Trip Dossier

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – [1300m]

It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. And as your plane hits the tarmac, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Welcome drinks will be served and over night at your hotel. Breakfast 
 
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

Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Bhandar via Jiri

Today it’s an early morn scenic cruise down to Jiri, approx 187 km north-east of Kathmandu. We’ll be driving on mountain roads, so we reckon it will take around 6 -7 hrs to reach Jiri. From the little commercial village town of Jiri, we continue driving to Bhandar, our trek start point. Despite being a single lane road, the road conditions are pretty good now compared to the past. We get our first views of Kosi River and panoramic views of the eastern Himalaya including Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa. We bunk out for the night at Bhandar – B. L. D
 
Day 4: Bhandar to Sete [2575m] - 6/7 hrs

We descend on our route from Bhandar through dense forests crossing a few streams and passing the small settlements of Dokharpa and Baranda. We next plod through forests snaking down to the Surma Khola and continue to Likhu Khola Valley. We next climb a crest going up to the small settlement of Kenja. It’s then a steep ascent to Chimbu and continuing further we finally reach the village of Sete. This is where we crash out for the night – B. L. D
 
Day 5: From Sete trek to Junbesi [2670m] - 6/7 hrs

Today we do an uphill climb to Lamjura La through charming forests of pine, magnolia, maple, birch and rhododendrons. We pass by the villages of Dagchu and Goyem via Lamjura La pass at 3530 meters, the highest point between Jiri and Namche Bazar, providing us sublime views of the dense green mountains. We descend down the pass to Tragdobuk and Junbesi. We then spend the afternoon here looking into the village and discovering the lifestyles of its inhabitants. We pass our night at Junbesi – B. L. D
 
Day 6: Trek Junbesi to Nunthala [2220m] - 6 hrs

We hit the trails by crossing the stream beyond Junbesi where we climb up the forest slope and after an hour's hike; the thrilling views of the Himalaya Mountains are a feast for our eyes. We get to see Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Thamserkhu, Mera Peak, and a lot of other big peaks. This is the first view of Everest on this trek, although the lower peaks look closer and higher than the distant 8,000er mountains. Continue on the trail to Salung and descend to Ringmo Khola. We then ascend Ringmo, cross the Trakshindo La pass and descend to Trashingdo. After another hour's descent through conifer and rhododendron forests, and terraced fields, we finally arrive at Nunthala for the night – B. L. D
 
Day 7: Nunthala to Bupsa [2360m] - 5/6 hrs

Today we descend down the trail to the Dudh Koshi River. We cling to the banks of the Dudh Koshi River as we head upwards to Khumbu. We next Cross the bridge, climb to Jubing and continue straight to Churkha. Then Climb the trail eastward to reach Kharikhola and descend to cross an airy suspension bridge. Another steep climb finally takes us to Bupsa for our night halt – B. L. D
 
Day 8: Bupsa to Surke [2290m] - 5/6 hrs

The trail from Bupsa rises through a forested stretch passing Kharte. From Kharte, an uphill climb brings us to Khari La pass. At this pass we take pleasure in the splendid views of the Khari La pass of Gyachung Kang and Khumbila mountains among others. We then descend to Puiyan and hike the ups and downs to Surke for the night – B. L. D
 
Day 9: Surke to Phakding [2,652m] - 4/5 hrs

From Surke, our trail climbs up toward Chaurikharka. Initially, the hike moves up to Chhiplung. After which the trail moves down to Phakding. We spend our night at Phakding.  B. L. D
 
Day 10: Phakding - Namche Bazaar [3440m] - 5/6 hrs

Hiking through a fine-looking pine forest, the track guides us along the Dudh Koshi River through several suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. We get our first glimpses of the shimmering Mt. Thamserku (6618m). Through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We pass through the last village of Jorsale before reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail climbs through the forests and bridges until we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. After a final steep ascent of about two hours we behold our first sights of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We stop at Chautara to be in awe of the view. We still need to hike about 1.5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar, a gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. Tonight it’s at Namche Bazaar where we chill out for some time – B. L. D
 
Day 11: Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar [3,440m]

Although we’ve experienced some great acclimatization on this gripping trail, this is yet another for 'acclimatization' to chill out‘your way’. But chilling out doesn’t mean we don’t move around, we must stay active and move around instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or visit Khunde; we can also explore Namche Bazaar itself at a leisurely pace. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. We can also visit the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park where we will observe a collection of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung. We also climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth.
 
The Khumjung valley is bordered by the snowy peaks of Kongde, Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila, which hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We also visit the late Sir Edmund Hillary’s School which is at the same site. This will be a memorable night at Namche Bazaar where it’s all happening – B. L. D
 
Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche [3,870m] - 5/6 hrs

After a delicious breakfast in Namche, we hit the trail towards Tengboche enjoying superb views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up views of Thamserku. Our trek follows an easy going trail with few ups and downs overlooking magnificent views of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild fauna like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kyangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sanasa which is the key trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through pine forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Tenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After enjoying a leisurely lunch at Phunki Tenga we then experience a pretty tough climb up through pine forests before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a perfect place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has the largest Buddhist Monastery in the Khumbu region. We crash out in Tengboche for the night – B. L. D
 
Day 13: Tengboche to Dingboche [4,360] - 5/6 hrs

With the Mountains as an ideal backdrop, the monastery in Tengboche is a lovely sight to behold more in the morning. We click some pictures of the monastery and the surrounding scenes before we start our journey of the day. We hike through a few Chortens, mani walls and some small villages after which, we haul up for some grub and while enjoying our meals we savor some upfront views of Amadablam towering just above us; We trek via Pangboche, the highest of the true lasting settlements in the valley and reach the regular settlement, the final steepest climb of the day on our way to Dingboche (4410m) at the entrance to the Khumbu Valley. We spend our night in a lodge. With 867 metres of ascent and 416 metres of descent, we finally hit the sack for the night – B. L. D
 
Day 14: Dingboche - Duglha [4,600m] - 3/4 hrs

Our day commences with a climb to Duglha via the Khumbu Khola valley. The trek along the arid terrace is a gift with stunning views of mountains on all sides. As we reach a yak herder's place called Dusa, the valley begins to narrow and we continue through Phulung Karpo, which are campsites of the first successful Everest Expedition in 1953, inspiring daring climbers today. Above Phulung Karpo is Chola Lake. As we continue our trek the imposing view of Mt. Pumori (7138 m/ 23418 ft) meets our eyes. As the trail descends and curves Mt. Pumori hides and we come across a thunderous stream. After crossing a small wooden bridge, we ascend to Duglha. We can see the tip of Nuptse from here as well as Cholatse, Thamserku, and several other magnificent peaks. Spending a night in Duglha is just perfect to get familiar with the thin air. We crash out at Duglha – B. L. D
 
Day 15: Duglha - Lobuche [4940m] - 2/4 hours

Beyond Duglha we trek up a steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We find our way through the rock-strewn slope as we ascend Chupki Lhara, a creepy ridge top with vivid mountains views. At the top of the crest, we will find a pyramid of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10 times Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (mountain guide from Nepal) who died on a mission to climb Everest. As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves ‘face-to-face’ with several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. We are now in real ‘Everest’ country but the great mountain still remains hidden. Nuptse looms to the right as the trail crosses the Khumbu Glacier. As we hike along a whispering stream we do not see the Khumbu glacier because of its lateral moraine wall and we now begin to feel the thin air and the breathing gets difficult due to high altitude. We bunk out in Lobuche – B. L. D
 
Day 16: Lobuche - Gorak Shep (5170m] - Everest Base Camp (5364m] - Gorak Shep - 7/8 hrs

The blazing trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier as we hike past a pyramid sign post. A little further down the trail we see the crest of the north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, etc. A small ascent takes us to Thangma Riju from where we identify 360 degree panoramas of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri glacier, we behold our first glimpse of Kala Pathar, a grey-green hummock beneath Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we are surrounded by snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the globe – Mt. Everest. After a lunch halt and some rest, we take the trail to Everest B. C. through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Moving straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers' memorial. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night's rest. However, the sunset view from Kala Pathar is more worthy than the sunrise view. For those trekkers who wish to carry on, our guides and Sherpas will synchronize a hike to Kala Pathar for marvelous sunset views today rather than waiting for the next day. Its an overnight in Gorak Shep – B. L. D
 
Day 17: Gorak Shep - Kala Pathar (5545m] - Pheriche (4280m] - 7/8 hrs

Today is the pinnacle of our journey. We start early morn before the birds wake up to watch breath-stopping views from Kala Pathar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. However, we must be prepared for an early morning, dark and frosty temperatures of (-10 to -14 C) as we set to depart beforehand. Plus, there is always the impending chilly winds which are pretty usual hereabouts. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to disclose itself emerging between the west shoulder crest with Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Pathar we can pause to hold our breath at several terrific view points to take pictures. After several hours of an ascent, we reach Kala Pathar. From here we scuttle to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags.
 
As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Pathar rocks as our eyes feast on the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, roving from one mighty massif to the other. Our video cams go on overdrive with as much pictures as we can to take the in views as our minds decipher memories through our eyes that last for a lifetime. On getting back to Gorak Shep, we have a piping hot breakfast followed by a gradual descend down to Pheriche for a well earned night's rest. Overnight in the village of Pheriche – B. L. D
 
Day 18: Pheriche-Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazaar (3,440m] - 5/6 hrs

Today it’s a heavenly hike through hillsides swamped by rhododendron and juniper trees. In spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers set the hillsides ablaze with a splash of delightful colors. Depending on what our stomachs tell us, we either have our lunch in Pangboche or wait until we reach Phunki Tenga. After crossing the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River trail, we follow the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sanasa which is the major trail junction in the region. We haul up at Kyangjuma (3570 m/11,710 ft) for a relaxed lunch. Following lunch, the trail to Namche Bazaar clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at of Namche Bazaar. We probably enjoy a long last look (with our video cams!) of Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche from here. On reaching our lodge, we go in for a lovely hot shower, probably enjoy some beers, have a hot supper and then retire to bed for a well earned blissful sleep. B. L. D
 
Day 19: Namche Bazaar-Lukla [2,800m] - 6/8 hrs

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to hike at a controlled pace as our wobbling legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail gets flatter and usual. By this day we begin to feel better with the light breeze. Our sore throats and flu will be gone by today as we pass through this pleasant mountain air. Although we hike the same path down, we feel something different with the landscapes we see. We take a combo of pictures that include open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages' we observe the deep faith in Buddhism and the culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages. On arrival in Lukla, we stretch those aching legs and reflect on the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the conclusion of a fantastic trek on a merry note with everyone back safe and sound with happy faces! We bunk out in Lukla B. L, D
 
Day 20: 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

Day 21: Depart Kathmandu for home sweet home – Farewell buddies!

Our office 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 and it's been wonderful knowing you over the weeks. Please do stay in touch in the months ahead. Bon Voyage & take care!!!
 
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 cozy 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, and 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. We 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 respect to 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                                                                        
• 17N accommodation on Tea Houses/Lodge in the trail
• One English speaking guide
• Porter (1Porter for 2Pax)
• 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-Bhandara by coach/Jeep
• 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.