Ice Col Trek, Nepal

30 Days

Price from: £2849.00

A highly demanding Himalayan trek through ice glaciers and stunning mountain passes...

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Overview
Itinerary
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A truly adventurous expedition to a remote and wild region of the Great Himalayas with full logistical support: this is a journey that seeks a different route, a fresh perspective - it is a true challenge and possibly the hardest trek in the world!

Highlights
Kathmandu sightseeing
Extraordinary culture
World's hardest commercial trek
Fantastic views
Sense of achievement

Our route traverses a spectacular, seldom visited region of Nepal and crosses three High Mountain passes. Only on the very final section does it meet the popular southern approach to Everest Base Camp at Chukung. The rare views, some of which will be ours alone, are the most breathtaking in the whole Himalayan range: sublime vistas which amplify the power of three of the world’s five highest mountains: Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Everest. Here too, you are given the opportunity to absorb the culture and folklore of tribal mountain people and the flora and fauna which are native to remote Eastern Nepal.

From Kathmandu, the majestic backbone of the Himalayas glides our wingtips as we head east for Tumlingtar. Beyond here our trekking route follows a great arc, rising north onto the ridges of Num and sweeping slowly westwards into the uninhabited heartland of the world's most spectacular mountains and passes.

On the map, you can follow our journey as it emerges out of tranquil pastures and ascends the hidden Arun River Valley. Climbing and descending gradually, taking us from villages at 457m to the Khongma Pass at 3090m, this trail gives us the best possible form of acclimatisation. Beyond Num there are no villages. The track climbs all the way to Neghe Kharka, crossing the Barun Khola flowing from Makalu. The route to Sherpani Col (6135m) involves a sustained period at altitude with some steep slopes, but rewards with powerful views of Makalu (8463m) to the north and the aptly named Island Peak (6160m) to the west. This is the realm of the glaciers, surrounded by the unforgettable presence of the world's mightiest mountains; and brooding above is the towering bulk of Everest itself.

The trail heads towards the setting sun, mounting West Col and crossing the wide Hongu Glacier. In a long day you can easily climb to the Amphu Labtsha pass, skirt under Amphu peak (5335m) with the elegant cones of Island Peak ahead, gain the wide Imja Glacier and relax on the descent to the village of Chhukhung.

This first Sherpa habitation, nestled at 4730m above the junction of five major glacial valleys, is a typical low walled grey stone village, colored with traditional Sherpa smiles. Tumbling into the Khumbu valley, heartland of the Sherpa people, and past the relative metropolis of Dingboche, we make for Pheriche (4252m). The village is perched above the Dudh Kosi, or river of milk, which drains the western flanks of Mt. Everest, and is guarded by the dramatic twin shoulders of Ama Dablam (6856m). Below, the Khumbu Icefall trumbles out of the Western Cwm and, swallowing up another four glaciers, slowly grinds its way toward the Ganges. Our route picks its way through the moraine, to the last huts of Lobuche.

The run home is a very pleasurable re-entry to the calm valleys and rhododendron forests. We call at Thyangboche monastery and visit Namche Bazar as we flow onward down the valley to our aircraft at Lukla. The flight home to Kathmandu surpasses the flight out. It is as if mountains march westward beside us until waves of gentle terraced hills raise up to guide us back into the modern world.

Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive in Kathmandu [H] Pickup from airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 2	Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour [H, B, D] Start full day sightseeing after breakfast at hotel. You will visit the following locations: Kathmandu Durbar Square - Durbar Square Classic Tour takes you to famous palaces which have housed kings from different dynasties and temples displaying fine Hindu and Buddhist architecture. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) - Visit one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas dating back more than 2000 years. Swayambhunath, "The Self-Created One", is a collection of small stupas (shrines). Bouddhanath - This colossal stupa, one of Kathmandu's holiest sites, attracts pilgrimages from as far as Tibet, India and Bhutan. It is said to hold the remains of Kasyapa - an ancient Buddha and wise man. The stupa rises to 36 metres tall and it is painted with the 'all seeing eye' which represent's God's watch over humankind. Pashupatinath - Just a small walk takes you the temple of Lord Siva-Pashupatinath, famous for its superb Newari architecture situated near the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Entrance to the temple is permitted for Hindus only, however visitors can clearly see the temple from the riverside. Pashupati, "Lord of the Animals" is the patron deity of Nepal. In the evening you will receive a special welcome dinner with a live Nepali cultural show at a traditional restaurant. Afterwards, head back to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3	KATHMANDU-TUMLINGTAR-KHADBARI - 1040m - 4 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] Fly to Tumlingtar which is an hour flight. Here your trekking crew will meet you and give a briefing about the trail, then start walking up to Khadbari (1040m). Have a lunch break in the shade of Kabra trees. We walk north towards Khadbari, then begin walking on a plateau for around 45 minutes. We camp above the village.
Day 4	KHADBARI-CHICHILA - 1830m - 5/6 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] After breakfast walk through many small picturesque villages. Most of the walk is uphill and you will be walking through bamboo groves and a rhododendron forest. Our camp is at Chichela a small settlement of Gurungs at 1830m.
Day 5	CHICHILA-NUM - 1490m - 5 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] Today we start walking with views of snow capped peaks in the distance. Fantastic views of Makalu and its surrounding peaks. Walk on a straight path with little ups and downs through a forest, stop for some lunch and then start descending to reach Num. Camp overnight.
Day 6	NUM-SEDUA - 1460m - 5/6 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] The trail today descends steeply from Num through the Cornfield of Lumbang. The country is particularly rocky; with only tiny terraces planted with corn and barley, then we have tough steep climb to Sedua. Camp overnight.
Day 7	SEDUA-TASHI GAON - 2070m - 5 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] The trail crosses meadows and several streams then climbs to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon, the last permanent settlement in the valley. Camp overnight.
Day 8	TASHI GAON-KAUMA - 3470m - 6 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] A very hard day of the trek as the trail goes upwards very steeply. We walk through the sparse forests along the ridge over a hillock and descend a to Kauma at 3470m. Camp overnight.
Day 9	KAUMA [C, B, L, D] Today is a rest day as well as a day for acclimatisation.
Day 10	KAUMA-MUMBUK - 3570m - 5 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] Again, we start today with a steep climb and then ascend less steeply through rhododendron forests to the top of the ridge. You will have superb views of Chamlang (7290m) Peak 6 (6739m) and Peak 7 (6105m). Then we will have a final descent through a forest of firs and rhododendrons to Mumbuk. Camp overnight.
Day 11	MUMBUK-NHE KHARKA - 3000m - 6 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] Today the trail descends through a steep gully with a stream for about 500m. The trail is poorly defined, rocky and muddy in places as it leads up the glacial valley. From here you will have good views of Peak 6. Nhe Kharka is located on a large open grassy plain at an elevation of 3000m where there are great mountain views. Camp overnight.
Day 12	NHE KHARKA-SHERSON - 4615m - 7 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] The trail today turns westward and leaves the rhododendron forests for alpine tundra. There are excellent views of Pyramid Peak (7168m) and Peak 4 (6720m). As Sherson is at 4615m high, this is more of a risky day as the altitude gains more than 1500m. However, there is no other option than for us to do this as there is no suitable camp between Nhe Kharka and Sherson. Our prior acclimatisation days should have prepared us for this big jump in height.
Day 13	SHERSON-MAKALU BASE CAMP - 5000m - 4/5 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] Today is a gradual climb to a minor pass about 100m higher. From here you will have magnificent south face views of Makalu and you will also be able to see the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. Camp overnight.
Day 14	EXPLORE MAKALU BASE CAMP [C, B, L, D]
Day 15	TREK TO HILLARY BASE CAMP [C, B, L, D]
Day 16	TREK TO HIGH CAMP [C, B, L, D]
Day 17	REST/EXTRA DAY AT HIGH CAMP [C, B, L, D]
Day 18	TREK TO SHERPANI COL, BARUNTSE BASE CAMP [C, B, L, D]
Day 19	TREK TO WEST COL [C, B, L, D]
Day 20	TREK TO PANCH POKHARI [C, B, L, D]
Day 21	PANCHE POKHARI, AMPHU LAPCHA CROSS [C, B, L, D]
Day 22	TREK TO CHUKUNG - 4730m - 6 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] Chukhung (4730m) lies directly under an incredible rock wall that links Nuptse with Lhotse. From here you will also have magnificent views of Ama Dablam (6856m), probably the most photographed mountain in Nepal.
Day 23	TREK TO DINGBOCHE - 4380m - 5 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] Follow the main Khumbu Valley down to site of the Himalayan Rescue Association's Trekkers' Aid Post and continue to Dingboche. Camp overnight.
Day 24	TREK TO TENGBOCHE - 3860m - 4 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] The trail continues through meadows where yaks graze. In the distance you can glimpse the summit of Everest flanked by the impressive rock walls of Lhotse and Nuptse. Start by passing by a spring and then continuing onwards brings you to Tengboche, the cultural heart of Everest. Camp overnight.
Day 25	TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAR - 3440m - 4 hrs walk [C, B, L, D] The trail descends to the right flank of the Dudh Kosi and then leads to a large Sherpa settlement before ascending to the Namche Bazar.
Day 26	LEISURE DAY [C, B, L, D] This day serves as an 'extra' day. If we get across the passes in time then we can take our time relaxing in Namche.
Day 27	TREK TO LUKLA - 2840m - 1 ½ hrs walk [C, B, L, D] Continue ascending to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla, ready to catch your return flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting your trekking crew might prepare a farewell treat for you. You would be expected to join in the singing and the dancing! Overnight camp.
Day 28	Flight: Lukla to Kathmandu [H, B] Fly back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the diverse restaurants and chaotic markets for shopping and relaxing.
Day 29	Free day in Kathmandu [H, B] You may want to buy souvenirs, explore around or just sleep at your hotel.
Day 30	Fly home [B] We drop you off at Kathmandu airport for your onward flight to UK.

Reference

Our itinerary may be dictated by road and bridge conditions, and by the location of good camping spots. The guides and sherpas decide where we camp so the itinerary serves only as a basic guideline.
KEY
C - Campsite, H - Hotel, B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner

Dates and Prices Info

Prices are based on groups of 4-16 people.

What's Included?

Airport pick-up/drop-off, and all other transfers by private vehicle
4 night's accommodation in Thamel Eco Resort in Kathmandu (twin sharing including breakfast)
Welcome dinner with live Nepali cultural show
Waterproof duffel bag for trek
Kathmandu sightseeing tour (including guide, private transfers and entrance fees)
Airfares: Kathmandu – Tumlingtar & Lukla - Kathmandu (including insurance and tax surcharges)
National Park Entrance Fees
TIMS Certificate
25 night's campsite accommodation in tents
World class camping equipment (including mattresses, tents, kitchen utensils etc.)
Breakfast, lunch and dinner during trek days
Experienced local mountaineering guide
Other staff: cook, sherpa, and porters as necessary on the trek
Daily wages, clothes and insurance of the whole crew (guide, cook, helpers and porters)
Discount on clothing and equipment at Cotswold Outdoors and Montane

Not Included

International flights
Personal expenses like bottled drinks, bar bill, laundry, telephone etc.
Travel insurance and medical expenses
Nepal Visa
Helicopter rescue evacuation costs – if needed
Meals (lunch / dinner) while staying at hotel in Kathmandu
Delays and extra services because of natural events like landslides etc.
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