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Its day one of our challenge and time for our long-awaited flight to Kathmandu, Nepal’s characterful capital. Here we meet the rest of the team and our Charity Challenge representative before saying goodbye to family and friends.
On landing, we will be met by a local Charity Challenge representative who will transfer us to our hotel for our first team dinner. Any surplus kit can be left here for the duration of the trek.
Today we board a small aircraft for the flight to Lukla. After arriving, there’s a chance to pick up any last minute kit and meet our Sherpa crew and Ghopkyos (a mix breed of yak and cow). After lunch, there’s a pleasant acclimatisation trek with a view of the Kusum-Kangru crossing at 6,369m. Once in Tok-Tok village, we set up camp for the night.
Please note that this flight can be subject to delay or cancellation due to weather conditions. The itinerary is put together with a number of acclimatisation/rest days so that if our flight is delayed for up to three days, we should still be able to complete the challenge. If flights are unable to take off after three days, we would implement an alternative Himalayan trekking itinerary.
Leaving Tok-Tok, we cross the suspension bridge over the Dudh-Kosi River and follow the trail until the village of Monjo beneath the peak of Thermasarkhu (6,608m). From here, it’s a meandering path along the river until the last bridge, from where it’s uphill. With its colourful houses situated in an amphitheatre shaped bowl, the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar is our destination for the night.
With Everest now in sight, it’s time to acclimatise by walking to the headquarters of Sagarmatha National Park at the top of Namche Bazaar. There is also the option to wander up to the Everest View Hotel which lives up to its name or wander around the museum to learn more about the region’s mountaineering history. The night will be spent in Namche Bazaar.
Today we set off along a winding trail with exceptional views of Everest. From Shanasa, here we descend into Phungitenga (3,250m), a pretty settlement in the midst of alpine woods, before a tough climb to Tyangboche, arguably one of the most beautiful sites in the Himalayas. Following the trail up to Deboche at 3,650m, we stop to rest for the night under the peak of Ama Dablam.
Leaving Dingboche, the path takes us past the long prayer mani wall and up towards Shomare. The high altitude takes its toll as we climb above the Imjatse River. From here it’s a lovely descent into the Imjatse Valley, in the shadows of mountains Nuptse, Lohtse and Ama Dablam. Dingboche, our campsite for tonight, is an endless patchwork quilt of fields enclosed by stonewalls.
The ridge over Dingboche offers priceless vistas over the valley and the Imja Khola tributary. We will have time to explore the monastery today as we acclimatise in preparation for tomorrow. This impressive valley, with its breath-taking views over the north face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge all the way up to Island Peak, is a great spot for counting shooting stars.
Heading north, we walk above the village of Pheriche from where we catch glimpses of the north Pokalde at 5,741m. We stop at Thukla for lunch, before a steep hill to the top. Prepare to be overwhelmed by a colourful memorial ground of fluttering prayer flags and monuments, dedicated to climbers who have lost their lives tackling these majestic mountains. Take a moment to appreciate our achievement.
We set off on a rocky moraine path and climb above the glacial pond and icebergs of Khumbu glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a short downhill walk brings us to Gorakshep below Kalapatthar (5,545m) and Mt.Pumori (7,145m). Gorakshep was the former base camp in the early 1950s when Sir Edmund Hillary led his expedition to Mt. Everest. We camp here for the night.
It is important to do what the Sherpa guide says us on our way to the Khumbu Ice-fall, as the trail changes due to glacier movements. Walking is made all the more strenuous by the high altitude, difficult terrain and thinning air, but the lively commotion from Everest Base Camp will help spur us on. After much celebration at the top, we retrace our steps to Gorakshep.
Today we have the option of crossing the sandy fields towards the base of Kalapatthar. The climb is steep and takes approximately three hours. It may sound exhausting considering yesterday’s efforts, but will be worth it for the breath-taking view of Everest at the top. Then it’s back to camp in Pheriche at 4,245m.
Our downward journey takes us through Pangboche, as we continue back along the Imja-Tse gorge and up to Tyangboche. From here we descend back down to the settlement of Phungitenga, where we camp beside the raging torrent of the Dudh Koshi River.
It’s a steep climb this morning as we depart Phungitenga and climb away from the river. Our path meanders through pine forests and steep valleys back towards the Sherpa capital. Arriving in Namche, we’ll stop for lunch, before continuing down the long path back to the river. We then head towards the park entrance at Monjo, from where it’s a short stroll to our campsite in Chumoa.
Our final day walking is pleasant as we tackle a few uphill climbs before our descent towards the Bhote Kushi River. En-route we’ll stop in Phakding, before taking on the final leg of our journey. It’s a final push to tackle the 45 minute uphill climb to our final destination: the busy village of Lukla. The night will be spent in a campsite here.
Sadly, it’s the beginning of the end as we bid farewell to Lukla and the magic of the Himalayas. Touching down in Kathmandu, we have the entire afternoon to relax or go souvenir shopping – ahead of tonight’s big celebratory meal.
Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of the magical city of Kathmandu and its many temples and monasteries. Mingle with the monkeys at Swayambhunath Temple, or go for a stroll through the Garden of Dreams and pick up some prayer flags before our last supper together.
Touching down in the UK, it may be harder than you expected to say goodbye to all your team mates. Be sure to swap details before heading home to share stories with family and friends.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE