Sherpa Culture of Khumbu - 14 Days - Kailash Himalaya Trek

Sherpa Culture of Khumbu – 14 Days

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We fly Lukla, a remote airstrip in the mountain, and follow the well-traveled path to Phakding and gradually climb the trail from Jorsale to Namche Baza (3440m). Next stop Thyangboche (3867m) to visit the monastery and meet the reincarnate lama. We descend to Debouche (3770m) and Pangboche (4252m) and again climb gradually and steadily through less traveled trail to a small village at Phortse (3800m). We take time to visit local villagers at their house and learn about their life. En-route back we stop at Khumjung (3753m) monastery to see the display of a scalp believed to be from Yeti (abominable animal). There is a cave of Guru Rinpoche high up in the hill, and school built by Sir Edmund Hillary. Descend to Monjo and to Lukla. Fly to Kathmandu. During the journey, there are possibilities to visit and meet residing lama and participate at the puja (prayer). You can also stop by, the small nunnery; meet the residing nuns and the abbot of the monastery near Pangboche.

The culture of Nepal is influenced by has fascinating living religions like Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Bonpo, and Nature worship. All of these religions are influenced by the belief and practice of Tantrism. And the enjoyable part of the tour is you get to see some magnificent view of the mountain and the Himalayan range. The culture is vibrant with the presence of thousands of temples dedicated to Gods and Goddess. The diverse ethnic peoples and their culture as diverse as rainbow colors have made deep impact on the major religions and vice versa. You may call it bon-po, animist or tantric all these have its own impact on the religious people of Nepal practice. Religion-based on animist traits has its own festival dedicated to nature. Lord Shiva is manifested in a different form to different religious adherents. But all consider him as benevolent and fearsome God. The Impact of Buddhism and the sage Padman Sambhaba who propagated Buddhism in remote parts of the Himalaya has a tale of spiritual and tantric power used interchangeably. The cult-like impact of tantric power has also left deep impression in the lives of people in Khumbu valley like any other far-flung villages. Whether we talk about the power of Milarappa or the power of Jhakris to ward off hail storm, in the true sense, it is ‘tantric power’ we are talking about; it can also be called cosmic power which is beyond the comprehension of a human being. Your journey to the heartland of Sherpa culture takes you to the tale of these remarkable people who.

In this cultural tour, we would like to show you many of the same subjects seen by general visitors but in a different light. Unlike the rushing trekkers you meet, interact and expose yourself to the culture. We hope to bring back the original experience of many visitors who visited Khumbu when it was just ventured by the climbers and later trekkers. Only by spending more time with the people and land you get to know the culture that has been transforming rapidly into commercial mode. and sites you captured in your mind could express the meaning of what people would usually do not encounter in their normal visit.

The sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley would cover almost all the places in World Heritage Sites listed in Kathmandu valley. All these places are scattered within a short distance. These sacred temples and palaces are the subject of tourist attraction as well as it offers a delightful subject for all visitors. People have been living in these heritage sites for centuries. As much as the temples and palaces it is a great place to discover people in their daily life. Even in this fast-changing world the thoughts of people in these historical places have remained unchanged. Many people say the valley is a “Living Museum,” especially the cities of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. We cover most of the places while you are in Kathmandu.

The program intended to cover wider aspect culture of Sherpa community of Khumbu (Mt. Everest region) and Tibetan Buddhism in a nutshell.
Day 1:Arrive Kathmandu.In Kathmandu (BB)
Arrive Kathmandu. Group members are welcome with garland upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer from the airport to Hotel Shangri La located at Lazimpat. The hotel is about 15 minutes to city center including Thamel. After members check in to their room KHT office representative and sirdar meet all DVT leaders to brief them about the events that has been organized and tentative plan on the trek.

Day 2. In Kathmandu (BB). Full day sightseeing tour.
You will be taken for familiarization walking tour of Kathmandu Durbar square. This will be the first opportunity to see local bazaar and meet people on the street. Walk through Asan Tole (locality) to Durbar Square. Asan is an old bazaar of Kathmandu with narrow roads and old houses dated back to more than hundred years. Asan used to be the main market in those days and it is still as vibrant as ever with all kind of shops and all sorts of visitors; it is famous for its traditional and cultural lifestyle of the people. In Asan there are temples that are alive and packed with worshipers offering puja (prayer) and at the same time buying and selling in traditional style. The center of the city is a labyrinth of narrow streets and markets crowded with exotic produce, products and bewildering mix of people – Tibetan women in their stripped aprons, traders from India and Sadhus – Hindu holy men, who are perhaps on pilgrimage to one of the countless shrines or temples of the valley. The sound, colour, pilgrims and people provide wonderful opportunity to see and shoot at first hand. As you wander during your photography tour, you will see historic Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D., Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction.

You approach Indra Chowk and finally Kathmandu Durbar square. This is the historic seat of Shah Dynasty. The square itself is a medieval wonders that has given Kathmandu much of its mystery and atmosphere. Nautalle Durbar (9 storied palace), Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Drum and the Jagannath Temple are all there in the walking distance in Basantapur. This place is also called Hanuman Dhoka because of the statute of Hanuman, a mythical Hindu monkey God stationed at the main door. The original Royal seat and the surrounding temples have some of the best architecture and erotic carving. Kasthamandap is part of the extended former royal palace structure believed to have been built from the timber of a single tree. The temple of Living Goddess Known as “Kumari” is also located in the vicinity. Freak Street the most popular tourist site before Thamel was discovered is close by. This Freak Street used to be a hub for hippie and overland adventurers in the late 70s. There are still traces of those days in the street.

Next visit Patan Durbar Square. While in Patan visit the temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavira, Mahaboudha, and Krishna Temple. All these places are historical as well as religious significance. There are fascinating stories related to these sites. This royal palace is believed to have been built in 299 AD. There are many beautifully carved windows, doors and balconies for which it is famous. Mahaboudha is made of Terracotta bricks and pagoda style structure of Mahavira dedicated to Lord Buddha built in 13th century.

Day 3:Fly to Lukla (2800m), Walk to Phakding (2623m)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to domestic airport. Fly to Lukla (2800m). Normally schedule flight to Lukla leave in the morning at 7 to 8am. This 45 minute flight provides a magnificent view of the himalayan range to the north. Upon arrival at Lukla member are taken to Khumbu Resort (Chungba) for a prayer meeting and orientation. Lunch at the lodge. In the meantime camp staffs organize baggages for porters and yak to carry. It is an easy walk through several villages to Phakding. After 45 minutes’ walk you will see a gompa (Drangdrak gompa) at Chaplung perched on a hill. Continue walk to Dudh Koshi River. Cross the river to reach Phakding. After short rest and refreshment visit Penacholing or Rimjimjung gompa. It is about an hour excursion to the gompa.

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
View of Thamserku (6618m) and Kusum Kanguru (6370m) are prominent peaks seen from the trail along Dudh Koshi River. You follow the Dudh Kosi for about 2 hour; the trail gradually climbs up to Monjo and Jorsale where you will stop for lunch. After Jorsale you enter Sagarmatha national park. After Jorsale the trail become steep all the way to Namche bazaar. It would take about 3 hour to reach Namche Bazar. As you climb, you enjoy our first views of Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879 m) and Lhotse (8383m). In the evening you may take rest or walk around the small bazar.

Day 5: Walk to Thyangboche (3867 m) title
Trek along a very pleasant trail under the soaring peak of Thamserku and steadily descend to Imja river where there are a series of water driven prayer wheels. It should take about 3 hour easy descent to Punki Thanka for lunch. After lunch you climb steadily for about 2 hours to Thyangboche Monastery (3867m). The views from the monastery are magnificent. The Monastery is literally surrounded by mountains. Yaks graze on the small meadow and the monks drone through their prayers. Indeed this is one of the most beautiful spots.

After arrival at the camp and refreshment arrangement to visit the monastery is made. Meet the reincarnate lama, known as rimpoche, of the monastery. Normally in spring it is always possible to meet the abbot. In his absence meet a residing head lama. If opportunity is available you may join in some social activities and interact with the resident monks.

Day 5:Trek to Thyangboche (3867 m)
Trek along a very pleasant trail under the soaring peak of Thamserku and steadily descend to Imja river where there are a series of water driven prayer wheels. It should take about 3 hour easy descent to Punki Thanka for lunch. After lunch you climb steadily for about 2 hours to Thyangboche Monastery (3867m). The views from the monastery are magnificent. The Monastery is literally surrounded by mountains. Yaks graze on the small meadow and the monks drone through their prayers. Indeed this is one of the most beautiful spots. After arrival at the camp and refreshment arrangement to visit the monastery is made. Meet the reincarnate lama, known as rimpoche, of the monastery. Normally in spring it is always possible to meet the abbot. In his absence meet a residing head lama. If opportunity is available you may join in some social activities and interact with the resident monks.

Day 7:Trek to Phortse (3800 m)
After breakfast visit Pangboche gompa located in the village. Normally a resident lama always attends to visitors at the monastery. You meet the lama and interact with him. Leave the main trail to the base camp and follow the trail that climb high above the river valley and then gradually descend to a campsite below the village of Phortse (3800m). It is a small village perched high below Tawache peak (6542m). Beside tourism the folks of these villages mainly rely on their farm products. Lunch break is at Phortse. After lunch the guide make arrangement to meet members of Sherpa families and participate in their daily chores. In the evening if opportunity is available provide help in the kitchen and give your hand in whatever needs to be done. But shy nature of women folk may make your approach quite difficult and sometime a brief help in kitchen core is more a hindrance than help. However it is always nice to lend your hand in whatever is available. This day you may get the opportunity to milk nak (female of yak) with due permission from the owner as well as make or see preparation of su-cheya (Tibet tea) churned butter-salt tea in traditional method which is fast vanishing due to modern gadget and electricity. Overnight in the family owned lodge may give you an experience of home stay.

Day 8:Trek to Khumjung (3753mSpoiler title
After breakfast visit Phortse gompa located near the village; it is about 30 minute walk to the monastery. After a brief visit make a steep descent to Dudh Kosi river and climb about an hour to the ridge of Mong La (3973m)- danda. Lunch break is Mon-danda. After lunch you descent gradually to Sangnasa and climb gradually for an hour to reach Khumjung. It is a lovely village less frequented by tourist and much less commercialize than Namche. After refreshment visit the village and Khumjung Gompa. The monastery displays a scalp believed to be from Yeti (abominable animal); special request has to be made to the abbot to see it. You may also visit the cave of Guru Rinpoche high up in the hill. Those who are interested may visit the school built by Sir Edmund Hillary for the people of Khumbu.

Day 9:Trek to Monjo (2,835 m)
After breakfast retrace the trail back to Namche Bazar; the return walk takes about 3 hour to Namche. After lunch at Namche descend to Monjo and arrive camp around 4 pm. If you are not tired you may visit the gompa at Manjo which is about 10 minute from the village. In the evening you are treated with local banquet dinner around the camp fire with staff performing Nepalese and local dance. The cook and his kitchen staffs prepare elaborate Nepalese dinner with several varieties of food with fresh vegetable and meat brought in from Lukla.

Day 10:Trek to Lukla (2860 m)
After breakfast walk leave Manjo. Reach Lukla at 4pm. Accommodation at the lodge with hot shower. Dinner at the lodge.

Day 11: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.
Take early morning breathtaking flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport transfer to your hotel.

Day 12: In Kathmandu.Spoiler title
Extra day incase of bad weather. Flight to and from Lukla may cancel due to weather and other technical condition. If all goes as planned – this day can be used for shopping, massages or personal exploration of Kathmandu valley or just stroll around in Thamel – the tourist hubbub.

Day 13: In Kathmandu.(BB)
Free day in Kathmandu.

Day 14: Depart Kathmandu.
Transfer to the airport ,depart for an onward destination.
Note:
The itinerary, schedule and program are suggested guideline only. It may change because of logistics, weather, physical condition and other circumstances that are beyond our control. The person and appointment thus explained are subject to ground reality and availability. We will do our utmost to adhere to the above program. Any part of the programme that may require change due to logistic condition and other reason would be made with the consultation and decision of the trip leader.

It is not a rushed city tour nor is it a guided adventure. Nor it has deadline to catch up other than the area specified to be visited. The tour hoped to provide insight knowledge and pleasant experience throughout. Walk in the mountain is not that physically demanding but you should be physically fit to experience the mountain and the environment. You should be prepared to walk up the hill and down the trail. Because of the nature of the trip the day schedule are short except on some days. The tour demands your utmost understanding of the people you meet and respect their culture and commitment.

Flight to and from Lukla is subject to delay due to weather and technical condition. The delay due to weather conditions may continue for several days. Normally a day or two is unavoidable if the weather becomes bad. Though May is not prone to such delay yet it is important to take caution. For this reason usually we suggest 2 to 3 night stay in Kathmandu after the trek for treks that involves flight from remote airstrip. If the delay continues on for several days the only possibility is to charter helicopter, the cost is very high; it is not covered in the cost.
COST- Private Trip
2 person US$955 per person
3-5 person US$900 per person
6-9 person US$720 per person
Single Room Supplement US$300

*Departure: Anytime as per your choice of date
Cost Includes
1. All airport transfers and ground transportation (AC-vehicle).
2. City sightseeing tour according to the program with English speaking tour guide.
3. Accommodation on bed and breakfast based on double occupancy using comfortable hotel with attached bath room – hot and cold running water and wall to wall carpet with amenities and facilities.
4. Sightseeing entrance fees and return airfare is included.
Cost Excludes
1. Visa fees and Airfare
2. Personal accident and health insurance.
3. Alcoholic and bottled beverage, laundry, and tips.
4. Meals and any other services and expenses that are not specifically mentioned.
5. Monument entrance fees during city tours are not included
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