We all depart on April 17th. Pauls dad heads out in the morning, Paul and I leave mid afternoon for Nepal and Alicia leaves just before dinner time.
Paul and I fly on Thai Airways from Bangkok to Kathmandu on Thai #319. We arrive at 12:25pm.
Once in Kathmandu we start our next Intrepid Trip: Mt. Everest Base Camp.
Here's how they describe it:
This is an unforgettable expedition into the most mountainous corner of the world. First conquered by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, Everest has traditionally been the ultimate goal for mountaineers. Today hard-core trekkers seek the challenge of reaching the mountaineer's Base Camp. Flying in to Lukla, explore the mountains and valleys around the towering peak, rest in Nepalese teahouses, learn about the traditions and cultures of the famous Sherpa and spend time in exotic Kathmandu.
Map:
Itinerary:
Day 1 Kathmandu:
Rich in artistic and cultural heritage and full of fascinating sights, vibrant and eclectic Kathmandu is an excellent launching point for the adventure ahead. Early arrivals should stroll to Durbar Square, a great place to watch the world go by and home to the Kumari Devi - considered a living goddess. Sit in a cafe with a cup of spicy hot chai, wander the markets or tuck into some Nepali cuisine. In the afternoon, learn about minimum impact trekking on a visit to the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP), an Intrepid Foundation project that aims to promote sustainable tourism and provide environmental and cultural education to travellers who visit this special part of the world.
Days 2-13 Everest Base Camp
Catch an early morning flight to Lukla, ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime - trekking to Everest Base Camp. Surrounded by the world's most remote and breathtaking scenery, rest overnight in local teahouses and explore the diversity of Himalayan traditions and religion. Follow remote mountain paths, cross glaciers, traverse valleys and climb high passes to ascend to the foot of magnificent Mt Everest, acclimatising to the high altitudes on the way. From Everest Base Camp, head back down to Gorak Shep then make the tough trek to Kala Pattar (5,545 m) for exceptional views of Everest, Lhotse and the other jagged peaks of this awe-inspiring region. Take it easy on the descent, calling in at Tengboche Monastery and the Sherpa Heritage Foundation to learn about Sherpa culture. Return to Lukla for the flight back to Kathmandu.
Days 14-15 Kathmandu
The flight from Lukla to the capital is short and rewarding, with impressive views back across the Himalayan slopes. Soak up more of Kathmandu's unique atmosphere with a spot of shopping among the many street markets and shops. Clothing, embroidery, carpets and ceramics are all on offer here. Alternatively, take a trip over the Bagmati River to the adjacent city of Patan, a maze of temples and monasteries. Enjoy a final night in Kathmandu with a celebratory group dinner - a chance to reminisce and reflect on this epic journey, and say "namaste" to new friends.
