Triple Peaks Of The Khumbu

Join Brigitte Muir on a challenging foray into the Khumbu and experience climbing amongst such Himalayan giants as Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.

Brigitte is a renowned mountaineer being the first Australian female to summit Mt Everest and the first Australian to climb the Seven Summits.

This itinerary has been carefully devised by Brigitte as an ideal introduction to expedition mountaineering and presents an opportunity to experience first hand the inspiring culture of the region.

Ascents are planned on Pokhalde Peak (5806m), Chukhung Ri (5600m) and finally spectacular Island Peak (6189m).

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Itinerary / Highlights

DAY 1 Arrive in Kathmandu (1330m)
You will be met by your group leader and transferred to the 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
6:30pm until 7:15pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner.
Meals: NIL

DAY 2 Gear Check. Rest of day at leisure.
This morning a group meeting with gear check will be held and at this time any necessary items will be hired or purchased. A group sightseeing tour has been arranged, taking in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. If time does not permit, the tour can be taken after the expedition when there is a full day at leisure in Kathmandu. Notwithstanding, the hotel is centrally located and a
short walk from shops, cafes and other features of interest.
Meals: B

DAY 3 Fly to Lukla (2800m) and trek to Toc Toc (2812m)
An early start to the airport to catch the 45 minute flight to the STOL airstrip at Lukla. It is a memorable flight, with marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya. Our crew and porters assemble, loads are sorted and after a cup of tea, we are soon on our way and it is a short downhill trek to Toc Toc where we will spend our first night camping.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 4 To Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Today is another relatively short day as we enter the Sagarmartha National Park. There seems to be a never ending trail of yaks and people; local traders, commuters and trekkers, all making their way up to or down from the busy market village of Namche Bazaar. The climb of approx 600 metres from the valley floor and river junction of the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi is wide and winding and good
preparation for our many climbs ahead in the program. To our right as we ascend, we can see the beautiful jagged peaks of Thamserku (6808m) with Kang Taiga (6780m) behind. Eventually we round a corner in the trail and enter the bowl where the town is situated, completely enveloped by rugged slopes and mountains. Our accommodation in Namche is in a lodge for convenience and
practicality, one that is exclusive for World Expeditions trekkers and set at the top of this busy market town. Overnight lodge.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 5 Namche Bazaar (3440m)
A day in Namche is an important part of our acclimatisation process and can be used to explore the area. It is our first opportunity to see Mt Everest, as well as many other peaks of the region. The 'Panda's Ears' of Kang Taiga, next to Thamserku, can be seen more clearly, as well as Ama Dablam (6860m), Taweche and Cholatse, and further away, Lhotse and Nuptse shrouding Mt Everest. As we
trek higher over the coming weeks we will see these peaks and many more from differing perspectives. Overnight lodge.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 6 Thyangboche (3870m) and Deboche (3660m)
The walk to Thyangboche is one of the most pleasant in Nepal. The trail meanders easily around the ridges and Everest can be clearly seen on the horizon ahead before we descend through splendid rhododendron forest for lunch. After lunch we cross the Dudh Kosi and begin the ascent to the top of a long ridge which leads to the summit of Kantega. Our trail takes us through pine and
rhododendron forest, and, as this is a devout Buddhist region, the wildlife is unharmed and not too shy. As a result there is a possibility that we may see Hog Deer and other animals in the forest and around our campsite. As we approach the top we pass through a traditional gateway and pass around a chorten before cresting the ridge onto a wide grassy meadow at the monastery village of Thyangboche. The monastery was recently re-built with the assistance of Sir Edmund Hillary after it was destroyed by fire. The views of the Everest massif, as well as all the other major peaks of the area are astounding and, if we are lucky, we will see the glowing colour of the sunset, and perhaps even the moonlight on the mountains around us.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7 Orsho (4100m)
A very short slow walk to the small settlement of Orsho which is beyond the village of Pangboche. In the afternoon we have the option to go for a short, steep walk - ideal preparation for our climbs and for photo opportunities, especially in the afternoon light.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 8 Bibre (4200m)
Leaving Orsho early in the morning we head up valley to Dingboche, a pretty Sherpa village of stone-walled fields, traditional homes and trekkers' lodges, and on to a shepherds settlement called Bibre. In the upper part of the Khumbu, people graze yaks mainly for porterage of cheese, milk, wool and meat. We pass many yaks - most are cross Dzopyaks which are domesticated. There is
very little vegetation at this altitude except grass juniper and barberry bushes.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 9 Acclimatisation / Rest day in Bibre
The previous few days and these next days are taken very slowly as it is usually between 4500m and 5000m that people begin to experience the effects of altitude. To rush at this stage of the trip would induce altitude sickness, so we take things very slowly! We will often pass expeditions heading to and from Everest Base Camp.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 10 Half way camp Pokhalde
We leave the main trail to head towards our first objective - Pokhalde. It is a very steep but short walk to the half way camp.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 11 Pokhalde Base Camp (5638m)
We trek up towards the pass, a well defined gap between Pokhalde Peak and Chukhung. We set camp in the moraine near the pass, ready for an early start the next day.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 12 Summit day Pokhalde (5806m) and descend to base camp on the Chukhung side (approx 6hrs)
After an early breakfast at 5am, we start our climb of Pokhalde up the south east flank. From the camp to the summit is a climb of approximately 600m, initially up grassy slopes and moraine ridges, before the scramble up the summit pyramid. It will be necessary to rope up for the last 50m along an exposed rock ridge to the summit. We are well-rewarded with the views of Pumori, Ama Dablam
and Nuptse from the summit which are magnificent. We descend to a camp below the pass on the Chukhung side.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 13 To Chukhung (4730m)
A steep, winding traverse through the rocky moraine on a well-defined path brings us to Chukhung (4730m). The views to the south of Kang Leyamu, beside the Imja Khola, are excellent. Before us to the north we can see the imposing rockfaces between Lhotse (8516m) and Nuptse (7855m). Descending the moraine by a winding path, we reach our campsite for the night.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 14 Summit Chukhung Ri (5600m) and descend to High Camp (5000m)
Moving up again, we climb our second and relatively easy objective, Chukhung Ri. A short walk and easy scramble leads us to the top of this "hill". Again, we enjoy the great views of the countless peaks of Khumbu. One does not need to climb high nor at a particularly technical or challenging level, to gain good vantage points to view the mountains. Chukhung Ri affords stunning views of
Lhotse, Nuptse and Imja Tse (Island Peak).
Meals: B, L, D

DAYS 15-16 Island Peak Base Camp (5090m)
After two climbs and two weeks of trekking we are ready for our final climb. Island Peak is a glaciated peak with defined ridges and will require some basic alpine skills which we have practised in our approach. People trekking above Chukhung are usually heading for Island Peak or Imja Tse, as the Sherpa people know it. Trekking beneath the massive north west face of Ama Dablam, we arrive
at Island Peak base camp set in a grassy flat east of the mountain. The lower Khumbu Valley below us opens out with the twin peaks of Tawetse and Cholatse dominating the skyline. After leaving base camp, we trek gradually up grassy slopes until we reach the start of the moraine. The path is relatively well-defined, and leads us to high camp at 5800m which is somewhat like an eagle's nest,
taking into account our setting.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 17 Summit Island Peak (6189m) and return to Base Camp (5090m)
Island Peak (6189m) is the culmination of our climbing and is a significantly more demanding climb than the previous two peaks. Everything leads up to this! An alpine start sees us climbing steeply up the lower flanks of the southeast face. The track is well used, as this is a popular peak. At times there is a bit of rock scrambling and the rocky spur takes us to a snow ramp that leads to the upper
snowfields. The peaks of Makalu and Lhotse come into view as we climb higher. Upon crossing the upper neve, it is necessary to fix ropes up a short but steep ice face that leads on to the summit ridge. The summit ridge is a classic alpine ridge and quite exposed. We will fix ropes and traverse our way to the summit. Although Island Peak appears dwarfed by the surrounding seven and eight
thousand metre peaks, it provides a magnificent vantage point to all the peaks south of the stupendous Lhotse face. After some exhilarating moments on the summit we descend by the same route to our base.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 18 Contingency/ rest day
Today has been set aside as a contingency day
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 19 To Chukhung (4750m)
Our return journey to Lukla takes 4 days at a moderate pace. We are fit and acclimatised with the added benefit of much of the trek being downhill. We can now enjoy the bustling trail and many sights, with great photographic opportunities along the way. We descend the valley from Base camp, trekking adjacent to a large glacial lake to our left and passing under the rocky 'trekking peak' of
Pokhalde to our right. There can often be a wind blowing, so it's good to have your jacket handy. There are yak pastures and several huts which are used seasonally by the local people, but little else until we reach the settlement of Chukhung.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 20 Pangboche (3860m)
Following the trail downhill, we walk back to the village of Pangboche. We will have time to visit the ancient gompa (oldest in the Khumbu region) which stands 120m above the village.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 21 Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Today we trek beneath Ama Dablam -- one of the most elegant and sacred mountains in Nepal and attempted by many climbing parties. A big descent to the floor of the valley and to the rushing cold waters of the Dudh Khosi. Crossing over, we then wind up and around, seemingly forever, until we reach the horseshoe valley where Namche is set. We return to civilisation and no doubt there will be earnest celebration of a challenging but satisfying expedition, the like of which has been enjoyed by
very few people.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 22 To Lukla
Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before an undulating climb to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunset of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a good time to have a small party for all the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here. There is usually lots of
music, dancing and singing and if we are lucky, one of the superb cakes that our Nepali chefs are renowned for. Overnight lodge.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 23 Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
All going well, we will fly out of this small mountain airstrip on a very spectacular flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival, we will be met and transferred to the Radisson Hotel where there is no fixed program for the rest of the day. You can relax or shop, explore as you please.
Meals: B

DAY 24 In Kathmandu
If the half day sightseeing tour has not been taken, it may be planned for today. Notwithstanding, there are many features of interest in Kathmandu and the surrounding valley. Both Pashupatinath and Bodnath Stupa are well worth visiting; they are the most important places of worship for Hindus and Buddhists respectively. The old city of Bhaktapur and the artisan's town of Patan are equally
interesting. Or you may just wish to relax around the terrace and pool at the hotel or wander the shops and markets of Thamel. A group dinner is usually arranged on at least one of these nights, an enjoyable end of trek celebration.
Meals: B

DAY 25 Trip concludes in Kathmandu
After breakfast trip concludes with a transfer to the airport.
Meals: B