A WEEK BELOW EVEREST – 11 DAYS (Fixed Scheduled Trek 2009)  
(a high altitude nature trek that invokes your spiritual senses)
Code: EH-WBE-11

Explore the Everest area amidst its calm serenity which reinforces its surroundings with the divine beauty of nature. The experience of this trek retroactively helps you release your demons as you hike down to its ever so peaceful monasteries; while simultaneously viewing some of the highest and most panoramic peaks on the planet.

This scenic trek through the river valley of the Dudh Kosi takes you through the traditional Sherpa villages of Namche, Khumjung and Khunde and brings you to the ever- so-quiet monasteries at Thyangboche and Pangboche. You will meet the friendly Sherpas and enjoy their world renowned hospitality. You will also be amazed to observe how life continues in this extremely quiet and spiritual side of the world; very much at its own pace as it has done for centuries. Our highest point is Pangboche [3908m] with its delightfully unspoilt monastery, the way it was ever since its inception. There may also be an opportunity for you to visit the rather rare and unusual Buddhist nunnery at Deboche and the famous Thyangboche Monastery, set high on an inclined ridge, commanding some of the most spectacular views in the area.

Indeed, throughout this trek, you will have magnificent views of Mt Everest [8848m], Lhotse [8501m], Nuptse [7879m], Ama Dablam [6856m], Thamserku [6608m] and Kantega [6685m]. You will also see great glaciers, sprawling snowfields and glistening ice ridges emitting sparkling flashes in the warm, Himalayan sun. You will experience some unique nature hikes through dark forests, open pastures and wade through masses of rhododendron flowers in the pre-monsoon, or the reds and gold ones of autumn in the post-monsoons. You will never have a better tryst with the gods of nature as you would on this trek.

Look out for the huge lammergeyers, with a 2 to 3m wingspan, circling on the up draughts, the proud thar, the Himalayan mountain goat silhouetted on a high ridgeline looking out for greener pastures or the strange musk deer, shyly scurrying through the undergrowth. You will also look into the intricately carved Mani stones and prayer flags whispering odes to the gods in the breeze and the all-seeing eyes of Buddha on every Chorten and stupa. This is an area rich in cultural, religious and environmental interests, set within an awe-inspiring landscape below the highest mountain on Earth.