Everest Sherpa Cultural & Luxury Annapurna Foothills Lodge Trek
Nepal Himalaya Treks

Everest Sherpa Cultural & Luxury Annapurna Foothills Lodge Treks – Nepal Himalayan Trekking

Day 1 – Arrive Kathmandu 1340m (4395′) | Transfer Kathmandu Guest House
Welcome to Nepal! You will be met at Tribhuvan International Airport by a representative from Kamzang Journeys or Khumbu Adventures (our partners in Kathmandu) Doma, Lhakpa and Nuru Sherpa). Look for a sign with your name on it as you leave the arrival area. We strongly suggest purchasing a NTC (Nepal Telecom) SIM card as you leave the airport if you have an unlocked phone. It’s very useful for data in the remote regions of Nepal. We will transfer you to the Kathmandu Guest House (or see Great Stays tab for luxury, boutique, and other hotel options in the Kathmandu Valley) where your room has been booked for you. Drink plenty of water to hydrate after your flight, and enjoy your first evening in Kathmandu …

We’ll need your travel medical insurance, a copy of your passport and Nepali visa, and one (or more) visa-sized photos (inquire if we need for your trek); please have them ready to give to Lhakpa, Doma or Nuru. And please ask if you need your gear checked, or have shopping or sightseeing questions!

Thamel is a myriad of shops of all imaginable varieties, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, spas, climbing walls, colorful banners and signs, and eccentrically clad backpackers. Enjoy dinner at Roadhouse Cafe, New Orleans, Yin & Yang, Third Eye, or one of Thamel’s other restaurants … (B)

Day 2 – Kathmandu
Enjoy a free day exploring Kathmandu’s many World Heritage sites or embark on a tour of the beautiful Kathmandu valley, surrounded by Himalayan snow peaks (See Kathmandu Valley Tours for optional tours with a qualified guide, car, and entrance fees included). Or just relax at the hotel, visit the spa, have a massage, wander Kathmandu’s fascinating streets, pop into neighborhood Hindu temples and Newari-styled courtyards, join in on koras of the Buddhist temples. (B)

Cafe Caravan & Dolpo Gallery
Dolpo Artist Tenzin Norbu creates wonderful Dolpo paintings, the prints (and some originals) are available from our Cafe Caravan at Boudhanath Stupa, housed in one of Boudha’s original historic buildings, decorated in a bright, Tibetan style and overlooking the magnificent stupa!

Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Nuru Wangdi Sherpa (Khumbu Adventures & Café Caravan) has his Kathmandu guide license and a large SUV vehicle, and can arrange any sightseeing you might want to do in Kathmandu and the Kathmandu valley. He is often available for guiding your excursions as well. Mobile + WhatsApp: +977 9803633783 (WhatsApp)

Massage in Kathmandu (Ramji of Relieving Hands)
Ramji is a blind masseur trained by Seeing Hands in Kathmandu, who now offers wonderful at home (or hotel) massages, with his own massage table and oil. He is truly a master masseur, a real healer and VERY highly recommended. His prices are extremely reasonable. Let us know if you want help to arrange a massage.
Relieving Hands by Ramji

Kathmandu | World Heritage Sightseeing Tours – Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Durbar Square & Swayambunath
Kathmandu is filled with World Heritage sites and sacred destinations, crowded with traditional neighborhoods and colorful festivals. Spend a few days exploring Nepal’s exotic capital and the history-laden Kathmandu valley. We can arrange sightseeing guides and vehicles as required. See Kathmandu Heritage & Happenings for more details.

We recommend beginning with Pashupatinath in the early morning and moving on to Boudhanath mid-morning. Hindu Pashupatinath on the sacred Bagmati river and its sacred temple complex is one of Nepal’s most important sites, a powerful cremation site, and Nepal’s most important Hindu temple. Here, monkeys run up and down the steps of the burning ghats, and trident-bearing saddhus draped in burnt-orange and saffron sit serenely meditating when they’re not posing for photos-for-rupees. Local guides can explain the significance of the complicated ceremonies. Please be respectful when taking photos.

Boudhanath, in the midst of traditional monasteries (gonpas in Tibetan) and hung with long strings of multi-colored prayer flags, attracts Sherpas, Tibetans, and tourists alike for daily circumambulations (koras) of the iconic stupa. The striking Buddha eyes of Boudhanath Stupa watch over a lively and colorful Tibetan community and attract pilgrims from all over the Himalayan Buddhist realm. There are wonderful spots for lunch at Boudhanath (Roadhouse Cafe has wood-oven pizzas and a breathtaking view of the stupa and colorful Nepals circling it), and it’s a good place to learn the technique of thanka painting and purchase a thanka (Buddhist mural). See also Bhaktapur for more options for shopping for thankas.

Wander through the many temples, pagodas, courtyards, and the museum at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a timeless gathering spot and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kathmandu Durbar Square, including the old royal palace, is Kathmandu’s ‘Palace Square’, a showcase for the world-renowned artisans and craftsmen of Kathmandu and a synthesis of Hindu and Buddhist palaces, temples, stupas, and statues. The Malla and Shah kings ruled over the Kathmandu Valley during the centuries of the building of the layers of this Durbar Square. Along with their opulent palaces, the square surrounds numerous courtyards and temples, all works of art with intricate and often erotic carvings. Kathmandu Durbar Square is known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the palace. The social, religious and urban focal point of the city, Durbar Square is often the site of festivals, marriages, and other ceremonies such as Teej. Some important structures are Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (Abode of the Living Goddess), Taleju Temple, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages.

In the evening (take the interesting back streets from Durbar Square) climb the many steps to the gilded Swayambhunath stupa (known as the monkey temple) which rises from the Kathmandu valley floor at 1420 meters and is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Swayambunath, the ‘self-created’  stupa, was founded over 2000 years ago at a time when the Kathmandu valley was filled by a large lake, with a single lotus in the center. Mythology says that Manjusri, a bodhisattva, drained the lake with one cut of his sword and the lotus flower was transformed into the stupa. From its commanding views of Kathmandu, circumambulate Swayambunath’s white-washed stupa, painted with distinctive Buddha eyes, the complex a unique synthesis of Buddhism and Hinduism. Another interesting time to visit Swayambunath is in the mornings when Nepalis visit the temple dedicated to the God of Smallpox with colorful offerings for the goddess.

Stop to photograph reflections in Kathmandu’s many pokharis or ponds, including the beautiful Rani Pokhari (queen’s bath) near New Road, and the Naga Pokhari (pond of the snake gods of the underworld) just beyond the palace gates. The many bathing ghats, square enclosures with steps leading down to water spouts, often decorated with naga heads, are also interesting and colorful gathering spots.

Day 3 – Fly Lukla 2850m/9350′. Trek Monjo 2835m/9300′
Lhakpa or Doma Sherpa will transfer you to the domestic airport. Just after sunrise, you embark on a spectacular 25-minute flight over the Kathmandu valley and along snow-capped Himalayan peaks to the renowned Hillary Norgay Airport in Lukla. You will have time to organize your duffel bag for the porter(s) and then enjoy a hearty breakfast at Paradise Lodge on the other side of the airstrip before you start trekking into the incredible Everest region!

Leaving the bustling village of Lukla, packed with colorful shops, restaurants, bars and still a bit of Sherpa character (as well as dzobkios or dzos, a mix of yak and cow) you being to trek north, with snow-capped Karyolung peak in the distance. The quaint, checkered and green village of Chaunrikharka, with its many whitewashed chortens and a Hillary school, sits in the valley just below the trail. The trail takes you above a rhododendron-choked forest, over the school and gonpa (monastery), and past the checkered fields of barley, spinach, and potatoes of the village. You are trekking along the Dudh Kosi (river) on a centuries-old trading trail from Nepal to Tibet. It is well-traveled by stout, heavily loaded Nepali porters and used to be used by Tibetan traders (Khampas, most distinguishable by the length of red or black tassel wrapped around their heads) conducting business between the weekly markets of Lukla and Namche with Chinese and Tibetan goods brought over the 5700m Nangpa La (pass) from Tibet. The pass, and customs, have been closed for about a decade over trade issues between Nepal and China, sadly. The Khumbu has now lost a bit of its unique character without the border trade from Tibetan, and these lively Tibetan traders. 

Half an hour out of Lukla you will reach the idyllic hamlet of Chheplung. Up valley rises the sacred peak of Khumbila, a black triangle that dominates the valley. From the small hamlet of Thado Kosi, while crossing the metal bridge, you will have your first view of the three statues peaks of Kusum Khangkaru to the east. Half an hour of lovely trekking over cobbled trails brings you to Ghat and the best-maintained cluster of mani stones and prayer flags in the Khumbu. The local lama, owner of the Lama Lodge in Ghat, is responsible for this magical setting. The inscriptions on the carved mani rocks is either ‘Om Mani Padme Hung’ (‘Hail to the jewel in the lotus”, the mantra for the next lifetime) or ‘Om Ma A Hung Baja Guru Padma Side Hung’ (the mantra to Guru Rimpoche to remove obstacles).

Once at Phakding, a lively village a half hour’s walk from Ghat, you will stop for lunch at Ang Sani and Jangbu’s Shangri La Lodge. Their son, Nawang, has just opened a stylish cafe with great cappuccinos from an Italian coffee maker!

Hiking by the small tea-houses servicing the locals and workers in Phakding, cross a long suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi, past the new lodges and trek above the river, climbing through evergreen forests to reach the first lodge of Benkar. Look up to the protruding rocks for Himalayan thar, and some of the rocks that we pass are almost remelted granites or migmatypes, rocks similar to gneiss but with more swirls. Continuing over a small bridge, you continue through larger Benkar, the first village to attend the Monjo school. Another suspension bridge, several small tea houses serving local fare, and another climb, and you reach Chumoa, with apple and peach trees that bloom in the springtime. One more small bridge and a last climb on uneven stone steps to reach Monjo, where you will stop at the wonderful Kailash Lodge, run by Yangti Sherpa, for the night. Many of the cottages with views also have hot showers.

Monjo is a small Sherpa village tucked away in the forests high above the Dudh Kosi where Kim taught English years ago, only the newer part of the village visible from the trail. There is a newly reconstructed monastery above the school, and above that a steep drop-off and good view of tomorrow’s hike. (6 hrs) (B, L, D) 
Distance:13km, Elevation Gain: 645m, Elevation Loss: 666m

TRAVEL NOTE | Lukla flights are presently being run out of the Ramechhap Airport, about a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu (150 km). Options are to drive at night and catch the early morning flight to Lukla, or to stay a night in a basic to mid-range hotel in Ramechhap. Another option (which we recommend) is to book a shared helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla and/or Lukla to Kathmandu, an additional $325 each way (5 passengers per helicopter).

Day 4 – Trek Namche Bazaar 3465m/11,365′
After a short walk past the school with Khumbila Peak (or Khumbu Yul La) looming majestically ahead, you enter the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. Descending steeply on a stony trail to the river, you cross a long suspension bridge to reach the hamlet of Jorsale, and then cross one more long bridge before taking the high trail up the stone steps and through the forest, trekking above the lower trail that follows the sandy riverside trail, the shores peppered with large, rounded river rocks. You have to trek for another 45 minutes to reach the long, iconic suspension bridge.

Bring your five-colored Tibetan prayer flags to hang on the bridge over the confluence of the Dudh Kosi (‘milk river’) and the Bhote Kosi (‘river from Tibet’) and send prayers out into the Everest region! The steep hour and a half climb to Namche on a dusty, rocky, switch-backing trail is broken halfway up the hill by your first view of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. Local women sell delicious oranges at this resting point, which you will share with other trekkers. Another 45 minutes of climbing, mostly off the main trail amongst the evergreens, and you arrive at the old trading village of Namche Bazaar, now a thriving trekking metropolis. Have a short tour of the shopping and bakeries in Namche before heading up steep stone steps to our guest house, Natang and Pemba’s idyllic Moonlight Lodge, scenically situated at the top of Namche (and with great showers!)

Namche Bazaar, once called Nauje and now the most prosperous trading village on the old trade route with Tibet sits in an amphitheater surrounded by mountains. From Namche you have perfect views of Kongde Ri in front of us, Kangtega, Thamserku and Kusum Khangkuru to the east and Khumbila to the back. Down-valley the hills and valleys along the route from Solu to Khumbu from Jiri sit shrouded in hazy shades of steely-grey and blues. (3½ hrs) (B, L, D)
Distance: 5.5km, Elevation Gain: 816m, Elevation Loss: 164m

Day 5 – Namche Bazaar | Acclimatization Day
If it’s Saturday Market day (which starts on Friday), you might want to spend the morning exploring the bustling market, a feast of colors, smells and colorfully clad Sherpa women up from their villages for the weekly event. It’s as much a social gathering as the produce, meat, and essential goods market, so the atmosphere is spirited and lively, a great photographic opportunity.

You are free to relax and explore the crowded main streets of Namche, the Sherpa Cultural Center (wonderful photographic museum), the reconstructed traditional Sherpa house (next door), the very interesting Namche Gonpa Visitors Center at the colorful Namche Gonpa and/or the National Park Headquarters Museum (where you’ll have easy views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse and more). The Tibetans used to encamp in the center of town in a muddy bazaar (potato fields in the summer) touting their goods from China. Indulge yourself at one of the many bakeries, shop for some yak bells or hand-woven Himalayan hats, chat with the sociable Sherpas in the village, or just relax in preparation for the trek. There are now new Mountain Hardwear and Sherpa Gear shops as well as Tsedam’s Gear Shop with a great variety of real trek gear if you find that you’re missing warm clothes. All often have gear on sale, bonus! Watch out for dzobkios and shaggy Himalayan cows wandering the narrow streets.

For some peak-spotting at sunset, hike up ten minutes just past the National Park headquarters. For a higher viewpoint, climb steeply to any of several viewpoints an hour plus walk straight up the ridge (above the huge mani stone at the top of the steps). Continue just past Syangboche airstrip, worth the effort for the panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Kantega, Kusum Khangkuru, Tarboche and Ama Dablam.

Moonlight Lodge has a great hot shower, a large library, beer and wine in the cabinet, and delicious home-cooked food so there is really no reason to leave at all if you’re feeling lethargic or enjoying basking in the sunny dining room. (B, L, D) 

Day 6 – Trek Thame 3805m/12,480′
You have a lovely four to five-hour mountainside hike through evergreens and rhododendrons, trekking high above the Bhote Kosi river to the traditional Sherpa village of Thame. Your Sherpa guide will show you the route to the left of Namche Gompa high up above the village to the old mani stone hill, now being excavated to build Namche’s new lodges. Continue north on this relatively flat and wide trail, contouring around several old Sherpa villages, past many mani walls, and around white-washed chortens with Buddha eyes, until you reach the scenic village of Thamo where the Nepal army used to have a customs post to control the Tibetan trade over the Nangpa La. The pass is now, sadly, closed to Tibetan traders. Leaving Thamo, stop for a visit to the beautifully reconstructed Khari Nunnery (ani gompa), which houses lovely nuns originally from Tibet.

KHARI GOMPA | “In 1959, as the Chinese Cultural Revolution raged through Tibet destroying Buddhist monasteries and artifacts and killing thousands of monks and nuns, Khari Rinpoche Lobsang Tsultrim and some of his students fled Tibet. He and his followers crossed over the treacherous Nangpa La (pass) into Nepal and found refuge in the foothills of the Himalayas near Mount Everest. They settled in the village of Thamo. In 1962 some Thamo villagers offered land and in 3 days built a monastery for the nuns and their Lama on the hillside above the village. This became Khari Gonpa, a small Tibetan Buddhist nunnery. By 2002 the prayer hall (lhakang) at the nunnery was too small to accommodate the nuns and local community of Sherpas and Tibetans, and it was in serious disrepair. At that time, His Holiness the Dalai Lama requested the 3rd Khari Rinpoche Tenzin Yonten to design and build a new prayer hall in the same location as the original one. Today the magnificent new lhakang is finished.” – Tara Foundation USA

After a visit to the nunnery, you trek through lovely Samde, which has small shrines to mountain deities in the middle of their fields. Another hour of contouring, with small ascents and descents along the trail,
brings you to the Thame Bridge. Just before crossing, gaze up at the wonderful murals of Guru Rimpoche and other Buddhist figures on a rock face high over the Bhote Kosi. You’ll hike for 20 minutes along the intersecting stream to reach Thame, an old village of snaking rock walls, yak paddocks, and traditional slate-roofed Sherpa houses. Thame Gompa, perched up to the north of the village, is one of the oldest in the Khumbu, and one of the gompas that celebrates the Dunche festival in the summertime.

You stay the night at Lhakpa’s uncle Doctor Kami (of Khunde Hospital) and his wife Dawa Dolma’s Valley View Lodge, with the best tongba (fermented millet beer, served in a bamboo container with a long straw and hot water) in the Khumbu. The lovely cook’s lively daughter is named Chandika, and was 10 years old studying at Thame School in 2021, and The Kamzang Fund now sponsors Bipana Rai, age 12 and in class 3 in 2021, who used to stay with Sonam Chhuten’s family. 

Take the afternoon to climb to Thame Gonpa, one of the oldest in the Khumbu, and wander around the walled village. Lhakpa’s niece Doma Tenzing teaches at the Thame School, and was also aided in finishing her college degree in Kathmandu The Kamzang Fund. She is now married and living along tomorrow’s trail to Namche. Kunga Palmo, her sister Doma Rigzin’s 5-year-old daughter, also attends kingergarten (2021) in Thame. Just around the corner (or over the ridge) in Thame Thang, Lhakpa’s sister Serki and her husband Pasang live in their modest Sherpa house. Their daughter Mingma Choki, who attended Khumjung School, now studies in Kathmandu. Mingma’s older sister Pasang Lhamu, finished her schooling at Khumjung and college (+2) in Kathmandu, and in 2022 was applying to universities. And she now works at our Cafe Caravan in Boudha! Their cousin Sonam Chhuten, used to attend Thame School (where she walked 2 hours each way every day from Mende) but now boards at Khumjung School. The Kamzang Fund has sponsored these three lovely girls for their educations for many years, as well as their other cousin Zangmu, also from Thame.

To the west of Thame near the Tashi Labsta La (5755m) which leads to the Rolwaling Valley is Papchermo Ri (6273m), and Sundar Peak (5360m) is just to the north of Thame, a day-climb. (5 hrs)

Day 7 – Trek Khumjung 3800m/12,465′ + Khunde 3855m/12,638′
Re-crossing the bridge over the Bhote Kosi, trek back along the trail to Namche until you reach a large intersection in the midst of the pine forest leading to Khunde. Heading up, you’ll ascend over 100 meters to the airstrip at Syangboche. On the ridge above the airstrip, you climb gradually on tundra to a large, whitewashed chorten to the right of the yak-breeding center. From here, you climb briefly to a small hill topped with chulung (memorial chortens) for fabulous views of Kumbila, Tabuche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, Kusum Khangkuru, Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. We trek down to Khumjung along a small, scenic trail through rhododendrons. We may spot Himalayan tahr grazing on the hillsides, and possibly iridescent danphe and chortling chukars.

Descending into magical Khumjung (marketed as the Green Valley), you walk through the entrance chorten and past a long, beautiful mani wall and the old Khumjung school, established by Hillary in the 70s. You’ll contour through ancient rock walls through the lower half of the village to Khumjung Gompa, one of the oldest in the Khumbu (approximately 500 years) and home to the only existing Yeti scalp on the planet.

The adjoining villages of Khumjung and Khunde are some of the original villages of the Khumbu region, both about 600 years old and wonderful examples of local Sherpa architecture with their winding stone walls, yak paddocks, potato patches, and wood and slate houses. Perhaps you will run into Sherpa friends of your guide who will invite you in for some salt-butter tea, climbing up a wooden ladder over the straw-lined manger to get into the main house on the first floor. Both villages sit below Khumbila, the sacred Sherpa peak surrounded by lhaso (shrines to mountain deities), above a famous rock mural of Guru Rimpoche. The views of Ama Dablam from this valley are breathtaking. Heading up the valley to neighboring Khunde, you continue to trek through trails lined by lichen-covered stone walls, past traditional Sherpa houses, to Khunde Hospital, where Lhakpa’s uncle Dr Kami Sherpa is the head doctor.

Next door, at Khunde Guest House, you will enjoy a delicious Sherpa lunch in the sunroom, including their famous chili sauce. The lodge has expansive mountain views from the warm, glass-windowed dining room. After dropping extra gear in your lodge rooms, you have the option to head out with your Sherpa guide for a great hike up to the Hillary Memorial and then return to the lodge, happily tired and ready for a home-cooked Sherpa meal back in the dining room for sunset.

HILLARY MEMORIAL | The side trip to Hillary Memorial (4250m), locally referred to as Gong Ri, is a relatively easy hike (approximately 45-minutes) along a gradually ascending trail through a hillside lightly wooded with fir and juniper above Khunde Monastery. Just before reaching the monastery, take the intersecting trail heading left to a scenic ridge with a nearly 360-degree view of Himalayan peaks. The dramatic ridge top setting was dedicated as a memorial to Edmund Hillary’s wife, Louise, and his 16-year-old daughter, Belinda, who died tragically in a plane crash just outside of Kathmandu in 1975. The plane was heading to Phaplu Airstrip. Just above the memorial to Louise and Belinda Hillary is a chorten built by local Khunde inhabitants to honor Sir Edmund Hillary.

Views from the memorial include Everest, Lhotse, Nupte, Tabuche, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, Kusum Kangkaru, Kwongde and Pharchamo, as well as the twin villages of Khunde and Khumjung just below Khunde Gompa, Shyangboche, Namche and Monjo down the valley, and Tengboche and Pangboche to the north. From the ridge, look to the west to the Thame valley leading to the Nangpa La, once an important Tibetan trade route. The narrow valley before the Thame valley is rumored to be the home of several yetis. (IF returning to Namche, descend from the memorial along the same trail, or head straight down the ridge towards Shyangboche, cutting back towards Khunde to meet the main trail back to Namche as well as the trail leading west towards Thame. You can bushwack your way directly down to Namche but it takes some work, and the trails are only for woodcutters or musk deer. On the plus side, you’ll encounter the many colorful Danphe en route!) (4+ hrs) (B, L, D)
Distance: 5.4km, Elevation Gain: 496m, Elevation Loss: 112m

LOW ROUTE TO KYANGJUMA | Stay high, contouring around several hillsides far above the Dudh Kosi and stopping for views of Everest and Lhotse at the two whitewashed chortens. (The first chorten is a newer memorial to Tenzin Norgay). Two hours after leaving Namche you reach Tashi and Lhakpa’s Ama Dablam Lodge in Kyangjuma, perched dramatically on a steep hillside overlooking the peak of the same name. Continuing along the main trail through a lovely rhododendron forest you take a sharp left at the intersecting trail leading to Gokyo and ascend the steep trail up to the bridge which intersects the old trail from Khumjung. 

Day 8 – Trek Phortse 3780m/12,398′
Leaving Khunde, trek down through the walled villages to the end of the plateau, Ama Dablam looming majestically (and photographically) ahead. Taking the left fork, your trail intersects the trail from Namche at a metal bridge that spans a gap in the trail. From here you climb up stone steps, and stop for a rest at the top of the steps. Along the way you are likely to see wildlife such as Himalayan thar and the spectacularly hued danphe, Nepal’s national bird.

Continuing to climb gradually for another hour or so, you reach Mong La, where you will stop for a scenic lunch at Boudha Lodge, perched spectacularly on this (nearly) 4000-meter ridge pass. Across the valley sits Tengboche Gompa, backed by Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru, its gilded rooftops glittering in the afternoon sun.

You have a steep descent through pine and rhododendron forests on a sandy, switchbacking trail, with stone steps hugging the cliffside on the lower half, to Phortse Tenga. Just past the lodges and ancient, mossy mani walls, hiking through woods of birch, cross the river on a steel bridge and start the short but steep climb up to Phortse, one of the oldest villages of the Khumbu region. Keep your eyes open and cameras out as there are many musk deer, danphe and blood pheasants hiding in the rhododendron forests bordering the trail and the village. The danphe dig for potatoes in the lower fields of the village in the mornings and evenings, near the ancient chorten at the end of the fields.

You stay at Phortse Guest House, which has a wonderful dining room, great views and good electricity. The lodge is run by a lovely Sherpa couple, Ba Nuru and his wife Pasang. Ba Nuru is a many-time Everest climber and one of the main participants in the Phortse Climbing School, founded by Conrad Anchor and his wife. The new Climbing Center, medical post and climbing wall are right in back of the lodge. (5 hrs)
Distance: 8.2km Elevation Gain: 549m Elevation Loss: 617m

Day 9 – Trek Pangboche 3900m/12,792′
Leaving Phortse on the northeastern side and climbing for 20 minutes to the small chorten which signifies the top of the ridge, you will look across the Imja Khola towards Tengboche Gompa across the deep river gorge. The trail skirts the high ridges of Taboche Peak, often precipitous but always safe, with fantastic views around every corner and more Himalayan thar grazing along the steep hillsides. Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse dominate the northern skyline, while Ama Dablam is close enough to touch to the east and Kangtega and Thamserku grace the valley below. After an hour of scenic walking, climb a few hundred meters to a small pass (4080m), descend with a few dips on stone staircases, and you will soon reach Upper Pangboche. Take some time to wander the old alleys and take a look inside Pangboche Gompa, at approximately 500 years old one of the four oldest gompas (monasteries) in the Khumbu.

Contouring above the newer Lower Pangboche, trek to the left of an ancient mani wall and contour above the newer lodges before dropping down to our lodge at the end of Lower Pangboche. Pangboche is a lovely village with views across the Imja Khola to the trail to Ama Dablam Base Camp, the old airstrip at Mingbo and Ama Dablam. You will stay at Sonam Lodge, the last in the village, owned by Lhakpa’s (ex) brother-in-law, Gyurme. Gyurme is one of the many lodge owners who has summited Everest and Ama Dablam many times. From the three-sided windows of the dining room you will be treated to a magnificent sunset over Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.

As it’s been a short day, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at Sonam Lodge. Feel free to enjoy the afternoon resting at the lodge, or take a hike through the trekking shops of Lower Pangboche or up to a strip of memorial chortens on the high trail from Upper Pangboche. One of the original partners of Project Himalaya, Joel Schone, has his memorial chorten at this beautiful spot. (3 ½ hrs)
Distance: 6.03km Elevation Gain: 447m Elevation Loss: 272m

Day 10 – Trek Namche Bazaar
Continuing back down the valley, you leave Pangboche by passing by the numerous trekking lodges and shops of Lower Pangboche and exiting the town through the open chorten (kane). You’ll descend, on a beautiful and well-worn trail lined with ancient mani walls and whitewashed chortens with Bouddha eyes, down to the Imja Khola far below. After crossing the river on a new metal bridge (look below to see the old bridge), you hike on wide yak-trails through the hamlet of Devoche, passing ancient, moss-covered mani stones and the ani gompa (nunnery) of Devoche on the right. Stop for a peek into this old monastery, the equally ancient looking nuns often perform mid-day pujas. Soon after passing the nunnery you will pass the few small lodges of Devoche and then ascend a relatively steep, switchbacking trail through a dense rhododendron forest for a good half an hour to reach Tengboche (4000 meters), backed by the massive wall of Kangtega and well-known for its large monastery, Tengboche Gompa. Tengboche is the largest monastic community in the Everest region and one of the Khumbu’s most important monasteries.

Take some time to visit Tengboche Gompa before the steep, hour-long descent on a dusty, hill-side trail to Phunki Tenga. From here, you will cross the Dudh Koshi on a new bridge and head back up steeply through pine forests, and past small local settlements to Tashi and Lhakpa’s Amadablam Lodge at Kyangjuma. You will probably stop for a scenic lunch on the terrace, gazing out on the majestic Ama Dablam. Don’t miss the shopping; Tashi is famous for her jewelry which she also sells in Colorado in the summertime. From here, it’s an easy hour and a half contour around many brushy hillsides to reach Namche, the Tibetan market, the Moonlight lodge, hot showers, good food and a glass of wine or a cold beer. (5 1/2 hrs)

Day 11 – Trek Chhuserma | The Beyul 2660m/8725′
Leaving Namche along the same trail that you hiked up over a week ago, you will hike down that big hill to Phakding from where you’ll cross the bridge over the river and hiking along the opposite side of the river, well away from other trekkers. Your destination is Nima & Caryl’s charming new Beyul & Hermitage Lodge where you will enjoy Himalayan views on their terrace, sit around the stove with the welcoming family, eat an organic meal from their own garden and enjoy true peace. This is a unique lodge and a chance to get to know Sherpa culture with some Western amenities! (5 hrs)

NOTE: If the Beyul isn’t open you can reroute and stay in Phakding, or stay at Tshering’s beautiful but small lodge next door to The Beyul.

Day 12 – Trek Lukla
Trekking down to the river, you’ll again cross on the bridge and start your hike uphill through Chharikharka. You will finish the trek back at Dawa Phuti & Ang Pasang’s Eco-Paradise Lodge where everyone stays in the new en-suite rooms. In the evening you will have yet another Sherpa feast (after hot showers) and perhaps try some of Dawa’s famous Sherpa tongba. This cozy dining room is one the nicest in the Everest region, so it’s always an added treat to return there after the trek. Ang Pasang works for the airport, so you are in good hands for your flight out the next morning. (2 hrs)

Day 13 – Fly Kathmandu
Bags packed and ready to go before the sun rises as you fly out of Lukla to Kathmandu early; taking off from the Hillary Airstrip is just as exciting as landing!

You will be transfered back to the Kathmandu Guest House (or your upgraded hotel) where you can relax for the afternoon, and get ready for tomorrow’s flight to balmy Pokhara.

Day 14 – Fly Pokhara 830m | Lakeview Resort AC Cottage
Transfer to the domestic airport for the scenic flight to beautiful Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city 198 kilometers west of Kathmandu. En route, look down on rivers flowing towards the Terai from the Himalaya and Tibet, over a patchwork of terraced villages and green hills with the Ganesh, Langtang, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges in the distance, to balmy, sub-tropical Pokhara.

One in Pokhara you will be met by a representative of Lakeside Resort, Temple Tree Resort + Spa or the Himalayan Front Resort and transferred to your hotel. There is endless opportunity to spend extra time in Pokhara, so at least one day in this balmy town is a must. Options including a stroll part-way around Phewa Lake, paragliding or zip-lining from Sarankot, paddling on the lake, a morning hike up to Shanti Stupa via a short canoe trip or a day of shopping for the creative locally-produced crafts along Lakeside.

Meet guide for Annapurna Foothills trek at 5 pm at hotel, and afterwards enjoy a dinner at the hotel or out in Pokhara. We highly recommend Moondance Cafe, down the road from Lakeside Resort.

+ Option to Upgrade to Temple Tree Resort + Spa or Himalayan Front Hotel

Day 15 – Drive Lumle + Trek Birethanti 1150m | Sanctuary Lodge
A private vehicle will transfer you, with your guide and porter, to Naya Pul and then Lumle, from where you will start the trek into the wonderful, green central Annapurna region. Naya Pul lies at the confluence of the Modi Khola and the Bhurungdi Khola, where you wil check into the Annapurna Conservation Area. Your walk will follow a ridge line in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the green Pokhara valley. The trail then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey’s beautiful Sanctuary Lodge is located.

From its vantage overlooking the Modi River, the Sanctuary Lodge is also afforded stunning views of the sacred Fishtail Mountain in the distance. This stylish lodge was handcrafted by local artisans and enjoys a prime location on a promontory with half a mile of river front views. Travel to the nearby village of Birethanti to visit the local school and to watch mule trains journey across the river via suspension bridge. Hearty meals are served family-style in the lodge’s traditional dining rooms, inviting spaces to relax and recall the sights of the day’s trek. Spacious terraces plus a large fireplace and lounge area complete the shared spaces in the lodges, with Sanctuary Lodge also including a cozy library. A picnic lunch is provided with a late afternoon arrival at the lodge. (1 hr driving, 3 hrs trekking)

Day 16 – Trek Gandruk | Himalayan Lodge 2015m
After breakfast, you will start trekking from the lodge, hiking through the outlying farms following the Modi River Valley. You will hike straight up stone steps through a dense forest first thing in the morning, afterwards contouring less steeply along paddy fields, past slate roof houses and a few small tea-houses. Soon you begin to climb out of the valley and up towards the Himalayan peaks ahead. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and forests with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. A short descent brings you to Tolka (1750m), another large and scenic Gurung village. The grassy trail lined with ferns and sub-tropical trees ascends after the village, and after crossing a few small streams and contouring around terraced hillsides we reach the hillside village of Gandruk. Lunch will be served on arrival at Himalayan Lodge, in the early afternoon.

Ker & Downey’s Himalaya Lodge overlooks the slate-roofed village of Gandruk, once a popular recruitment location for the Gurkha soldier regiments. Villagers today craft traditional hand-woven rugs as they have for generations, and also participate in ecological endeavors via the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. Spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating and bustling Gurung village, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, white-washed, slate-roofed houses with porches and traditionally-carved windows, water buffaloes in thatched huts and open slate patios. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Annapurnas from the lodge, or hike up a bit along the cobbled steps for sunset views in the evening. Annapurna South and Hiunchuli dominate the horizon while Macchupucchre resembles a fish tail. Annapurna I and Gangapurna are just visible in the distance if the weather is clear.

Experience the unique Gurung culture and cuisine of Gandruk and visit some of the local Hindu temples above the village. There is lots to keep one busy in this picturesque village, and the villagers are friendly, always ready for a laugh or a chat. Gandruk is perhaps largest and most prosperous village in the Annapurna foothills region, with two interesting museums, local restaurants featuring their unique Gurung cuisine and many guest houses. Wander through Gandruk’s stone paths, returning to the Himalayan Lodge for a traditional lunch, and enjoy a rosy Himalayan sunset in the late afternoon, pure heaven! (5 – 6 hrs)

Day 17 – Trek Landruk 1565m | Bee Lodge 
After enjoying a relaxing breakfast and the glorious views from the Himalaya Lodge, you start our trek to to Lhandruk, a classic Himalayan day of trekking through green, textured fields along wonderful village-lined trails ahead. Leaving the village of Ghandruk, the trail descends steeply to the banks of the Modi River. Here, you’ll be at the base of the cliffs where the famed honey hunters of Nepal climb on ropes to collect the honey. Cross a suspension bridge to the opposite banks of the Modi, from where it’s about a hour’s trek up switch backs and steps to reach the village of Landruk, where you stay in Ker & Downey’s Bee Lodge. Take advantage of the ‘chautara’ or stone resting spots, along the way. Landruk is a hillside and sprawling Gurung village painted in pastels, worth a bit of exploration through its narrow, slate alleys. The lodge offers more wonderful views of the Annapurna range.

You will arrive in Landruk in time for lunch, and afterward your guide will take you on a exploration hike of this mountain village. Watch the local Gurung women weaving with their wooden looms, drying vegetables to make a spicy ‘achar’, sorting lentils for dal or involved in the morning’s washing at the village taps. (4 hrs)

Day 18 – Trek Majgaun 1400m| Gurung Lodge 
Wake to a misty morning of Himalayan peaks, with Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South rising majestically out of the shrouded valley, an awesome sight. Another wonderful day of trekking, starting with a gentle wander through the extensive village of Landruk, endlessly interesting. Today’s trek contours the side of the hill, with small ups and downs, passing through villages and farmland. You’ll reach Kerr & Downey’s Gurung Lodge in time for lunch with optional afternoon hikes to the surrounding villages. Tribal-style houses and manicured gardens comprise Gurung Lodge on the edge of the village of Majgaun with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and wonderful photographic opportunities. Enjoy the vivid colors at sunset over the Annapurna peaks at sunset. (4 hrs)

Day 19 – Trek Dhampus 1525 m| Basanta Lodge
This morning we start out trekking through the unspoiled village of Patlekhet. Our walk takes us through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. Continue to climb through lovely rhododendron forests and you soon reach the small hamlet of Pothana, a possible stopping point for the night. The wonderful views continue at Deurali, with quaint, Himalayan villages opening up below us. Soon we reach Dhampus and Kerr & Downey’s Basanta Lodge, from where we’ll enjoy sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range, including  the Phedi and Mardi Valleys. After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus. Afternoon activities include nature walks through thick forests of bamboo, conifer and rhododendron, as well as farming demonstrations on the steep hillside terraces. (3 1/2 hrs)

Day 20 – Drive Pokhara 830m | Lakeview Resort AC Cottage
After breakfast, we transfer by vehicle to the Temple Tree Resort + Spa or Himalayan Front Hotel in Pokhara (depending on whether you want to be in town, or up on a ridge with Himalayan views). On the way back to Pokhara, the vehicle can stop on request at the Tibetan refugee camp where you will have time to explore the temple complex. We’ll arrive at the centrally located Temple Tree Resort in time for lunch. The rooms at the Temple Tree are filled with ethnic touches. Surrounding the rooms are landscaped gardens, water features, a swimming pool and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You’ll have a chance to enjoy lunch and dinner at local restaurants. The afternoon is free to explore the lakeside where most of Nepal’s Tibetan shops are located. (1 1/2 hrs trekking, 1/2 hour drive)

+ Option to Upgrade to Temple Tree Resort + Spa or Himalayan Front Hotel

Day 21 – Fly Kathmandu
After breakfast, board the morning flight back to Kathmandu (with options to take an afternoon flight or stay extra days in Pokhara). Enjoy the afternoon at Dwarika’s, and do treat yourself to a massage or a spa treatment if you didn’t before the trek! Dine at one of their wonderful restaurants in the evening.

In the afternoon, enjoy some fascinating sightseeing of Kathmandu Durbar Square and the small streets of old Kathmandu with a guide.

World Heritage Sightseeing Tour | Kathmandu Durbar Square
Another wonderful sightseeing tour through the endlessly fascinating Kathmandu. You will be picked up by your sightseeing guide at the hotel after breakfast, and driven to the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Wander through the many temples, pagodas, courtyards and the museum at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a timeless gathering spot and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kathmandu Durbar Square, including the old royal palace, is Kathmandu’s ‘Palace Square’, a showcase for the world renown artisans and craftsmen of Kathmandu and a synthesis of Hindu and Buddhist palaces, temples, stupas and statues. The Malla and Shah kings ruled over the Kathmandu Valley during the centuries of the building of the layers of this Durbar Square. Along with their opulent palaces, the square surrounds numerous courtyards and temples, all works of art with intricate and often erotic carvings. Kathmandu Durbar Square is known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the palace. The social, religious and urban focal point of the city, Durbar Square is often the site of festivals, marriages and other ceremonies such as Teej. Some important structures are Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (Abode of the Living Goddess), Taleju Temple, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages.

Perhaps stop to photograph reflections in Kathmandu’s many pokhari’s, or ponds, including the beautiful Rani Pokhari (queen’s bath) near New Road, and the Naga Pokhari (pond of the snake gods of the underworld) just beyond the palace gates. The many bathing ghats, square enclosures with steps leading down to water spouts, often decorated with naga heads, are also interesting and colorful gathering spots.

TRAVEL NOTE | We strongly recommend scheduling an extra day in Kathmandu in case of flight delays or cancellations out of Lukla or Ramechhap.

Day 22 – Trip Ends | Transfer TIA
Transfer to the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your flight home. Namaste & Tashi Delek!

Not Enough of Nepal?
We highly suggest taking advantage of your trip to Nepal, adding on excursions into the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Bandipur, Gorkha, the Annapurna Foothills, and Chitwan and Bardia National Park. Enjoy heritage tours, mountain biking, Kathmandu valley hiking, Himalayan panoramas (and a hike down) from the Chandragiri Cable Car, whitewater rafting, yoga and meditation courses, Nepali cooking classes, Buddhist or Hindu retreats, and much more. There are many wonderful, boutique, luxury, and heritage lodges in the Kathmandu Valley, and many options for world heritage sightseeing tours, bicycle trips, hikes, and craft-cuisine tours. Nepal boasts world-class restaurants, chic cafes, timeless alleyways to wander through, countless Hindu and Buddhist festivals, and lots of great shopping.

Don’t miss an Everest sightseeing flight or epic helicopter tour, sightseeing trips to Bhaktapur, Patan, and Panauti (Kathmandu Valley’s other historic and/or capital cities), a weekend at Shivapuri Heights Resort or Dwarikas in Kathmandu, a night at the Fort Hotel in Nagarkot for sunrise and sunset Himalayan panoramas, a spa and wellness getaway at the ultra-luxurious Dwarikas Dhulikhel Resort and visits to ancient temple and monastery complexes such as Namo Buddha, Changu Narayan, and Dakshinkali. Spend a night at The Old Inn in Bandipur or Three Mountain Lodge en route to Pokhara, or The Famous Farm in Nuwakot, and get to know Nepal’s Newar heritage.

Enjoy a luxury 3-6 day trek in the Annapurna Foothills, staying in the wonderful Ker & Downey luxury lodges. Relax in heritage style at Temple Tree Resort in Pokhara for some pampering at the spa and infinity pool, try out paragliding, zip-lining, and enjoy a morning of boating on the lake and the hike to Shanti Stupa. Once refreshed, drive to Chitwan National Park, spending 2 or 3 nights at Maruni Sanctuary Resort or Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge for wildlife and bird spotting, river trips, and safaris in style. Tiger Tops also owns Karnali Lodge at Bardia National Park, reached by flight from Kathmandu, and there are nearby archeological sights to visit nearby.

Namaste!

Nepal Modules
Nepal & Kathmandu Modules | Customize Your Trip!

Dates
Custom Departures
22 Days

Trek Price
$3880

+ NO Single Supplement Kathmandu Guest House
+ Includes Lodges, All Meals & Unlimited Hot Drinks
+ B&B Only Price Options
+ Sherpa Guide 

Kathmandu Guest House Single & Double Upgrades 
+ Deluxe Upgrade Kathmandu Guest House (3 Nights) – $135
+ Suite Upgrade Kathmandu Guest House (3 Nights) – $225

Kathmandu Guest House | Extra Nights Room Price
Includes Breakfast & Taxes

Standard Single – $55
Standard Double – $65
Deluxe Single – $100
Deluxe Double – $110
Suite Single – $130
Suite Double – $140

Hotel & Lodge Upgrades
+ Single Upgrade Lodges – $200, $225 + $250
+ Chhuserma | The Beyul Extra Trekking Day – $150

Everest Region Helicopter Prices
+ Helicopter Kathmandu – Lukla (and Lukla – Kathmandu) ($325 Per Person. Shared Helicopter 5 Pax)
+ Helicopter Namche – Lukla (+$750 Per Helicopter. Max 5 Pax)
+ Helicopter Tengboche or Pangboche-Lukla (+$1050 Per Helicopter. Max 5 Pax)
+ Helicopter Lobuche – Lukla (+$1500 Per Helicopter – Max 3 Pax)

Custom Treks
Private Departures Available | Choose Your Own Dates!

Includes

• Kathmandu Guest House (or Upgraded Boutique & Luxury Hotel)
• Kathmandu Lukla Kathmandu Fights
• Sagarmatha National Park Permits
• Local Expertise & 20+ Years of Experience in the Everest Region
• Local Khumbu & Kathmandu Support
• Options for Helicopter Flights
• Rescue Service (Cost Not Included)
• Oxygen Saturation Meter
• Airport Transfers
• Kamzang Lodge Trekking
  Meals & hot drinks from lodge menu, French Press coffee, filtered drinking water, double rooms at our Kamzang-approved Sherpa lodges, small medical kit & O2 monitor, Sherpa guide & porter(s), local support in the Khumbu with our network of Sherpa friends, office support in Kathmandu, local knowledge & 20+ years of experience in the Everest region!

Excludes

• International Flights
• Nepal Visa
• Trip Cancellation or Travel Medical Insurance
• Rescue Service Cost
• Helicopter Shuttle
• Meals in Kathmandu
• Equipment Rental
• Beer, Wine, Bottled Drinks + Bottled Water + Toilet Paper
• Bakery Items & Packaged Snacks
• Showers, Laundry & Battery Charging
• Hot Water Bottles or Boiled Drinking Water (To Fill Water Bottles)
• Tips

Tips & Extra Cash
Allow approx $250 – $350 for meals (while not on trek), drinks + extras (see ‘excluded items’) on trek and tips. We recommend $250 per trekker as tips for the staff.

Trip Advisor Reviews

Clients Highlights & Reviews
Travelers’ Comments

Trek Highlights

• Kathmandu World Heritage Sites
• Everest Cultural Trek  | Sherpa Lodges
• Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam Himalayan Views
• Tengboche, Pangboche, Namche Bazaar & Khumjung Monasteries
• Tibetan Buddhist Culture
• Cozy, Traditional Sherpa Lodges
• The Beyul Hermitage Lodge
• Namche Bazaar (Friday + Saturday Market)
• Optional Everest Sightseeing Flight
• Annapurna Foothills Trek (Luxury) – Kerr & Downey Luxury Lodges
• Spectacular Himalayan Panoramas + Traditional Villages
• Private En-suite Bath Facilities
• Hot Showers + Hot Water Bottles
• Family Style Dining + Delicious Meals
• Chitwan National Park + Wildlife Safaris
• Chitwan Maruni Sanctuary Lodge
• Pokhara + Phewa Lake
• Temple Tree Resort + Spa or Himalayan Front Hotel
• Spa + Massage
• Rhododendron Season in the Spring
• Himalayan Wildlife
• The Best of Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya

Client Comments
I really enjoyed my cultural trek in the Khumbu + Everest region. It was good to have a local guide in Tashi. He was such a quiet and gentle guy, and I was impressed with his respect for culture and Buddhist philosophy. I was able to learn about the way of life in the villages and about the gardens and crops. also it was interesting to visit the monasteries and hear about Buddhist practices and philosophy. The route chosen was great – away from the main trekking routes and very scenic. I could feel myself becoming more acclimatized and fitter after a few days above 3000m. Basanta was such a cheerful porter and always greeted us with a big smile.

All the flights and connections went smoothly thanks to Lhakpa and Doma in Kathmandu and Tashi and the host from Paradise Lodge at Lukla. Doma was very generous with her time and went with me to see Durbar Square. Kathmandu Guest House was lovely and the staff were so helpful, especially Binod. I was able to meet up with Celesta on the last day as she had just arrived in Kathmandu. So a very memorable trip. Thanks so much!
– Maureen H (Australia), Private Everest Cultural Trek

Kim and her colleages at Khumbu Adventures arranged a solo trek for me at very short notice in November 2013 – and did it even whilst most of them were leading another trek in Mustang! They made the complex easy. From a wonderful guide to helping me arrange evacuation when I got sick, I was always in knowledeable, kind, efficient hands. I recommend Kamzang Journeys without reservation and I’ll be using them when I return to Nepal in September 2014!
– Nick A (UK), Private Everest Trek 2013

Tsering Sherpa is marvelous, extremely responsible, serious, devoted, very thoughtful, discreet and very pleasant to trek with. He is very helpful, well travelled, speaks good English, is well-mannered and has a good experience as a mountaineer and a climber.  He is very powerful, strong and quick, and smiles a lot! He seems to know everybody on the trail, is active in his community and is respected by other Sherpas. On trek he was a good counsellor on food, and of course respectful of tradition and of the Tibetan Buddhist faith. With him we felt very secure as he knows the trail and all the short cuts.
– Nan + Odette (France), Private Everest Base Camp Trek 2014

Viney was my private guide to trek to Everest base camp in October 2013.  I felt very secure with him the entire time.  He was always attentive to my wellbeing from the time we started in x (kim pls fill in) where we ended up slogging through rainfall and mud due to the cyclone left over from India, all the way through to the end of our trip in Lukla.  I could count on him without a doubt every day of the entire 3 weeks we spent together.  Thanks to Viney for an excellent trek!
– Lori C (USA), Private Everest High Passes Trek 2014

Last May I spent almost three weeks hiking with Mingma in the Khumbu region of Nepal and we explored the Gokyo lakes, Gokyo valley and we climbed Gokyo Ri. Mingma is an experienced mountain-guide, knows all the summits in the region, the Sherpas and routes.  He is responsive of the challenges, strong and kind, but he is very calm in case of difficult situations. While we walked together, he was attentive and he always tried to accommodate my phyisical condition and my spiritual eagerness. We spent wonderful time together and I immensely enjoyed every moment of the trek. I am planning to walk with him again in 2015!
– Kati K (Hungary), Private Gokyo Lakes Trek 2014

Tashi was the perfect guide for me. I was going solo, and looking mostly for solitude; Tashi’s temperament was the perfect match for mine. When he had something to say, it seemed eerily to come right when I was about to ask him a question about the very thing he started to speak about! He has a real passion for the natural world he lives in and for the Sherpa people and their traditions, too. I ended up falling ill with something and here again Tashi was the perfect guide – helpful but not smothering or overly-solicitous. I will be back, and with my family and I’m certain to request that Tashi accompanies us when we return.
– Nick A-H (UK), Private Everest Base Camp Trek 2013

Photo Gallery | Trip + Trek Photos
Kim Bannister Photography

Travel Reading
Travel Books

Online Articles + Documentaries on Everest Region

Glacier Works – David Breshear’s Interactive Site

1953: First Footsteps – Sir Edmund Hillary & Tenzin Norgay – National Geographic Adventure

Sherpas | The True Heroes of Mount Everest – Film

On Mount Everest, Sherpa Guides Bear the Brunt of the Danger – NPR

Lakes Expanding Dangerously in Everest Glacier – BBC

Rivers of Ice – Vanishing Glaciers – BBC

Everest – National Geographic Adventure

Climbing Everest Then & Now – National Geographic Adventure

Everest Revealed: Photos by Renan Ozturk – National Geographic Adventure

Flying a Drone at Everest – Himalayan Aerials

The Everest Avalanche 2014 – YouTube

Living Through the Himalayan Thaw – Himalayan Times

Nepal Quake Caused Minimal Damage to Everest Trails – Reuters

Nepal Before & After the Earthquake – New York Times

Jan Morris: No One Else Needs to Climb Everest – New Statesman

Airport Near Everest is its own Perilous Adventure – New York Times

Sherpa – They Die, We Go Home – New York Times

On Mount Everest – Surviving and Earthquake & an Avalanche – New York Times Lens Blog

Climate Model Suggests Glaciers Could Nearly Disappear – New York Times

Forty Years of Everest – YouTube

‘Landscapes Revealed’ Everest Geology Blog Posts
How did the Himalayas get to be Earth’s highest mountain range? | Karen Grove

Trekking in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas, Part 1: from Kathmandu to Namche | Karen Grove

Trekking in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas, Part 2: All hail to Ama Dablam | Karen Grove

Trekking in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas, Part 3: to Everest Base Camp and Goyko | Karen Grove

Trekking in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas, Part 4: from Gokyo back to Lukla | Karen Grove

The Everest | Solu Khumbu Region
Nepal’s Solu Khumbu, widely known as the Everest region, is a diverse region of spectacular Himalayan panoramas, diverse flora including blue pine, juniper and silver fir, rare wildlife and some of the highest mountains on the planet. The Khumbu is the original Sherpa homeland, a region of Nyigma-pa Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, ancient chortens, lung-ta (prayer flags), glaciers, Himalayan passes, high pasture lands and once traditional villages which are now often (but not always) crowded with trekking lodges and colorful shops. The region is dominated by the sacred Khumbila peak, which rises above Khumjung and Kunde, two of the larger villages in the area, with Mount Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam towering over the village from the opposite side. The elevation of the Khumbu ranges from 2840 meters to the 8,848 meter summit of Mount Everest.

There are several ways to enter the Khumbu, the most commonly trekked part of the Everest region. Most people fly into the Hillary Airstrip in Lukla (2840 meters), and the second most popular route is via Jiri, a diverse trek of 7-8 days crossing numerous smaller passes and ridges, and trekking through traditional Hindu, Rai and Tamang villages. The third route is via the old mountaineering trail of Shipton, Hillary and all of the original mountaineers starting in Tumlingtar (or before that, way back when), following the Aun River for a few days before veering west and trekking in very hilly, beautiful country through sprawling Rai villages until the Jiri route is intersected. The last route is via the Rolwaling Tashi Laptsa Pass, a challenging six day trek from Barabise and Chariot, through the realm of the goddess Tashi Tseringma (according to Sherpa mythology), which crosses the somewhat treacherous Tashi Laptsa Pass (5755 meters) to reach the Thame valley. The last route is from Tibet, a trail not open to Westerners and often closed even for Nepalis and Tibetans. From the Tibetan side traders cross the Nangpo La (5710 meters) and trek down several days through a glacial valley where Sherpas have their ‘doksas’, or seasonal herding villages, to reach Thame and Namche Bazaar.

The Everest (Khumbu) region is entered through the Sagarmatha National Park at the top end of Monjo (where Kim taught school in 2001). The Sagarmartha National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site since 1979, an area of 1148 square meters which ranges from 2840 – 8840 meters. The buffer zone was established in the late 90s to give some income to the villages between Lukla and Monjo. Namche Bazaar is a bustling old trading village at the fork of three valleys, situated in an amphitheater of peaks. The far left valley leads to Thame valley and Tibet, the middle valley leads to Gokyo Lake and the far right valley leads to the Khumbu Glacier, formed during the last great Ice Age approximately 500,000 years ago, and Everest Base Camp. This valley branches off to the right about half way up and leads to the Chhukhung Valley and the base of the Island Peak climbing route.

The Khumbu region, with a population of about 4000, gets from 10-20,000 Western trekkers per year, and probably double that amount of Nepali staff and local porters coming to the markets at Lukla and Namche with their goods to sell.

Mount Everest, also referred to in Sherpa and Tibetan as Chomolungma, was recognized as the highest peak in the world in 1856 by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India (it was until then known as Peak XV). Everest was named after Sir George Everest, the British Surveyor General of India, by the Royal Geographical Society in 1865.

The first mountaineers to attempt to climb Everest were British, and the first attempt made in 1921 from the Tibetan side as Nepal was then closed to foreigners. This 1921 expedition reached 7000 meters on the North Col, the 1922 expedition climbing on the North ridge reached 8320 meters but tragically 7 porters were killed in an avalanche while descending. George Mallory & Andrew Irvine attempted to climb Everest on 8 June, 1924, perhaps even submitting before disappearing. Mallory’s body was discovered in 1999 on the North Face of Everest, at 8155 meters; the question of whether or not they summited Everest still remains a mystery.

Nearly 30 years later Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary succeeded in making the first official ascent of Everest, climbing on the southeast ridge route in 1953 to reach the summit of Chomolungma together!

Notable Himalayan peaks include Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7861m), Makalu (8462m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Ama Dablam (6812m), Mera Peak (6476m), Island Peak (6189m), Cho Polu (6735m), Khumbutse (6640m), Kwongde Ri (6187m), Thamserku (6623m), Kang Guru (6981m), Kusum Kanggaru (6367m), Changtse (7580m) & Cholatse (6440m).

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Annapurna Foothills Trek
The beautiful Lower Annapurnas (Annapurna foothills) trek starts just 25 kilometers north of Pohara, and is often referred to as the Poon Hill trek because of the incredible sunrise Himalayan panoramas from this viewpoint above Ghorepani. Macchapuchare (Fish Tail Peak) is the most renown mountain in this region, an unmistakable peak which rises above the clouds. Views from Poon Hill are awe inspiring, and include the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges: Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, III, + IV, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna and Manaslu!

Our Annapurna Peaks & Villages Trek features terraced slopes, green rice paddies, rhododendron forests, local cultures and traditional Gurung and Magar villages, Ghorepani and Gandruk being two of the largest Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. It’s a wonderful, shorter low altitude trek in the lower Annapurna region is the perfect introduction to the diversity and excitement of trekking in Nepal. We start the Nepal trek in steamy Hindu villages, where water buffaloes wallow in the rivers, colorful, sari-clad women sit and weave by thatched huts, and villagers perform ancient rituals to appease their local deities. The sub-tropical forests come alive with an immense variety of bird life, waterfalls thunder down from steep cliff sides and monkeys chatter from the tree-tops.

Trekking higher into the green, terraced hills we wander through ancient, mossy rhododendron forests to reach the cooler Buddhist and animistic middle hills, where chortens and prayer flags send prayers out to the gods and the Gurung and Magar inhabitants look more Tibetan than Nepali. Terraced fields and tropical fruit trees surround the neat, white-washed Gurung villages of the higher regions, leading the eye to vistas dominated by some of the Himalaya’s most majestic peaks. The Annapurna region is truly the heart of the Nepal Himalaya.

Royal Chitwan National Park

History
Royal Chitwan National Park has long been one of the country’s treasures of natural wonders. The park is situated in south central Nepal, covering 932 square kilometers in the subtropical lowlands of the inner Terai. The area comprising the Tikauli forest, from Rapti river to the foothills of the Mahabharat, extends for an area of 175 square kilometers and was declared Mahendra Mriga Kunj (Mahendra Deer Park) by the late King Mahendra in 1959. In 1963, the area south of Rapti River was demarcated as a rhinoceros sanctuary. The area was gazetted as the country’s first national park in 1973. Recognizing its unique ecosystems of international significance, UNESCO declared RCNP a World Heritage Site in 1984. In 1996, an area of 750 square kilometers surrounding the park was declared a buffer zone which consists of forests and private lands. The park and the local people jointly initiate community development activities and manage natural resources in the buffer zone. The government has made a provision of plowing back 30-50 percent of the park revenue for community development in the buffer zone.

Features
The Chitwan valley consists of tropical and subtropical forests. Sal forests cover 70 percent of the park. Sal leaves are used locally for plates in festivals and religious offerings. Grasslands cover 20 percent of the park. There are more than 50 different types of grasses, including the elephant grass (Saccharum spp.), renowned for its immense height, growing up to 8 meters in height. The shorter grasses (imperata) are used for roof thatching as well as mats, rope and paper making.

A total of 68 species of mammals, 56 species of herpeto fauna and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of one-horned rhinoceros, gaur, royal Bengal tiger, wild elephant, four-horned antelope, pangolin, gangetic dolphin, gharial crocodile, golden monitor lizard and python. The park harbors not only the world’s largest terrestrial mammal (wild elephant) but also the world’s smallest terrestrial mammal (pygmy shrew). A total of 544 species of birds has been recorded so far including 22 globally threatened species including critically endangered Bengal florican, slender-billed vulture, white rumped vulture and red headed vulture.

The park houses a diversity of ecosystems, including the Churia hills, ox-bow lakes, and the flood plains of the Rapti, Reu and Narayani Rivers. The Churia hills rise slowly towards the east from 150 meters to more than 800 meters. The western portion of the park is comprised of the lower but more rugged Someshwor hills. The park shares its eastern boundary with the Parsa Wildlife Reserve.

Tharus are the main indigenous ethnic groups in Chitwan. They are well known for their resistance to malaria. Traditionally they are farmers and practice their own unique tribal culture. A stroll or a ride through the Tharu village will provide an opportunity to see their traditional farming and relics. Traditional Tharu stick dance gives an insight into their culture

Climate
Conditions are subtropical with a summer monsoon from mid-June to late-September, and a relatively dry winter. Mean annual rainfall is 2400mm with about 90% falling in the monsoon from June to September. Monsoon rains cause dramatic floods and changes in the character and courses of rivers. Temperatures are highest (maximum 38°C) during this season and drop to a minimum of 6°C in the post-monsoon period (October to January), when dry northerly winds from the Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau are prevalent.