For a century, climbers and trekkers have been attracted to the world’s highest mountain, and have discovered the breathtaking beauty of the region and friendliness of its people.

 

This is an opportunity to see the major areas of the Khumbu region whilst also taking in two excellent views of Everest and a major trekking peak on this action-packed and varied trek.

 

This trek takes us up the quieter Gokyo valley, from where we climb Gokyo Ri 5360m, for an impressive view of Everest. We then cross over the Cho La pass, which gives us access back into the busier Khumbu region, where we follow the trail to Gorak Shep. This is our base for the trek to Everest Base Camp and for the ascent of Kala Pattar 5545m.

 

We then trek over the Kongma La and head towards Island Peak Base Camp for the culmination of our efforts, when we ascend our trekking peak and stand at a lofty 6189m, (20,304 ft). This is a fantastic, varied and diverse tour. From Kathmandu we fly to Lukla, and the adventure begins as we land at its tiny air strip.

 

We spend two days trekking through the homelands of the Sherpa people, among their villages and monasteries, with distant views of Everest and Ama Dablam, to reach Namche Bazaar where we have a day to acclimatise, an important factor in your enjoyment of the trek.

 

From Namche the route continues before branching off up the Gokyo Valley. Several days in the valley bring us to a dramatic landscape of cobalt blue lakes, alpine pastures and sparkling glaciers.

 

Climbing Gokyo Ri (5360m) may bring memorable views of Cho Oyu (8153m), across to Pumori (7145m), Changtse (7583m), Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7896m) and Lhotse (8501m). With Makalu (8463m) in the distance and all the way around to Ama Dablam (6856m) and Taweche (6542m). A finer view of the Khumbu cannot be had.

 

For the next part of our journey we cross the Cho La, a high level pass that connects back to the main Khumbu valley. We then join the main Everest trail and follow in the footsteps of the expeditions who have set out to conquer the worlds highest mountain.

 

At Gorak Shep we are ideally located to follow the trail up to Everest Base Camp, the site of so many hopes and aspirations, and to climb Kala Pattar for our second panoramic view of Everest. To get to Island Peak Base Camp we head over the Kongma La and alongside the Imja Khola, with Island Peak directly ahead of us and the impressive Nuptse/Lhotse wall to our left.

 

Although Island Peak takes us higher than we have been before, it is technically quite easy, and by now we will be well acclimatised, and it is a fitting end to this magnificent tour of the Khumbu region. All that remains is for us to trek back along the Everest trail, reflecting upon our recent achievements.

 

To enjoy the trek and climb fully, you need to be fit and regular mountain walkers who have had some snow and ice experience in conditions found during the winter months in Scotland, since we will be using ropes, crampons and ice axes.

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Ascents and descents on some days will exceed 1000m with steep sections in places. The trek also involves time at high altitude, which may affect your performance, though rest days are built into the itinerary to help you acclimatise. If you have any doubts as to your suitability for this trip you can telephone us for advice.

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Important Note: Whilst we expect that the trek will run as per the itinerary, participants should accept that there is a possibility of changes being necessary subject to local conditions.

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The Price Includes:

• Transfers between Kathmandu Airport and hotel accommodation  Return flights between Kathmandu and Lukla, including departure taxes for internal flights where applicable.

• Accommodation for 4 nights in Kathmandu in rooms with shower and w.c. and inclusive of breakfast

• Participation in the trek as per itinerary inclusive of full board, camping equipment (not sleeping bags)

• Services of porters (15kg max per person), Sirdar (head guide) and kitchen staff

• Trekking permit

 

Not Included:

• International flights

• Nepalese visa - (please refer to our document “Preparing for your trek: Nepal” for latest prices)

• Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara

• Travel insurance

• Tips

• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls and souvenirs (allow approximately £250 spending money.

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Options:

• Extra nights are available in Kathmandu in our group hotel, and in Pokhara in our choice of accommodation.

• Extension packages can also be organized in Nepal, Tibet or Bhutan. Please refer to our Himalayan extensions dossier for more details. Extensions should be arranged to booking international flights.

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Please note that this trip requires a minimum of 4 trekkers to run as a camping trip. If there are less than 4 clients on the trip, we reserve the right to use tea house accommodation. You will still have the services of a sirdar and porters and/or pack animals.