Its invisible abundance surrounds everything from the mountains of the Dudh Kosi to its green valleys. Air. The only element of the physical universe you can�t see, it�s only felt. Felt when the wayward winds from the four corners of the earth breathe. With air comes life, limitlessness and clarity as far as the eye can see. That sense of clarity starts at ground level, sweeping into the capital, Kathmandu. The city inspired by a goddess�s sword, the kharg-- a symbol of enlightenment--cuts a precise slice out of the mountainous Kathmandu Valley. �Kath� means wood and �mandir� means edifice or temple, together, Kathmandu, with the jagged edges of the city limits rests like an unearthed gem at the confluence of the Vishnumati and Baghmati Rivers, rough and rich with urban bustle. Ornate, winged-tipped buildings live alongside city congestion like stacked bricks. You�ll have several days in the city because your tour will begin and end in Kathmandu. However, the trek�s contrast in scenery is startling and refreshing. The city�s hustle eases into the crisp, cool air of the mountains on the way to Gokyo in the Mount Everest region. Exhilarating and strenuous, this trek mingles the traditional life of the land�markets and farming meadows�with your trekking treads. From a living, breathing metropolis, the tight city streets give way to the open valleys and wispy clouds of the Himalayas. This is the destination�among the clouds�in the thin air. *Please note that this trek requires a good level of physical fitness to complete.
DAY 1 | TOUCH DOWN IN KATHMANDU
Land in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport where a representative will meet and greet you. Then, transfer to the Hotel Tibet, located near the Royal Palace. If this hotel is not available, equivalent accommodations will be arranged.
DAY 2 | IN KATHMANDU
In the morning, wake up to breakfast at the hotel. This first day in the capital is full of sightseeing and walking tours. Make sure the Swayambhunath is on your agenda. Climb the staircase—365 steps in all—to the temple. This beautiful shupa is on a hilltop and its golden dome rises high with Buddha’s eyes gazing down on the faithful that come to worship there. Look down on the Kathmandu Valley from one of the highest and holiest sites in the city. Then, return to the hotel in the evening. [B]
DAY 3 | DUDH KOSI TO PHAKDING
After breakfast at the hotel, there is time to gather your things for the flight to Lukla. Lukla is tucked into the Khumbu Valley and from here, the trek begins. With the guide, you’ll plunge right into the trek—hiking for several hours in the Dudh Kosi Valley. Cross the Dudh Kosi suspension bridge over the “Milk River,” the Dudh Kosi River. It might look like a tightrope but it’s safe and easy to cross. You’ll head towards Phakding to stay at a lodge there. The lodges along this trek are designed to accommodate the daily trekker with beds and buckets of hot water to get your day started. [B,L,D]
DAY 4 | TO NAMCHE BAZAAR
Wake up to breakfast at the lodge in Phakding. Continue the trek in the Dudh Kosi Valley. This section is strenuous with an altitude gain of almost 25,000 feet. There is no need to push yourself. The trek is at a pace that will accommodate everyone and let the guide know if you need a break. With steep hills and grades, you’ll know the day’s trek is ending when the Namche hill comes into sight. The hill leads into the Sherpa market town of Namche Bazaar. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | REST IN NAMCHE BAZAAR
This is a day of rest to recover from the last few days arduous trek and yesterday’s grand ascent. Acclimate to the thinning air and the new surroundings. Namche Bazaar is a market town. So after breakfast, head to the market for exploration. The town rests in a valley and the early morning fog should clear away as you make your way down to the market stalls. If you can spare it, trade some of your trekking gear for some of the market goods. Traders from lower altitudes come to sell their goods to Sherpas and you can join in the bartering, too. Return to the lodge later in the day for dinner and a good night’s rest.
[B,L,D]
DAY 6 | ACCLIMATE IN DOLE
Things will start early after breakfast. After the day of rest, this day is designed to acclimate to the altitude. Rising a bit higher, this gradual trek route passes the settlements of Tongma and Gyele. Pass the green meadows and yak pastures of these settlements to get the next stop, Dole—the destination for the evening. You’ll stay at a lodge in Dole and take dinner there. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | TO MACHHERMA
This is another gradual ascent through birch tree forests and the green valleys of the Dudh Kosi Valley. The climb is a difference of a few hundred feet from Dole and fairly easy going. The day ends at a lodge in Machherma. [B,L,D]
DAY 8 | TO GOKYO
Today’s trek starts out a bit rough—-going up a rocky gulch beside the snout of the great Ngozumbo Glacier. But the rocky road is well worth it as the trail eventually leads to some beautiful lakes on the way to Gokyo. Stay overnight at a lodge near one of the most beautiful, Gokyo Lake, a slate gray pool surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Take dinner at the lodge. [B,L,D]
DAY 9 | IN GOKYO
Now that you’re in Gokyo, take a bit of a breather in the morning. Then, trek to Gokyo Ri. A three hour climb to the summit will be the highlight of the day. With spectacular views of Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, Tawachee, and the crowning glory, Everest. Take in all the breathless grandeur of the Himalayas. Return to the lodge for dinner in the evening. [B,L,D]
DAY 10 | TO PHORTSE
After breakfast, you’ll follow the eastern side of the valley with views of the Khumbila, a sacred mountain never climbed by the people who live in the Khumbu Valley. Then, trek to Naonto Phortse for an overnight stay at a lodge nearby. [B,L,D]
DAY 11 | BACK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR
The morning’s trek takes you right through Phortse Thanga, then follows the trail from Khumjung back to Namche Bazaar—a relatively easy path this time. The village of Khumjung has not really been touched by a lot of tourism. As you approach Namche Bazaar, things change, of course. The hustle, bustle and bartering of the village market returns. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar. [B,L,D]
DAY 12 | TO LUKLA
In the morning, continue down the Dudh Kosi Valley to Lukla. You’ll stay overnight in a lodge located near the airstrip. [B,L,D]
DAY 13 | BACK TO KATHMANDU
After breakfast transfer to the Lukla airstrip to fly back to Kathmandu. Rest your body and soul back at the Hotel Tibet. [B]
DAY 14 | IN KATHMANDU
This is another full day in the capital city. After breakfast, check out Little Tibet in the Boudhanath area, the hub of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Dominated by the Boudhanath temple, Little Tibet is noted for its many temples and Tibetan antique shops. The Kathmandu Valley has over 50 monasteries and most are in the eastern part of the city. Return to the hotel in the evening. [B]
DAY 15 | DEPART NEPAL
It’s the last day in Kathmandu. If there is time after breakfast, take one final stroll around the city plazas and temples. Then, transfer to the airport for your flight home. [B]
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