The legendary Everest Khumbu area is probably the best known of the Himalayan regions, primarily through its association with the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, back in 1953.
Although short, this Khumbu trek does not miss out on scenic grandeur, challenging adventure or local culture, while the richness of wildlife in the area is probably even greater than might be experienced on other itineraries in the region. The trek is suitable for people of all capabilities and will fit into restricted holiday time allowances. Without taking on the more strenuous and longer walk to Everest base camp itself, there will be many opportunities to marvel over fantastic views of the mountain; you will stay in comfortable Sherpa lodges and have many opportunities to soak up the culture of this famous region and its people. A visit to one of the area's most important Buddhist monasteries will be part of your trip, as well as seeing some of the first, and famous Edmund Hillary schools in the area, as well as Kunde Hospital. The slightly lower altitude of this trek, renders it suitable for those people who enjoy challenging walking but are not into scrambling over shale, ice and glaciers. Unlike many other companies, we have devised a circular trekking trail which saves repeating a large part of the path from and back to Lukla, and also includes a quieter area overlooked by other tour operators and backpackers..
Excitement begins back in Kathmandu, from where the flight into the Khumbu is short, but dramatic, and the descent to Lukla airstrip, through a remote and craggy landscape, is an adventure in itself. A wonderful antidote to this adrenalin rush, is the relatively gentle start to your trek, which initially descends from Lukla and leaves tackling the uphill push for a day, giving your body time to acclimatize. Our gradual walking, throughout this exclusive trek, which allows plenty of time to soak up the wonderful panoramic views, to meet and chat with local people, to ponder over unfamiliar flora and fauna, to focus on photography, and just 'to stand and stare', gives your body all the opportunities it needs to adjust to the gently ascending altitudes.
On completion of your Everest Panorama is the return to Kathmandu, with its temples, markets, and myriad small shops, gives time to experience yet another aspect of Nepal, including a possible visit to our charitable projects where we work with the most disadvantaged children and women, brings to an end an all-round Nepalese experience before your return to the familiarity of home.
Chitwan Extension....
...fascinating journey, by vehicle, to the Terai flatlands of the South. New scenery evolves as you travel down to Chitwan National Park, including different vegetation, architecture, means of transport and ethnic groups. The journey follows mighty rivers which have had their source in the high mountain range where you have been trekking, but are now flowing on their way, ultimately to join the mighty Ganges, on its way to reach the Bay of Bengal.
In Chitwan you may enjoy the very different flora and fauna of sub-tropical Nepal. Asian Elephants have their home in the jungles and plains here, as do Bengal Tigers, Mugger and Gharial Crocodiles, Monkeys, Wild Boar and an amazing array of colourful birds, including Greater Hornbill, Painted Storks, Indian Cuckoos and Pied Kingfishers. A jungle safari, on elephant back, and a river trip in local dugout canoes, together with a bullock cart ride to the local Tharu village, will give you a taste of the very different way of life and culture of the people of the Terai.
