The Expedition
(April 29, 2024, to May 15, 2024)
Itinerary
What to Bring
Gratuities
Experience, Health, and Fitness
Travel Insurance
Itinerary
April 29. 2013, Dinner to May 15, 2024, Breakfast
(Distances show are approximate)
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu - (April 29, ‘24)
Upon your arrival, you will be met at the airport and driven to our Hotel. You might have a chance to rest and explore a bit of teeming Kathmandu.
Welcoming dinner and start of the expedition April 29, 2024.
(Should you wish to arrive prior to April 29, 2024 we can assist you with booking your accommodation)
Accommodation: Hotel Yetri
Day 2: Kathmandu
Today is designed for you to enjoy the sights and smells of Asia. We will visit historical and spiritual attractions such as historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temples, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ and one of the largest stupas in the world, Buddha Nath. In the afternoon our group will meet for a briefing (to review the upcoming adventure) and a one (1) hour session on the essence of self mastery and leadership..
Accommodation: Hotel Yetri
Day 3: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding (3 - 4 hrs) - 7 km/4.8m
Early morning flight (40 min) to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) across beautiful, Nepalese mountain scenery. The trek starts from Lukla after a 2-hour acclimatization stop, followed by a downhill stroll to our lodging at Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft). We will have descended to the Dudh Kosi River (2,530m/8,300ft) and followed it to our accommodation. This easy day will assist with acclimatization; for the energetic, a side trip to a monastery can be arranged. We will be sure to let the Yak trains pass safely.
Accommodation: Hotel Sherpa (attached bathroom)
Day 4: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (5 - 7 hrs) - 12 km/7.5m
Today you will be awakened by a friendly ‘Good Morning’ and after breakfast, we trek through stately pine forests, cross the Dudhkosi River, get the first view of Mt. Everest (weather permitting) and start the slow and steady climb to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,284ft)! Namche is the portal to Mt. Everest and the main trading centre of this region.
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge (attached bathroom)
Day 5: Namche Bazaar - Acclimatization Day
Acclimatization day. We will climb to the lookout point for a great view of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam and one of the most beautiful valleys you will ever see. After, and if you feel up to it, we will climb higher to Syangboche and the Everest View Hotel (built by the Japanese as a deluxe hotel with great views of Mt. Everest and the highest mountains on Earth). After, you can relax and/or explore the quaint Namche Bazaar. It has shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colourful market (open on Saturdays).
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge (attached bathroom)
Day 6: Namche Bazaar - Khumjung (4-5 hrs) - 3 km/2m
Our day starts with the trek up to Singboche, past the Everest Hotel to Kuhumjung. It is a relatively easy day, designed specifically for additional acclimatization.
Accommodation: Tea House (share Bathroom)
Day 7: Khumjung - Thengboche - Deboche (5 - 6 hrs) - 6 km/3.7m
We stroll down to Phunki Thanga, across the Imja Khola river and up a steep, yet short slope to the famous monastery in Tengboche (3,810m/ 12,500ft). Here the surrounding mountains look pristine and unbelievably spectacular (this is the site where my dear friend Collette recorded the short video - on the home page - which truly reflects the impact of that pristine morning in the Himalaya.
Next we descend to Deboche (3,820 m/12,533 ft) for the night.
Accommodation: Rivendell Lodge (attached Bathroom)
Day 8: Deboche - Pheriche (5 - 6 hrs) - 7km/4.3m
Today our trail continues through a beautiful forest (Werner calls it “Merlin’s Forest” because it’s so magical), down to the river and back up to the village of Pangboche. We pass several Chortens, Mani-stone walls, small villages and marvel at one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, Ama Dablam. We trek past the towering north face of Ama Dablam, into the Imja Khola Valley. We cross the Lobuche River, and hike up to Pheriche for a well-earned rest (4,360 m/14,300 ft)
Accommodation: The Edelweiss (attached bathroom without shower)
Day 9: Pheriche - (4,371 m/14,340ft) - 2nd Acclimatization day
The order of the day is to rest, sleep, hydrate (by now 5 liters of water per day), eat and participate in a 2 hours “high hike.” The hike is mandatory for anyone who wishes to trek higher, as it is critical to helping (forcing) your body to adapt to the altitude.
Besides, who wants to miss gazing in awe at the majestic landscape framed by the magnificent peaks of Mt. Pumori (7138 m/ 23418 ft), Nuptse, Cholatse, Thamserku, and Labuche East.
Accommodation: The Edelweiss (attached bathroom without shower)
Day 10: Pheriche - Labuche (5 - 6 hrs) - 8km/5m
We start this day with a gentle hike up the valley, climb to the river crossing a raging mountain stream to Dugla. After lunch we trek up the ridge where we enter into the sacred and eerie space of memorials to climbers who have died while climbing Mt. Everest; incl. Scott Fischer, Babu Chiri Sherpa (10 times Everest submitter) and many others. The views of great peaks, Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal, can only be described as stunning. We really are entering the domain of the high Himalaya. Although we are all now beginning to feel the altitude Lobuche is an easy walk beyond (4940 m/16,207 ft).
Now is the time to slow down using the rest step (if necessary) and really breath (with “might” - as Werner has taught you)
Accommodation: Oxygen Altitude Home (share bathroom)
Day 11: Labuche - Gorak Shep – Kala Pattar – Lobuche (6 - 7 hrs) - 10km/6.2m
This is the day we really play up high. After breakfast our expedition takes us into more rarified air, past the giant boulder fields of the Khumbu Glacier, to Gorek Shep where lunch awaits us. Next we hike up the ridge to Kala Pattar (5,545m/18,192ft) from whence we get a spectacular, actually mind-boggling view of the world’s tallest mountain, Mt. Everest. We can only marvel at it and the beauty of the views of high Himalaya and the beauty of Pumori and Ama Dablam. From here we trek back down to Gorek Shep for the night.
Accommodation: Everest Inn (share bathroom)
Day 12: Gorek Shep - Everest Base Camp - Labuche (6 - 7 hrs) - 18km/11.2m
After breakfast we start the day with a 2 hour hike to Mt. Everest Base Camp. The trail takes us over more rocky, glacial trails to the famous launch point, and 5-7 week home (5,357m/17,575ft); the, of the Mt. Everest climbers. After a “camera jamboree” we return back to Gorak Shep (5,160m/16,929ft)and after a short rest and lunch descend to Labuche for a well deserved rest and a sleep in ‘thicker air.’
For anyone needing to return early, a Helicopter flight back to Kathmandu can have been arranged (fee extra - generally in the range of $500/person).
Accommodation: Oxygen Altitude Home (share bathroom)
Day 13: Labuche – Pangboche (7 - 8 hrs) - 9km/5.1m
From here we descend from the more barren ‘winter’ landscape, into grassy fields and eventually farmed fields followed by trees and rhododendrons. We have great views of the high path that traverses the rocky hillside on the Northern slopes of the Dude Khosi River. We again trek in the shadows of beautiful Ama Dablam and Tramsirkur. Seasoned hikers described this part of the trail as “The most wonderful trekking we have ever seen.” Finally, after another breathtaking day, we arrive in the quiet village of Pengboche (3440m – 11,284 ft).
Accommodation: Wind Horse Inn (attached bathroom)
Day 14: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (5 to 6 hrs) - 10km/6.2m
The forested trail leads us down to the bridge at Phortse Tang. To the right is the trail up the Gokyo Valley and the sacred lakes. We take the trail back and past Thyanboche a revel in the last long look at the beautiful mountains that frame and tower over this remarkable landscape. We take the “Everest Highway” (applause to one man’s contribution to trekkers and porters) toward Namche Bazaar. On the way we gently allow ourselves to become immersed in our surroundings. . .your test in “LETTING GO.”
Once at Namche, we have descended approx. 2000 feet or 600 meters.
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge (attached bathroom)
Day 15: Namche Bazaar – Phakding – Lukla (7 - 8 hrs) -19km/11.8m
Today the trail descends the steep section back to the Dudh Kosi and the Hillary Suspension bridges, past Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft).
This is a time to celebrate and to reflect on an incredible experience, described by most as, “unbelievable,” “life-changing,” “unimaginable,” “quantum shift in consciousness,” “this trek should be on everyone’s bucket list,” to name just a few of the descriptors we keep hearing!
Accommodation: Lukla Numbur Lodge (attached bathroom)
Day 16: Lukla - Fly to Kathmandu & Celebration Dinner
Weather permitting we fly back to Kathmandu. . . it is possible to get stuck in Lukla due to weather preventing flights from landing. Any costs incurred here, beyond the first day and night, are beyond our control and are at individual expense.
Celebration/Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation at Hotel Yetri
Day 17: End of trip
Breakfast (included) followed by airport departure.
Most people allow a few extra days in Nepal prior to their return flights. This is to avoid potential flight cancellation fees should flights from Lukla be delayed because of weather.
What To Bring
Having the right clothing and equipment is important to your comfort and enjoyment of the trek.
Foot Wear
Good fitting trekking boots (make sure they are worn in and comfortable before coming to Nepal – this is not a time to get blisters)
Woollen socks
Lighter socks
Clothing
Down or warm ski jacket (check with me if you don’t have one – can be rented)
Trekking pants - could be Insulated
Wind pants
Windbreaker
Thermal underwear
Woollen hat (to cover ears – touque type)
Sweater and/or warm pullover
Gloves/Mittens (light and heavy) – a good woolen glove with a mitten shell works well on cold days
Woolen hat or touque
Sun hat and/or bandana
Miscellaneous Items
Warm sleeping bag (check with me if you don’t have one – could be rented)
High quality supplements (not the “junk” – sorry – you get at retail stores)
Sunglasses
Sun Block (for face and hands)
Lip treatment (SP minus 30-45)
Snacks you enjoy – Hard candy, gum, chocolate, nuts, salami, hard cheese - during the trek
Water bottle (Werner brings 1×2 liter pop bottle for storage plus his Puritii – high quality – filter bottle. It saves him about $120 on bottled water in Nepal alone)
A Water Purification System is recommended (like the Puritii bottle which Werner uses exclusively) or a pump and filter, instead of water purification tablets/drops
Backpack, duffel bag or hockey bag for porter to carry (no wheels or frames)
Handkerchiefs
Trekking Poles
Well fitting day pac
Optional Equipment
Liner socks – Werner does not use them
Surgical masks (trail could be dusty)
Booties or a light pair of running shoes – they make for a more comfortable evenin
Camera
Paper-back book(s)
Pen light and batteries
Deck of cards
Toiletries
Small to medium sized towel (or chamoise)
Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
Small bar of multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
Nail clippers
Face and body moisturizer
Feminine hygiene products
Small mirror
Pee Bottle (to save you trips to the toilet at night) - optional
Personal Hygiene
Wet wipes (baby wipes – males generally use 1 to 2 per day/ females usually more)
Tissue /toilet roll (11 day supply)
Anti bacterial hand-wash – optional
Gratuities
USA cash only
Nepalese Head Guide(s): $17-$25USD per day (per group)
Assistant guides: $12-$15 per day (split between group of 4)
Porters: $10 – $13 per day (split between group of 2)
Experience, Health & Fitness
Hiking experience is of value however not required. Physical fitness will add significantly to your enjoyment of this trip (and your life!). We will be walking on the trail most days between 4 and 7 hours. Hiking/camping experience is an advantage, yet absolutely not necessary. Although the trek (or climb to Mt. Everest Base Camp) is non-technical, it is rated as Medium Difficulty because of the altitude and the length of some of the days.
The best way to get fit for this trek is to walk on undulating ground, with a light backpack (start with 15/20 minutes/day and work up to 45m.). Add some upper body and core exercises and you will be ready.
Indoors, stair climbing is excellent, as are walking on a treadmill (on an incline – caution, don’t hold onto the support bars since this negates the purpose of the incline) and/or training on a Stairmaster or Step Mill. The intent is to get your heart rate up and to be reasonably comfortable for about ½ hour (and preferably ¾ to 1 hour) at 65% of max. Work up to exercising in “the zone” where your speaking is choppy due to a slight breathlessness. If you are interested in a core-strength exercise program check with your physical trainer and/or let Werner know. Get fit and your body will love you for the effort by feeling great, having more energy, sleeping better and kick-starting the rest of your life.
For late registrants: speak to Werner for suggestions on an accelerated tune-up.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you must let us know the details at registration. We also recommend you consult your doctor regarding medical concerns the trip may arise, plus any vaccinations (s)he suggests…non are mandatory. Remember: medical and evacuation insurance is a must (see below).
Travel Insurance
A condition of you trekking with us is you must be fully insured, including air rescue services – it is your choice whether to take out trip cancellation insurance. Make sure your personal and air rescue insurance policy does not have special exclusions related to adventure travel. We must know, definitively and well before our departure that this insurance has been obtained.
