~ ~ Everest: "Because it's there! ~ ~

We relive the days of early Everest pioneers like George Mallory who said he was climbing Everest because it’s there.

We trek you through the paths trodden by Sir Edmund Hillary and your Sherpas on trek are the spiritual descendants of Tenzing Norgay who along with Hillary was the first team up the world’s highest mountain.

You walk to Everest through the Buddhist Khumbu where the only wheel is the ever-turning prayer wheel of an ancient faith. You will delight in Sherpa villages, walk thrilling Sherpa routes amongst the most magnificent scenery in the world.

You will meet monks and traders and climbers and happy carefree Sherpas who will welcome you because like Everest, you are there. We have variations on the itinerary that follows or we can tailor make one for you so that Everest becomes a 8000-meter delight that will remain with you always. Just as your guides and crew will become friends for life.

This program includes a full tented camp and all transportation food, and staff: a professional, English-speaking guide and Sherpas, cook and kitchen crew, trekking permits, park fees and taxes; Hotel, breakfasts, and sightseeing in Kathmandu. Teahouse Option available.

• Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu. Airport pickup, hotel check-in. Meet your guide.
• Day 2: Morning sightseeing and afternoon free with activity suggestions.
• Day 3: Pre-trek briefing with your guide. Afternoon sightseeing.
• Day 4: Fly to Lukla. Meet the crew and walk a couple of hours to camp at Phakding.
• Day 5: Continue along the river in the morning, entering the Sagarmatha National Park area. Then in the afternoon a steep, spectacular climb to Namche Bazaar, the fabled Sherpa town set in a horseshoe valley.
• Day 6: Acclimatization day in Namche. Explore this wonderful town and/or climb a bit in the hills above it for nice mountain views North towards Everest.
• Day 7: Contour high above the Dudh Kosi on an open, spectacular trail. Then descend sharply for lunch at Phunki where you will cross the river. Then a steep uphill walk to the fabled monastery at Thayngboche, set in a saddle and looking north to where Everest pokes its head out above Lhotse and Nuptse.
• Day 8: If the Rinpoche (reincarnate Lama) is receiving, you can pay him a brief visit and receive a blessing. Then press on to the north, past Pangboche where the "Yeti Scalp" which was the focus of the famous Edmund Hillary Yeti Expedition is located. Though the scalp was determined not to be a Yeti, it and the Pangboche monastery are still held in great reverence by the local people. Continue on an easy afternoon walk to Dingboche
• Day 9: Another rest day for altitude acclimatization, as Dingboche is just over 14,000 feet. Climbing the ridge behind the village to the hill called Dingboche Ri is good for the acclimatization. Alternately you can walk up the valley toward Chukung, or just rest!
• Day 10: Cross the ridge behind the village in the morning and begin the ascent of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The views of Pumori and Nuptse from Lobuje, where you will overnight, are just a small taste of what's in store in the morning!
• Day 11: On the trail at the crack of dawn following the moraine past the dry lake bed at Gorak Shep. Climb steadily but slowly to Kala Pattar (18,100 feet) for unbelievably fabulous views of Everest and all of the surrounding Himals. Stop for a lunch/snack on the way down, and then return to Lobuje for a well deserved, long night's sleep.
• Day 12: Another early start to cross the Cho La. The morning starts with a scrabble over a scree field which gives way to open rock and possibly some ice and snow. The pass at 17,777 feet is closed in and has no great views; but the ascent and descent are beautiful. Stay at Dzongla on the other side of the pass.
• Day 13: A short day on to Gokyo, a small, seasonal village set at the side of a pretty lake. In the afternoon rest or explore the lake area - you have another climb tomorrow!
• Day 14: Start again early in the morning to climb Gokyo Ri (17,984 feet) for more unbelievable views of Everest and now also Makalu, third highest peak in the world. This really feels like the top of the world! Back to Gokyo for another night.
• Day 15: A day of descent through a mixture of open land and, in the afternoon, forest. Stay in Dole which has more great views and is a very photogenic town.
• Day 16: A long day of downhill walking brings you back to Namche.
• Day 17: Down to Lukla, retracing the trail most of the way but climbing though a beautiful field of prayer flags and mantras painted on large boulders. Overnight in Lukla.
• Day 18: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu, return to your hotel. Remainder of the day free.
• Day 19: Free day in Kathmandu. And a margin in case of a cancelled flight.
• Day 20: Depart Kathmandu. We'll take you to the airport and assist with check-in.

Program Summary:

• 20 Days: Everest "Because It's There" Full Circuit, 5 days Kathmandu at the Everest Hotel or similar, 15 day trek, transportation, permits, fees.

Land Costs:

Peak Season:

• Starting any day of the year.

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Guest Comment:

• I thought that I'd let you know that I made it back home safely. Thanks again for everything, I had a wonderful time. You guys are the BEST!!!!!!!! Ty Velde - 1997 Guest