Trip Dossier

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

You arrive in Kathmandu and our representative will be on standby with our office vehicle to transfer you to your hotel. A pre-trek briefing will be scheduled to discuss the trekking program and co-ordinate any last-minute arrangements. Your can refresh your self, go for a walk down the street to get familiar with your surroundings before preparing for a tasty dinner of a local Nepalese cuisine which you will truly enjoy accompanied by a cultural dance performed by the local belles. Your first overnight in the city of temples, probably the most in the world Meals included: 1 welcome dinner
 
Day 2: Free at your own leisure

After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about what to do in your next free day.

The choice is yours: either you can stroll around the nearby market on your own or you can opt for a half/full day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at places of interest. The cost for this extra tour is not added in the trek cost and you have to pay extra depending on the places you choose to visit. This extra tour gives you deep insights into Nepal’s iconic monuments that have been recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites.  Sansui Treks will give you an orientation on your program & you will also get the opportunity to ask us any questions you may have regarding our upcoming adventure. When this is done, you might find time to shop around the city in the evening time if you need any gears for the trek. Overnight at your hotel Meals included: 1 breakfast
 
Day 3: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding [2652m] - 3 hour Trekking

After an early morning b/fast, we take the super flight from Kathmandu to Lukla at 2827m. Flight time is about 35 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing we will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort out and load the trekking equipment.

In the afternoon, we begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaurikharka at 2713m. The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat at 2550m, it’s a short walk to Phakding where we’ll stay overnight. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 4: Trek to Namche [3450m] – hiking time approx 5 hrs

From Phakding, we cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. We then take a steep hike to Namche. If the weather is clear, we get the first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La.Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 5: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization

We remain at Namche 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. Today a limited amount of trade exists at Namche and Tibetans are often seen in the village trading rugs and Chinese-made goods, clothing, salt and dried meat. 

It is recommended that you take the opportunity to see both the sunrise and sunset views from the National Park Headquarters above the village. The view is stunning and offers a superb panorama of the Khumbu peaks with great views of Everest. After breakfast, there are a number of options: perhaps a walk towards Thame (3810m) above the beautiful Bhote Khola river valley, or a visit to the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. There is also a mountaineering display and details of the park’s flora and fauna. Your guides will be on hand to offer advice and escort you on your walks. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 6: Namche Bazaar – Dole [4110m] – hike 6 - 7 hrs

Today it’s a steep climb out of Namche Bazaar up to Kyangjuma Village. At Kyangjuma, we can contemplate on terrific views of Thamserku, Kantega, and Ama Dablam. The tough part of today is sure going to be the ascent of the Mong La, a very appealing place hanging on the spur of Mt. Khumbila. A medieval historical Chorten stands at the centre of the settlement of Mong La. We spend some time at the top of Mong La to look with awe at the surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while enjoying lunch. The most eye catching feature of the trail today is the wealth of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons that we see on the way. We may even spot wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the subtle musk deer. Continuing our hike through forests, some waterfalls and bridges, we reach Dole, a small village with few teahouses. And this is where we hang out for the night. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 7: Dole - Machhermo [4465m] - hike 3 hours

Today it’s another short day starting with a climb out of the small Dole Valley before ascending more gradually up the Dudh Kosi valley, high above the river. The walking is easy, but we will still feel the effects of altitude on even the smallest hillock. The barren alpine scenery with only small clusters of scrub juniper is a stark contrast to the snowy white peaks and deep blue skies. After two hours, we will arrive at Luza (4360m), and after a further hour's walk we reach our lodge at Machhermo (4465m) where you will spend the evening. After lunch there is an option to take an excursion across rocky moraines to the base of Kyajo Ri (6168m) and Machhermo Peak (6073m). However, keep an eye open for the Yeti! It was here, in 1974 that three yaks were killed and a Sherpa girl injured when trying to fight off a hairy, ape-like intruder that could have been a hungry grizzly bear! 
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 8: A day for Rest in Machhermo

We are more or less nearing an altitude of 4500m, so we haul up at Machhermo for an extra day to acclimatise by getting our bodies used to the thin air as we climb up. There are plenty of outlets for exploration around the camp and just above the village there is a gracious vista that encircles Cho Oyu at [8210m] and the mountains which flank the Ngozumpa Glacier. Overnight Machhermo. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 9: Machhermo - Gokyo [4800m] - hike 4-5 hrs

After breakfast, we climb through a crest Chorten from where we enjoy master views of the valley below and Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and the northern part of Cho-Oyu at (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley opens out as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangka at (4480m) after a brief soft hike. Phangka is an area where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people.

We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over a stream the traill levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to see the Lama footprints on a stone. As we see the sights of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we watch in awe the glimmering turquoise blue mass of water dazzling in the sunshine. Just ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two connected by a heaving stream. Gokyo village is neatly placed by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountains stand tall in the backdrops, setting off stunning scenery, an ideal spot for our video cams to go on overdrive at this awesome area. After lunch, we discover more of the third Lake, Dudh Pokhari. We crash out at a teahouse hereabouts with pretty comfy bedrooms, even in these remote parts. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 10: Rest day - Ascent of Gokyo Ri [5483m]

Gokyo Ri peak stands like a guard above the village on the northern edge of the lake and we march out of camp at the first crowing of the cock-birds at the break of dawn, following a steep path up the hillside. As we go up, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the views from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is said to be one of the greatest in the Everest region – many say it is even far better than that from Kala Pathar. Should you feel energetic enough, the landscapes are even more to be enjoyed by falling back to the main route and following it north to the fourth and fifth of the Gokyo lakes, the latter being about three hours from proper Gokyo. We stay the night in Gokyo one more time.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 11: Hike - Gokyo Ri - Tragnak [4750m] 4-5 hrs

After having enjoyed a lot of Gokyo which is for sure, we soon leave this zone with life time memories never to be forgotten. After relishing a warm breakfast, we trek down to Tragnak for overnight scaling by the second of the Lakes; the route across the glacier is identified by cairns and is pretty well determined. We climb off the glacier by a small dwelling known as Tragnak and follow a low valley to our camp by a small kharka. Overnight at Tragnak. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 12: Trek to Lobuche [4930m] hiking time 5-6 hrs

We continue up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawache on the left. We then turn right and take a steep climb towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. The tea house at Duglha is a good spot to have lunch. The trail zigzags up through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine. At the top of this climb there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 13: Trek to Gorak Shep [5184m] hiking time 5-6 hrs

To reach our next stop, Kala Pathar, we follow the Khumbu Glacier. The trail offers superb views of the surrounding mountains, especially where the path is forced to rise to cross a tributary glacier. We stop for lunch at our camping place - Gorak Shep. Later in the afternoon, we make our way to the top of one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region, Kala Pathar at [5554m]. As the light turns to twilight, we stroll back to our camp at Gorak Shep and have an early night in preparation for our trek to Everest Base Camp the following day. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 14: Trek to Everest Base Camp [5357m] and return to Gorakshep - hiking time 8-9 hrs

A very early start is required to reach the Everest Base Camp. It takes several hours as the trail weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. On the return leg, we can take a higher route to get a spectacular view of the Khumbu icefall and the route to the South Col. We return to Gorak Shep to crash out for the night
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 15: Trek to Pangboche [3985m] hiking time 3-4 hrs

Today’s trek is mostly downhill. As we retrace our steps to Duglha and descend to Pheriche, we arrive at The Himalayan Rescue Association, a trekker’s aid post and worth a visit. After lunch we cross the Khumbu Khola on a wooden suspension bridge and follow the Imja Khola to the village of Pangboche. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 16: Trek to Namche [3450m] hiking time approx 4-5 hrs

We continue to follow the river and, after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forest to Tengboche. Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants to be seen. From Tengboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi. At Phunki Tenga, we get to see the water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Namche for the night. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 17: Trek to Lukla [2800m] our last night in the outback - hiking time approx 3 hrs

Our final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi down to Lukla. This last evening calls for a celebration because this is our last day on these fantastic mountains that were home to us all of these days. We have a party with our Sherpa guides and porters who've got close to us over the weeks & are now good friends. We sample some 'chang' (locally brewed mountain beer) and try out some Sherpa dance steps. Altogether, this is an end to a merry trip on a merry note. After supper, we relax under the starry skies on a moonlit night & reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains that have probably helped us re-discover ourselves in ways least expected. We then slumber into blissful sleep. 
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
 
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu

We pack up early and head for the airstrip to hop a flight back to Kathmandu
On touchdown, the rest of your day is free to do your own things. You could do some last minute shopping and packing, or send a few post cards home or even go down for a stroll to Thamel, an internationally known hub for tourists in Asia. Overnight at our hotel in Kathmandu – Breakfast
 
Day 19: Depart Kathmandu – Farewell Amigos!

Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game drive at National parks, do some wild-water rafting, a Tibet tour or even mountain biking, etc - please don't hesitate to let us know). We would be glad to help you. Thank you for doing this venture with us & it's been wonderful knowing you over the weeks. Please do stay in touch in the months ahead. Bon Voyage & take care!!! Breakfast
 
Please Note: that although we will go the lengths to follow the itinerary given above, at times local trails or unpredictable weather patterns may necessitate slight changes if necessary. The trekking itinerary may also sometimes vary slightly depending on our trekkers' acclimatization rates. This adventure goes into wild territory above the timberline, so we seek to request maximum flexibility if and when required for the success and safety of your trip and your life.

Trip Information

Accommodation

A ‘TH [Teahouse Lodge] is a term used for sleeping in teahouse lodges on the trails. These teahouses are pretty basic but provide all the comforts that you would expect when hiking in remote conditions, they are cosy and warm – you’d like the homely environment. We crash out in single rooms wherever available, but often times we sometimes have to adapt to sleeping out in dormitory type rooms for a night. Generally, it’s just a bed with a pillow and blankets. It’s a matter of choice, if you want, you bring your own ‘Air pillow’ and freak out anyways, this is adventure in the wild…the rougher it gets the better. We accommodate our trek groups in local lodges available each day. Our porters hike ahead of us to book the required rooms for the group (rooms cannot be booked in advance). Please note, that some of them are very basic and a spirit of adventure is the call of the day. It is cheaper to stay in lodges rather than organizing a camping trek.

We have a pool of hotels in Kathmandu under 3-4-5 Star categories which we provide to clients in connection with this itinerary, unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice. You can check on the description of such hotels through our website. Accommodation is never a problem, the choice exclusively yours.

Dining

At ‘Incentive Holidays’ – its zero tolerance on cutting of cost when it comes down to feeding our trekking guests, because we know how tough it is on the trails; we ensure that the lodges provide three tasty, bountiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast is ‘king size’ [the first meal of the day] consisting of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereals followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads.

After a lengthy gritty day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetables, meat, rice and pasta dishes completed with a simple dessert. Don’t be surprised if the delectable ‘apple pie’ lands on your plate, it’s literally ‘yummy’’, even better than the ones you come across in Thamel.

Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. The lodges always use as much fresh produce as possible and special diets are regularly catered for. The local trek leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with focus on personal hygiene. This has allowed us to maintain extremely high standards of health over many years of planning treks - and good health is vital to an enjoyable and successful trek and climb. All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. Boiled water is served for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for. ‘Gluttony is a sin’ but there are no restrictions on the grub we serve to our guests on the mountains; we leave it up to our trekking guests who are the best judge of their own appetites…Bon Appétit!!

Cost Inclusion / Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

• 3N Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis at KTM                                                                        
• 15N accommodation on Tea Houses/lodge in the trail
• One English speaking guide
• Porter (1Porter for 2Pax)
• Welcome cultural dinner program at Kathmandu
• 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) during Trekking
• National park fees
• TIMS
• Airport pick up and drop (international & domestic)
• All ground transfer as per itinerary
• KTM-LUK-KTM Domestic air tickets

Cost Exclusion

• Daily Meals (Lunch & Dinner) during Kathmandu
• Tips to Guide & Driver
• Entrance Fees
• Bar Expense
• Telephone, Laundry and Internet
• Personnel Insurance
• Emergency Evacuation
• All other personal expenses
• Nepal Visa Fee

Popular Sightseeing places in Kathmandu:

• Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square
• Patan Durbar Square
• Pashupatinath Temple
• Boudhanath Stupa
• Swayambhunath Stupa

Half day sightseeing includes visit two of these places and full day sightseeing includes three of these places inside the ring-road of Kathmandu. Besides the above mentioned places, the charges will apply depending on the distance accordingly.

Travel Date

The best time to visit for a trip of this kind would be in the Spring and Autumn.  It is wonderful duringthis time of the year when an overall beauties of the landscapes found in these trips are so distinct & stunning, due to clear weather pattern & sunny blue skies. Our program could be changed to accommodate individual group choices and preferences in order to give you proper holidays that become signature ventures for a lifetime.