Trekking In Nepal
Kathmandu and the Himalaya, Nepal
April 19 - May 10, 2009

"Up, up, up and then up some more. No showers, no beer, food monotonous. Would I go again? Absolutely! I'm already packed." JB, Portland, OR

"What was most meaningful to me? Getting to know our sherpani guides, meeting and talking with other sherpas, trying my hand at bargaining with local merchants and then getting invited to join them for tea, the thrill of crossing suspension bridges strung high above the Dudh Kosi (milky river), falling asleep to the sound of yak bells each night, the impossible to describe grandeur of the mountains, visiting a number of cultural sites around Kathmandu and in the Khumbu, and enjoying the company of the other women on the trip -- a very diverse group indeed! I found Nepal to be a very enchanting country, and the people in general to be very warm. The scenery cannot be outdone, and the culture is incredibly rich." JW, Ann Arbor, MI

Himalaya- just the name invokes images of ice and snow-clad peaks soaring miles into the heavens, as well as the high mountain villages en route. On this three-week trek we combine strenuous and invigorating hiking in one of the most beautiful places in the world with a chance to learn about Sherpa culture. While challenging, our trek through the Himalaya to the Everest region is guaranteed to be the trip of a lifetime!

This trip is for: women in very good physical condition who have some hiking or backpacking experience. Any basically healthy woman can acquire the physical fitness necessary to enjoy this trip, and being in good shape is essential. Previous high altitude experience is not necessary. Even more essential is a positive attitude, an open mind, and a sense of adventure.

Itinerary

The following itinerary is meant to be illustrative, rather than definitive. By its very nature, trekking in Nepal requires flexibility. We have built ample time for acclimatization into this itinerary, as well as the opportunity for several side trips. Most of our trekking days require around 4-8 hours of hiking with significant elevation gains and losses, and some days can be longer. Because reaction to altitude and the possibility of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness cannot be predicted in advance, it is possible that even women who are very fit will not complete the trek to Everest Basecamp.

Day # Sleeping location Sleeping elevation

1 Kathmandu 4,500 ft.
We will meet you at the Kathmandu airport and then transport you to the Utse Hotel for orientation and introductions. Welcome dinner together at a Nepalese restaurant.

2 Kathmandu 4,500 ft.
Time for exploring the many temples, neighborhoods, and markets of the city. Last minute shopping for our trek and packing.

3 Lukla 9,350 ft.
We leave early for the airport and fly to Lukla, about a one-hour flight. We'll spend the night here at the North Face Lodge, giving us time to visit the local Thangka painting school, stretch our legs, and drink in the beauty of the area.

4 Monjo 9,235 ft.
We start our trek today, along the main trail from Lukla to Namche. THere are no roads or vehicles in the Khumbu so you can expect to see numerous other people on this “trekkers’ highway’. This is the most densely populated area in the Khumbu and we will go through numerous small villages

5 Namche Bazaar 11,300ft.
Today we continue up the beautiful Dudh Kosi (Milky River). Crossing it on a variety of amazing bridges, we climb to the main Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar, stopping for our first view of Everest if the weather permits. Time to explore the town, with views of Tamserku, Kang Taiga, and others.

6 Namche Bazaar 11,300 ft.
Our rest day in Namche can be spent shopping, photographing, hiking to nearby villages and viewpoints, or actually resting! The weekly Saturday market brings traders from Tibet and all the neighboring towns -- it's a fascinating scene. We'll also have a chance to visit the excellent museum in town.

7 Khumjung 12,400ft.
This morning we climb to the village of Khumjung at the base of beautiful Khumbila, where we will have time to visit with our guide Passang’s family. In the afternoon we will visit the Hillary school and then the neighboring village of Khunde for a visit to the Hillary Trust hospital there.

8 Tengboche 12,670 ft.
Our trail today first descends and then climbs steadily up to the fascinating village of Tengboche, home of the world famous monastery where the Rimpoche (lama reincarnate) resides. In the afternoon we can choose to attend the daily 3 PM prayer service and visit the Visitors’ Center. This is a cultural and religious center for the people of the Khumbu region, and for the trekker, it is also the place to see one of the best mountain panoramas in the world. Kwangde, Tawoche, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kangtega, and Ama Dablam all loom high above.

9 Pheriche 13,900 ft.
We continue up the "Milky River" and then head northwest up the Khumbu Khola to Pheriche, location of the international Climbers Aid Post and in recent years, numerous lodges. Staffed during the spring and fall climbing seasons, the Aid Post offers daily lectures (afternoons at 3 PM) on preventing altitude illnesses.

10 Pheriche 13,900 ft.
Another acclimatization and rest day. This is also a great opportunity to scramble up Nangkartshang Peak with views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Chukhung; or to visit the nearby village of Dingboche.
The Pheriche valley is wide and wild, and feels like the end of civilization. . .

11 Duglha 15,100 ft.
But it’s not! Thank goodness for Tschering and Mingma’s lodge at Duglha! This is really the gateway to Chomolungma, and climbers from everywhere find solace and renewed enthusiasm after a hearty meal around Mingma’s "wood" stove. Mingma and her family resist the local practice of burning the slow-growing peat and bushes and spend part of every day gathering dried yak dung to burn. Views of Pokalde and Lobuche.

12 Lobuche 16,200 ft
On the ridge above Duglha are many stone memorials built to honor fallen climbers, including those lost in the May 1996 Everest storm. We continue on another hour or so to Lobuche village with its stone-built houses set in an icy wilderness of great beauty. There are views of the Khumbu Icefall, Pumori, and many smaller peaks from the ridge tops on the trail.

13 Gorak Shep 17,000 ft
Early this morning, depending on conditions, we continue up the moraine trails through Gorak Shep and on to the Everest base camp area at the toe of the Khumbu Icefall. It will be a long day: the trail to base camp is challenging and affords magnificent views along the way. We may even see an avalanche! Because we will be there during the Spring climbing season, we will likely see numerous Everest expedition camps. We’ll spend this night in Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Everest base camp. There is nothing like watching the sunset on the southwest flank of Mt. Everest from this spectacular vantage point.

14 Duglha 15,100 ft.
This morning we make a steep and rather breathless climb up the 18,450 ft. peak of Kala Patthar. Our climb is well worth the stunning views of Everest, Pumori, the Khumbu Icefall, and surrounding areas. After lunch we pack up and head down to Duglha for more of Tschering and Mingma’s hospitality.

15 Pangboche 13,100 ft.
Continuing the descent from Duglha, we reach the village of Pangboche, the barley-growing center of the Khumbu area. Situated on a wide, comfortable and sunny bench above the Dudh Kosi, Pangboche is home to many lodges, a monastery, and a nunnery.

16 Khumjung 12, 400 ft.
Another chance to visit with the family and friends of our guide Passang (not to mention the opportunity to drink chang) as we continue our journey down the valley.

17 Monjo 9,200 ft.
A long day of hiking will take us back through Namche. After one last stop for fresh cinnamon rolls at the bakery, we will retrace our steps down the Namche hill, along the Dudh Kosi and out of Sagarmatha National Park. We reach Monjo in time for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

18 Lukla 9,300 ft.
At Lukla we'll celebrate with dinner and a night at the warm, comfortable and friendly North Face Resort. Our hosts Pawan Lama and Dawa Sherpa are mines of information for all those still unanswered questions about Sherpa life!

19 Kathmandu 4,500 ft.
We prepare to fly out early. Back in Kathmandu by early afternoon, there's time for hot showers, shopping in Thamel, and relaxing at the Utse Hotel.

20 Kathmandu 4,500 ft.
Today is our last chance to immerse ourselves in the culture and history of this unique country. One possibility is to chip in to hire a driver and guide for a “temple tour”, including Pashupathinath, one of the most revered Hindu temples, and Bodhnath, one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world. Farewell dinner at a top Kathmandu restaurant.

21 Home, or Your Next Adventure! We will get you safely to the airport and on your way.

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