Brief Itinerary

In THE PRE-TRIP MEETING, All passengers MUST bring:

1. Original valid passport
2. Four copies of Passport size photos each
3. Travel Insurance Policy
4. A writing pen
5. Notepad
6. Final payment in cash USD

Itinerary Detail

DAY 01: ARRIVAL AND FINAL PREPARATION OF THE TRIP (A)
Arrival in your hotel, meeting in our trekking office.

DAY 02: Final Preparation  (A,B)
For expedition permit and final arrangement of the trip (if any) will spend for these days. These days are important to have acclimatization before departing such great adventure trip.

DAY 03: FLY TO LUKLA, TREK TO CHUMA (2,743m). 5-6 hours. (A,B,L,D)
You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This is one of the most spectacular flights in the world. As you fly east, the snow line of the Himalayan range to the north, will be on your left, with the rugged foothills of Nepal immediately below and stretching away to the south on your right. Lukla is situated high above the river on a shelf at 2,800m, and arriving there is a one off experience because the runway is on a slope and there is a difference of almost 60 metres between its lower and upper ends which all makes for an interesting landing! On arrival you can have a cup of tea while your staff sort out your baggage. From the airstrip you will head north-west, through the village of Lukla and descend to the Dudh Khosi river at Phakding (2,652m). The path leads upstream along the valley, through areas of conifer trees and several more small villages. Another 2-3 hours walking will bring you to Chumoa, a small and picturesque village of about 25 houses located below Thamserku mountain (6,618m) at an altitude of about 9,301ft/2,835m and close to the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. Overnight lodge.

DAY 04: TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,445m). 6 hours. (A,B,L,D)
A principal benefit of walking as far as Chumoa on the first day is that you can walk up the steep hill to Namche when fit and fresh in the early morning. Shortly after leaving Chomoa you cross the Monjo Khola and continue to the park gates of the Sagarmartha National Park where you complete entry formalities. You then walk on alongside the river to arrive at the confluence of the Imja Drangka and the Nangpo Drangpo, which combine to form the Dudh Khosi. Crossing the river on a high bridge you start the steep climb to Namche. Near the halfway point up the hill, if the sky is clear, your first views of Everest and Lhotse come into sight. You then continue the climb, less steeply now, to Namche. Namche is the largest and most prosperous village in the Khumbu. Thamserku (6,618m) and Kwangde (6,224m) loom to the east and west and the sacred mountain Khumbila (5,707m) dominates the skyline to the north behind the village. The narrow streets at its centre are a mixture of traditional and modern, with Sherpa homes mingled with cafes, handicraft shops and shops selling or renting trekking and climbing equipment, foodstuffs and vegetables, tennis shoes and Tibetan boots. Don’t be surprised if, after the exertion of the climb and the rise in elevation, you feel a little tired and head-achey. You will feel better after a cup of tea and a rest. Overnight lodge. 

DAY 05: TREK TO KHUNDE (3,840m),  1 Hour REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION (A,B,L,D)
To assist with acclimatization another day is spent in Khunde. You may explore the area and your guide will suggest possible excursions. You may visit the controversial Everest View Hotel (lots of good stories behind that!). Situated above the village of Khumjung in a spectacular position this is an extremely ugly, Alcatraz-like building and although out of keeping with its surroundings there are really superb views from its terrace. You can enjoy a cup of tea or a hot lemon while looking out at Everest and other Himalayan giants. It might also be possible to visit the clinic in Khunde and the Khumjung School (both projects supported by the Himalayan Trust). The picturesque little gompa in Khumjung, set in a grove of trees above the houses of the village, is also well worth a visit. On payment of a small donation to the caretaker you may be allowed to see the so-called head of a yeti which is kept there. For those feeling more energetic it might be possible to take a packed lunch and go further afield. It is possible to climb the ridge above Khunde, to 4,238m, to view Mount Everest and Ama Dablam. You could also visit the memorial to Sir Edmund Hillary’s wife and daughter who were tragically killed in an air accident. This excursion would be good for acclimatization as you would end up sleeping lower than you have climbed during the day – it is a mantra of good acclimatization to ‘climb high, sleep low’. Overnight lodge.

DAY 06: TREK TO THYANGBOCHE (3,863m). 4-5 hours. (A,B,L,D)
The trail descends from Khumjung with chortens forming a dramatic frame to a view of Ama Dablam (6,696m), and Kangtaiga (6,779m), flanked by the towering heights of Sagarmatha (the Nepalese name for Everest), Lhotse and Nuptse. As you descend from the village first through walled fields and then through moss-covered rhododendron forest watch out for blood pheasant and Impeyan pheasant scratching in the undergrowth. You then descend through forests of rhododendron and blue pine to the village of Trashinga – watch out here for the Tibetan traders selling their wares alongside the trail – they are very jolly ladies! You descend further to cross the Dudh Kosi at Phungithanga and then climb through beautiful forests to reach Thyangboche, the main monastery of the Khumbu area, sited on a saddle of the forested ridge.  Thyangboche lies on the ridge at the base of Kangtaiga and this position affords panoramic views of the main peaks of Khumbu including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. It will probably be cloudy by the time you arrive in the early afternoon, but should normally be clear first thing in the morning so it will be well worthwhile getting up early for the sensational views. There should be time this afternoon to visit the monastery - it is interesting to visit at the time of evening prayers. Remember that a small donation is normally expected when you visit monasteries. Overnight lodge.

DAY 07: TREK TO AMA DABLAM BASE CAMP (A,B,L,D)

DAY 08-23: EXPEDITION PERIOD
These 10 days are expedition duration with spare days for expedition incase weather or other conditions may demanding due to complete the trip

DAY 24: BASE CAMP CLEAN UP (A,B,L,D)

DAY 25: TREK TO MONG LA (3,973m)  5-6 hours. (A,B,L,D)
From Pangboche you take a wonderful high trail above the Imja Drengkha river. This trail undulates along the valley side and you have fabulous views across to the mountains and Thyangboche perched on its ridge. Also, as you walk look out for Himalayan thar grazing among the boulders and lammergeyer vultures, himalayan griffon vultures and golden eagles flying overhead. Finally after about 2-3 hours you round a corner and the isolated village of Phortse lies below you, situated in a spectacular spot on a promontory overlooking the Dudh Kosi in one direction and the Imja Drengka in the other. You walk down through the village and then descend more steeply through birch and rhododendron forest to the river (look out for musk deer and pheasants in these lovely quiet woods). You cross the river and then passing a couple of isolated houses there is one hour’s final ascent to the Mong La (3,973m), a small pass marked by a chorten, birth place of Lama Sagwa Dorje. Mong La looks down on the junction of the Dudh River coming down from the Ngozumpa Glacier up in the Gokyo Valley and the Imja Drengka which comes down from Everest. At the pass, there are a couple of pleasant lodges and a very large chorten and prayer flags. The views from here are absolutely magical, particularly of Ama Dablam (6,814m). Overnight lodge - where those on the December departure will probably wish to celebrate New Year’s Eve. 2009

DAY 26: TREK TO CHUOMA (2,743m). 5-6 hours. (A,B,L,D)
From Mong La you traverse across the hillside and then descend on steep stone steps to Tashinga (last chances for souvenir shopping with the Tibetan ladies!). You then climb to Kangzhuma and take the high trail which roller coasters round the hillside high above the Dudh Kosi River. Again you have fabulous views of the mountains across the valley – principally Thamserkhu and Kang Taiga. You then descend into Namche before making the knee crunching descent back down to the valley. The warmer climate should offer a good opportunity to finally shed a layer or two. You will still have wonderful views, and the chance to relax in slightly warmer valley surroundings. Trek back down the Dudh Kosi valley for a short way past the checkpoint at Jorsale to CHUMA. Overnight lodge.

DAY 27: TREK TO LUKLA (2,880m). 6 to 7 hrs. (A,B,L,D)
Most people head towards Lukla with a heavy heart. There is something very special about the setting, the villages and the people of the high Khumbu hills and valleys and these memories will help you up the deceptively long, final climb into Lukla. The trail to Lukla follows the upward route as far as Chablung, and then turns off above the village of Chaunrikharka towards Lukla. There are signs beyond the stream at Chablung pointing you in the direction of Lukla. The broad trail, leading uphill to the left, climbs steadily past a few bhattis and the school, then through scrub forests above the school and houses of Chaunrikharka. After a steep final climb there is a collection of houses and bhattis in Tamang Tole, a new settlement a short distance from the airport. As you approach the airstrip the houses and hotels rapidly proliferate. On arrival you can finally relax and enjoy a celebratory beer. Overnight Lodge.

DAY 28: FLY TO KATHMANDU. (A,B)
Lukla is situated high above the river on a shelf at 2,800m and as the runway is on a slope there is a difference of almost 60 metres between its lower and upper ends which makes for an interesting take off. Another chance to enjoy this great flight. Please note that flights into Lukla are sometimes delayed due to weather conditions either in fog-bound Kathmandu or windy Lukla; be reassured that our staff in Lukla and in Kathmandu will be doing everything possible to minimise the inconvenience caused if this happens. Your patience in the trying circumstances, which can occur, will be greatly appreciated. On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

DAY 29: AT LEISURE IN KATHMANDU. (A,B)
An opportunity to relax and reflect on your adventures and to complete any sightseeing and last-minute shopping. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 30: FLY BACK. (B)
We will serve you appropriate vehicle to transfer you to Kathmandu International Airport as per group size.

Please contact us at tours@nepalholiday.com for detail itineraty of this trip

PRICE INCLUDES

• Welcome at Kathmandu International Airport upon your arrival
• Airport pick up service & transfer to the hotel
• 4 nights tourist standard hotel room with breakfast in Kathmandu as per itinerary
• Seasonal expedition permit royalty collecting for Nepal government
• National park/nature conservation permit fee
• Base camp crews’ (a base camp guide, a cook and a assistant cook) services (equipment, flight tickets, insurance and daily wages)
•  Kathmandu - expedition base point - Kathmandu round way internal flights as per itinerary, or
•  Kathmandu - expedition base point - Kathmandu round way land transportation as per itinerary
• All road transport by public/private vehicle as per itinerary
• Hotel Domestic airport/bus park-hotel transfers service
• Maximum 30 KG cargo service per person
• Maximum 30 KG porter transportation (porter/yak/other) service each from trek start point to base camp and base camp to trek end point as per itinerary)
• Base camp tents, equipments, food and fuel transportation services before expedition
• Base camp tents and equipments transportation back services after expedition completion
• Trekking starting point to base camp & back to trek ending point (after expedition) trekking service as per itinerary
• Liaison officer's allowances, base camp equipment, transportation, insurance, daily wages in sharing basis among group member/s
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner during trekking & Expedition period in and below the base camp as per itinerary
• One Double North Face V-25 or similar tent sharing among two mountaineers as per itinerary
• Dining tent, toilet tent, table, chairs and mattresses at base camp with sharing basis as per itinerary
• Rescue arrangement service (you need to summit enough insurance documents and/or deposit to us before departing to expedition from Kathmandu for this service)
• Emergency oxygen - mask and regulator (you will pay full cost only if use)
• Camp/dine fire/warm up charge where available
• company service charge
• Airport transfer to KTM Airport by vehicle after trip completion
• Expedition success certificate (After success)

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• International airfare
• Visa fees
• Your all kinds of insurance
• Air cargo custom duty for expedition import goods arriving into Nepal,
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
• Any expedition group equipment and personal climbing gears above base camp
• High altitude climbing food, kitchen utensils and fuel
• Emergency evacuation, helicopter rescue if required
• Bar bill, beverage and laundry service
• Climbing guide, sherpa, their summit bonus and tips
• Personal satellite phone, e-mail & internet permit
• Waki talkies permit, filming permit, Ice fall fees if requires
• Any personal expenses
• Oxygen and mask regulator for member and Sherpa
• Garbage deposit USD 2000 (sharing among group and it is refundable)
• International airport departure tax (about USD 25 per person)
• Optional trips
• Single supplementary except solo service
• All except explained in "PRICE INCLUDES" section above

Base Camp Support Team:
If you have family member/s, friend/s, sponsor/s who like to join with you in this expedition up to Amadablam Base Camp as support member/s are welcome. The cost of the support per member (person) is USD 1199. In this price, his/her/their hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast, all entry fees up to the base camp, meals, transports & tent at base camp are included. If s/he will only rich base camp & back to Kathmandu, the cost will be only USD 799 for 12 days

Charges for Additional Services:
- Climbing Sherpa - USD 1700 per Sherpa if you need private
- Film Permit US$ 5,000.00 (Small Portable movie camera is free)

(Private trip without group joining? Please contact us)

Testimonials

Expedition Equipment List:

Mountaineering, a specialized form of mountain climbing that involves use of rock and ice climbing techniques, requires knowledge and gear that general hiking does not. In addition to the usual camping supplies such as tent and sleeping bag, mountaineers must bring equipment for climbing extremely steep or icy terrain.

Additionally Appendix II (SUGGESTED CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT LIST) suggested for trekking program, following is a list of the additional specialist items which are required for the trekking peaks.

• Double Plastic Climbing  Boots with Aveolite Liners.  Good quality plastic shells with inner boots.  Avoid tight fit with heavy socks.
  Suggestion: Koflach Artis Expedition, Scarpa Invernos, or One Sport Everest.
• Fully Insulated Overboots.  Suggested:  40 Below K2 Overboots,
• Outdoor Research Brooks Rangers.  Not needed w/ One Sport Everest.
• Light hiking boots.
• Crampons.  With "step in" bindings and flat rather than "cookie cutter" frame rails.  Suggested: Charlet Moser Super 12 Rapidfix Lanieres,
• Grivel G12 New-Matic, or Black Diamond Sabertooth.
• Gaiters.   Suggested:  Outdoor Research  Expedition "Crocodiles".
• Not needed with One Sport Everest Boots.
• Booties.  Polar guard.  Optional.
• Wool or pile socks.  4 pair of Heavyweight wool or synthetic socks (wool is warmer) to be worn over the liner socks.  When layering socks, check fit over feet and inside boots. Remember to keep one fresh, dry pair of socks available at all times.
• Liner Socks.  4 pair of smooth thin wool, nylon or Capilene to be worn next to the skin.  This reduces incidence of blisters and hot-spots.
• Vapor barrier socks.  Optional.

• Ice Axe w/Leash.  General mountaineering tool.  Sizing is important: under 5'7" use a 60cm tool; 5'7"- 6'1" use a 65cm tool; over 6'1" use a 70cm tool. (Too short is preferable to too long). Suggested:  SMC Himalayan or
• Black Diamond Alpamayo.
• Carabiners (4) Locking;  (6) Regular.  2 HMS Twistlock &  2 small screwgate lockers; 6 standard ovals recommended.
• Ascenders (2).  Petzls recommended. One right and one left.
• Rappel device.  1 Figure 8, ATC or Trango Pyramid.
• Perlon. 40 ft of flexible 6mm.
• Alpine Climbing Harness.  Harness should fit over all clothing, have gear loops, adjustable leg loops and be reasonably comfortable to hang suspended in.  Make sure  you can get into the harness without having to step through any part of it.  Suggested:  Black Diamond Bod Harness or Alpine Bod w/ modification.
• Adjustable Ski/Trekking Poles.  Optional, but recommended.
• Suggested: Leki, Life Link.

• Expedition weight  underwear.  1 pair  Polypro or Capilene.
• Lightweight  Underwear.  2-3 pair top & bottom, Capilene, other synthetic or wool. No Cotton.  Lightweight is preferable as it is more versatile (worn single in warmer conditions and double layer for colder).
• Zip-T-neck tops allow more ventilation options.  One set of white for intense sunny days on the glacier and one pair of dark for faster drying gives the most versatility.  Suggested: North Face Micronamics, Marmot
• DriClime, or  Patagonia Capilene.
• Pile  Jacket.   Heavyweight pile (Polartec 300). A full-zip version is easier to put on and has better ventilation than a pull-over. Windstopper fleece is NOT recommended due to reduced breathability.  Suggested: North Face Polar Sun or equivalent.
• Pile Pants.  Heavyweight pile (Polartec 300)  with full separating side zippers (This is very important for ventilation and for ease of dressing up or down when conditions change in the middle of a climb).
• Suggested: North Face Polar Sun or equivalent.
• Down Pants.  To fit over insulation layers.  Outer shell must be windproof.  Suggested: Feathered Friends Helios or Volant.
• Down Parka.  (Fully Baffled, Expedition Weight, must have good hood)
• Suggested:   North Face Baltoro,    Mt. Hardwear Absolute Zero, Marmot
• 8000meter, or Feathered Friends Rock & Ice.
• Gore-Tex Shell Pants & Shell Jacket with hood.
• (Bibs recommended) For the jacket we highly recommend a long front zipper, a roomy rather than snug fit and underarm zips which go well below the armpit.
• We also require full separating side zippers on the pants.   Suggested:
• North Face Mtn. Bib or Mtn. Light Pant, Mtn. Hardware Exposure Bib or
• Ethereal Pant.

• Sleeping Bag.  (Expedition quality rated to at least -300F).
• Goose down preferred for bulk & weight. Suggested:  North Face Inferno,
• Feathered Friends Snow Goose, or Marmot CWM.
• 2 Sleeping Pads.  One, 3/4 or full-length closed-cell foam Ridge Rest and One, 3/4 length or full-length Therma-Rest w/repair kit.

• 2 Pair Synthetic Gloves.  Bunting or fleece gloves which will fit comfortably inside mitts. A heavier fleece will do a better job of keeping hands warmer when wet than lighter polypropylene or Capilene. Suggested:
• North Face, Patagonia.
• 2 Pair Pile Mitts and Gore-Tex Overmitts.   Outdoor Research
• Expeditions w/double liners or North Face Down Mitts. Should be big enough so that gloves fit inside pile liners.
• Hand warmer.  Optional.

• Baseball Cap or other Sun Hat.  One with a good visor to shade the
• nose and eyes.  Include a bandanna to shade the neck.
• Wool or pile ski hat. Make sure ears are covered.
• Balaclava (1) Heavy weight, (1) Lightweight.
• Suggested: North Face.  Heavyweight must fit over lightweight.
• Neoprene face mask.  Optional
• Head lamp  (Plenty of extra bulbs & batteries).
• Suggested:  Petzl Zoom or Artic.
• 2 Pairs of Glacier glasses.  100% UV, high quality optical lenses
• designed for mountain use, must have full side covers. We highly recommend a removable nose guard.  Suggested:  Bolle, RayBan, Julbo Round "Arc".  If you wear contact lenses we recommend packing a spare pair of glasses-it is a good idea to have these with "photo-gray" or equivalent light-sensitive material so they can double as emergency sunglasses.  If you wear glasses we recommend prescription glacier glasses (dark gray or green).  No more than 6% light transmission.
• Ski Goggles, 1 pair.  100% UV & IR.  Bolle's Chrono work well.
• Climbers with glasses try X-700, they fit over glasses.

• Backpack.  Internal frame pack  expandable to 6,000 cu.in.
• Keep it simple and light, avoid unnecessary zippers, etc which add weight.
• Recommended: North Face, Kelty, Gregory.
• Daypack.  Optional for trekking days.
• Swiss Army knife.
• Bic Lighter.
• 1 Liter Thermos.
• Cooking Gear:
• Cup:  16oz. plastic with snap-on lid (retains heat well and is spill resistant in the tent).
• Spoon:  Good quality tough plastic (lexan).
• Bowl:  Deep plastic with 2-3 cup capacity.
• Water Bottles:  2 liters minimum capacity.  One, 1.5 liter & One .5 liter wide-mouth.  Hunnersdorf are recommended (they withstand temperature extremes and abuse better than Nalgene)
• No water bags or bladder systems, they freeze.
• Pee Bottle (1 Liter).  Large mouth water bottle. Mark bottle clearly.
• Pee Funnel (for women).  Suggested:  Freshette.
• Sunscreen.  SPF 40 or better,  2 small tubes.
• Lipscreen.  SPF 40 or better, at least 2 sticks.
• Personal first aid kit. Aspirin, Moleskin, Adhesive tape, Band-Aids, personal medications.

Traveling

• Large duffel bags.  2 for transporting gear.
• Compression Stuff Sacks work well for reducing volume (optional)
• Especially for sleeping bags and clothing.
• 4 Plastic Bags.  To line stuff sacks to keep gear dry and one large enough to line pack. Trash Compactor bags work the best.
• Travel clothes.
• Toiletry bag.  Include toilet paper.
• Camera gear.  Optional

Note: This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment, unless otherwise noted. Using our Current Suggested Brand List we encourage you to shop around, do research, use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. If you have questions please contact us.