Trekking to Kalaphattar gives you the opportunity to fulfill a dream, while taking in some of the most incredible scenery in the Himalayas. Naturally, the trail to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world has become one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas, if not in the world.
We start our trek to Everest Base Camp by a about 45 minute flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and the same day we trek three hours to Phakding. The following day you trek to Namche and spend two nights for acclimatization to avoid high altitude sickness. From here you have spectacular wiev of Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m), Lhotse (8501m), Ama Dablam and Thamserku mountains. During the trek we follow the main Everest Base Camp Trail, the route pioneered and still used by many climbing expeditions. What makes it hard going is the altitude, which may affect your performance, though rest days are built into the trek to help you acclimatize. Most trekking days allow plenty of time to cover the distance at a relaxed pace.
From Kalaphattar one can get a wiev of Everest Base Camp and surrounded by some of the highest mountains on the Earth you will amaze at this incredible mountain scenery. The cultural aspects of the area rest on its intimate connection with Tibetan Buddhism. Many famous Buddhist saints lived in the area and their legends live on. The biodiversity of the region is now protected by Sagarmatha National Park . Today you can still see the strange musk deer, the impeyan pheasant and many more native species protected by the park.
Accommodations are available in comfortable teahouses run by Sherpa families en-route. You carry a light back-pack only and walk at your own pace with your guide. Your luggage is carried by porters or yaks.
You will experience the Everest trail and its fabulous culture, history and scenery, but do not underestimate that your efforts will take place at altitude. Good health and a basic good physical condition together with careful pacing and plenty of time to acclimatise is the key to a successful trip.
Some Facts:
Trekking Region Khumbu Everest trail the seventh Best Trek
Culture Sherpa Culture.
Total duration 14 days
Grade Moderate
Highest point Kalaphattar 5545 m.
Season Sep – May
Accomodation Teahouse
Day By Day Itinerary:
Day 1 Fly to Lukla (2800 m) trekking around three hours through small villages to Phakding (2600 m). Overnight in teahouse.
Day 2 Trekking to the Namche Bazaar (3440 m). We cross the river Dudh Koshi a few times before climbing up the steep hill to Namche Bazaar (4-5 hours). Namche Bazaar is the Sherpa capital where you can meet world famous climbers, every Everest expedition go through this village. You find shops selling climbing gear and souvenirs and today you even find internet facilities.
Day 3 Today we have an acclimatizing day since we are all ready at 3440 m. After breakfast we take a about two hour walk up towards Everest View Hotel, from here we have a magnificent view of Mt. Everest. After a cup of coffee we walk to the Kumjung village for lunch and then return back to Namche Bazaar for the evening
Day 4 Our goal today is to reach Deboche. We also have an opportunity to visit the worlds highest monastery in Tengboche. During the trek you will have fantastic mountain views of Amadablam, Everest, Nuptche, Lotsche and many other over 6000 meter peaks.
Day 5 Today is a short day, trekking up to Pangboche. It will take us about three hours. In order to acclamatise well and get our bodies adjusted to the high altitude we allow plenty of time for our trek and climb about 300 m. in altitude every 24 hours.
Day 6 Today we pass above the tree line on our trek up to Dingboche. We also have a big chance to see wildlife and beautiful birds. We pass by small stupas and enjoy breathtaking views of the 8000 m. peaks. Today is a ones in a life time experience!
Day 7 Dingboche is located at 4350 m. Today we have our second acclimatizing day. We pack a light lunch and climb up to a 5000 m. ridge where you have the chance to see Makalu, Island Peak and Amadablam. After lunch on the top we return to the village for rest and overnight.
Day 8 Today we are heading for Lobuje, it takes about five hours and most of the trek will be up hill. We will be passing by a few monuments of some of the worlds famous climbers that has been buried here. Once we are at Lobuje you will probably feel the altitude a bit, if you have not felt it before. The key to avoid futher trouble is to stay hydrate and drink lot’s of water.
Day 9 We start early today and head up to Gorakshep for lunch. Gorakshep was the base camp when Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenging Norge Sherpa went climbing Everest in 1953. From here we set off for ascending the highest point of our trek, the top of Kalapatthar. It is about five hours trekking to Kalapatthar and back. We stay the night at Gorakshep.
Day 10 We trek up to Everest Base Camp, about six hours return. You have now reached the second goal of your trip! We then start heading down and walk back to Lobuje.
Day 11 We trek down to the village Deboche, about five to six hours, mostly downhill. On the way will meet other trekkers heading up and suffering with altitude like you did just a few days ago so send them your positive energy and well wishes.
Day 12 Today our challenge will be trekking all the way down to the Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar. Enjoy beeing back to civilization and have a good cup of coffee and pastry at the café!
Day 13 After breakfast we keep heading down. On our last day of trekking it will take us about six hours to the guesthouse in Lukla. We celebrate our last night on the mountain so it is also a time to say good bye to our support team and Sherpa friends. Our guides will sort out the flight back to Kathmandu for the next morning.
Day 14 We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu for a hot shower and cold beer! Transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu.
EXTRA! Additional program: We recommend a few days at Royal Beach Camp after your trek. Relax at the beach, enjoy outdoor comfort and go rafting, kayaking and canyoning! See www.royalbeachnepal.com
What you need to know:
Season: | September through May |
Experience needed: | Some previous trekking experience is obviously an asset, but is not essential. |
Instructors / guides: | The trip is lead by professional expedition mountainners from Himalayan Extreme Sports Institute with many years of experience in the Himalayas. Our leaders are basic first Aid trained for high alltitude and have thorough mountains rescue qualifications. |
Number of participants: | Maximum in a group is 12 people. |
Included: | Domestic flight KTM/ LUK/KTM. All necessary permits including Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee. Teahouse accommodation during the trek. Three meals a day in available teahouses. English speaking guide, porters support for the trek. |
Not included: | International flights tickets & airport tax. Accommodation in Kathmandu. Drinks and all other personal expenses. Travel insurance, emergency evacuation. Any extra cost occurring from the unfavorable circumstances such as weather, landslides, political disturbance etc. NOTE! You have to have a travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitude to join this trip. |
What to bring: | Personal trekking gear: Hiking boots and a few pairs of socks, tevasandal for evenings, sleeping bag, flashlight, warm jacket, two sets of warm cloths, hat and gloves, shorts and T-shirt , water bottle and day pack. Sunglasses, hat, sun protection, mosquito repellant, personal toiletries and medications. |
Expeditions start: | Every Saturday, September through May! |