Remote Passes of Everest 60th Anniversary Trek

19 days (Kathmandu)

Destinations visited: Nepal, Around The Kathmandu Valley

Grading:

Moderate to Challenging level

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Moderate to Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or rafting in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include spending successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 6000m. These trips may often be over three weeks in duration. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8kgs (and in some cases a full pack) and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is also recommended.

Entry Mtn/Exploratory Treks

These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic mountaineering instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Intermediate Mtn Expedition

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Advanced Mtn Expedition

These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Altitude is generally greater than 6500m. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing). Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

from
USD$3,290

Book now

Cross remote passes on an incredible journey into the highest mountain range on earth

This is an exciting opportunity to join us in the Everest Region on 29 May to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt Everest by Tenzing Norgay and the late Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953.There are five treks to choose from, each converging at Thyangboche, the region’s most important spiritual centre, on 28 May 2013 for the celebratory dinner on 29 May. Over a delightful three course meal served under the stars in a specially designed canvas dining tent you’ll hear from an exemplary lineup of international and local guest speakers who will impart some fascinating tales and personal accounts of past Everest expeditions. On this trek we follow remote trails from Namche, and make a crossing of the stunning Renjo La to Gokyo. At Gokyo we ascend Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of Everest and the surrounding peaks, before a challenging crossing of the Cho La that will bring us into the Khumbu Valley. Here we descend to Thyangboche to join in the 60th Anniversary celebrations on 29 May. This trek will appeal to those looking for a challenging option which follows the lesser trodden trails to Everest.

Highlights

Black tie banquet dinner at 3867m in Thyangboche to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary & Tenzing Norgay
Cross the Renjo La & Cho La, plus option to climb Gokyo Ri
Stunning views of Mount Everest from Gokyo
Sherpa Culture
Namche Bazaar & Thyangboche Monastery
Fully supported camping based trek in private permanent campsites, with 3 hearty meals per day prepared by our cooks
Himalayan Mountain flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Sightseeing in Kathmandu - Pashupatinath (a major Hindu shrine) and the giant Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath

Itinerary

Day 1 Join Kathmandu

You will be met and transferred to the hotel where the pre-trek briefing will be given around 5pm. Arrangements are made today for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down jacket. The afternoon is at leisure until the group briefing. Evening drinks are held in the hotel for all World Expeditions clients today. Drinks and snacks will generally be served from 6:30 pm until 7:15pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner.

Day 2 In Kathmandu

This morning a sightseeing tour takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. We will visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, returning to the hotel by 2pm. In the afternoon you may have time to explore Durbar Square, Patan, Swayambhunath or Bhaktapur, and the lesser-known towns that dot the valley on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance - Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world.

Day 3 Fly Lukla (2800m). Trek to Ghat (2530m). Walk approx 2 hours

We transfer to the airport for the 45 minute flight to the STOL airstrip at Lukla. This was the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friends to service the Everest Region when he began his work of building schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. It is a memorable flight, with marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya. At Lukla we are immediately impressed by the scale of the huge peaks that surround the village but this is only a foretaste of what is to come. Our crew assemble and we head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat and passes through small villages, as we pass rows of tree dahlia to make our way to our first overnight stop at our private permanent campsite at Ghat.

Day 4 To Monjo (2850m). Walk approx 4-5 hours

Today we cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named "Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river) because of its colour. Sections of today's walk are through pine forest and cleared areas reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. We pass small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading goods and trek-gear along the trail. We pass small groups of donkeys, yaks and dzopko carrying trading goods and trek - gear along the trail. A dzopko is a yak-cow crossbreed while a yak is a full-blood long haired male, more commonly found at higher altitudes. Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree-line as they rise above the deep river valley. Shortly after leaving camp we cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary stream to the Dudh Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kangru (6369 m) can be seen to the East, at the head of the valley. Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-West, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde Ri (6093 m) rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises majestically, seemingly from the river floor. We will see our first Mani walls today. These stone structures are a compilation of many stone tablets, each with the inscription "Om Mani Padme Hum" which translates to "Hail to the jewel in the lotus", and is mantra (chant) venerated by Buddhists and Brahmans alike. Buddhists will walk to the left of these Mani Walls and chortens, but you may notice that people of the lowlands who have no knowledge of Buddhism do not follow this practice. The allure of the mountains is hard to resist, but we must be patient, as it is very important to acclimatise slowly and thereby fully appreciate our time at higher altitude. Today's walk is not a long one, and you will be eager to press on. Slow down, and enjoy the journey. Overnight at our private permanent camp site above Monjo.

Day 5 To Namche (3440m). Walk approx 3-4 hours

This morning we pass through the gates of the Sagamartha National Park. The establishment of this national park is a significant attempt to stem the use of fire-wood in the area and the few local people who have a permit to cut wood must gain approval from the authorities on the basis of it being primarily for their personal use. We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi, and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa 'capital' of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes through forest of pine to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche, and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader's stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Our accommodation will be at a delightful Sherpa lodge above Namche village.

Day 6 Rest day in Namche

Sagarmartha National Park Headquarters just above our Sherpa hotel offers a very interesting display of photographs, memorabilia and information on the park, and the hill above is a wonderful vantage point for the spectacular view up the Imja Khola Valley towards Everest. The change from the narrow lowland valleys to the broad glacial ones is immediately obvious. The steep-sided glacial valley before us gradually winds towards the base of Everest, broken only by the moraines left by retreating glaciers. Its more gradual rate of climb is a blessing for those trekking higher. Towering to over 4000 metres above the valley floor, spectacular peaks seem to engulf us. Around us are Taweche (6542 m), Thamserku (6808 m), Kantega (6685 m), Ama Dablam (6856 m), Nuptse (7896 m) and Lhotse (8511 m). The greatest of all, Mt Everest (8848 m), rises at the head of the valley. The Sherpa Cultural Centre next to our hotel has an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs. Those who are fit and acclimatising well may wish to take the optional walk to the Everest View Hotel (4-5hrs) where spectacular views of Everest and Ama Dablam may be seen. For those feeling well acclimatised there is also the option of a day walk to the pretty village of Khumjung. Khumjung is where Sir Edmund Hillary built his “Schoolhouse In the Clouds” and the famed Khunde hospital is close by. World Expeditions supports both of these famous community facilities, as well as the many other projects operated by the Himalayan Trust. There will generally be the opportunity for you to visit the hospital and school. We will also be able to visit the monastery at Khumjung where we may have the opportunity to see the “scalp of a yeti”. Overnight lodge.

Day 7 To Thame (3800m), walk approx. 4-5 hours

Today we trek to Thame at 3800m. This altitude is a kind of a watershed altitude. En route we pass monasteries, paintings and carvings on huge stones and chortens. Thame is a quiet hamlet with yards of potato fields and a splendid view of the Himalayas. Thame is the home of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the first man to summit Everest with Hillary and also Apa Sherpa, who holds the world record for summitting Everest 19 times. Thame is on the ancient Tibetan salt trading route that existed between Nepal, Tibet and India.Overnight wilderness camp.

Continue reading ...

Day 8 To Lungde (4380m), walk approx. 5-6 hours

Today we come across the white roaring Bhote Kosi river that drops from Tibet into the Khumbu, and pass through the Nangpa La. Lungde is also known as the hidden Sherpa village due to its size. This is a large area where we can view the whole valley of the Bhote Kosi. This is the last stop for the first of our high passes. Overnight wilderness camp.

Day 9 Cross Renjo La to Gokyo (4759m). Walk approx 5-6 hours.

An early start today will see us well on our way by mid morning. The Renjo La is a particularly stunning pass, we gain views of Kantega and Cho Oyu, and on our approach to Gokyo the views of Everest and the surrounding peaks are magnificent and amongst the most impressive in the Himalaya. As we enter the Gokyo Valley we see the sun reflecting off the freezing lakes as we make our way to the village and our overnight accommodation in a lodge.

Day 10 Ascent of Gokyo Ri (5483m). Walk approx 4 hours.

An early start is best for the opportunities that the early morning views offer. The steady and unrelenting ascent of Gokyo Ri will take two to three hours, depending on your level of fitness and acclimatisation. It is not a race and times of up to six hours are cherished by those who thought they would not make it at all. If you find the climb hard work don't hesitate to ask one of the guides to carry your day pack. You will be elated when you reach the summit with it's spectacular view. Probably the most comprehensive view of 8,000 metre peaks in Nepal, many people consider it to be Nepal's best. Surrounding us are Cho Oyu (8153 m), (a mountain that defeated a British Expedition of climbers, including Hillary, in their lead-up to their successful assault of Everest), Gyangchung Kang (7922m), Lhotse (8501m), Makalu (8475 m), Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m), Kantega (6685m), Thamserku (6808m), Lobuche (6145m) and Mt Everest (8848m). Hundreds of other unnamed peaks fill the scene, whilst below us the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal, stretches through the valley. The striking colour of the lakes below completes the picture. The only way to get a better view of the entire Everest region would be to climb a 7,000 metre peak! Although further from Everest than Kala Pattar, the traditional viewing point, here we see more of the mountain and enjoy a more relaxed environment. Overnight lodge.

Day 11 To Yak Kharka (5000m). Walk approx 4-5 hours

We weave our way across the glacier to our lunch stop at Thangna on a trail that meanders around the constantly changing obstacles. There are great views today of Cho Oyu and Cholatse. A slow climb after lunch as we cross deserted yak pastures and climb high into the mountains. Keep an eye open for Himalayan Thar on the rocky slopes. As they are not hunted and are not too shy. Our wilderness campsite at the base of the pass is tight and we use the little level space available.

Day 12 Cross Cho La (5420m) to Dzongla (4843m). Walk approx 5-7 hours

We start early to take advantage of the stable early morning weather pattern that prevails in the Himalayas. Depending on the snow conditions, it will take us approximately two hours to reach the saddle of the pass. There will be time on the crown of the pass to drink in the experience before the descent into the valley and the camp on the other side. This is a special day and for some the highlight of the trip. The views of the peaks are excellent all day and once at the saddle of the pass, the glaciers and immediate peaks seem to hover over us. Words fail to describe the beauty and the sense of achievement of this pass crossing. Finally as we descend to our camp beside the steep north face of Cholatse, the stunning peak Ama Dablam comes into view. Overnight wilderness camp.

Day 13 To Dingboche (4330m). Walk approx 5 hours

Descending alongside the glacier we reach the snout of the glacier and drop steeply onto the old moraine. We reach the site of a row of cairns to Sherpa climbers who died on Everest, before we continue to the small settlement at Tugla. Our path on an old lateral moraine takes us to the sheltered village of Dingboche. To the east at the head of the Imja Khola valley sits the pyramid peak of Imja Tse (6189 m). This afternoon we can walk up the ridge behind Dingboche for sunset views of Nuptse, Lhotse and Chhukung Peak. Overnight private permanent camp.

Day 14 To Thyangboche (3867m). Walk approx 5 hours

Leaving Dingboche we descend to Pangboche and visit its historic old monastery before leaving through the monastery archway down to the Imja Khola. The bridge across the river is spectacular and the rapids cause the river to roar beneath us. We walk through pleasant forest of rhododendron, fir, pine and birch that provides shelter for birds and Hog Deer, before reaching a clearing at Thyangboche Monastery.

Day 15 In Thyangboche - 60th Anniversary Celebrations

The early morning mountain views from the monastery are outstanding. Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are at the head of the valley, their line of sight flanked by Taweche on one side and Ama Dablam on the other. Almost directly above us are Kantega and Thamserku. Completing a 360-degree panorama of mountains are Khumbila and Kongde Ri which encircle us from across the valley. A black tie banquet arranged for the evening will provide the opportunity for stories to be told of the 1953 expedition and more celebrations of one of the greatest achievements of its time 60 years ago.

Day 16 To Monjo (2850m). Walk approx 6-7 hours

We descend the winding trail from the monastery through thick pine forest that is often haven to danphe pheasant and deer. At Phunki Tenka, we cross a bridge and commence our ascent and continual traverse around grassy ridges towards Namche. Views across to Kang Taiga and Thamserku provide a spectacular distraction, whilst the Dudh Kosi crashes noisily below on its way to the plains. Finally we reach Namche and descend through the village and on through more pine forest to the valley floor. It has been a solid day’s walk and perhaps there is some consolation in knowing that all the celebrating trekkers are trekking out enroute to Lukla today. Now that we are right beside the Dudh Kosi we no longer have any major descents and trek at riverside to our private permanent camp just out of the national park and located above small settlement of Monjo.

Day 17 To Lukla (2800m). Walk approx 5 hours

Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle but continuing climb to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunsets of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a good time to have a small party for all the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here. There is usually lots of music, dancing and singing and if we are lucky, one of the superb cakes that our Nepali chefs are renowned for.

Day 18 To Kathmandu by air (1330m)

Weather permitting, we make a spectacular 45 minute flight over the vast Himalayan Range to Kathmandu. The departure time, if conditions allow, may be early in the morning (around 7.30 to 9am) or as late as 3 to 4pm, your patience at this stage is appreciated as we endeavor to keep to schedule in this less predictable environs. On arrival in Kathmandu, we are transferred to the Radisson Hotel where your time is at leisure.

Day 19 Trip concludes

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport. Note: The above route and estimated times must be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to weather, trail conditions or other reasons. Our guide will always make a final decision after assessing the situation and liaising with our Nepali crew and the group members.

Additional Information

Inclusions

18 breakfasts, 15 lunches & 15 dinners
Black tie banquet dinner at 3810m in Thyangboche to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary & Tenzing Norgay
$100 donation to the Australian Himalayan Foundation
airport transfers
flights Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu US$240 approx
expert bilingual guide
group medical kit
good quality accommodation in Kathmandu
the use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
private transportation
all park entrance fees and trekking permits
porters to carry all personal and group equipment
porter's insurance
sightseeing in Kathmandu
site entry fees

Remote Passes of Everest 60th Anniversary Trek

Summary

19 day trip
15 day trek
3 nights hotel
4 nights private permanent campsite
6 nights wilderness camp
5 nights eco lodge

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters carry all group gear and your trek pack.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site

from
USD$3,290

Book now