From 1230€/person
12 days
Facing mount Everest: Sherpa villages life
Mount Everest, the highest summit in the world, is a dream for many. But actually, that it has become a common path for trekkers and mountaineers around the world. For that reason we suggest you to discover it from another perspective. Out of the traditional trails, this itinerary takes you for a week trek mostly at mid-altitude (between 2000 and 4000m), through the authentic villages of the Solukhumbu region. There, you'll discover the way of life of the Sherpa ethnic group. Thanks to mountain life remoteness, this people developed a strong and authentic culture of its own, but also went through many changes since the opening of Nepalese mountains to tourism. Take the chance to meet another culture, at the pace of your everyday steps!
With the Sherpas of the Solu
Aren't local people who carry mountaineers and trekkers' luggage commonly called sherpas? Absolutely, and they get this name from the Nepalese Sherpa ethnic group! The Sherpa men were well-known for their great strength and were thus employed by the British to carry their large paquets and belongings through the sinuous mountain paths of the Himalayas.
This one-week trek takes you to the Sherpa villages at the foot of mount Everest, in the Solu valley in order to meet them in an authentic way. You'll climb up mount Pikey at 4000m and get views on the Everest and six other summits over 8000m on the way.
Itinerary
Starting in Patale in the Solukhumbu region, your trek will take you along the Pikey river and the Sherpa villages on the way to slowly reach mount Pikey Base Camp at 4000m on the 4th day. Then you'll climb down through the pine and rhododendron forests and visit other Sherpa villages and monasteries until you get to Phaplu village on the 8th day of your trek.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Today you’ll fly to Kathmandu. Upon arrival your driver will take you to your hotel in the city centre. Rest of the day free at leisure.
Day 2: Kathmandu – Patale (B)
After breakfast, meet your driver and guide and hit the road to reach Patale, near mount Everest. Head to the south-east to Dhulikhel and see the Himalayan range appear on your left. The altitude is very low: at 500m, there are many banana and mango trees as well as rice and wheat fields. You’ll cross the Sun Khosi river then drive up to 2800m. Up in the mountains, the vegetation becomes forests of pines and giant rhododendrons. You’ll spend the night in a lodge in Patale, which has a point of view on mount Everest and its snow-capped neighbours.
Drive: 9hrs
Day 3: Patale – Pikey Valley (B)
Start your day with a 30mn walk to warm up and reach a beautiful point of view on mount Everest, as well as mounts Pumorir, Lhotse, Makalu and Kangchenjunga. You’ll get back to Patale for breakfast and then your trek really starts. You’ll walk along the winter wheat and barley fields, with the Pikey valley and river below you and will pass by beautiful Sherpa villages with limewashed stone walls and light blue paneling. Also you will see mount Pikey at 4000m, and stop in Kirung, a big Sherpa village and visit the monastery before walking down in the valley. There you’ll also cross the path of Tamang women, who wear different clothes. Night in the guesthouse of a small village.
Walk: 4.5hrs
Day 4: Pikey Valley – Khola (B)
For breakfast this morning, you’ll try the traditional tsampa and learn how to mix this barley wheat with tea to eat it. The trek follow the river on an easy path that children use to go to school. Then the trail will slowly go up through potato and wheat fields. You’ll cross the Pikey river two times, which has now become a clear mountain stream. Finally reach a village’s school and stay there for the night. In the afternoon, free time to visit the village, the school and the monastery.
Walk: 4hrs
Day 5: Khola - Pikey Base Camp (B)
Today after a good breakfast you’ll start trekking up on a steeper path. You can observe the Daphne, a multicolored pheasant and Nepal national bird. You’ll walk up through the forest to a mani (stone wall covered with mantras) then reach a pass at 3485m. You’ll find Samsing huts for lunch then keep walking through the pastures. After another pass at 3650m, an easy slope will take you to Pikey mount base camp, with a wonderful view on the surroundings. Installation in one of the lodges. You can have a look at the Juniper distillery nearby.
Walk: 5.5hrs
Day 6: Pikey Peak - Junebesi (B)
This morning, you’ll start early to Pikey Peak. After one hour walk, you’ll reach this beautiful summit at 4000m. It is easily accessible and offers a magical view on many summits when the weather is clear. If you’re lucky, you’ll see as far as the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, Langtang, Manaslu, Gauri Shankar, Everest, Lhotse, Makale and Kangchenjunga all around you. Then start your descent. Lunch break at a 3500m pass then walk up again to 3740m then walk down through the forest, reach Taktor village for a tea halt and finally the beautiful Junebesi Sherpa village.
Walk: 7.5hrs
Day 7: Junebesi (B)
After this long day walk you’ll take it more easy today. Discover Junebesi village at 2800m with its white houses around the monastery. You’ll visit the school and the monastery, which dates back to the 17th century. Visit also a Sherpa farm, as well as fields of kiwi and apple trees: these fruits are new to this mountainous region but climate change makes it possible to grow them.
Walk: 1.5hr
Day 8: Junebesi – Tubten Chöling monastery (B)
This morning, the path follow the Junebesi river and cross more charming Sherpa villages. At the end of the valley, you’ll see the new Pungmuche monastery which is also a young monks school. Then climb up for 30mn and reach Tubten Chöling monastic village which was founded by Tulsi Rimpoche, a high Tibetan lama who took refuge from China in this valley in the 1960s. He was joined by many monks and nuns. You’ll discover the monastery and assist to this Tibetan religious community daily occupations and sleep at the monastery’s guesthouse.
Walk: 2hrs
Day 9: Tubten Chöling – Ringmo (B)
Today, you’ll start walking up above the monastic village where you can spot some smaller houses that monks and nuns use for their 3 years retreats. Through pastures and rhododendrons reach Singrare pass at 3430m. It will be time to stop for lunch, then walk down crossing yack pastures to approach Tongnassa hamlet. You’ll reach the Dhudhkhunde river at 2630m: its water comes from upper lakes that come from the upper Numbur glacier. A last effort will take you to Ringmo village at 2720m.
Walk: 6.5hrs
Day 10: Ringmo – Phaplu (B)
This will be your last day trek, start by going up to Trakshindo monastery. It is the last inhabited place you’ll see before the village tonight. The path will take you first through the forest, then up on the Ratnagi crests above the trees. There you’ll get some more views on the Everest and other summits. Reach a very old stupa, then follow a larger path that leads to Phaplu village. You’ll get settled in a lodge in Phaplu for the night.
Walk: 7hrs
Day 11: Phaplu – Kathmandu (B)
Today is time to go back to Kathmandu by car. Take the time to relax and enjoy the comfort of your hotel tonight.
Day 12: Kathmandu Departure (B)
Your driver will take you to the airport, where you’ll take your flight to your next destination.
Information
Inclusions:
- Hotels, lodges and guesthouses with breakfast (B)
- Lunch (L) and dinner (D) during the trek
- Private driver for the transfers
- English speaking guide
- Porter (1 for 2 trekkers)
- TIMS registration
Exclusions:
- Visa
- International & domestic flights
- Other meals
- Entrance fees
- Personal expenses
- Hot showers during the trek
- Tips to guide and driver
- Insurances
You are interested by this trip?
