Nepal Expedition 2023

Today we will be transferred to the domestic airport for an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Lukla is the gateway to Khumbu and entire Everest region. After landing at the airstrip of Lukla, we start our trek by following a trail that gradually ascends as we trek along the left bank of Dudh Koshi river. Our trek passes through pine forest and beautifully painted Mani walls to arrive at Ghat. From there a mixture of both uphill and downhill trekking will lead us to Phakding.

Our trail from Phakding starts by crossing a stream and then climbing up the terraced hill until we arrive at Bengar. We continue our trekking along the trail with several ups and downs. We will make a stop at the National Park Service where the park entrance fee is collected. As the mountain path zigzags uphill, we emerge at a ridge top rest area that offers excellent views of Lhotse. The climb eases somewhat as the path goes along the dense rhododendron and pine forest to arrive at Namche Bazaar – The Sherpa Capital.

In order to avoid any kind of altitude sickness, we will take a day rest at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and exploration. Namche Bazaar is an extensive market town where there is always something to see and places to explore. For acclimatization, we can hike up to Khunde Hospital which was set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take an hour’s walk up to Syangboche at 3800 meters for enjoying magnificent views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru. There are good views from the National Park Centre and the Museum which is located just above the town.

After spending a good day rest at Namche Bazaar, we will follow the trail that descends passing through the village of Trashinga. From there we will make a long climb to reach Tyangboche. The first part of the climb is very steep, however, the climb eases as we trek through the densely forested area until we arrive at the stone gate built by lamas which mark our entry into Tyangboche. We will visit the Tyangboche Monastery for attending the morning prayers and to receive the blessings from an elderly monk for a successful climb of Everest, the following day before we start our trek.

Today we start early for paying a visit to Tyangboche Monastery. We will attend the morning prayers – puja and then receive blessings from the eldest monk in the monastery. After the rituals are completed we leave Tyangboche and gradually climb up the mountain path, enjoying the best views of Ama Dablam and Kantega as they appear on the opposite bank. We continue our uphill trekking that passes through several chortens, the upper path passes Pangboche and the lower path to Pangboche Olin with its stone wall-enclosed with potato field. Our trail climbs slowly towards a big Mani Stupa. From there our trail is a fairly moderate trek all the way to Dingboche.

Leaving Dingboche, our trail is a downhill trekking towards Pheriche village. After about two hours of trekking from Pheriche, we will arrive at Dugla at 4,595 meters with a small wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier. We will stop at Dugla for lunch before continuing our uphill trekking for about an hour. During our trek, we will have magnificent views of Mt. Pumori and other high peaks west of Everest. We continue our trek until we arrive at Lobuche.

In order to avoid any kind of altitude sickness, we will take a day rest at Lobuche for acclimatization and exploration. For acclimatization, we can hike up to Khunde Hospital which was set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take an hour’s walk up to Syangboche at 3800 meters for enjoying magnificent views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru. There are good views from the National Park Centre and the Museum which is located just above the town.

From Lobuche, our trek continues following the rocky moraine path with good views of glacial ponds and icebergs down below the Khumbu Glacier. After ascending the last of the rocky moraine dunes, we will trek a short downhill to arrive at Gorakshep for our overnight stay. Gorakshep is a flat field below Kala Patthar 5545m and is the last stop with comfy teahouses.

Today we will accomplish an early morning hike to Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters for enjoying the magnificent and up-close sunrise view over Mt Everest 8848 meters, Mt Lhotse 8516 meters, Mt Makalu 8481 meters, Mt Cho Oyu 8201 meters and other surrounding peaks. After spending quality time at Kala Patthar we will retrace our steps back to Gorakshep. After having lunch at Gorakshep, we will follow the trail that heads north-east to reach Everest Base Camp. Our Sherpa crew will set up the base camp once we reach our campsite. We will spend several days here at the base camp for acclimatization. In the meantime, our crew will do all the necessary preparations required for the climb.

After spending a few days at the base camp for acclimatization, we begin our ascend through Khumbu Icefall. A route will already be established by our Sherpa climbing crews with ropes and ladders to Camp I. We will engage in climbing training practices and slowly head towards Camp II. Our crew will do all the hard works from setting up additional camps above base camp, providing healthy meals and fixing proper routes to the summit. With several days of uphill and downhill trekking, we climb up the Lhotse Face to reach Camp 3. From there we will have to use bottled oxygen as we head towards Camp IV on the South Col. All climbers will be sleeping on bottled oxygen before setting out for the summit. Weather conditions can change drastically, so taking weather conditions into consideration we ascend about 900 meters from the South Col to reach the summit of the highest mountain of the world – Mt Everest. From the summit, we can enjoy great views of Kanchenjunga in the east to Shishapangma in the west and all the peaks of the Khumbu region right below us. We will spend a short time at the summit to enjoy the achievement of our lifetime. Then we will descend following the same route and head back to base camp.

After the achievement of a lifetime experience – the summit of Mt Everest, we will make a relaxed start and do some cleaning activities at the base camp. After breakfast, we leave base and camp and retrace our steps on the same trail that passes through Gorakshep and Lobuche. Our trail from Lobuche passes through cairns and memorials that have been erected in the memory of climbers who lost their lives when climbing Mt Everest. A gradual descend brings us to Pheriche.

From Tyangboche we will trek on a levelled path for a while and then begin to descend to reach Phungi Thanga. Hereon, our trail is gradual uphill trekking as we approach towards Kyangjuma and from there it is a pleasant walk all the way back to the Sherpa capital – Namche Bazaar. Feel free to visit local stores and souvenir shops at Namche Bazaar in the evening.

Leaving Pheriche we will trek on the main EBC trail to arrive at Pangboche for having lunch. After lunch at Pangboche, we will follow the trail that is mostly downhill trekking to reach Deboche. From there we will gradually climb to arrive back to Tyangboche for our overnight stay.

From Tyangboche we will trek on a levelled path for a while and then begin to descend to reach Phungi Thanga. Hereon, our trail is gradual uphill trekking as we approach towards Kyangjuma and from there it is a pleasant walk all the way back to the Sherpa capital – Namche Bazaar. Feel free to visit local stores and souvenir shops at Namche Bazaar in the evening.

The last day of our trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. We descent passing through the densely forested area – a pleasant walk, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote- Koshi River crossing it three times. After a while a final uphill climb of approximately about 45 minutes we will arrive back to Lukla for the overnight stay.

After having our breakfast, we will take an early morning scenic flight from Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu. After arriving at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel. You can either have rest at Hotel or pay a visit to attraction destination (world heritage sites of UNESCO) sites that weren’t possible on the second day of the trip. Walking around the busy streets of Kathmandu can be worth spending good time around Kathmandu city. We will celebrate the completion of the Everest Expedition and have a final meal together in the evening.

After breakfast, we will take a scenic drive from Kathmandu and drive over zigzag hilly roads to reach Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful town set on the banks of the serene Fewa Lake. It is tourist’s paradise full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with the fascinating high mountains. Pokhara is much smaller and less hectic than Kathmandu. After reaching Pokhara you will be transferred to the hotel for the overnight stay.

After breakfast at Tikhedhunga, we will cross a small stream before climbing a rather steep stone staircase to reach Ulleri at 2,070 meters. Our trek continues through dense rhododendron filled forest to reach Nangethanti. From there gradual uphill trekking will lead us to Ghorepani for our overnight stay. We can enjoy the magnificent views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchre (Fish-Tail), Hiun Chuli and other surrounding high mountains from Ghorepani.

The panorama of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges from Poon Hill is considered one of the best and classic Himalayan views. Thus today we will wake up early for an hours’ hike to reach over to the top of Poon Hill.  We will enjoy the beautiful sunrise view over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchre (Fish Tail), Tukuche Peak, Hiunchuli and other surrounding high peaks. After spending a beautiful morning at Poon Hill, we will descend back to Ghorepani. Our trail from there descends steeply for crossing a suspension bridge over Kali Gandaki River. After crossing the river our trek goes along the levelled path until we arrive at Tatopani. Tatopani means ‘ Hot Spring’ in the Nepali language. Here we can relax at the Natural Hot Spring which is obviously a great feeling.

From Tatopani, we will trek on a broad motor road trail that can be quite dusty. Our trek goes along the Kali Gandaki river. Our trail ascends gradually as we pass through the magnificent waterfall of Rupche Chahara. From there, our trek continues along the dusty trail that leads through deep gorges. We can hear the huge flows of the river stream while trekking through the area. We will continue to trek until we arrive at the village of Ghasa for our overnight stay.

After breakfast, we leave Ghasa and follow a rising trail that climbs for some hours to reach Lete. Our trek climbs through subtropical vegetation with incredible views of surrounding mountains and beautiful valleys. Our trek continues until we arrive at Lete for the overnight stay.

Today we leave Lete and trek over the trail that climbs further to harsh alpine vegetation. Our Sherpa crew will do all the hard works of carrying the tents, climbing gears and other necessary things needed for the further trekking and climbing. After a few hours of trekking, we will arrive at Thulo Bugin where there is a good campsite. We came here to end our day.

After breakfast, we leave our campsite at Thulo Bugin and follow the trail that climbs gradually over the loose and rocky route for a few hours. Trekking in higher altitudes can be very tiring, so resting every now and then helps in restoring energy much needed for further trekking. We trek until we arrive at a good campsite near Hum Khola at 4,286 meters.

Today we leave our campsite at Hum Khola and follow the trail that comprises several ups and downs and then levels out for some time. After a few hours trekking, we approach Miristi Khola where there are good camping grounds. Once we arrive at Miristi Khola, our crew will set up the camps for our overnight camping.

After breakfast, we leave our campsite at Miristi Khola and continue our trek over then the rather levelled path for some hours to reach Annapurna North Base Camp. After arriving at the campsite our Sherpa crew will set up the base camp and make necessary preparations for setting up additional camps at higher altitudes above the base camp. From now onwards we will take extra precautions with physical fitness and mental fitness in order to conquer one of the toughest 8000 meters – Mt Annapurna I.

We will spend several days doing climbing training practices. Our Sherpa crew will do all the hard works from carrying and setting up additional camps at higher altitudes, prepare and provide healthy and hygienic meals for staying mentally and physically fit, and most importantly finding appropriate routes and fixing ladders, ropes etc .. to reach the summit of one of the deadliest mountains in the world – Mount Annapurna. Fully acclimatized and properly equipped with all the climbing gears we will follow the footsteps of experienced climbing Sherpa guides and overcome several technical climbing sections. Taking weather conditions into consideration we head towards the summit. Our much-waited climb to the summit is rewarded with breathtaking views of mountains within Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan Ranges. After spending a quality moment at the summit we will descend following the same route to reach back to base camp.

Having achieved the summit of Mt Annapurna for a lifetime experience, we will make a relaxed start. After breakfast we engage ourselves in cleaning the base camp, then we prepare ourselves for the return journey. We start to retrace our steps on the same trail that heads back towards Miristi Khola. We will camp at Miristi Khola for the overnight stay.

From Miristi Khola we continue to retrace our steps on the same trail that passes through Hum Khola. From there we descend steeply for a couple of hours and trek to reach Thulo Bugin Campsite for our overnight camping.

After breakfast, we leave our campsite at Thulo Bugin and follow the same trail that descends down to subtropical vegetation. We trek until we arrive back to Lete where we will spend our overnight in the comfy tea house at Lete. In the evening we will celebrate our achievement together with our climbing crew members.

From Lete, our trail descends following the same trail until we arrive back to Ghasa. Our trek offers mountain vista of Annapurna regions with beautiful valleys. We will spend our overnight at Ghasa. Celebrate our evening with our climbing crew.

From Ghasa our trail descends steeply until we reach Rukse Chahara, Rukse Waterfall in the Nepali language.  We will take a short rest enjoying the view of the waterfall. Soon, our trail enters back to Kali Gandaki Valley – the deepest gorge in the world as we head towards Tatopani for our overnight stay. Tatopani in Nepali stands for ‘Hot Water’. Here there is Natural Hot Water Spring where we can relax after arriving at Tatopani. It is believed that the water heals body aches and pains naturally.

From Tatopani, our trek continues on the trail that descends gradually down to Beni – where our trek ends technically. From Beni, we will take a two hours drive to reach back to Pokhara. You will be transferred to the hotel once we arrive at Pokhara. You can either have rest at the hotel or take an evening’s walk in the beautiful city of Pokhara.

After breakfast, we leave Pokhara and take a drive back to Kathmandu. It takes approximately four to five hours drive to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara. We will drive along Prithvi Highway which offers scenic hilly zigzag roads through the banks of Trishuli River. During our drive journey, we will have an opportunity to observe the daily survival activities of local people while we drive passing through roadside market towns and picturesque villages.