TASHI LAPCHA PASS TREK

On arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be met by a representative from Sherpa Teams who will take you to your 3-star hotels in Thamel. You can sit back and relax at your hotel or wander around Thamel and do some last-minute shopping or visit one of the many local cafes or restaurants.

Today we will go sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley with our guide. We will visit Pashupatinath, which is considered to be the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal and a place where pilgrims worship Lord Shiva (situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River). The next stop is Bouddhanath, a Buddhist temple known as ‘Little Tibet’ and then on to Swayambhunath commonly referred to as the Monkey Temple. After leaving Swayambhunath we drive to Kathmandu’s renowned Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and located in front of the old royal palace. Back at your hotel, you may have time to do some last-minute shopping around Thamel – the tourist hub of Kathmandu. Your guide will also help you prepare for your trek.

Today we take a bus from Kathmandu to Dolakha with occasional views of several snow-capped peaks along the journey. We will stop along the way and visit Bhimeswor Temple, said to be one of the oldest in Dolakha (200 years). After another hour on the road, we come to Dolakha where we will camp next to the river.

This morning we hit the trail from Dolakha and head towards Sigatte via Piguti and passing through several villages along the way. The trail crosses streams and heads through the jungle, where you will see wild orchids and rhododendrons. Tonight we will set up camp at Sigatte.

This morning we head into the Bhote Koshi Valley close to the Tibetan border. The trail takes us through valleys, past terraced farmlands and through charming villages. We then pass through dense rhododendron forest before crossing a suspension bridge just before Jagat. Along the take a few moments and stop to admire the splendid views of Gaurishankar (7145m), the second-highest peak in the  Rolwaling Himal, slightly less than Melungtse (7181m).

This morning we leave the valley and head east before ascending to the Sherpa and Tamang village of Simigaon. Similar to many mountain villages the countryside is scattered with terraced farmland. Just above Gaurishankar Village on a hill is a Tibetan monastery.

Along the trail today we come across a quaint Sherpa village. Along this leg of the trek there is an abundance of amazing and varied flora and fauna. Further on we come to Yak Naka, a temporary Yak shed where at certain times of the year they produce butter and cheese. Tonight we will set up camp at the pass.

This morning we head up through rhododendron trees and then have to cross the suspension bridge over the gorge. Eventually, we will come to the quite large Sherpa village of Beding where we will camp overnight.

The trail to Na is relatively short. Na is located on the banks of a river. From Na we can explore the vibrant blue glacial lakes and the nearby mountains that reflect off the lakes. Na Village lies in a valley just below the Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake. From here we can see the soaring snow covered peaks of Chobutse (6685m), Chugimago (6259m) and Yalung Ri (5630m). We will make camp in this small Sherpa village for the night.

Today is set aside for acclimatization, necessary before heading to higher altitudes. Health professionals recommend staying active during this period. To stay active we will head up to Ramdung Go from where you can see Gaurishankar, Men lung, Yalung and mountains in Tibet. We will set up camp at Na for the night.

From Na we head to Rolpa Lake and along the trail pass several glacial lakes. From here we can see Men Lung. We will camp here overnight.

We wake up early in the morning and start our trek towards Trakarding Glacier. We will follow the trail alongside the glaciers until stopping to set up camp for the night. We can also explore the area close to where we camp.

From Trakarding glacier we follow the trail to Tashi Lapcha Pedi camp situated at an altitude of 5755 meters. Along the trail we have to climb over some rocks and then onto the glaciers. We will establish our camp at Tashi Lapcha Pedi camp.

This morning we ascend to Tashi Lapcha Pedi and then to Tashi Lapcha high Camp following the trail through the Tashi Lapcha Pass. Heading up to the pass the trail is more than likely covered in snow and on the other side we have a steep descent to high camp. This leg of the journey is exciting – and tiring. We will set up camp at High Camp for the night.

Following the trail from Tashi Lapcha high camp to Thyomgbo we pass through the village of Ngole. We will walk across the glacier before descending to Thyomgbo where we will stay at a teahouse overnight.

We have a long trek today, so will wake up at dawn and start on the trail to Thame. The terrain along the trail is beautiful. We will stay at a teahouse tonight.

This morning the trail heads to Sanasa at an altitude of 3550 meters. From here you can see the massive peaks of the Khumbu region such as Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru. We will continue and pass several villages and many tea shops before having to cross the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga. You will hear the chirping of birds in the forest on this section of the trail. We continue on to Namche bazaar on an undulating trail. Tonight we will stay at a teahouse at Namche Bazaar.

This is the last day on the trail as we head back to our starting point at Lukla. This is a time to reflect on the treasured memories of our trek as a group and on accomplishing our individual goals. A free afternoon allows you time to relax and enjoy a hot shower! In the evening we will celebrate with our guides with a few drinks and dance. You would have earned it after this physically challenging trek.

This morning we will fly back to Kathmandu after our long journey through the mountains. After a 30 min flight we will arrive back at Kathmandu. We will then take you to your hotels in Thamel where you can sit back and relax or if you still have the energy you can wander around Thamel and find a quiet café. Tonight we will stay at a deluxe hotel.

Today is your last day in Nepal and the end of your adventure into this mountainous region of the world. A representative from Sherpa Expedition & Trekking will take you to the airport at least three hours prior to your scheduled flight. On the way home you may be already planning your next Nepal adventure with Sherpa Expedition and Trekking.