Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Tea House/Lodges/Camps
3 Course Meals (B,L,D)
Hard
6,814m/22,356ft
Trekking, Rock, Ice and Snow Climbing
spring pre-monsoon
27
Reaching Summit of One of the World’s Most Beautiful and Technical Peak
Stunning Views Including Tibet, Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Baruntse, etc.,
Sherpa Culture, Various Monasteries, Sagarmatha National Park
An Ama Dablam Expedition is technically demanding and has it all ice, rock, scrambling, killer views, great approach and the great base camp in a meadow with a stream. The expedition offers a superb, technical climbing experience in the heart of Khumbu region just above Thayanboche monastery on the way to Everest Base Camp. From the summit, out of six highest peaks in the world are clearly visible of five highest peaks Mt Lhotse, Mt. Lhotse Shar, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho – Oyu, and Mt. Everest, and also close view of Nuptse, Baruntse and Pumari. Since its ascent in 1961 by an Anglo American / New Zealand team, it has been frequently climbed and by many different routes.
Ama Dablam is renowned as one of the most striking mountains globally, admired not for its height but for its breathtaking beauty and the sheer exposure experienced along its slopes. Most climbing teams choose the southwest ridge route, utilizing expedition techniques such as fixing ropes, transporting loads, and acclimatizing gradually. Over the past decade, the mountain’s popularity has surged. It’s not uncommon to see seasoned Everest climbers struggling with the technical challenges presented by the crux sections of this ascent. Ama Dablam is an excellent climb in the post-monsoon season, offering a distinctly different experience compared to the spring pre-monsoon conditions. During this time, there’s less snow, more hard ice, and a greater presence of rock. For those adventurous enough to tackle the North Ridge, the views are particularly impressive. The normal route via the Southwest Ridge is a classic fall ascent, featuring stable rock, firm ice, and beautiful flutes that showcase nature’s artistry. The days are typically clear, warm, and crisp, with the possibility of snowfall later. As the season progresses, nights become much colder, especially at base camp, resulting in harder ice and more consolidated snow.
Ama Dablam with an elevation of 6,814 meters (22,356 feet), also known as Amai Dablang and famously referred to as the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas,” is a distinguished peak in the Himalayan range. . It is located in within the Khumbu mountain range, in the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rurral municipality of the Solukhumbu district of Nepal’s Koshi Province. It ranks as the third most popular mountain for expeditions in the Himalayas and is part of the Mahalangur sub-range in Nepal. The name Ama Dablam translates to “Mother’s necklace.” The long ridges on either side of the peak symbolize a mother’s arms protecting her child, while the hanging glaciers are likened to the “dablam,” a traditional double pendant worn by Sherpa women. Ama Dablam was first ascended on March 13, 1961, by climbers Mike Gill, Wally Romanes, Barry Bishop, and Michael Ward
For several days, Ama Dablam looms large in the view of anyone trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp. This has become a common itinerary over the years: first Everest Base Camp, followed by Ama Dablam, and then the summit of Everest. However, Ama Dablam is a challenging technical mountain that even experienced Everest climbers find difficult. Transitioning from Everest Base Camp to the summit of Ama Dablam demands thorough training and significant mountaineering experience. The rock climbing, which may be manageable at sea level, becomes considerably more challenging when tackled in mountaineering boots at altitudes above 6,000 meters.
Ama Dablam presents a technically challenging climb, featuring a mix of rock, ice, and snow. Most climbers tackle the Southwest Ridge using an expedition-style approach, which involves fixing ropes, transporting gear, and acclimatizing gradually. Typically, climbers establish three camps along the ridge, with Camp 3 located just below and to the right of the hanging glacier, known as the Dablam. Generally, any ice that falls from the glacier tends to move left, away from the camp. However, a notable avalanche in 2006 highlighted the unpredictability of the mountain’s conditions. During your Ama Dablam expedition, 2-3 camps along the renowned southwest ridge (considered the safest route) will be set. After establishing yourself at Base Camp, which sits at 4,529 meters (14,859 feet), you’ll begin your trek up the moraine to reach Camp 1 at 5,600 meters (18,373 feet). The trek to Camp I will involve navigating rocky terrain and possibly some snow, so being prepared for varying conditions is essential. Once at Camp I, you’ll utilize fixed-line ropes to traverse solid granite and tackle the exposed, snow-covered ridges leading to Camp II. This section requires careful climbing skills, as you’ll navigate both rock and ice. Camp 2, also known as the “Yellow Tower,” is located at 5,900 meters (19,357 feet) and is reached after ascending 60-70 feet of vertical rock climbing. This segment marks the transition to the more technically challenging and potentially dangerous sections of the climb. From Days 12 to 19-20, you’ll focus on refining your climbing skills and completing several acclimatization rotations.
These rotations will help your body adjust to the altitude and improve your familiarity with the terrain. During these acclimatization climbs, you’ll carry your personal gear to your camps and store it there, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the final ascent. The exposed nature of the route on Ama Dablam provides exhilarating climbing opportunities. Although the slopes may not be as steep as you expect, the challenges require a moderate level of technical experience.
On summit day, the route will take you between ice cliffs and along a snow arête that leads directly to the summit at 6,814 meters (22,356 feet). This final climb is physically demanding and can require long hours of ascent, so mental preparation and stamina are key. As you approach the summit, your team will evaluate the safety and conditions of the serac to determine whether to set up Camp III at 6,200 meters (20,341 feet) (situational). If your lead Sherpa assesses that the campsite is unsafe, you will proceed to make the summit attempt directly from Camp II, starting early in the morning, around midnight or 1 am. This will allow you to take advantage of the more stable conditions typically found at higher altitudes during the early hours. When you finally reach the summit of Ama Dablam, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views.
The experience of standing atop such a magnificent mountain, surrounded by the stunning Himalayan landscape, will be a memorable highlight of your climbing journey.
It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. As your plane lands at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the arrivals and escort you to your hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.
On the second day, you will complete all necessary official procedures, including obtaining permits and handling other essential documentation for your expedition. Once these formalities are taken care of, you’ll have some free time to explore the city and take in its sights. This day will be dedicated to preparing for the expedition. You’ll pack your bags, do any necessary shopping, and double-check that you have everything you need, especially medicines and essentials. Detailed briefings will cover every aspect of the expedition, including gear and equipment, trip duration, accommodation, and facilities at Base Camp. This is also a great opportunity for you to meet and introduce yourself to your fellow climbers and teammates, fostering a sense of camaraderie before the adventure begins.
Early morning you will be transferred to Ramechhap airport (494 m/1,620 ft) to catch the Lukla flight. A scenic flight of 15 minutes from Ramechhap brings us to Lukla airport (2,840 m/9,318 ft), a cliff-hanging airport in Khumbu from where most of the Everest trekking is started. After meeting the crew, you head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail and then stay overnight in Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft).
From Phakding, you cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2835 m/ 9301 ft) is the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. You then take a steep hike to Namche Bazar (3,440 m/11,286 ft), one of the most important stopovers while trekking in Nepal. If the weather is clear, you get the first glimpse of Mt. Everest on this day. Namche is the main trading center in the Khumbu region and has a busy Saturday market – a meeting place for the locals and the people from neighboring vicinity.
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, teashops and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. To acclimatize, you can visit Khunde Village (3,840 m/12,598 ft) which has Hospital set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, and Khumjung Village (3,780 m/12,402 ft) which have a monastery known for having famous yeti scalp or take a one hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town.
From Namche Bazar, the trail contours on to the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Koshi. You get our first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing by some settlements with numerous teashops, you descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phungi Thanga (3,250 m/10,663 ft). The village is an ideal stopover for lunch. Here you can rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche Monastery, one of the most remarkable monasteries you visit during Everest Base Camp Trek. Although the hike up the zigzag path is tiring, it presents us with many beautiful sights of rhododendron bushes with beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche (3,860 m/12,664 ft) is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. A spectacular panorama of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam rising in the horizon can be seen from here.
You descend downhill through a forest, cross the Imja Khola and climb steadily to the village of Pangboche. This village is directly opposite Ama Dablam (6,814 m/22,356 ft) and has exceptional views of the mountain with the monastery, mani walls and scattered pine trees in the foreground. Then, you’ll head northeast toward the Imja Khola, leaving the Everest Base Camp trail behind as you commence on the narrow, zigzag route leading to Ama Dablam Base Camp. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views and the unique landscape of the region. Upon arrival at Base Camp, you’ll meet our dedicated staff, who will provide essential support and assistance throughout your expedition, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful climb.
The Puja ceremony is an important tradition observed by Sherpas and international climbers before beginning their ascent. During this religious ritual, climbers seek permission from the mountain to climb and ask for the safety of everyone involved in the expedition. At Ama Dablam Base Camp, you will take part in a prayer ceremony to seek blessings for a safe and successful climb. This significant event will create a positive atmosphere for your expedition. After the ceremony, you’ll engage in preparation and climbing training, ensuring you have the skills and knowledge necessary for the ascent. Your experienced guides will offer valuable insights and techniques to enhance climbing experience. During this time, you’ll participate in short excursions to help your body adjust to the altitude and get familiar with the surroundings. These days will also include brief training sessions focused on using mountaineering gear and equipment, as well as practicing walking with fixed ropes on small cliffs. This preparation will ensure you’re fully equipped and confident for the challenges ahead.
You’ll spend 12 days climbing, starting at Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,529 m/14,859 ft). This includes contingency day, and time for training and preparation for the summit attempt. The itinerary covers ascents to Camp I (5,600 m/18,373 ft), Camp II (5,900 m/19,357 ft), and possibly Camp III (6,200 m/20,341 ft), culminating in the summit push. You will conduct rotations between the camps for acclimatization and training. After checking your equipment and making final preparations, you will begin your ascent to Camp I (5,600 m/18,373 ft) on relatively easy terrain. However, the trail will become technical as you encounter steep and challenging slopes, culminating in a steep ridge that requires navigating a vertical slab. Before making the summit push, you’ll acclimatize by completing a rotation. You’ll first ascend from Base Camp to Camp I, where you’ll spend the night. The next day, you’ll continue from Camp I to Camp II (5,900 m/19,357 ft), and stay there overnight before returning to Base Camp the following day. This ascent will involve climbing steep ridges and snowy slopes, utilizing fixed ropes set up by your team. The summit climb will be straightforward. You’ll wake up early, enjoy breakfast, and ascend the snowy slopes mixed with rocks above Camp II. Your goal is to reach the summit of the magnificent Ama Dablam (6,814 m/22,356 ft) and then return to Base Camp. The next day will be dedicated to cleaning up and preparing for your departure.
Today’s trek is mostly downhill. You continue to follow the river and after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forest to Tengboche. Kwangde, Tawoche, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants to be seen. From Tengboche you descend to the bridge over Imja River. At Phungi Thanga, you get to see the water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Namche Bazar (3,440 m/11,286 ft).
Our final day’s trek follows the Dudh Koshi back down to Lukla (2,840 m/9,318 ft). This last evening calls for a celebration. You have a party with your Sherpa guides and porters. You sample some ‘Chhyang’ (local beer) and try out some Sherpa dance steps. Altogether an end to a memorable trip on a merry note!
As your trek has concluded, you pack up early and head for the airstrip to hop a flight back to Ramechhap (494 m/1,620 ft). And you will be transferred to Kathmandu (1,340 m/4,396 ft) by the private vehicle. The rest of your day is free to do your own things. You could do some last-minute shopping and packing, or even go down for a stroll in Thamel, an internationally known hub for tourists in Asia.
You have a free day in Kathmandu to relax and explore at your leisure. This is a great opportunity to visit various World Heritage sites and pick up some souvenirs for your family and friends. Enjoy your time discovering the culture and beauty of the city!
Our support team will take you to the airport for your flight back home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as jungle tours at National Parks, do some wild-water rafting, a Tibet tour or even mountain biking, etc.). Please ask us.
The Everest or Khumbu region lies in the eastern part of Nepal. Inhabited by the mountain people who have lived in harmony with their surroundings for hundreds of years, the Khumbu region has still retained its age-old practices. The region has some of the world’s tallest peaks including Everest (8,848.86 m/29,031.69 ft). This region, along with Annapurna region, is ranked as one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. The villages and places lying in this region are situated above 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). Solu region at the south includes villages like Junbesi, Phaplu and Chiwong. Pharak is situated between Solu and Khumbu. Khumbu includes villages named Namche, Thame, Khumjung, Lobuche, Pangboche, Tengboche, etc. The major mountains are Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Khantega, Mera Peak, Imja Tse (Island Peak), Lintren, Cholatse, Lobuche, etc.
Sagarmatha National Park is the highest national park in the world. It was formally opened to public in July 19, 1976. The park covers an area of 1,148 sq km. It rises from its lowest point of 2,845 m (9335 ft) at Jorsale to 8,848.86 m (29,031.69 ft) up to the summit of Everest. The park’s area is very rugged and steep, with its terrain cut by deep rivers and glaciers. It includes three peaks higher than 8,000 m – Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m/29,031.69 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft) and Cho Oyu (8,201 m/26,906 ft). In 1979 the park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
More than 118 species of birds such as the Impeyan pheasant and snow cock and more than twenty species of butterflies have made this park their home. Musk deer, wild yak, red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan thars, deer, langur monkeys, hares, mountain foxes, martens, and Himalayan wolves are found in the park.
The climate you experience during the Everest Base Camp Trek can be divided into four climate zones owing to the gradual rise in altitude. The climatic zones include a forested lower zone, a zone of alpine scrub, the upper alpine zone which includes upper limit of vegetation growth, and the Arctic zone where no plants can grow. The types of plants and animals that are found depend on the altitude. In the lower forested zone, birch, juniper, blue pines, firs, bamboo and rhododendron are found. All vegetation that is found above this zone is shrubs. As the altitude increases, plant life is restricted to lichens and mosses. At an elevation of 5,750m begins the permanent snow line in the Himalayas. From this point there is no sign of greenery or vegetation. A common animal sighted in the higher reaches is the hairy animal yak. Dzokyo (Jopkyo) a sterile male crossbreed between a yak and a cow is used to transport goods along the trail. Red panda, snow leopard, musk deer, wild yak, and Himalayan black bear are some of the exotic animals that are found in this region. A variety of birds can be sighted in the lower regions.
Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha)
Rising to the height of 8,848.86 m (29,031.69 ft), the world’s highest mountain that was named in 1865 after Sir George Everest. The mountain got its Nepali name Sagarmatha during 1960s, when the Government of Nepal gave the mountain the official Nepali name. In Sanskrit Sagarmatha means “Head of the Sky”. The Tibetan name for Mount Everest is Chomolungma or Qomolangma, which means “Goddess Mother of the Snows”. Climbers wishing to scale the peak have to obtain an expensive permit from the Nepal Government. More information on royalty can be found at https://www.tourismdepartment.gov.np/mountaineering-royalty. Everest Base Camp, which serves as a resting area and base of operations for climbers organizing their attempts for the summit, is located at the Khumbu glacier at an elevation of 5,364 m (17,598 ft). It receives an average of 450 mm (18 in) of precipitation a year. The climate of Mount Everest is extreme. In July, the warmest month, the average summit temperature is -19 °C (-2 °F).
Lhotse
Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft) is the fourth highest mountain in the world. It lies south of Mt. Everest. Two Swiss climbers F. Luchsinger and E. Reiss first climbed it in 1956 from the West face. Czech expedition led by Ivan Galfy scaled it via the South face in 1984. An impressive ring of three peaks makes up the Lhotse massif: Lhotse East or Middle, Lhotse and Lhotse Shar. The South Face of Lhotse is one of the largest mountain faces in the world.
Cho Oyu
Cho Oyu (8,201 m/26,906 ft) the sixth highest mountain in the world, has gained popularity among climbers just recently. The mountain sits on both sides of the border of Nepal and Tibet, about 30 km. west of Mount Everest. Cho Oyu in Tibetan means “the turquoise goddess.” The south face of Cho Oyu, facing Nepal, is quite steep and difficult, and is rarely climbed. The north side, accessed from Tibet, is more moderate, and there is a relatively safe route to the summit. In the autumn of 1954, an Austrian team made the first ascent via this route.
Nuptse
Nuptse (7,855 m/25,771 ft) lies southwest of Mt. Everest. It is situated in the Khumbu Himal. From the Tengboche Monastery, one of the iconic monasteries in Everest trek, Nuptse appears as a massive wall guarding the approach to Everest. The name Nup-tse in Tibetan means west peak. The main ridge, which is separated from Lhotse by a 7,556 m (24,790 ft) high saddle, is crowned by seven peaks and goes west-northwest until its steep west-face drops down more than 2300 m to the Khumbu-glacier. Nuptse was first climbed on May 16, 1961, by Dennis Davis and Tashi Sherpa via the North Ridge during a British expedition led by Joe Walmsley.
Pumori
Pumori (7,161 m/23,494 ft) is just 8 km away from the world’s highest peak Mt. Everest. The magnificent view of the peak dominates the trail as you near Everest Base Camp. The ascent to this peak is described as a classic climb in the 7,000 m (22,966 ft) peak category. In Tibetan, ‘Pumo’ means girl and ‘Ri’, mountain. George Mallory, the famous English climber who lost his life trying to ascend Everest in 1924, named the peak. The German climber Gerhard Lenser was the first to reach the summit of Pumori in May 17, 1962. Pumori is a popular climbing peak.
Ama Dablam
Ama Dablam (6,814 m/22,356 ft) which means ‘mother’s necklace’, in Sherpa language is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. It looks like a woman with outstretched arms or a woman wearing a long necklace. The mountain dominates the whole Everest Base Camp trek. Ama Dablam lies alongside Everest in the heart of the Khumbu Valley. Mt Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho Oyu and Mt. Everest can be seen at close quarters from Ama Dablam. Ama Dablam is considered to be a technical mountain to climb. Due to its towering ridges and steep faces, Ama Dablam is often called the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas.” Ama Dablam was first summited on March 13, 1961, by Mike Gill (New Zealand), Barry Bishop (USA), Mike Ward (UK), and Wally Romanes (New Zealand), who reached the peak via the Southwest Ridge.
Pumori
Pumori (7,161 m/23,494 ft) is just 8 km away from the world’s highest peak Mt. Everest. The magnificent view of the peak dominates the trail as you near Everest Base Camp. The ascent to this peak is described as a classic climb in the 7,000 m (22,966 ft) peak category. In Tibetan, ‘Pumo’ means girl and ‘Ri’, mountain. George Mallory, the famous English climber who lost his life trying to ascend Everest in 1924, named the peak. The German climber Gerhard Lenser was the first to reach the summit of Pumori in May 17, 1962. Pumori is a popular climbing peak.
Ama Dablam
Ama Dablam (6,814 m/22,356 ft) which means ‘mother’s necklace’, in Sherpa language is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. It looks like a woman with outstretched arms or a woman wearing a long necklace. The mountain dominates the whole Everest Base Camp trek. Ama Dablam lies alongside Everest in the heart of the Khumbu Valley. Mt Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho Oyu and Mt. Everest can be seen at close quarters from Ama Dablam. Ama Dablam is considered to be a technical mountain to climb. Due to its towering ridges and steep faces, Ama Dablam is often called the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas.” Ama Dablam was first summited on March 13, 1961, by Mike Gill (New Zealand), Barry Bishop (USA), Mike Ward (UK), and Wally Romanes (New Zealand), who reached the peak via the Southwest Ridge.
Imja Tse (Island Peak)
Imja Tse (6,165 m/20,226 ft) also known as Island Peak is another notable peak in Khumbu region. The peak was named Island Peak in 1953 by members of the British Mount Everest expedition because it appears as an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche. In 1983, the peak was officially renamed Imja Tse, but Island Peak remains the more popular name. It is actually an extension of the ridge descending from the southern end of Lhotse Shar (8,400 m/27,559 ft). The main land forms a semicircle of cliffs that rise to the north of the summits of Nuptse, Lhotse, Middle Peak and Lhotse Shar. Cho Oyu and Makalu lie to the east of the Island Peak. Baruntse, Amphu and Ama Dablam lie to the south. A British group as preparation for climbing Mt. Everest first climbed the peak in 1953.
Lobuje
Lobuje (also spelled Lobuche) is a known as Lhauche among the locals. Lobuche, is a mountain in Nepal located near the Khumbu Glacier and the settlement of Lobuche. It has two main peaks: Lobuche East (6,090 m/19,980 ft) and Lobuche West (6,135 m/20,128 ft). Lobuche East is classified as a “trekking peak” and Lobuche West as an “expedition peak.” As the easier of the two, Lobuche East is climbed more frequently. A long, deeply notched ridge separates the two peaks, and the challenging terrain makes it impossible to approach Lobuche West from the East peak. The first recorded ascent of Lobuche East was made by Laurence Nielson and Ang Gyalzen Sherpa on April 25, 1984, while Lobuche West was first climbed in 1955 via the South Shoulder.
Lukla
Lukla, a popular town in Khumbu, boasts of the region’s sole commercial airport. Lying at a height of 2,840 m (9,318 ft), the town is known as the gateway of Everest treks as most trekkers usually begin and end their Everest adventure in Lukla. The airport was built in 1964 by Sir Edmund Hillary as part of his project in Khumbu region during the early 60s to transport the supplies for the Himalayan Trust projects in the Khumbu region. Today, somewhere between 90-95% of the foreign nationals who reach Lukla, arrive by a half hour flight from Kathmandu.
Namche Bazar
Namche Bazar is known as the Sherpa capital. It is a famous center for everyone doing Everest trekking. Namche is actually a town lying at the junction of the Dudh Koshi and a valley that leads to the frontier pass of Nangpa La. It is tucked away in a niche at a height of 3,440 m (11,286 ft). W. H. Tilman and C. Houston were the first westerners to enter it in 1950 and many more have come since then. Facilities like a bank, a post office, hotels and shops where one can purchase climbing equipment as well as canned food have sprung up over the years. Namche Bazar is the major regional trading center. Its Saturday market or Haat is the place where most of the trading takes place. The headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park is located in Namche Bazar.
Tengboche
Tengboche (3,860m/12,664 ft) is famous for Tengboche Gumba (monastery). It is one of the most important centers of Buddhism in the region. The gumba is the largest one you see during your Everest Base Camp trek. It was first built in 1923. Destroyed by a fire in 1989, it was rebuilt later on partly with foreign aid. From Tengboche, one gets a panoramic view of Kwangde, Tawoche, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Amadablam, Khangtega, and Thamserku.
Pangboche
Buddhism is believed to have been introduced in the Khumbu region towards the end of the 17th century by Lama Sange Dorjee. According to the legend, he flew over the Himalayas and landed on a rock at Pangboche and Tengboche, leaving his footprints embedded on the stone. He is believed to have been responsible for the founding of the first gumbas in the Khumbu region, at Pangboche and Thame. Pangboche (3,930 m/12,894 ft) is the highest year-round settlement in the valley. The Imja Khola, coming from the right, joins the Dudh Koshi River a little above the village. The gumba (monastery) in Pangboche is consideredto be one of the oldest in the Khumbu region.
Khumjung
Khumjung (3,780 m/12,402 ft), a village lying west of Tengboche, is famous for the gumba where the skull of a supposed Yeti, the Abominable Snowman, is preserved under the supervision of the head Lama. The skull seems more like the outer skin of Himalayan Brown Bear, and this is proved by the report of a scientific exploratory expedition conducted by Sir Edmund Hillary, a copy of which is kept in the gumba.
Pheriche
Pheriche is located at an altitude of 4,240 meters (13,911 feet). It lies on a level patch. Apart from the basic facilities available here, there is a medical-aid post maintained by the Himalayan Rescue Association of the Tokyo Medical College with Japanese doctors in attendance. Among other facilities, there is an air compression chamber installed for assisting victims of high altitude sickness.
Kala Patthar
Kala Patthar, meaning ‘black rock’, is a notable feature on the south ridge of Pumori in the Khumbu region, situated above Gorak Shep. Although it is not a true mountain, with a prominence of just 10 m (33 ft), it is a popular trekking destination because it provides the closest and most accessible views of Mount Everest. From Kala Patthar, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of Everest, Nuptse, and Changtse, as well as partial views of Lhotse’s northern face and summit. Other 6,000-meter peaks visible from Kala Patthar include Ama Dablam, Chumbu, Thamserku, Kangtega, and Lobuche. Kala Patthar is the highest altitude most trekkers will reach during Everest Base Camp trek.
Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp (EBC) is the iconic starting point for those venturing to the summit of Mt. Everest. It is also a thrilling destination in its own right. Situated at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) in Khumbu region, EBC offers an unparalleled experience of the Himalayas, attracting trekkers from around the globe eager to witness the grandeur of the world’s highest mountain up close. Everest Base Camp is not a traditional base camp with luxurious amenities but rather a vibrant collection of tents and temporary lodges that accommodate climbers. The site itself offers a dramatic view of the Khumbu Icefall and the towering peaks surrounding Everest. The surrounding peaks and the sprawling Khumbu Glacier create a breathtaking and otherworldly landscape.
Sherpas live in the upper regions of Solu Khumbu, the area that largely fall in Everest trekking trail. They emigrated from Tibet about 600 years ago. In the past they were traders and porters, carrying butter, meat, rice, sugar, and dye from India; and wool, jewelry, salt, Chinese silk and porcelain from Tibet and beyond. The closure of the border between India and China undermined their economy. Fortunately, with the mountaineering expeditions and trekkers, the Sherpa’s found their load carrying skills, both on normal treks and high altitudes in great demand. Now, these able bodied, hardy and fearless Sherpa are world class climbers known for their amazing climbing prowess. They are such an inseparable part of mountaineering and trekking in Nepal that any climbers and trekkers can rarely imagine doing a Himalayan adventure without their support.
At the lower elevations lives the Kiranti Rai. The villages of Jubing, Kharikhola, Okhaldhunga, are inhabited by the Rais. Of mongoloid stock, they speak their own dialect. Reference of their fighting spirit is made in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The people from this group have supplied recruits to Gurkha regiments both in the British as well as Indian armies. The Rais follow a religion that is partly animistic with some Hindu influence. They revere their ancestors by observing Kul or Pitri puja every year. The Jirels live in the area around Jiri. They are mongoloid and follow Buddhism.
Loshar
Lhosar is celebrated in the month of February by the Sherpas. ‘Lhosar’ means New Year in Tibetan language. Apart from the Sherpas and Tibetans, the Gurungs and Tamangs also celebrate Lhosar. Buddhist monks offer prayers for good health and prosperity at monasteries. People exchange various goods and gifts among them. Families organize feasts and perform dances.
Dumje
Dumje is celebrated to mark the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). The celebration takes place in June and lasts for six days. It is celebrated in a grand way in the villages of Namche, Thame and Khumjung, all important stopovers during Everest trekking.
Mani Rimdu
Mani Rimdu is a festival that celebrates the victory of Buddhism over the ancient animistic religion of Bon. This festival is celebrated in the monasteries of Tengboche, Chiwang and Thame. At Tengboche, the most iconic monastery of the Everest trek, the celebration takes place during full moon of November – December. At Thame, Mani Rimdu is celebrated during full moon in May. Chiwang Gompa generally celebrates this festival during autumn. The Lamas wear elaborate brocade gowns and masks while performing. Through the dances, symbolic demons are conquered, dispelled, or converted to Dharma Protectors as positive forces clash with those of chaos. The dances convey Buddhist teaching on many levels from the simplest to the most profound, for those who do not have the opportunity to study and meditate extensively. It gives an opportunity to the Sherpas to gather and celebrate together with the monks.
Sakela (Chandi Dance)
Sakela (Chandi Dance) is a harvest festival celebrated by the Rai community. The harvest ceremony involves the worship of mother earth, called ‘Bhumi-Puja’. The festival is celebrated twice a year, once in spring before planting begins and once during autumn before harvesting. Ubhauli is celebrated during the spring season on Baishakh Purnima (full moon). In the autumn season on Mangsir Purnima, Udhauli is celebrated. The spring worship is done to propitiate mother earth for a good harvest and the rain god to bless the earth with enough rain. The festival is celebrated with more fervor in the remote hills. The Rai villagers celebrate it with priests (dhami) who perform rituals to worship their ancestors. The elders of the community begin the dance with a puja. Later on everybody participate in the dance forming a circle by holding each other’s hands. With drumbeats, they begin dancing at a slow pace but moves faster later with the drumbeats. The dance steps and hand gestures imitate the sowing and harvesting of crops. The festival also provides an opportunity for the Rai people to socialize.
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