Kalapathar Trek – 16 Days

Getting to the height of Kalapathar (Black rock) 5,545 m is an achievement of the Kalapathar trek for 16 days. After a day of sightseeing and exploration throughout Kathmandu, this trek begins with a dynamic flight towards Lukla (Tenzing Hillary Airport). Developing trek forward offers Sagarmatha National Park occupying a massive area (1,148 km2) with many rare flora and fauna. Passing through several mini walls, suspension, and wooden bridges, pleasing Rhododendron, and Pine forests admit to Namche Bazaar (A large settlement of legendary Sherpa). Wonderful close landscape views of giant peaks holding heights above 8,000 m including Mount Everest (8,848 m), Mount Lhotse (8,586 m), and Mount Cho Oyu (8,188 m) with frequent peaks below 8,000 m are the stunning rewards of Everest base camp trek. Our classic Everest base camp trek encounters numerous glacial valleys, Sherpa settlements, Teahouses, praying stones, Buddhist monuments, and stupas including the oldest Khumbu region Monastery in Tengboche. Fantastic Glacial walk at the foot of Khumbu icefall, 360° view throughout giant mountains, and Kalapathar being changed into golden color by morning direct sunrays make the Everest base camp trek more significant. After steeping our aimed destination, we gradually follow the back route downward to Lukla and catch a flight to Kathmandu which finally ends our 15 days trekking package of Everest base camp. 

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)

Day 02: Kathmandu – Ramechhap to Lukla (2,642 m) – Phakding (2,562 m)

Day 03: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Day 04: Namche Bazaar: (first day of Acclimatization)

Day 05: Namche Bazaar – Tengboche (3,870 m)

Day 06: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m)

Day 07: Dingboche: (second day of acclimatization)

Day 08: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940 m)

Day 09: Lobuche – Everest base camp (5,364 m) – Gokarshep (5,160 m)

Day 10: Gorak Shep to Laboche

Day 11: Luboche to Pangboche (3930m)

Day 12: Pangboche to Khumjung (3780m)

Day 13: Khumjung to Mondzo (2800m)

Day 14: Mandzo to Lukla

Day 15: Early morning flight back to Ramechhap and drive to Kathmandu.

Day 16: Departure Day


Cost includes:

  • Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
  • Tourist Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • An experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag  (to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes 

Cost Excludes:

  • Nepalese visa fee 
  • Excess baggage charge(s)
  • Extra night accommodation in Lukla and Ramechhap because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain due to any reason other than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
  • International flights
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)

* This tour can be fully customized as per your requirement.

 

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)

Following your arrival time at Tribhuwan International Airport, our company representatives will be there for your warm welcome and to shift you towards a luxury tourist standard hotel. Therefore, we plan on gathering at our office to discuss the upcoming trek.

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap and fly to Lukla (2,642 m) – Phakding (2,562 m)
On the third day according to our flight schedule, we will drive for around 4 hours to Ramechhap Airport to catch our (30 to 35 minute) Himalayan scenic flight and fair landing at Lukla (gateway of the Khumbu/Everest region). Leaving Lukla, we start our short (3 to 4 hours) trek downhill towards the Sherpa settlement of Cheplung following Dudh Koshi valley, we step Phakding. This night we stay at the lodge in Phakding. 

Day 03: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
On the fourth day, we trigger our trek forward crossing several Sherpa settlements, suspension bridges, and pine forests to reach the official permit checkpoint (entrance to Sagarmatha National Park). Continue to walk through the junction point of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi River along developing certain upward hikes with starting view of the Himalayas through the pleasing forest leading to Namche Bazaar for a stay overnight.

Day 04: Namche Bazaar: (first day of Acclimatization)

Early in the morning hike to Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters for a sunrise view, the first real views of the peaks; Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, etc., and also visit the museum housed in the national park headquarters. There is an interesting display of Sherpa's traditional life, flora, fauna, and birdlife in the park.

Day 05: Namche Bazaar – Tengboche (3,870 m)

Leave Namche and ascend past the check post and follow the main trail to Phunki Thangka(3250m). A small settlement with several water-driven proper wheels on the banks of the Dudh Koshi. Lunch here. From Phunki the trail climbs steeply, then more gradually through forests up the hillside to Tengboche Monastery. The view from this spot is outstanding, Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Kantega provide a breathtaking Himalaya panorama. The Gompa and its surroundings are well worth a visit. Stay at a lodge.

Day 06: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m)

Tengboche Monastery was seriously damaged by fire in 1989 but has since been rebuilt and there will be time to visit both the monastery and the museum. We descend through meadows and rhododendron forest, past the Buddhist nunnery at Deboche, and to the Imja Khola. Then up along the north bank of the river, with spectacular views of Ama Dablam, to a tea shop at Orsho. Crossing the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Khola we continue to Dingboche (4,360 m).

Day 07: Dingboche: (second day of acclimatization)

A day for acclimatization and exploring; you can do a dayâ??s walk up the Imja Khola valley through Bible at 4570m to the yak huts at Chukhung and onto a small viewpoint above at 4875m. Here are good views of the east face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse wall. About 3 hour's walk, or you can walk north up along the valley side to the ruined Nangkartshang Gompa.

Day 08: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940 m)

We are now well above the tree line and our walking today brings us to Dusa from where we descend to a stream at 4580m. Immediately above we reach the tea shops of Dughla then continue to a ridge that has several memorials to Sherpas killed on expeditions to Everest. Continue along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, with views of Kala Pattar and Pumori to reach Lobuche at 4940m.

Day 09: Lobuche – Everest base camp (5,364 m) – Gokarshep (5,160 m)

It is a 6 a.m. start for those who wish to ascend Kalapather(5545m). The gentle walk initially then ascends after bout an hour and crosses the moraine then descends to the sandy expanse of Gorak Shep (5364m). A two hours steep ascent brings you to the top of Kalapather and increasingly good views of Everest and the neighboring summits. We descend to Gorakshep. Stay overnight at a tea shop

Day 10: Gorak Shep to Laboche

The descent to Lobuche is easy but seems endless because of the many uphill climbs. Overnight at a Lodge.

Day 11: Luboche to Pangboche (3930m)

Return to Dughla and then take a different trail, stay high above the valley floor before descending steeply to Pheriche and lunch. After lunch continues down the valley to reach Pangboche in about 3 hours.

Day 12: Pangboche to Khumjung (3780m)

From Pangboche take the spectacular high trail to Phortse and descend to the river for lunch. From the river climb to Chorten and then continue to Khumjung. Stay at a lodge

Day 13: Khumjung to Mondzo (2800m)

We have an opportunity to visit Hotel Everest View on the way to Namche. Take lunch in Namche. After lunch, we descend to the Dudh Koshi and continue Monzo. Overnight at a lodge

Day 14: Mandzo to Lukla

We follow the Dudh Koshi river downstream until after Ghat when we start to come up the side of the valley to reach Lukla. Overnight at Himalaya Lodge.

Day 15: Early morning flight back to Ramechhap and drive back to Kathmandu

We catch an early flight back to Ramechhap from Lukla and drive back to Kathmandu. We organize a farewell dinner today in one of the famous restaurants in town and enjoy Nepalese food.

Day 16: Departure Day

On the last day focusing your time, you can go shopping to collect some gifts for your friends or family members.  We help you with your necessary arrangements and pack-ups along with our private vehicle to transfer you to the airport focusing on your departure time. Our representatives will be there to wish you a safe flight and successful steps ahead.

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Where is Kalapathar?

Nestled in the majestic Khumbu region of Nepal, Kalapathar is a renowned vantage point offering breathtaking views of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak. Standing at an elevation of 5,643 meters (18,481 feet), Kalapathar provides an unobstructed panorama of the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.

What are the required permits for the Kalapathar Trek?

To embark on the Kalapathar Trek, you'll need the following permits:

  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit: This permit is mandatory for entering the Sagarmatha National Park, which covers the entire trekking route.
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System): Every trekker in Nepal must carry a TIMS Card to track their movement and ensure safety.

When is the best time for the Kalapathar Trek?

The best time for the Kalapathar Trek is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons. These periods offer clear skies, mild temperatures, and minimal rainfall. Avoid the monsoon season (June-August) due to muddy trails and the winter months (December-February) due to extreme cold and snow.

What are the highlights of the Kalapathar Trek?

  • Everest Panorama: Witness the awe-inspiring Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, from Kalapathar, offering a close-up view of its grandeur.
  • Himalayan Vistas: Experience panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Lhotse, Makalu, and other majestic peaks, from Kalapathar's vantage point.
  • Everest Base Camp: Ascend to Everest Base Camp, the starting point for expeditions to the summit of Everest, and immerse yourself in the mountaineering spirit.
  • Sherpa Culture: Interact with the warm and hospitable Sherpa communities, learning about their unique traditions and lifestyles.

How to prepare for the Kalapathar Trek?

  • Physical Fitness: Train consistently, focusing on cardiovascular endurance and strength training to handle moderate ascents, high altitudes (up to 5,643 meters/18,481 feet at Kalapathar), and varied terrain.
  • Altitude Acclimatization: Gradually adjust to high altitudes before starting the trek, spending a few days in Kathmandu (1,400 meters) before ascending.
  • Permits and Insurance: Obtain the necessary permits (Sagarmatha National Park Permit, TIMS Card) and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Gear and Clothing: Pack appropriate attire for moderate-altitude trekking, including warm clothing, waterproof layers, hiking boots, a backpack, trekking poles, a headlamp, and a first-aid kit.

How difficult is the Kalapathar Trek?

The Kalapathar Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek, requiring a moderate level of fitness and experience. It involves moderate ascents, high altitudes, varied terrain, and some exposure to altitude sickness.

How fit do you need to be for the Kalapathar Trek?

To tackle this trek, you should be in good physical condition. Regular aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, or cycling, will develop the stamina required for moderate-length treks. Additionally, strength training will prepare your muscles for the demands of the trek.

What should you pack for the Kalapathar Trek?

Here's a basic packing list for the Kalapathar Trek:

  • Warm clothing: Fleece layers, woolen socks, beanie, gloves
  • Waterproof layers: Rain jacket, rain pants, gaiters
  • Hiking boots: Sturdy, supportive boots with good ankle support
  • Backpack: Comfortable backpack with adequate capacity for your gear
  • Trekking poles: Poles for balance and support on uneven terrain
  • Headlamp: Headlamp for nighttime trekking and navigating lodges
  • First-aid kit: Basic first-aid supplies for common ailments and injuries

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From

US$ 1640 per person

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Activities
Trekking and Sight Seeing
Meals
Full board in trek and breakfast in Kathmandu
Destination
Nepal
Duration
16 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Room
Hotel and Tea house lodge
Max Elevation
5,364 m
Transport
Flight, Private Van or Tourist Bus
Group Size
+2
Best Season
Spring (April and May), Summer (June, July and August) and Autumn (September, October and November)
Trip Start
Kathmandu
Trip End
Kathmandu
longest way home

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