The Everest Base Camp Trek l Travel and Discover Nepal

2009 Departure Dates:28th Sept ‐ 13th Oct5th Oct ‐ 20th Oct19th Oct ‐ 3rd Nov9th Nov ‐ 24th Nov7th Dec ‐ 22nd Dec

1. Nepal

2. Kathmandu

3. Adventure in Nepal

4. The Everest Base Camp

6. Itinerary

7. Route Map

8. Package

9. Guidelines

10. About Us

11. Contact Us

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CONTENTS

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Motto: जननी ज मभूिम ःवगाद प गर यसी (Devanāgarī)"Mother and Motherland are Greater than Heaven“

Capital : KathmanduLanguages : Nepali, Hindi, English and

over 90 regional languagesArea : 147,181 sq km

56,827 sq mi Population : 29,519,114 (2008)Currency : Nepalese ‘Rupee’ ‐ NPR

USD 1 = NPR 76.70INR 1 = NPR 1.60

Time Zone : UTC +5:45 / IST + 00:15Religion : Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim

Nepal contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest & Kanchenjunga on the borders with China and India respectively. The topography is varied, from forested flat lands at 70mts to a snow capped point at the top of the world at 8,850mts.

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.

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THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPLUBIC OF NEPAL

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, Samakushiand 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.

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.

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KATHMANDU

KAYAKING and WHITE WATER RAFTINGThe 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!

TREKKING and MOUNTAINEERINGWith 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.

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ADVENTURE in NEPAL

MOUNTAIN BIKINGNepal offers excellent opportunities for Mountain biking. With acombination 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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BUNGEE JUMPINGTo 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?

ADVENTURE in NEPAL

PARAGLIDINGThe 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 SAFARISNepal 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.

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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 DudhKosi 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 RouteKathmandu > Lukla > Phakding > Namche Bazaar > Tengboche > Dingboche > Lobuche > Gorakshep > Everest Base Camp > Gorakshep > Lobuche > Pengboche > Namche Bazaar > Lukla > Kathmandu

THE EVEREST BASE CAMP – 5,365m/17,601ft

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THE EVEREST BASE CAMP – ITINERARY

OVERVIEW

DAY DESTINATION MAX. ALTITUDE

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu 1,400m/4,593ftDay 2 Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu 1,400m/4,593ftDay 3 Flight to Lukla & trek to Phakding 2,850m/9,350ftDay 4 Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,450m/11,318ftDay 5 Rest day in Namche 3,450m/11,318ft Day 6 Trek to Tengboche 3,864m/12,677ftDay 7 Trek to Pheriche 4,252m/13,950ftDay 8 Rest day in Pheriche 4,252m/13,950ft Day 9 Trek to Lobuche 4,930m/16,174ftDay 10 Trek to Gorak Shep and Kala Pattar 5,554m/18,221ftDay 11 Trek to Everest BC, back to Gorak Shep 5,365m/17,601ft Day 12 Trek to Pangboche 3,985m/13,074ftDay 13 Trek to Namche 3,450m/11,318ftDay 14 Trek to Lukla 2900m/9,514ftDay 15 Flight to Kathmandu 1400m/4,593ftDay 16 Depart Kathmandu

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.


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 AmaDablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town.


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, Nuptseand Ama Dablam. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, we descend steeply to a bridge over the river at PhunkiTenga. 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 andsuperb 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 AmaDablam [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.


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.


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 Duglhaand 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 DudhKosi. At Phunki Tenga, we get to see the water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Namche.

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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 KathmanduOn 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).

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ROUTE MAP

The Route

Kathmandu (1400mts) > Lukla (2804mts) > Namche Bazaar (3440mts) > Tengboche(3867mts) > Dingboche (4260mts) > Lobuche (4930mts) > Gorakshep (5180mts) > EBC (5365mts) > Gorakshep (5180mts) > Kala Pattar (5554mts) > Lobuche (4930mts) > Pengboche (3930mts) > Namche Bazaar (3440mts) > Lukla (2886mts) > Kathmandu (1400mts)

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* 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

Package does not include:• International flight & departure tax• Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu• Personal gear & clothing (available on hire)• Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance.

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

PACKAGE

2009 Departure Dates:

28th Sept ‐ 13th Oct5th Oct ‐ 20th Oct19th Oct ‐ 3rd Nov9th Nov ‐ 24th Nov7th Dec ‐ 22nd Dec

Head Cost per person *

16 Days / 15 Nights (Kathmandu – Lukla –EBC – Lukla – Kathmandu)

USD 1,390 INR 66,970

Pricing:

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GUIDELINES

• Synapses reserves the right to revise the itinerary and cost of the event if the situation so desires due to unforeseen circumstances.

• The event is subject to ‘Force Majeure’ conditions.

• Requests for cancellations / refunds to be made in written.• While there is no last date for payments, however, making

reservations at the earliest will only contribute to getting positive confirmations.

• Indian citizens under the aegis of SAARC countries do not need a visa for Nepal. However it is required that individuals carry their passports.

• We recognize risk as part of the environment where we travel. This outlook helps us to be more aware and maintain our safety standards accordingly.

• Participants are required to maintain a basic level of fitness which entails running up to 5kms / 30mins every day. The ‘stamina building’ for the trek should begin well in advance, by at least 02 months.

• Certain equipment such as the Windproof Suits or Down Jackets may not be readily available in the market. These however are very important for the trek as they help in sustaining against the wind chill and extreme cold factors. We can assist you with procuring the same on rent or on purchase.

Essentials

• T‐SHIRTS (preferably dry‐fits) • TRACK LOWERS• THERMAL INNERS (Upper & Lower)• WINDPROOF SUIT (Upper & Lower)• SWEAT SHIRT• SHORTS• TREKKING BOOTS (Avoid Brand New!)• SUN CAP & BALACLAVA• TOILETRIES• TOWEL• FLASHLIGHTS (preferably head torch)• EXTRA BATTERIES• SUNSCREEN, minimum 50spf• SUN GLASSES• DOWN JACKET• PERSONAL MEDICATION – if any • DUFFEL BAG ‐ LARGE and a DAY PACK• PEN KNIFE• SOCKS (min.5 pairs) – Cotton & Woollen• WATER PROOF SUIT / PONCHO

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ABOUT US

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!

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.

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

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CONTACT

Mandeep Dhillon+91 [email protected]

Rohit Chawla+91 [email protected]

Aditya Shinde+91 [email protected]

or mail your details and queries to: [email protected] on : www.synapses.in

Synapses1021, Sector 29, Noida (NCR)

Uttar Pradesh, INDIA – 201 301 Tel: +91 120 4321869 Fax: +91 120 4257027

For details, clarifications and bookings, please contact any one on the team

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Our planet has never been as vulnerable as it istoday, We have taken a pledge to carry with us, at

all times, a commitment to conservation

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.synapses.in/ladakh.html