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

 

The Khumbu Explorer takes us to Gokyo, from where we climb Gokyo Ri 5360m, for our first impressive view of Everest, and then over the Cho La pass which gives us access to Lobuje East. The second stunning views of Everest are from the high camp on the South ridge of Lobuje East from where we will have our first summit bid.

 

The true summit of this challenging peak is via a fine ridge involving exposure. We then drop down and round to Gorak Shep before trekking up to Everest Base Camp. For the final leg of our journey we trek over the Kongma La and head towards Island Peak Base Camp before taking in our second summit. All in all, a fantastic, varied and diverse tour.

 

From Kathmandu we fly to Lukla, and the adventure begins as we land at its tiny airstrip. We spend several days trekking through the homelands of the Sherpa people, among their villages and monasteries, with distant views of Everest and Ama Dablam.

 

We spend a rest day at Namche Bazaar before heading up the Dudh Kosi valley to Gokyo. We climb Gokyo Ri 5360m which gives a superb panoramic view from Cho Oyu 8153m, across to Pumori 7145m, Changste 7583m, Everest 8848m, Nuptse 7896m, 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. It is from here that we are ideally located for our first trekking peak as we establish Base Camp at 5000m beside a beautiful hidden lake with Ama Dablam as the perfect backdrop.

 

To get to Island Peak Base Camp we head over the Kongma La and alongside the Imja Khola, with Island Peak dead ahead of us and the impressive Nuptse/Lohtse wall to our left. Although Island Peak takes us higher than we have been before it is technically easier than Lobuje East and 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.

 

Important Note To enjoy the trek and climb fully, you need to be fit and walk regularly. Previous climbing or mountaineering experience is required since we will be using ropes, crampons and axes, sometimes on exposed ground, and competence on such terrain is needed.

 

Previous experience at altitude is not a pre-requisite, but would be useful. We can arrange winter courses in Scotland for you to be acquainted with the skills required, or alternatively, if you have any doubts as to your suitability for this trip, you can telephone us for advice.

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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

• Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Fee

 

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.

• Accommodation is usually in twin rooms and twin tents with another trekker of the same gender, or with a person you name on your booking form. Single rooms and single tents are available – see the dates and prices list for details.

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