A truly adventurous expedition to a remote and wild region of the Great Himalayas, with full logistic support. This is a journey that seeks a different route, a fresh perspective, a challenge.

Our route traverses a spectacular, seldom visited region of Nepal and crosses three High Mountain passes. Only on the very final section does it meet the popular southern approach to Everest Base Camp. The rare views, some of which will be ours alone, are quite the most breathtaking in the whole Himalayan range: sublime vistas in which are amplified the power of three of the world’s five highest mountains: Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Everest.

Here too is offered the satisfaction of absorbing at first hand the culture and folklore of tribal hill and mountain peoples and the flora and fauna of remote Eastern Nepal and the dates selected should ensure some of the best weather and panoramic views. From Kathmandu, the majestic backbone of the Himalayan glides our wingtips as we head east for Tumlingtar. Beyond here our trekking route follows a great are, rising north onto the ridges of Num and sweeping slowly westwards into the uninhabited heartland of the world's most spectacular mountains and passes.

On the map overleaf, you can follow our journey as it emerges out of tranquil pastures and ascends the hidden Arun River valley. Climbing and descending gradually, taking us from villages at 457m to the Khongma Pass at 3090m, this trail gives us the best possible form of acclimatization. Beyond Num there are no villages. The track climbs all the way to Neghe Kharka, crossing the Barun Khola flowing from Makalu. The route to Sherpani Col (6135m) involves a sustained period at altitude with some steep slopes, but rewards with powerful views of Makalu (8481m) to the north and the aptly named Island Peak (6189m) to the west. This is the realm of the glaciers, surrounded by the unforgettable presence of the world's mightiest mountains; and brooding above the towering bulk of Everest itself.

The trailheads towards the setting sun, mounting West Col and crossing the wide Hongu glacier. In a long day it climbs easily to the Amphu Labtsha pass (5780m), descends to skirt under Amphu peak (5335m) and, with the elegant cones of Island Peak dead ahead, swerves to gain the wide Imja glacier and relax on its westerly descent to the village of Chhukhung.

This first Sherpa habitation, nestled at 4730m above the junction of five major glacial valleys, is a typical low walled grey stone village, colored with traditional Sherpa smiles. Tumbling into the Khumbu valley, heartland of the Sherpa people, and past the relative metropolis of Dingboche, we make for Pheriche (4252m). The village is perched above the Dudh Kosi, or river of milk, which drains the western flanks of Mt. Everest, and is guarded by the dramatic twin shoulders of Ama Dablang (6856m).

From here we follow the traditional route up to the glacial flat of Gorak Shep and climb Kala Pattar (5545m), close enough to watch Everest's smoking summit. Below, the Khumbu Icefall trumbles out of the Western Cwm and, swallowing up another four glaciers, slowly grinds its way toward the Ganges. Our route picks its way through the moraine, past Dughla to the last huts of Lobuche and, with our prior level of acclimatization, we should probably take the altitude in our stride.

From Kala Pattar, the run home is a very pleasurable re-entry to the calm valleys and rhododendron forests above the Solu. We call at Thyangboche monastery and visit Namche Bazar as we flow onward down the valley to our aircraft at Lukla. The flight home to Kathmandu surpasses the flight out. It is as if mountains march westward beside us until waves of gentle terraced hills raise up to guide us back into the modern world.

THE ROUTE

DAY 01: DEPART YOUR COUNTRY.
DAY 02: ARRIVE KATHMANDU. TRANSFER TO HOTEL.
DAY 03: FULL DAY GUIDED SIGHTSEEING AROUND KATHMANDU VALLEY & HOTEL.
DAY 04: KATHMANDU-TUMLINGTAR, TREK TO KHADBARI
DAY 05: TREK TO CHICHILA
DAY 06: TREK TO NUM
DAY 07: TREK TO SEDUA
DAY 08: TREK TO TASHI GAON
DAY 09: TREK TO KAUMA
DAY 10: REST DAY AT KAUMA
DAY 11: TREK TO MUMBUK
DAY 12: TREK TONHE KHARKA
DAY 13: TREK TO SHERSON
DAY 14: TREK TO MAKALU BASE CAMP
DAY 15: EXPLORE MAKALU BASE CAMP
DAY 16: TREK TO HILLARY BASE CAMP
DAY 17: TREK TO HIGH CAMP
DAY 18: EXPLORATION/REST DAY
DAY 19: TREK TO SHERPANI COL, BARUNTSE BASE CAMP
DAY 20: TREK TO WEST COL
DAY 21: TREK TO PANCHE POKHARI
DAY 22: TREK TO PANCHE POKHARI, AMPHU CROSS
DAY 23: TREK TO CHUKUNG
DAY 24: TREK TO DENGBOCHE
DAY 25: TREK TO TENGBOCHE
DAY 26: TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAR
DAY 27: REST AT NAMCHE BAZAR
DAY 28: TREK TO PHAKDING
DAY 29: TREK TO LUKLA
DAY 30: FLY TO KATHMANDU. FREE DAY… SHOPPING & ETC.
DAY 31: FINAL DEPARTURE.

Trek Package prices include:

All trekking permits.
All internal flights in Nepal.
All ground transport in Nepal.
All accommodation and meals on trek.
All porterage costs, staff and pack animals.
Two men Tent, Dining Tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Chairs, Tables, Mattresses, Pillow, Hot Water Bag and all essential Kitchen equipments.

Four Star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.

Meals:
In hotels, breakfast is provided. On expedition, all food and non-alcoholic beverages are provided.

Internal Flights
Our policy is to match your needs rather than to state a particular flight or class of travel for each departure. We can provide very competitive prices for airfares to connect with our itineraries.

Insurance
Medical and Personal Insurance is not included although it is compulsory.

Departures
Pre-monsoon: April/May
Post Monsoon: March/April/September/October/November

For details of departure dates, trip leaders and costs; please keep in touch with us.