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Everest Base Camp Trek

31 October-17 November 2008

Everest

Trek to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain

What is the itinerary?
I want to take part, what do I do next?

This classic trek from Lukla to Kala Patthar, a very popular route taking in some of the most breath-taking mountain scenery imaginable.

This extreme challenge takes you to a staggering altitude of 5545m (16,901ft), and offers beautiful views of snowy peaks such as Everest (8848m/29,029ft), Lhotse (8511m/27,923ft), Makalu (8481m/27,825ft), Nuptse (7879m/25,850ft), Ama Dablam (6856m/22,493ft), Thamserku (6623m/21,729ft) and... the list goes on. It’s pure Himalayan magic!

The challenge is taken at a relaxed pace, with rest days for proper acclimatisation. A sound level of fitness is required to make the most of this excellent trek. The walking at times will be strenuous and you will be tested to the limit, particularly on the climb to Kala Patthar – but the rewards will be worth it.

So go on, challenge yourself to the extreme and join us on this magical Everest experience!

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart UK to Kathmandu.

Day 2

Arrive into Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.
A pre-trek briefing will be given by local ground staff late afternoon. They will discuss the trekking programme and co-ordinate any last-minute arrangements.

Day 3

This morning, as part of our acclimatisation programme, we explore Kathmandu visiting places of interest such as Boudhanath Stupa (one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world), where we can visit the surrounding monasteries and perhaps watch the monks as they chant their daily mantras. In addition, we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we will see Hindu holymen (or Sadhus), pilgrims bathing and, occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the ghats.
In the evening, you will be supplied with your trek packs and final departure details for tomorrow.

Small plane in the Himalayas

Day 4 – trekking three hours approx.

We fly in the early morning from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,827m/ 9,275ft). The flight itself is awe-inspiring as we fly parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibetan China. Flight time is approximately 40 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-sixties
In the afternoon, we descend on a wide trail towards the Dudh Koshi (river), and then join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, the Khumbu's capital, just above Chaunrikharka (2,713 m/ 8,901 ft). The trek is not too strenuous and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m/ 8,366 ft), we cross the Dudh Koshi to our accommodation at Phakding.

Day 5 – trekking seven hours approx.

From Phakding, we head up valley on a busy trail used by porters and Sherpas with zopkio (half yak, half cow). We follow the river valley before re-crossing the Dudh Koshi at Benkar where we have a tantalising glimpse of Kusum Kanguru (6,369 m/ 20.896 ft) and Thamserku (6,623 m/ 21,729 ft).
In the afternoon, we cross to the western bank at Jorsale (2,805 m/ 9,203 ft) where we enter Sagarmatha National Park. Continuing upstream to the intersection of the Bhote Koshi and Dudh we cross a large suspension bridge and begin our steep ascent to Namche Bazaar.

Day 6 - acclimatisation

We remain at Namche Bazaar for a second night to allow for proper acclimatisation to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village situated in a large, protected hollow. It gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal, though now only a limited amount of trade exists between Nepal and Tibet over the Nangpa La Pass since the Chinese occupation of the region.
Rising early, those who climb to the ridge above Namche will be rewarded with the stunning dawn and sunrise over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks.
After breakfast a number of options exist: trek towards Thame (3,810 m/12,500ft) along the beautiful Bhote Khola River valley, or visit the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture, mountaineering in the park, flora and fauna.
Others may prefer to relax in the friendly atmosphere around the village.

Day 7 – trekking three hours approx.

From Namche, we climb out of the village bowl and follow a small trail high above the Dudh Koshi River. The views are incredible: behind to the west, the ridge of Nupla and Kwangde Himal (6,194 m/20,322ft); across the valley to the south, the towering ice-fluted walls of Thamserku (6,623 m/21,729ft), and to the east at the head of the valley, the Lhotse and Nuptse wall, towering a full 3,500m (11,483ft) above the valley at Dingboche.
Everest looms above the ridge, a black, triangular rock. Named Sagarmatha, "Goddess Mother of Earth", it is a truly magnificent sight.
On a small ridge across the valley the monastery of Tyanboche can be seen, a small speck against the gigantic mountain background.
We reach the airstrip at Shyangboche, and then ascend towards the Everest View Hotel, where hot chocolate will revitalize your aching limbs!
We descend to Khumjung for lunch and in the afternoon, visit the hospital at Kunde set up by the Sir Edmund Hillary Himalayan Trust.

Day 8 – trekking four hours approx.

In the morning, we descend to the village of Shanasa and then contour to Transhinga where the trail drops steeply to cross the Dudh Koshi at Phunkitenge (3,250 m/ 10,663 ft). We take a break here by a series of water-driven prayer wheels.
In the late morning, we initially climb steeply before the trail levels out to ascend gradually towards Tyangboche. It is a steady ascent of approximately two and a half hours through pine fir, black juniper and rhododendron forest. Tyangboche is set in a beautiful meadow, high on a ridge surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.

Day 9 – trekking six hours approx.

From Tyangboche, we descend through a forest of birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron, to the nunnery at Dingboche. Keep an eye open for Blood and Danphe Pheasant and high on the steep slopes of the valley, the Himalayan Thar.
We cross the Imja Khola, ascending gradually, with the beautiful Ama Dablam dominating the skyline, to visit the monastery.
Our afternoon trek follows a trail high above the Imja Khola. A little further upstream we cross the tributary stream, and ascend over glacial moraines to our lodge in the 'summer settlement' of Dingboche.

Day 10 – refresh and acclimatise

Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds. It is occupied mainly through the monsoon months, when large numbers of yaks are brought here to graze on the valley pastures.
Those looking for a pleasant walk can head up the valley towards Chukung. The views are fantastic: the towering south face of Lhotse to the north, Island Peak in the centre of the valley, and the fluted ice-walls of unnamed peaks that line the southern end of the valley form a hauntingly beautiful sight.
A more strenuous trip would be the steep climb to the hill above our lodge. Once again fantastic views are prominent, including that of the fifth-highest mountain in the world, Makalu (8,481m/27,825ft), which is not visible from the valley floor. Others may wish to recharge their batteries and absorb the environment from our lodge situated at the foot of Ama Dablam.

Day 11 – trekking five hours approx.

Ascending to the small ridge behind the village, it is a gradual climb high above the Pheriche Valley. Taweche and Cholatse (6,440 m/ 21,129 ft) seem to lean towards us from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuche Peak (6,119 m/ 20, 075 ft) and the snowfields of the Cho La dominate the skyline behind Ama Dablam, forming an incredible panoramic view.
After a short descent to cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla (4,620 m/ 15,157 ft), we take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off Everest.
In the afternoon, there is a short but steep climb over a rocky trail to the top of the moraines. On the crest of the ridge we pass a line of memorial cairns, built in memory of the Sherpas who have died on various Everest expeditions. The view here is spectacular, to Pumori (7,145m/23,442ft), Lingtren (6,697m/21,972ft), Zumbutse (6,623m/21,729ft), and across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7,550m/24,770ft) at the head of the valley. Everest cannot be seen as it lies hidden behind the towering walls of Nuptse.
After another short descent over moraines, we cross a stream and follow a narrow trail on the western side of the huge lateral moraines of the Khumbu Glacier to the tea houses at Lobuje. A short but tiring day, amply compensated by the fantastic scenery and the sunset over Nuptse.

Day 12 – trekking seven hours approx.

Today we reach our objective – Everest Base Camp.
In the morning, we follow the broad valley running parallel to the Khumbu Glacier. A gradual ascent, enabling us to build the slow, steady, rhythm required when walking at high altitude.
Soon we reach the moraines of the Changri Nup Glacier: a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns. After rounding a bend on the trail, we see below the flat, sandy basin of Gorak Shep (5,160m/16,929ft).
Leaving Gorak Shep we continue to our goal – Everest Basecamp. The rough track takes us beside a glacial lake and then up onto the Khumbu Glacier itself.
After about two hours, we reach the prayer flags that is Everest Basecamp.
We descend to Gorak Shep for the evening.

Day 13 – trekking seven hours approx.

Today we have quite a long, physically and mentally demanding trek. Leaving Gorak Shep early, we ascend steeply to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) – a small rocky peak on the south-west ridge of Pumori. It is a severe climb, but the view from surpasses the wildest imagination.

The mountains of Khumbu are laid out in front of us – an incredible panorama comprising Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and, of course, Sagarmatha.
Descend to Gorak Shep and down past the terminal moraines at Dughla.
Following the same route back to the terminal moraines at Dughla, we then take a different return trail. We follow the wide alpine valley covered in scrub juniper, through to the temporary settlement of Phulung Karpo (4,343m/14,249ft), then on to Pheriche. A small settlement, Pheriche has a number of welcome tea houses that often have for sale "leftovers" from various climbing expeditions. It may be possible to find imported chocolate, tinned prawns or smoked oysters - even vegemite! There is also a trekkers' aid post here, supported by the Himalayan Rescue Association.

Day 14 – trekking eight hours approx.

This morning, we cross the Khumbu Khola and ascend steeply to a small ridge with great views of the Imja Valley, Ama Dablam and Kantega. We then trek on to Thyangboche.
Leaving the monastery, we descend steeply through beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Phunkitenga. Here we stop by the small stream with the water-driven prayer wheels.
Continuing, we cross the Dudh Koshi, then ascend steeply on a dusty trail to Trashinga. We then contour round to Shanasa. Here Tibetan traders with numerous "artefacts" bargain hard to persuade trekkers to part with a few rupees.
We continue to contour high above the river valley, back to Namche Bazaar.

Day 15 – trekking seven hours approx.

Today, we descend the steep trail to the Bhote Koshi and trek to its confluence with the Dudh Koshi. At Jorsale we re-cross the river to Monjo.
We retrace our steps along the Dudh Koshi, crossing to the western bank of Benkar. It is a beautiful and vibrant trek through blue pine and rhododendron forest, with views of Kusum Kangaru behind us. We trek to Phakding for lunch, then start the gradual climb out of the river valley to Lukla. In the evening, a farewell dinner may be followed by a few celebratory drinks and dancing with our Sherpa companions.

Day 16

We rise early in the morning to be ready for the arrival of our aircraft and the flight back to Kathmandu. From the airport, we transfer to our hotel for a welcome shower or a hot soothing bath.

Day 17

A free day in Kathmandu for sightseeing and exploring bazaars. Farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 18

Transfer to airport for flight to UK.

Please note that while we make every effort to stick to this schedule and the accommodation stated, this is subject to alteration.

This wonderful challenge aims to attract people with a reasonable level of fitness to participate in an exciting and memorable event. This experience will physically and mentally test you. It will give you a tremendous sense of achievement and at the same time benefit those people whose lives are affected by epilepsy.

The challenge requires a minimum sponsorship of �2,895, �1,596 of which goes directly to Epilepsy Action. There is also a registration fee of �395 and an insurance fee of �50.

Three-quarters of the minimum sponsorship money is to be paid to Epilepsy Action 12 weeks before departure. The remaining quarter is due on return.

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by email to funding@epilepsy.org.uk

Organised by Global Adventures Challenges (ATOL 6506)

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