everest high places · everest from gokyo ri. photo uta purcell x a magnificent circuit of three...

High Places Ltd 1 Nepal: Everest High Places – a7

This information should answer some of your questions about the trip and give you a better idea of what we do day-to-day. It doesn’t hope to answer everything. If you have any questions please get in touch.

Everest from Gokyo Ri. Photo Uta Purcell

A magnificent circuit of three high passes in the Everest region

Optional high points: Chukkung Ri, Kala Pattar and Gokyo Ri

Visit Everest Base Camp

Flexibility in itinerary with easier options on some days

Good acclimatisation schedule

Lodge accommodation with friendly Sherpa hosts Nepal Nepal is a small country, wedged between India and Tibet (now occupied by China), and dominated by the Eastern Himalayas. Many of today’s trekking routes are ancient trade routes between India and Tibet. These and the porter skills of the mountain people are the main factors in allowing westerners access to the highest regions. Further south lie the foothills. Here a sub-tropical climate gives a colourful spectrum of rainforest, rice fields and tropical fruit trees. The lowlands of the Terai are hot and humid, with enough jungle to provide a home to tigers, elephants and rhinoceros which can be seen in the famous Chitwan National Park. This diverse geography has shaped an equally diverse kaleidoscope of cultures. The spiritual heritage influenced by

EVEREST HIGH PLACES


Tibetan Buddhism in the mountain regions and Hinduism elsewhere gives substance to peoples’ lives throughout Nepal, making them reverent, kind, hospitable and hard-working people. Trek details This is a challenging trek in the Everest region, starting with a spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla from where we take the main trail into the heart of Sherpa country. On the way, we pass through a number of villages, so there is a chance to see a little of the Sherpa way of life. There are multiple highlights offering stunning views of the Khumbu Icefall, the SW face of Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Island Peak, Cho Oyu and many many more Himalayan giants, as well as the opportunity to reach Everest Base Camp. The itinerary has been designed as a journey with optional extras. Completing the circuit is one objective and climbing Chukkung Ri, Kala Pattar and Gokyo Ri offers added highlights. Some of the pass crossings require good weather and favourable snow conditions and if there is bad weather we may need to make some changes to the itinerary or the route, however there is enough leeway within the itinerary to cope with this. Trip grade This trip has been graded ‘Tough’ due to the sustained nature of the trip and the altitude. If all the optional extras are included it is around the upper end of its grade and you will benefit from starting the trip with a good level of fitness. The demands of cold nights at altitude on the higher parts of the trail should not be underestimated. Lodge Treks In the popular areas where there are many lodges to choose from, we like to support the local people by sleeping in lodges rather than carrying in an independent camp. You will have more encounters with locals on a lodge trek than camping. Lodge have simple twin rooms with shared bathrooms and a heated dining area. Breakfast is included in the cost of the trip. Lunches and dinners can be paid for in the lodges and tea houses. Allow the Nepalese Rupee (NR) equivalent of US$25 -30 per person/day for daily food & drinks or more if you are a big eater, plus approx US$5-10/day for battery charge/wifi/showers on the trail - costs are generally higher as you ascend. Vegetarians will have a good choice, indeed it is normally best to avoid meat on the trail unless you are sure it has been freshly killed. As responsible travellers we ask that you avoid buying drinks in glass bottles or mineral water in plastic bottles on trek – both of which produce unwanted waste. You can easily treat the local water for drinking. NB: On the pass crossing there are no tea houses en route so you should carry some snacks – consider bringing some favourites from home or buy in Kathmandu - a ‘Snickers Bar’ at a high lodge could cost NR400 (over US$3.) Kathmandu In Kathmandu, we stay in a centrally located hotel (B&B) in or near the Thamel district giving you the chance to choose between many restaurants. You can buy a meal in Thamel for around US$15 excluding alcohol, more in an upmarket restaurant or a lot less in a local cafe. Luggage Your luggage will be carried by porters, max 12kg pp. All you have to carry is what you need for the day: waterproofs, fleece, hat, camera, water bottle etc. A trek bag (without wheels) is ideal for


your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for leaving travel clothes etc at the Kathmandu hotel. Climate Post monsoon weather in October/November/December is typically stable and dry with clear air, particularly in the Khumbu. It is warm enough during the day for light clothing but can be very cold at night – below -10º C at higher altitudes. Pre monsoon in March/April/May it is warmer during the day, especially at low altitudes. Rhododendrons bloom from February in the valleys through to early June higher up. Intermittent pre-monsoon showers and low altitude haze are possible, but the lack of other trekkers and the spring flowers at this time of year compensate for this. Cold nights and clear skies can still be expected at high altitude. Unexpected storms are possible at any time of year however so it’s important to have good personal gear. Sherpa boy Altitude Photo Phil Coates Above 3000m, the air is thinner, the pressure is lower and there is less oxygen available in the atmosphere. Acclimatisation is the process by which the body adapts to these conditions. The key to acclimatisation is a good itinerary with a gradual initial height gain, walking at a slow and steady pace, and increasing fluid intake – drinking at least 4 litres a day is advisable above 3000m. Many people have some minor side effects from altitude, such as headache, nausea or general lassitude. The optional use of ‘Diamox’ has proved useful for some people, as this drug can reduce these symptoms. You will be given more information on ‘Diamox’ with your Final Information, between 8 and 10 weeks before departure. Transport Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla take approx. 30 minutes, luggage allowance is 10kg pp plus 5kg hand luggage. Bad weather can sometimes affect flight schedules but our itinerary has been designed to handle some delays without affecting the quality of the trip. Language The national language is Nepali, which has similarities to Hindi. Your guide will speak good English. Porters and locals may speak enough English for simple conversations, but many will not so a few words of Nepali will help to increase mutual understanding. Health If you take care while in Nepal there should be no reason why you do not stay healthy. Frequent hand washing and care with drinking water is the key. Equipment and clothing A kit list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Down jackets and sleeping bags can be hired in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar. Tipping It is custom and practice to tip in Nepal. If you are happy with the service you should perhaps allow the equivalent of around US$130-140pp which would normally be given by the group at the end of the trek. More info will be provided closer to departure. Try to avoid giving sweets, biscuits, pens or cash to children or anyone who has not rendered a service. International Porter Protection Group High Places has been endorsed by I.P.P.G. This means that we have agreed to treat our porters fairly, and to provide medical attention for them if needed. Max load for trek bag is 15kg.


Visas Most nationalities will need a visa for Nepal – these can be obtained in advance or on arrival in Kathmandu. The current cost is US$50 for a 30 day visa. Extension Extend your trip with a visit to Chitwan National Park to see the elephants and one horned rhinos of the Terai. Ask for more details.

Everest and Nuptse from Kala Pattar. Photo Uta Purcell


DAY BY DAY ITINERARY This itinerary is flexible and should be seen as a guide only. Local conditions, weather or fitness could lead to changes in our daily plans. Walking times and distances are approximate. (B=Breakfast included) This trip is 24 days ex KATHMANDU. The first and last days refer to the days of arrival in and departure from KATHMANDU, and may not be the days you leave or return home. DAY 1 Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. DAY 2 Kathmandu and sightseeing.

Kathmandu (1527m) is a busy city full of contrasts and extremes. Temples, religious shrines and a way of life centuries old all mingle with the hustle and bustle of 20th century architecture, traffic and western influence. Half day city tour. Hotel. (B)

DAY 3 Phakding (2656m) Flight to Lukla (2850m). After meeting our porters and sorting out loads, we set off for

the village of Phakding. 3-4 hours. (B) DAY 4 Namche Bazaar (3440m)

We climb steadily on a winding path on the banks of the Dudh Kosi River, through villages and forests dwarfed by gigantic rock walls until a final pull brings us into Namche Bazaar. Namche is in a unique position surrounded by mountain ranges with colourful houses scattered in an amphitheatre of rock. (5-6 hours). Lodge. (B)

DAY 5 Namche Bazaar (3440m) Today there will be time to have a

look around Namche as well as walk to the villages of Khumjung and Khunde to visit the gompa built in 1831, Hillary’s first secondary school and Khunde hospital, built in 1966 by the Himalayan Trust. Lodge. (B) Namche Bazaar. Photo Uta Purcell

DAY 6 Deboche (3770m) After an initial climb, the track contours pleasantly high above the Dudh Kosi River,

with stunning views of Ama Dablam (6812m), Everest and Lhotse. From the village of Kangjuma, we descend to cross the Imja Khola River. We climb slowly through moss-bedecked birch and rhododendron woods to reach the hilltop monastery at Tyangboche, situated beneath Ama Dablam (6812m) amidst an incredible panorama of peaks and steep valleys. This monastery was destroyed in a fire in 1989 and damaged by the 2015 earthquake but has rebuilt and restored to its old, traditional splendour. There will be time to look around the monastery before we drop down through woods to Deboche. Lodge. (B)

DAY 7 Pheriche (4243m) From Deboche we climb gently past the rock and ice spire of Ama Dablam to the

traditional village of Pangboche (4000m) looking out for eagles, musk deer, thar and impeyan pheasants. There will be time to visit the famous Gompa, one of the most


ancient Tibetan monasteries in Nepal. Leaving Pangboche, a gradual climb leads to the village of Pheriche surrounded by fields of potato and buckwheat, where there is a medical post run by the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA). Lodge (B)

DAY 8 Dingboche (4360m) Time for a look around Pheriche and perhaps a visit to the medical post before we set off. Today is an acclimatisation day so we don’t move far. An easy climb up to the ridge dividing the two villages reveals amazing views including Makalu, Ama Dablam and Island Peak. Those feeling strong can climb the ridge towards Nangkartshang Peak (5100m) for even better views and good acclimatisation. We descend to our lodge at Dingboche. (B)

DAY 9 Chukkung (4700m We follow a good track up the Imja Khola towards the village of Chukkung, with Island

Peak looming directly ahead. (Approx 3 hours). Take it gently in the afternoon – by now you will feel the altitude. There are great photographic opportunities from here and you can wander up the valley towards Island Peak. Lodge. (B)

Memorial above Dingboche. Photo Jan Arnold DAY 10 Chukkung (4700m) Today we climb Chukkung Ri (5417m) for a stunning panorama dominated by

Makalu. There are also good views from half way so you’ll still get the views even if you run out of puff. 4-5 hours. Don’t tire yourself out as tomorrow is a big day. Lodge. (B)

DAY 11 Lobouche (4950m) If the weather is good and we’re feeling fit, we will head for Lobuche via Kongma La

or ‘The Pass of the Snowcock’ (5535m). The route follows grassy slopes towards the pass past a series of beautiful lakes. After crossing the pass, the final section is a rocky descent across scree slopes towards the small collection of lodges at Lobuche. This is a long and challenging day, and only to be attempted by those who are feeling strong and have acclimatised well. If in doubt it will be better to join the porters on the


shorter route to Lobouche via Dingboche and Duglha – indeed we will all take the latter route unless conditions are perfect. Approx 9 hours via Kongma La or 7 hours on lower route. Lodge. (B)

DAY 12 Gorak Shep (5170m) An early start for Gorak Shep. We follow the main trail over moraine beside the

Khumbu Glacier and arrive at the tiny settlement in 2-3 hours. After lunch and a rest, there is an option to continue on to Everest Base Camp (5400m) before returning to our lodge at Gorak Shep. (B)

DAY 13 Lobouche (4950m) Early morning often gives clear weather on Kala Pattar (5545m) and the 2-3 hour

climb is well rewarded by views of Everest’s magnificent southwest face and the Khumbu Icefall. We descend to Lobouche for the night (approx 3-4 hours). Lodge. (B)

DAY 14 Dzongla (4850m) From Lobouche we retreat back down the valley, turning off the main route on a

traversing trail that leads to our next lodge at Dzongla, the starting point of the next challenge. (B)

Emily on Cho La DAY 15 Tragnak (4700m) We head up a quiet valley below the dramatic north face of Cholatse (6440m)

towards Cho La (5420m). The route gets steeper with some rocky scrambling. After crossing a small glacier to reach the pass, we descend, at first on rocky slabs then crossing a couple of ridges to drop down to our next lodge at Tragnag (4700m). A tough day. (Approx 6 hours depending on conditions). Lodge. (B)

DAY 16 Gokyo (4790m)

A short day today as we cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach Gokyo in time for lunch. Lodge. (B)


DAY 17 Gokyo (4790m) This is a great place to stay for two nights

– it’s beautiful, Goyko Ri (5340m) beckons, a 2-3 hour climb and there is also a great day walk up towards Tibet and Cho Oyu past frozen lakes. However if there have been any delays on the trip so far this could become a spare day as there is time to climb Gokyo Ri on the day of arrival. Lodge. (B)

Gokyo. Photo Uta Purcell DAY 18 Lungden (4300m)

From Gokyo we skirt the lake and head up on a rocky path then across slabs to reach Renjo La (5417m) in about 3 hours. It’s quite different to the view from Gokyo Ri and on this, our final pass crossing, we can take time to enjoy the grand array of vast Himalayan giants all around us. All too soon it will be time to drop down, steeply at first, towards the Bhote Khosi River and our next lodge at Lungden. Lodge. (B)

DAY 19 Namche Bazaar (3440m) An easy walk down the valley past fields of potatoes to the traditional village of Thame where there will be time to visit the beautiful 300 year old Gompa. This used to be a busy trading route between Nepal and Tibet but the border is now closed. After lunch in Thame, we cross the Bhote Koshi River and continue down the valley, with a final climb to reach Namche and (we hope!) a hot shower. Lodge. (B)

DAY 20 Phakding (2656m) We retrace steps down the valley following the Dudh Kosi River past the villages of Jorsale and Monjo to our lodge at Phakding. 5-6 hours. (B)

DAY 21 Lukla (2850m) It’s a joy to see so much growing in the fields after being up high. The sting in the tail is a fair amount of climbing today, however by now we are fit and acclimatised, and it’s so much easier than on the way up! We look forward to a last evening of Sherpa hospitality. 3 hours. (B)

DAY 22 Kathmandu Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. (B) DAY 23 Kathmandu A final day in Kathmandu – perhaps visit Swayambunath – ‘The Monkey Temple’ or

do some final shopping. This is also a spare day in case of a delayed flight from Lukla. (B)

DAY 24 Depart Kathmandu Transfer to the airport in time for your flight, visit Chitwan or continue with your own

arrangements. (B) ML 11/19

everest high places · everest from gokyo ri. photo uta purcell x a magnificent circuit of three...

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