Trip facts:
Difficulty :***
Fixed date:
Arrival to Kathmandu: 9th Nov 2008
Trek Start date: 11th Nov 2008
Departure from Kathmandu: 24th Nov 2008
And
Arrival to Kathmandu: 9th March2009
Trek Start date: 11th March 2009
Departure from Kathmandu: 24th March 2009
AND
Arrival to Kathmandu: 9th oct 2009
Trek Start date: 11th oct 2009
Departure from Kathmandu: 24th oct 2009
ITINERARY :
Day 1: Arriving in Kathmandu transfer to Hotel.
You arrive in Kathmandu and transferred to the hotel. Welcome Drinks followed by a pre-trek briefing will be given by the group leader in the evening. He will discuss the trekking program and co-ordinate arrangements for the next couple of days. Rest of the evening will be free; you can have dinner (cost not included) and a good night sleep.
Day 2: Full Day Sight seeing of Kathmandu valley.
Kathmandu is a fascinating town to explore – full of life, character, ancient sites and inexpensive shopping. Take the opportunity to explore the many sites of Kathmandu and Patan. There are various UNESCO World Heritage sites, including major Hindu and Buddhist temples. The Swayambhu Stupa usually boasts monkeys and snake charmers and a lovely view over the town.
In the evening we will have a Trek Beriefing in the Hotel. And all the trek packs must be ready and excess baggage stored at the hotel.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Lukla/Phakding (4 hrs)
After an early breakfast you fly to Lukla, the starting point of the trek. Commence trekking along the hillside ridges, down to Dudh Khola (river) and then on to Phakding, a lovely little riverside village, for the night.
Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (5 hrs, steep sections)
Continue along picturesque riverside paths to Jursale and then a steep climb to Chautara where you should get your first views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. Then you cross a magnificent suspension bridge high over the river and continue ascending to the famous village, Namche Bazaar, capital of Sherpa land.
Day 5: Namche Bazaar (rest day to acclimatize)
Explore this interesting village. There is good shopping, a real Tibetan market, a Sherpa museum, and even a nightclub. If the group is full of energy and well acclimatised, you can also trek on to the next village, Khumjung, or trek further up the mountain to take in the good view of Everest and its adjacent peaks, as well as the village of Khumjung. The towering peaks close to Namche are Konde (6187m) on the southern side and Kusum Kangguru (6569m) and Thamserku (6808m) on the eastern side.
Day 6: Namche to Phortse (4 hrs steadily upward)
This portion of the trail is very beautiful, traversing along a cliff-side trail, which allows magnificent views of many peaks, principally Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7896m), Amadablam (6856m), Thamserku (6808m), and Kusum Kangguru (6569m). It is an upward trek to Mongla, our lunch stop, which provides more lovely views. After lunch you continue across and up to Phortse.
Day 7: Phortse to Pangboche (4 hrs)
From Phortse you trek to Pangboche (3860m), the highest year-round settlement in the valley. Across the deep valley you can view the monastery village of Thangboche and the magnificent peak of Amadablam further on.
Day 8: Pangboche to Pheriche (4 hrs easy)
From Pangboche the route enters alpine meadows above the tree line. Most of the vegetation is scrub juniper, tundra and wild flowers including edelweiss. You pass several yak herder’s goths and huts and then descend to Khumbu Khola (river) crossing the bridge into Pheriche (4240m). Amadablam is now very close. If you are up to it and well acclimatised, consider climbing the steep hill to the left of the village up to the snow line with one of the Sherpa guides (approximately 2–3 hrs return). From this vantage point the peak is very, very close and truly awesome. In front of, and hiding, Everest is the jagged Lhotse wall and then Nuptse Peak. A trekker’s post is at Pheriche, which has American volunteer doctors who specialise in altitude sickness and also give lectures every afternoon.
Day 9: Pheriche to Dingboche (1 hr easy then rest day)
Cross over to the next valley to the high alpine village of Dingboche (4580m), which is the highest altitude for this trek, excepting if you climb the adjacent hills, which would take you up to approximately 4800 to 5000m. Time to explore this lovely village and to relax in the very comfortable teahouse. The mountainside above Dingboche offers excellent views across the valley towards the Tibetan Chinese border; an alpine wilderness of mountains and glaciers.
The mountain directly in front is called Island Peak (6189m), and indeed it does look like an island jutting up from the centre of the valley. This peak is one of the easiest and safest to climb in the region and hence we organise climbing expeditions there. Behind Island Peak and directly on the border is the towering Maklu Peak (8463m). Also located on this mountainside are three Buddhist retreats, humble little stone dwellings nestled in the rocky cliffs where monks can retreat for a time of isolated meditation. You have ample time to explore these and the added views are well worth it. Myths and legends abound here, regarding Buddhist mysticism and the Yetis!
Day 10: Dingboche to Thyangboche (3870m) (4-5 hrs easy +)
Head down the trail, meeting up with the main trail going to Pangboche. After Pangboche you cross a suspension bridge over a spectacular rushing river to reach the other bank. Then we ascend a steep trail through a beautiful forest of rhododendron, pine and deer until we reach the lovely peak where Thyangboche Monastery and village are situated. Enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the peaks, particularly Everest. This is deemed to be one of the most magnificent viewpoints in the world!! Take the chance to visit the beautiful and elaborate monastery.
Day 11: Thyangboche to Namche Bazaar (5 hrs easy)
Head down the mountain using a different, but still beautiful, trail. You pass through the villages of Phungi Thangga and Sanasa, a settlement inhabited by Tibetans who will tempt you with their display of souvenirs and metalwork. Continue on down to Namche, stopping for lunch along the way at a cliff-side tearoom where you can relax for a while in the sunshine and soak up the views.
Day 12: Namche to Phakding (5 hrs easy +)
Return down the steep mountain path and across the gorge at Dudh Kosi. Lunch again at Monjo, and than on to Phakding for the night.
Day 13: Phakding to Lukla (4 hrs easy+)
The trail from Phakding to Lukla follows the route as far as Choblung and then turns off above the village of Chaurikharka towards Lukla. There will be a special farewell party/dinner tonight to commemorate the trek, the mountains, and your new friends (both Aussie and Sherpa). Please put on your dancing shoes and singing vocals so that we can entertain each other and have a good time!! The Sherpas normally show us a bit of their culture too. Say goodbye to the Sherpa crew and please show your appreciation to them by tipping generously.
Day 14: Lukla to Kathmandu
After a leisurely breakfast you take the flight back to Kathmandu. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 15: Kathmandu
Day at leisure in Kathmandu for Shopping and final Packing followed by a farewell dinner.
Day 16: International Departure to own destination
Remember to keep aside 1700 rupees for the departure tax which must be paid at the money exchange booth in the departure hall prior to ticket check-in.
Cost analysis
2 – 4 pax: USD 877 per person
5 – 7 pax: USD 788per person
8 – 10: pax: USD 699 per person
Above 10 pax: USD 655 per person
Cost Include
Arrival welcome flower garlands – transfer to hotel
Welcome drink in Hotel and meeting with office Manger
3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu on BB basis
Full day sight seeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide
Full accommodation and Meals during the trek
Food & accommodation during the trek for the staffs
Above mention staffs daily wages, allowance and insurance
Trekking permit & national park fee
Domestic flights ( Kathmandu – Lukla, Lukla – Kathmandu)
All the ground transportation for arrival and departure
Kit bags
Cost does not include:
Personal insurance
Lunch and dinner during Kathmandu Hotel stay
Alcoholic bottled beverages
Airport Taxes
Emergency rescue evacuation if required
Extra porters if any
Personal nature expenses.
Telephone and laundry bills.
Staff tips
Gratitude etc.
More details:
ADVENTURE SHERPA TRAILS PTE.
Boudha -6, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel ; 00977-4820077
Cell: 00977-9841850953
Www.sherpaexpedition.com
www.mustang-trekking.com
email: info@sherpaexpedition.com
Gokyo Valley is considered a traditional trek that offers magnificent views of the mountain peaks and the Ngozumpa Glacier- the largest in the Nepal Himalayas. The image of this region is associated with the soaring views of the most popular mountains in Nepal, at an altitude of 8000m such as Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu which are clearly visible from Gokyo Ri above Gokyo Lake. One of the most remarkable features is the view of the tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung (2922m) located in Khumbu region.
