Nepal: Everest Classic Trek

Nepal: Everest Classic Trek Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Kathmandu, Nepal.  After clearing immigration and customs, you are met by our Sherpa staff and transferred to the hotel.  The afternoon is left open to rest and explore.  Perhaps, take a walking tour with your guide and explore the streets of bustling Kathmandu. There will be an evening orientation with the group to review your trip’s itinerary. Meals on your own.

• Day 2

  Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the ancient cities of Kathmandu and Patan.  Nepal is a country rich in religious diversity.  Today you visit various Buddhist and Hindu shrines and temples: Swayambunath, the Monkey Temple, Buddhanath Stupa and Jawalakel, a Tibetan refugee carpet center.  The rest of the day is our own to explore and to re-pack your bags for tomorrow’s trek departure.  Breakfast included.

• Day 3

  Early morning (7 a.m.) we transfer to the airport to catch our scenic flight to Lukla (9,200'), the entrance into the Solu Khumbu. While having lunch, the supplies and our gear are loaded onto yaks. The trek begins with a 4-hour hike down through terraced hillsides and along stone fences to the Dudh Kosi River (8,600’), across a hanging bridge, to our first camp in the near Phakding. Take notice of the huge boulder inscribed with the Buddhist prayer “Om mani padme hum” … “O lotus-seated god the celestial jewel”. Throughout the trek you’ll encounter the Sherpa people reciting this mantra over and over again – a virtuous deed believed to influence the next life. All meals included Days 3-16.
  
  Trekking 3-4 hours; Elevation loss 600’.

• Day 4

  The dawn’s air is crisp as the sun won't reach the bottom of the Dudh Kosi Valley until mid-morning.  Today, the trail wanders through rolling terrain, past traditional homes, plowed fields and pine and cedar forests while slowly ascending to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park.  Far up the valley, the snowy peak of Thamserku (21,856’) is a tease of what’s to come.  An early lunch provides fuel for the steep 1,800’ hike to the village of Namche Bazaar (11,300’).  Namche is the largest Sherpa village and has been the primary staging area for major Himalayan expeditions. It is a major establishment because of the abundant source of fresh water and its lively bazaar.  REI has a long history here and has cultivated many Sherpa friends. We are likely to have the opportunity for a Sherpa home-stay this evening. 
  
  Trekking: 6 hours; Elevation: gain 2,700’.

• Day 5

  Temple horns and yak bells awaken us to a sunrise surrounded by snowy white mountains over 20,000’ high!  You’ll appreciate this layover day – it’s planned for relaxation and acclimatization.  Peaks include Kwangde (20,930'), Thamserku (21,856'), and Kangtega (22,240').  A day hike to the Everest View Hotel (12,400') not only helps us with acclimatization, but provides stunning views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam (22,943’) and Mount Everest (29,035’).  Overnight in Namche.  
  
  Trekking: 4-5 hours. Elevation gain/loss: 1,100'.

• Day 6

  Leaving Namche Bazaar, our trek steps off the standard Base Camp trail for the next two days.  We ascend up past the Syangboche airstrip (12,200) and down into the small hidden valley of Khumjung.  Khumjung has the most important school and the only hospital in the Khumbu region … both were built by Sir Edmund Hillary.  Crossing the valley we ascend through a rhododendron forest, traversing the beautiful southern slope of Khumbila, the holy mountain of the Sherpas.  We should reach Moung La pass (12, 992’) and our camp in mid-afternoon.  The setting is absolutely spectacular with the distinctive peak of Ama Dablam looming in the near background.  Watch for impeyan pheasants, tahr mountain goats and possibly musk deer when walking through the forests. 
  
  Trekking: 6 hours; Elevation: loss 400’, gain 2,100’.

• Day 7

  Today is another acclimatization day in that we end the day sleeping at the same altitude as last night.  Descend rapidly 800’ to cross over the roaring river fed by the glaciers of the 10^th highest peak in the world, Cho Oyo.  We pass through the village of Phortse and enjoy a fairly gentle ascent to Pangboche Monastery (13,030’), the oldest monastery in the Everest region.  Sitting among the 400 year old juniper trees, gaze across the valley at the magnificent mountain scenery. 
  
  Trekking: 6-7 hours hike; Elevation: loss and gain 800’.

• Day 8

  This is a long day with the toughest section coming right at the end as we ascend 1100’ to Dingboche (14,400’). In the afternoon, our trail swings off the main track to the east and climbs slowly up to the windswept potato fields of Dingboche village, the highest permanent Sherpa settlement in the region.  Ama Dablam’s razor edges are particularly dramatic here.  Note:  We take the lower trail to Pheriche (13,900’) if health or weather makes this a more prudent choice.  
  
  Trekking: 5-6 hours; Elevation:  gain 1700’.

• Day 9

  Today is called a “rest day”, but with so many day hikes possible, you may find it tough to rest.  One favorite option is to hike to Pokalde Base Camp, a round trip of 5 hours.   This day allows for the body to “catch up”, to hike high but sleep at this same altitude again.  It’s a great day for sleeping in, washing, photography, writing in that journal, and simply absorbing the awesome scenery.  
  
  Trekking: optional.

• Day 10

  Ascend gently through alpine scrub and yak pastures to Loboche (16,269’).  The scenery becomes more and more stunning, with views of Tawoche (21,463’), Cholotse (21,128’), Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse’, Lhotse Shar’ and a host of “lesser” peaks.  We pass fewer and fewer trekkers the further into the interior we go. As has been true throughout the trek, it is imperative to be drinking lots of water and staying well hydrated at this altitude.  
  
  Trekking: 5 hours; Elevation: gain 2,100’.

• Day 11

  Enjoy a relaxing morning before a 3-hour trek up to Gorek Shep (17,100’).  This tiny “village” consists of a couple of small stone huts residing in the shadow of Kala Patar Ri (18,190’).  We arrive about 1 p.m., set camp, have lunch and load up our packs with warm clothes and a flashlight (check your batteries!).  Head out for the summit of Kala Patar around 3 p.m. to arrive at the summit by 5:00p.m.  We don our warm clothes and get ready for the best light show on earth… a sunset that defies description!  Soak up the alpine glow lighting the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (29,035’). Descend in the dark to dinner. 
  
  Trekking:  5-6 hours; Elevation gain to camp is 900’.

• Day 12

  Layover day.  Sherpas and yaks move camp on an easy trek back down to Loboche.  You may choose to hike 3-4 hours to the official Mt. Everest Base Camp or join the Sherpas going back down the trail.  This is really a spare day to allow for weather, serendipity, acclimatization and further exploration. 
  
  Trekking to Loboche: 2 hours; Trekking to Everest Base Camp-Loboche: 8 hours.

• Day 13

  Agreat hike down to Dingboche on a remote trail with beautiful scenery.  As we descend, breathing becomes easier as the air includes more oxygen.  Camp in the potato fields under Ama Dablam.  It’s possible to go scrambling up nearby high points for a close view of the sheer, 7000’ rock walls of Ama Dablam. 
  
  Trekking: 4-5 hours.

• Day 14

  Full day of trekking, but easy going as it is mostly downhill and the air continues to become more oxygen-rich.  Camp on the spacious plateau upon which is built Tengboche Monastery (12,761’), the impressive main temple for Tibetan Buddhism in the Khumbu region.  Not really a village, Tengboche is primarily a gompa and everyone living there is, in someway, associated with the operations of the monastery.
  
  Trekking: 6 hours.

• Day 15

  A dusty day's hike with a long descent to the Imja Khola followed by a long ascent on the other side of the river.  We return to Namche Bazaar for the evening. Sherpas love a good party, and after many days on the trail, a celebratory farewell party is planned for this evening.  
  
  Trekking: 4-5 hours.

• Day 16

  Today is a long day of trekking down from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (10 miles) leaving the snowcapped peaks behind and carrying with you the unforgettable memories of an awesome journey.  Overnight in Lukla.  
  
  Trekking: 7 hours.

• Day 17

  Very early morning preparation and return flight to Kathmandu.  We are met by our ground staff and transferred to our hotel for hot showers, clean clothes and a relaxed day.  The balance of the day is free time.  Breakfast is included.
  
  Note about flights: Most treks run during the best weather conditions of the year and there is an extra day at the end of the trek to allow for poor weather, sightseeing and shopping. Flights to and from Lukla are not always dependable; weather conditions may cause flight cancellations. Delays are possible any time of year but are more typical on the summer departures. Costs of any evacuation are in addition to any previously paid air/land costs and are billed to trip members upon return to the States; thus we highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance.

• Day 18

  Free day and sightseeing.  This day is on your own, but we provide lots of hints about what to see and do.  One big hint: don’t miss the fascinating medieval city of Bhaktapur.  Breakfast is included.

• Days 19

  We transfer to the airport for homeward bound flights.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

National Park fees, 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu, meals as noted on the itinerary, Sherpa guides and porters, cooks and commissary crew, tents, foam sleeping pads, community cooking gear, baggage portage, and airport transfers.

Air transportation to/from Nepal, Bangkok hotel costs (if routing requires an overnight), flights within Nepal (mandatory $250 internal flight), 1 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, visas, any necessary emergency evacuation flight, optional tips to guides and staff, airport taxes, cost of obtaining a passport or medical immunizations, insurance, and items of a personal nature such as liquor or laundry fees.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.

This trip is rated Strenuous [5].  Trekking in Nepal is for active people in good health who enjoy vigorous hiking. Nepal has an “up and down” topography, there is very little level walking. We expect participants to be strong, experienced hikers in good physical condition.  Gear and supplies will be carried by porters or yaks, leaving members free to carry only a daypack.  No technical climbing or other special abilities are required.  However, each person should be equipped with a "spirit of adventure" and have prior experience with backcountry camping, sleeping in a tent and willingness to undergo the potential hardships of outdoor living and long days on the trail.  This trek spends considerable time at altitudes between 11,000' and 17,100'.  The trails themselves are only moderate, but at these altitudes hiking will feel more strenuous.  A good physical conditioning program must be undertaken several months in advance to get into shape.  A physician’s signature is required for participation on this trip.

There are two ideal "weather windows" for Nepal. From the latter half of March until the first part of May temperatures are relatively warm, 10° to 15° warmer than in the fall. Mornings are bright and clear with the air slowly becoming hazier as the day progresses. The rhododendron forests in springtime are spectacular, with color displays that are "Himalayan" in beauty. June is warm and green with very few other trekkers – the sense of solitude is much greater than other seasons. However, it is more likely to include rain showers, hazy skies, wet and muddy trail conditions and possible flight delays. Afternoon rain showers do occur in June and mountain views can be sporadic or interspersed with clouds. The fall season, the latter half of October through December, is an ideal time for the best mountain views. The days are typically sunny and clear with moderate temperatures and the evenings are usually quite cold...frosty, to be exact. Trekking to the very high Mt. Everest Base Camp region (at more than 17,000 feet) can include 0° temperatures at night and a 50% chance of some snow anytime above the 13,000 foot level. During the day, above 15,000 feet, do not anticipate temperatures above 35°. Again, since your body is taking in less than half its normal supply of oxygen, 32° will feel colder than we are accustomed to at home.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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