Gokyo & the Renjo La 50th Anniversary Trek

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner and is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals:  Nil

Depending on the season, you will either have a free day to explore Kathmandu's bustling streets and significant landmarks or embark on a bus ride to Ramechap, a small town that operates flights to Lukla, the gate way trekking in the Everest region. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or Private eco-camp *NB: Domestic flights to/from Lukla during Spring and Autumn trekking seasons (March-May and October-December) may operate from Manthali Airport, Ramechap. This is determined by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and dates are subject to change. Your leader will brief you on flight arrangements locally.

Meals:  B

We have an early start with a short flight to STOL airstrip at Lukla. The Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla was established by Sir Edmund Hillary to help access the Everest region and the Sherpa people. It is a picturesque flight with marvelous views of the Eastern Himalaya. Once at Lukla we are immediately presented with views of huge peaks surrounding the village, offering a glimpse of what is to come. Our crew assembles and we head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat, passing through small villages and rows of dahlia trees to Ghat. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named "Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river) because of its colour. Sections of today's walk are through pine forest and cleared areas reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. We pass small groups of donkeys, yaks and dzopko carrying trading goods and trekking gear along the trail. A dzopko is a yak-cow crossbreed while a yak is a full-blood long haired male, more commonly found at higher altitudes. Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree-line as they rise above the deep river valley. Shortly after leaving camp we cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary stream to the Dudh Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kangru (6369 m) can be seen to the East, at the head of the valley. Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-West, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde Ri (6093 m) rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises majestically, seemingly from the river floor. We will see our first Mani walls today. These stone structures are a compilation of many stone tablets, each with the inscription 'Om Mani Padme Hum' which translates to 'Hail to the jewel in the lotus', and is mantra (chant) venerated by Buddhists and Brahmans alike. Buddhists will walk to the left of these Mani Walls and chortens, but you may notice that people of the lowlands who have no knowledge of Buddhism do not follow this practice. The allure of the mountains is hard to resist, but we must be patient, as it is very important to acclimatise slowly and thereby fully appreciate our time at higher altitude. Today's walk is not a long one, and you will be eager to press on. Slow down, and enjoy every step of the way. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Our trek begins as we enter Sagamartha National Park. This National Park was established to address rising concerns of deforestation and stem the use of fire-wood in the area. The few locals who do have a permit to cut down trees must first gain approval from authorities on the basis the wood is for personal use only. We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi, cross a high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa 'capital' of Nepal. It is a challenging climb through pine forests to the vantage point where we get our first look at the formidable Mt Everest. The trail continues and meanders to Namche, a prosperous village nestled in a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri. After lunch you may wish to explore the Tibetan trader's stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Overnight: eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Our trek will start with an incline to Syangboche airstrip and along the ridgeline towards Everest View Hotel. This pleasant walk has magnificent views of the surrounding mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtega, Ama Dablam and many more. After enjoying a quick tea and coffee break to the views, we will continue towards Khumjung village to visit Sir Edmond Hillary's famous "Schoolhouse in the clouds." This is the first school in the Khumbu region, built in 1961 with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary and The Himalayan Trust. The school originally opened with only two classrooms but has since expanded to cater for over 350 students of different ages. After visiting, we descend and follow the trail for approx 25 minutes to our new exclusive campsite at Kyangjuma. For those who are feeling the early effects of altitude can opt for a shorter acclimatization walk of around 2 hours directly from Namche to Kyangjuma. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Heading North-East we initially follow the main trail to Thyangboche as it contours around the hills, before we branch off on a short climb on the flanks of the sacred peak of Khumblia (5761 m). We traverse for some time across yak pastures as the trail gradually ascends to Mon La. Below us is the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and Imja Khola and across the valley Thyangboche monastery is framed by Ama Dablam and Kantega. We reach a stupa draped with prayer flags atop a ridge at 3992 metres and then descend steeply through forest to the Dudh Kosi. After afternoon tea an optional walk up the ridge beyond camp will bring us to the village of Portse. Overnight: private eco-campsite or eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

The early morning sun warms up camp and we continue to follow the Dudh Kosi north towards its source, the magnificent Ngozumpa Glacier. An initial short climb leads us onto the trail for the steady climb towards Gokyo. Since leaving the main trail there are fewer trekkers and locals and we soon notice the serenity of a quieter trail. Sections of red birch, fir and dwarf rhododendron forest are interspersed with areas of yak pasture as we gradually gain altitude. We pass grand waterfalls and glaciers that flow from Taweche and Cholatse on the opposite side of the valley. Behind us, spectacular ridges lead to the peak of Khumbila and the numerous unnamed peaks that stand almost 6,000 metres. In the distance Kantega and Thamserku rise above the foothills. It was at Dole that one of the more recent and “credible” yeti sightings took place. Ask your trek leader for details and draw your own conclusions. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Continuing a steady but constant climb, we reach the “village” of Machhermo for lunch. Like other small villages in this valley, Machhermo has only a few buildings, most of which are empty for the majority of the year. Our camp sits in the valley amidst stunning surrounds and is one of our most popular stops on the circuit. This is a valuable acclimatisation day as we acquaint ourselves with the higher altitudes and prepare for our ascent to Gokyo (4759m). The afternoon can be spent resting or if you feel up for it it, you can stretch your legs and walk up to the ridge behind Luza for a view of the Gokyo Valley. Just a short walk from camp is the Machhermo Porter Shelter and Rescue Post which is well worth a visit, here you can learn more about life in high altitude and the work of the IPPG (International Porter Protection Group). Overnight: Eco-lodge.

Meals:  B,L,D

Following the valley high above the river, we start the ascent into the high alpine country of Gokyo Village. As we trek onto the moraine and rock that extends from Ngozumpa Glacier we are in the presence of Kantega to the south and Cho Oyu to the north. Each mountain has its own individual character, presence and represents a spiritual significance to those who live in the mountains. The path levels once we have ascended the snout of the glacier. We pass the first of the lakes, Longponga, before reaching, Taoche Lake, a larger body of water and a place where ducks are often seen swimming in the freezing waters on their annual migrations to and from Tibet. As we walk up the valley our path parallels the Ngozumpa Glacier while separating us from the glacier is the massive lateral moraine. Overnight: Eco-lodge.

Meals:  B,L,D

An early start is best to take advantage of the clear weather and views. The steady and unrelenting ascent of Gokyo Ri will take two to three hours, depending on your level of fitness and acclimatisation. It is not a race and times of up to six hours are cherished by those who thought they would not make it at all. If you find the climb hard work don't hesitate to ask one of the guides to carry your day pack. You will be elated when you reach the summit with it's spectacular view. You will experience one of the most comprehensive views of 8,000 metre peaks in Nepal. Surrounding us are Cho Oyu (8153 m), (a mountain that defeated a British Expedition of climbers, including Hillary, in their lead-up to their successful assault of Everest), Gyangchung Kang (7922m), Lhotse (8501m), Makalu (8475 m), Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m), Kantega (6685m), Thamserku (6808m), Lobuche (6145m) and Mt Everest (8848m). Hundreds of other unnamed peaks fill the scene, whilst below us the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal, stretches through the valley. The striking colour of the lakes below completes the picture. The only way to get a better view of the entire Everest region would be to climb a 7,000 metre peak! Although further from Everest than Kala Pattar, the traditional viewing point, here we see more of the mountain and enjoy a more relaxed environment. Overnight: eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Crossing the Renjo La Pass will be exciting and challenging. From Gokyo we have a 2 -3 hours ascent through boulders and a zig-zagging incline to the top of the high pass at approx. 5360m. The descent is steep at first leading into a remote northern valley where the landscape is progressively that of the Tibetan Valleys beyond the border. This is an ancient trading route that leads through the Himalayas from Tibet. There is a chance of meeting Tibetan traders descending from Nangpa La Pass with their caravans of woolly yaks laden with goods. Overnight: eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

We continue south to Thame Village passing Sherpa villages left to be explored as we descend the gorge. We will spend the night at the village of Thame with its spectacular monastery. Overnight: eco lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

After resting at Thame, we continue back towards Kyangjuma camp site passing through Thame village. The trail back is gradual and offers a scenic and tranquil view of Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

Meals:  B,L,D

The walk to Thyangboche is one of the most spectacular trekking days in Nepal. The trail meanders easily around the ridges and Everest can be clearly seen on the horizon ahead before we descend through rhododendron forests for lunch. After lunch we cross the Dudh Kosi and begin the ascent to the top of a long ridge which flows from the summit of Kantega. Our trail takes us through pine and rhododendron forest into a devout Buddhist region where the wildlife is protected and unharmed. As a result there is a possibility that we may see Himalayan Thar, Musked Deer or pheasants in the forest and around our campsite. As we approach the ridgeline we pass through a traditional gateway and around a chorten before cresting the ridge onto a wide grassy meadow at the monastery village of Thyangboche. The monastery was re-built with the assistance of Sir Edmund Hillary after it was destroyed by fire in 1989. Overnight: eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Today will be a full rest day where you can explore the serene village of Thyangboche, or kick back, relax and enjoy the unobstructed 360 degree panoramic views. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse will be at the head of the valley, Tawache and Ama Dablam supporting its sides and with Khumbila and Kongde Ri completing a complete and perfect picture of snow capped Himalayan Mountains. You could also mingle with fellow World Expeditions trekkers who will all converge together, celebrating World Expeditions' 50th Anniversary with a black tie banquet dinner hosted by some of the people who helped shape World Expeditions into the pioneering adventure travel company it has become today, including Tim Macartney-Snape, Garry Weare and Soren Kruse Ledet. Overnight: eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Leaving Thyangboche we descend through the forest towards the Dudh Kosi, and continue our return journey crossing and re-crossing the river. It will seem like a long time since we ascended through the villages on our first days of the trek, as we have witnessed many stunning views on our trek into the highest mountain range in the world. We continue on a long and pleasant walk down to Monjo as we pass through terraced fields that are home to the brightly colored Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

Meals:  B,L,D

A relatively short walk today as we retrace our steps to the gateway to the Khumbu, Lukla, with time in the afternoon to relax and reflect on the adventure. Overnight: Eco-lodge.

Meals:  B,L,D

We start the day with a stunning morning flight over forests and villages to Kathmandu directly or to return via Ramechap. Upon arrival, you be will be transferred back to the Radisson Hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon free. There will be plenty of time to relax or do some last minute shopping/sightseeing. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals:  B

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport.

Meals:  B