YamaTreks.com Trekking in the magic Himalayas
- EVEREST BASE CAMP - KALA PATTAR
- MUSTANG: THE HIDDEN KINGDOM
EVEREST BASE CAMP - KALA PATTAR
Style of Trek: Tea house/ Camping
Grade: Strenuous
INTRODUCTION
Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world, is located in the Khumbu Region of Nepal. It is the homeland of the Himalayan Sherpa people and their fascinating Buddhist culture. After a spectacular flight from Kathmandu flying over towering mountains, the trek begins at Lukla and progresses slowly towards the beautiful village of Namche Bazaar, which we reach on day 2 of the trek. After a rest/acclimatization day, we follow the trail trodden by the climbers of Mt. Everest, take to the base camp. The next stop is Thyangboche where we camp and visit the monastery. We continue hiking up this trail, camping at Dingboche (2 nights) and Lobuche. At Gorak Shep we turn off the base camp trail and hike up to the peak of Kala Pattar at 18,450 ft. The majestic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse make this trek a memorable one.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU. If you are flying through Bangkok, the flights usually arrive around midnight. The Amari Hotel at the airport is convenient. Take the morning flight to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Flight time is 3.5 hours. Just before landing in Kathmandu you will catch your first glimpse of the mighty Himalayas. You will be met after clearing immigration and driven to the Vajra Hotel, which is situated on a hill above the Thamel district of Kathmandu. We will then meet with the local trekking company for orientation and last minute questions. You have the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax and explore Kathmandu.
DAY 2: REST DAY IN KATHMANDU. A good day to rest up from the international flight, adjust to the jet lag, and purchase any last minute items for the trek. This day provides a cushion in case you experience flight delays or lost luggage. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Thamel. Climb the 300 stone steps amid the monkeys to the great stupa of Swayambhunath.
DAY 3: FLY TO LUKLA, TREK TO PHAKDING. The 40 minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla offers amazing views of the tallest mountains in the world. After landing at the 9,300 foot high airstrip, we meet our trekking crew and head out for the half day walk to Phakding. The trail follows the steep sided Dudh Kosi valley, passing through forests of blue pine, birch, oak, juniper, and rhododendron. We descend to the village of Chaplung and then on to Thado Kosi where we cross the bridge over the Kusum Khola. The next village is Ghat (or bridge in Nepali). We hike up the Dudh Kosi river to Phakding, 8,660 ft, where we camp for the night.
DAY 4 : TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR. At Phakding we cross the river and continue up the valley through the villages of Zamphute, Totok, Bemkar, and Chumoa. Each village is dotted with teahouses, small shops and lodges. After a few hours we reach the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park just outside of Monjo at 9200 ft. Park permits will be checked and then we will hike down to a long suspension bridge across the river. At the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi the trail crosses another long and high suspension bridge. Now begins a steep hike to Namche. From the ridge you catch the first views of Everest. We finally reach Namche at 11, 300 feet for a well deserved rest.
DAY 5: ACCLIMATIZE IN NAMCHE. This prosperous town is the gateway to the Khumbu. It is surrounded by three majestic mountains: Khumbila to the north; Kwangde Ri to the west; and Thamnserku to the east. There is plenty to do in Namche. A pleasant walk up to the National Park Information Center to view Mt. Everest can be combined with a visit to the Namche Monastery. An optional scenic day hike to Thame to visit the monastery there can be arranged.
DAY 6: TREK TO THYANGBOCHE. As we leave Namche we can visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum and view the photographs of past ascents of Everest in the adjoining hotel. From Namche the main trail is high above the river and fairly level. We come to the village of Kyangjuma where the panoramic views are outstanding. The top of Mt. Everest is visible above the Lhotse Ridge with the impressive Ama Dablam to the right. We pass through the village of Sanasa and soon begin the descent to the bridge across the Dudh Kosi. You might see pheasant and Himalayan Thar (wild goats), but they are more plentiful on the other side of the river. The trail crosses the suspension bridge at Phunki Tenga (10,600 ft). The walk up the hill to Thyangboche passes through forest and shrub. The entrance to Thyangboche (12,700 ft.) is through an arched kani, whose purpose is to cleanse people of the many feared spirits before entering this sacred area. In addition to the impressive monastery, a Sherpa Cultural Center shares the meadow where we will be camping. The monastery is open to visitors.
DAY 7: TREK TO DINGBOCHE . Upon leaving the camp, we descend through a beautiful forest to Deboche where there is a nunnery. After crossing a narrow little gorge on a short suspension bridge over the Imja Khola, we follow the main trail up to Pangboche. The trail passes walls of mani stones and rises above the tree line to Pangboche at 13,000 ft. The oldest Sherpa monastery in the Khumbu is located here. It was established around 1660. Soon the canyon widens into alpine meadows and the trail passes the yak herding areas of Shomare and Orsho. The route to Dingboche veers to the right after Orsho and descends to a bridge and then on up to Dingboche at 14,270 ft.
DAY 8: REST/ACCLIMATIZE IN DINGBOCHE. Another all important acclimatization day above 14,000 ft. A half day hike up to Nangkartshang peak will help to acclimatize, as well as provide spectacular views of Ama Dablam and the other nearby peaks.
DAY 9: TREK TO LOBUCHE. We hike up over the ridge and follow a gently climbing path until we descend to the bridge at Thuklha at 15,000 ft. After Thuklha, the hill becomes steep. At the crest there are many memorials to Sherpas and climbers who did not return from Everest. The stupendous views are the reward for this tough ascent. From here the trail climbs gently to Lobuche at 16,200 ft. At this altitude the nights can drop well below freezing, but when the sun comes up, the mornings should be pleasant. Mt. Everest is hidden from view by the impressive Nuptse.
DAY 10: DAY TREK TO KALA PATTAR. The trail continues up the valley, rising gently at first and then twisting and turning through the rough moraine of the Kangri glacier. The trail then smooths out as it nears Gorak Shep. Here we turn off the main trail to the Everest base camp which is another 3 hours farther. There are no good views of Everest from the base camp. We begin the ascent of Kala Pattar, or Black Rock in Hindi. Upon reaching the summit, and out of breath, we are rewarded with breath-taking views of Everest, the Khumbu ice fall, Lhotse, and Nuptse. There are incredible views in every direction. After taking it all in, we descend back to Lobuche.
Day 11: TREK TO THYANGBOCHE. Coming down is a breeze compared to the hike up. Instead of returning through Dingboche, we continue on down the valley through Pheriche to lower Pangboche and then on to Thyangboche.
Day 12: TREK TO NAMCHE. We retrace our steps to the village of Sanasa, where the path splits. Those who want to return to Namche by the quicker and easier route can take the same route as we took on the way up. Those who are up for more adventure can take the path that climbs up to the villages of Khumjung and Khunde. We can visit the Khumjung Monastery which houses the last remaining yeti scalp in the Khumbu. In the adjoining village of Khunde we can visit the hospital that was established by the Himalayan Trust in 1966. We then descend to the abandoned airstrip at Syangboche and down into Namche. It is possible to get a hot shower here. Pick up those last minute bargains.
DAY 13: TREK TO LUKLA.This is a long day, but it is the last day of the trek, and the last night in a tent.
DAY 14: FLY TO KATHMANDU. Check back into the Vajra Hotel. Wash away the glacier silt in the hot showers. Sleep in a bed.
DAY 15 : DEPART KATHMANDU ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT.
Land COST : on Request
What’s Included
- All Accommodation in KTM with breakfast.
- Tea House /Camping accommodation as per the program with all meals during the treks.
- All monastery entrance fee, wild life fee and Camping fee
- English-speaking guide in monasteries and in the safari.
- Service of cook and attendants .
- All Camping equipment including
- All Transportation from pick up from KTM Airport to Airport.
What’s not included :
Medical and evacuation insurance
Miscellaneous expenses and tipping to the staff
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks & food in KTM
Air ticket to and from Delhi.
A single supplement
Laundry and other services not mentioned in the package. If you need any arrangement Please let us know.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Whilst every effort is made to keep to the above itinerary, clients will hopefully appreciate that this is Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region. There will quite likely be changes to the itinerary in terms of anything from on-the-spot choice of campsite . Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns, The guide will do everything in his power to see that you are inconvenienced as little as possible in such circumstances.
MUSTANG: THE HIDDEN KINGDOM
Style : camping
Grade : 10 days strenuous treking
MUSTANG: Journey to Lo Manthang, the kingdom of “Lo,” as Nepal's Mustang region was once known, occupies the southern fringes of the Tibetan plateau, a high and desolate country where variegated rocks, shadows of passing clouds, and a few cultivated fields provide interesting color and contrast. Long isolated from the outside world, this region is one of the few places in the world that until only recently was inaccessible to outsiders. This isolation has helped maintain a way of life almost unchanged for centuries. Culturally and historically very close to Tibet, Mustang was an independent feudal kingdom with strong monastic traditions, and thrived on its control of trading routes connecting Tibet with Nepal and the Indian plains. When Nepal opened its borders to tourists, trekkers, and mountaineers in the early 1950s, political events to the north caused Mustang to remain isolated. The revolution in Tibet caused trade routes to be closed, and Mustang, along with other remote spots along the northern Himalaya, became an area of conflict between the Tibetan resistance movement (predominantly the Khampas of Eastern Tibet) and the Chinese military.
This came to an abrupt halt in the late 1970s when the Chinese persuaded Nepal to stop allowing this activity and the U.S. government withdrew its active support for the Tibetan resistance movement. In February 1992, the democratic government of Nepal, in agreement with the wishes of the people of Mustang, opened the area to a limited number of tourists, and the revenues from special trekking fees finance some development projects. Join us on our journey to this once “forbidden” kingdom. Our trek begins with a flight to Jomsom (8,898').Heading higher, we climb a series of canyons, ridges, and passes, and discover caves replete with magnificent religious statues and ruins of old forts before entering the ancient capital city of Lo Manthang, untouched since the 14th century. As you make your way through this secluded land, you’ll pass brightly painted chortens (Buddhist shrines) and tiny villages guarded by enormous monasteries. Vistas include unusual and arresting views of the snowcovered Himalaya to the south, and desolate high plateaus, deep canyons, and an ocean of windswept hills the colors of a desert sunset to the north.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU,
Arrive in Kathmandu Yama Adventures representative will meet you outside the customs and immigration area at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Afternoon briefing regarding trek arrangements and a general orientation to Kathmandu. Vajara Hotel
DAY 2: KATHMANDU – POKHARA
We visit Bhaktapur and Patan. Morning tour of Bhaktapur, which has preserved its ancient character and does a wonderful job of displaying medieval Nepalese town life. In the late afternoon, we fly to Pokhara (909m/3,000ft'), a lively town set beside Phewa Lake with fantastic views of the Annapurna Range. B…Hotel Phewa Resort
DAY 3: JOMSOM – KAGBENI (2793m/9,217')
We take an early morning mountain flight (weather permitting) from Pokhara up the Kali Gandaki Gorge between the peaks of Dhaulagiri (26,788') and Annapurna (26,538') to land at the small airstrip at Jomsom (2696m/8,898ft), After we disembark, meet the Sirdar and crew the porters, Sherpa guides, and pack animals for the trek. We begin hiking along the bank of the Kali Gandaki River, passing through Eklebhatti (9,046') to the medieval-looking village of Kagbeni , The arid climate, mud-walled houses, and Tibetan dress and language are indications of how closely this area is linked with Tibet.
(3-4 hours hiking.) B,L,D…Camp
DAY 4: CHELE (3011m/9,938ft') 7 hours ,
we go through the police check post. After that we pass the sign saying “restricted area” and enter the forbidden kingdom of Mustang. High water often dictates a high trail on the east bank of the Kali Gandaki to Tangbe (9,610'), where we have our first views of the uniquely colored chortens and architecture found in Mustang. We continue to Chhuksang (9,578'), which is at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Narshing Khola. Heading north we cross the Kali Gandaki and a short climb brings us to our campsite at the large Tibetan village of Chele. B,L,D…Camp
DAY 5: Geling (3578m/11,808ft) 8-9 hours ,
we climb up to Samar (10,791') on a good trail that is not unlike the hike winding up and around from the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Samar is a trading post–type oasis in poplar trees amid the arid landscape of Mustang. We have an early lunch then a four-hour afternoon hike with three high ridges to ascend, the highest one at 12,464 feet. We pass some teahouses at Shyangmochen (11,972'), then continue to Geling. This day is possibly the hardest day of the trek. B,L,D…Camp
DAY 6: CHARANG (3498m/11,546ft) 7-8 hours,
Cross the 12,956-foot Nyi La pass (the highest point on this trek) and descend to the village of Ghemi (11,283').After lunch we cross the Dhakmar Chu River on a suspension bridge, pass one of the most impressive and longest mani wall in Nepal, climb another high ridge of 11,808 feet, and enter the ancient town of Charang. Note the fivestory dzong (fortress), formerly the home of the kings of Mustang, and the vast red Dorje Dhen Gompa as we pass through the picturesque entry portal. We will visit the monastery and fortress later in the evening. B,L,D…Camp
DAY 7: LO MANTHANG (3756m/12,398ft)
Today we descend to cross the Charang Chu River and climb to a ridge. We then hike through a desert-like landscape to climb again to a ridge at 12,628 feet from where we get our first view of Lo Manthang, We descend for a while and then a short climb brings us to camp. B,L,D…Camp
DAY 8: LO MANTHANG,
A day to explore Lo Mangthang, including visits to two important monasteries built in the early 15th century. Thugchen Gompa has very fine Buddhist murals on the walls of its massive assembly hall, which is supported by huge wooden columns. Champa Lhakhang contains a fifty-foot-tall image of Maitreya, the future Buddha, making it the largest clay statue in Nepal. Both monasteries are restored now by a team of Conservation Architects and Wall Painting Restorers with the help of the American Himalayan Foundation, who funded the project. We also visit the
Choedhe monastic school and the imposing four-story Raja’s palace (if he is in residence). The current Raja can trace his ancestry back to the first king of the late 14th century, which suggests Lo Manthang dates back to that period. Note—The PBS series Nova has made a documentary called The Lost Treasures of Tibet. The movie serves to make people aware of Mustang and the restoration projects of this fragile area. B,L,D…Camp
DAY 9: TREK TO GHEMI (3419m/11,283ft)
we take a high loop southwest and have lunch outside Ghar Gompa . Ghar Gompa is the oldest active monastery in Nepal, dating back to the 8th century. It is also being restored with the funding of the American Himalayan Foundation and well worth a visit. From here we climb to a ridge and descend through a spectacular series of red rock formations at Dhakmar (12,300'). We continue to Ghemi to camp, one hour beyond Dhakmar. (7-8 hours hiking.)B,L,D…Camp
DAY 10: SAMAR (3270m/10,791ft)
We re-cross the Nyi La pass and descend steeply, bypassing Geling, to Tama Gaon. Rejoining the main trail here we continue to Shyangmochen for lunch and over three passes to Samar. (6-7 hours hiking.)B,L,D…Camp
DAY 11: Kagbeni (2793m/9,217ft) 6-7 hours
Retracing our steps we follow the trail to Chele and cross the Kali Gandaki River. Return to Kagbeni, passing through the villages of Chhuksang and Tangbe. B,L,D…Camp
DAY 12: JOMSOM (2696m/8,898ft)3-4 hours
We trek back south through a wide, windswept valley on the left bank of the Kali Gandaki River to Jomsom. B,L,D…Camp
DAY 13: RETURN TO KATHMANDU
Fly from Jomsom to Kathmandu Transfer to hotel. B…Vajara Hotel
DAY 14: KATHMANDU
we’ll have a morning tour of the Hindu shrines at Pashupatinath on the Bagmati River and the large Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath, center of the Tibetan Buddhist culture in Kathmandu. The afternoon is free to relax or do some last minute shopping or sightseeing on your own. Farewell dinner with the group at a local restaurant. BD Vajara Hotel
DAY 15: FLY HOME
Transfer to airport. Leave Kathmandu on homeward-bound flights.B…
LAND COST
What’s Included
$700 per person Nepal Government Permit Fee (must be paid in cash directly to government officials in
Kathmandu)
$265 per person internal airfare (Kathmandu/Jomsom/Kathmandu—subject to change. Yama Adventures will book and issue these tickets for you.)
- All Accommodation in KTM with breakfast.
- Tea House /Camping accommodation as per the program with all meals during the treks.
- All monastery entrance fee, wild life fee and Camping fee
- English-speaking guide in monasteries and in the safari.
- Service of cook and attendants .
- All Camping equipment including
- Mustang fee
- All Transportation from pick up from KTM Airport to Airport.
What’s not included :
Medical and evacuation insurance
Miscellaneous expenses and tipping to the staff
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks & food in KTM
Air ticket to and from Delhi.
A single supplement
Laundry and other services not mentioned in the package. If you need any arrangement Please let us know.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Whilst every effort is made to keep to the above itinerary, clients will hopefully appreciate that this is Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region. There will quite likely be changes to the itinerary in terms of anything from on-the-spot choice of campsite . Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns, The guide will do everything in his power to see that you are inconvenienced as little as possible in such circumstances.
Email: namgial@yamatreks.com and/or namgial@gmail.com