Mt. Everest Expedition

Today is an important day as you attend a briefing with the Ministry of Tourism on climbing Mt. Everest. We also will be holding our own briefing as we prepare you for what lies ahead. Our experience in climbing Mt. Everest will help you to get the most out of your trip.

Today begins the journey to Mt. Everest. We will fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and then trek to the village of Phakding, passing through remote villages, primeval forests and mountain scenes.

This is a day of climbing upwards on the trail as we make our way to Namche Bazaar, the principal community of the region. Today we will get our first look at Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks that look like attendants to the king of mountains.

We will rest today in order to allow our bodies to be acclimatized to the higher elevations. In keeping with recommended procedures, it will not be a day of just sitting as some exercise is encouraged. There will be a number of times when we stop to allow our bodies to adjust to the high elevations. By doing so, we avoid the danger of altitude sickness.

This day takes us to the highest Buddhist monastery in the world at Tengboche. It overlooks Mt. Everest, creating a very serene and peaceful setting in order to meditate and uplift spiritually.

This day we reach about half the elevation of Mt. Everest as we move toward the village of Dingboche. The early morning offers a great view of the sunrise over Tengboche and Mt. Everest. We pass through fewer Sherpa villages as we make our way toward Everest.

The trail turns northward as it continues to gain elevation in our quest toward Everest. We are surrounded by glaciers on both sides of the trail as we pass upwards. On the way will be an overlook of Chola Tsho, an incredibly blue mountain lake at 4590 m (15,059 ft.). Ringed by several tall peaks, the lake sparkles in the sunlight. The trail will pass over Thorka Pass (elev. 4830 m.) and along Khumbu Glacier to our stop for the night at Lobuche.

The trail is now nestled between two glaciers: Khumbu and Lobuche. From this part of the trail, we are offered fantastic views of Mt. Everest as it continues to get closer as we walk on. Our destination is the village of Gorackshep, which is near both the old and new Everest Base Camp.

This is the day when we leave the hotels behind and now begin to prepare for climbing. It's now to tents and more like what the early climbers experienced. We arrive at Everest Base camp and prepare for the climb. The high peaks that make up the mountain range around Everest are in close proximity to us. At Base Camp, we set up our tents and prepare for climbing.

This is what you have come for, and what a trip. It will take about one month to climb Mt. Everest as we stop several times to rest and acclimatize. It is best to climb slowly, even with oxygen. The higher air is thin, but with slow climbing and determination, you can do it. This is where experienced guides make a big difference. Because of our experience, we know the route and the best way to deal with any problems that may arise. The return trip takes far less time, but we move just as cautiously. The thrill of the adventure is combined with safety for our people. We will return to Everest Base Camp on day 57.

This is a day of rest. We pack up the tents that have been our home for 43 days and stow away equipment. This will be our last night in the tents as we also clean up around Everest Base Camp. Everyone who camps here is required help keep it clean in order to maintain the pristine environment. DAY 59 – Everest Base Camp to Pheriche (elev. 4200 m/13,779 ft.) – The return journey is faster as we are going downhill almost all the way. Our journey is to the mountain village of Pheriche. We pass familiar glaciers along the way. Tonight we stay for the first time in a hotel where we rest in a real bed and a hot water shower.

Reaching Namche Bazaar will make you feel as if you have returned to civilization. There's internet, ATM machines, and many items for sale that you only dreamed about when you were up on the mountain. Namche Bazaar may be the principal village of Everest region, but it hasn't lost its charm in this modern world. Enjoy the bazaar, relax with a cup of real coffee or tea and enjoy a well earned evening on the town.

This is the last night in the Everest region and the last day of trekking. Once you reach Lukla, it's the end of the trail and rest those tired feet.

It's a short flight back to Kathmandu. From the comfort of your seat, you can look to the northeast and smile at Mt. Everest, knowing that you are one of the lucky few to have conquered it. Tonight, relax, rest in your hotel, take a hot shower and celebrate!

It's a free day in the city to do as you would like. Rest, sightsee, take in the World Heritage Sites, it's up to you. You can also do some shopping for souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner where you and your fellow climbers can toast one another as the newest victorious climbers of the world's highest mountain!

All good things must come to an end, and your journey to Mt. Everest is no exception. Now that you've conquered the world's highest peak, why not try some of the other high mountains here in Nepal. Our country is home of eight of the 14 highest peaks in the world. You may have climbed the tallest, but you can always try your hand at some of the others. Nepal offers much in the way of vacations, getaways and expeditions. Let Bochi-Bochi plan your next expedition to the mountain world of Nepal!