DreamQuest: Nepal Trek to Everest Base Camp

Trek into Everest Base Camp with Nicki's 2008 Everest Climbing Expedition team!

Kathmandu: A unique stop for the international traveler with fascinating temples and markets. We'll spend a day sightseeing before departing for the trekking and climbing. While in Kathmandu we will see Pashupatinath, Syhumbunath, Bodanath and Durbar Square, fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples all with long interesting histories.

Lukla: We fly into Lukla at 9,000 ft. in either a 16 passenger Twin Otter fixed wing aircraft or 30 passenger Russian helicopter. Excellent views, lodges and food. The start of our trek.

Namche Bazaar: The cultural center of the Khumbu. Home for the weekly market where traders from the lowlands trade with the highland Sherpa people. A good stop for acclimatizing on the way in. We spend a couple days here, seeing the villages of Khumjung and Khundi and the Everest View hotel, for great views of Everest.

Tengboche Monastary: We'll visit the very important monastery here that is the center of the Sherpa people's religion. It has been rebuilt after a major fire in the late 80's. Another day here to acclimatize with Mt. Everest, Tamserku, Kangtaga and Ama Dablam dominating the horizons! This is home for the famous Mani Rimdu festival during the fall season. This is one of the famous "...boches" or holy places where religious llamas touched down while flying through the Himalayas. See Tengboche's website »

The Upper Khumbu Valley: We'll spend several days acclimatizing, taking short day hikes out of Dingboche, up towards the Khumbu glacier and the Chukung Valley.

Everest Base Camp: We'll travel further up the Khumbu Valley to Everest basecamp at 17,500 ft. We'll spend two days here, and hopefully have the opportunity to participate in the traditional Sherpa puja (blessing) ceremony before expedition members begin the climb. From basecamp we can also climb Kala Patar, an easy trekking peak to 18,000 ft across the glacier from Everest and the Khumbu Icefall, offering spectacular views of the S. Col climbing route! For our return trek back out to Namche and Lukla we can alternate the route through Gokyo or Phortse.

Fly Back to Kathmandu: Time to relax, shop or visit more temples in fascinating Kathmandu. We recommend having an extra day planned at the end of the trip to enjoy Kathmandu and all its variety of experiences; it can also help in case of flight delays out from Lukla. Plan some time in Thailand on the way back to enjoy the beaches. Most tickets to the U.S. go through Bangkok.

Dates: March 31 - April 15, 2008
Price: $2,900
Duration: 15 nights, 16 days Kathmandu to Kathmandu. Recommend people arrive a day early.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult trekking at altitude.
Altitude: The schedule is carefully designed to maintain a safe rate of ascent, the most important factor at altitude. Kala Patar is over 18,000 ft.

Cost Includes

Transfers, trekking permits, Nepal Mountaineering Association climbing permit, local transportation, park fees, porters and yaks, all meals and lodging while trekking, lodging (2 nights) in Kathmandu, group climbing/camping equipment, 1 American guide and 1 or 2 Sherpa guides.

Cost Excludes

Airfare to/from Kathmandu and flights to/from Lukla (approximately $192), visas and departure taxes, food and lodging in Kathmandu, tips, bottled water, soda, alcohol. Note, you will be responsible for any additional costs associated with delays due to flights and weather. Lodging upgrades available for Kathmandu, $300 for 3 nights.