Known in Tibetan as Chomolungma -"Mother Goddess of the Snows" -Everest is the star of the Himalayas and an irresistible lure to adventurers far and wide.

This region is inhabited by the largest community of Sherpa people and they are well known for their amazing ability to thrive in high altitudes which makes them excellent mountaineering guides. They are also very friendly people with a rich culture that emulates Tibetan culture (since they are descendants of the land).

This trekking journey takes you to the foot of Everest, revealing the extravagant beauty of the region along the way. You'll first visit delightful Sherpa villages and monasteries, where you'll meet the friendly people, soak up the colors, sights, and sounds of village life, and enjoy stays at Sherpa-run lodges.

Then you'll head to the rocky heights of Kala Patar (18,192'), where you'll set your eyes on the awesome face of Everest, and trek to Base Camp, with its views of 50-foot tall seracs. The experience of gazing on this splendor is an indescribable thrill and, for many, the realization of a lifetime dream.

Arrival & Departure Information

Arrive in Kathmandu before 2:00 pm on Day 1. Sherpa Mountain Travel will meet you outside the customs area and immigration area at the airport. Your guide will answer any questions you might have and brief you about the immediate arrangements. The trip leader will hold a short briefing at the hotel regarding the trek arrangement and general orientation.
Note—Some flights from the U.S. require one to three (1-3) days of travel (since you lose a day due to time difference) and overnight en route. More specific details will be sent to you in your pre-trip packet of information.

Air Travel

International Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. For air reservations, we can book for you in order to get a group rate. When booking a flight using “frequent flyer” miles, you may need to book your own flight. Please check with our staff before purchasing or obtaining your tickets, so we may verify your arrival and departure schedule.

Activity Levels

Sherpa Mountain Travel trips are designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active, have a spirit of adventure, and a positive attitude. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. Trekking in Nepal is for active people who enjoy walking, even up or down steep hills (there is very little level walking in Nepal). We expect you to have some recent hiking experience and be in good health. All gear and camp supplies will be carried by porters or pack animals, leaving you free to carry only a light daypack.

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We will spend a considerable amount of time at altitudes above 11,000 feet, which can make the hiking strenuous. Exercise at high altitude compounds the physiologic stress. High altitude can sometimes create discomfort and symptoms of illness that you do not experience while exercising at low elevations, such as shortness of breath, restlessness or sleeplessness at night, and headaches. The guide will have the final decision on any adjustment in the itinerary for individual health interest of all trekkers.

We recommend that you start a moderate training program several months before departure, then slowly build up to a more strenuous level. Regular aerobic exercise for at least one hour 4-5 times a week is good. This may include; aerobic fitness classes, power walking, jogging, cycling on hills, swimming, and cross-country skiing; especially at high altitudes. Since training is highly sport-specific, include some hiking or running in your program. Additionally, you must be able to sustain exercise for prolonged periods.

Consult your physician if you have questions concerning your underlying health. We can help answer questions for you or your physician concerning required levels of fitness and health conditions at altitude. If you have concerns about your ability to do this trek, we can suggest appropriate alternatives.

Life on a Camping Trek

The days typically start at 6:30 a.m. with the appearance of smiling Sherpas at the door of your tent bearing a mug of steaming tea. This is soon followed by a large bowl of hot water for washing. Then it’s time to pack your bags and sit down to a hearty breakfast of porridge, eggs, and toast. By 7:30 or 8:00 you’re off on the trail.
For about three hours you’ll walk through villages, forests, and up and down green hills and valleys. There’s plenty of time to visit local teashops, stop for a view or a photo, and exchange a smile or greeting (Namaste!) with the friendly Nepali people who share the trail. A trailside lunch breaks up the day, giving you time to rest and refuel with a substantial hot meal prepared by the staff. After about an hour of eating, napping, and relaxing, it’s time for the afternoon hike.

You arrive in camp by 4:00 p.m. with time to wash up and get settled in your tent before enjoying tea and snacks in the dining tent. The next two hours before dinner are free to write in your journal, read a few pages in a novel, play cards, engage in conversation, or simply relax. The day closes with a hearty multi-course dinner, which often includes ethnic cuisine as well as American favorites (we like the yak cheese pizzas and momos—Tibetan dumplings). After dinner you can gaze at the stars and the moonlit peaks, recount the events of the day, or retire to your tent to read for a while or drift off to sleep.

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Your Guide

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you natural and manmade wonders only locals know of; they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights and culture with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. They also have knowledge in rescue and first aid. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way!

What’s Included with the Trip Reservation Fee?

A fluently English speaking, experienced, local guide
Nice hotel Accommodations in Kathmandu
Camping accommodations and all trek arrangements, including all meals on trek guides, porters and cook staff, gear and equipment (comfortable and roomy two- person tents, full length comfortable foam sleeping pads, kitchen and dining tents)
Three healthy tasty meals per day: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Airport transfers
Sightseeing in Kathmandu (as noted in the itinerary)
Ground transportation
National parks entrance fees and permits

What’s Not Included with the Trip Reservation Fee?

International airfare

Hotel accommodations en route to Katmandu, Nepal

Meals not noted on itinerary (Meals while in Kathmandu and snacks during trek are trekkers responsibility, any alcohol purchases during trip is responsibility of trekker.)

We strongly recommend you purchase the supplementary trip insurance offered by Sherpa Mountain Travel, which includes trip cancellation insurance. Or check with your insurance company for overseas travelers insurance.

Tips are not included in trip price.

Tips to lead trekking guide and Sherpa staff; visas; excess baggage charges; airport taxes; entrance fee at historical site in Kathamandu, cost of obtaining a passport or medical immunizations; items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.). We list suggestions of items to bring on website.
*Depending on your choice of air carrier, you may need to overnight in Bangkok or Delhi en route to Kathmandu. We will be happy to make hotel reservations for you.
Limitation of Liability

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These paragraphs (together with the Release of Liability section of the Application Form) define our responsibility with respect to all our trips. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY.

Payment of your deposit represents your acceptance of the following terms and conditions:

Sherpa Mountain Travel gives notice that services provided in connection with its itineraries, including transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurants, and other services, are purchased from various independent suppliers who are not affiliated with Sherpa Mountain Travel in any way. Although we endeavor to choose the best suppliers available, Sherpa Mountain Travel has no right to control their operations and therefore makes these travel arrangements upon the express condition that Sherpa Mountain Travel and its own agents and employees, shall not be liable for any delay, mishap, inconvenience, expense, irregularity, bodily injury or death to person, or damage to property occasioned through the conduct or default of any company or individual engaged in providing these services. Each of these passenger conveyance companies, tour companies, hotels, etc., is subject to the laws of the state or country where the service is provided.

Sherpa Mountain Travel shall not be liable for (a) expenses such as additional hotel nights and meals not specified in the individual trip itineraries, but which may be required to get to or from a trip start or end; (b) expenses due to the delay of a trip for any reason (e.g. bad weather, trail conditions, land slides, flooding, sickness, or other contingency for which Sherpa Mountain Travel cannot make provision; (c) expenses incurred in recovering luggage lost by airlines, belongings left behind on a trip, or in shipping purchases or other goods home from abroad; (d) bodily injury or property damage for any reason, including but not limited to acts of God, weather, quarantines, strikes, civil disturbance, theft, default, changes in government regulations, terrorism, war, or failure of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, etc., over which Cain Travel has no control. The right is reserved to substitute both trip leaders and hotels from those listed in the catalog, as well as reverse the order of places to be visited and make reasonable changes in the itinerary where deemed advisable for the comfort and well being of the passengers.

Trip Member's Responsibility

Trip members have the responsibility to select a trip appropriate to their abilities and interests. In order to assist you, we grade each trip with a rating. We are also happy to discuss the trip with you, as well as provide you with names of past participants who can discuss their experience with you. Trip members are held responsible for being in sufficient good health to undertake the trip. Trip members are responsible for preparing for the trip by studying the itinerary and pre-departure information packets sent by Sherpa Mountain Travel and for bringing the appropriate clothing and equipment as advised therein.

Trip Cancellation Insurance:

We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. This comprehensive travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delay, medical expenses and emergency assistance.

Why Sherpa Mountain Travel is Your First Choice for Adventure

Sherpa Mountain Travel is a socially responsible Travel company with guides that have decades of experience who are native of the Himalayan region. We provide value and integrity to each client. We provide safe, quality trips and the best customer service possible.
Questions?

Feel free to call us at 303-507-2530, or email info@sherpamountaintravel.com.
We look forward to the adventure with you!

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Departure date:
March 23rd to May 30th 2010

Price per person:

Trip Grade
Mt. Everest Region Adventure

Trekking on this Kumbu Classic Trek entails walking 5-7 hours a day.

Moderate level of technical difficulty.
You will be at _____ - ___ feet in altitude and we will ensure you adequate time to acclimate to the elevation.

Easiest:
Hotel only night stays (non-camping journey), optional hikes with very little elevation gain or loss.
Easy to Moderate:
Hotel night stays and/or deluxe, safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours (2-4 hours) on some days. Other physical activities sometimes included, such as sea kayaking or camel riding (optional on some trips).
Moderate:
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours) most days, rolling countryside, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based country walking tours are in this category.
Moderate to Strenuous:
Full-day hikes (5-7 hours) through mountainous terrain with significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down 2,000-3,000 feet) on most hikes. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Strenuous:
Full-day hikes (6-8 hours) through mountainous terrain, steep ascents and descents (hiking up or down 2,000-3,000 feet). Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category, as well as certain sea kayaking expeditions with rugged conditions
Very Strenuous:
Full-day hikes (6-8 hours) through mountainous terrain, steep ascents and descents (hiking up or down 2,000-3,000 feet). Most hikes takes place at altitudes well above 12,000 feet, sometimes as high as 17,500 feet.
Most Strenuous:
Full-day hikes (6-8 hours) and technical climbing through mountainous terrain, camping, and hiking at extremely high altitudes (over 20,000 feet).

March 23 – 25: Arrive in Katmandu
Travel from your home port to Kathmandu. All flights cross the dateline and a day is consequently lost. Arrive in Kathmandu, where our staff will meet you and transfer you to the Yak & Yeti Hotel, a classic five-star hotel located in the Durbar Marg district. They have great food from all over the world, fabulous shopping, and Durbur Square, with its numerous temples and markets, is nearby.

March 26- Sightseeing in Kathmandu
While we wrap up last minute paperwork with the Nepal Government, you will have a casual day of shopping for souvenirs in the streets of Kathmandu, visiting the palaces, Thamel District, Hindu temples and shrines, Buddhist stupas, or just relaxing at the hotel. Favorite destinations are Swayambunath, a Buddhist temple with prayer flags descending from the highly ornate steeple and situated on a small hill that offers outstanding views of the city.

March 27 – Phakding – 8,700 feet
We fly on a twin-engine Otter plane to the Himalayan foothills where we begin our trek into the Khumbu region. The sights from the plane are amazing, providing dramatic views of terraced hills and the best panoramic view of the Himalayan Range. After landing in the village of Lukla (9,350 feet), where we meet the rest of our Sherpa staff and porters, we trek for about two and a half hours to Phakding (3 hours hiking).

March 28 - Trek to Namche Bazaar - 11,270 feet
Follow the forested trail north up the Dudh Kosi valley to Jorsale, where you officially enter Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park; established in 1976 as the first national park in the Himalaya to help protect an area of great environmental, religious, and cultural importance. We then continue along the trail and begin the steep climb up Namche Hill. As you climb the steep hillside, you‘ll catch your first glimpse of Everest and the snowcapped panorama of other Himalayan giants. Namche Bazaar is a very beautiful and famous Sherpa village in Khumbu region, the local center for trading and supplies. The town has numerous homes, lodges, shops, and a buddhist monastery is beautifully situated in a terraced amphitheater facing the hanging glacier below Kwangde (20,293'). We will camp in Namche Bazaar (5-6 hours hiking).

March 29 - Rest day at Namche Bazaar
We will take a rest day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. There are many things you can enjoy here with activities like a hike up above Namche to the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor's Center and Museum. There are terrific views of Everest and Ama Dablam. You can see numerous educational displays on the culture, geography, geology, climatology, and wildlife within the park and Khumbu. It is also possible to take an optional hike during the day around the hillside.
Today’s hike is along one of the most spectacular trails in the Khumbu.

March 30 - Trek to Tengboche Monastery - 12,680 feet
You’ll hike along a narrow, somewhat exposed trail with the best views of Ama Dablam. We continue the trek on a slightly down hill trail, reaching the camp at Tengbuche (12,680). The head lama (Rinpoche) of the monastery resides here and the area is considered holy; so nothing may be hunted or killed. Expeditions to the world’s highest peaks have traditionally stopped here to receive the blessing of the high lama. You will camp overnight near the monastery and have ample time to visit it. We will also try to meet with the Rinpoche and get a blessing if he is available (6½-7 hours hiking).

March 31 - DINGBOCHE - 14,250 feet
From Thyangboche, the trail drops to Debuche, crosses another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche among thousands of mani stones and a very old monastery as well, where we might see yeti ahead and very antique things from Tibet. Our uphill trek continues, taking us to the quaint, traditional highland Sherpa village of Dingboche with its exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

April 1- Day of Rest at DINGBOCHE - 14250 feet
Today is acclimatization day. You can take optional hike or visit some Sherpa houses and explore the culture.

April 2 - LOBUCHE - 16,175 feet
Today’s trail continues along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and passes by stone memorials for climbers who have perished on nearby summits. We continue to hike up hill and camp at Labouche.

Day April 3- GORAK SHEP - 17,000 feet
After an early morning start, we ascend Kala Pattar (18,450 feet) and enjoy famous views of the Himalayas. View from here is amazingly incredible as you are surrounded by the Khumbu mountain range. Then we descend down and camp beneath Kala Pattar at GorakShep

April 4 - May 4: EVEREST BASE CAMP - 17,500 feet
We arrive at Everest Base Camp (17,500 feet) on the jumbled moraine below the infamous Khumbu Icefall. There we spend some time acclimatizing. The next weeks are spent negotiating the Khumbu Icefall, entering the Western Cwm, and climbing to lofty Camp III (23,500 feet). Our objective for the next 3 to 4 weeks is to establish and stock three camps above base camp and to acclimatize for the climb to the summit. We sleep at Camp III for a night or two before heading down to base camp to rest before our summit bid.

May 5 - 9:
With everybody fit and acclimatized, we head back to base camp. For the next 5 days rest is top priority.

May 10 - 30:
We climb to camp II, then to camp III and finally to the South Col where we place our final camp at 26,000 feet. Our summit target date is between May 15 through the 25. We are prepared to stay at base camp to wait for good weather or until the monsoon arrives at the end of May. Our service continues as we head back down to Kathmandu (3-5 days); we’ll fly out of Lukla. Hotel accommodations with breakfast and dinner in Kathmandu for the night of our return and the next night are included in your package. However, if individuals want to make a faster return to Kathmandu or deviate from the trek back down from other points along the way, they are free to do so at their own expense.

How to reserver a trip: Step 1, click on the 'Pay Now' button of the trip you want to take(30% deposit). Step 2, Once payment has been received, Download and read all of the booking conditions carefully, sign, and return to us via mail along with a photocopy of your valid passport and two passport photos.

Sherpa Mountain Travel – Booking Agreement Form

Step 1.

Mt Everest Expedition

Booking Conditions

All trek booking are made with Sherpa Mountain Travel. We required that a deposit payment (30% of the total cost of the trek) be made to cover the expenses of pre-trek arrangements. The balance should be paid by the start of the trek
If you wish cancel your booking, the following cancellation charges will apply:

Cancellation less then 10 days before the departure date: 100% held by Sherpa Mountain Travel
Cancellation less then 29 days before departure: 50% held by Sherpa Mountain Travel.
Cancellation up to 30 days before departure: 25% held by Sherpa Mountain Travel

(Penalties have to be charged for cancellations because Sherpa Mountain Travel will have made certain payments before the trek’s departure. such penalties are adopted in similar form throughout the travel and tourism industry. cancellation charges may be refunded by your travel insurance.

All baggage and personal belongings are at all times at own risk to bring alone, even when carried by porters. We will not be responsible for any loss, damage or accident to any luggage and property, however incurred.
It is in the nature of the holiday of this kind that arrangements and participants have to be flexible. The day- to-day agenda and ultimate goal of the trips are taken as aims and not as contractual obligations. It is a necessary condition of your joining any of our treks that you accept this flexibility, and that you also accept that we can not be held responsible for delays or alterations in the itinerary, or for expenses incurred owing to international or internal flight cancellation. Strikes, local regulations, sickness, weather, war, quarantine closures and disputes. You will be responsible for such expenses incurred, which, depending on the circumstances, may be recoverable on your insurance.

On a trek of this nature, it is necessary for you to abide by the authority of the leader, who represents by Sherpa Mountain Travel. The decision of the leader as to the conduct, itinerary and objectives of the trek is final. Signing the booking form signifies your agreement to this. If, in the opinion of the leader, your behavior or physical condition is detrimental to the safety, welfare and well-being of the group as a whole, or if the leader considers your general well-being will you put at risk by continuing the trip, you may be asked to leave the trek without the right of any refund.
Your booking is accepted on the understanding that you realize and accept the potential risks and hazards that can be involved in activities of this kind that are mentally and physically capable of participating in the activities demanded. You are responsible for bringing with you the proper clothing and equipment about which we advise you in our printed information. Sherpa Mountain Travel, along with our guide/leader and anyone else working in association with us, are not responsible for any accident or mishap that may occur in connection with any part of, or services connected with the trek..
Medical vaccinations and any other preliminary arrangement including all visa procurements are entirely your responsibility and we accept no responsibility in the event that these are not completed in time for departure.
To take part of our treks you must be covered by insurance, which must include the cost of helicopter rescue if you become too ill to continue
When you sign the booking form you agree to accept all of the above condition, you acknowledge that you have read this general information section and that you warrant that the information given by you on the booking form in complete and true.

Download booking form

Sherpa Mountain Travel
2707 Valmont Rd # 214C
Boulder Co 80304
info@sherpamountaintravel.com
Phone: 303-507-2530

1-303-507-2530