Kongde Ri Trek is one of the least trekked but spectacular trek in Khumbu region because of the landscape setting and comfortable hotels on the lap of Kongde Peak and Farak peak. The trekking trail is the same until the fourth day, Thamo/Thame via Namche and switches towards Kongde hill after crossing Bhote Koshi river in between Thame and Thamo village. It is the last gradual uphill ascend of the entire trek, which let you experience greater views of the Himalayas, valleys, and the journey itself. Once you get to the top of the hill, it lightens your eyes and heart, achieving the feeling of paradise. The 360-degree view of Himalayas is amazing like nowhere else including the landscape and geographical scenery of Khumbu valleys. Moreover, the accommodation at the top of Kongde hill will surprise one with questions and add extra flavor to the entire trek. The trek is available through all seasons, cheaper in the off-season period in the month of January, February and until mid of May and September.
Day to Day Itinerary
-
Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel.
Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists you in transferring to your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening we'll meet and brief you about your trip and take you for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurants in the heart of Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
-
Kathmandu –Manthali Lukla - Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 3- 4 hours trek
You will meet with your team members in the morning at your hotel.You will then be escorted to Tribhuvan Airport, Domestic terminal from where you will take 30 minutes long Kathmandu- Lukla flight. Enjoy the mountain flight with breath-taking views of Ganesh, Langtang, Nuptse, Thamserku, Lhotse, Cho- Oyu, Everest and other peaks and mountains. The plane lands at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla 2840m. Assemble the crew and start your Everest Mini Trek. Cross Dudhkoshi River and walk through Ghat village to Phakding 2610m.
-
Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280 ft): 5 - 6 hrs
After breakfast we will continue up the bank of the Dudh Kosi, crossing it twice by small suspension bridges before reaching the village of Monjo the entrance gate of the Sagarmatha National Park. When we enter the National park boundary we descend, a gradual walk brings us to the suspension bridge over the Bhote-Koshi river to Jorsalle village, the last village till Namche Bazaar. After walking for sometime on the riverside, we will reach Hilary suspension bridge and walk ascent to the top of big hill Namche for a few hours which is our stop for this day. Namche is a prosperous trading town and the capital of the Khumbu Region. Overnight at Namche
-
Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
We do require an acclimatization day at this altitude to adopt high altitude before heading up to high elevation so today will be our first acclimatization day in this trek. You will have full day leisure or visit Everest View Point hotel for wonderful panoramic view or take a short hike to Thame village or stroll around the market as per your wish. If this is a Saturday; one can see the lively & colorful market of Namche as Saturday used to be a typical day for people shopping, exchanging and sailing their goods. Also you can visit Sherpa Museum as well as a great place to learn Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering and stroll back to the hotel for overnight.
-
Trek to Thamo
After breakfast, you head towards west side towards Thamo valley. It is an easy day comparatively because of less up and downhill trail. The trail leads you through the shadow of Kongde peak and pine forest with Buddhist stupa. It is a half day hike and you may visit the monastery of Thamo.
-
Trek to Kongde Ri
Get prepared to hike early after breakfast to amazing Kongde Ri. The trail is inclined uphill through rhododendron tree, juniper, and pine forest. You might see musk deer, Impeyan pheasant a Monal while hiking. The higher you go, the more you see and it is about 6/7 hours trek depending on your pace. One part of the trail requires technical assistance to pass the ice water rock slope about 35 meters and our guide ensures your safety. Besides, you will have what you struggle so far, the amazing views of Himalayas.
-
Hiking day/ Rest day:
No rush, just relax, enjoy, it is your day. If you would like to make a hike, Farak peak, you see behind your hotel is absolutely great. You will feel being almost close to Kongde Peak and offer an overall view of Khumbu valley. Moreover, to the right corner from the hotel is Sherpa peak and small glacier lake. Explore and take much of it with you.
-
Trek to Bengar
Begin after breakfast towards Bengar, a small town you cross while heading to Namche. Make sure your trekking poles are long as it all downhill until destination.
-
Trek to Lukla 5-6 hrs trek Altitude: 2865m
It is the short and easy day, trek slowly down towards Lukla passing few last suspension bridge. Stay at the hotel, visit Lukla valley.
-
Lukla –Manthali- Kathmandu
Today fly back to Manthali after our long mountain journey. We fly early morning flight to Manthali as possible as ,drive to Kathmandu. We can rest and relax throughout the day at hotel. If we get interested to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives, we can visit to some nearby shops or venture out at Thamel for typical Nepalese goods. This short excursion either can be assisted by trekking guides or we can do it ourselves too. If we want to explore any other areas in Kathmandu, we have managed time for this today as well! At the evening we will be at a fantastic celebration dinner together for successfully completing our trek to Everest Base Camp hosted by Virgin Nepal Trek and Expedition! Overnight at Kathmandu.
-
Departure——(Airport Drop)
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A VNTE representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. Included meals: Breakfast
Equipment lists
It is recommended to carry the basic clothing and accessories needed for the trek. The followings belongings are suggested that should be brought, although we understand that our clients have their own preference for clothing, we have listed some useful clothing during the trek. Porters will be carrying the main luggage which should not exceed more than 18kg (one porter will carry two people's luggage, 9 kg for each). Equipment can be bought in Kathmandu at a reasonable price.
Bookings and Payments
All Bookings are made 45 days prior, with at least 20% of payment of the Trekking cost with additional full payment & other government charges. This will constitute acceptance by you of these Terms and Conditions. You need to submit a copy of each passport to our office via email or any others way including two photos of passport size for TIMS Card and Trekking Permit Purpose. All payments are required per person as per trip
Cancellation Policy
Arrangements may be cancelled at any time but the cancellation should be communicated to us in writing. Since cancellation incurs administrative costs, we will retain any deposit paid and in addition will apply cancellation charges as follows.
Period before departure within which written cancellation is received, and sum of cancellation charge shown as a percentage of the package price:
- More than 60 days: Deposit Only
- 31 - 60 days: 50%
- 15 - 30 days: 75%