The Everest Base Camp trek, a very well known mountain trek, starts at the upper Phakdingand follows the DudhKosivalley which climbs up to the Sherpacapital of Namche, a bustling bazaar that’s a junction for trekkers, the local Sherpaand expeditions en route to the mighty Mt. Everest. All along this part of the trail, villages are interspersed with magnificent forests of rhododendron, magnolia and giant firs. In both the early autumn and late spring, the flowers on this portion of the trek make it the kindof walk you will remember for a long, long time.
2. CONTENTS
1. Nepal …3
2. Kathmandu …4
3. Adventure in Nepal …5
4. The Everest Base Camp …7
6. Itinerary …8
7. Route Map …15
8. Package …16
9. Guidelines …17
10. About Us …18
11. Contact Us …19
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3. THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPLUBIC OF NEPAL
Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a
landlocked country in South Asia and is the world's youngest
republic. It is bordered to the north by the People's Republic of
China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of
India.
Motto:
जननी ज मभूिम ःवगाद प गर यसी (Devanāgarī)
"Mother and Motherland are Greater than Heaven“
Capital : Kathmandu
Languages : Nepali, Hindi, English and
over 90 regional languages
Area : 147,181 sq km
56,827 sq mi
Population : 29,519,114 (2008)
Nepal contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Currency : Nepalese ‘Rupee’ ‐ NPR
Mount Everest & Kanchenjunga on the borders with China USD 1 = NPR 76.70
and India respectively. The topography is varied, from INR 1 = NPR 1.60
forested flat lands at 70mts to a snow capped point at the top Time Zone : UTC +5:45 / IST + 00:15
of the world at 8,850mts. Religion : Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim
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4. KATHMANDU
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is also it’s largest city. The city
is located in the Kathmandu valley, that also contains two
other cities, Patan and Bhaktapur. The city of Kathmandu is
named after a structure in Durbar Square called
Kaasthmandap. In Sanskrit, Kaasth is ‘wood’ and Mandap is
‘covered shelter.’ The city stands at an elevation of
approximately 1400 m and is inhabited by about 2,000,000
people.
Kathmandu is considered to have the most advanced
infrastructure among urban areas in Nepal. The city is noted
for it’s many Buddhist and Hindu temples, many dating back to
the 17th century. A former kingdom, the Shah King’s palace
stands right next to Thamel – the tourist hub of the country.
Thamel is a popular tourist destination. A small world within
itself, Thamel is famous for the most attractive hotels and
shopping centers. It consists of two parallel streets just to the
west of the palace. Ason Bazaar, Durbar Square, Samakushi
and Swayambhunath are a mere 10 to 30 minutes walk from
Thamel. Thamel also acts as the pre‐base camp for
mountaineers. It boasts a wide range of mountaineering gear
shops, foreign money exchange booths, pubs, clubs and
nightlife along with the innumerous travel lodges and guest
houses.
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5. ADVENTURE in NEPAL
TREKKING and MOUNTAINEERING
With eight of the world’s ten highest peaks along with the highest one, Mt.
Everest within it’s perimeters, Nepal is a delight for trekkers and
mountaineers alike. Treks vary from short 2‐3day routes to month long
routes, from low alpine meadows to the glacial terrains with rarified air. Full
scale mountaineering expeditions take place on peaks ranging from 6000mts
to 8850mts.
KAYAKING and WHITE WATER RAFTING
The mighty mountains of Nepal harbor some prominent glacial cache’s.
The melt from the same has been the source to many a white watered
rivers. With rapids ranging from a Grade I to a Grade V plus, rivers such
as the Kali, Rapti, Seti, Karnali, Kosi are an absolute haven for the White
Water enthusiasts!
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Nepal offers excellent opportunities for Mountain biking. With a
combination of superb dirt tracks, green meadows and isolated villages
along the route it is quite an eventful drama to watch the snow capped
mountains unfold for the view.
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6. ADVENTURE in NEPAL
PARAGLIDING
The hub of Paragliding in Nepal is Pokhara with commanding views of
three of the world’s 8000mts peaks. The monsoons as the ‘high‐fliers’
say, leave behind favorable conditions for them to spread their wings.
Definitely a hot spot for Paragliding, this one is!
JUNGLE SAFARIS
Nepal has quite a few wildlife parks within it’s boundaries. The topographic
variation from the dense tropical flat lands to snow capped mountains
offers an impressive host line, some of which include the Asian Rhino,
Asian Elephant, Red Panda, Clouded Leopard, Snow Leopard, Brown Bear
and the not to be missed Royal Bengal Tiger.
BUNGEE JUMPING
To add to the adrenaline rush, Nepal also has on offer it’s share of high
rise Bungee Jumps. Along the Sino‐Nepalese border and in a gorge over
the Bhote Kosi, one of Nepal's wildest rivers, is Asia’s highest Bungee
Jump platform, standing tall at a whooping 500ft!
Now who would want to miss that?
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7. THE EVEREST BASE CAMP – 5,365m/17,601ft
There are two base camps, on the opposite sides of
Mt. Everest. To the South in Nepal, and to the North
in China. Both being used by climbers during their
expeditions from either side. Supplies are carried to
the camps by Sherpas or Porters, and with help of
animals. Climbers typically rest at base camp for
several days for acclimatization; to reduce the risks
and severity of altitude sickness. The Base Camp on
the Nepal side is located at a height of 5,365mts
above sea level. A typical trek to the Base Camp
entails not less than 14 days on the to and fro
circuit. Ideal time for a trek to the Everest Base
Camp is from March to June and September to
November.
The Everest Base Camp trek, a very well known mountain trek, starts at the upper Phakding and follows the Dudh
Kosi valley which climbs up to the Sherpa capital of Namche, a bustling bazaar that’s a junction for trekkers, the
local Sherpa and expeditions en route to the mighty Mt. Everest. All along this part of the trail, villages are
interspersed with magnificent forests of rhododendron, magnolia and giant firs. In both the early autumn and late
spring, the flowers on this portion of the trek make it the kind of walk you will remember for a long, long time.
The Route
Kathmandu > Lukla > Phakding > Namche Bazaar > Tengboche > Dingboche > Lobuche > Gorakshep > Everest Base
Camp > Gorakshep > Lobuche > Pengboche > Namche Bazaar > Lukla > Kathmandu
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8. THE EVEREST BASE CAMP – ITINERARY
OVERVIEW
DAY DESTINATION MAX. ALTITUDE
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu 1,400m/4,593ft
Day 2 Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu 1,400m/4,593ft
Day 3 Flight to Lukla & trek to Phakding 2,850m/9,350ft
Day 4 Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,450m/11,318ft
Day 5 Rest day in Namche 3,450m/11,318ft
Day 6 Trek to Tengboche 3,864m/12,677ft
Day 7 Trek to Pheriche 4,252m/13,950ft
Day 8 Rest day in Pheriche 4,252m/13,950ft
Day 9 Trek to Lobuche 4,930m/16,174ft
Day 10 Trek to Gorak Shep and Kala Pattar 5,554m/18,221ft
Day 11 Trek to Everest BC, back to Gorak Shep 5,365m/17,601ft
Day 12 Trek to Pangboche 3,985m/13,074ft
Day 13 Trek to Namche 3,450m/11,318ft
Day 14 Trek to Lukla 2900m/9,514ft
Day 15 Flight to Kathmandu 1400m/4,593ft
Day 16 Depart Kathmandu
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9. THE EVEREST BASE CAMP – ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive KATHMANDU
(Elevation – Kathmandu: 1,400m/4,593ft)
It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of
snow‐capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost
ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with
you for a long, long time. Our waiting support team will meet and greet
you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Welcome drinks will be
served and over night at the hotel.
Day 2: Around the KATHMANDU VALLEY
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since
Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western
influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and
religious significance. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of
Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century palace of 55 windows and
Swoyambhunath. At eventide, you will be briefed about your trip.
Day 3: KATHMANDU – LUKLA – PHAKDING
(By Air, Travel Time: 50mins; Elevation –Lukla: 2,850m/9,350ft, Phakding: 2,656m/8,713ft)
An early morning flight, brings us to Lukla, the starting point of our trek. Probably
the most intriguing piece of this small village perched atop an equally small
plateau is it’s airport. The mere 200mts runway is elevated at an angle to assist the
aircrafts during landing and take off’s. After meeting the crew, we head up the
Dudh Koshi Valley on a well‐marked trail and then stay overnight in Phakding.
10. THE EVEREST BASE CAMP – ITINERARY
Day 4: PHAKDING – NAMCHE BAZAAR
(Elevation – Namche Bazaar: 3,450m/11,318ft)
From Phakding, we cross and re‐cross the river on high suspension
bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park
which was set‐up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain
environment. We then take a steep hike to Namche. If the weather is
clear, we get the first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche is the main
trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market ‐ a
meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan
yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La.
Day 5: Rest day in NAMCHE
(Elevation – Namche Bazaar: 3,450m/11,318ft)
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of
the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir
shops. It is an ideal place to spend a day, acclimatizing to the new
altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. To acclimatize, you visit
Khunde Hospital set‐up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take a one hour walk
up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama
Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from
the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town.
11. THE EVEREST BASE CAMP – ITINERARY
Day 6: NAMCHE BAZAAR ‐ TENGBOCHE
(Elevation – Tengboche: 3,864m/12,677ft)
From Namche, the trail contours on to the side of the valley, high
above the Dudh Kosi. We get our first really good views of the
great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse
and Ama Dablam. Passing by several villages and numerous tea
shops, we descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki
Tenga. The village is an ideal stopover for lunch. Here we can
rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche. Although the
hike up the zigzag path is tiring, it presents us with many
beautiful sights of rhododendron bushes with beautiful birds and
superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary
monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. A spectacular panorama
of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam rising in the horizon can be
seen from the campsite.
Day 7: TENGBOCHE ‐ PHERICHE
(Elevation – Pheriche: 4,252m/13,950ft)
We descend downhill through a forest, cross the Imja Khola and climb
steadily to the village of Pangboche. This village is directly opposite Ama
Dablam [6,856 m], and has exceptional views of the mountain, with the
gompa, mani walls and scattered pine trees in the foreground. A further
two hours walk brings us to Pheriche.
12. THE EVEREST BASE CAMP – ITINERARY
Day 8: At PHERICHE
(Elevation – Pheriche: 4,252m/13,950ft)
A day for rest and acclimatization. We also get to wander up the valley
to look at a lake, the Tshola Tsho and the perpendicular walls of
Cholatse and Tawache. We can climb up onto the ridge overlooking
Dingboche for the view of the Imja Valley and the incredible south
face of Mt.Lhotse.
Day 9: PHERICHE – LOBUCHE
(Elevation – Lobuche: 4,930m/16,174ft)
We continue up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of
Cholatse and Tawache on the left. We then turn right and take a steep
climb towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. The tea house at
Duglha is a good spot to have lunch. The trail zigzags up through the
boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine. The path then climbs gently
along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche.
Day 10: LOBUCHE – GORAK SHEP – KALA PATTAR – GORAK SHEP
(Elevation – Gorak Shep: 5,184m/17,007ft, Kala Pattar: 5,554m/18,221ft)
To reach our next stop, Kala Pattar, we follow the Khumbu Glacier. The trail offers superb views of the surrounding
mountains, especially where the path is forced to rise to cross a tributary glacier. We stop for lunch at our camping
place: Gorak Shep. Later in the afternoon, we make our way to the top of one of the finest viewpoints in the
Everest region, Kala Pattar [5554m]. As the light begins to fade we stroll back to our camp at Gorak Shep and have
an early night in preparation for our trek to Everest Base Camp the following day.
13. THE EVEREST BASE CAMP – ITINERARY
Day 11: GORAK SHEP – EVEREST BASE CAMP – GORAK SHEP
(Elevation– Gorak Shep: 5,184m/17,007ft, Everest B.C.: 5,357m/17,575ft)
A very early start is required to reach the Everest Base Camp. It
takes several hours as the trail weaves its way through ice
pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. On the
return leg, we can take a higher route to get a spectacular view of
the Khumbu icefall and the route to the South Col. We return to
either Gorak Shep or Lobuche.
Day 12: GORAK SHEP/LOBUCHE – PANGBOCHE
(Elevation – Pangboche: 3,985m/13,074ft)
Today’s trek is mostly downhill. As we retrace our steps to Duglha
and descend to Pheriche, we arrive at The Himalayan Rescue
Association, a trekker’s aid post and worth a visit. After lunch we
cross the Khumbu Khola on a wooden suspension bridge and
follow the Imja Khola to the village of Pangboche.
Day 13: PANGBOCHE – NAMCHE BAZAAR
(Elevation – Namche Bazaar: 3,450m/11,318ft)
We continue to follow the river and, after crossing it, climb back
up through birch and rhododendron forest to Tengboche.
Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam,
Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants to
be seen. From Tengboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh
Kosi. At Phunki Tenga, we get to see the water driven prayer
wheels, before making our way back to Namche.
‐ 13 ‐
14. THE EVEREST BASE CAMP – ITINERARY
Day 14: NAMCHE BAZAAR ‐ LUKLA
(Elevation – Lukla: 2,850m/9,350ft)
Our final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi down to Lukla.
This last evening calls for a celebration. We have a party with
our sherpa guides and porters. We sample some chang (local
beer) and try out some Sherpa dance steps. Altogether an end
to a memorable trip on a merry note.
Day 15: LUKLA – KATHMANDU
(Elevation – Kathmandu: 1,400m/4,593ft)
We pack up early and head for the airstrip to hop a flight back
to Kathmandu
On touchdown, the rest of the day is free to do your own
thing. You could do some last minute shopping and packing, or
send a few post cards home or even go down for a stroll to
Thamel, the internationally known hub for tourists in Asia.
Day 16: Depart KATHMANDU
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for
your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game
drive at National parks, do some wild‐water rafting, a Tibet
tour or even mountain biking, etc).
‐ 14 ‐
16. PACKAGE
Pricing:
Head Cost per person *
16 Days / 15 Nights (Kathmandu – Lukla – USD 1,390 INR 66,970
EBC – Lukla – Kathmandu)
* Prices are calculated as per current conversion [INR 48.17 = 1 USD] and are subject to change.
Package Includes:
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation in lodge during the trek.
• Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu airfare
• English speaking local expert guide, porters
• National Park fees
• 3 nights accommodation at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu on double sharing with breakfast
• All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and entry fees.
• Airport transfers with an escort
• Insurance of the guide and porters 2009 Departure Dates:
Package does not include: 28th Sept ‐ 13th Oct
• International flight & departure tax 5th Oct ‐ 20th Oct
• Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu 19th Oct ‐ 3rd Nov
• Personal gear & clothing (available on hire) 9th Nov ‐ 24th Nov
• Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance. 7th Dec ‐ 22nd Dec
Cancellation:
• 2 months before departure ‐ Full Refund
• 29 days to 2 months before departure ‐ 25% of total trip cost
• 10 to 28 days before departure ‐ 50% of total trip cost
• Less than 10 days before departure ‐ No Refund
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17. GUIDELINES
• Synapses reserves the right to revise the itinerary and cost of
the event if the situation so desires due to unforeseen
Essentials
circumstances. • T‐SHIRTS (preferably dry‐fits)
• The event is subject to ‘Force Majeure’ conditions. • TRACK LOWERS
• Requests for cancellations / refunds to be made in written. • THERMAL INNERS (Upper & Lower)
• While there is no last date for payments, however, making • WINDPROOF SUIT (Upper & Lower)
reservations at the earliest will only contribute to getting • SWEAT SHIRT
positive confirmations. • SHORTS
• Indian citizens under the aegis of SAARC countries do not need • TREKKING BOOTS (Avoid Brand New!)
a visa for Nepal. However it is required that individuals carry • SUN CAP & BALACLAVA
their passports. • TOILETRIES
• We recognize risk as part of the environment where we travel. • TOWEL
This outlook helps us to be more aware and maintain our • FLASHLIGHTS (preferably head torch)
safety standards accordingly. • EXTRA BATTERIES
• Participants are required to maintain a basic level of fitness • SUNSCREEN, minimum 50spf
which entails running up to 5kms / 30mins every day. The • SUN GLASSES
‘stamina building’ for the trek should begin well in advance, by • DOWN JACKET
at least 02 months.
• PERSONAL MEDICATION – if any
• Certain equipment such as the Windproof Suits or Down • DUFFEL BAG ‐ LARGE and a DAY PACK
Jackets may not be readily available in the market. These
• PEN KNIFE
however are very important for the trek as they help in
sustaining against the wind chill and extreme cold factors.
• SOCKS (min.5 pairs) – Cotton & Woollen
We can assist you with procuring the same on rent or on • WATER PROOF SUIT / PONCHO
purchase.
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18. ABOUT US
About Synapses:
As an organization, Synapses comes across as one with a lot of
energy and enthusiasm at its core, one that wants to learn more
and do better. With a team of young and passionate enthusiasts,
Synapses puts forward its expertise in Outdoor Education, Travel,
and Adventure. An extensive background in training coupled with
a passion for the Great Outdoors has enabled Synapses to set up a formal approach to learning with experience
– ‘Experiential Learning’. The Team has specialized in mountaineering and experiential learning activities with
the most reputed institutions of the country, like the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Nehru Institute of
Mountaineering & National Outdoor Leadership School. A unique blend of corporate and outdoor experience
has thus enabled Synapses develop an edge in delivering quality training, while building on ‘Camaraderie’ &
developing ‘Leadership Skills’for organizations and educational institutions.
Whilst keeping the remotest parts of the world as the centre of their activities, Synapses endeavors to
encourage and inspire individuals of any level through positive experiences and participation in engaging and
motivating tasks and events.
The association:
Our association represents our commitment to each other borne out of having understood our collective
values, objective and vision. Together we aim to establish distinct benchmarks in our endeavors, while at the
same time realizing our responsibilities towards society and the environment.
With the association thus established, we look forward to enriching experiences, that of our customers and our
very own as well!
‐ 18 ‐
19. CONTACT
For details, clarifications and bookings, please contact any one on the team
Aditya Shinde Mandeep Dhillon Rohit Chawla
- +91 9968330067 - +91 9968323205 - +91 9871042235
aditya@synapses.in mandeep@synapses.in rohit@synapses.in
or mail your details and queries to: connect@synapses.in
log on : www.synapses.in
Synapses
1021, Sector 29, Noida (NCR)
Uttar Pradesh, INDIA – 201 301
Tel: +91 120 4321869 Fax: +91 120 4257027
Our planet has never been as vulnerable as it is
today, We have taken a pledge to carry with us, at
all times, a commitment to conservation
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