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Mt. Everest
Base Camp Trek:
A Cultural
Exploration
Explore Your World…Discover The Possibilities!
October 5 – 26, 2012
trip grading: Extreme
Famous for its spectacular mountain peaks, its breathtaking views, and the friendliness of the Sherba people, it’s no wonder that
this destination has lured countless travelers, explorers and mountain climbers from all over the world. Standing majestically at
29,029 feet high, Mt. Everest is one of the tallest mountains in the world, and is still growing about two inches each year.
Named after Sir George Everest – a British surveyor-general of India and the first person to record its height, Mt. Everest is
situated on the awesome Himalayan mountain range which borders Nepal and Tibet. Its name “Goddess in the Sky” (Nepalese)
and “Mother Goddess of the Universe” (Tibetan) signifies the reverence the local people have for this majestic mountain.
For over 80 years, travelers have come to experience this natural wonder, each possessing that lust for adventure and the desire
to experience a new and fascinating culture. This is more than just a trekking tour . . . it is an experience of a lifetime that one
won’t soon forget!
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection
Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek: A Cultural Exploration
www.oitravel.com

At a Glance
Day 1-3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Day 21
Day 22
Arrival - Kathmandu
Kathmandu – Lukla – Tok Tok (2743m)
Tok Tok – Chogang Namche (3600m)
Rest & Acclimatization Day
Chogang Namche - Khumjung (3791m)
Khumjung - Tengboche (3863m)
Tengboche - Lhabarma (3900m)
Ama Dablam Base Camp (4787m)
Lhabarma –Dingboche (4412m)
Dingboche - Rest & Acclimatization Day
Dingboche - Loboje (4931m)
Loboje – Everest Base Camp- Gorakshep (4939m)
Gorakshep - Kala Pattar (5545m) - Loboje
Loboje - Pangboche (3860m)
Pangboche – Kyangzuma (3650m)
Kyangzuma- Monjo (2744m)
Monjo – Lukla (2805m)
Lukla - Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Departure
Did You Know?
• The longest time anyone has stayed at the
summit is 21 ½ hours. This was accomplished
by Babu Chiri Sherpa.
• The oldest person to ever climb Mt. Everest
was Sherman Bull. He was 64 years old when
he made the climb on May 25, 2001.
• Mt. Everest is named after Sir George
Everest, the British surveyor-general of India
in 1865. It was once known as Peak 15.
Pashupatinath Temple
• The first woman to climb Everest was
Junko Tabei of Japan. She climbed via the
Southeast Ridge on May 16, 1975.
Farmers in Bungamati Village
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be
transferred to your hotel where you will be
welcomed with tika and garland.
This evening will feature a briefing about
the pending trekking excursion where you
will be provided additional information to
prepare you for your journey. Enjoy the
rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 02: Kathmandu (B, D)
Spend this morning at leisure. Later this
afternoon, experience a walking tour of
Old Kathmandu City. You will visit Durbar
Square and Taleju Temple with its gilded
roofs; the present temple was restored by
King Mahendra Malla in 1562. Continue
towards the Indra Chowk and through the
Ason bazaar.
On your second evening enjoy a Welcome
Dinner with a cultural performance
of ethnic dances at the Krishnarpan
restaurant where you will be greeted by
charming hosts and hostesses dressed in
different ethnic wear. Capture a moment
of history of this rich and ancient culture
as you dine at tables designed with
centuries old lattice woodwork and your
meal served on years old traditional plates,
bowls and glassware. Here, local chefs
prepare ceremonial feasts of six to twenty
courses for honored guests, from the finest
meat, vegetables, grains and lentils, all
blended with aromatic spices, purified oils
and saffron.
Day 03: Kathmandu (B)
Start the day with a sightseeing tour
of Bhaktapur. Known as the “City of
Devotees”, it is home to medieval art and
architecture. You will be transported back
to the 17th century as you tread along
the cobbled pavements and marvel at the
ancient architectures. Visit the Lion Gate,
the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, and
the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows.
Your tour continues to the Pashupatinath
Temple & Bodhnath Stupa. Pashupatinath,
the most sacred of all Hindu temples in
Nepal, is situated on the banks of the
holy Bagmati River. Non-Hindus are not
permitted to enter the temple precincts,
but may view the premises from the
opposite bank. It draws tens of thousands
of pilgrims and devotees from Nepal and
India during the festival of Mahashivaratri
(the night of Lord Shiva). The tour
concludes with a visit to Bodhnath. This
city is possibly the world’s largest Buddhist
stupa and is a site of great veneration for
Buddhists. A number of monasteries of the
Hotels
Kathmandu: The Dwarika’s Hotel
Nepal has eight World Heritage sites and has won two Heritage Awards. One
for the Medieval City of Bhaktapur and the other for The Dwarika’s Hotel. The
magnificence of The Dwarika’s is its buildings of intricate carved wood and
terracotta work that must have taken 10 million hours of the best craftsmen in
Nepal. Every brick is handmade and every piece of wood work a centuries old
original. But The Dwarika’s is also about intimate luxury and the spirit and
hospitality of the Nepali people. The spirit of a bygone era still echoes within its
courtyards where a terracotta pillar, a first of its kind, stands proud, an example
of superb craftsmanship. Spacious and luxurious, the suites and rooms have
been individually designed with imagination and taste, each one different and
unique. You will find all the amenities of a luxury hotel, but perhaps what you will
appreciate more is the elegant comfort of your room; handsomely appointed with
handmade fabrics and furniture custom designed from traditional patterns.
Dwarika Hotel
Lukla: The North Face Resort
North Face Resort is located approximately 5 to 10 minutes away from the famous
Lukla airport known as the way to Everest trail that brings hundreds of visitors
each day during tourists season. The resort offers an incomparable luxury stay in
the Sherpa land in the Himalayas, and showcases the richness of traditional and
local Sherpa hospitality. The resort is surrounded by natural and scenic beauties of
the region, and boasts a décor of special Sherpa traditional ambience to maintain
the Sherpa cultural heritage and an enchanting garden.
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek WWW.OITRAVEL.COM

different sects of Tibetan Buddhism have
sprung up around the stupa, including one
(on the west side of the stupa) that houses
an enormous seated statue of Maitreya
Buddha splendidly adorned.
Day 04: Kathmandu – Lukla –
Tok Tok (2743m) (B, L, D)
Our early morning begins with a flight
to Lukla, the most renowned mountain
airstrip in the world (approx 40 min).
Originally conceived by Sir Edmund
Hillary’s Himalayan Trust as an emergency
evacuation runway for casualties brought
to the Trust’s hospital at nearby Kunde,
Lukla is now one of the busiest runways
in Nepal. During the flight you can view
the rugged foothills that give way to the
snowline of the Himalaya. Many of the
world’s highest mountains, including
Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu
(the world’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th highest
respectively) may sometimes be seen from
the window of the plane. On arrival, you
will be met by your Sherpas, and after a cup
of tea you will pick up the trail out of Lukla.
Surprisingly, this high-altitude trek begins
by descending to the river at Phakding.
Further on you arrive at your camp site in
Tok Tok, located near a beautiful waterfall.
(approximate trek time: 4 hrs)
Prayer Wheels at Swayambhunath Temple
in Kathmandu
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Day 05: Tok Tok – Chogang
Namche (3600m) (B, L, D)
Begin the ascent to Namche Bazaar
first thing in the morning. About halfway
up the hill, a gap in the trees allows for
a first glimpse of Everest. If the weather is
clear, the top of the South-West face will
be just visible behind the long Lhotse-
Nuptse ridge. A plume can often be seen
stretching away from the summit.
Namche is the most prosperous and the
largest town in the Khumbu. A bazaar
is held here every Saturday. The wares
on display include meat, grains and
vegetables, tennis shoes and trinkets, as
well as hand woven aprons and Tibetan
boots. The Sherpas play host to traders
from the foothills, as well as Tibetans from
over the border. Thamserku (6648m),
Kwangde Ri (6187m) and Khumbila
(5707m) surround the natural bowl in
which Namche sits.
(approximate trek time: 5-6 hrs)
Day 06: Rest & Acclimatization
Day (B, L, D)
Take the day off to allow your body to
adjust to the rarefied atmosphere before
ascending to higher altitudes. The secret of
safe acclimatization is to ‘climb high, sleep
low’ so it is safe for the more energetic
to hike up the hill behind Namche to the
airstrip at Syangboche, or stroll across to
the museum behind the police post. Or if
you prefer, you can simply “chill out” and
visit one of the lodges for a freshly-baked
cinnamon roll. Namche is a busy and
bustling trading place and there is always
plenty going on.
Day 07: Chogang Namche -
Khumjung (3791m) (B, L, D)
A brisk climb straight out of the back of
Namche deposits us at the airstrip at
Syangboche. Cross the runway and climb
a little further to a ridge, before dropping
down past the school in Khumjung. Visit
the Nunnery on the way. This evening,
enjoy a visit to the khunde hospital.
(approximate trek time: 3-4 hrs)
Day 08: Khumjung - Tengboche
(3863m) (B, L, D)
The trail this morning descends to the
Dudh Khosi. There are spectacular views
of Ama Dablam (6696m) and Kantega
(6779m), as well as Everest (8848m) and
Lhotse (8501m). Keep a look-out for
pheasant in the undergrowth. Cross the
river at Phunki Thanga and climb through
the afternoon amongst the rhododendron
forest to the saddle at the top of the hill.
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek WWW.OITRAVEL.COM

Tok Tok
Suddenly in front of you is Tengboche,
the principal monastery of the Khumbu
area; the views from here are simply
unforgettable!
(approximate trek time: 5-6 hrs)
Day 09: Tengboche - Lhabarma
(3900m) (B, L, D)
Hike down through a beautiful
rhododendron forest and pass Debuche
Nunnery through the village of Milingo.
Climb up for approximately ½ hour to
the hillside east of Imja where you enter
Omaga meadow, a beautiful summer
pasture. After lunch, continue hiking on
the other side of Pangboche with beautiful
views of Tabuche (6700m) before crossing
the Mingbo stream and the climb up to
Lhabarma. (approximate trek time: 5-6 hrs)
Day 10: Ama Dablam Base Camp
(4787m) (B, L, D)
Enjoy a morning hike to the Ama Dablam
Base Camp, set in a beautiful meadow
with stunning views of the mountain.
Return to Lhabarma later this afternoon.
(approximate trek time: 6-7 hrs)
Day 11: Lhabarma –Dingboche
(4412m) (B, L, D)
Follow the path down to Imja River. After
crossing the river, a gradual climb takes you
to the village of Lower Pangboche. You
are now in the heart of the Khumbu. From
here enjoy spectacular views across to Ama
Dablam. The afternoon, stroll along a
path that hugs the valley wall and then
crosses wide plains to a split in the valley.
The Khumbu breaks left, up to Pheriche,
but your journey will take a detour to the
right to the hamlet at Dingboche at the
start of the Imja Tse valley.
(approximate trek time: 4-5 hrs)
Day 12: Dingboche – Rest &
Acclimatization Day (B, L, D)
Rather than just sitting around in the
tents or tea house, you are encouraged
to attempt one of two hikes. The shorter
option ascends the hill immediately
behind Dingboche to drop steeply down
to Periche. The Himalayan Rescue
Association operates a medical post here
and the western doctors conduct excellent
seminars on Altitude Mountain Sickness
(AMS) here on most afternoons. The
longer option is to trek up the Imja Tse
valley towards Island Peak. The views
of Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Cho Polu
from here are outstanding. After a few
hours, the trekker terminus of Chukung is
reached, and after a rest you return down
the valley.
Day 13: Dingboche - Loboje
(4931m) (B, L, D)
Climb up to the ridge behind Periche
until you reach the tea houses at Dughla.
You will be mesmerized by the views
of Tawoche and Cholatse. A steep, stiff
ascent to the terminal moraine of the
Khumbu glacier is now tackled. The top
of the climb is marked by a series of stone
monuments to commemorate some of
the climbers that have not returned from
expeditions to this region. A rough, but
obvious, trail cuts across left, away from
the glacier, to the camp site at Loboje, a
windswept collection of huts tucked in a
narrow meadow between the glacier and
the Loboje Peak (6156m). The Lhotse
ridge is simply awesome from this angle!
(approximate trek time: 5-6 hrs)
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Day 14: Loboje – Everest Base
Camp- Gorakshep (4939m)
(B, L, D)
Get geared up for a long trek today. Start
early this morning and, if weather permits,
you can hike up to Everest Base Camp
(5368m) for views of the Khumbu Icefall.
Spend the day at Everest base camp, giving
you a chance to meet the climbers and
thoroughly explore the area. Return to
Gorakshep. (approximate trek time: 7-8 hrs)
Day 15: Gorakshep - Kala Pattar
(5545m) – Loboje (B, L, D)
Today will be another early start with a
long day of trekking ahead. Trek along
the rough path along the side of the
Khumbu glacier to the tea shacks at Gorak
Shep. Behind rises the attractive 7000m
peak of Pumori, which dwarfs the trek’s
summit of Kala Pattar. The route up is
straightforward and takes most people
between 90 minutes and 2 hours. All the
peaks - Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse,
Ama Dablam and scores of other lesser
peaks - can be seen from this wonderful
vantage point.
(approximate trek time: 6-7 hrs)
Day 16: Loboje - Pangboche
(3860m) (B, L, D)
Enjoy an easy walk down the Imja Khola
via Pheriche with a visit to the gompa at
Pangboche. Tonight you will set up camp
near the Monastery.
(approximate trek time: 5-6 hrs)
Day 17: Pangboche –Kyangzuma
(3650m) (B, L, D)
Your trek now descends through the
forest to the Dudh Kosi. From this very
pretty crossing point, climb to a chorten
(a religious monument) to take in the
marvelous views across the valley of
Phortse, Tengboche and the surrounding
mountains.
(approximate trek time: 5-6 hrs)
Day 18: Kyangzuma - Monjo
(2744m) (B, L, D)
The return route towards Lukla leads back
through Namche and off down the hill.
There are some nice camp sites close to the
National Park boundary.
(approximate trek time: 4-5 hrs)
Day 19: Monjo – Lukla (2805m)
(B, L, D)
Most people head towards Lukla with
a heavy heart saddened that they have
almost reached the end of this magical
journey. There is something so very
special about the setting, the villages and
the people of the high Khumbu hills and
valleys, that most are reluctant to leave.
The beautiful memories of time spent in
this region help you make it through the
deceptively long, final climb into Lukla.
Today, your accommodations will be in
Namaste Lodge or North Face Resort at
Lukla. (approximate trek time: 5-6 hrs)
Day 20: Lukla – Kathmandu (B)
Another chance to enjoy this great flight!
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you
will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at
your leisure.
Day 21: Kathmandu (B, D)
Today you will visit Bungamati Village
located five kilometers south of Patan. The
road from Patan to Bungamati is dotted
with small votive chaityas (a Buddhist
shrine including a stupa), appropriate for
an ancient processionary path. The village
of over 2,000 people is tightly clustered
against a hilly riverside slope, surrounded
by terraced rice fields and clumps of trees.
Open ponds flank the paved path as it
enters the village. Past a Ganesh temple,
a series of steps leads to a gate guarded by
two lions and the head of a third one, which
juts from a ramp obviously built around
the animal. Here is the powerful, shikharastyle
Rato Machhendranath temple, with
heavy columns and beautiful supports in
its lower part. Through the grille of the
wooden door of the nearby Lokeshwar
Shrine, you may catch a glimpse of the
huge head of Bhairav, with crooked nose,
greedy lips and globe like eyes.
This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of
Patan and the Patan Museum. Patan City .
. . the city of arts and architecture founded
in 250 A.D., also known as Lalitpur. It is
renowned for its fine works in bronze, silver
and copper. Your visit will include Durbar
Square, the Royal Baths, Mahaboudha,
Krishna Mandir and Hiranya Verna
Mahabihar (the Golden Temple). A visit
to the new Patan Museum is an absolute
must! The museum faces Durbar Square
and is housed in the beautifully restored
and renovated former Malla residential
palace.
The collection spans much of Nepal’s
cultural history, primarily exhibiting
metalwork sculptures from Hindu and
Buddhist deities, typical of Patan’s
SPECIAL NOTE: Flights
into Lukla are sometimes
delayed due to un-flyable
conditions either in fog-bound
Kathmandu or windy Lukla;
be reassured that our staff
will do everything possible to
minimize the inconvenience
caused if this happens.
A Sadhu, or holy man
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tradition in craftsmanship. Written
commentary explains their significance to
Nepal’s art history, spiritualism, cultural
heritage and contemporary life.
Celebrate your last evening in this amazing
destination with a Farewell Dinner at
Bhojan Griha restaurant. Serving authentic
Nepalese cuisine in an exclusively Nepali
environment, dinner at Bhojan Griha is an
experience of fine food from a traditional
Nepalese kitchen, and a cultural evening of
Nepali folk dances. What a perfect ending
to a perfect journey!
Day 22: Departure (B)
A final “feri bhetaula” (farewell) before
your transfer to the international airport
for your homebound flight. Bon Voyage!
Mount Everest, taken from Basecamp 5200m
LAND ONLY PACKAGE: from $8,103.00*
General Inclusions
•
Twenty-one (21) nights’ accommodations based on double
occupancy. Additional supplemental fee of $1,187.00 for
single occupancy.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch,
D=Dinner)
All transfers and tours as specified in itinerary
Private sightseeing with local, English speaking guides
Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated
Welcome and farewell dinner including local beer & wine
Mineral water and soft drinks on board while in
Kathmandu only
Porterage and handling of maximum two (2) pieces of
luggage per person
Gratuities for all included meals, drivers, porters and guides
(tours and treks)
Domestic round-trip airfare (Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu)
Domestic airport taxes
Services of an experienced Occasions, Inc. Tour Manager
throughout entire program
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•
•
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•
Trek Inclusions
•
•
•
•
•
•
Exclusive private camping trek including camping equipment
such as sleeping/dining/toilet tents, double sleeping bag with
inner fleece liner, insulated pad with foam mattress
All meals cooked by our trained Sherpa cook
English speaking Sherpa Guide (Sardar), porters,
Yak & Yak men
Conservation Fees
One lunch or dinner with Everest summiteers
Applicable permit and taxes
General Exclusions
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•
•
•
•
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•
•
•
•
Beverages, unless otherwise indicated
International flights
International airport departure taxes
Optional Tours, Extensions & Activities
Personal tips and gratuities (i.e. airport skycap, hotel
bellman, etc.)
Fees for passport, visas, immunizations
Personal expenses such as telephone calls, laundry
services, hotel in-room movies, etc.
Personal travel insurance
Cost of hospitalization and evacuation, if necessary
Other services not mentioned in the itinerary
*Prices are in US$ and are subject to change.
Mount Everest Boat Ride
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TIGER TOPS JUNGLE LODGE EXTENSION PROGRAM:
from $2,399.00*
5 days/4 nights
*(based on double occupancy)
Situated 75 miles directly southwest of
Kathmandu, Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge sits at an
elevation of 150 meters (495 feet) above the sea
level. It is in the heart of Chitwan National Park,
a 932 square kilometer (360 square mile) area of
tall grassland and magnificent forest; one of Asia’s
richest and most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries.
All double rooms at the Lodge are attractively
furnished and each room has solar powered
reading lamps and ceiling fans, with solar heated
showers in the attached bathroom. Nepalese and
Western cuisine is served in the central dining hall
with its huge domed roof (known as Golghar) and
central open fireplace. A fully stocked bar is open
until the last guest retires.
Activities at the Lodge include:
• Wildlife viewing from elephant back
• Jungle walks (long/short/ridge)
• Bird-watching
• Game (jeep) drives
• River safaris
• Elephant camp visits
• Wildlife viewing and photographing
from machans (blinds)
Every evening a slide show explains more fully
about the flora and fauna of the National Park.
All wildlife activities are escorted by well trained
and experienced naturalists. Wildlife in Chitwan
includes the greater one-horned rhinoceros,
spotted deer, hog deer, sambar deer, barking deer,
wild boar, gaur (Indian bison) and many more as
well as a wide variety of birdlife. With a bit of luck,
there is always the chance of glimpsing the leopard,
sloth bear and an elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
Day 22-24: Activities and Overnight at Tiger Tops Jungle
Lodge (B, L, D)
Your extension program begins with a transfer to the domestic airport for
approximate ½ hour flight from Kathmandu to Meghauly. Upon arrival you
will be met and transferred to Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge by boat and Land
Rover. Once at the Lodge, you will be briefed by the resident guest relation
officer about the facilities and activities available during your stay.
Day 25: Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge - Meghauly - Kathmandu (B)
After morning activities and breakfast you will be transferred to the airport
for your return flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival you will be met and
transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 26: Departure (B)
Transfer to the international airport for your homebound flight.
BON VOYAGE!
General Inclusions
• One (1) night accommodation at Hotel Dwarikas and three (3) nights’
accommodations at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge all-inclusive based on
double occupancy with one bottle of mineral water during lunch and
dinner. Additional supplemental fee of $974.00 for single occupancy.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• All transfers as specified in itinerary.
• Mineral water on board
• Porterage and handling of maximum two (2) pieces of luggage per person
• Domestic round-trip airfare (Kathmandu/Meghauly/Kathmandu)
• Domestic airport taxes
General Exclusions
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Beverages, unless otherwise indicated
International flights
International airport departure taxes
Optional Tours, Extensions & Activities
Personal tips and gratuities (i.e. airport skycap, hotel bellman, etc.)
Fees for passport, visas, immunizations
Personal expenses such as telephone calls, laundry services, hotel
in-room movies, gratuities etc.
Personal travel insurance
Cost of hospitalization and evacuation, if necessary
Other services not mentioned in the itinerary
*Prices are in US$ and are subject to change.
Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek WWW.OITRAVEL.COM