Day 1 – Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1345 meters).

Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying a Friendship World Treks / Everest Expeditions Nepal signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Overnight at Hotel.

(No meals included)

Day 2 – Pre-trip meeting & sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.

In the morning, after breakfast, At around 8am, we host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduce your trek leader/guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trek. We will also supply you with our trek Duffel Bag, T-shirt and a Cap. For the meeting, please make sure you bring passport, three copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Please inform us in advance if you will be arriving late and therefore are unable to attend the pre-trip meeting.

After the Pre-Trip meeting and breakfast, your sightseeing trip will start at 9.45 AM in the morning. We provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. We visit Boudhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Boudhnath Stupa we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. We also visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a collection of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the the Lion gate, the Golden gate, the Palace of fifty five windows, art galleries, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.

The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area near by your hotel.Overnight at Hotel.

(Breakfast Included)

Day 3 – Official formalities in Kathmandu.

Formal briefing at the Ministry of Tourism. The expedition leader will check that everyone’s equipment is in working order. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.

(Breakfast Included)

Day 4 – Final preparation day in Kathmandu.

Final opportunity for last-minute purchases. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.

(Breakfast Included)

Day 5 – Fly to Lukla & trek to Phakding.

An early morning start takes us to Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu for the 35 minute scenic flight to Tenzing and Hillary Airport in Lukla (2804m). Upon arrival at the airport, a guide will meet us and introduce the porters before we begin the three hour trek to Phakding (2610m).

After landing there will be time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort and load the trekking equipment. We then begin our trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka (2713m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2550m), Phakding is just a short walk. Overnight at guesthouse.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 6 – Trek to Namche Bazaar.

We begin the five hour trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar, known as the “Gateway to Everest,” is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange, internet cafe and a bakery. Namche (3441m) is one of the biggest villages along the whole Everest trail. Overnight at guesthouse.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 7 – Namche Bazaar acclimatization day.

A day will be spent in Namche in order to adjust to the high altitude. We’ll go on a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We will also hike up the Syangboche Airport around Everest View Hotel. From this point can be seen rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks. Overnight at guesthouse.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 8 – Trek to Tengboche Monastery.

The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi, with magnificent views of the mountains. We trek to an altitude of 3860 meters today. After five hours we’ll reach Tengboche, where the local monastery can be seen. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a twenty foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony in either the evening or morning, depending on how the day’s trekking progressed. Overnight at guesthouse.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 9 – Trek to Dingboche.

From Thyangboche the trail drops to Debuche, crosses suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche amongst thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues for six hours, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche, with its exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. We’ll set a leisurely pace to adjust to the altitude (4350m). Overnight at guesthouse.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 10 – Day trip to Chhukung Valley.

Today is another day for acclimatization. We’ll have trip to Chhukung valley (4710m) via the Imja Khola valley, to see the marvelous view of the surrounding mountains, especially Lhotse’s massive south wall. Then we’ll return to Dingboche in the evening. Overnight at guesthouse.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 11 – Trek to Lobuche.

The trail continues for five hours today, along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and passes by stone memorials for climbers who have perished on nearby summits. We continue to climb, heading to Lobuche (4910) – just a few huts at the foot of giant Lobuche peak. Some breathing problems may arise today due to the altitude. Overnight at guesthouse.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 12 – Trek to Gorak Shep, hike up Mt. Kala Patar, return to Gorak Shep.

Most of this day is spent climbing Mt. Kala Patar, a small peak (by Himalayan standards) reaching 5555m. The ascent is demanding, but the climber gets the most magnificent mountain panorama possible: Everest, the highest point on the planet at 8848m (29,028ft), towers directly ahead and on all sides loom the other giants: Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse. and countless other peaks. If possible we will stay and watch the awe-inspiring sunset over Everest and its neighbors. We make a quick descent to Gorak Shep, a tiny hamlet at 5180m. Overnight at guesthouse.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 13 – Trek to Everest base camp.

Contouring along the valley side, the trail leads on to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and becomes quite faint, weaving between mounds of rubble. After roughly four hours we will reach the base camp near the foot of the Khumbu Icefall (5365m). This will be home for the next few weeks. Overnight at tented camp.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Days 14 to 17 – Base camp training and preparation.

We set about acclimatizing and learning skills needed for climbing the mountain, such as how to use the oxygen bottles and radios. We will also sort out our equipment and clothing needed for the mountain, setting aside the food we want for the upper camps (as this will be placed there for us ahead of time by the Sherpa).

In preparation for climbing the summit, we’ll rest and adjust to the altitude, avoiding unnecessary exertion. We aim to make the base camp as comfortable as reasonably possible, with a heated triple-skin mess tent, individual tents for each climber to sleep in, broadband internet connection and satellite telephones.

Before venturing into the Khumbu Icefall, we will practice moving securely through complex ice terrain using ladders and fixed ropes. We train at the base camp and on the ice columns found at the lower edge of the icefall. As soon as the route through the icefall is prepared and training complete, we’ll make our first attempt at the icefall, aiming to climb halfway through and then back to base by  mid-morning. We’ll continue to progress higher until we can make our way through the icefall and all the way to Camp 1 in reasonable time.

While we grow accustomed to the ropes, ladders, and altitude, the Sherpas will be running loads through the icefall, into the Western Cwm and beyond. Overnight at Tented Camps.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Days 18 to 61 – Climbing period from Base camp to Summit and Back to the Base Camp.

We do not provide a day-to-day itinerary for the climb period, as this will be determined by the expedition leader and members. Guides will take a flexible approach based on what fits with climbers’ and their own experience.

Camp 1: 6400m (20,996ft).

The Camp 1 is situated on a horizontal area of deep snow sheltered by mountain walls. The area is warm due to sun’s reflection during the day, and at night the deep murmuring, cracking sounds of crevasses beneath the tents can be heard.

Camp 2: 6750m (22,145ft).

Camp 2 is set at the foot of the icy Lhotse wall. Expect cloudy but pleasant weather.

Camp 3: 7100m (23,292ft).

Camp 3, located adjacent to the Lhotse wall, is reached using fixed rope. The path takes us through the steep allow bands (lose, down-slopping, and rotten limestone). As we cross short a snowfield, the route takes us up the Geneva Spur to the east before coming to the flats of the South Col. Beyond Camp 3, some climbers may feel minor discomfort due to the altitude, and the use of oxygen may be necessary.

Camp 4: 8400m (27,560ft).

This is the last camp of the expedition and the riskiest section of the climb, just 450 meters from the summit. The narrow southeast ridge is taken to attain the south summits (8,750m), and from here it is easy to reach at Everest’s summit at 8,848 meters.

The Climb

From the base camp, the route to the summit can be divided into four separate sections:

The Khumbu Icefall

The Western Cwm

The Lhotse Face

The Summit (southeast ridge)

The Khumbu Icefall

The Khumbu Icefall is found at the head of the Khumbu Glacier, 5,486m (18,000ft) high and not far above the base camp. Southwest of the summit, the icefall is regarded as one of the most dangerous stages of the South Col route to Everest’s summit. The Khumbu Glacier forming the icefall moves at such speed that large crevasses open with little warning. The seracs (large towers of ice) found at the icefall have been known to collapse suddenly. Great blocks of ice tumble down the glacier from time to time, ranging from the size of cars to large houses. It is estimated that the glacier advances three to four feet (0.9m to 1.2m) down the mountain every day.

Since the structures are continually changing, crossing the Khumbu Icefall is extremely dangerous. Even extensive rope and ladder crossings do not always prevent loss of life. Many people have died in this area –one such climber was crushed by a twelve story block of solid ice. Exposed crevasses may be easy to avoid, but those buried under the snow can form treacherous snow bridges through which unwary climbers can fall. Extreme caution is urged at this stage of the expedition.

The Western Cwm

Walking into the Western Cwm is like entering the hall of the mountain gods. The gigantic walls of this awe-inspiring basin tower over you as we progress from Camp 1 toward the full expanse of the cwm above, with the west ridge of Everest to the left and the north face of Nuptse to the right. This is the narrowest section of the path, with gaping crevasses running across the relatively flat floor. These holes are so big that they are measured in terms of double-decker buses! Because of this, crossing them often requires stretching ladders stretched across. The crevasses add to the sense that, having passed through the labyrinth of the icefall, the gods have set one more task for you before reaching their inner sanctum. This final test usually includes at least one steep wall of ice, rising straight from the floor to produce a vertical step of about 30m (100ft), taking us up to the hallowed ground of the upper Western Cwm.

From here, with the gods gazing down from the mountain’s upper ramparts, easy (but exhausting) progress is made to reach Camp 2, nestled below the west ridge just short of the foot of the southwest face.

The Lhotse Face

Early in the season, when the face is still unmarked by human progress, this steep section makes for the most grueling and technically intricate day on the mountain. Gusting winds, snow plumes, and the sight of the steep face looming above greet you at the base of Lhotse after a steady morning walk to the very end of the Cwm, above Camp 2. Careful footwork will have you ascending this section confidently, where the laser-straight ascent – rising on a slope that seems to touch your nose – is in stark contrast to the zigzag maze of the icefall below.

Arrival in Camp 3, halfway up the Lhotse Face, gives you a truly rugged, high mountain experience. Platforms cut just wide enough for the tents will have been hewn out of the thick ice by the Sherpas ahead of our arrival. Once that work has been done, it’s a mass exodus of our Sherpas back down to the comforts below. The Sherpas play by Sagarmatha’s rules, and for them a night on these exposed ledges is frowned upon by the mountain gods. Well, that’s what they say, but since it only takes an hour or so to return below, and they can be ready for work before we climbers have even risen for breakfast, why wouldn’t they take their rest lower down? For those with slower legs, we settle here on the ledge for one of the most glorious sunsets view seen by any human in all time (save the Apollo astronauts, perhaps!).

Typically, our camp is pitched in the lower neighborhood of Camp 3 (which can sprawl over several hundred meters up the slope), affording us better shelter from the winds than some of the tents perched above. After a night of re-hydration and an initial round of oxygen-rich sleep, we’ll return to the base camp and then all the way off the mountain to Dingboche. We’ll return here only once more, on the way to the summit.

When we next leave Camp 3 at 7,400m, you will be gripped by the first flush of true summit fever; down-suits donned, Top Out masks fitted, the first hiss of oxygen spreads from tent to tent as valves are cracked open. This marks the first day of climbing on “gas,” and the first stage of your ascent into the “death zone.”

The view does not disappoint either. The Nuptse Wall forms one half of the crescent bowl surrounding us, and the west shoulder of Everest the other. Down the valley, the towering peaks of Pumori and Lingtren, which rise with grandeur above the base camp, now look like insignificant ridges in the vast sea of Himalayan giants stretching out as far as the eye can see. The village of the base camp is long out of sight, now registered only by crackling radio transmissions during early morning calls.

The climb from Camp 3 launches another adrenaline-pumping attack on the senses as we inch up the steep Lhotse Face. Using an ascender on a fixed line, we grind up, slowly and steadily. After a grueling early morning, the effort is rewarded by a left turn across Lhotse toward the famous landmark of the Yellow Band. It’s no small relief at this point, as you will have ascended some 1200m (3700ft) from Camp 2. When you look down the sweep of the Lhotse Face, our tents will appear as tiny dots, like peppercorns scattered at your feet.

The second section rears up and onto the rocky Geneva Spur, adding exciting scrambling to the mix. The exhilaration of scrambling in such a sensational setting, combined with the apprehension of approaching 8000m and the anxiety of catching your breath on top of the Spur while drawing heavily through the oxygen mask needs first-hand experience to comprehend. Turning the corner here, we’ll head across the home stretch to the highest camp at the South Col, on what seems to be flat ground. Now the fixed line disappears briefly, which lends an enticing sense of freedom, even though the wind usually picks up speed here, whispering caution. The last few meters of walking to the South Col inevitably brings with it a flood of emotions, since you’ve made all but the very last leap en route to the highest point on earth.

After a few moments of contemplation, it’s down to business. Navigating toward the relative shelter of our tents, there’s an immediate dash to remove damp socks, arrange boots to dry, tie down crampons and ice axes outside, and dive into warm sleeping bags while setting to work on sparking up the stoves.

South Col to Summit

After an afternoon of rest and refreshment, as well as attempts to sleep (thwarted by excitement and adrenaline), the summit push begins between 10 p.m. and midnight. Typically the howling winds, which will accompany the team in the first hours of climbing, die down as the night continues.

We arrive at the small platform of snow known as the Balcony, where we change oxygen bottles, steal a few minutes rest, and make contact with the base camp, on standby maintaining a watchful vigil while we make for the top.

The route then turns to a sustained 300m (1000ft) climb up the southeast ridge toward the south summit. The climbing remains similar to the earlier sections: step, pause, breathe, and repeat. Passing across some rocky steps at the top of the ridge, we reach the south summit. From here the view opens up to the Hilary Step and all the way up to the top. Depending on whether we have changed oxygen bottles at the Balcony, we may switch again here.

Above the tangle of fixed lines on the 40 ft Hilary Step, it’s about 100m (330ft) vertically between here and the summit. But the sheer drop down the Kangshung Face on one side and the southwest face on the other makes this section of breathtaking climbing both physically and emotionally hard. And the reward, of course, opens up at 8848m (29,028ft), where there’s no higher step in the world.

We hope to be on the summit in the early morning, with plenty of time to make the long descent to the South Col. After spending another night sleeping with oxygen, the team will descend from Camp 4 on the South Col, directly to Camp 2 and then, the next day, to the base camp.

(High Quality Camping Tents will be provided in each camp)

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 62 – Trek down to Pangboche.

After seven hours we reach Pangboche (3930m), the oldest monastery in the region. It contains what is said to be the scalp and bones of a Yeti, or abominable snowman!  Overnight at guesthouse with a hot shower after the big adventure.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 63 – Trek to Namche Bazaar.

Leaving the mountains behind, our descent takes us through Tengboche Monastery (3860m) before continuing back to the town of Namche Bazaar (3441m), an overall trip of five and a half hours. We arrive back into Namche Bazaar in the afternoon. Overnight at guesthouse.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 64 – Trek to Lukla.

We return to Lukla (3404m), where the trip began, after a six hour trek. We’ll take time to reflect on the trek as a group, and the personal achievements of all who took part. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the town. Overnight at guesthouse.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 65 – Morning flight back to Kathmandu.

On the scenic thirty-five minute flight back to Kathmandu, you’ll enjoy a last glimpse of the mountains you have recently climbed. Upon arrival in Kathmandu we’ll be met and transferred back to the initial hotel. Once back in Kathmandu, Friendship World Treks / Everest Expeditions Nepal will host an evening barbecue as a chance to celebrate the expedition, say farewell, and thank the Sherpas and team members for their support and friendship throughout the trip. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.

(Breakfast Included)

Day 66 – Leisure day in Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner.

This is also a spare day in case our Lukla flight is delayed. If we fly out of Lukla on time, we have a full day to relax and enjoy the various delights of Kathmandu. Once back in Kathmandu, Friendship World Treks / Everest Expeditions Nepal will host an evening barbecue as a chance to celebrate the expedition, say farewell, and thank the Sherpas and team members for their support and friendship throughout the trip.

(Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included)

Day 67 – Transfer to airport for flight departure.

An FWT / EEN airport representative will escort you to Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

(Breakfast Included)

Experienced Required

The most required factor on our ‘Everest Expedition’ is that the participants must have a solid understanding of mountaineering skills. This should include previous high altitude experience of at least 6,000 meters, mixed with a multitude of Alpine mountaineering and, preferably, you will have taken part in a previous 8,000 meters expedition. By our experience we have found that those who have been to 7000 to 8,000 meters peak previously have a considerably better chance of getting to the top of Everest. We would strongly advise you to climb one of the other 7000 or 8,000 meters peaks before going to Everest, as this is the best way of ensuring the money you spend on Everest will be rewarded by a successful ascent and a safe return home. Exceptionally, however, climbers who have not had the chance of climbing 7000 to 8,000 meters peak may consider Everest if they have a compensating depth of experience.

Although fixed ropes will be used where appropriate, expedition members must have the ability to climb Alpine routes. All team members must be competent mountaineers and self-sufficient with the ability to move between and to live in High Mountain camps un-aided or supervised.

This expedition is not “guided” because this is not a realistic proposition in the high-altitude realm of 8,000 meters and above. “Guiding” and being “guided” implies the intimate supervision and care of a “client” by a “Guide” who can be responsible for the direct and immediate control of safety. On Everest, such a direct duty-of-care, implicit in the traditional guide-client relationship, is not possible.

Important Note

The above itinerary is not a fixed program but is intended to give an indication of the likely events during the expedition. Please note that because of climbing High Mountain, it will be necessary to have a flexible plan in order to take the best advantage of situations as they present themselves. Any changes to the itinerary will be made with a view to maximizing the benefit to the team members and of ensuring their eventual success on the mountain.

Normally climbers will change their departure flights from Kathmandu when they know exactly when the expedition is going to end. We plan to stay at Base Camp for climbing as long as it takes for us to be successful.

Team members should take out private insurance if they wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons. This is called trip Cancellation insurance and can be obtained from your normal travel agent.

Flight Delay in Kathmandu and Lukla

Twin Otter is the primary mode of transport to and from the airstrip at Lukla. This service is fairly dependable. Sometimes, flights (to and from Lukla) may be canceled due to mountain weather conditions or technical problems. In such case, Visit Nepal 2020 will charter a helicopter to ensure you are on schedule for your international flight. The helicopter can fly if the visibility is 1500m, while the twin otter can fly if the visibility is 5000m, as per Nepal’s Civil Aviation rules.

The cost of the helicopter is payable directly to our Kathmandu office in the event that this service is utilized. US cash, traveler’s cheaque, or credit cards (Visa Cards, Master Cards only) are accepted. You will be given a receipt upon payment so that you may claim the amount from your travel insurance. The minimum cost will be US$1200 and a maximum US$4500 depending on the number of group members.

What makes this trip different?

Visit Nepal 2020 work closely with and is one of the main supporters of local NGO Friendship Society Nepal. We support them in a number of ways.

Donation

Visit Nepal 2020 donates up to 15% of its annual revenue to Friendship Society Nepal projects which cover regular maintenance of school buildings, constructing toilets, rebuilding earthquake-affected houses and schools, and so on.

Sponsorship

One of the major activities of Friendship Society Nepal is the children sponsorship program, which is conducted with full collaboration with Friendship World Treks / Everest Expeditions Nepal and its sister organizations, Friendship Trek and Friendship Home Stay.

Partnership (Volunteering Program)

The Volunteering Program, devised by Friendship World Treks / Everest Expeditions Nepal and Friendship Society Nepal, aims to mobilize teams of experts and interested individuals as an effective and economic measure in providing the human capital for education, health, and community development in the villages of Eastern Solukhumbhu district, Eastern and western of Nepal.

For more details, visit Friendship Society Nepal website www.friendshipsocietynepal.org