Trek into the Heart
with
Lobsang Phuntsok

DAY 1 - Arrival & Orientation in Kathmandu

We will pick you up at Tribhuvan International airport and transfer you to our hotel in Thamel (tourist section of Kathmandu). Enjoy some down time to rest, have showers and eat. Our group will join together for dinner, team introductions, and a fun orientation meeting. Drink copious amounts of water in route, as flying and traveling will certainly dehydrate you. Self-care begins immediately.

Day 2 - Guided City Tour Kathmandu

We will tour some of the most beautiful and sacred sites of Kathmandu including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath (Cremation Temple), and Boudhanath Stupa (world's largest Buddhist stupa). The afternoon is free for exploring Kathmandu and settling last minute packing needs.

Day 3 - Excursion to Kakani Village and Schools

After breakfast, we drive roughly 2 hours to Kakani Adventure Camp. Upon arrival, we will have an introduction to the camp, sort out accommodations, have lunch, and then go on a walk to get acquainted with the beautiful village of Kakani. Upon arrival back at camp, Lobsang will introduce his teachings. YOU CAN CUSTOMIZE THE LANGUAGE AS WE DETERMINE LOBSANG's TEACHING PROGRESSION.

Day 4 - Kakani Adventure Camp Immersion

This morning we begin a breathtaking sunrise practice with the highest peaks in the world as our backdrop. After tea, we will begin teachings from Lobsang until our delicious lunch is served around noon. After lunch we have free time for reflection, exploration and/or personal time. The local people of Kakani Village will be very excited to meet you and share their culture. They will most likely want to practice their English language skills while conversing and interacting. This is a great time to get to know local children and families or sink deeper into your reflections.

Day 5 - Kakani Adventure Camp Immersion 

Against the backdrop of the Himalayan peaks, we will commence our program with a session led by Lobsang, focusing on the application of his teachings to enhance our upcoming trek, as well as their relevance to our overall well-being. The afternoon's itinerary includes a visit to the Kakani Village Stupa and other culturally significant sites. We will also explore the local entrepreneur strawberry field businesses and engage with Tamang, a women-led enterprise. This organization specializes in the production of upcycled, plastic-filled pouches, utilizing natural, non-toxic materials. Their mission encompasses environmental stewardship through plastic waste management and recycling education within the community. Notably, the Karuna Project in Crested Butte, Colorado, facilitates the distribution of Tamang's products.

Day 6 - Last Day of Kakani Village Immersion
 

This morning, we focus on integrating Lobsang's teachings. We meet together for a delicious Ayurvedic lunch of dal, rice and curried vegetables before having free time for reflection or exploration. In the afternoon, we engage in a cross-cultural exchange through a wisdom circle with local residents, fostering mutual understanding and discovery. The evening marks our final night in Kakani, and we celebrate with a hands-on workshop on the preparation of momos, a staple of Nepalese cuisine.

Day 7 - Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding (elev. 8,600ft/2,620m)

Trekking Distance: 4 miles (6 km)

Elevation Gain: 100 feet (30m)

Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours

We make an early departure back to Kathmandu straight to the ariport. Landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport is not something you sleep through. This short runway is perched on the side of a mountain. We meet our porters for the expedition and begin our journey to Everest Base Camp as we walk slowly to the village of Phakding. Today we are immersed in the Sherpa and Tamang cultures. The walk is mostly downhill and the route follows a nicely worn footpath 'highway' used every day by locals. There's no road connecting the various villages. Expect to share the path with tourists and Sherpas alike, as well as yaks, horses and mules. Upon arrival in Phakding, we check into our tea house and have down time to take in the area before being served our nutritious Nepali dinner. We close the evening with beautiful teachings form Lobsang.

Day 8 - Trek Phakding to Namche (elev. 11,300ft/3,450m)

Trekking Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5 km)

Elevation Gain:  2700 feet (830m)

Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours

We embark on a journey to the Sherpa capital, the famous Namche Bazaar! We cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges as we enter a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sagarmatha National Park, established to protect and preserve this unique mountain environment. Today's trek ends in a steep climb up to Namche Bazaar. If the weather is clear, we will have our first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu Valley and has a traditional busy market. Hindu traders from the lowlands would meet Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. Upon arrival, we check into our rooms, change clothes and have some reflection time with Lobsang.

Day 9 - Acclimatization Day in Namche
Optional Trek to Everest Hotel (elev. 12,800ft/3,900m)

Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the magnificent peaks of the Khumbu and has much to offer curious trekkers. In the morning we choose to either visit the Khunde hospital, which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take a walk up to the ridge above Namche for the amazing view of the mountains Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest from the 'Hotel Everest'. The afternoon is free for you to explore! With an abundance of guest houses, tea shops, and souvenir shops, we recommend drinking Chia (tea) and hanging out around the fire with the locals. There are also supply shops and a few ATMs to stock up on snacks and other items; however, supplies are limited and ATMs occasionally do not work. Plan to bring enough rupees with you. As the sun sets in a beautiful alpineglow, we sit with Lobsang in pleasant vibe of peace.

Day 10 - Trek Namche to Dole (elev. 13,400 ft/4,100m)
Mong La Pass (elev. 13,100 ft/4,000m)

Trekking Distance: 8 miles (11 km)

Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet (700 m)

Trekking Duration: 2-3 hours

Leaving behind Namche Bazaar feels like the moment that you leave civilization behind and enter the high Himalayan forest environment. We continue walking slowly up the peaceful Gokyo Valley which is a local villagers' traffic route for moving supplies with yaks and dzos. Local childern greet us with waves as we pass through a couple small villages. Stunning views of Mt Taboche, Ama Dablam, and Mt. Khumbila open as we climb up and over Mong La pass before descending into Dole where Lobsang will close out day and we will rest for the night. 

Day 11 - Trek Dole to Machermo (elev. 14,700 ft/4,480m)

Trekking Distance:  4 miles (6 km)

Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet (400 m)

Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours

We depart on "Nepali flat" terrain (lots of ups and downs) as the way becomes a continuous ascent uphill. Alongside there are several religious shrines and prayer flags, which look spectacular on the high mountain ridge-lines. Today we trek over the magical 4000 metre elevation mark so pace yourself and drink plenty of water - this is the day where most people really begin to feel the altitude! In the evening, Lobsang will share his ancient wisdom sending us to dream of the sweetness of life.

Day 12 - Trek Machermo to Gokyo (elev. 15,600 ft/4,760m)

Trekking Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)

Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet (300 m)

Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours

Gokyo sits in the shadow of Cho Oyu (26,739 ft/8150 m), the world's sixth-highest mountain. It also sits on the shore of one of the Gokyo Lakes, the world's highest freshwater lake system. The lakes are considered sacred and are regularly visited by Buddhists and Hindus.

Day 13 - Trek Gokyo to Thragnag (elev. 15,480 ft/4,718m)
Optional Gokyo Ri Peak Climb (elev. 17,580 ft/5,358m)

Trekking Distance: 3 miles (4.5 km)

Elevation Gain: 100 feet (30 m) or 2,000 feet (600m) with the peal climb added

Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours

Directly next to the village is Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas at 22 miles (36 km). Today, we cross this glacier, traveling over the broken pathways of ice and glacial moraine. The option early morning Gokyo Ri peak climb is no joke. Over the course of a mile, you gain nearly 1,870 feet (570 m) of elevation. Most people take 3 hours to slowly climb enjoying the views in all directions. From the summit of Gokyo Ri you have the most spectacular view, including the worlds most famous peaks, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Makalu among plenty of others.

Day 14 -Trek Thragnag to Dzongla (elev. 15,850 ft/4,830m)
Via Cho La Pass (elev. 17,780 ft/5,420m)

Trekking Distance: 6 miles (10 km)

Elevation Gain: 2300 feet (710 m)

Trekking Duration: 8+ hours

Don't let the elevation change from our starting point to finish fool you. The day up and over the Cho La Pass is exciting and challenging. We are talking about a 8+ hour day that includes over 720m of elevation gain. With stunning views and trekking on the glacier, Cho La Pass is one of the most iconic places to trek while visiting the Himalayas Sagarmatha National Park. You zig-zag through the flat smooth glacial ice as you descend Cho La Pass. Although it is a tough day, the surrounding landscape is just a beautifully surreal sight to take in!

Day 15 - Dzongla to Gorek Shep (elev. 16,940 ft/5,160m)
Optional Kala Patthar Peak Summit (elev. 18,520 ft/5,640m)

Trekking Distance: 6.6 miles (10.7 km)

Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet (340 m)

Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours

The trek to Gorek Shep can sometimes be rigorous, as the path can be covered in snow. Once we arrive in Gorak Shep, we check into our rooms and have lunch. If weather and energy levels permit, some may choose to go for the summit of Kala Patthar. The highest peak of the expedition. Gorak Shep is the highest village that we will sleep in.

Day 16 - - Trek to Everest Base Camp (elev. 17,600 ft/5,360m) then Heli To Kathmandu

Trekking Distance:  2 miles (3.5 km)

Elevation Gain:  740 feet (225 m)

Trekking Duration: 5 hours round trip

Early morning, we begin the walk slowly to Everest Base Camp. At base camp, we celebrate with treats and tears of joy! We will have incredible views of the highest mountains in the world and the famous Khumbu Icefall. To top off this extraordinary day, we board our helicopters for a stunning flight back to Kathmandu. 

Day 17 - Kathmandu

Today is a contingency day in case the weather did not permit flying out of Gorek Shep yesterday. Provided the weather was good to fly yesterday, today the day is free for visiting Durbar Square, temple hopping, and shopping in Kathmandu. We will join together for a well-earned celebration dinner! Cheers!

Day 18 - Depart Kathmandu

Today is the sweet farewell as you depart Kathmandu to return home or wherever your next adventure takes you. We drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours prior to departure.