lobuche has about 5-6 Teahouses. Trek Distance: Approximately 9km (5 Hours). Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
DAY 12-26 MAY: LOBUJE TO GORAK SHEP (ALTITUDE 5160M) The first hour walk is gradual up the valley at the end of the grassy field and is just a short 20 minutes climb. The walk from here follows the rocky moraine path; as you walk you can see the icy-glacial pond and icebergs down below of Khumbu glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes a short downhill walk bring you to Gorakshep on the flat field below Kalapatthar 5,545m and Mt.Pumori 7,145m. Gorakshep has four teahouses, lodges. Trek Distance: Approximately 6km (5 Hours). Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous DAY 13-27 MAY: TREK TO EVEREST BASE CAMP (ALTITUDE 5364M) Today trek towards the final destination of this adventurous journey at the foot of Everest at Base Camp, near to its famed and notorious Khumbu Ice-fall. The path from here can be misleading so make sure to follow the lead Sherpa as every year the trail changes due to the movements of the glacier. The walk is quite strenuous due to the high altitude and thin air. The walk passes through over rocky dunes and moraine and streams, till you reach the base camp. Everest Base Camp is lively during the high expedition season. On reaching at the foot of number one, a great view of the Khumbu icefall awaits you. Trek Distance: Approximately 6km (3-4 Hours). Difficulty: Moderate DAY 14-28 MAY: REST DAY AT EVEREST BASE CAMP (ALTITUDE 5364M) A great spot to spend the day with the surrounding world's highest peaks, one can hear often the crackle of the glacier and of avalanches nearby, today we might have a practice race for a short distance after breakfast, with full attire for the race with numbers and company's issued T-Shirt. Afternoon time great numbers of people especially the Nepali runners will join up for the great event. DAY 15-29 MAY: RACE DAY (ALTITUDE 5364 DOWN TO 3446M) Early breakfast at 5:00 a.m. assemble at 6:00 a.m. with final briefing with the course route event starts at 6.30 a.m. (Subject to change, which will be notified at Base Camp). The run leads towards Gorakshep- Lobuche and to Thugla where the Dingboche trails branches off. From here the route climbs on the high side omitting the route of Pheriche. The route can be very windy here From Dingboche the run leads towards the east for 3 k.m. then turning around after finishing the loop of 3 by 3 k.m. At Dingboche a short run brings you to the bridge. After the bridge it is nearly downhill all the way with few ups to Pangboche and from here follow the mark route to Phortse onwards back to the woodlands and vegetation with an hour or more up hill to Na-La Then you descend towards Dole and Phortse Tenga with a strenuous uphill to Mong ridge where there is large Mani Stupa and back to Shanasha. Shanasha is where the trail from Khumjung, Gokyo and to Namche meets. From here the route follows on the main busy path, the walk winds all the way to Namche Bazaar on the downhill and gradual path. On reaching Namche Bazaar the finishing line and the end of this great world adventurous event where one will decorated with medals and certificate and trophy's and with overnight in the Lodge at Namche Bazaar.
DAY 16-30 MAY: REST DAY AT NAMCHE BAZAAR (ALTITUDE 2850M) A full deserved rest day to pull your tired muscle back to normal, and for the last hour souvenir shopping at Namche Bazaar. DAY 17-31 MAY: NAMCHE BAZAAR TO PHAKDING (ALTITUDE 2652M) After the hard time of the previous few days you begin with a slow morning breakfast, morning walk downhill to Dudh Kosi river then retrace the journey all the way to Phakding for the overnight stop. Trek Distance: Approximately (4-5 Hours). Difficulty: Easy to Moderate DAY 18-1 JUN: PHAKDING TO LUKLA (ALTITUDE 2860M) Last day of this great trekking will be one of the good walk to Lukla, you can walk at on your own normal pace, leisurely and enjoying the lush green scenery around. Apart from few short uphill the only long climb will be just before Lukla which will take about 40 minutes from a place called Choplung or from the old big oak tree. On reaching Lukla, prepare for the last day great dinner and a party with the fellow Sherpa crew, porters and trekking members. Trek Distance: (3-4 Hours). Difficulty: Moderate DAY 19-2 JUN: FLY LUKLA TO KATHMANDU The flight time to Kathmandu, are schedule for morning normally, because of the wind in the afternoon, sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reasons. Depending upon the flight time this scenic flight from Lukla takes about 30 minutes to Kathmandu, a panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks can be seen during the flight. At Kathmandu domestic terminal, our staff will receive and transfer you back to respective Hotels. DAY 20-3 JUN: DAY AT LEISURE IN KATHMANDU A free day in Kathmandu, please inform our staff if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley. DAY 21-4 JUN: TIME TO SAY FAREWELL Today as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket, and your passport handy. Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from this amazing country, Nepal. IMPORTANT: Internal flights and emergency: Flights to/from Lukla are sometimes disrupted by poor weather. You may be required to spend an extra night at the Event Hotel in Kathmandu before your trek if the flight to Lukla gets cancelled, or stay in Lukla at the end of your trek. If weather doesn t clear up by the third day alternate arrangements have to be made. Please keep this in mind when you arrange your dates for your international flights. Our dedicated staff at Travelling Fit will be able to assist you with booking your flights. Sometimes it is possible for helicopters to fly to Lukla when airplanes cannot. Helicopters can be chartered. Please purchase a suitable insurance scheme in this regard and keep your receipts safely for making a subsequent claim.