Nepal: Conquering Everest Base Camp

Arrive in Nepal’s fabled capital, where you are met by an A&K representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later this afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Pashupati, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple, and Bodhnath, one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas.

After breakfast, discover age-old Kathmandu. Walk through the city’s twisting streets, stopping at Durbar Square, Taleju Temple and the regal old royal palace, the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. Also visit the House of the Living Goddess, home to Kumari Devi, considered a living god by the Nepalese. Swing by the 12th-century wooden temple of Kasthamandap, said to have been carved from a single tree, and discover the vibrant bazaar. Conclude your exploration at Swayambhunath, a 2,500-year-old Buddhist site known as the “monkey temple” for its resident (and revered) colony of monkeys. All four sides of this ancient structure are painted with the compassionate eyes and eyebrows of Buddha. After lunch, your afternoon is at leisure.

After acclimatizing and learning about Nepalese history and geography in Kathmandu, leave the city for the trek up into the mighty Himalaya. Board an early-morning flight to Lukla, your trailhead for the expedition. Perhaps the most famous high-altitude airstrip in the world, Lukla was originally built by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust. As you fly, watch as rugged foothills give way to the snowline and then to soaring peaks. Depending on the visibility, you might catch a glimpse of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu — the world’s third-, fourth- and fifth-highest mountains. Arrive in Lukla, where you meet your Sherpas and take your first steps along the trail that the Dalai Lama called "the steps to heaven."
Approx. trekking time: 3 to 4 hours

Set off after breakfast along the bank of the Dudh Kosi (Milk River) as it tumbles down from the Gokyo Lakes. Pass through the Ghat Village and cross the river on a suspension bridge. Leaving the villages of Chumao and Monjo behind, enter the Sagramatha National Park. After crossing the Dudh Kosi again, the trail climbs halfway to Namche Bazaar, where a gap in the trees offers your first sight of Everest. Surrounded by an amphitheater of peaks, Namche is the largest and most prosperous town in the Khumbu region. Its renowned bazaar, held every Saturday, sells everything from livestock and vegetables to traditional crafts such as hand-woven aprons and Tibetan boots.
Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours

After two days of hiking, rest for a day in Namche, adjusting to the altitude and soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. The secret of safe acclimatization is to "climb high, sleep low," so, if you have the energy, you may climb the hill behind Namche to the airstrip at Syangboche. Otherwise, relax and explore this bustling town, stopping at the intriguing museum behind the police station or relaxing with a fresh cinnamon roll and taking in magnificent views.

From Namche, climb to Syangboche and descend to Khumjung, where you visit the Khumjung monastery and school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. As you descend on the trail to the village of Tashinga, pass caravans of yak and a few teahouses. The trail descends steeply down until the Dudh Kosi River, where you cross a suspension bridge in the lee of a gigantic overhanging cliff (10,498 ft.). You may spot the beautifully colored Danphe pheasant, Nepal’s national bird, and the elusive musk deer, and sometimes even a herd of Himalayan mountain goat. From here it is a two-hour climb through pine and rhododendron forests to a clearing where the Tengboche monastery is situated. While Namche can be deemed the Sherpa capital, Tengboche is the religious center of this region. The murmur of the monks chanting prayers, the blowing of conchs and the chance to sit with them for afternoon prayers amid this serene and breathtaking environment is an experience you will cherish for years.

The trail descends down from Tengboche, crossing a bridge over the raging Imja Khol River. A gradual climb takes you to the village of Lower Pangoche in the heart of the Khumbu. The walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty snow-capped peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse (25,790 ft.) and Lhotse (27,890 ft.). Arrive in Dingboche, the large and important town in the Chhukung Valley, set amid a beautiful patchwork of barley, buckwheat and potato fields. Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours

To help you continue acclimatizing for your attempt to visit Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp, today you hike to Chhukung and return to Dingboche. The hike up to Chhukung is one of the highlights of your trek, as you enjoy picturesque views of the south face of Lhotse and eastern face of Ama Dablam. Return to Dingboche.
Approx. trekking time: 5 hours

Continue north on a gentle trail up the grass-carpeted valley until you come to a mani (prayer stupa). The trail from from Pheriche eventually joins near Dugla, at a small wooden bridge over the river of the magnificent Khumbu Glacier. Stop at Dugla for lunch, and afterward, continue north. Come to rest at Lobuche, hidden and sheltered from the wind.
Approx. trekking time: 6 hours

Trek up the valley this morning, following the rocky moraine path, with views of the glacial pond and icebergs of the Khumbu Glacier below. Arrive at Gorak Shep, and follow the glacier as you make your way to the moraine islands of Everest Base Camp, the final staging area for many an assault on the peak, and the goal of your expedition.
Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours

Early this morning, trek toward Kala Patthar, a gradual walk until you reach a rocky spot about an hour into the trek. Continue uphill to reach Kala Patthar, a minor peak festooned with prayer-flags that offers one of the best views of Everest. Surrounded by a crown of mountains, savor this magnificent spectacle. Drop down a series of steep switchbacks to Gorak Shep. Continue down to Lobuche and Pheriche, an easy downhill trail that passes through the village of Dugla along the way.
Approx. trekking time: 8 to 9 hours

This morning climb to upper Pangboche, where the oldest monastery of Khumbu is located. Keeping on high trail following the west bank of Imza Khola, you can see Tengboche monastery on the left side and Imza Khola on the right. Continue descending through Phortse and further through a forest to the banks of the Dudh Kosi. From the crossing point, climb to Chorten and look back across the valley to the villages of Phortse and Tengboche, and the mountains beyond. From there, turn south off the main trail to Khunde and Khumjung. The route then leads down the hill to Namche.
Approx. trekking time: 7 to 8 hours

Head back toward the trailhead at Lukla, bidding farewell to this incredible setting, the villages and the people of the Khumbu hills and valleys. Make your final climb into Lukla.
Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours

Fly to Kathmandu with a final opportunity for an aerial view of these mighty mountains. Check in and freshen up at your hotel, before driving overland to Patan, an ancient city (founded in AD 250) known for its arts and architecture. Following lunch, tour the Patan Museum, housed in a beautifully restored former residential palace during the Malla Dynasty. After the museum, explore the rest of the city, stopping at Durbar Square, the royal baths and Hiranya Verna Mahabihar (the Golden Temple), among other sites.

Drive outside the city to Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a tour of this ancient royal city. Follow your guide along seventeenth-century cobbled pavements walled with ornate architecture to see the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate and the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows. Return to Kathmandu after lunch, where the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, celebreate your successful expedition with a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.

INCLUDED IN GUIDED PROGRAMS: Prices are valid to December 2010 (2010 pricing details are based on current currency exchange rates and will be subject to final confirmation) and include all accommodations as noted in trip documentation; meals as specified; arrival and departure transfers (regardless of arrival and departure days); fully-guided expeditions as noted in the itineraries (including park and entrance fees); bottled water supplied during expeditions; select beverages with meals; services of an A&K Expedition Guide (please see condition noted below); handling of two pieces of baggage per person for regional flights (other conditions/restrictions may apply for specific flights especially helicopter transport; please refer to BAGGAGE section); hotel taxes; gratuities throughout, except to your Expedition Guide, drivers and camp staff, trackers, or porters.

Medical Evacuation Insurance for emergency transportation to medical care facilities, if necessary, is included for all programs and activities in the brochure.

PROGRAM EXTENTIONS: South Africa extension is  locally guided and priced accordingly.

GRATUITIES: Gratuities are included for hotel/restaurant staff, porterage and drivers. Gratuities are not included for the A&K Expedition Guide, driver-guides and camp staff, trackers, or porters, where applicable, which are at the traveller's discretion and should be based on the level of satisfaction with the service received. Recommended guidelines for each expedition are provided in A&K's pre-tour documentation.

NOT INCLUDED IN Expedition PRICES: Passenger Travel Protection Program (except medical evacuation insurance); international and regional airfares - unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted; excess baggage charges; gratuities to the A&K Expedition Guide, driver-guides and camp staff, trackers on Extreme Adventures expeditions as outlined in the Gratuities on Extreme Adventures section; meals other than specified in the itinerary; beverages other than noted in your "Pre-Tour Documentation," activities not included in the itinerary; personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges and optional programs (which are subject to availability).

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES: All departures are guaranteed, with dates subject to a minimum number of passengers to operate (except in cases of force majeure, which could include any major world event that adversely affects international travel patterns and other circumstances beyond A&K's control). Should the minimum number of passengers not be met, A&K may be required to requote the price of the program to accommodate a smaller group. Should the smaller group size and price not be feasible, A&K Extreme Adventures will offer a full refund of all monies received.

ITINERARIES: Accommodations and expeditionary program are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond A&K's control. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. A&K also reserves the right to withdraw an expedition or any part of it, to make such alterations to the itinerary or the program inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable, and to pass on to expedition members any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its control.

SPECIAL REQUESTS: Due to the remoteness and potentially extreme conditions present during these expeditions, the ability to accommodate special requests will be very limited.

PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS: Quoted program prices include planning, handling and operational charges, and are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of January 2010. A&K reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets, and/or fuel surcharges. A&K is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any expedition within this brochure. Modification of program content to accommodate a smaller group size may affect the published tour price.

IMMEDIATE CHECK-IN: On programs where immediate check-in has not been included in the program price, A&K does request that hotels do their utmost to facilitate this service; however, it is not guaranteed. Most hotels allow check-in to take place during the mid-afternoon. Should you wish to have your room ready for immediate check-in upon arrival, A&K can arrange this for an additional charge. Please ask for details and prices.

EARLY ARRIVAL: You may wish to arrive a day or two before the start of your expedition to allow time to relax and refresh after your journey and to prepare for the start of your program. Please ask for details at time of booking. Departing early from the U.S. is also recommended in the winter months, due to possible flight disruptions and cancellations caused by inclement weather conditions.

ACTIVE ELEMENTS: A&K Extreme Adventures offers expeditions that require a varying degree of physical conditioning. We have rated each of these expeditions based on the level of physical strain and severe weather/climate conditions that will be faced while participating in these programs. It is important to consider the degree of difficulty for these expeditions and prepare yourself accordingly. Preparation pertains to physical conditioning, mental preparation, and making sure you have the right clothing and equipment (excluding equipment provided or offered by A&K). SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ANY CLARIFICATION ABOUT A SPECIFIC EXPEDITION PLEASE ASK FOR DETAILS AT TIME OF BOOKING.

BAGGAGE: Tour prices include the handling of two pieces of baggage per person. Weight restrictions on some routes on regional air flights may apply; details will be provided with preliminary tour documentation. Baggage and personal effects are at owner's risk throughout the expedition. Please check with your international carrier for other baggage restrictions applicable to your international flights.

A&K'S PASSENGER TRAVEL PROTECTION PROGRAM: Our specially designed travel protection program, which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or damaged luggage, is not included in the tour price and is strongly recommended. We have included only medical evacuation insurance in the price of the expedition for all participants. Please see the insurance page in this brochure for more details.

CHILD POLICY: A minimum age of 16 years is required on all programs.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS: Valid passports are required for travel to the destinations in this brochure. Check with your travel agent or A&K for the latest visa requirements. Please note that non-U.S. passport holders are responsible for obtaining the required documentation applicable for entry. Please note also that passports must be valid for six (6) months after the return of your journey and should also have sufficient blank pages for visa and immigration stamps. A&K cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry to a country due to non-compliance with these requirements. A copy of your valid passport must be submitted to A&K in order to confirm air reservations.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE: For the expeditions in this brochure with the exception of Antarctica programs, a deposit of 20% of the total expedition price per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the expedition must be paid at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation.

Cancellation Charges: For all expeditions except Antarctica, cancellations received by A&K 90 days or more prior to departure will be subject to a10% per person/per expedition cancellation fee; 89 - 45 days, will be subject to 50% of the land price; 44 days or less will be subject to 100% of the land price. A 100% CANCELLATION CHARGE APPLIES TO REGIONAL AIR CANCELLED 60 DAYS OR LESS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, WHERE APPLICABLE.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR ANTARCTICA'S FINAL DEGREE AND EMPEROR PENGUINS: A deposit of $5000 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90 days prior to departure, the entire cost of the expedition must be made at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation.

Cancellation Charges FOR ANTARCTICA'S FINAL DEGREE AND EMPEROR PENGUINS: Client deposits and payments for confirmed reservations are refund able up to 90 days prior to departure from Punta Arenas, less an administration fee of $1500 per person. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure and is norefundable. Deposits and final payment are not transferable to alternat departure dates or from one client to another.

CANCELLATION CHARGES FOR EXTRA SERVICES: Additional hotel nights and other extra services booked in connection with A&K Extreme Adventures are subject to a separate and potentially different set of terms and conditions, please ask your consultant for details.

AIR TRANSPORTATION: Airfares are available upon request.

CLAIMS AND REFUNDS: Refunds are not made for any missed services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. Please see our LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT'S RESPONSIBILITY clause on this page. For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program and be accompanied by supporting documentation and/or a statement from the local destination management company verifying the claim. Any adjustment considered will be based on the actual price of the services involved and not on a per diem basis. Adjustments will not be made for unused segments of the expedition or meals. A&K will not accept any liability for any claims that are not received within 30 days of the termination of your Extreme Adventures expedition.

PHOTOGRAPHY DURING TRAVEL: Abercrombie & Kent reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any expedition or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking a program with A&K, expedition members agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs. Program members who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to their expedition guide at the beginning of their program.

LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT'S RESPONSIBILITY: Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents and assigns (collectively A&K), does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, car, train, boat, or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers (including from time to time other affiliated Abercrombie & Kent companies). All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result A&K is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person.

In addition and without limitation, A&K is not responsible for any injury, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time.

There are many inherent risks in the Extreme Adventures, which can lead to illness, injury, or even death. These risks are increased by the fact that the Extreme Adventures take place in remote locations, far from medical facilities. Passengers assumes all risks associated with participating in an Abercrombie & Kent Extreme Adventure.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES AND WARNINGS: It is the responsibility of The Traveller to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State Department's travel website at www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 1.888.407.4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the trip, should The Traveller still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, The Traveller assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.

ARBITRATION AGREEMENT: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these TERMS AND CONDITIONS, to the LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT'S RESPONSIBILITY clause, to the brochure, to any information relating in any way to the trip, to the trip itself, or to any products or services related to the trip, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois, in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, except that (a) in lieu of a personal appearance at arbitration, the arbitration may be conducted by telephonic means, (b) arbitration is the exclusive forum for dispute resolution (no court actions), and (c) except as otherwise provided by statute, each party shall bear its own costs and expenses and an equal share of the arbitrator and administrative fees.

TRAVELLER'S REPRESENTATIONS: The Traveller represents that neither he nor she nor anyone travelling with him or her has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or herself or other members of the tour. A&K reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a trip. A&K reserves the right to remove from the trip, at his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the trip.

ALTERNATE Departures: For a minimum of four passengers wanting to travel together on a specific date that is not offered in this brochure, Abercrombie & Kent will request a special departure with our operators. Although we will attempt to accommodate your request, we cannot guarantee these programs without confirmation from our suppliers.

ANY PAYMENT TO ABERCROMBIE & KENT CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN AND IN MORE SPECIFIC PRE-DEPARTURE PASSENGER DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING THE PASSENGER INFORMATION FORM.

Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection Insurance

Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection Insurance on Select Egypt Journeys

Reserve select 2011 and 2012 Egypt journeys and receive complimentary Passenger Travel Protection insurance, a value of up to $500. Call for details. Egypt journeys include:

• Egypt Unveiled
  November 3, 17, December 1, 2011 and all January - May 2012 departures
• Jordan and Egypt: Sands of Time
  October 7, 2011 and all January - April 2012 departures
• Images of Egypt & Kenya
  February 28, 2012
• Pharaohs and Pyramids
  All January - March 2012 departures
• Splendors of the Nile
  March 19, 2012

Save 15 - 50% on Abercombie and Kent Egypt Journeys!

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