Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities

Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significance. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath.

Day 3 Fly to Lukla [2850m]
We take an early morning flight to Lukla. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes 45 minutes. A hair raising landing on a steep mountain runway, brings us to the village of Lukla [2900m]. On arriving at Lukla, we meet the trekking crew.

Day 4 Trek to Chutanga [3050m]
 We then head eastwards from Lukla. The trail crisscrosses through pristine hamlets and thick forests along Kalo Himal ridge. We must stay aligned onto our specific route. Otherwise we may deviate from the target destination. During winter, we have to traverse through deep snow on a steep terrain. However, during favorable climatic condition, the trail is usually straightforward. After 3-4 hours of trekking, we enter Chutanga.

Day 5 Rest at Chutanga
We spend two memorable nights at Chutanga. This gives us sufficient time for acclimatization prior to getting across the Zatrwa La pass. We can indulge in leisurely trek to a small 4000m peak below the Zatrwa Teng Pass. Beautiful views unveil as we glimpse over the valley of the Dudh Kosi and the picturesque trail zigzags towards Zatrwa La. After exploring, we descend back to Chutanga for complete relaxation.

Day 6 Trek to Tuli kharka [4300m]
The trail crosses the Kalo Himal ridge, which separates the Khumbu from the Hinku Valley. Further ahead, we traverse a comfortable path displaying a cairned notch on the ridge with several prayer flags at an elevation of 4450m. En route we may encounter yak herders. The views across the Dudh Kosi towards Karyolung and the Lumding Himal are very impressive and so is the view across the rolling foothills east of the Hinku Valley. Half an hour below the pass is a huge boulder and 6 to 7 hours of trekking finally takes us to Tuli Kharka.

NOTE: If conditions are particularly bad, we do have the option of crossing a lower pass to the south of the Zatrwa La, an alternative that involves 2 additional days of trekking.

Day 7 Trek to Mosum kharka [3700m]
The trail descends the rock-strewn path leading to a fine vantage point of the Hinku valley where mesmerizing views of the south face of Mera Peak become visible. The trail zigzags through forested areas and then descends steeply into the Hinku valley. Enchanting panorama of Peak 43 and Kusum Kangguru unfolds as we bask in the splendor of nature surrounding us from the Hinku Valley. We experience the most exotic and delightful feelings as we walk past forests of pine and rhododendron. Soon we reach Mosum Kharka, by the banks of Hinku Drangka river.

Day 8 Trek to Tangnag [4350m]
As we head to the west bank of the Hinku Khola northwards,  we spot meadows used as grazing areas for goats, sheep and yaks in the upper Hinku. After several ascents for 4-6 hours, we approach the summer settlement of Tangnag as we cross a single-plank bridge at Gondishung. We halt for lunch at this spot. Lying in its vicinity is a two century’s old Gompa resting beneath a massive boulder and a number of crude mani walls. The trail offers an outstanding view of Peak 43.

Day 9 Rest at Tangnag
We utilize two days for complete acclimatization. After proper rest, we can explore other adventure possibilities like strolling by Sabal Tsho, beautiful moraine-dammed lake, which is hidden behind the Sabal Glacier and climbing a peak up to an altitude of nearly 5000m. We can also explore Hinku Nup Glacier, which leads north toward Kantega. The upper Hinku valley turns to the east at Tangnag, crossing the moraine of the Dig Glaciers.

Day 10 Trek to Khare [5000m]
As we walk away from Tangnag, the trail ascends to a wide grassy basin, popularly called Dig Kharka. We continue walking for hours. After a while, we arrive at Khare, which offers splendid vistas of huge north face of Mera, Hinku Shar Glacier and Mera La.

Day 11 Khare upper end [5500m]
We use this day for acclimatization. After proper rest, we take a walk up to a small peak on the west side of the Hinku Nup Glacier, where we can reach a height of around 5500m. At this point, we get to capture stunning views of Mera La and Mera Peak.

Day 12 Trek up to campsite by lower part of Hinku Nup glacier
We follow the trail leading to Mera La. We continue to traverse as far as the lowest part of the Hinku Nup Glacier. At this point, we can see the amazing white panorama snow covered Himalayan peaks stretching before us.

Day 13 The ascent [6476m]
Early in the morning at around 2am after breakfast, we advance towards the summit. By sunrise, we can reach up to 6000m. After a grueling climb, we finally scale the summit. From the summit, we can get the most spectacular view of at least five of the world's fourteen 8000m peaks. Most of this spectacular panorama can be seen from the site of the high camp and all of it is visible from 6000m. After the climb, we descend to the Hongu side of the pass.

Day 14 Contingency Day
 This day has been set aside as a contingency day.

 Day 15 - 18 Return to Lukla                                                                           
 We retrace our steps back to Lukla. When we reach Lukla, we spend the last evening partying with our sherpa guides and porters. We get to sample chang (local wine), try some Sherpa dance steps and end our trip on a merry note.

Day 19 Fly to Kathmandu
From Lukla, we take an early morning flight to Kathmandu.

Day 20 Depart Kathmandu
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. (Or you can stay longer for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking etc).

Contact us at
office@explore-himalaya.com
for more information about this tour.