In Nepal, views from the top of the world
Breathtaking culture and mountain majesties welcome you
Nepal is like no other country on earth—backed up to the Himalayas and home to beautiful, ancient festivals, monasteries and deep spiritual traditions. Landscapes here are like no other, and the people are warm and inviting. On this challenging and rewarding trip, we’ll go off the beaten path while still basking in the humbling view of mountain giants and getting to know the locals.
For this trip, Kirchoff Fitness teams with the travel nonprofit Crooked Trails to bring travelers into the homes of local people, and donating a portion of our fees to give back to communities that will be hosting us. Join us as we venture through one of the most scenic destinations on the planet while traveling, eating, and living with our Sherpa guides and hosts.
Guest limit: 10.
Nepal Itinerary
Day 1-2: Group members arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. The next day, we tour the city.
Day 3: Take a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Phaplu, in Solukhumbu District (Everest Region). Visit Chialsa, a Tibetan refugee camp and monastery. Stay at a lodge in Phaplu for the evening. No trekking.
Day 4: Trek to Nunthala Lodge between Phaplu and Nunthala. Cross Takshindu Pass (10,100 ft/3,080 m), with views of Kangtega (22,241 ft/6,779m) Thamserku (21,729 ft/6,623 m), and, on a clear day, Mount Everest. Approximately five hours trekking.
Day 5: Trek to Kharikhola. Descend steeply to Manidingma, a Rai and Sherpa village, then continue downward to the Dudh Kosi Valley. Cross a suspension bridge and climb to the village of Jubing, then arrive in Kharikhola, a beautiful Magar and Sherpa village. Approximately five hours trekking.
Day 6: Trek to Panggom monastery. Visit with the lama of the monastery, the uncle of one of our guides, and participate in a Buddhist meditation. Overnight at the monastery or at a homestay in nearby Sibuje village. Approximately three hours trekking.
Day 7-8: Short trek from Panggom to Sibuje village for a homestay. Sibuje is located along a narrow ridge jutting out into the Dudh Kosi Valley. Its terraced fields afford spectacular views of the Numbur Himal and adjacent peaks. Sibuje is also the home of our staff. Highlights include cooking lessons from our hosts and a visit to the projects funded by Crooked Trails. Homestay.
Day 9: Trek to Paiya. Today we begin climbing toward Khari La Pass (10,088 ft/3,075m). From the pass we catch the first glimpse of tooth-like Mount Kumbulia (18,901 ft/5,761m), and end in Paiya, where we will stay at a family-owned guesthouse. Approximately four hours trekking.
Day 10: Trek to Lukla. Today we head toward Lukla, with spectacular views as we ascend a ridge and then descend to the village of Surke (7,513 ft/2,290m). We cross a bridge and then begin our final 1.5-hour ascent to Lukla (9,317 ft/2,840m). Overnight at lodge. Approximately four hours trekking.
Day 11: Catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. Rest and shopping in Kathmandu. Celebration dinner at a restaurant in Kathmandu. Overnight in hotel before we head home.
Approximate cost: $3,500, excluding round-trip airfare to Kathmandu. Contact Chris for details about pricing.