EVEREST BASE CAMP AND ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK

Your adventure to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek begins at Kathmandu. On arrival, a staff member from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will be there to greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Our representative will give you a briefing on what to expect on the trek. 

Today you will be taken to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes about 35 minutes, allowing you time to view the stunning Himalayan peaks. Your trek begins with an easy negotiated trail passing a Kani (ceremonial gatehouse) and then descends before heading above Kyangma village. We then head to Cheplung village where the trail passes through a forest near to the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing the suspension bridge you climb up over the ridge to Ghat Village and then pass some Mani walls, Chortens and prayer wheels. Not long after we reach Phakding.

Today we cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River and then head through Tok-Tok, Benkar, and Monjo before arriving at the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park where you will be asked to buy a permit. After following the river bed for several hours, and after the last Hillary suspension bridge, there is a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar has a good range of restaurants, an internet café, pubs, post office, ATM and banks.

This is an ideal place to acclimatize. Health Specialists advise we stay active during this period. We have set aside two days for acclimatization that is essential before climbing to higher altitudes. We have a number of options open to us and can trek to Thame or visit Khunde. On the other hand we can explore Namche Bazaar and check out the weekly market that takes place on Friday evening and on Saturday morning. Your guide may also take you to the Tourist Visitor Center close to the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park that has an interesting display of equipment and relics of the first Everest climbers. You can also learn something about the flora and fauna of the region.

Today we follow the rapid flowing glacier waters of the Dudh Kosi River as it cascades down from the mountains. The trail offers some remarkable mountain views as we slowly ascend to 3860m at Tengboche Village, famous for its attractive wall hangings and 6 meter Buddha, Tibetan musical instruments and stunning Lama Robes. A highlight of visiting Tengboche is the evening prayer at the monastery that is both serene and soothing to your soul.

It is an easy trek today to Dingboche – except for the last leg where we have to climb up a steep hill, which also reminds us that we are at higher altitudes making it more exhausting. We first pass through the villages of Somare (4010m) and Orsho before coming to a fork in the trail where we take the left trail that leads to Pheriche Village and then we cross a bridge before that steep breathtaking climb to Dingboche Village (4410m) where we will stay overnight.

Today is our second day set aside to acclimatize before heading to higher up the mountains. To stay active we will climb 400m to Nangkartshang Gompa located on a ridge just to the north of Dingboche Village from where we have some remarkable views of Mt. Makalu (8,463m), the world’s fifth highest mountain, as well as Mt. Ama Dablam. We can also head to the summit at Nangkartshang (5090m).

Our trek begins with an easy trek to Thukla before crossing the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, and then we pass through the boulder-strewn slopes as we ascend Chupki Lhara where we stumble on clusters of stones with prayer flags placed by Sherpas as a memorial to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer), 10-time Everest summiteer Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepalese Sherpa mountain guide) who perished on an attempt at climbing Mt. Everest. The trail then continues to the Khumbu Glacier moraine where before us are many stunning mountain peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Mahalangur Himal. We stay overnight at Lobuche.

We gradually head to higher elevations passing Gorak Shep Lake before coming to a memorial that honors Indian mountaineers who have died on Mt. Everest. Walking now is more physically demanding as a consequence of the thinner air at this higher altitude. The trail has rocks, moraine and streams to cross before reaching EBC. The first thing we notice on arrival at EBC is the different display of colorful tents of mountaineers nervously waiting for the right conditions before attempting a climb to the summit. From EBC we can clearly see Nuptse, Khumbutse and Pumori and the snow gleaming on their peaks. After a rest and some time to explore of EBC we return to Gorak Shep for the night.

We head out in the pre-dawn with sub-zero temperatures and head to Kala Patthar. There is also the possibility of strong winds that will add the chill factor. In the east are the peaks of Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse. Everest also starts to make an appearance. Once at the summit of Kala Patthar we will be elated as we absorb the 360 degree views and the massive and intimidating Mt. Everest that appears right before your eyes. Now is a good time to have your camera ready and to take some spectacular photos of Everest that you can look back on after leaving Nepal. We then head to Pheriche for the night.

Today we head back to the Imja Khola (river) and then ascend through the forest to Tengboche. We may also visit the Tengboche Monastery – home to Buddhist nuns. This is also a superb place for a lunch break before crossing a hillside sprinkled with juniper and rhododendron trees. Next we have to cross a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and then go down a steep descent through the gorge and pine trees to Sansa Village. In this part of the trail you may witness various animals, such as mountain goats, snow leopards (elusive) and the vivid colored pheasants – Nepal’s national emblem. Just before Namche Bazaar we pass a chorten and then the army camp and then come to Namche Bazaar.

This is our final day on this leg of our journey as we head back to Lukla via Phakding. We will have some time to spare allowing you the opportunity to explore the village and immediate hillsides. In the evening you may decide to party a little and have a few celebratory drinks after completing the first stage of your trek.

Today we catch our flight back to Kathmandu – but this time we have a different perspective and admiration of the mountains below. You have had a first-hand experience of the vast and stunning Himalayas. In the afternoon you can relax by wandering through Thamel and maybe head for a café before the next leg of your journey.

Today there will be another briefing to welcome new trekkers joining for the Annapurna section of the trip. It is also a good opportunity to check your gear to make sure everything is ready to go. Your guide will go over the itinerary of this second phase of the trek and ask you for photos so we can obtain trekking permits. Tonight you may wish to head out for an discretionary dinner to get to know everyone before heading off on this trek.

Today we head by road to Besisahar, the headquarters of Lamjung District. From Besisahar we trek through the pleasant wide open countryside to Bhulbhule. It is about a two hour trek. We will stay here overnight.

Today we follow the Marsyangdi River to Nadi Bazaar and then to Arkhale. We then cross the river on the suspension bridge to Syange Village. We pass through the town of Jagat before coming to Chamje where we will stay overnight.

From Chamje we follow the trail through rhododendron, pine and bamboo forests and follow the valley before arriving at Tal and its cultivated farmlands of wheat, potatoes and other grains. After passing through Dharapani we head in a westerly direction via fir and pine forests until we reach Bagarchhap where we stay the night.

From Bagarchhap we head to the village of Danaque and then climb to Tamang Village (unique stone houses and slate roofs) where we are offered magnificent views of Manaslu (8163m), Annapurna and other soaring peaks. Our trek takes us through several Tibetan villages, such as trek Thanchowk, Kolo before reaching our destination, Chame.

After leaving Chame we pass through Telekhu and along the trail have some breathtaking views of Annapurna and Pisang (6091m) until we have to re-cross on a suspension bridge to the south bank of the Marsyangdi River. After crossing the river we t head higher passing a pine-forest as we trek through the upper reaches of the Manang valley to Pisang. Tonight we stay at Pisang.

Today is the day to say farewell to the beautiful Himalayas and Nepal. A representative from Sherpa Expedition & Trekking will take you to the airport with plenty of time prior to your departure. On your way home you will maybe start thinking about your next adventure within the beautiful Himalayan Mountains of Nepal.

Medical professionals strongly recommend that before heading to higher elevations trekkers spend some time acclimatizing. They also recommend staying active. Today we will climb up to Khangsar (3756m) as a way to further help us acclimatize. We will stay overnight at Manang.

Today we have a 10.4 km uphill climb to Yak Kharka passing through juniper forests and may see yak grazing in the pastures. On the route we pass the only teahouse at Thorong Khola. Depending on the weather and trail conditions we may consider going a little further and stay the night at Letdar.

Today as we climb higher we gradually get used to the higher altitude. We follow the east bank of the Jarang Khola (river) and along the trail view steep bluffs before reaching Thorong Phedi (meaning foot hills). If we are lucky we may see the famed blue sheep and even a snow leopard! This is also home to the Lammergeyer (bearded vulture). There is also a belief the mythical griffons (vultures declining in numbers) are in this area!

Today is probably the toughest day of the trek, trekking for around 7-8 hours. The higher altitude contributes to the difficulty, and sometimes the strong winds in these upper regions make it harder too. Along the trail we may pass sheep, yaks and merchants transporting their goods. When we reach Thorong La Pass we will be pleased with the breath-taking views of Annapurna, Gangapurna and the eye-catching Mt. Khatungkang (6484m). We then descend around 1600 metres. The brilliant white Dhaulagiri (Dhavali giri, meaning “White Mountain”) is the highest mountain that is entirely in Nepal. The trail is more undulating and quite easy from here to Muktinath where we will stay the night.

After leaving Muktinath we pass through lush meadows, past orchards and streams and then head through Kagbeni before we reach Jomson situated in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Kagbeni has a well deserved reputation for its horticulture industry – especially its apple orchards.

Today we travel by bus/jeep through Marpha, Chokhopani, Kalopani, and Kopche Pani on a trail alongside the Kaligandaki River. After you arrive at Tatopani you can relax in the hot springs at Tatopani. The stunning sight of Mt. Dhaulagiri is stunning and makes you feel relaxed after the trip.

The trail today passes through small villages with terraced fields and through rhododendron forests within view of Nilgiri South. The trail takes us first to Ghara then to Sikhar. From Sikhar you can look down on the trail you took from Tatopani. As you trek through rhododendron forests you will get glimpses of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Tukuche before arriving at Ghorepani.

Today we head back on a 6 to 7 hour drive to Kathmandu with many warm memories of Nepal and its exceptional culture and geography. These memories will last forever.

After leaving Chame we pass through Telekhu and along the trail have some breathtaking views of Annapurna and Pisang (6091m) until we have to re-cross on a suspension bridge to the south bank of the Marsyangdi River. After crossing the river we t head higher passing a pine-forest as we trek through the upper reaches of the Manang valley to Pisang. Tonight we stay at Pisang.