GOLDEN HILL TRAVEL

This trek to basecamp is deservedly one of the most popular in Nepal and in June can be combined with one of the most important Sherpa festivals of the Khumbu region. This special departure offers an insight into the lives and culture of the famous Sherpa people combined with a journey into some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. We will trek through the heart of the Khumbu to Namche Bazaar and the beautiful village of Khumjung. The people of Khumjung will be our hosts for the Dumje Festival and welcome Golden Hill Travel trekkers to their village. Buddhist Monasteries, mani stones and chortens all add a spiritual feel to this spectacular mountain environment of Himalayan giants: Kangteiga, Ama Dablam, Kwangde, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Tawachee, none under 6000m high. Our rate of ascent has been carefully planned to maximise acclimatisation in preparation for the ascent of Kala Pattar. The sunrise on the snow capped peaks above the Khumbu Glacier is an unforgettable sight as we wend our way along the edge of the glacier to Gorak Shep. From here the bare summit of Kala Pattar will be pointed out, a mere ‘pimple’ dwarfed by the towering crags of 7,855m Pumo Ri. The effort required to reach the summit is worth every breath! Below, the Khumbu glacier stretches back towards Lobuche. Across the mass of ice, towers Nuptse and Everest....a worthy goal indeed!

This trek is one for the mountain connoisseur and the lover of high places. To see the worlds highest mountain is what many dreams are made of. It is a tough proposition and not to be taken lightly. Although trails are generally well graded there is a rough section along the Khumbu glacier. Beyond Namche ascents are not particularly steep though the effects of altitude may make them feel a lot steeper! It is suitable for reasonably fit people who are used to walking in the hills and is a reasonable proposition for a first trek in Nepal.

An important note on monsoon trekking

Monsoon trekking provides an all together different experience of Nepal. The trails are much less crowded e.g in June 99 there were 115 visitors to the Everest National Park which compares with 7263 in October. Mountain views are less frequent but are common early in the morning and the clouds often part to leave fleeting images of heavily snowclad peaks. The Khumbu is green with fields of white potato plants and pink fields of buckwheat. Hillsides are covered with spectacular displays of wildflowers. Being the monsoon you should expect rain but this is not continuous and is largely in the evenings. As a result camping can be a miserable experience and we stay in the best lodges available. With the reduced number of trekkers not all lodges remain open during the summer and there is less choice of accommodation. Flights to and from Lukla are more likely to be delayed due to the cloud cover and it is important to bear this in mind when considering international flight connections.

With the above in mind trekking in the monsoon can be extremely rewarding and offer unexpected surprise views that are all the more memorable.

Day 1. Arrive Kathmandu where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2. Guided sightseeing of Kathmandu to include one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world at Bodnath, and the ancient city of Patan where a highlight of the tour is the visit to the ‘Golden Temple’. Here gilded statues and shrines are enclosed within a courtyard ringed by prayer wheels and butter lamps. There will be time in the afternoon to wander through the bazaars of Thamel. In the evening there will be a trek briefing at the hotel.

Day 3. Transfer to the domestic airport for the spectacular 35 minute mountain flight to Lukla (2827m), the gateway to the Khumbu. After meeting our porters we trek north along a well used trail to join the main trail from Solu at Choplung. We continue on a descending trail to the banks of the Dudh Kosi ( milk river) to reach Phakding (2652m) in about 3 hours from Lukla.

Day 4. Namche Bazaar (3340m).We continue to head north following the Dudh Kosi to enter Sagamartha National Park. The high mountains become closer with each step as we trek through sparse woodland and cross the river on one of the famous Khumbu suspension bridges that affords superb views up-river. It is a slow and sometimes dusty climb to Namche Bazaar through woodland that provides welcome shade. We may meet yaks or more likely cross breeds known as zopkio, and heavily laden porters carrying goods to re-supply the stores of Namche. It is necessary to check our permits at the police post, a short distance below the Sherpa museum where we can watch the sun set on Mt Everest.

Day 5. Khumjung (3790m) Today is a short day to aid acclimatisation. We have time to explore Namche before climbing the small ridge separating it from the village of Khumjung. En - route we can visit the Everest View Hotel for views of Everest peeking above the Lhotse-Nuptse wall.

Day 6. Khumjung is a pleasant village situated on the southern slopes of Khumbila and dominated by the beautiful mountain of Ama Dablam (6812m) which means ‘Mothers Charm Box’ and is named after the little box that Sherpa women wear around their necks. A rest day here is an essential part of our acclimatisation program and there is plenty to see or do within the village. The Everest Bakery is a tempting place in which to relax over a cappucino and pizza! The temple or gompa contains many traditional murals and thankas, and some fierce looking masks of demons that stare down at you from the ceiling. The Sherpa people of the Khumbu are firm believers in the existance of the yeti, and for a small donation the temple caretaker will allow you to see the last remaining yeti scalp in the region. There have been a number of reported sightings of this large human like creature in the Khumbu area.

We will join one of the Sherpa houses for the Dumje celebration and taste the traditional chang or local beer.

Day 7. Khumjung. The fourth day of the Dumje Festival is an incredible experience centred in the courtyard of the gompa. A series of masked dances performed by the monks of Tengboche exhort all the evil spirits to abandon the village for another year. The yeti scalp is taken from its hiding place and worn by a monk, dressed as this mythical figure, who lingers menacingly outside the gompa entrance. The day culminates with a mass procession to the edge of the village where a big fire is lit to ‘burn’ the evil spirits. That night in the gompa courtyard much chang is drunk and the traditional Sherpa dance is rhythmically stamped out on the courtyard floor into the early hours of the morning. Visitors are welcome and should join the huge circle of linked arms for the dance of a lifetime!

Day 8. Tengboche (3867m). On the last day of the Dumje the villagers of Khumjung and Kunde gather in the gompa to receive a blessing from the lama of Tengboche. The responsibilities for hosting the Dumje are handed over to next years candidates. We have time to witness part of this ceremony before continuing to Tengboche.

Our trail descends to join the main trail from Namche. There are excellent views of Ama Dablam and further away the black summit of Everest peering above the Lhotse - Nuptse wall. Ahead we can see Tengboche Monastery on a small plateau jutting out into the valley. We must descend first through sparse forest to a forest nursery established with the help of the Sir Edmund Hillary Himalayan Trust. Our descent continues to Phunki Thanga, a small settlement on the banks of the Dudh Khosi, marked by a collection of small water driven prayer wheels. From here it is about a two hour climb to Tengboche. At 3,867m above sea level Tengboche is situated in a clearing that provides outstanding views of the Himalayan peaks of Kwangde (6187m), Thamserku (6608m), Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8501m). Tengboche Monastery is the most active in the Khumbu and we may be fortunate enough to witness a religious ceremony and hear the deep throated horns or dunchen being blown from inside the monastery. It is possible to visit and admire the newly painted wall paintings and statues of Pawa Chenrezig and Guru Rimpoche.

Day 9. Dingboche (4343m). In the morning we can visit the Monastery and have time to enjoy the 360 degree mountain panorama before descending to Devouche. The trail remains level as it winds through rhododendron forest to a crossing of the Imja Khola. This is a fine vantage point of Ama Dablam. The trail now climbs gradually past beautifully carved mani stones to reach the village of Pangboche. We continue to climb to the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Kholas, where we turn east into the Imja Valley. A stone walled path leads through fields to the houses of Dingboche.

Day 10. Dingboche. Today is a rest day for acclimatisation and exploration of the Imja Khola valley.

Day 11. Lobuche (4930m). We head up the Chola Khola valley towards the tiny village of Dughla. Our route continues to climb up moraine past a collection of stone memorials to climbers and Sherpas who have died on these mountains. This is an eerie spot when the mist is down and not a place to linger. From here we descend slightly to follow the western edge of the valley to Lobuche. This can be a cold, bleak place but has an awesome view of Nuptse particularly when lit by a full moon.

Day 12. Pheriche (4240m), the ascent of Kala Pattar. Today has a real expedition feel to it with an alpine start that sees us leaving Lobuche at dawn. The sun soon reaches the summits of the Himalayan peaks, casting a golden shadow that slowly reaches the valley bottom. We slowly pick our way around the boulders of the moraine on the Khumbu Glacier, gradually climbing towards Gorak Shep. The name means ‘Graveyard of Crows’ and is the site for a couple of very basic lodges set amongst breathtaking mountain scenery. It is a slow steady climb to the summit, with views of the Khumbu Glacier below unfolding with every step. To reach the summit is a real achievement that is rewarded with spectacular views of the highest mountain in the world. We return to Lobuche and descend via a different route towards Phalang Karpo with superb views of Tawachee and Cholatse. A gentle descent down a broad valley leads to the windy settlement of Pheriche where there is a trekkers Aid Post operated by the Himalayan Rescue Association.

Day 13. Phortse. (3800m). We rejoin our route of ascent and follow the trail down to upper Pangboche for lunch. The gompa in Pangboche is particularly interesting with murals of richly coloured paintings depicting the life story of Padmasambhava, the founder of Nyingma Buddhism. There are many mani, or prayer stones, and chorten that are deemed to protect this area from evil spirits. We take a high contouring trail towards Phortse reached in about 4 hours from Pangboche. The views are incredible and we may be lucky enough to spot Himalayan tahr on the slopes above the trail.

Day 14. Khumjung (3600m). Across the Dudh Khosi valley we can see the Moung La, marked by a large chorten and tea shop. From Phortse we descend steeply to Phortse Thanga, on the banks of the Dudh Khosi, before climbing to this small pass for lunch. After welcome refreshments we switchback steeply down a stone staircase to the village of Khumjung.

Day 15. Phakding (2652m). We retrace our steps through Namche to exit Sagarmatha National Park.

Day 16. Lukla (2800m). A leisurely start this morning for our last day of trekking and the gradual climb back to Lukla.

Day 18. At leisure in Kathmandu. We have built in extra time in Kathmandu to allow for any possible delays in flights from Lukla. There is plenty to see and do in this fascinating city. Visit Durbar Square, Patan or take the forty minute walk to Swayambunath,(the monkey temple), from Thamel.

The day begins early with a wake-up cup of tea and bowl of warm washing water. Kitbags are packed and made ready for the porters or yaks who leave before breakfast. Meanwhile breakfast is served and consists of porridge or muesli, omelette, fried or boiled egg and chapatti, parantha, or the delicious Tibetan bread. The mornings walk lasts for 3-4 hours with a hot lunch served en route. The afternoons walk is generally shorter and allows time to relax in camp or explore the surroundings. Dinner is taken at around 7.00pm and consists of soup,followed by a pasta, rice or potato based dish, and dessert. Catering for vegetarians is no problem.

A detailed kit list will be provided on confirmation of your booking. Essential items include lightweight leather or goretex boots, waterproof jacket and lightweight rainpants, umbrella and shorts. We provide sleeping bags and a kitbag in which to store your gear. Remember you only need to carry a daysack whilst on trek.

Temperatures during the day are very pleasant and can range from 4 - 14 degrees centigrade at Tengboche, however as in all mountain environments this may not always be the case. The skies are usually clear early in the morning with excellent visibility. Average precipitation at Tengboche in June is 95mm compared to 280mm in July.

The trek will be led by an experienced English speaking Sherpa Guide, supported by a well trained team of Sherpas and porters. All meals will be taken in local lodges and prepared by lodge staff with the assistance of your guide.

Detailed advice on health matters and vaccination requirements will be sent upon confirmation of your booking however, you will need to be protected against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, polio, tetanus, and Meningitis. In addition you should take malaria prophylactic pills during your trek and for four weeks after leaving Nepal. Please consult your doctor for up to date advice. We recommend that each person carries a basic first aid kit and a list of suggested contents will be sent to you at the time of booking.

Single entry visas cost $30 are valid for 60 days, and cover all our Nepal only treks. Full details of application procedure and a visa application form will be sent to you at the time of booking.

Our treks and tours include all the services/facilities as stated in our brochure. Where hotel accommodation is on a B&B basis you should allow at the most Ł10 per day to cover meals, allow Ł10 (1000Rs) for Kathmandu Airport Departure Tax and approximately Ł15 - 20 for trek crew tips. The amount of extra money you bring is a matter of personal choice but Ł150-Ł200 should be more than sufficient to cover monastery entrance fees, the purchase of soft drinks on trek and most souvenirs.

In Kathmandu we stay in either the Hotel Marshyangdi or Manang. Both are rated 3 star and are situated on the edge of Thamel within walking distance of the bazaars and restaurants. Accommodation is on a twin share basis and includes breakfast. Single rooms are available upon request and payment of a single supplement as quoted in our price list.

On trek we stay in lodges which provide comfortable yet rather basic accommodation. Most lodges have electricity, the majority of which is provided by the Micro Hydel Hydro Project at Thame.

All sightseeing tours and transfers are by private minibus. Internal flights to and from Lukla are on the scheduled services of one of the airlines operating within Nepal. Occasionally flights are subject to unforeseeable delays when it may not be possible to fly on the intended day. We have allowed extra time at the end for such an eventuality so that those with international connections are unlikely to miss them, although we cannot make any absolute guarantees

Flights to Kathmandu are often booked up months in advance; we strongly advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

For flight information and fares to and from the USA contact Cheapfares from the Destination Resources page

Flights to Kathmandu are often booked up months in advance; we strongly advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Before booking, please read the brochure description, and booking conditions carefully. We accept payment by International bank transfer to Golden Hill Travel Trust Account.

Lloyds Bank, Taunton Branch, 31 Fore Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1HN, England

Alternatively you can pay by Visa, or Mastercard directly into our Trust Account. We do NOT add a surcharge to your invoice if you pay with a credit card or charge card. We also offer the option of a no surcharge guarantee if payment is made in full at the time of booking. Please complete the booking form and enclose a deposit of Ł200 or approx $320 per person.

Please indicate on the booking form any extensions or equipment hire requirements. On receipt of your booking, we will send your confirmation together with an information pack that includes details of:

If you book within eight weeks of departure the full amount is payable upon booking.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to making your holiday a memorable and rewarding experience.

GOLDEN HILL TRAVEL
14 Oakthwaite Rd Windermere LA23 2BA Cumbria
TEL: 015394 48981
TEL/FAX: 015394 48556
E MAIL: travel@goldenhill.co.uk

The information above is given on good faith and reflects an average range of conditions. Mountain weather is unpredictable and conditions may necessitate a change in the itinerary which should be viewed as a statement of intent and not as a contractual obligation on behalf of GHT. The group leader will make any changes that are necessary after consultation with the group. A flexible open minded approach is essential to gain maximum enjoyment from adventure travel.

Everest - the best writing and pictures Edited by Peter Gillman from seventy years of human endeavour

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DUMJE SHERPA FESTIVAL + EVEREST BASE CAMP

An important note on monsoon trekking