WESTWARD LOOP TO EVEREST BASE CAMP VIA THAME & RENJO LA

18 Days. Max. Altitude 5,545m. 
Tea-House Trekking with guides and porters.
Flights: Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu.
Pre-trek Briefing: HE Office (Kathmandu Guest House) 5pm on day prior to Day 1.

Long before 1953 when, with the first ascent of Everest, the Khumbu region of Nepal was put on the world map, the Sherpa communities here maintained a vital trade route with their ancestral home - Tibet. This trans-Himalayan trail from Namche Basar uses the rugged fissure that is the Bhote Koshi on up to where this crazed torrent becomes glacial. The yak caravans and the loaded porters would then gain the crest of the Nangpa-La pass that would present the awesome sight of the Tibetan Plateau fading to infinity.

No wonder then that the Khumbu's oldest monastery, Thame, suitably appointed for all necessary prayers and supplications, stands at the journey's outset - or at its safe completion if arriving from Tibet.

The inclusion of a significant section of this historic trail makes for what is probably the most adventurous of any trek that has The Everest Base Camp as its focus. It is far more than the well-trodden direct route (that may or may not include the stunning views from Kala Pataar) and is more than the inclusion of the great spectacle from Gokyo Ri and the breath-taking pass of Cho La - though in fact this great circuit route also includes all of these.

Day 1: Fly to Lukla (2,820m/45mins) & trek to Phakding
(O/nt Altitude 2,610m/4hrs approx.) A early morning stunning flight to the gateway to the region of the legendary Sherpas. Start trekking north towards Phakding - meandering trails lined with stone walls.

Day 2: To Namche Bazaar
(O/nt Altitude 3,440m/ 6hrs approx.) Following the torrent of the Dudh Koshi, the trail climbs north through forests of rhododendron, magnolia and giant firs, to the village of Jorsalle for lunch, before ascending to Namche Bazaar, the largest village often called the ‘Sherpa Capital' of Khumbu.

Day 3: In Namche Bazaar
Today is for acclimatisation to the high altitude; adjust by exploring the local markets, mingle with the people, walk up to the Everest view point, breathing deeply and happily lazing around in sunshine.

Day 4: To Thame (O/nt Altitude 3,820m/6hrs approx.)
Today you veer off the popular and oft used path to take the ancient Tibet trade route which is still in use, mostly by the Tibetan nomad traders whom youll have seen plying their trade in Namchhe’s open market, crossing over to the Nepal side by the way of Nangpa-La pass. It is said that the waft of the North wind from the monastery at Thame brings with it the smell of Tibet. A gradual ascent which has the white-water of the Bhote Koshi on the left while the centuries old trail negotiates rocky outcrops and takes us through forests of fir and juniper. Thame’s claim to fame is its brave sons who went on to become veritable Who’s Who of Everest summiteers. Tenzing Sherpa's house is still standing intact at the top end of the village, so is that of Ang Rita Sherpa, better known as the ‘Snow Leopard’ and Appa Sherpa,  who has left his footprint on the Everest summit more than any other living being in the world.

Day 5: In Thame.
Rest cum exploration day.
If you’re oozing energy and crave for more spectacular views, you can take a hike with us to Thame Monastery (3,928m) which takes about an hour to reach.