Gokyo Lakes and Ama Dablam Base Camp

28 April 2017—17 May 2017

Escorted from Adelaide by Neil Teasdale

Join Neil Teasdale, trekking enthusiast of the Scout and Annapurna Outdoor Stores, and

experience a once in a life time trek to Ama Dablam. View extraordinary scenery of

Everest, visit Sherpa villages and local monasteries as you trek amongst dramatic mountain

scenery to the beautiful lakes of the Gokyo Valley.

What’s Included?

Escorted from Adelaide By Neil Teasdale

Return Economy class airfares including taxes

16 Day Trek with English speaking local tour leader

All meals included as per the itinerary

$5040.00 per person *

Gokyo Lakes and Ama Dablam Base Camp—20 days departing 28 April 2017

Itinerary

Friday 28th April, 2017

Today you will depart Adelaide upon a Singapore Airlines flight bound for Singapore, where you will spend your first night.

Upon arrival in Singapore you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation: Actual hotel to be advised

Saturday 29th April, 2017

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Kathmandu. Arriving into Kathmandu, whether your first visit or your hundredth this is a view not to missed. You will see small villages and farming terraces, and of course the majestic Himalayan Mountains that surround the Kathmandu Valley.

On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport by our representative who will be waiting with a Peregrine sign outside the terminal.

After checking into your room there will be some free time before your trek leader gives you a detailed briefing on the program ahead. The evening is at leisure.

Accommodation: Shangri La Hotel or similar, Kathmandu

Sunday 30th April, 2017

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu today. Visit Bodhnath Stupa, a Tibetan Buddhist shrine that pilgrims circumnavigate as they chant their prayers. Then head to the Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you’ll see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. Return to your hotel around lunchtime, with the afternoon free for further sightseeing or maybe some shopping in Thamel, the main tourist area of the city. Late in the afternoon you will be provided with your sleeping bag, high altitude trek jacket and kitbag for use on trek. Your guide will also update you with plans for the following day.

Meals: Breakfast

Monday 1st May, 2017

PHAKDING (2650m)

Trekking: approx 3 hours

The early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2830m) is spectacular, with sensational views of the Himalayan range. The Lukla airstrip was built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid 1960’s and after landing with your guide your local porters will sort and load your trekking equipment before you start trekking towards the Dudh Kosi River. Here you join the main trading trail to Namche Bazaar, at Chaunrikharka (2720m). The walking is delightfully easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat you cross the river to your overnight lodge at Phakding (2650m).

Meals: Breakfast

Kathmandu airport transfers

Trek Pack for use on trek—including trek permits &

portable altitude chamber

Twin share accommodation

Tuesday 2nd May, 2017

NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440m)

Trekking: approx 4 hours

You walk through pine and rhododendron forest to Benkar where you have beautiful views of Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2840m), arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon you enter the National Park, where permits are checked, and then pass through the village of Jorsale (2805m). The trail leads to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi, from where you start the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. After crossing the high suspension bridge we suggest you walk at a slow and steady pace and make the most of the fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8511m), Nuptse (7879m), Ama Dablam (6856m) and Taweche (6542m) come into view for the first time. You arrive at Namche Bazaar in time for lunch and the afternoon is free to explore the village.

Meals: All meals included

Wednesday 3rd May, 2017

NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440m)

Acclimatization

To aid acclimatisation your guide will organise a morning walk to the cultural museum above the village. You then ascend to the airstrip at Shyangboche and then, less steeply, towards the Everest View Hotel for stunning views of Everest and Ama Dablam over a cup of tea or hot chocolate. You return to Namche for lunch and the afternoon is free to relax or shop in the bazaar. It is recommended that you take the opportunity to see either the sunrise or sunset views from the National Park Headquarters above the village. The view is stunning.

Meals: All meals included

Thursday 4th May, 2017

MONGLA (3970m)

Trekking: approx 4 hours

In the morning you climb out of the village to ascend to the airstrip at Shyangboche and then to Khumjung - the largest village in the region. The holy peak of Khumbilya (5761m) looms above the and you follow the trail that contours around its lower slopes, passing through beautiful birch forest and then climbing on open grassy slopes to Mongla located on top of a rocky ridge. From the lodge there are superb views of the surrounding mountains and the village of Phortse, seen across the valley amid a patchwork of stone-walled fields.

Meals: All meals included

Marque de Riscal Hotel

Friday 5th May, 2017

DOLE (4040m)

Trekking: approx 4 hours

In the morning you pass the Buddhist stupa shrine on the ridge and commence the steep 300 metre descent into the Dudh Kosi Valley. At Phortse Bridge you ascend steeply through forest and then contour high above the valley, enjoying dramatic views of Kantega, Thamserku and Ama Dablam (6856m). Your first view of Cho-Oyo (8153m), at the head of the valley, is enjoyed about an hour beyond Phortse Bridge as you emerge above the tree line. The trail is easy to follow, and well defined, with impressive rock faces and waterfalls lining the route. You pass the small yak herding settlements of Tongba (4015m) and Gyele (4050m) and from here it’s a short descent to Dole (4084m), After lunch you can explore the upper Dole Valley, for beautiful views of Cho-Oyo and Gyachung Kang (7922m) at the head of the valley. The imposing peaks of Taweche (6542m) and Cholatse (6440m) lie across the valley to the east.

Meals: All meals included

Saturday 6th May, 2017

MACHHERMO (4460m)

Trekking: approx 3 hours

The trek up the Gokyo Valley ascends gently but it is essential you acclimatise properly so today is another short walk. You begin with a short but steep climb to regain the main Dudh Kosi Valley. You will feel the altitude so take your time to enjoy the view and rest as often as you wish. The barren and open alpine scenery is particularly spectacular and after two hours you arrive at Luza (4360m) for a welcome tea break. Frrom here it is only a further hour ’s walk to your lodge at Machhermo (4460m) where you spend the night. In the afternoon it is worthwhile heading up the valley and ascending the ridge line below Kyajo Ri (6168m) and Machhermo Peak (6073m). Machhermo is famously known for Yeti sightings in 1974; three yaks were killed and a Sherpa girl injured when the Yeti came into the village.

Meals: All meals included

Sunday 7th May, 2017

GOKYO (4460m)

Trekking: approx 4 hours

You leave the lodge at Machhermo by climbing out of the valley to follow Dudh Kosi Valley northwards. Tibetan snow cocks are often found in this area where the valley widens at Pangka (4390m). The jumbled, terminal moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier (the largest in Nepal) can be seen ahead and the trail follows the left side of the glacial moraines. The route is well defined as you picks your way through a maze of boulders to reach the first of the Gokyo lakes followed by a second lake at Longponga (4690m). The trail then ascends gently to the third lake at Gokyo (4750m). Gokyo itself consists of a number of lodges and stone walled paddocks and yaks can be seen grazing on the surrounding hillsides. After lunch it is recommended that you take it easy due to the altitude, but if you are feeling fit, take a short walk to the ridge at the back of Gokyo for views down to the huge Ngozumpa Glacier.

Meals: All meals included

Bodegas Portia Winery

Monday 8th May, 2017

MACHHERMO (4460m)

Trekking: approx 5 hours

For the best views you rise early to ascend Gokyo Peak (5360m). The two hour walk is demanding due to the altitude but the reward is one of the best panoramas in the Everest area. From the top, four 8000-metre peaks can be seen - Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyo (8153m), Lhotse (8511m) and Makalu (8481m) as well as many more Himalayan giants in this amazing panorama of summits. Looking down, the village of Gokyo looks like a mere speck and the turquoise blue waters of the lake shimmers in the sunlight. The huge Ngozumpa Glacier is awesomely impressive due to its sheer size. You head back to Gokyo for brunch and then retrace your steps back down the valley to Machhermo.

Meals: All meals included

Tuesday 9th May, 2017

PHORTSE (3820m)

Trekking: approx 5 hours

From Machhermo you retrace your steps down the valley to Dole, where you rejoin the forested trail that descends to the river at Phortse Bridge. Musk deer are often seen on this section of the trail so keep your eyes open for this beautiful animal. You can take lunch at the village and then branch off the main trail to Namche to cross the Dudh Kosi and ascend to the village of Phortse. Phortse is one of the more traditional Sherpa villages in the Khumbu region, and surprisingly few trekkers stop here on their Everest trek.

Meals: All meals included

Wednesday 10th May, 2017

PANGBOCHE (4360m)

Trekking: approx 6 hours

From Phortse the trail ascends on an exposed trail, with views across to the monastery at Thyangboche. After descending to the Imja Khola, you follow the main trail to Everest to the village of Pangboche, where the peak of Ama Dablam towers above the skyline. We check into our lodge and after lunch visit the beautiful monastery that once housed the legendary Yeti scalp. If you are still feeling energetic a short climb above the village offers fine views of Everest and the Lhotse ridge and arguably the regions most spectacular mountain, Ama Dablam.

Meals: All meals included

Zorilla square in Valladolid

Thursday 11th May, 2017

PANGBOCHE - excursion to Ama Dablam Base Camp

(4020M)

Trekking 6 hours

Today’s walk takes you away from the main trail to Everest to Ama Dablam Base Camp to enjoy spectacular mountain scenery not seen by most trekkers to the region. From your lodge you descend to the Imja Khola river and begin the ascent on open alpine slopes to Lhabarma. The mountain looms directly above as you trek to the base camp located at an open yak pasture at an altitude of 4,560m. The standard climbing route on Ama Dablam follows the south west ridge so if you look towards the right hand skyline you may see climbers on the mountain. There are also excellent views of Kantega (6,783m), Thamserku (6,618m) and Tawoche (6,542m. After enjoying a packed you return to your lodge in Pangboche.

Meals: All meals included

Friday 12th May, 2017

NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440m)

Trekking: approx 5 hours

You make a leisurely start from Pangboche descending down the valley with the peaks of Ama Dablam and Taweche looming majestically above the trail. After crossing the Imja River you ascend through rhododendron and birch forest to Thyangboche where you take lunch and explore the monastery. In the afternoon it is a steep descent through forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Phunkitenga where you cross the Dudh Kosi river and ascend to the small village of Trashinga. From here the walking becomes easier as the trail contours high above the valley through Sanasa and on to your overnight halt at Namche Bazaar.

Meals: All meals included

Saturday 13th May, 2017

PHAKDING (2650m)

Trekking: approx 4 hours

There is a final opportunity to visit the shops in the bazaar and maybe send an email before you descend steeply down to the large suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River. Back at lower altitudes, fit and well acclimatised, the walking is now easy as you follow the trail through Jorsale and back to Monjo, where you can take lunch. In the afternoon you take a leisurely stroll down the valley through Benkar and back to your lodge in Phakding.

Meals: All meals included

Sunday 14th May, 2017

LUKLA (2800m)

Trekking: approx 3 hours

It is only a few hours walking to the airstrip in Lukla. The first part of the walk follows the valley before making a gradual ascent passing through Chaunrikharka to your hotel located close to the airport. In the evening enjoy a quiet a celebration.

Meals: All meals included

Monday 15th May, 2017

LUKLA-KATHMANDU

Depart from the short Lukla airstrip for the return flight to Kathmandu. On arrival you are met and transferred back to your hotel and the rest of the day is free to do souvenir shopping or further sightseeing. Enjoy a final evening out tonight with your guide.

Meals: Breakfast

Tuesday 16th May, 2017

DEPARTURE

After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your homeward flights. Room checkout time is 11.00am. If you wish, or need, to stay longer we can arrange an extra night’s accommodation at the time of booking.

Meals: Breakfast

Wednesday 17th May, 2017

This morning you will arrive into Adelaide.

Juve y Camps Winery

Peregrine Travel Centre Adelaide

P: 08 8223 5905

E: adventures@peregrinetravel.com.au

1/192 Rundle Street , Adelaide SA 5000

www.peregrinetraveladelaide.com.au

Gokyo Lakes and Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek— with Neil Teasdale

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CONDITIONS & PAYMENT DETAILS:

Prices are subject to subject to change and availability.

A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the tour cost per person is required upon booking.

The final balance is required 90 days prior to departure.

Price is based on 12 passengers travelling. Any change to this will require a re-cost.

Prices are based on USD therefore if the exchange rate changes more than 3% a surcharge may be applied.

TOUR CANCELLATION

Cancellations must be in writing. The following scale will apply:

Deposit - non-refundable

After final payment, 100% cancellation fee applies.

PAYMENT

A non-refundable deposit of $1530.00 per person is payable on booking. The final balance of the monies will be due 30th January 2017. Peregrine

Travel Centre reserves the right to amend the tour cost if the exchange rate alters significantly and if the minimum number of participants are not

reached.

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