Gokyo Lakes

Himalaya er en fjellkjede i Asia, og ligger på grensen mellom Kina, Pakistan og India. Nepal, Tibet og Bhutan ligger også i sørhellingene av fjellet.
Ordet Himalaya betyr Snøens Hjem på sanskrit.
Fjellkjedens mest kjente fjell er Mt. Everest, som er verdens høyeste fjell, samt K2 og Kanchenjunga som kun er noen hundre meter lavere.
Himalaya er jordens yngste fjellkjede, og ble skapt da Indiaplaten og Eurasiaplaten kolliderte, og formet fjellene.

Turen er gradert som middels krevende, og involverer vanligvis 5-7 timer med fotturer hver dag. Mange av dagene tilbringes i høyde på flere tusen meter. Turen krever generelt god fysikk og kondisjon.

For en fullstendig oversikt over turens severdigheter og attraksjoner, se dag til dag-skjemaet. Turens høydepunkter er:

• Mt. Everest og omkringliggende fjell
• Sherpa-kultur
• Namche-basaren
• Thyangboche-klosteret
• Gokyo-innsjøene
• Bestige Gokyo-fjellet
• Kathmandu Durbar-plassen
• Swayambhunath (Ape-tempelet)
• Pashupatinath (en kjent hindu helligdom)
• Lukla
   

Klimaet i Nepal varierer med høyden. I lavlandet er klimaet subtropisk, mens i fjellene er det alpint. Monsunsesongen varer fra juni til september, og fører en del regn med seg, men dette er som regel ettermiddagsbyger, slik at dagene ofte er tørre og med solgløtt. Være generelt i Himalaya kan være ustabilt.

Valutaen i Nepal heter Nepalske Rupi (NPR).

Nepal ligger 5 timer foran Norge.

Norske statsborgere trenger visum i Nepal. Dette kan ordnes ved de fleste grenseovergangene til Nepal. Oversikt over grensestasjonene som tilbyr dette finnes på følgende nettside: Department of Immigration.

Ta kontakt med ditt legesenter for ytterligere informasjon om vaksinasjoner. Hvitserk & Eventyrreiser krever helseskjema på alle sine turer. Ved enkelte av våre turer, eller ved fylte 60 år, må helseskjemaet underskrives av lege.

DAY 1 Arrive Kathmandu
You will be met by your group leader and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the
afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 5pm where arrangements will be made
for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. Evening drinks are held in
the hotel for all World Expeditions clients arriving today. Drinks and snacks will generally be served
from 6:30 pm until 7:15pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group
members before heading out to dinner.

DAY 2 In Kathmandu (1330m)
This morning a sightseeing tour takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. In the
afternoon you have time to explore Patan, Bhaktapur, and the lesser-known towns that dot the valley
on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever
your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast
with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance - Kathmandu has more World Heritage
sites than any other city in the world.

DAY 3 Fly to Lukla (2800m). Trek to Ghat (2530m). Walk approx 2 hours.
We transfer to the airport for the 45 minute flight to the STOL airstrip at Lukla. This was the airstrip
built by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friends to service the Everest Region when he began his work of
building schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. It is a memorable flight, with marvellous views
of the Eastern Himalaya. At Lukla we are immediately impressed by the scale of the huge peaks that
surround the village, but this is only a foretaste of what is to come. Our crew assembles and we
head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks, named
"Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river) because of it's colour. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around
fields of potatoes and buck-wheat and passes through small villages, as we pass rows of tree dahlia
to make our way to our first campsite at Ghat.

DAY 4 To Monjo (2850m). Walk approx 4-5 hours.
Today we cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named "Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river) because
of it's colour. Sections of today's walk are through pine forest and cleared areas reveal terraced
fields and a variety of crops. We pass small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading goods and
trek-gear along the trail. Our own gear will be carried by yak, or more correctly dzopko, a yak-cow
crossbreed. We pass through a variety of small hamlets as we slowly gain altitude. Spectacular
mountain peaks unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree-line as they rise above the deep
river valley. Shortly after leaving camp we cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary stream to the Dudh
Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kangru (6369 m) can be seen to the East, at the head of the valley.
Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-West, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde Ri (6093 m)
rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises majestically,
seemingly from the river floor. We will see our first Mani walls today. These stone structures are a
compilation of many stone tablets, each with the inscription "Om Mani Padme Hum" which
translates to "Hail to the jewel in the lotus" and is mantra (chant) venerated by Buddhists and
Brahmans alike. Buddhists will walk to the left of these Mani Walls and chortens but you may notice
that people of the lowlands who have no knowledge of Buddhism do not follow this ceremony.
Today's walk is not a long one and you will be eager to press-on. Slow down and enjoy every step of
the way. It is the journey, not the camp-site that is important.

DAY 5 To Namche Bazaar (3440m). Walk approx 3-4 hours.
This morning we cross the green/aqua waters of the Dudh Kosi and pass through the gates of the
Sagamartha National Park. The establishment of this national park is a significant attempt to stem
the use of fire-wood in the area. Self-contained trek groups must use only kerosene fuels for
cooking, a philosophy we follow everywhere in Nepal, whether we are in a national park or not. Tea-
houses and lodges are encouraged to use kerosene, yak dung or electricity but unfortunately
continue to use mostly fire-wood for cooking, heating and for hot water for trekker's showers. This
practice continues to deplete the forests. We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh
Kosi and the Bhote Kosi and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the
village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa "capital" of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes
through forest of pine to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. The trail
continues to climb and meander to Namche and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a
horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch
you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader's stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Our
accommodation will be at Sherwi Khangba, a delightful Sherpa Hotel above Namche village.

DAY 6 Rest Day in Namche.
This rest day in Namche Bazaar is very important for safe acclimatisation. Sagamartha National Park
Headquarters just above our Sherpa hotel offers a very interesting display of photographs,
memorabilia and information on the park, and is a wonderful vantage point for the spectacular view
up the Imja Khola Valley towards Everest. The change from the narrow lowland valleys to the broad
glacial ones is immediately obvious. The steep-sided glacial valley before us gradually winds
towards the base of Everest, broken only by the moraines left by retreating glaciers. Its more gradual
rate of climb is a blessing for those trekking higher. Towering to over 4000 metres above the valley
floor, spectacular peaks seem to engulf us. Around us are Tawatse (6542 m), Thamserku (6808 m),
Kantega (6685 m), Ama Dablam (6856 m), Nuptse (7896 m) and Lhotse (8511 m). The greatest of all,
Mt Everest (8848 m), rises at the head of the valley. The Sherpa Cultural Centre next to our hotel has
an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs. Those who are fit and
acclimatising well may wish to take the optional morning walk to the Everest View Hotel where
spectacular views of Everest and Ama Dablam may be seen.

DAY 7 To Portse Tenga (3600m). Walk approx 6 hours.
Heading North-East we initially follow the main trail to Thyangboche as it contours around the hills,
before we branch off on a short climb on the flanks of the sacred peak of Khumblia (5761 m). We
traverse for some time across yak pastures as the trail gradually ascends to Mon La. Below us is the
confluence of the Dudh Kosi and Imja Khola and across the valley Thyangboche monastery is framed
by Ama Dablam and Kantega. We reach a stupa draped with prayer flags atop a ridge at 3992
metres and then descend steeply through forest to the Dudh Kosi. After afternoon tea an optional
walk up the ridge beyond camp will bring us to the village of Portse.

DAY 8 To Dole (4000m). Walk approx 3 hours.
This morning we head north, still following the Dudh Kosi towards it's source, the magnificent
Ngozumpa Glacier. An initial short climb gets us onto the trail for the steady climb towards Gokyo.
Since leaving the main trail we have seen progressively fewer trekkers and locals and the relative
isolation of the trail is a pleasure. Sections of red birch, fir and dwarf rhododendron forest are
interspersed with areas of yak pasture as we gradually gain altitude. We pass pleasant waterfalls
and sit to gaze at the glaciers that flow from Taweche and Cholatse on the opposite side of the
valley. Behind us, spectacular ridges lead to the peak of Khumblia and the numerous unnamed
peaks that reach almost 6,000 metres. Camp will be at Dole, in a field beside a pleasant stream. In
the distance Kantega and Thamserku rise above the foothills. It was at Dole that one of the more
recent and "credible" yeti sightings took place. Ask your trek leader for details and draw your own
conclusions.

DAY 9 To Machhermo (4410m). Walk approx 3 hours.
Continuing a steady but constant climb, we reach the "village" of Machhermo for lunch. Like the few
small villages in this valley, Machhermo has only a few buildings and these are empty much of the
year. Villagers in Khumjung and Khunde generally own land here high up the valley, where they
graze yaks in the summer months. This is a valuable acclimatisation day as we prepare for our
ascent of Gokyo Ri (5483m). We take things easy but this afternoon you may wish to stretch your
legs and take a walk up the ridge behind Luza for a view of the Gokyo Valley.

DAY 10 To Gokyo (4759m). Walk approx 5-6 hours.
Following the valley high above the river, we commence the ascent to Gokyo village. There are
excellent views of Cholatse at the village of Pangka and we stop to enjoy them. We are now in high
alpine country and as we approach the Ngozumpa Glacier we trek onto the moraine and rock that
extends down from it. We enjoy excellent views of Kantega to the south and Cho Oyu to the north.
Each mountain has it's individual character and presence and you can understand why the Nepalese
give them such religious significance. Once we have ascended the snout of the glacier the path
levels. We pass the first of the lakes, Longpongo, before reaching the second, Taoche Lake, a larger
body of water and a place where ducks are often seen swimming in the freezing waters. As we walk
up the valley our path parallels the Ngozumpa Glacier and separating us from the glacier is the
massive lateral moraine. We camp near the shores of Dudh Pokhari, the third lake.

DAY 11 Ascent of Gokyo Ri (5483m). Walk approx 4 hours.
An early start is best for the opportunities that the early morning views offer. The steady and
unrelenting ascent of Gokyo Ri will take two to three hours, depending on your level of fitness and
acclimatisation. It is not a race and times of up to six hours are cherished by those who thought they
would not make it at all. If you find the climb hard work don't hesitate to ask one of the guides

DAY 12 To Thare (4500 m). Walk approx 5 hours.
Initially retracing our steps, we weave our way across the glacier to Thagna. The trail meanders
around the constantly changing obstacles and affords great views of Cho Oyu and Cholatse. After
crossing the glacier we head south on the eastern side of the valley, contouring around the slopes of
Cholatse and Taweche. We enjoy excellent views of Kyajo Ri (6186 m) and the mountains and
glaciers of the range. Keep an eye open on the rocky slopes for Himalayan Thar. As they have not
been hunted they are not too shy.

DAY 13 To Deboche (3770 m). Walk approx 5-6 hours.
There can be a tendency now to rush, particularly as we are walking downhill but there is still
much to see. We descend through Portse to Pangboche and visit its historic old monastery before
continuing down to the Imja Khola through the monastery archway. The bridge across the river is
spectacular and the rapids cause the river to roar beneath us. A short time later we reach our private
permanent camp at Deboche.  Overnight private permanent camp.           

DAY 14 To Monjo (2850m). Walk approx 7-8 hours.
If the weather is clear, the mountain views from Thyangboche monastery as we pass through are
outstanding - Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are at the head of the valley, their line of sight flanked
by Taweche on one side and Ama Dablam on the other. Almost directly above us are Kantega and
Thamserku. Completing a 360 degree panorama of mountains are Khumblia and Kongde Ri which
encircle us from across the valley. It is a full day’s walk down to Monjo, and as we near the villages
we pass through terraced fields that are home to a brightly colored pheasant, the Danphe Pheasant,
the national bird of Nepal. We stop for lunch at Namche before continuing our decent to Monjo.
Although we are re-tracing our steps of a few weeks ago the descent offers a different perspective
and is no less stunning than our first days spent trekking up the valley. In spring the rhododendrons
and magnolias add colour to the pretty villages. Overnight private permanent camp at Monjo.

DAY 15 To Lukla (2800m). Walk approx 6 hours.
Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a
gentle climb to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunsets of the trek as we complete this
exhilarating journey.

DAY 16 To Kathmandu by air (1330m).
This morning we fly to Kathmandu, a thrilling flight over forests, fields and villages, with the
Himalaya in the background. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 17 Trip concludes Kathmandu.
After breakfast arrangements cease unless further arrangements have been made. Those people
travelling by aircraft to further destinations will be transferred to the airport.

Pris: £ 1250,- per person.
Vi bruker dagens valutakurser, og du betaler i norske kroner. Fly tur/retur er ikke inkludert, vi hjelper deg gjerne med billetter. Ta kontakt for detaljert program med mer informasjon.

• Måltider (17 frokost, 13 lunsj, 13 middag)
• Transport (flyplass-transfer, innenriksfly, privat transport)
• Profesjonell guide
• Innkvartering (hotell i Kathmandu, camp underveis
• Expedition-kit utstyrsbag
• Inngangspenger til parker og trekking-veier
• Bærere som tar hånd om deltagernes utstyr og bager
• Sightseeing i Kathmandu

• Mat / drikke utenfor de fastsatte måltider
• Tips til guide og sjåfører
• Visa-kostnader