Sacred lake lake at Kongde Ri | Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa

Himalayan Rhododendron | Margie Thomas

Chorten on the trail in the Everest region | Margie Thomas

Starry Himalayan night sky Kongde Ri | Alison Dodd

Sunrise from Thame lodge | Walter Wagner

Trekkers chorten and mountains Everest region | Margie Thomas

Chorten and mani stones Solu khumbu | Margie Thomas

Buddhist mandala wall painting Everest region | Margie Thomas

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Sherpa Heartland Kongde Ri and Sacred Lakewith Margie Thomas

Walk ancient trails through Sherpa villages to a secluded lodge with unforgettable Everest views.

Nepal

15 Days from

$5690 USD

Trip Code: HEAK

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single supplement

$650 USD

Duration

15 Days

Activities

6 day trek

Accommodation

9 nights lodges
2 nights hotel in Kathmandu
3 night highlight stay at the 'top of the world' Kongde Lodge (4250m)

Meals

12 Dinners
12 Lunches
14 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

5 / 10

Moderate

Trip highlights

Unsurpassed views of the entire Everest region from Kongde Ri at 4,250m
Trek through Sherpa heartland villages of Namche and Thame, home of mountaineering legends Tenzing Norgay, Ang Rita Sherpa & Apa Sherpa
Spend three nights at the luxury Kongde Lodge, situated on a high plateau affording spectacular views of Mt Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Thamserku & Cholatse
Exhilarating helicopter ride from Thame to Kongde Ri with the magnificent Himalaya in full view
Walk off the beaten trail sections through remote wilderness, offering solitude & mountain serenity
Trek to the turquoise jewel Kongde Lake with unsurpassed views of the mountains which are also reflected in the lake
Sleep under millions of stars – night photography opportunities are outstanding

Overview

Join Margie Thomas for a rare Himalayan experience deep in Sherpa Heartland. This cultural trekking journey blends insightful encounters with Sherpa life and history, spectacular trails, and a three night stay at the extraordinary Kongde Lodge, perched high on a ridge at 4,250m, facing a panoramic wall of Himalayan giants. Beginning in vibrant Kathmandu and trekking through pine forests, ridgelines, and traditional villages, you’ll follow lesser known trails through Namche Bazaar and Thame, towns that have raised many of the Himalaya’s greatest climbers. The Sherpa people, originally from eastern Tibet, have a rich cultural identity rooted in the mountains, from their yak herding past to their role as elite high altitude guides. Along the way, you’ll visit monasteries, hear local stories, and learn about the spiritual and practical ways of life in the Khumbu. A breathtaking helicopter ride will carry you across the Khumbu Valley to Kongde Lodge, a spectacular high altitude retreat. From here, gaze out over Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and more. Spend three nights exploring alpine lakes, photographing starry skies, and soaking up the peaceful beauty of the high Himalaya.

This tour is accompanied by Margie Thomas in conjunction with a highly experienced local guide.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Kathmandu with it's incredibly rich tapestry of history, culture, and vibrant street life. You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the group hotel. A briefing will be given around 5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag. Following the briefing, we will head out for dinner and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Hotel Shanker, Kathmandu

Meals: Nil

This morning we leave the bustle of Kathmandu city behind as we set off for our time in the Everest region & Sherpa heartland of Nepal. At this time of year, flights depart from Manthali Airport. Our drive will be around five hours, passing first the suburban areas and small towns on the outskirts of Kathmandu, and then to more rural, agricultural land. Overnight: Private eco-camp *NB: Domestic flights are determined by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and are subject to change.

Meals: B,L,D

We have an early start with a short flight to the frontier town of 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 marvellous 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 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. Overnight: Lodge TBC

Meals: B,L,D

Today we cross a glacial river, named 'Dudh' (milk) Kosi (river) because of its colour. Sections of today's walk are through pine forest and cleared areas revealing 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. 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. Overnight: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

We start the day by passing through the gateway to the Sherpa Heartland of Sagamartha National Park. This national park was established to address the rising problem of deforestation and to stem the use of firewood in the surrounding areas. Only local villagers are permitted to collect the dead wood for personal use but must first gain approval from authorities. We follow the trail to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi (river) and the Bhote Kosi, crossing mountain streams and a spectacular suspension bridge adorned with fluttering prayer flags. We start our ascent to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of Nepal. It's a challenging steady climb, but serene pine forest landscapes and the first glimpse of Mt Everest (8848m) provide a massive motivational boost. The trail continues to meander up to Namche, a popular acclimatisation town nestled around a naturally horse-shoe shaped amphitheatre. Today’s trek is so worthwhile, as we see the beautiful peaks of Kongde Ri our destination on day 12 of our trek, directly opposite the valley. Overnight: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a day out of the boots and to enjoy Namche. In the morning we’ll take an acclimatisation walk high above Namche to the Sagarmatha NEXT Environmental Centre. You’ll learn about cutting edge recycling practices to keep the Everest region pristine and re-use collected rubbish. You can also don special 3D glasses and take a virtual trek to Everest. Namche Bazaar has been a major trading hub for local goods, with traders bringing in supplies from Tibet and other regions. Today you can shop for local handicrafts from intricate woodwork to handmade scarves. Together we will visit the The Sherpa Museum to gain an insight into the rich culture and history of the Sherpa people. The museum includes exhibits of traditional clothing, tools, along with art, crafts, and religious artifacts related to Tibetan Buddhism, which is an integral part of Sherpa culture. Overnight: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

The trek to Thame offers a more tranquil experience compared to the busier trails to Everest Base Camp. We will follow a trail passing through the pine forest, rhododendron groves and typical Sherpa villages. This route is considered to be the historical trade route between Nepal and Tibet. As we ascend gradually, we will pass by a monastery and then from Samden village, we descend to the bridge and cross the Bhote Koshi river before a final, short climb up to the picturesque village of Thame. Overnight: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Thame is a traditional Sherpa village with a rich cultural heritage. Today we explore the village's monastery and chortens that reflect their spiritual and cultural life. Located in a dramatic location on a steep hillside above Thame and founded in the 17th century, the Dechen Chokhorling Gompa is one of the oldest and most spiritually significant Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu region. It follows the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and traditionally houses around 30-35 monks. Thame is also historically important in the context of mountaineering as the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay, one of the first two climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest alongside Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. Visit the monastery high above the settlement of Thame & listen to stories of our host, Dr Kami if he’s in residence. Overnight: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

To Kongde Ri 4,250 m by exhilarating helicopter ride over stunning Red Birch, Beech and Silver Fir forests. Relax in the afternoon & explore ridges around the lodge. With it’s unparalleled views of so many of the big Himalayan peaks, it’s an ideal place for night photography of the Himalaya, with millions of stars as the backdrop. Overnight: Kongde Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Trek four reasonably challenging hours to the beautiful jewel-like high altitude Kongde Lake. A shimmering hidden lake of calm turquoise water, it’s mirror surface reflecting the lofty peaks surrounding it, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dhablam and Thamserku. Very few people ever visit this serene beauty, tucked away at approx. 5,000m. There’s a significant altitude gain this day, but we walk high then sleep low, back at Kongde Ri lodge. (Picnic lunch at the lake). Overnight: Kongde Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

At Kongde Ri. Explore surrounding azalea and rhododendron covered ridges, where yaks graze, blood pheasant are sighted and even snow leopard scats have been seen. Energetic clients can take an optional walk to Farak Ri, north of Kongde at 5 4,680m. Overnight: Kongde Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Descend steeply to Phakding village following the view of the Dudh koshi river valley along with the view of Thamserku, Khangteka and Kusum Kangaroo. This is a spectacuar walk through pristine forests where blood pheasants are often seen in numbers. Overnight: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle climb to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunset of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey. Our last evening is a perfect time to celebrate a successful journey and say thanks to the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here. 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 Kathmandu hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon free. Overnight: Hotel Shanker, Kathmandu

Meals: B

We hope this trip has left you with a greater understanding of the Sherpa people and the richness of Nepalese culture, as well as unforgettable memories of your special trek in the Himalaya.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

Accompanied by Margie Thomas (in conjunction with a highly experienced local guide), whose knowledge and personal connections will ensure an unrivalled experience
Highlight stay at Kongde Lodge (4250m) with spectacular 360 degree views
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
Trek accommodation in comfortable lodges
14 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners
Flights Ramechap/Lukla/Ramechap approx. USD$350
An extra 5kg luggage allowance on Lukla flight, total 20kg
Kathmandu airport transfers on days 1 and 16 or if you booked pre/post tour accommodation through World Expeditions
Expert bilingual guide
Visit and entrance fee for the Sherpa Museum in Namche
Group medical kit
Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
Private transportation
All park entrance fees and trekking permits
Porters to carry all personal and group equipment
Porter's insurance

Not included

International flights
Travel Insurance
Visa
Single supplement - price is based on twin share. Please note single use rooms will be limited at Kongde Lodge
Meals not noted as included
Bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tips

About your guide

This tour is accompanied by Margie Thomas in conjunction with a highly experienced local guide. Margie has trekked extensively in Nepal and the Indian Himalaya including the Everest region and the lower Solu Khumbu, Ladakh and the Nanda Devi region. Over the last decade she has devised and led a bespoke trek to Upper Mustang and has also written ‘TSOSHAR - a rich cultural heritage in Upper Mustang’. Margie will share her abiding passion of Himalayan and Tibetan culture on this pioneering trek through this wild and remote part of the Everest region.