DAY 1 – FLIGHTS TO KATHMANDU
Flights from Helsinki overnight to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
DAY 2 – KATHMANDU
Arrival in Kathmandu and last minute purchases for hiking. We dive into the hustle and bustle of the city to exchange money and explore the local restaurant offerings.
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOTEL MOONLIGHT OR SIMILAR
DAY 3 – KATHMANDU – LUKLA – PHAKDING
An early flight to Lukla, where our hike begins. Our equipment will be transferred to our sher carriers. Overnight in Phakding village (2610 m). (A)
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 4 – NAMCHE BAZAAR
We ascend through the pine and spruce forest sherpa capital, Namche Bazaar (3450 m).
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 5 – NAMCHE BAZAAR
We get used to the thin atmosphere by taking a few hours ’walk to the vantage point above the city, which offers spectacular views of the Everest massif.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 6 – PHORTSE
The route of the day begins at about 2h with a steady transition to Sanasa, after which we ascend a calm and airy route to the pass of Mong La, where we will have lunch. We descend to Phortse Thanga, from where about an hour ascent to the village of Phortse (3840 m). The scenery of the Kang Tega and Gokyo Valley glaciers is bold.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 7 – PANGBOCHE
One of the most beautiful hiking trails takes us high above the Imja Khola River to the village of Pangboche (3860 m), one of the highest year-round villages in the Everest region.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 8 – DINGBOCHE
Our route rises steadily over the tree line to the village of Dingboche (4410 m) at the beginning of the Khumbu Valley. Island Peak appears from Dingboch for the first time. In the afternoon, relaxation and getting used to the thinner atmosphere.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 9 – DINGBOCHE
Rest day in Dingboche. We relax or take a day trip to the ridge above the village, which overlooks the walls of Ama Dablam.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 10 – CHUKUNG
After breakfast, we ascend to the village of Chukung (4730 m), which serves as the starting and ending point for the Island Peak expeditions.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 11 – CHUKUNG
Rest day in Chukung. Those interested can climb the Chukung Ri (5550m) ridge above the village.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 12 – KONGMA LA 5550M – LOBUCHE
We cross the first of three passages during the day. The route approaches the gorge evenly ascending, in rocky terrain. The gorge is difficult to detect when approaching from the east, and it only becomes visible a moment before crossing. We enjoyed a picnic lunch before the gorge, after which we descend steeply to the edge of the Chumbu Glacier and further to the village of Lobuche (4910 m).
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 13 – GORAKSHEP
We continue our journey following the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep (5140 m). Opportunity to ascend the ridge of Kala Pathar (5545 m), which offers the best views of the summit of Everest and the base camp.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 14 – EVEREST BASE CAMP
We start early in the morning. We hike along the edge of the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp (5360 m). The views of Khumbu Icefall are breathtaking. We return the same route to Lobuche.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 15 – ZONGHLA
We descend from Lobuche to the edge of the Chumbu Glacier, from where we head to the small village of Zonghla (4330m). Along the way, beautiful views of the peaks of Thamserku and Amadablam as well as Lake Zongla.
DAY 16 – GOKYO
During the day we cross the second pass of the hike, Cho La Pass (5414m). During the ascent, approaching from the west, there are a few steep rocky sections, followed by a flat snow field, before the gorge. After crossing the gorge, we descend through the village of Thangna to Gokyo Lakes (4500m) where we will spend the night.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 17 – GOKYO
Rest day in Gokyo. Those interested can take a day trip to the smaller 5357m peak called Gokyo Ri.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 18 – LUNGDE
The last crossing of the gorge is Renjo La (5340m). The route steeps towards the gorge as you ascend and the last section is often covered in snow. After the gorge we descend past Black Lake to Lungde (4350m).
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 19 – THAME
The route descends to the village of Thame (3820m), the last of the year-round inhabited villages in the valley. At one time, salt caravans between Nepal and Tibet ran through the village towards the north.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 20 – NAMCHE BAZAAR
A short descent back to the village of Namche Bazaar, where the rest of the day while enjoying the village’s services and relaxing.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 21 – PHAKDING
Morning free program. After lunch, descend the already familiar route down to Phakding.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 22 – LUKLA
The last short day of hiking in Lukla ends with a fine ascent towards the gate of Lukla. We will have dinner at the inn with the plaintiffs and say goodbye to our helpful local guides at the end of the evening.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOSTEL
DAY 23 – KATHMANDU
In the morning we fly from Lukla to Kathmandu, from where a car transfer to the hotel.
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOTEL MOONLIGHT OR SIMILAR
DAY 24 – KATHMANDU
We visit the Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath in Kathmandu and the Hindu temple in Pashupatinath. Joint farewell dinner and overnight stay in Kathmandu. (OH)
ACTIVITIES
KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING TOUR
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOTEL MOONLIGHT OR SIMILAR
DAY 25 – RETURN TO FINLAND
Airport transfer and return flights to Finland. Arrival in the country on the same day.
MEALS: [A] BREAKFAST [L] LUNCH [I] DINNER
