Everest/Tangboche Gompa Trek


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

 

 


Amadablam


Bridge between Manjoo and Namche


Phakding


Tengboche


Trekking route from Namche to Tengboche


Amadablam with Tengbuche monastery


Everest en route


Mt Thamserku