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Services Included in Sherpa
Budget Treks
Experienced guide.
Arrival meet and greet and transfers to hotel. Twin share
accommodation in Tourist Class hotel in Kathmandu on bed and
breakfast basis. Lodge accommodation on trek including breakfast.
Trekpack including sleeping bag, down jacket, waterproof and
duffle bag. Comprehensive medical kit.
Trek permit & National Park fees.
Coach transportation to and from Pokhara.
Porters/pack animals to carry all personal and group gear &
other support staff where appropriate.
Orientation documents & city map. Kathmandu city tour.
T-shirt.
NOTE: meals other than breakfast are not included. Allow
£150 for other meals.
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General Information
Interesting and justifiably famous, for its proximity to Mount Everest
and its Sherpa villages and monasteries, the Solu Khumbu region is the
destination of most trekkers in Nepal.
Our 18-day adventurous trek, graded C, starts with the exciting and scenic
mountain flight to Lukla, gateway to the Khumbu, a former herders' village
perched on a mountain shelf high above the Dudh Khosi river. Starting our
walk, we descend to the river to join the trail up to the bustling Sherpa
capital of Namche Bazaar with its tremendous views of the surrounding
peaks, (3,446m/11,305ft).
Next, via Pheriche, on and up to the idyllically set Thyangboche
Monastery, with the beautiful Mt.Ama Dablam towering above it. Continuing
to gain height, our ultimate destination is KalaPattar (5,545m/18,192m).
From this famous high viewpoint walkers not involved with Alpinist skills
are rewarded with a great sense of achievement, as well as the
unforgettable experience of a close up view of the southwest face, south
col, and Khumbu glacier of Mount Everest.
Descending first to Everest Base Camp we then retrace our steps to Lukla
for the return flight to Kathmandu.
Grade
This is a moderate trek which should not tax anyone in a good physically
fit condition. Although it is graded "C" there are one or two
days which are either longish (to get to the next available water source)
or toughish - the maximum height reached is around 5,545m/18,000ft - but
as we will be walking gradually up to that height the chances of problems
with altitude will be minimized.
Climate
Weather in the world’s highest mountain range is never totally
predictable but we would expect clear and settled conditions. In the early
stages the days will be warm, around 70 F/20 C. As altitude is gained,
though, the days will still be pleasantly warm, but it will be chilly in
the early morning and night time temperatures down to freezing point can
be expected.
Equipment & Clothing
Provided free of charge is a Trek Pack including a sleeping bag (two in
winter), two insulated sleeping mats, down/fibrefill jacket, waterproof
poncho and duffle bag. A detailed list of other recommended clothing
and equipment will be sent with confirmation of booking.
Included
Flights from Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu; all ground transport as specified
in the itinerary, bed and breakfast accommodation in Kathmandu, half day
excursion of Kathmandu and valley, accommodation in lodges on trek with
bed and breakfast, English-speaking Sherpa guide, yaks and porters, trek
permits. Kathmandu airport transfers.
Not Included: Passport, visa, insurance, immunization fees, meals
other than breakfast in Kathmandu (budget £10 per meal without drinks).
All meals on trek other than breakfast, please budget about £150 for
these; Airport taxes.
The Trekking Day
Traditionally, a trekking holiday meant camping and needing a
large self-contained crew to carry all the equipment and food. But now,
from Lukla to Lobuche in the Everest region and from Pokhara to Annapurna
Base Camp and Jomsom in the Annapurna region there are so many good lodges
or tea houses that we can offer you a very comfortable alternative on
those trails. It makes sense in every way to use these facilities where
they exisist: it's cheaper for you, and you decide when and what you eat,
and as most lodges are family-run, you'll have a unique opportunity to
interact with local people on a very personal level, while still having
the security of the services of our ground operator and their expert
staff. Of course, we still camp on remote trails, or in places where the
lodges do not meet our standards or if we want to give you an "off
the beaten track" experience, even on a main trail.
The lodges are really extensions of family homes; they
typically have dormitory bedrooms and some smaller two or three bedded
rooms as well. There is always a central room with a fire or stove, where
meals are served and the family and trekker guests gather at night. It's
not 5 star accommodation by any means, but it's clean and cosy. The menus
tend to look very extensive, but it's best to stick to simple, high every
meals like rice and vegetables. But there are local specialities like
cinnamon rolls in Namche and apple pies on the Jomsom trail, which
shouldn't be missed! We try to use only those lodges which have solar or
electric showers and these tend to be outside the main lodge.
Even though there is agreement among lodge owners in
both regions on standards of hygiene and facilities, these can vary
greatly even on the same trail, according to local conditions. The
almost-European chalets of Namche, the Sherpa "Capital" with
their wood-panelled rooms, solar showers and clean toilets, give way to
mountain huts and much more stark conditions at Lobuche, were the trade is
very seasonal. The luxurious local hydro-electric showers and
flower-covered patios in Ghandruk are not to be found in Tadapanni, as
comparatively few people stay there. Because of these differences and
because our ground operator prides itself on giving our clients the best
available, we provide little extras that make all the difference on a
lodge trek and gives you consistent quality in your accommodation and
food.
Health Matters
A medical kit will accompany the trek. We do, however, recommend that each
person carry a small personal first aid kit. A suggested list of contents
will be sent to all members, as well as more general information on health
matters.
Documents
A visa is required for Nepal and you must have a valid passport. Trekking
documents are required, but these are organised by us in Kathmandu.
Books & Maps
For information on the sights of the Kathmandu valley, its history and
culture, we suggest Kathmandu and the Kingdom of Nepal pub. Lonely Planet
travel guides. A good general guidebook (although without so many hints)
is the Insight Guides series Nepal. There are many books on Trekking in
Nepal. Perhaps the most well known are those by Stephen Bezruchka, or Stan
Armitage. A usefully realistic account of what happens on trek is found in
Mike Harding's Footloose in the Himalayas and up to date l997 is Andrew
Stevenson's Annapurna Circuit: A Himalayan Journey.
A trekking map is issued to you at your trek briefing
in Kathmandu.
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ITINERARY
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The following itinerary is
intended as a working guide only and is subject to
variation as a result of local conditions,
weather, government restrictions or other reasons
beyond the control of Sherpa Expeditions.
We reserve the right to alter
(lengthen or shorten) any trek at any time if this
is necessary.
1000m = 3281ft. 1km = .62
miles.
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu and
transfer to the Hotel Thamel or similar in the
centre of town. Evening Pre-Trek Briefing.
Day 2: After breakfast, you
will see some of the more spectacular sights in
Kathmandu during your half-day guided City Tour.
Day 3: Early in the
morning we transfer to the Domestic Airport to
board our flight. This sometimes involves a period
of waiting around, so remember to pack a book in
your daypack! Once up and away, our destination on
this breathtaking flight is the Sherpa village of
Lukla, perched above the Dudh Kosi (River of Milk-
so named because of its pale colour from glacier
melt.). Years ago, Lukla was a herding pasture
(its name actually means "Place for
Sheep"), but it is now the gateway to the
Everest region and hundreds of trekkers pass
through this prosperous village.
We buy our lunch at any of the
many lodges in Lukla and commence our first days
trek to Phakdingma. The trail heads downwards and
you will immediately notice the difference between
the Nepalis of Kathmandu and the local Sherpa
people who migrated from Tibet 500 years ago.
Their dress is very similar to that of the
Tibetans and their language is closely related,
although not easily understood by the modern
Tibetans. You will notice Mani Walls on the trail,
made from hundreds of carved stone tablets and
giant carved boulders, brilliantly decorated with
brightly coloured paints. Buddhists hold these
sacred and always seek to gain merit in the next
life by praying as they go past. As a sign of
respect for local beliefs, please remember to
always pass these clockwise. 2 hours, 2652m.
Day 4: to Namche Bazaar.
After your first night at a lodge in Phakdingma,
the trail follows the river through stands of pine
and oak until Jorsale, the entrance to Sagarmatha
National Park, where the track starts to rise, and
rhododendron, magnolia and giant fir trees
predominate. Here we start up the famous Namche
Hill, your first big climb where a slow, steady
pace soon sees it done. This is a good place to
learn from the masters: the porters. Their ability
to climb such hills with enormous loads is based
on technique involving rhythm - and you could try
copying it, which will no doubt amuse them!
At the top is the Sherpa
"capital", Namche Bazaar, its stone
houses built in tiers up the hillside. A
delightful village for the visitor, Namche, as the
largest settlement near the border with Tibet is
also an important work-a-day trading centre for
the locals. 6 hours, 3446m.
Day 5: A rest and
acclimatisation day is spent in Namche allowing
time for sightseeing, and side tours.
Day 6: to Thyangboche.
Leaving Namche, the mountain views start to open
up and becomes ever more impressive as we approach
the holy ground of Thyangboche and its world
famous Gompa (Monastery) where the Rimpoche
resides. (Lama reincarnate). Expeditions to the
high mountains always stop to receive his
blessing, but for us it is from here that one of
the best mountain panoramas can be seen: Kwangde,
Tawoche, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kangtega, AmaDablam and
Everest. (It's well worth saving some energy for a
short walk up to the viewpoint just opposite the
monastery). 4 hours, 3867m.
Day 7: to Dingboche.
Carrying on from Thyangboche, we pass through
Pangboche where the Gompa holds the famous Yeti
scalp, viewable for a small donation which happily
goes towards the upkeep of the Gompa. From here we
really are in high altitude country; agriculture
is only barely possible and the lives of the local
Sherpas are spartan by any standard.
We walk on to Dingboche, a
picturesque village just under AmaDablam. 5 hours,
4343m.
Day 8: at Dingboche: we
have an acclimatisation day here either to
recuperate or, for the more energetic, an
excursion to the rocky peaks just above the
village for again magnificent views - Makalu,
Island Peak (goal of many amateur mountaineers and
Alpinists) and Lhotse, whilst AmaDablam, being
nearer, seemingly towers above them all.
Much of the walking in this
area involves comparatively gentle gradients, and
naturally we proceed at a leisurely pace because
of the altitude.
Day 9: to Lobuche. Next we
reach Lobuche, often after walking past frozen
rivers where herders' stone "summer"
houses sit in an icy wilderness of stunning
beauty. There are views of the Khumbu Icefall,
Pumori and many smaller peaks from ridge tops on
the track. Our own "Base Camp" will be
established either here, (or at Gorakshep
depending on the time of the year). 4 hours,
4930m.
Day 10: we shall venture
out on a day excursion to KalaPattar which, at
5,545m/18,192ft. gives stunning views of Everest
and the surrounding mountains. (KalaPattar is
perhaps the high point, in every sense of the
word, of your varied and spectacular journey). 8
hours.
Day 11: Trek to Pangboche.
3901m, 6 hours.
Day 12: Trek to Khumjung,
3790m, 6 hours.
Day 13: Trek to Monzo,
2835m, 6 hours.
Day 14: Trek to Lukla,
2830m, 6 hours.
Your last evening in this
spectacular region is spent at Lukla and a party
at the Paradise Lodge is not unknown!
Day 15: Early morning sees
you taking off from the short and steep Lukla air
strip having the pleasure of last views of the
mountains as you fly back to Kathmandu. You will
be met at the Domestic Airport terminal and
transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is
free for exploring this fascinating city, or for
trying out the various restaurants in Thamel, or
simply relaxing at the hotel - recovering from the
previous night's party!
Day 16: Free day to
continue exploring Kathmandu. Surely an absolute
"must" are the outlying towns of
Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur) and Patan (Lalitpur) with
their streets and squares around exotic temples of
the C18th golden age of building.
Day 17: Depart
Kathmandu
Each day may vary from this
schedule as walking times differ with every group,
some taking longer and others takes less, plus
trails and lodge conditions need to be taken into
account. The guide in charge of your trek will
alter the schedule if necessary. |
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