Khumbu Valley Trek in Nepal, Mountains, Travel
Nepal is a country greatly diverse in its cultures and heritage and famed for its majestic mountain ranges, six of which make up eight of the highest eight- thousander’s in the world. Today the region has become the ultimate destination for guided tours and treks, catering for the different needs of each climber.
The Khumbu Valley Trek provides an opening into a hidden jewelry box and due to its location in the Himalayas, Khumbu Valley elevation varies from 3,300 meters to 8,850 meters – the highest point in the world; Mount Everest. Khumbu is one of three distinct sub regions: Sherpa, which is the main settlement, Solu and Pharak. The 15-day trek provides the best that the area has to offer within a reasonable time frame; in any case the amazing backdrop surrounded by the Sagarmatha National Park deserves to be fully appreciated. The trek grade allocated to this particular hike, ranges from moderate to difficult. What renders this particular walk demanding is its isolation, making any form of medical contact difficult and turning back in bad weather nearly impossible. It is vital to use an experienced, local trekking company as when problems arise without their support it could seriously jeopardize the excursion.
Day one: trekkers fly from Kathmandu to Lukla sitting at 2,805m and make their way to Phakding. Day two: trek to Namche Bazaar where trekkers will overnight and spend day three acclimatizing with optional hikes around Namche. It is necessary to rest, for even the slightest complaint provides a dangerous situation for all. Day four: from Namche an exploration of the Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde before making way to the Thyangboche Monastery on day five. Day six: a trek to Dingboche village where another day will be spent acclimatizing, again optional hikes to Chukung. Day eight: trek to Lobuche, making your way up to Khumbu Glacier, Everest’s Base camp where trekkers overnight at Gorakshep on day nine. Day ten: a morning trek up to Kala Patthar will allow you the incredible encounter with Mt. Everest at Everest view point. The afternoon will take you back to either Lobuche or Pheriche while day eleven will provide a chance to visit Phortse village. Day twelve: revisit Namche Bazaar and Monjo or Phakding on day thirteen. Day fourteen will take you back to the original point where you will get the chance to recuperate before flying out to Kathmandu on the last day of the trek, day fifteen.
The trek requires minimal gear for mountaineering but it is advised to take along: 50m double rope to every 3-4 people, crampons, ice axe, walking boots, dead-men or snow-bars, ice screws and of course the essential ‘goodie pack’.
