Sherpa Culture Trek 14 Days

Package Overview

This is a unique expedition in which besides trekking you will get an opportunity to explore the valleys of the Khumbu region and observe the villages and monasteries and to sample the incredible hospitality of the Sherpa people. You will get to witness the cultural life of the highlanders.
This package is a great introduction to those who wish for cultural insights into the Sherpa version of Buddhism. The views along the trail are splendid, with snow-capped mountains on all sides, deep forested river valleys, picturesque villages and their fields clinging to impossible looking slopes, and Buddhist monasteries. If you happen to arrive at the season of Mani Rimdu Festival, you will also witness the Buddhist dance spectacle presented each year in the Khumbu region by the monks of Tengboche Monastery. 
Best time to go for this trip is March to May and September to December.

SHERPA
Originally of Tibetan origin, Sherpa is the ethnic group found in the Helambu, Langtang and Solukhumbu region of Nepal. Sherpa language, culture and tradition are heavily influence by Tibetan scriptures. Sherpas follow Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism, founded by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). The Sherpa community uses clan system for rituals of matrimony. Sherpa hospitality tradition is ancient and important. They believe that guest might be Padmasambhava in disguise. Besides farming herding and training majority of Sherpas work for the tourism industry. They are the most efficient mountaineers in the world.

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300m /4,264 ft.)

  Included Meal: Dinner (D)
  
  Upon your arrival in Kathmandu through Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), a representative from Arihant Holidays will receive you and escort you to the Hotel. After check-in you’ll be visited by your trekking guide to carry out final preparation for the trip. We will organize a “Welcome Dinner” later in the evening in a traditional Nepalese Restaurant featuring a Nepalese cultural program along with a fine meal.

  • Themes : Adventure

• Day 2 : Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

  Included meals: Breakfast
  
  On the second day be ready for heritage galore. Kathmandu which once used to house three ancients cities is rich in its cultural heritage. You will have plenty to see of the Newari arts and culture after the breakfast. Your sightseeing for the day includes both heritage and pilgrimage sites all of which are counted in UNESCO world heritage sites.
  
  Swaymbhunath is a popular ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site, also known as the Monkey temple. Its structure is a white dome with a gold conical shape on top, which is painted with the watchful eyes of Buddha. A mythological story about origin of Swayambhu states that a lotus that radiated dazzling light sprung at the very spot where the dome is today. The lotus is said to have been planted by Buddha. After climbing 365 stairs that lead to the temple you can explore many legends and mythological stories about its existence.
  
  Pashupatinath Temple is the popular pilgrimage site of the Hindus. The main temple is that of Lord Shiva. Though the temple is barred to non-Hindus a good view of the famous pagoda style structure of the temple complex, courtyard and the other shrines can be viewed from the opposite bank of the Bagmati River. Shiva’s manifestation as Pashupati lord of animal, is considered one of the holiest sites of the Hindus and is a must visit once in a lifetime to gain salvation. You can also see the Hindus cremation site Aryaghat at the bank of Bagmati River.
  
  Bouddhanath is the largest and the most important holy place for the Buddhists. It is also famous for its power to fulfill wishes and blessings. The base of the stupa is a square shaped terraced plinth representing joy, love, compassion and calmness. The white dome shaped structure on top is painted with yellow to represent lotus. Above which a square tower representing fire is painted with eyes of Buddha. On top of it is the gold conical shaped structure representing air and followed by an umbrella on topmost part symbolizing space.
  
  Kathmandu (Hanuman Dhoka) Durbar Square is a public square containing ancient palaces, temples, statues and streets. There is an ancient wood pavilion Kasthmandap made by wood gathered from a divine tree, Kalpa Vriksha, build centuries ago. It is this pavilion from which the city got its name Kathmandu. Taleju temple is the oldest and the tallest building in the area, door of which is opened only once in a year during the festival of Dashain. The buildings in the durbar square are important link to the history of Nepal. Hanuman Dhoka is the name given after idol of Hindu monkey god Hanuman which is placed near the entrance of the ancient palace. At Kathmandu you will get to marvel the traditional art and crafts of the Newars, in the form of intricate wood work, sculptors and architecture.
  
  As you go for sightseeing, don’t get carried away as you may have to purchase the gears that you might require for the trekking. The stores equipped with trekking gears can be spotted easily at Thamel, couple of minute walk from Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square. You will spend this night in Kathmandu, however finish packing and be well rested for the next day.

  • Themes : Forts and Palaces

• Day 3 : Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding (2,652 m/ 8,700 ft.)

  Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  
  After breakfast you will get transferred to the domestic airport in TIA where you depart for Luka. When we land in Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla, a hillside surrounded by high mountain peak, you will meet up with the rest of the trek team to start the journey. We begin the trek through the prosperous village of Lukla, along the steep terrain, catching the first glimpse of Dudh Koshi River, across a metal suspension bridge until we reach Phakding. Also, you will get a taste of the rich culture and religious belief in the region as you discover Mani walls, chortens, boulders carved with Tibetan mantra and bright painted prayer wheels. Overnight stay at Phakding.

  • Themes : Mountaineering

• Day 4 : Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,280 ft.)

  Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  
  As we depart from Phakding we will take a trail north alongside the Dudh Koshi River and through the sweet-smelling pine forest above the west bank of the river. A steep climb follows however you will be rewarded by the first glimpse of Thamserku (6,608m) which rises to the east of Namche Bazaar. We must cross Dudh Koshi River over a suspension bridge, trek past the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, trail through villages entwined with forest of rhododendron, magnolia and fir and follow a zigzagging ascent through the Pine forest to reach our destination: Namche Bazaar, the capital of Sherpas. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

  • Themes : Forts and Palaces

• Day 5 : Namche Bazaar: Rest day

  Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  
  Namche Bazaar is one of the most attractive settlement and the main trading center in the Khumbu Region. Historically, it was an important staging point for trading expedition across the Nangpa La into Tibet. Because of the steep climb from Phakding, it is essential to stay at least one extra night to adjust to the altitude. Health experts recommend trekkers to stay active during the acclimatization period instead of being idle. Thus, spend the entire day either exploring Namche Bazaar or visiting the neighboring village of Khunde or Thame.
  Namche Bazaar is populated with government offices, ATMs, museums, internet cafes, shops, restaurants and bakery café for your recreational and travel needs. Visit museums to see an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders; learn about the Sherpa culture and also the various plant and animal life found in the region.
  Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

  • Themes : Museums

• Day 6 : Trek to Thame [3739 m/ 12,267 ft.]

  Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  From Namche the route turns west and the trail is almost level as we head up the Bhote Kosi Valley, once a popular trading route into Tibet. Along the way we pass many prayer flags and mani stones, all indicative of the Tibetan Buddhist culture of this area. After descending to the Bhote Kosi the trail climbs steeply to Thame. From here there are good views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde. To the north is the Nangpa La, the pass leading to Tibet. Thame Gompa is situated above the village overlooking the valley and is the site for the spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival.
  Overnight stay at a Tea house.

  • Themes : Trekking, Mountaineering

• Day 7 : Trek to Khumjung [3786 m/ 12,421 ft.]

  Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  We retrace our route down the Bhote Kosi Valley towards Namche and branch off to follow a quiet trail to Khumjung. The trail follows a cobbled stone path leading you through potato fields. Picturesque village of Khumjung has a gompa at the top end of town, here you may get to see Yeti skull (a mythical creature which is half human half animal). From where we retire for the day we will have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega (6,685 m) and Ama Dablam (6,812 m).
  Overnight in a Tea house at Khumjung

  • Themes : Trekking, Mountaineering

• Day 8 : Trek to Phortse [3542 m/ 11620 ft.]

  Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Now we descend back along the valley to Phortse, a village set against the backdrop of a hill. Phortse seems unaffected by the influx of trekkers. The quiet rhythm of life continues as it has always done in this serene village. From Phortse you will get a spectacular view of Thamserku. Beautiful Sherpa houses made of stone bricks, colorful alpine flower and variety of bird species lots to admire in this scenic village.
  Overnight stay in Phortse

  • Themes : Trekking

• Day 9 : Trek to Pangboche [3985 m/ 13074 ft.] 

  Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  From Phortse, passing through fields, a stream and two white Chortens, we descend along the trail to Pangboche. It takes a couple of hours to reach Pangboche. Pangboche was the last highest settlement in the mountains however with the boom in tourism in the area there are lodges in higher altitudes nowadays. Our highest trekking point is Pangboche. Its main attraction is the charming and unspoiled old monastery. The monastery is believed to have been founded around 1667 which makes it the oldest Sherpa gompa in the Khumbu. It has beautiful Buddhist artifacts.
  Overnight at Pangbocghe

  • Themes : Trekking, Mountaineering

• Day 10 : Trek to Tengboche [3864m/ 12,677 ft.]

  Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  While on your way down to Tengboche you will see many beautiful sights of rhododendron bushes with beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. A spectacular panorama of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam all above eight thousand looming in the horizon can be observed from this village.
  
  Overnight at Tengboche

  • Themes : Trekking, Mountaineering

• Day 11 : Trek to Namche [3,450 m/ 11,318 ft.]

  Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  From Tengboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi at Phunki Tenga, where you will witness water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Namche. After a breather, we settle down for the night at Namche

  • Themes : Trekking, Mountaineering

• Day 12 : Trek to Lukla [2832 m/ 9,291 ft.]

  Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Our final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi back down to Lukla. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the Sherpa guides and porters, where we can sample some chang (local beer - a favorite drink on the mountains), do some dancing gigs with Sherpas and reflect back on a memorable trekking experience. You will stay in Lukla tonight.

  • Themes : Trekking

• Day 13 : Lukla – Kathmandu

  Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  We spend some time buying souvenirs and capturing some memory of the mountains. We catch a flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. After landing in Kathmandu you are transferred to the hotel. You can also go for some sightseeing in Kathmandu, shopping for souvenirs or relax in the hotel after the strenuous trek. We will organize a Farewell dinner in your honor to celebrate the successful completion of your Trek to Everest Base Camp in the evening.

  • Themes : Trekking

• Day 14 : Transfer to Airport

  Included meals: Breakfast
  It’s now time to say fare-well to towering mountainous as the time for departure is arriving soon. You can squeeze in some last minute sightseeing and shopping. A representative from Arihant Holidays will escort you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

  • Themes : Adventure

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Inclusions

• AP (Room + Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
• All airport/hotel transfers
• 3 nights in 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Shanker or similar standard) with breakfast
• 10 nights in standard lodges/teahouses in mountain
• Welcome and farewell dinner
• All accommodation and meals during the trek
• Domestic flights and airport departure taxes
• An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
• Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
• All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS )
• A comprehensive medical kit
• All government and local taxes

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Exclusions

• Nepal Visa fee (bring exact USD cash and two passport photographs)
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Excess baggage charges
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu(and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
• Tips for guides and porters

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Package Start From

• Kathmandu, Nepal, Asia

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* 20% Advance Percentage of total booking amount

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.

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This Tour is Offered by

CFI Holidays Pvt.Ltd View Profile

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• Lazimpat, Panipokari-3, Kathmandu - 44600
• XXXXXX2501 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@gmail.com View Mail ID

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