May 23 - Early morning (6:00) flight to Lukla and start of the Everest Region. Once we arrive in Luka, we will have lunch before starting the short 4 hour hike to Phakding. The trail isn't very difficult as it meanders along following the Dudh Koshi River winding through small villages and farmland. We will stop for the night at the small village of Phakding, possible known best for its pool tables that never cease to amaze people as they walk by.
May 24th - Phakding (9,300 ft) to Namche Bazaar (11,300 ft) After breakfast we will trek for about 3 hours until reaching the guard post that signifies that we are now entering the Sagarmartha National Park. Armed guards block the gateway until everyone is registered, then we are allowed to pass on to the Khumbu area, home of Mt. Everest. The reason for this security, is that the cost to climb Mt. Everest and some of the other peaks in the parks now run well over $15,000 USD. The government doesn't want any group getting in without making sure they have paid. Also this is a main route for Tibetan traders and they need to be monitored as well. Needless to say, there is a very large military base near Namche making sure everything is OK. After the park entrance you should stop for lunch before the up hill trail to Namche. Once lunch is finished we will cross a very expansive metal bridge that hangs over 2,000 feet above the river below. Crossing this bridge signifies the start of the long climb to Namche. The trail is steep and switch backed, to relieve the angle, but no matter what we will be happy once it is over. At the half way point, we will stop for a rest before continuing on. It will take us another 1.5 hours more before reaching Namche. Namche can't really be seen from the trail, but we will know that we are getting close when buildings start being glimpsed through the trees. We will cross under a sign that says, "Welcome to Namche Bazaar", but not until we walk around the ridgeline will we see this ampitheater style village.
May 25th - Rest Day - Namche Bazaar (11,300 ft). Today is a rest day to acclimatize to the altitude. We will hike to the village of Kumde and a visit to the Hillary Hospital. In Namche, there is a wonderful museum. The history of Mt. Everest is documented in the museum with photos of local Sherpa Men and women that have climbed Mt. Everest. Namche is the largest village in the Sagarmartha National Park and all trails depart and end here. There is a market held each Saturday here. People come from all over the Khumbu bringing potatoes, meat, canned food and live animals; all for sale. The main attraction is the Tibetan traders that brave the high pass from Tibet to sell rugs and what every else they have. The villagers in the area of Nepal are the Sherpa, famous the world over for their climbing ability at high altitudes. They are simple people with a traditional style of dress and customs all their own. If it is a Saturday, we will take the market in Namche.
May 26th - Namche Bazaare (11,300 ft) to Tengboche Monastery (12,694 ft) 5 hours. We will take the trail to Tengboche. We will be heading for the Tengboche Monastery. The hike will start by following a long winding trail, high above the Dudh Koshi River with the highest mountains in the world starting to peak out from behind each turn. As we continue on, we will be crossing one of the many very exciting and scary bridges known to all hikers that come to Nepal. After our river crossing, we will head up hill to the Tengboche Monastery that sits on top of a plateau like a red and white gem. We might stay in one of the teahouses here at the monastery, so that in the morning we can hear them blowing the horns and chanting calling the faithful to prayer. Getting up early will give us the opportunity to sit in on their morning prayers, which is like watching something on National Geographic.
