EBC heli trek booklet

home above the clouds...

EVEREST

BASECAMP HELI TREK

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous treks in the world. This 12 days Everest Base Camp Heli trek takes you through the Sherpa land following the footsteps of Hillary to Everest Base Camp. You fly back from Deboche in Helicopter enjoying the spectacular view of the Himalayas arriving straight from 5000M (16404ft.) to 1400M (4593ft.) in Kathmandu.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy your stay in our comfortable luxury lodges throughout the trek.

Visit Everest Base Camp and Kalapattar along with the Sherpa cultures and the Sherpa land.

Experience flying back on an exciting Heli ride to reach Kathmandu the same day from Deboche.

www.y e tim ou n tain h ome. com | 3

09 Nights 10 Days Everest Basecamp Heli Trek Detailed itinerary DAY 01 | ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU Depending on your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel. Evening time can be spent taking a tour in busy Thamel Street or just enjoying your beer in the hotel garden.

Overnight: Gokarna Forest Resort Maximum altitude: 1300m (4265ft) DAY 02 | FLY TO LUKLA (2860M) AND TREK TO PHAKDING (2651M) We make an early start to take a spectacular, short mountain flight to Lukla, the start point for our trek. Watch out for the Langtang and Jugal ranges then the Rolwaling Himal, Gaurisankar and Menlumtse before getting your first glimpse of Everest on the flight. Our trekking crew meets us at the Lukla airstrip and we’ll spend a few minutes sorting out bags etc before setting off through this winding village to the trek start proper at the Khumbu ‘gateway’.

It’s gently downhill on pitched stone trails through low rhododendron forest, small ‘garden’ farms and old and new hamlets to the banks of the foaming

Dudh Koshi River. There will be plenty of short stops to meet the locals, take photographs and just soak up the scenery and the clear mountain air as we meander along, the undulating trail glimpsing views of 6000m snowcapped peaks high above. Passing the enormous mani stone at Thado Koshi we meander up through the many chortens and prayer wheels of Sano and along to our destination of YMH Phakding in time for a late lunch. The afternoon is free to rest in the riverside gardens or sun lounge. For those who wish to we’ll make a short trip up to the higher village and delightful tiny gompa perched on the valley side. Gather again for pre-dinner drinks round the fire followed by evening meal.

Overnight: Yeti Mountain Home – Phakding (2610M) Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Trekking Time: 3hrs walk Hiking Level: Easy Maximum altitude: 2860m (9383ft)

DAY 03 | TREK TO NAMCHE (3440M) After breakfast at lodge, we trek to Namche following with the left bank of DudhKoshi River.

While following the level path along the right bank from the resort, Thamserku 6623 m looms skyward on the opposite bank. After crossing a stream and climbing the terraced hill from the DudhKoshi route, you arrive at Banker.

Walking on the riverbed on the left bank, through a forest you arrive at Chumow where you can visit the Vegetable Farm. Walking along a path with many ups and downs, crossing a stream you pass by a small village located at 2840 m gaining with 230 m from Phakding named Monjo. You stop for lunch here. Then from Monjo, descending stone steps you come to a suspension bridge, and, after a short climb you reach Jorshale. This is the entrance to the National Park, and you must wait here while your guide pays the entrance fees.

Walking beside the river, you reach a forested mountainside and pass a rocky area. After crossing a high,

www.y e tim ou n tain h ome. com | 4

winding path, you descend to the riverbed and reach a V-shaped valley.

The river forks here: the right stream is the DudhKoshi and the left is the BhoteKoshi that leads to Nangpa La. Crossing another suspension bridge and walking a short distance alongside the BhoteKoshi, you ascend to TupDhara where you will get the first view of Mount Everest. From here you ascend gradually up to Namche Bazaar (The Sherpa capital). Dinner at the evening is included.

Overnight: YMH – Namche (3440M) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Trekking Time: 6hrs walk Hiking Level: Moderate with 3 hours of steep ascent to Namche.

Optional Activity: Hike upto the Pema Choling Monastery Maximum altitude: 3440m (11286ft)

DAY 04 | ACCLIMATISATION HIKE TO KHUMJUNG VILLAGE (3790M) Today we’ll take a gentle walk to gain a little height and then have the afternoon free to explore the shops and cafes of this delightful little town.

Your guide will take you to a couple of wonderful viewpoints to see the ‘rockstars’ of the mountain world spread out before you: Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Ama Dablam... they ring the deep valley sides in a magnificent arena. You should also be able to see the trails to Everest. If you’re feeling energised we’ll continue on to the delightful villages of Kumjung and Kunde with their health post and school both started by the Sir Edmund Hilary Fund.

After lunch, you are free to head down to the Namche market to browse the shops, chat to the locals and maybe pick up a souvenir or two. You may

www.y e tim ou n tain h ome. com | 5

DAY 06 | EXCURSION TO PHORTSE AND BACK TO DEBOCHE (3820M) We head to a small Phortse village today that will pay off with rewarding views, but taking it easy for today is the important thing. Although, we can climb a ridge located behind the village and see six of the world’s tallest peaks including Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Phortse is a beautiful village situated at the elevation of 3810M above sea level.

A very quiet village in the Khumbu is about 6 KM away from Namche. An interesting place to explore the Sherpa village which we can get to experience after we check into our lodge along with the views of Cho Oyu, Machermo, Thamserku and Kwangde Peak.

Overnight: YMH – Deboche Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Trekking Time: 4/5hrs walk Hiking Level: Easy Maximum altitude: 3820m (12532ft)

DAY 07 | EXCURSION TO AMA DABLAM BASE CAMP AND BACK TO DEBOCHE (3820M) also see the Tibetan traders who make a yearly journey over the high passes (Nangpa La) from the Tibetan plateau with their yaks laden with goods to sell at the markets. Late in the afternoon there’s an option to visit Namche Monastery. The monastery is about 80 years old and has beautiful Thanka paintings of Tibetan deities. You are most welcome to burn a butter lamp for your loved ones.

monastery shows us a divine universe built under the same range. We can observe a Buddhist religious ceremony.

Overnight: Yeti Mountain Home – Deboche Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Trekking Time: 4hrs walk Hiking Level: Easy Maximum altitude: 3820m (12532ft)

Today we will walk to Ama Dablam base camp that lies at the elevation of 4600M. We start today descending and crossing the river after which ascend up to Cholungche Khola. The trail gradually climbs up to Ama Dablam Base Camp at the elevation of 4600M with views of the amazing Himalayas including Lhotse (8516M), Nuptse (7879M), Pumori (7165M), Khumbi La (5765M), Kwangde Ri (6011M) and of course Ama Dablam (6856M).

Overnight: Yeti Mountain Home – Namche (3440M) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Trekking Time: 4hrs walk Hiking Level: Easy Maximum altitude: 3790m (12434ft)

DAY 05 | TREK TO DEBOCHE (3820M) Today we will ascend towards the biggest monastery of the Everest region located at Tengboche. It encloses within Sagarmatha National Park which is listed in a UNESCO world heritage site. The trek to Phunki will be easy, but soon the ascending will start becoming challenging. The panoramic view of the Himalayas from the

www.y e tim ou n tain h ome. com | 6

We will return back to our lodge which is just below the base camp and spend overnight.

Overnight: Yeti Mountain Home – Deboche Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Trekking Time: 4/5hrs walk Hiking Level: Easy Maximum altitude: 3820m (12532ft) DAY 08 | HELI FLIGHT EVEREST BASE CAMP – FLY TO KATHMANDU (1300M) The highlights of the trek today is our Heli flight to Everest base camp that will take us through the Gokyo Lake, Renjo Pass and to the panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Cho Oyu right in front of us. This 30 minutes

flight is one of the best mountain flights in the world that lets us encounter with many 8000 meter peaks and return back to Lukla.

From Lukla, we take a scheduled flight to Kathmandu. Wave goodbye to the Himalaya on a short, but spectacular flight back to Kathmandu! In clear weather this can be one of the highlights of your tour, with amazing views of the surrounding mountains.

On arrival in Kathmandu we’ll transfer to Gokarna Resort. Then you’ve free time to relax or head into the city. We find most people want to simply unwind and enjoy the hotel facilities – whatever you choose, we’ll help!

Overnight: Gokarna Forest Resort Meals: Breakfast Maximum altitude: 1300m (4265ft)

DAY 09 | FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING IN KATHMANDU (1300M) After breakfast, our tour guide for today will meet you at the lobby for a full day sightseeing in Kathmandu – a culturally rich city with many touristic sites listed as heritage sites. You will be visiting Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Bhaktapur all of which are important heritage sites in Kathmandu.

These heritage sites were affected by the earthquake. Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest stupa in Nepal is fully restored and Swayambhunath

and Bhaktapur are undergoing the restoration process. Your experienced tour guide will share interesting facts and stories about these heritage sites.

After the sightseeing, we will drive to a very nice restaurant “Le Sherpa” for dinner where we can talk and share all the sweet memories up in the mountain. Transfer to hotel after the dinner.

Overnight: Gokarna Forest Resort Meals: Breakfast Maximum altitude: 1300m (4265ft)

DAY 10 | INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE Final departure depending on your flight schedules.

www.y e tim ou n tain h ome. com | 7

14 Nights 15 Days Everest & Annapurna Trek Detailed itinerary DAY 01 | ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU (1300M) All clients are met at the airport in Kathmandu by a our representative who will arrange the transfer to the group’s hotel. After checking in the rest of the day is free and the group will formally meet together for the evening meal which will be taken in one of the city’s famous establishments.

Accommodation: Gokarna Resort Meals: Dinner Maximum altitude: 1300m (4265ft) DAY 02 | FLY TO LUKLA. TREK TO PHAKDING (2610M) An early start for the flight to the high airstrip in the Everest region known as Lukla. This incredible flight is a highlight of the trip, taking us through the Himalayan foothills and offering

Overnight: Yeti Mountain Home – Phakding (2610M) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Trekking Time: 3hrs walk Hiking Level: Easy

perhaps a glimpse of Everest as we come into land on the tiny airstrip at Lukla. After meeting our porters for this section of our trip, we will take lunch in the Yeti Mountain Home lodge and then start our trek with an easy, mostly downhill leg, from Lukla to Phakding. This trek takes us through Sherpa villages and individual farms. Many Sherpas now make their living exclusively from trekking and there are many teahouses and basic lodges where it is possible to stop for a drink. We will also pass by many stones intricately carved with prayers in the evocative Tibetan script, as well as prayer wheels of all sizes. Everywhere in the valley colourful strings of prayer flags flutter from high points and bridges. Dropping down to a trail above the Dudh Kosi (river) we head north to reach our Yeti Mouvntain Home lodge at Phakding. The elevation at this first night’s halt is actually lower than Lukla at 2610 metres.

Maximum altitude: 2610m (8562ft)

DAY 03 | TREK TO NAMCHE (3440M) Leaving Phakding we head north along the west bank of the Dudh Kosi, passing several lodges and tea houses to a high thin waterfall at Benkar (2710m). Here there are sensational views of Thamserku (6623m). Beyond Benkar, we cross the river on a high suspension bridge and continue along the east bank below high cliffs clothed in rhododendron forest. The

www.y e tim ou n tain h ome. com | 8

trail undulates as we negotiate several side valleys bringing melt water from the high peaks. Crossing the Kyashar Khola, we make a final climb to the village of Monjo (2835m) where we pass the entrance to the Sagamartha National Park. We then have a short but steep descent on stone steps to another suspension bridge where we cross once more to the west bank of the Dudh Kosi. We continue up the wooded valley on a good trail and cross the river again before reaching a confluence of rivers one coming down from Thame and the other from the main Khumbu Valley. We make a final crossing here on a spectacular highsuspension bridge and then begin an hour and half long ascent to Namche on a wide switch-back trail.

This is the sting in the tail of today’s otherwise gentle ascent, and one of the steepest of the trip. About half an hour below Namche, we gain our first views of Everest. On arrival in Namche, we can take a breather in one of the town’s coffee shops before finishing off the climb to our Yeti Mountain Home lodge. The location of our lodge is superb giving us a bird’s eye view over Namche and across the Valley to the serrated ridges of the Kongde

DAY 04 | ACCLIMATISATION IN NAMCHE (3840M) Namche Bazaar is tucked away between 2 ridges amongst the giant peaks of the Khumbu. An ancient market place where goods from as far away as Tibet were and still are traded, Namche today boasts an abundance of lodges, cafes, bars and souvenir shops. Close to our lodge is the internationally known Museum of Sherpa Culture and the traditional villages of Khunde (3840m) and Khumjung are a highly recommended half-day excursion. We spend a second night at our lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Accommodation: Yeti Mountain Home, Namche Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Maximum altitude: 3840m (12598ft)

DAY 05 | TREK TO THAME (3750M) After breakfast at our lodge we start the day with a 2 to 3-hour walk through forest of spruce, juniper and pine to the village of Thamo. This trail is much less used by trekkers and we will immediately notice the difference. It is,

the gorge to reach Thame (3800m).

This important village is the home of many famous mountaineers including Tensing Norgay the first man to reach the summit of Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary. Apa Sherpa who has reached the summit at least 18 times lives here now. The village is very picturesque and also has a magnificent 16th century Nyingmapa gompa (monastery) built by Lama Rolwa Dorje.

We check into our deluxe rooms with breathtaking views of Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru.

Overnight: YMH, Thame Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Trekking Time: 5hrs walk Hiking Level: Easy Optional Activity: Ceremony at the Thame Monastery Maximum altitude: 3750m (12303ft)

range, while the magnificent peak of Thamserku (6623m) rises as a back drop. Just a short walk away is a classic view of Ama Dablam, one of the most beautiful mountains in all Nepal and of Lhotse and Everest.

Accommodation: Yeti Mountain Home, Namche Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Maximum altitude: 3440m (11286ft)

however, an important trail which leads all the way to Tibet via the Nangpa La on the shoulder of Cho Oyu (8012m).

On today’s trek we are likely to see few other trekkers. We stop for our lunch in Thamo which is the home village of the Ang Rita Sherpa, who has summitted Everest 10 times without oxygen.

After lunch, we continue walking for another 2 hours to arrive at a deep gorge where the Bhote Koshi River thunders through the narrow defile.

We cross a sturdy bridge spanning

DAY 06 | TREK TO MONJO (2850M) Trek Back Down To Namche Bazaar And Onwards Beside The Dudh Kosi To Monjo.

Accommodation: YMH, Monjo Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Trekking Time: 5/6hrs Hiking Level: Moderate Maximum altitude: 2850m (9350ft)

www.y e tim ou n tain h ome. com | 9

DAY 07 | TREK TO LUKLA (2800M) With a chance to take in all of the views that were behind us on the way up, we now walk back to Lukla. The prominent mountain of today is Kusum Kanguru which is prominent from this direction.

Descending to ever more lush environs, we walk through several villages before making a final short but steep climb to the airfield at Lukla where we check in at the Yeti Mountain Home lodge. There should be some free time to explore this thriving settlement before returning to our lodge for dinner. This evening we will say goodbye to the trek crew who have been looking after us in the Khumbu.

Accommodation: YMH, Lukla Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Trekking Time: 4/5hrs Trek Hiking Level: Moderate Maximum altitude: 2800m (9186ft) DAY 08 | FLY TO POKHARA VIA KATHMANDU. TREK TO BIRETHANTI (1263M) We will be up early today to catch the spectacular flight back to Kathmandu.

Here we connect with the flight to Pokhara. This equally spectacular flight offers views of the Langtang, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges.

After an optional early morning flight to Mount Everest, we fly to Pokhara (3300 ft /1000 m). We’ll have a briefing at the Ker & Downey head office before we transfer by road with guides & porters to our trek start point {1-hour}. Our walk will follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey’s Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. A picnic lunch is provided with a late afternoon arrival at the Lodge. (Trek time 3-4 hours).

Accommodation: Ker & Downey Lodge ( Sanctuary Lodge ) Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Maximum altitude: 1263m (4143ft) DAY 09 | TREK TO LANDRUK (1565M) After breakfast at the lodge, we have a pleasant morning of trekking alongside the Modi Kola (the river that flows out of the Annapurna Sanctuary). There are great views ahead of us of the

Annapurna peaks and of the sacred ‘Fish Tail’ peak. We cross a suspension bridge to the opposite side of the river and from here it’s about an hour’s trek on a combination of a switchback trail and stone steps to reach the village of Landruk (1565m). Landruk affords more glorious views of the Annapurna range. We arrive at the Ker and Downey La Bee Lodge in time for lunch. After lunch, there is the option to accompany the guide on a sightseeing tour of this pretty mountain settlement.

Accommodation: Ker And Downey Lodge (La Bee Lodge) Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Trekking Time: 4hrs Trek Maximum altitude: 1565m (5134ft.)

DAY 10 | TREK TO MAJGAON (1400M) Leaving Landruk and the valley of the Modi Khola, today’s walk contours the valley-side to the east and heads south, with fairly minor undulations, passing through picturesque villages and farmland with great views looking back to the Annapurnas. We will reach the Ker and Downey Gurung Lodge near to Majhgaon in time for lunch. The lodge is built to resemble a traditional Nepalese village and every room has spectacular views of the surroundingvalley and mountains. The afternoon can be spent in the lodge gardens or we can opt to do some exploration to nearby villages with our guide.

Accommodation: Ker And Downey Lodge (Gurung / Mala Lodge) Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Maximum altitude: 1400m (4593ft) DAY 11 | TREK TO DHAMPUS (1525M) This morning we start out trekking through the unspoilt village of Patlekhet. Our walk takes us through

www.y e tim ou n tain h om e. com | 10

to walk the streets of Kathmandu, which presents a fascinating mosaic of shops, cafes and restaurants, food markets and street vendors, as well as a bewildering array of colourful temples and shrines Accommodation: Gokarna Forest Resort Meals: Breakfast Maximum altitude: 1300m (4265ft) DAY 14 | FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU Your free day in Kathmandu. You can have a full day cultural tour in Kathmandu that we can arrange on request or just stay at the hotel and enjoy the heated swimming pool. sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. Once again, we aim to reach our next lodge in time for lunch.

Our accommodation for the night is at the small, but splendid Ker and Downey Basanta Lodge, where we are treated to sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus.

Accommodation: Ker And Downey Lodge (Basanta Lodge) Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Maximum altitude: 1525m (5803ft)

DAY 12 | DRIVE TO POKHARA (830M) After breakfast, we depart along the ridge & descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. Trek time 1 ½ hours. We then transfer by vehicle to the hotel in Pokhara (40 minutes).

Accommodation: Shangri La Village Resort (Pokhara) Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Trekking Time: 1.5hrs Trek Maximum altitude: 830m (2723ft) DAY 13 | FLY TO KATHMANDU (1300M) We take the morning flight to Kathmandu. One of the attractions of any visit to Nepal is the chance

This evening we will have a celebratory dinner to mark the end of a most excellent trip.

Accommodation: Gokarna Forest Resort Meals: Breakfast/Dinner Maximum altitude: 1300m (4265ft) DAY 15 | FINAL DEPARTURE Transfers to Kathmandu Airport are provided. There are lots of extensions that can easily be added to your holiday in Nepal. Extension packages are also available to include a visit to neighbouring Tibet or Bhutan. Contact our office for details.

Meals: Breakfast

www.y e tim ou n tain h om e. com | 11

LEGEND Kathmandu Valley Fly Route Trekking Route YMH Lodge

Gokyo Ri Pumori

Location River Pond

Mt. Everest

Gumba Village Forest

Gokyo Ri

Lhotse

Tobuche Ama Dablam

www.y e tim ou n tain h om e. com | 12

YMH Lodges “Yeti Mountain Home luxury lodges offer an incredible experience in the high Himalaya."

Our six beautiful lodges will make your Everest trek a truly unforgettable experience – in the best possible way. All built using sustainable technologies, employing local people, growing our own vegetables and with the depth and generosity of a warm Sherpa welcome, Yeti Mountain Home luxury lodges offer an incredible experience in the high Himalaya.

As well as our YMH Treks we also welcome independent trekkers who wish to plan their own journeys and stay here or there for a night or more. If you’re planning to trek in the Khumbu and have your own itinerary in mind, you are very welcome to enjoy the comfort and warmth of our beautiful mountain homes for as long as little as you like.

In the autumn and spring seasons it is best to book in advance: you can use our own booking facility here, email us for advice and information.

If you prefer to be completely flexible feel free to call in for a delicious lunch or dinner or a lovely comfy room for the night.

Our doors are always open for passers-by!

YMH KONGDE

YMH LUKLA

YMH MONJO

www.y e tim ou n tain h om e. com | 13

VIEW FROM YMH KONGDE

YMH PHAKDING

YMH NAMCHE

YMH KONGDE

www.y e tim ou n tain h om e. com | 14

Gokarna Forest Resort is situated inside the Gokarna Protected Forest which in the past used to be the private royal hunting ground of the kings of Nepal. The quiet, natural and peaceful environment of the resort makes it the perfect getaway for relaxation and indulgence with the most exotic forest views from our cottage rooms.

Marking a difference in Helicopter Airlines, Altitude Air Pvt .Ltd. is committed to the highest level of safety and performance! Comprising of veterans who have made a significant growth and contribution in the field of tourism and made Nepal proud, our team of highly qualified and experienced personnel is our biggest pride and strength!

Tara Air provide the most extensive connectivity in the Mountains of Nepal.

Tara Air is the newest and biggest airline service provider in the Nepalese mountains. This company has started business with the mission of helping develop the rural Nepal. Accordingly, our service is concentrated in the hills and mountains of the country from the Far East to the Far West.

www.y e tim ou n tain h om e. com | 15

Guides

Ang Phurba Sherpa

Lhakpa Sona Sherpa

Pasang Temba Sherpa

Tenzing Sherpa

Responsible Attitude As Sherpa people we have a great desire to protect our environment as ‘Guardians of the Himalayas’ while encouraging tourists to explore our wonderful world.

We’ll help ensure that your visit will have a positive impact on local communities, and which will very much add to your experience.

In all of our lodges water is heated by solar power, and electricity comes directly from local hydro projects.

In Phakding we have our own hydro plant and the electricity generated is shared with the local village.

We are working on a scheme to create brickettes using recycled materials, such as paper and leaves, to burn on our stoves rather than yak dung and fallen wood collected from the lower valleys.

Being deep in the mountains we have everything carried in and by doing so we employ a great number of local men and women. Ninety per cent of our lodge staff are locally employed. Similarly, our guides and the team with you on the trail are all Nepalese and the vast majority again are from this

region.

We are currently designing a scholarship scheme for schools local to the places you will visit. Its aim is that a percentage of our income will go towards supporting a number of children in the area to go through schooling. In this way we can also help the future of the region as well as the present.

Your food where possible is local. Much of the fresh produce you eat is from the local village, grown by our neighbors. This way you are enjoying seasonal organic vegetables of the highest

quality while supporting the local community.

Perhaps our largest contribution goes to the Pasang Lhamu Mountaineering Foundation established in 1993. Pasang Lhamu Sherpa was the first woman to summit Mount Everest although tragically she died on the descent.

She holds a very dear place within our hearts at Yeti Mountain Home.

The foundation helps finance many projects that help to improve life in the Khumbu region. Some of the foundation’s active projects are listed below:

l

Education for children whose parents have been killed in the mountains

l

Vocational training such as craft workshops for women from deprived and remote areas

l

Family health centres

l

The building and support of Lukla Hospital

l

Building porter shelters in many different trekking regions

l

Tree plantation

l

Peak cleaning and pollution control

www.y e tim ou n tain h om e. com | 16

Package Details for Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Services Include Airport/Hotel/Airport Transfers 3 night Hotel Gokarna Resort on Full Board in Twin Room

Trekking Duffle Bag, walking Stick, water bottle Welcome & Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu

Sightseeing with entrance fee Bhaktapur & Boudha Service does not include:

Trekking Staffs and Porters

Personal equipment & Insurance

9 nights YMH Lodges as per program on FB National Park & TIMS/PLRM entrance Fee Heli Flight from Louche to Lukla Flight: Ktm-Lukla-Ktm with airport tax

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek The Cost Minimum 2 pax US$ 3235.00 Per person Single Room Supplement US$ 510.00

English Speaking Nepali Leader

All staffs daily wages/ Insurance

Cost

Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks

Annapurna and Everest Trek

Expenses of personal nature.

The Cost Minimum 2 pax US$ 3455.00 Per person

Nepal Visa Fee US$ 40 Per person

Single Room Supplement US$ 770.00

Tips for Staffs Emergency rescue evacuation if needed

Package Details for Annapurna and Everest Trek Services Include Airport/Hotel/Airport Transfers

Trekking Duffle Bag, walking Stick, water bottle

3 night Hotel Gokarna Resort on Full Board in Twin Room

Flight: Ktm-Lukla-Ktm & Ktm-PKR-Ktm with airport tax

1 night Hotel Shangri- La on Full Board in Twin Room

Welcome & Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu

Sightseeing with entrance fee Bhaktapur & Boudha English Speaking Nepali Leader Trekking Staffs and Porters All staffs daily wages/ Insurance 6 nights YMH Lodges as per above program on FB 4 nights K & D Lodges as per program on FB National Park & TIMS/ PLRM Entrance Fee

For More Inquiry & Booking

Service does not include: Personal equipment & Insurance Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks Expenses of personal nature.

Nepal Visa Fee US$ 40 Per person Tips for Staffs Emergency rescue evacuation if needed

Pasang Sherpa Phone: +977 1 4438570 Mobile: +977 9813905863 Email: info@yetimountainhome.com Skype Id: yetimountainhome

www.y e tim ou n tain h om e. com | 17

A typical day on the

Everest Base Camp Heli & Annapurna Trek Wake up to a hot drink brought to your room by our lovely Sherpa team.

Pack your bags and get ready for the day then potter down to a leisurely breakfast. The porters will arrive as you’re breakfasting to carry your trek bag up to our next overnight stop. We usually walk for an hour or so before taking a break and of course there are lots of wonderful views, people and interesting things and photo stops along the way too. We usually reach our next lodge in time for a late lunch then check into our rooms and relax for a while. In Namche and Lukla the masseur is on hand all afternoon for appointments: you may like to book in for a treatment. Or you might feel like exploring the local village and hills maybe with your guide or maybe by yourself. We re-group again for drinks around the fire. We finish the day with a three course meal – local style or Western there’s plenty of variety and lots of taste! We tend to drift off to bed fairly early although a quick peak outside at the night sky, particularly higher up where the heavens are really ablaze with stars, can be a late night treat before sleep.

USEFUL INFORMATION FOR YOUR TREK Insurance: It is essential that you have appropriate travel insurance for this trip. Make sure your insurance includes helicopter rescue and evacuation.

Previous clients have used the BMC (UK), Snowcard, WorldNomad and TravelEx. Nepal country information and visas: for European, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand visitors you can either purchase a visa in advance from the Nepalese Embassy in your home country of buy one on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu. A 30 day visa currently costs $40pp payable in USD or Nepali Rupees. You’ll need a passport photograph.

IN CASE OF FLIGHT CANCELLATION Please be aware that flying into mountains with unpredictable weather conditions can sometimes lead to flight

delays or changes. Our agents always endeavor to make sure you reach your destination on time and will re-arrange your ticket to the next available flight.

When encountering severe delays this may mean changing the trek itinerary or your international flights.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: THIS TREK IS IT FOR YOU?

IF KATHMANDU TO LUKLA FLIGHT IS POSTPONED:

This is a combination of Moderate & Strenuous grade trek: most trek days are 4-5 hours long with only a couple being a little longer; altitude gain is usually around 300-500m /day and the paths and tracks are generally wide and well-marked.

In case of flight delays to Lukla we will endeavour to accommodate you at the Gokarna Resort/other hotel based on their availability until we have a confirmed flight for you. We will adjust the itinerary to ensure you get as much time as possible in the mountains. This may mean reducing / removing the Kathmandu nights at the end of the trip.

IF LUKLA TO KATHMANDU FLIGHT IS POSTPONED: In case that the flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is cancelled you will be asked to cover the additional YMH lodge costs in Lukla.

IF FLIGHTS CANNOT OPERATE DUE TO EXTREME BAD WEATHER: In extreme conditions the regular flights cannot operate. In such cases, Yeti Mountain Home can assist you by providing a helicopter service. You will be asked to pay this extra cost (less the regular flight ticket price). You may wish to place a claim for this with your insurance company on return to your home country.

RECOMMENDED PERIODS Spring: Mid of April-June. Come and visit when the rhododendrons and alpine flowers are in full bloom.

Expect clear skies and sunshine in the mornings with some light cloud cover later in the day Autumn / Winter: Mid of September – December. October can be busy, but at this time of year the weather is normally very stable except crisp sunny days and cold evenings.

“Everest: Yeti’s Trail” program is designed for those who are seeking for adventure and those who want to get a taste of the high mountain experience and to be amongst the Sherpa community.

We ask that you have a reasonable level of fitness, but you don’t need to be an experienced trekker to enjoy this trip. But trekking experience would work wonder while going through these trails. Your trek leaders will ensure we take a comfortable pace on the trail and you’ll have Sherpa support in every step of the way. If you’re comfortable going on day walks in low hills in your home country (e.g. the Cotswolds, UK) or maybe you swim, cycle or take a class a couple of times a week you should find this trek well within your means.

Having a hot shower and many other creature comforts to look forward to makes each day’s trekking even more of a joy! (And you can always indulge in a massage or other spa treatment at our Namche and Lukla lodges to relax any tired or achy muscles) THE LODGES Yeti Mountain Homes are a group of luxury lodges situated in the Khumbu / Everest region of Nepal. They are owned by a local family offering the full warmth of a traditional Sherpa welcome with the comfort of the best boutique hotels: crisp linen sheets, en-suites with hot showers, cozy lounges with log fires and well-stocked bars; local and international cuisine from our talented chefs. Yeti Mountain Home lodges offer a high-class, high mountain experience beyond compare. On “Everest: Yeti’s Trail: Thame Legendary”, you’ll stay at Yeti Mountain Home lodges in Phakding, Namche, Thame, Monjo, Kongde and Lukla.

www.y e tim ou n tain h om e. com | 18

Everest at night

info@yetimountainhome.com | www.yetimountainhome.com