18 Days of Culture,Adventure and Everest Base Camp tour of Nepal

Arrive at Kathmandu airport, Assistance upon arrival, you will be received by Bespoke representative and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Upon arrival and check in at hotel, Leisure.

The Kathmandu Valley covers a 360 square kilometers in area and at an altitude of 1336 meters above sea level, Kathmandu is an exotic and fascinating showcase, rich in culture, art and traditions. The capital, which is the political, commercial and cultural seat of the country covers 24 Kilometers from east to west and 19 km from north to south is. It is surrounded by green hills with terraced fields, dotted by the roofs with tile red houses. It has many ethnic groups including the Newar which gave it its specific cultural character. A legend tells that the valley was once under water until the day the Bodhisattva Manjushri planted his sword in the middle of the lake. The valley dried up and the first inhabitants settled.

Overnight at Kathmandu

Morning enjoy Mountain flight:

Mountain Flight Everest Experience flight is operated by fixed wing aircrafts from Kathmandu Domestic airport.This is one hour scenic flight which takes you for one of the world’s most exclusive tours of the highest mountain in the world – Everest and other highest peaks. A flight that takes you deep into the Himalayas, flying into valleys close to the rock face, as close as five nautical miles from the Everest itself.

After finished mountain flight drive back to hotel

Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Proceed for the visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square & Swayambhunath

KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE

Durbar, which means palace, is where the kings were once crowned and where they ruled from. Kathmandu has its Durbar Square at its heart; here charm of old town blends well with traditional architecture in a rich cultural backdrop.The entire square was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The massive complex consists of three main squares, which is home to palaces, temples, and courtyard. South of Basantapur square is a former Royal elephant stable, which today has souvenir stalls and leads to Freak Street (the lane still lives in the former glory of being the ultimate Hippie destination during the Flower Power era).

The temple of Living Goddess, Kumari, is also on the southern end. Kumari is a young Shakya girl from Newar community, chosen through an ancient and mystical selection to become the human incarnation of Hindu Goddess, Taleju. If you are lucky, you might get to get a glimpse of Kumari peeking out of an elaborately carved wooden window.

The main Durbar Square is the most affected area by the 2015 earthquake. Three main temples of the area, Kasthamandap, Narayan temple, Trilokya Mohan, and Krishna Temple has been completely destroyed, while other have been partially damaged. On the Northeast side, the square consists of Hanuman Dhoka, the main entrance to the old royal palace. The Taleju Bhawani’s temple, the oldest of all the temples is situated in this area. Even though the old royal palace has been partially damaged, restoration process is going on. The Square is slowly making progress to yet again revive its old mystic and glory of being a living museum with finest traditional architectures in the world.

Experience: Walking tour of Ason Market during sightseeing of Kathmandu City. Ason is a local bazaar and well known place for buying daily requirements. A lush of crowded locals enchant you with the daily life style.

SWAYAMBHUNATH- Also Known as Monkey Temple.

Perched on top of a conical hill is a white dome with glittering golden spire is visible from all sides of the valley for many miles. This most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath Stupa, is also known as the Monkey Temple. According to the historical records, the stupa is over 2,500 years old. The name of Swoyambhunath has been derived from Sanskrit word, Swayam (self), making Swoyambhunath the ‘Self-Created One’. The surrounding of the stupa consists a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period. The stupa has Buddha's eyes and eyebrows painted on each side and nose is made out as the number one in Devanagari script.The main stupa can be reached from two access points; a long steep stairway with 365 steps (leading directly to the main platform), and a car road leading to a longer way from the southwest entrance.

This stupa too has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Sites list. This place offers an excellent view of the Valley. Though the temples around the stupa had some minor destruction and one of the temples beside the stupa collapsed during the 2016 earthquake, the process of reconstruction is ongoing.

Experience: Gets an exotic chance to have a glance of Tibetan pilgrimages and monk chanting prayers and praying in their traditional cultural clothes in the monastery.

BOUDHANATH

On the outskirt of Kathmandu lies one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. This ancient stupa of Boudhanath, on top of a massive mandala, probably is one of the largest in the world.

There are over 50 monasteries around it and it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It is built on the ages old trade route from Tibet to enter the Kathmandu Valley. Under the wise eyes of Buddha gazing out from the gilded central tower seems to be watching over thousands of pilgrims gather daily to make a kora (ritual circumnavigation) of the dome.

In the evening the whole place lights up with butter lamps and the wafting smell of sage gives a calming effect. The stupa is surrounded by building and monasteries. The plaza surrounding the stupa is open for people of all religion. Tibetan monks, elderly, along with other devotees can be seen spinning prayer wheels, chanting mantras, or just strolling in silence around the monument. The Stupa was damaged during the earthquake but has already been reconstructed and opens for tourists from November 2016.

Experience: Interact with monks. Lama will offer Khada Himalayan Silk Scarf) as blessings to the guests. Also visit Thanka (Buddhist painting) Gallery where you will see the artists painting the Thanka

PASHUPATINATH

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. It offers peace and devotion. The temple, spread across 246 hectors of land abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. The temple premises are an open museum.This national treasure was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1979.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Kathmandu

[Trek Time: Approx. 03 Hrs.]

Early morning get transferred to the airport to fly to Lukla (2880m) Flight- 45 min.

This 45-minute flight provides a magnificent entry to the trek. It highlights the snowline of the Himalayan Range in the north and the rugged landing at the Lukla airport which is said to be one of the most spectacular flights in the world.

Upon arrival, meet the team and while the team reassembles the equipment for the distribution to the Porters OR Jhopke (a cross between and cow and a Yak used to carry loads).

During this break, the guests are welcome to explore this bustling town on top of a hill with rows of houses, hotels and shops lining both sides of cobbled street.

The trek starts by following the trail leading to the northwest direction through the narrow street, which immediately descends from the end of the village on a trail through the open hillside. The trail is well defined and there are many shops and lodges catering to the trekkers. A new hanging bridge about 100 meters long is what we cross at the beginning of the journey.

From there we follow the regular trail passing small villages of Chaunrikharka (2713m) and Ghat (2550m), with shops and restaurants on the way until we descend to the river at Phakding.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Phakding

[Trek Time: Approx. 06 hrs.]

Crossing the river on a large suspension bridge we head over to Joresale and continue trekking along the river today. The trail passes over streams with wooden bridges and climbs out of the valley to Monjo where we enter the Everest National Park. Continuing on, we make a final steep ascent over 1000ft to reach Namche Bazaar; our resting place for the night. Namche Bazaar is the gateway to the Himalayas and a famous trading place for Tibetans.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Namche

[Trek Time: Approx. 03 Hrs.]

Today we set off on a steep one-hour climb to the Shyangboche airstrip which serves the famous Hotel Everest View, before following the trail down to the Khumjung Village at the foot of the Sacred Mountain Khumbila.

The panoramic mountain views en route today are superb ! Sir Edmond Hillary founded the Khumjung School in 1960, which provides excellent primary education for the children in the area.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Khumjung

[Trek Time: Approx. 05 Hrs.]

After breakfast the trail climbs to a large Chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then slowly begins to ascend we contour climbing steeply on the hillside till we arrive at Mong La, a pass at 3,973 m, a few tea houses, a chorten and prayer flags.

After some rest we continue our trek towards Phortse Drengka. Since we have done most of the climbing, now from here the trail steeply descends all the way to Phortse Drengka through a dense pine and rhododendron forest, a descent of around 200 meters and takes about 1-½ hours. Here we stop for lunch.

Look out for the Yak traffic and remember to stay on the wall side in order to avoid being pushed off the hillside.

After lunch, climb out of Phortse Tenga to meet the main trail from Mon La, which leads towards the Gokyo Valley and into Dole. The trail ascends gently with Cho Oyu (The Turquoise Mountain) coming to sight for the first time as we reach the Army post half an hour into the trail. The tree line starts to shrink to alpine shrub as we ascend with cranberry bushes stuck to the ground.The waterfalls along the trail add to the beauty of the terrain as we approach Dole, a small village with just a few Lodges.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Dole Village

[Trek Time: Approx. 04 Hrs.]

After breakfast trek to Dole. The first hour involves steady climbing before the trail contours to Luza (4,370 m), a small grazing spot with potato fields. From here Machermo is not far and only involves a short climb from here.

Today’s trail too offers some magnificent views of the Himalayas and we need to walk slowly as we are now over 4000 meters in altitude and also need to be more cautious about our health as now, we are more prone to Altitude sickness. The view of Cho Oyu in the distance from the hill ahead of Machermo should keep inspired and wanting to get closer to our destination Gokyo and the Renjo-la Pass. We are now only a day’s walk away from Gokyo and only three hundred meters away.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Machermu

Free day for acclimatization or Trek around the Village

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Machermu

[Trek Time: Approx. 03 ½ -4 Hrs.]

A steady climb out of Machermo soon leads to a broader trail as we pass through the village of Lapharma, a small settlement with wide green grazing grounds for Yaks and Dzopkios.

At the end of the valley, we will traverse the trail along the rocky cliff towards Gokyo.After a short but steady climb, arrive at the snout of the Ngozungpa Glacier which feeds the Dudh Kosi and then reach the first of the Gokyo lakes.

From here the trail is much gentler and ascends gradually along the moraines as we approach the second lake and then the third lake at the banks of which is situated the village of Gokyo. Gokyo village consists of about nine Lodges with a backdrop of Cho Oyu.The place is simply spellbinding. Upon arrival, check into the Lodge.

After lunch, walk towards the Ngozungpa Glacier which is located behind the village. The walk along the edge of the lake will help our acclimatization.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Gokyo

[Trek Time: Approx. 07 – 08 Hrs.]

An early morning rise today is sure to make you feel the chill of the mountains. Today we trek to the top of Gokyo Ri which has one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Everest and three others 8,000-meter peaks. The climb starts from across one of the rivers that feed the lake. The climb is steady and demanding but the reward for the hard work is more than just satisfactory.

As you get halfway, Everest comes to view and so does the sun it starts to warm you up. Looking down the valley, the view of Tawache and the lakes are spectacular.

Once on the top, the views will be your reward for the hard work and what a reward ! Everest (8,848 m), showing more of its northern flank Makalu (8,463 m) further to the east and Cho Oyu (8,201 m) towards the north make up one of the most mesmerizing views you couldn’t ask for more.

When we are done with the views we descend to the village taking in all that we can. We rest and refresh at the lodge in Gokyo and then trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Next, traverse along the edge of that mountain and then meander into Thagnak. It will be a short hike today with an afternoon of rest which will prepare us for long hiking days and elevation gain to come.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Thagnag

Trek Time: Approx. 07 – 08 Hrs.]

Today is going to be one of the toughest days of the trip.

The Cho La pass is not itself difficult, but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. The trail from Phedi climbs through a ravine and a rocky trail. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake, we reach at the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. Mount Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south even as Cholatse soars to the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right. From here the decent starts gently before stepping down. The broken ground route leads to the few stone huts that make up the Dzong La.

The village provides great views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche Mountains along with the Pheriche Village far below.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Dzongla

[Trek Time: Approx. 3 ½ Hrs.]

Today will be a very short trek as we climb down from Dzongla and walk through a grassy trail while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak. The trail curves through the wide river bed before reaching Lobuche. We can spend the rest of the day taking a rest which will help us prepare for the next day’s long trek.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Lobuche

[Trek Time: Approx. 08 Hrs.]

From Lobuche, a short climb brings one to another valley. Travel along the Khumbu Glacier through the jumbled moraines and scattered rocks. The trail continues to slowly contour on the open landscape through an ablation and after about an hour, there is a steep ascent for about 20 minutes.

Climb slowly to a ridge and then continue on a trail of rocks caused by rockslides.On a clear day Mt. Everest can be seen looming behind Nuptse. Arrive at the ridge above Gorakshep and then descend to Gorakshep. This was the base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest expedition. In 1953 the British Everest expedition called this “lake camp’. Gork Shep or "graveyard of the crows", has a small lake that is usually frozen and several monuments to climbers who have died during various Everest expedition.

Travel along the jumbled moraines and scattered rocks passing by the memorials of Rob Hall and Yasuko Namba and others who perished during the Mt. Everest disaster of 1996.

The trail continues on a ridge from where a small glimpse of Mt. Everest can be seen. At the end of the ridge, a scrabbling descent leads to the entry into the Khumbu Glacier. The trail through the glacier is an interesting one in that one can actually feel as if one is inside a fridge with the cold seeping from all sides. The Everest Base Camp is also the site for the base camp for Lhotse and Nuptse. It is not actually a specific site as various expeditions have elected different locations for a semi-permanent camp during their assault on the mountains. Some of the sites that expeditions have used as base camps are identifiable form debris on the glacier at 5360m or more. However, the highlight of the trip to this place is the sight of the Khumbu icefall and the trek along the Khumbu Icefall is an interesting and an exhilarating one. Later return to Gorekshep.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Gorekshep

[Trek Time: Approx. 07 - 08 Hrs.]

After early breakfast, take the left-hand side trail and head straight up the hill to Kala Pattar (5545m) for views of Mt. Everest. The trek up to the top is an arduous one and takes about two hours to reach. The climb to the Kala Pattar though tough, is well worth it as the views from here are breathtaking.

The giants of the earth are all around Pumori (7145m), Everest (8848m), China's peak Changtse (7553m), Nuptse (7855m), Lhotse(8516m), Ama Dablam and many others. Later return to Gorakshep.

After a short rest and refreshment set out backtracking on scattered rocks and jumbled moraines to return to Lobuche. We further descend crossing the stream and then head towards the Sherpa Memorial and then to Thugla. The going is easier as we lose altitude. Cross the Thugla bridge and climb the ridge. We take the main trail to Periche and the hike is on level ground.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Pheriche

[Trek Time: Approx. 07 - 08 Hrs.]

Having been consistently at high altitude above 4200m most trekkers welcome the thought of returning to warmer places the days walk to Namche Bazaar is a delightful way of doing so.

The route starts back through the long-walled paths of the Pheriche village, and a gradual ascent along the flanks of the hills below the village before a drop to the Dudh Koshi. A little further, the route joins the main trail coming from Pheriche. The route then passes through the village of Pangboche (3985m). Continue to backtrack and then descend to the spectacular little bridge over the Dudh Kosi River and head through the fir and rhododendron forest for a lovely afternoon's walk to the meadows of Devouche. From here, there is a short climb before reaching Thyangboche. Here we stop for Lunch.

After lunch we pass the monastery and descend steeply to Phunki Tanga If going up was tough it is equally hard to get the footing and walk down hill. After a short break we start the uphill climb to Shanasa where we again stop for a short break. Here Tibetan traders, resident in the area, have numerous artifacts and worthwhile traditional souvenirs for sale.

From Shanasa, head to the end of the village and then take the right hand trail which is a lovely easy trail to reach Namche Bazaar.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Namche Bazaar

Trek Time: Approx. 06 ½ Hrs. – 07 ½ Hrs.]

In the morning we retrace our steps down hill (steep) through the beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron and cross the great bridge again, and then continue back to Jorsale where we leave the national park before continuing on to Monjo where we will take a break.

We further re-trace our steps along the Dudh Kosi, crossing to the western bank at Benkar. It is a beautiful and easy walk through blue pine and rhododendron forest, back-dropped with views of Kusum Kangaru. Lunch will be taken at Phakding and in the afternoon we ascend out of the river valley back to the airstrip and our lodge accommodation at Lukla. It is a delightful ending to the trip as one enters into this busy village of Lukla.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Lukla

Breakfast at Hotel. Check out and get transferred to Lukla airport.

Fly back to Kathmandu. On arrival check in to the hotel.

Afternoon: Proceed for the visit to Patan Durbar Square

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE

Just 5 km south of Kathmandu is Patan, the city of artistry, which is one of the three Royal cities in the Valley. Connoisseurs of fine arts and architecture will be delighted with the city’s offering of various Buddhist and Hindu temples and over 1000 monuments boasting of the finest wood and stone carvings. The city is known for its rich tradition of arts and handicrafts such as metal statues and ornate architecture.

The square is mélange of old Royal palace, artistic courtyards, and pagoda temples.The former Royal palace complex has been turned into a museum. The square is dotted with some enchanting work of artistry in the form of temples, though the earthquake destroyed some of the centuries-old temples, of all three cities of the valley, Patan was first to rise above the rubble and open for the tourists. There are three main courtyards in the palace: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk is well known for a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal bath called Tushahity.Other main attractions are Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple and Golden Temple. Though Patan Durbar Square has faced destruction due to the earthquake, a full-fledged reconstruction process is going on and one can find traditional artisans busy with the process at a Chowk within the Museum.

Experience: The Magic of Singing Bowl by Master - during sightseeing of Patan City

Singing bowls are renowned for their healing and relaxing qualities and were invented by ancient Tibetan and Nepali Buddhist monks for physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation. Singing bowls are also called Himalayan bowls, a source of positive energy in the form of sound vibrations. When the rims of these bowls are struck, it produces a long, reverberating sound wave that soothes the senses. The singing tunes are a series of sound waves produced by them. Deep, subtle and powerful these sound waves are believed to penetrate the mind of the listener leaving him relaxed and tranquil.

Also visit Bhaktapur – It is world-renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture and indigenous lifestyle. The ancient city is also variously known as the "City of Culture", the "Living Heritage" and "Nepal’s Cultural Gem". Bhaktapur is more like an open museum. Monumental masterpieces in Bhaktapur are innumerable, and each is more attractive than the other. Bhaktapur is 14 Km east of Kathmandu city.

Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is the gem not only of Bhaktapur but also of the entire nation. The most fascinating structure here is the world-renowned 55 Window palace, golden Gate, Big Bell, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, Shiva Temple. Taumadhi Square has Nyatapola Temple dates back to 1702 AD. The colossal five-storied edifice is the country’s tallest pagoda temple.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Kathmandu

After a hearty breakfast, check out from hotel and get transferred to Kathmandu International Airport to board your international flight towards your native place.

Meals Included: Breakfast