ITINERARY - Trek to the Base Camp at Mt. Everest

Monday, April 16 - we fly to Phaplu to visit the school we helped raised donations to build.  A spectacular 35 to 40 min. flight, and hair raising landing on the mountain runway to Phaplu.

Tuesday, April 17 - Another spectacular hair raising 10 to 15 min. flight from Phaplu to Lukla (9383 ft.) We start hiking at this point and head up the Dudh Kosi Valley on a well-marked trail and our first stop is Phakding.  Phakding altitude is 2652m or 8,700 ft.

Wednesday, April 18 - trek to Namche Bazaar (3446m/11,305 ft. 5 – 6 hours)  From Phakding, cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. Ascend steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt. Everest in the distance. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed Nangpa La.

This day’s trek will be a gradual ascent, spanning 5-6 hours. Along the way we will have the opportunity to visit Buddhist Monasteries.

Namche Bazar is a village steeped in Sherpa culture. Namche Bazar is a historic trading village where Nepalese and Tibetans exchange a myriad of goods. Once we have reached this village we will have the opportunity to explore the local markets and mingle with the people

Thursday, April 19 - is an acclimatization day,  Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. Options for acclimatization walks include a visit to Khunde hospital set up by Sir Edmund Hillary or a one hour walk up to the Everest view hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are good views from the national park centre and museum just above the town.

Friday, April 20 - trek to Thame (3820m/3820 ft.), tour area and stay overnight in Thame

Saturday, April 21 - trek to Khumjung (3780m/12,401 ft) (these two places are not indicated on the map obviously changes that have been made after the original itinerary came out.

Sunday, April 22 -  trek to Tengboche (3867m/12,687 4.5 hours) Tengboche has amazing views of a myriad of impressive mountains including, Mount Everest 8,845m/29,021ft, Mount Kwangde 8,928m/20,293ft, Mount Nuptse 7,876m/25,843ft, Mount Ama Dablam 6,854m/22,487ft, Mount Kantega 6,777m/22,235ft, Mount Thamserku 6,911m/21,674ft, Mount Tawachee 6,540m/21,457ft, and Mount Lhotse 8,498m/27,883ft.

Monday, April 23 -  trek to Dingbouche (4350m/14,271 ft. 4.5 hours) A day to rest and acclimatize. We will have a chance to wander up the valley to take a look at the Tshola Tsho Lake and the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. Alternatively, we can climb up onto the ridge overlooking for the view up the Imja Valley and the incredible south face of Lhotse.

Tuesday, April 24 - another acclimatization day with a hike to Chkunkhung (,and back ( 6 hours)

Wednesday, April 25 -  trek to Lobuche (4930m/15,518 ft. 4 hours) We continue up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawache on the left. We then turn right and climb more steeply towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. At the top of this climb there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to the many Climbers who have died while climbing Mt Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuje.

While trekking to Lobuche(4930m/15,518 ft.) for 4-5 hours today we will have the opportunity to see some of the most famous mountains on Earth and an impressive Sherpa memorial.

Thursday, April 26 -  trek to Gorak Shep (5,288m/17,349 ft.) and then a hike to Kalapattar and back to sleep low.  Optional hike to Klapatthar, 5,545m/18,192ft, to watch the sunset. On this mountain you will be able to see many of the world-renowned Himalayan Mountains, including Mount Everest.

The Sherpa name for Mount Everest is 'Chomolungma' or 'Mother Goddess of the World.'

Friday, April 27 - trek to Everest Base Camp (5300m/17,388 ft.)  Today you will spend one full day trekking to Base Camp and then back to Gorak Shep. The team will navigate the Khumba glacier as we make your way to The Base Camp of Mount Everest. After reaching Base Camp we will meet climbers preparing for their final ascent and watch as groups navigate the treacherous glacier walls leading to the summit of Mount Everest.  We will be standing at the base of the tallest mountain on Earth and see the infamous Khumba icefall. After you have soaked in the city of tents, we will descend back to Gorakshep for the night.

Saturday, April 28 - trek to Pheriche (8km, 4240m/13,910 ft.)

Sunday, April 29 - trek to Khumjung (3780m/12,401 ft.)

Monday, April 30 - trek to Monjo (2600m/8539 ft.)

Tuesday, May 1 - trek to Lukla (2869m/9,383 ft.)

Wednesday, May 2 - fly to Kathmandu

Thursday, May 3 - spend day in Kathmandu

Friday, May 4 - attend Rotary meeting in Kathmandu at 7:30 a.m., fly home at 11:15 p.m.

Saturday, May 5 - arrive in Calgary at 6:17 p.m.