The Kongde Luxury Lodge Trek is also known as Yeti’s Trail” is designed to accommodate trekkers who prefer a comfortable stay while following in the hidden foot prints of Yeti. According to the Himalayan myth, this part of the Everest region – mainly valley of Thame used to be the region where Yeti the abominable snowman once roamed around.
Thame used to be the trading point between Nepal and Tibet and not to forget the birthplace of the famous Everest Summiteers like Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and 21 times Everest summiteer Appa Sherpa. The other main attraction of this package is Kongde lodge referred as Yeti Mountain Home, located at 4,250 offering a spectacular view of series of mountain. One would be spellbound by the view that Kongde offers.
Flight to Lukla 2850m & trek to Phakding 2610m – 3 hours trekking
We make an early start to take a spectacular, short mountain flight to Lukla, the start point for our trek. Watch out for the Langtang and Jugal ranges then the Rolwaling Himal, Gaurisankar and Menlumtse before getting your first glimpse of Everest on the flight. We’ll spend a few minutes sorting out bags etc before setting off through this winding village to the trek start proper at the Khumbu ‘gateway’. It’s gently downhill on pitched stone trails through low rhododendron forest, small ‘garden’ farms and old and new hamlets to the banks of the foaming Dudh Koshi river. There will be plenty of short stops to meet the locals, take photographs and just soak up the scenery and the clear mountain air as we meander along, the undulating trail glimpsing views of 6000m snow-capped peaks high above. Passing the enormous mani stone at Thado Kosi we meander up through the many chortens and prayer wheels of Sano and along to our destination of YMH Phakding in time for a late lunch. The afternoon is free to rest in the riverside gardens or sun lounge. For those who wish to we’ll make a short trip up to the higher village and delightful tiny gompa perched on the valley side. Gather again for pre-dinner drinks round the fire followed by evening meal.
Trek to Monjo 2835m – 3 hours trekking
After breakfast we trek to the village of Monjo. The gently undulating trail follows the right bank of the Dudh Koshi through Phakding village before the first of several river crossings today on wire suspension bridges. Continuing through pine forest and small villages we come to a break in the trees to catch sight of the mighty Thamserku (6623m) towering way above. A couple more hours of woodland trails and swaying bridges brings us to the small village of Monjo. Our lodge for the night is located above the village with spectacular views of Thamserku and KusumKangri. After lunch at lodge there’s an opportunity to explore the side valleys and villages with your guide. Dinner is also included.
Trek to Himalaya lodge
Trek to Namche 3440m – 5 hours’ trekking
A short walk from our lodge brings us to the gateway to the Sagamartha National Park. We stop to have a look at the interesting 3D map and information boards whilst our guide sorts out our permits and entry. From here we’ve another 40 minutes or so along the sides of the Dudh Khosi before crossing the Bhote Khosi, raging in form a side valley, and beginning our climb to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. The trail zig-zags up away from the river, gradually ascending to the tree line opening out into a high mountain bowl and the vibrant village of Namche. We pass through the many tiny shops and colourful stalls picking our way slowly up hand cut stone steps to our wonderful Yeti Mountain Home Lodge. This is our first night above 3000m so it’s important to take it easy and let your body adjust. Relax with a tea or coffee and maybe even take a massage in our spa. Dinner at the lodge.
Namche Excursion
Trek to Gurung Lodge, Majgaun 1,400m
Today we’ll take a gentle walk to gain a little height and then have the afternoon free to explore the shops and cafes of this delightful little town.
Your guide will take you to a couple of wonderful viewpoints to see the ‘rockstars’ of the mountain world spread out before you: Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Ama Dablam… they ring the deep valley sides in a magnificent arena. You should also be able to see the monastery at Tengboche and the trails to Everest. If you’re feeling energised we’ll continue on to the delightful villages of Kumjung and Kunde with their health post and school both started by the Sir Edmund Hilary Fund.
After lunch you are free to head down to the Namche market to browse the shops, chat to the locals and maybe pick up a souvenir or two. You may also see the Tibetan traders who make a yearly journey over the high passes from the Tibetan plateau with their yaks laden with goods to sell at the markets. Late in the afternoon there’s an option to visit Namche Monastery. The monastery is about 80 years old and has beautiful Thanka paintings of Tibetan deities.
Trek to Thame 3440m – 5 hours trekking.
After breakfast at Namche, begin your walk to Thame, which should take approximately 5 hours walk .You will pass through a beautiful pine forest and typically Sherpa homes.
This trail forms part of the entry route to Tibet, which passes near the 8,012-metre peak of Cho Oyu, first climbed in 1954. It is also the historical route that the Sherpa’s migrated from eastern Tibet 800 years ago.A lunch stop is made at Thamo. It’s also the home Ang Rita Sherpa, who holds the record for scaling Mt Everest ten times without oxygen.
After lunch you ascend gradually up passing a monastery where nuns live and finally you come to village of Samden .From here you descend down to the bridge and crossing Bhote Koshi River and a half an hour ascent up to reach Thame Village, where you stay at Yeti Mountain Home, your base for the next two nights. Dinner is included at the YMH this evening.
Thame day excursion
After breakfast at lodge, take a half-hour walk up to Thame Monastery. This monastery is located in the Khumbu region, 200 metres above the village. It is set on the southern slope of Sumdur Mountain under a very high rocky cliff, noted for its rock formations, which are mentioned in five books on the history of the region. The monastery was built in the 14th century. From the monastery you trek back to the lodge, arriving in time for lunch.
After lunch you can also visit the home of two famous Sherpa’s One Tenzing Norgay and Appa Sherpa who has now climbed Mount Everest 20 times. Thame is one of greatest village of Solu Khumbu where many young High altitude climbing Sherpa’s have climbed Mount Everest at least 6 to 18 times … Very beautiful village with very humble Everest summiteers …
Lunch and dinner are included at the lodge today.
Trek to Kongde 4250m – 8 hours trekking with tea and photo stops
After breakfast you walk about 6 hrs through beautiful rhododendron, pine and bamboo forest.This route is the original Khumbu Sherpa route used before 1950 which we renovated later with the view of Khumbu mountain views. From Thame you trek down hill 30 minutes to Khumbu Electric Power House, other side of Bhote Koshi River. After 15 minutes walk you come a cross a typical small Sherpa village “Pare”. Walking through pine and bamboo forest you will arrive in the glacier of Kongde Mountain with the fantastic view of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Your lunch will be packed lunch served on the mid of the trail.You can enjoy the magnificent view of the Majestic Mountain along with the landscapes of Khumbu region.Your stay will be Yeti Mountain Home, kongde which is the lodge located at the highest altitude of the world.
Dinner will be served at the lodge.
Kongde Excursion Day
After breakfast walk about 3 hrs to approximately 500m to Farak Ri with panoramic birds eye views of entire Khumbu Valley and view of 8000m peaks; Everest, Lhotse Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dalam, Thamserku and many other Peaks of Khumbu Valley such as Cholatse, Island Peak, etc. Get back to the resort for lunch & dinner and you can enjoy the spellbinding panoramic view of Tengboche monastery, Namche and Khumjung village. One might have ever seen from any parts of the world, and the entire Solukhumbu Ranges from this part. Dinner at the hotel in included.
Trek to Phakding 2610m/ 8562f) 5 hours trekking.
After breakfast at Kongde, we trek down to Phakding following the view of Phakding valley and excellent view of Mt. Thamserku (6623m) and range of Kangtega. We slightly descent through the jungle to Toktok village. And finally to Phakding. Dinner at YMH is included.
Trek to Lukla 2850m – 3 hours trekking
Our last day trekking, with a bit of a sting in the tail! It’s around three hour walk to Lukla, with the last hour or regaining 200m+ height – it’s uphill. On the way we’ll have some drink stops and a chance to visit Chaurikharka High School and Kyongma Monastery. On reaching Lukla we could take a quick stop for a congratulatory group photo at the ‘gateway’ arch then we’ll check-in to our lodge for lunch and a rest. The afternoon is free to explore – you may like to visit the Pasang Lhamu Foundation hospital or potter up to some nearby hamlets. We celebrate our success on the trail with a final. This is also a good time to give your gratitude to your porter and trekking crew for their wonderful support and to bid them farewell.
Dinner at the hotel in included.
Flight to Kathmandu 1300m – 35min Flight.
Wave goodbye to the Himalaya on a short, but spectacular flight back to Kathmandu!