Itinerary 13 days October
18 - 30, 2008
Everest/Tangboche Gompa trek
Led By Paul Beaver, Ph.D.
October 18-30, 2008
Degree of difficulty:- Moderate-strenuous
Culture:- sherpa
Major Attraction of the trek:- Mountain View and culture
Sights: Amadablam, Everest, Lhotse etc.
This trek is suitable for those who do not have much time
to spend but a burning desire to observe the beauty of Mt.
Everest closely. This trek provides to feel the warm hospitality
of Sherpa people and closeness of Mt. Everest. This trek
passes through the several Sherpa villages so one can experience
Sherpa culture, visit monasteries and enjoy the mountain
views of snow capped peaks Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam
and other great Himalayan Peaks.
Itinerary:
October 17 Friday
Depart USA; cross international date line
October 19 Sunday
Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer in, Hotel
Radisson 5 star www.radisson.com/kathmandune
October 20 Monday
Sightseeing Kathmandu city, Swoyambhunath, Patan city.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between
12th and 18th Centuries, used to be the seat of ancient
Malla Kings of Kathmandu. It is the place where kings of
Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. An intriguing
piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into
the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. Kumari
Temple: Kumari temple is the residence of the living Goddess.
Kumari, known as Virgin Goddess; she must be chosen from
a typical Newari cast with nobody marks and injuries and
will be replaced by another Kumari after puberty. Kasthamandap:
Kasthamandap is believed to be constructed from the wood
of a single tree in the sixteenth century. Situated near
to the Kumari Temple. The name Kathmandu was named after
this temple.
Swoyambhunath
The four seeing eyes of Swoyambhunath Stupa watch over the
valley form the top of 77-m high hillock on western side.
This most glorious Stupa in the world, is one of the holiest
Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked
to the creation of Kathmandu valley out of a primordial
lake. The surroundings of the Swoyambhunath are covered
with small Chaityas and monasteries as well as some Hindu
temples. The National Museum and the Museum of Natural History
are situated at the foot of the hill.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is an enchanting mélange of Palace
buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples.
Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former Royal Palace
complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social
life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze
statues and religious monuments. One remarkable monument
here is 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna,
built entirely of stone. Tibetan Refugee Camp: This camp
was set up in 1960 under the initiative of the International
Red Cross and the Swiss Development Corporation in cooperation
with HMG of Nepal. Its main objective is to help the Tibetan
Refugees to do something nice and support themselves and
some carpet industries and handicrafts have been operating.
October 21 Tuesday
Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla 9,200 feet
Trek up to Phakding 9,100 feet 4 hrs
Lukla is a main Gateway for Everest trek by air among three
options. Other two airstrips are Phaplu and Syangboche(small
one). Lukla is served by many airlines with daily flight
from Kathmandu. There are many lodges in Lukla but we only
rest a short time before starting the trek to Phakding and
stay there at a Lodge/teahouse.
October 22 Wednesday
Phakding-Namche 11,300 feet 6hrs
Namche Bazaar is the gateway to the Everest. There we will
see the tradition, culture and customs of Sherpa people.
We can also view Mt. Everest as well as other mountains.
Overnight at Lodge/tea house.
October 23 Thursday
Namche Bazaar-Tengboche Gompa 12,750 6hrs
From Tengboche there are spectacular views of some of the
world's highest mountains including Ama Dablam (6,812m),
Nuptse (7,855m) Lhotse (8,516m), Thamserku (6,623m) and
Kantega (6,779m). Tengboche Gompa has also the traditional
value. Overnight at Lodge/tea house.
October 24 Friday
Tengboche Gompa-Namche 6hrs
Overnight at Lodge/tea house.
October 25 Saturday
Namche-Phakding 5hrs
Overnight at Lodge/tea house.
October 26 Sunday
Phakding-Lukla 4hrs
Overnight at Lodge/tea house.
October 27 Monday
Fly Lukla-Kathmandu
Hotel Radisson
October 28 Tuesday
Kathmandu Sightseeing
Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Bhaktapur
Pashupatinath Temple: Situated 5km east
of the bank of sacred Bagmati River, the temple of Lord
Shiva with two-tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous
for its superb architecture. Chronicles indicate the temple’s
existence prior 400AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual
dips in the holy Bagmati River.
Boudhanath: This stupa lies 6-km downtown
Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient stupa, one of the biggest
in the world, has the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It
was built in the fifth century AD. It is built on an octagonal
base inset with prayer wheels. One can observe devotees
chanting religious hymns and praying at prayer wheels.
Bhaktapur City Durbar Square: As you walk
in, we are overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. Such
is the art and architecture and the special layout here.
The 15th century Palace of 55 windows, situated to the left
as we enter through the city gate, inspires admiration.
The National Art Gallery is also situated inside. The palace
entrance, Golden Gate that is the entrance to the main courtyard
of the palace of 55 windows is masterpiece in repousse art.
In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of
various designs. There are temples like Batsala Temple and
the Shiva temple, the replica of Pashupatinath Temple etc.
Nyatapola Temple: This five-story pagoda was built
in 1702AD. Each story has pair of figures (two wrestlers,
two elephants, two lions, two griffins and goddess’s
tigress and lioness). This temple is one of the tallest
pagodas and famous for its massive structure and subtle
workmanship
October 29 Wednesday
Transfer to the airport for international departure.
October 30 Thursday
Arrive USA
Cost $1,695pp
Single Supplement in Kathmandu
is $300pp
Cost includes: All lodging, transfers
including Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu domestic flight ticket,
Trekking with full board (Lodge/Teahouse accommodation with
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), Trekking Guide, Support staff
and porter service for trekking, Entrance fees and Kathmandu
touring.
Cost excluded: International flight ticket,
Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu, Any bar bills. Personal
Insurance, Other personal nature expanses and Rescue charge
in case of Emergency.
Deposit is $250pp to:
(suggested to make deposit early as trip enrollment will
be limited)
Amazonia Expeditions
10305 Riverburn Dr
Tampa, FL
33647