Trails of Everest

Everest, the roof of the world, to see at least once in your life! Departing from Lukla, a splendid and original loop: Namche Bazaar, the animated capital in sherpa country, Thame valley, closed to trekkers for a long time, millennium caravans' way, Sundur Peak (17,156 feet), easy view-point with an unforgettable panorama, a unique view on the Everest mountain from Kongde lodge... and, all along, balcony paths and herds of yaks. An exceptional voyage in the midst of these grandiose mountains.

• Day 1/  Arrive in Kathmandu
• Day 2/  Visit Kathmandu valley
• Day 3/  Flight to Lukla (9,350 feet) - beginning of the trek - Phakding  (8,530 feet)  
• Day 4/  Phakding - Namche Bazar (11,286 feet)
• Day 5/  Namche Bazar - Everest View
• Day 6/  Namche Bazar - Thame (12,533 feet)
• Day 7/  Sumdur Ridge (15,846 feet)
• Day 8/  Thame - Kongde (13,944 feet) - Kongde Ridge
• Day 9/  Farak  Ri (15,256 feet)
• Day 10/  Kongde - Phakding - Lukla (9,350 feet)
• Day 11/  Flight Lukla - Kathmandu 
• Day 12/  Reserve day Kathmandu 
• Day 13/  Depart from Kathmandu.

Everest, the roof of the world, to see at least once in a lifetime! All in under two weeks... Departure from Lukla, a magnificent loop, totally original : Namche Bazar, the animated capital of Sherpa country,  Thame Valley, closed to trekkers for a long time, millennium caravans' way, Sumdur Ridge (15,846 feet), easy view point with a  unforgettable panorama, unique view of Lothse, Everest and Ama Dablam from the Kondge lodge ... And then, throughout, balcony paths and herds of yaks. A dream vacation in the heart of these great mountains.

Day 1/  Arrival Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu. Settle in at the Yak and Yeti 5 stars. Hotel for two nights. Some time available for a short visit of the city.

Day 2/  Kathmandu valley
Visit the most beautiful sites of the Kathmandu valley, accompanied by an Anglophone Nepalese guide which who will assist you in discovering the Bouddhanath Buddhist temples (largest Stupa, religious monument, of the valley), the Hindu Holy City of Pashupati Nath (cremations), and Bhaktapur, a live museum of a medieval city.

Day 3/  Kathmandu  - Lukla (9,350 feet) - Phakding (8,530 feet)
At the start of the morning, take-off from Kathmandu to Lukla, splendid view on the Himalayas. This village is the entry door to the high Khumbu valley; the vibrating life of Kathmandu is far away now... Beginning of the trek, on the "Everest Highway" path, which, deep in the valley, leads to the highest summits on Earth. Settle in in Phakding. Possibility of supplementing the day by discovering the Gompa (monastery) of Sano Gomila Rimjing.
3 H walk + 1 H (optional).

Day 4/  Phakding - Namche Bazar (11,286 feet)
Right bank, left bank of the Dudh Kosi river, our pathway cut in rock, bordering cultures, climbing abruptly to Namche Bazar, capital of Sherpa country.  Many small trades, Tibetans souvenirs, Saturday market. Lodge.
5/6 H walk

Day 5/  Namche Bazar - Everest View
Day of discovering villages overhanging the capital of Sherpa country. Ascend through a small forest towards Syangboche. At this height, our first discovery of the Ama Dablam, Everest and Lothse mountains and the entire high valley of Khumbu. Passage to Khumjung, Khunde. Possibility to visit Khumjung Hillary High School and Khunde Hospital: these two establishments were built at the initiative of Sir Edmund Hillary, who has done a lot for the region during all his life. (Edmund Hillary, NZ, and his Sherpa guide Tensing Norgay were the first men to reach Earth's highest point: the summit of Mount Everest in the Himalayas, May 29th 1953.)
5 to 6 H walk. Possibility of a more "quiet" day, if you wish.

Day 6/  Namche Bazar - Thame (12,533 feet)
Leaving Namche, the balcony path crosses pine and rhododendron forests and passes by many small villages. This area of Nepal, apart from the valley which leads to Everest, is less frequented  by trekkers, and guarantees you a stronger authenticity. Noteworthy "animal life", musky deer, deer musky, pheasant, tars (ant eaters)... Cross over the Bhote Koshi river. Settle in for two nights in Thame village. Possibility of supplementing the day by a visit to the Gompa (monastery) above Thame.
4 to 5 H walk + 1 H (optional).

Day 7/  Sumdur Ridge (15,846 feet)
View-point without any technical difficulty, with an unforgettable panorama towards the secret Tibetan border, the deep valley of Nangpa La, Pasang Lamu Peak, Cho Oyu at 26,906 feet and of the numerous summits between 20,000 and 23,000 feet.
6/7 H walk

Day 8/  Thame - Kongde (13,944 feet) - Kongde Ridge
Short, but exceptional, helicopter flight to join the next lodge. The great summits at the very end of the high Khumbu valley gradually reveal themselves. Arriving on a mountain shoulder where the Kongde View Resort was built, at the foot of the impressive ice fall resulting in the East face of Kongde Ri. Settle in for two nights in one of the most beautiful "resorts" which faces the giants, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse and Thamserku.... Sunset and sunrise are magic moments here. Once settled, climb to Kongde Ridge, just for the pleasure of your eyes.
3 to 4 H  walk.
Note: The pathway connecting Thame to Kongde is impracticable. Located within the limits of the national park of high Khumbu, a special permit is necessary to navigate it, a complicated and time-consuming process. Therefore, we use the helicopter from Thame to Kongde.

Day 9/  Farak  Ri (15,256 feet)
The track rises gradually in the mountain pastures of altitude that are traversed, according to the season, by herds of yak and their guards. As on a tray being served to you, lie the largest mountains on the Earth: Cho Oyu, Everest, Ama Dablam... Below, Dudh Kosi, and further, Lukla. Difficult to find a more impressive panorama.
5 H  walk.

Day 10/  Kongde - Phakding - Lukla (9,350 feet)
Diving into the valley, on the right bank of the Dudh Kosi river, to join the Phakding lodge (lunch). The mountain pastures gradually give way to the forests and then to some small villages. Relaxing climb towards Lukla; we are already familiar with the way, as we took it going up. Our last lodge. Quiet evening in Lukla, an opportunity to negotiate for some souvenirs from the Sherpa country. A feeling of nostalgia settles gently into our hearts.
6 to 8 H walk.

Day 11/  Vol Lukla - Kathmandu
Flight for Kathmandu. Settle in at the 5 star deluxe Yak and Yeti hotel for two nights. Free afternoon.

Day 12/  Kathmandu
Free or potential spare day to spend in Kathmandu. Hotel.

Day 13/  Depart from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for flight home.

Physical fitness is essential to get the most out of this circuit because it takes place at an altitude between 8,500 and 15,850 feet.
However:
- Altitude acclimatization is very progressive
- Whenever there are two successive nights at the same hut, you will be able to adapt to that day's stage (from 1 to 6 hours or more of walking)
- Very comfortable lodge-hotels allow for an optimal rest and fitness.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

Each participant walks with a light backpack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
The other part of the equipment is transported by the porters to the lodge. We are asking that every one have only one bag (trekking bag); the maximum weight of this bag should not exceed 27 pounds. At your arrival, we will provide you a bag cover in order to protect your bag during the trek.
Possibility of leaving your belongings at the Kathmandu hotel and retrieving them when we return.

The guides
- an English-speaking professional Nepalese Mountain World Travel guide
- a guide specialized in the Kathmandu valley

Local team
- a Sirdar, head of the porter organization, generally English-speaking
- porter (Sherpas) staff;
- one or more Sherpas according to the circuits, those aspiring Sirdars will insure your comfort by closing the circuit and double checking that no one is left behind.

What to know about carrying
in Nepal, carrying is part of every day life. It begins its' practice with the very young. Provisions to feed the villages, building materials, harvests, are carried on men's backs. For their personal needs, outside of trekking season, the Nepalese often carry between 130 and 170 pounds. The carriers often come from the lower valleys. Sherpas come from the Khumbu region, at the foot of Mount Everest. We ask the Sirdars to ensure that the weight-load does not exceed 67 pounds per carrier (no including personal material). The wages that the porters earn during the trekking season benefit the entire family even throughout the long months of tourist inactivity.

Most Domestic flights on Yeti Airlines
Ground transportation is organized by private tourism bus vehicles.

The high end of Nepalese hospitality and lodging:
- In Kathmandu: The Yak and Yeti, 5 star deluxe hotel, rooms based on double occupancy.
- In the Khumbu valley: charming lodges-hotels based on double occupancy room, heating (electric, gas, solar, according to the lodge), private bathrooms with toilets and hot showers (at Phakding, a bathroom for two bedrooms), bar and restaurant.
This chain, comprised of five lodges (Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Thame, Kongde), is one with which we collaborate on with our local partner. It is the first hotel chain in Nepal that has been approved by the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment), a pledge of compliance with environmental clauses, integration with landscape, use of renewable energy, support of local projects, and so on....

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Meals
Downtown and during the transfers: restaurant.
During the trekking:
on the paths from one village to another, lunch in restaurant along the way,
a energy food complement is provided,
lunches and dinners are served in the lodges.

Drinks
- during trek, mineral water, tea and coffee included
- Kathmandu, mineral water included

To note: In Nepal, Hindus and Buddhists are mainly vegetarians. Little meat or fish is thus eaten there. The dishes are containing pastes, rice, potatoes, lentils...

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Kathmandu
• All services mentioned in Services+/extensions/options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water and tea/coffee during trekking)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide and porters
• Cost of foreign country entrance visa
• Airport taxes and depart from Kathmandu (approximately $35)
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1-970-544-WALK (1-970-544-9255) or at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Katmandu:

• Star Alliance (United) in cooperation with Thaï Airlines operates daily flights to Kathmandu from anywhere in the States through Bangkok.
• Qatar Airways operates daily flights to Kathmandu from Washington DC through Doha (and 4 times a week from New York) - Qatar is a member of Star Alliance.
• Oneworld, in cooperation with Cathay Pacific, operates four flights a week to Kathmandu from anywhere in the States through Honk-Kong.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey; a visa is required.
Please visit http://www.nepalembassyusa.org/visa.php?page=tourist_visa_requirement
The visa can be obtained directly upon your arrival at the airport in Nepal.

Please bring 2 ID photos with you: One is for obtaining the entrance Visa to Nepal and the second is to enable us to obtain a Trekking Permit.
For US citizens, please check with US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements.
For other nationalities, please contact the Nepalese embassy of your country.

Vaccines
Certain vaccines are highly recommended, but none are mandatory.
We advise you to be up-to-date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, B and a vaccination protecting you from rabies is highly recommended for all.
Note: yellow fever vaccine is not necessary (no yellow fever in Asia) but required for any person coming from Africa or Tropical America.

Malaria
A preventative treatment against Malaria is not necessary for this trip.
For more information, visit http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNepal.aspx

Dentist and doctor
A check-up before your departure is recommended

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is advisable to consider with your doctor a preventive treatment against altitude sickness(Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 3
2 months prior:  Hike 9 to 10 miles every week-end or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity for a cumulative duration of 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes per week, you should be up to speed.  

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, (short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Luggage
- A backpack with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small anti-theft pocket or belt, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your backpack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).