Ultimate Everest Trek

Ultimate Everest Everest Base Camp, Island Peak & Kala Pattar Trek

In support of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations

Sir Edmund Hillary School Khumjung, Nepal May 8 - May 30, 2011

If you could take only one trek in your life…

How about rewarding your adventuresome soul with the challenge of trekking the Himalayas, world’s greatest mountain region for a close encounter with the mightiest of them all – Mt Everest, Lhoste, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Makalu and the likes?

This wonderful one-time only trek led by our in-house Himalayan expert takes you to the very heart of the Everest Khumbu region, taking in some of the finest mountain scenery to be seen anywhere. We follow the original Everest expedition route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp staying at Sherpa-run tea house accommodation and eco-friendly lodges with expert trekking guides, a yak and porter team providing logistics all the way.

One of the special highlights of this trip is the excitement of spending a magical and yet surreal night at the famous tent city, the Everest Base camp itself. Not offered in any standard base camp itinerary, this is your chance to be among head and shoulders with mountaineers from around the world and witness all the frenzy that goes with climbers attempting to conquer the biggest prize in mountaineering.

Along the way, we stop in Khumjung, a tiny sherpa village at 3840m to visit the Sir Ed Hillary school, first of a series of local schools founded by the late mountaineer in 1961. Here, we join the headmaster, the teachers and students celebrating the 50th Anniversary. Each Atourz trekker donates a desk and a bench specially built with your name and hometown engraved!

A trek to Kala Pattar (5540m) for close up views of Everest and its panorama is the jewel in the crown. We move to ja Valley, the base of Island Peak (6189m), the highest trekking peak in the Everest region. We set up camp for 3 nights to get further acclimatized, take rest and train for our next challenge. Our expert Sherpa team will be in hand to train us on how to trek on glacier ice and the use of ice tools, before an attempt on the peak. Climbing this peak is straightforward but challenging. Our guides are well experienced in this mountain and lead us all the way; we scramble on rock, ascend a snow face fully roped up and then tackle the final ridge using ice axes and crampons. For those who are well acclimatized, determined and have the energy, the summit is a great reward and views from the top provide some of the most striking scenery to be seen in the Himalayas with all the majesty of the world's highest peaks all around you.

To bid farewell to a wonderful trek, Atourz visitors receive a special invitation to take part in the International Mountaineering Day in Kathmandu on May 29, an annual event celebrated by a large gathering of past and present Everest summiters worldwide. The day is a significant one in the mountaineering calendar and celebrates the first ascent of Mt Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953. .

Trip Highlights & Included Extras Exclusive for ATOURZ clients  Tibetan Buddhist Prayer and Khata ceremony in Tengboche Buddhist monastery  Your personalized donation of desks and benches to the Sir Ed Hillary School in Khumjung  Attend the 50th Anniversary celebration events of Sir Ed Hillary School in Khumjung  Sherpa House Museum tour  One night camping at the bustling Everest Base Camp at 17,600ft!  Share a meal at a Sherpa family home in the Khumbu Everest region  Attend the annual International Mountaineers Day (Everest Day) events  Three special dinners incl. welcome dinner at " Rum Doodle" the famous watering hole for the Everest climbers in Kathmandu  Meet with veteran Everest climbers who have summited the world's highest peak a couple of times

Expedition Itinerary May 8 - May 30, 2011 May 8: Kathmandu (1360m) Your expedition host meets you upon arrival in Kathmandu and transferred to Hotel Shankar. An evening trek briefing. Welcome dinner at the Garden of Dreams, a former royal courtyard.

(D) May 9: Kathmandu (1360m) Explore Kathmandu on a guided tour and visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer. Visit Pashupatinath, a famous Hindu temple, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. Walk through the bustling Durbar Square. Afternoon free. Tonight’s dinner is at Rum Doodle, Kathmandu’s famous dining spot for Everest veterans.

(B,D) May 10: Kathmandu/ Lukla(2827m)/ Phakding (2,652m) A spectacular 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m), flying parallel to giant Himalayan mountains. We land at the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid1960s. Time to explore Lukla while our Sherpa team sorts out our luggage and equipment for the trek. We begin our trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar. The walking is easy and after passing through small villages, we overnight in Phakding.

(B, L,D) May 11: Phakding / Namche Bazaar(3,446m) We cross the river and head up the valley to Namche Bazaar. The trail keeps close to the river valley and is lined with beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest that is very spectacular in the spring, when the flowers are in bloom. We cross the Dudh Kosi River again at Benkar, where there are tantalizing glimpses of the snow-capped peaks. En route stop for lunch and afternoon walk includes the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. Namche is a prosperous trading village where Tibetans are often seen trading rugs and Chinese-made goods, clothing, salt and dried meat. After crossing a large suspension bridge high above the river, we slowly ascend with some fantastic photo opportunities as Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse come into view for the first time.

(B, L, D) May 12: Namche Bazaar(3,446m) – Khumjung(3,840m) Visit the Sherpa House Museum to see an interesting display of Sherpa lifestyle and early mountaineering history of the Himalayas.

Today, we trek further north to the village of Khumjung, our base for 2 nights. Spend two days to acclimatize and take part in the 50th Anniversary celebrations at Sir Edmund Hillary School.(B, L, D) May 13 – Khumjung(3,840m) Our second day in Khumjung. We pay another visit to the school to attend a special ceremony and your individual personalized donation to the school (Donation is included). Music and dance show by children of the school.

(B, L, D) May 14: Khumjung/ Tengboche(3,875m) We ascend, through pine, fir, black juniper and rhododendron forests towards monastic village of Tengboche, located in a beautiful meadow surrounded by towering peaks and a peaceful and tranquil setting. The notable peaks seen from here are Kantega, Ama Dablam, the most beautiful peak in the region and, of course, Mount Everest. Evening visit the monastery to witness the "pooja" ceremony and get blessings from monks.

(B, L, D) May 15: Tengboche / Dingboche (4,360m) Another visit to the monastery and the nearby museum. Leave Tengboche on a pleasant walk ascending gradually above the Imja Khola River and passing the tea houses and old glacial moraines on our way to our lodge in Dingboche. The scenery is spectacular and although Everest here disappears behind the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, the huge peaks that tower above the eastern end of the valley are ample compensation.

We are now above the tree-line, and in clear conditions, enjoy a spectacular sunset on Ama Dablam. We spend 2 nights in Dingboche to aid further acclimatization (B,L,D) May 16: Dingboche(4,360m) – Rest & Acclimatization Day Spend the day relaxing or training hike to Chhukung or Imja Glacier for acclimatization.

(B,L,D) May 17 – Dingboche – Lobouche(4930m) Easy day, gradual ascent, good clear path, more isolated desert/rock scenery. Climb the ridge and cross the flat plain above the Pheriche and pass the village of Duglha. Here we pass a row of stone monuments built in memory of climbers who have perished on various expeditions. Overnight in Lobouche.

(B,L,D) May 18 Lobouche - Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp(5,400m) An early ascend on steep valley to Gorak Shep, the last outpost before the Everest Base camp. Throughout the day we have tremendous views of Nuptse and then Pumori, Lingtren and Khumbutse forming the border with Tibet. After a rest and some refreshments at Gorak Shep, we proceed to Everest Base Camp, another 3 hrs away. A hard day but well worth the effort and unforgettable experience to see the life at this desolate and yet much revered place by the mountaineering world. Here’s your chance to savor the hustle and bustle of the frenzy and meet face to face with Everest Climbing Expeditions. Camp at the Everest Base Camp.

(B,L,D) May 19 – EBC – Gorak Shep(5160m) - Kala Pattar – Lobouche Early wake up to witness a ‘pooja’ ceremony at the base camp altar by Everest mountaineering teams (if scheduled.) Hike back to Gorak shep. After a rest, ascent Kala Pattar peak (5545m) for a classic view of Everest's southwest face. All around are the giants of the mountain world, Pumori (7145m), Changtse (7553m), Nuptse (7855m) and Lhotse (8516m). The views are incredible. The Khumbu Icefall and even the tents at Everest Base Camp can be seen. Descent to Gorak Shep. After lunch we head down the valley to Lobouche, where we stop for the night.

(B,L,D) May 20 – Lobouche(4910m)– Chukkung(4780m) We take it easy today trek about 4-hours down the valley, with great views of Island Peak and the spectacular Ama Dablam dominating the skyline. We reach Chukkung for lunch. Afternoon, sit back, relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery.

(B,L,D) May 21 – Chukkung(4780m) – Island Peak Base Camp(5090m) Another short day, a 3-hour trek following the moraines that flow from Lhotse towards the sand flats to Island Peak Base Camp arriving around noon. Free afternoon. Overnight camp.

(B,L,D) May 22 & 23 – High Camp to Island Peak Climb (6189m) We spend the next two days to train and prepare for our biggest challenge of the trek – an attempt on Island Peak. The strategy will be decided, taking into account the group's acclimatization, fitness, weather, snow conditions and other factors. On first day, we rest in the morning and after lunch ascend from Base Camp to High Camp (5700m), a steep, two-hour climb up grassy slopes on a well-defined trail. The site of the camp is just below the permanent snowline. Next morning we leave very early for a summit attempt. The summit push takes approx 5-6 hours, depending on snow and weather. We will fix a rope on the summit headwall for safety on both the ascent and descent. Although it is not a difficult climb technically, the snow slopes are crevassed, the headwall is reasonably steep and a good head for heights is useful. To reach the summit, will power and good stamina is required, but the incredible feeling of achievement atop this 6000metre giant will remain a lifetime memory. The view from the summit is incredible. Descend from the summit to the Island Peak base camp, rest & overnight stay (B,L,D) May 24 Island Peak Base Camp- Pangboche We dismantle camp and head down the valley to Pangboche village where we overnight today.

(B,L,D)

Expedition itinerary (Cont….)

May 25 Pangboche – Namche Bazaar(3446m) Descend to the small settlements through Lower Pangboche to Debuche and then to Tengboche for lunch. In the afternoon, we descend steeply through beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Phunkitenga. We then cross the Dudh Kosi River and ascend to Trashinga. From here the trail contours high above the valley through to Kunde and Khumjung villages before arriving in Namche Bazaar - our stop for the night.

(B,L,D) May 26 – Namche Bazaar – Phakding(2652m) This is your final opportunity to visit the Tibetan market and shops in the bazaar before we descend the trail via Jorsale to Monjo for lunch. Afternoon continue to descend and overnight in Phakding.

(B,L,D) May 27 – Phakding – Lukla(2800m) Our last day of trekking, a short walk on the valley before making the final climb up to Lukla. Lunch and afternoon is free to wander around, relax or enjoy a hot shower! Evening enjoy a farewell dinner and drinks and dancing with our Sherpa friends.

(B,L,D) May 28 – Lukla – Kathmandu(1360m) Flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival transfer to our starting hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and recuperate.

(B) May 29 – Kathmandu(1360m) This morning, you have a chance to take an optional 1-hour sightseeing flight for a bird’s eye view of Mount Everest and other Himalayan giants. Attend the International Mountaineers Day celebrations and enjoy the final farewell dinner and Nepali cultural show with our travelling companions and new-found friends.

(B,D) May 30 – Kathmandu – Home After breakfast, our services ends with transfer to Kathmandu international airport for your return flight home.

(B)

Your Host & Group Leader Priyantha Amarasinghe is a Toronto-based mountaineer who has successfully scaled four of the Seven Summits, the highest points of the seven continents. His mountaineering feats include Mt Aconcagua (South America), Mt Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus, Russia (Europe), Mont Blanc (Western Europe) and Mt Kosciusko (Australia) among several high altitude climbs in the Nepal Himalayas. Apart from being a senior member of the management team at ATOURZ, Priyantha continues to pursue his passion for mountains around the world and his quest for the fabled Seven Summits. The 2011 spring expedition to Everest Himalayas will be his fifth in as many years.

Read Priyantha’s adventure travel articles here http://www.examiner.com/adventure-travel-intoronto/priyantha-amarasinghe

ATOURZ is the tour operator arm of Airliners, one of Canada’s leading travel consolidators since 1996. ATOURZ specializes in unique escorted adventure tours, special interest and niche groups & individual travel services to all of the seven continents of the world.

Pricing & Inclusions Price incl. Domestic Flights (Minimum participation of 5 trekkers required for guaranteed operation of this trek)

5-7 person team: C$3995 per person 8-10 person team: C$3690 per person 11-16 person team: C$3390 per person Price Includes: Domestic flights between Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu; All airport transfers in Kathmandu; 4-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with buffet breakfast daily; Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu with admissions to temples; accommodation and all meals during the lodge-based trek; Twoman mountaineering tent accommodation during Island Peak climb; One night camping at Everest Base Camp with food, foam mattresses, sleeping tent, dining tent, and toilet tent; Daily wages and food during the lodge trek for guide and porters. Complete kitchen equipment will be arranged as per program; Fix ropes, snow bar and pitons for the climbing portion; Transfer of climbing equipment to/from Lukla; Local taxes, climbing/trekking guide, staff, and porters’ insurance; Domestic airport departure tax; Your personal donation and participation at 50th Anniversary celebrations of Sir Edmund Hillary school in Khumjung, Nepal; Attendance at the International Mountaineering Day celebrations in Kathmandu; welcome & farewell dinners in Kathmandu and experienced mountaineering host and leader of Atourz Canada.

Not Included: International airfare to/from Kathmandu; mandatory medical/emergency insurance; meals other than specified; Sleeping bag and your personal trekking/mountain equipment (mountaineering & trekking boots/ trekking poles/backpacks/personal clothing/nutritional food); Beverages, bottled mineral water at restaurants during meals; Personal expenses, tips for guides, porters, drivers and hotel staff.

From Our Past Trekkers….

“A humbling experience, humans touching humans, living an impression….of love, laughter and living” “A trip that showed us more will than skill….”

“You had better be prepared to „meet yourself‟… and there is time to think, to pray, to cry and meditate…”

“No would have‟s, could have‟s. should have‟s. An ultimate high, full-filling a life-long dream!”

Photos: Priyantha Amarasinghe

For Bookings & inquiries, contact your Expedition Leader

Priyantha Amarasinghe, CTM Atourz, 1220 Ellesmere Road, Suite - 1 Toronto, ON M1P 2X5

1 877 727 6387 | 416 485 6387 Ext 6306 E-mail: priyantha@atourz.ca | www.atourz.ca