THE ASCENDING PATH will be leading a trek to Everest and Ama Dablam Base Camps in October.

This trek serves both to support our Ama Dablam expedition and to provide an opportunity for non-climbers to experience the splendor and mystique of two Himalayan climbing base camps. We will visit Everest and Ama Dablam Base Camps on our journey into and through the Himalaya. Our approach up the spectacular Khumbu valley leads us through ancient forests, across raging rivers and into sacred Buddhist Monasteries.

The Himalayan Light Foundation will select an appropriate village in the Khumbu region, which is actively involved in progressive community development. Most rural Nepali buildings use expensive and hazardous kerosene lanterns for light. Our energy will be a welcome relief in many ways. We will trek into the village with the system, meet the villagers whose lives we are changing and stay in their homes. As a group we will assess the site for the best location for the panel, install it, run the wires, attach the lights and charge the battery with the supervision and guidance of a English speaking electrical technician. This will be accomplished in a day, while we acclimatize. There will be a rewarding and touching dedication ceremony before we move on. Working as a team on this project will bring the group together in a unique way. There is no doubt that we will benefit from this teamwork on the mountain.

Days 1 and 2: Kathmandu
Buddha Statue in Tengboche

Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and taken to the classy Nirvana Hotel in the busy Themel district. A welcome dinner with other team members will launch our expedition. These first two days will be spent going to the numerous sights around Kathmandu, including The Himalayan Light Foundation, the crazy Hindu temple complex of Pashupatineth, the Buddhist Monkey temple Swamayabhu, and the magical Stupa of Bodnath.

Day 3: Kathmandu - Lukla by flight. Trek to Rangdhog monastery
After picking up the solar system at HLF in the morning, the team travels to our installation site. We fly from Kathmandu into the famed and exciting Lukla airstrip meeting Cam Su and our Sherpa support team. Loading up our Zopkios and porters we begin our ascending path up the Dudh Kosi to the Rangdhog monastery, just an hour from Lukla.

Day 4: Rangdhog Monastery
Today we complete the solar install and take the rest of the day off to explore the area, enjoy the compassionate hospitality of the Nepalese people and enjoy a celebration in the evening of traditional Nepali dancing, music and Chang.

Day 5: Rangdhog Monastery to Phakding, 7,200'
We will strike camp by the raging river and enjoy our first of great expedition feasts together. Our cook Lobsang seems to be the best in Nepal, he can whip up a pizza as high as 17,000 feet!

Day 6: Phakding to Namche Bazaar 11,300'
We will enjoy a lush river-edge walk through Himalayan pine and Deodar cedar forests to a steep and dusty hill leading to the celebrated village of Namche Bazaar at 11,300'. Drinking lots of water, hiking slowly and being mindful of our breath will help us acclimatize better.

Day 7: Namche Bazaar 11,300'
A day for acclimatization is necessary here, and what a place for it! This famous and interesting trading village is located in a giant steep cirque. At the top of the hill, prayer flags and views of the major Khumbu peaks, including Everest, dominate the horizon. There is plenty to do here, shop the local Nepali/Tibetan marketplace, go for a day hike or even eat a brick oven pizza if you miss home!

Day 8: Namche Bazaar 11,300'
Rest Day. Today we head to the villages of Khumjung or Kunde for some exercise, both villages are just a short day hike from Namche. Our extra day here will help tremendously with our acclimation. We can visit the 4 star Everest View Hotel for some good coffee, grab an apple strudel at Herman's Bakery or even play a game of pool in the pub. The day is yours.

Day 9: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche 12,680'
Climbing up to the most revered religious and cultural center of the region brings a sense of tranquility as the magical views grow to encompass Nuptse 25,843', Lhotse 27,883', Everest 29,035', Ama Dablam 22,487', Kwangde 20,293', Kangtega 22,235', and Thamserku 21,674', Tawachee 21,457' to name a few. Cam Su will lead us through the world renowned Monastery, explaining and describing its colorful history and Buddhist practice. We will have the option here to sit in the colorful prayer hall early in the morning for the morning Puja.

Day 10: Tengboche to Dingboche/Pheriche 14,200'
Moving on from the Monastery we cross the Duhd Kosi again and climb under and around the majestic Ama Dablam. It is here where we briefly split off from the main Everest route to Dingboche, with Island Peak and Chukkung down the valley to our East.

Day 11: Dingboche/Pheriche 14,200'
In order to be able to go higher with maximum comfort and safety we will have a rest day here. As a team we will attend the HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) high altitude clinic and meet the doctors. There is plenty to do in addition, climb the beautiful ridge above to Dingboche, hike up to Dusa or soak your feet in the chilly river water.

Day 12: Dingboche/Pheriche 14,200' to Lobuje 16,175'
This short distance day will surprise everyone as we struggle in the thin air of high altitude. We travel across glacial moraine and gain better views of Pumori, Nuptse and eventually Everest. We will visit the famed climber's memorial, with tributes to friends lost on Everest.

Day 13: Lobuje to Gorak Shep 16,925'
At this altitude it is mandatory to breath intently, drink many liters of water and be aware of our individual physiological responses. We will spend the day visiting the Pumori basecamp nearby. For those interested, an evening ascent of the hiking peak Kala Pattar (18,185') is achievable from our Gorak Shep camp.

Day 14: Gorak Shep to Everest Base camp 17,600' (back to Gorak Shep)
A longer but flat day takes us further up the winding moraine to the sites of Everest Base camp. The exact location of Base camp changes from year to year, and it will probably be empty. Most climbers ascend Everest in the spring, however if we are lucky, there will be a fall expedition on the mountain. We can spend a few hours poking around and get a good look at the famed Khumbu ice fall before we return to Gorak Shep.

Day 15: Gorak Shep to Dingboche 14,200'
Fully empowered and acclimatized, going down hill will be a breeze. Great views of Island Peak, Makalu and Ama Dablam (our next stop) abound. The Snow Lion teahouse will be our camping spot for the night.

Day 16: Dingboche to to Tengboche 12,683'
From Dingboche we descend to Pangboche, cross the river once again, and climb back up to the Monastery at Tengboche.

Day 20: Kathmandu
It will be luxury to return to the Nirvana Hotel and a hot shower after so many days in the mountains. It is now it is time to eat, drink and be merry! A celebration dinner is in order at the famous Northfield Cafe.

Day 21: Kathmandu shopping, sightseeing and exploration. The day is yours. For those participating in the Himalayan Light Foundation Solar Sisters program you will be met by your HLF representative.

Day 22: Kathmandu to ??????
NOTE: We advise scheduling your international flight no earlier than the 22nd day, due to possible delays in the mountains. For those wishing to engage in further volunteer work with HLF or other NGO's, please contact us. If necessary, a shorter abridged itinerary is possible.

Ascending Path Guides
AND...
Our head Sherpa or Siddhar, Kham Su, spend 20 years as a Buddhist monk, reaching Lama-hood before he began climbing. He is still a practicing Tibetan Buddhist and will lead us in appropriate ceremonies throughout the expedition. He is a special and delightful asset to the team, we all be honored by his smile.

Trekkers should be fit and strong, able to walk for 6 hours on rough terrain. Team members should be interested in experiencing Nepal in a unique way, and willing and eager to participate in the HLF installation. No mountaineering experience is necessary. Please contact us for suggestions or questions.

Sleeping Bag rated 20 degrees F or less
1 Pair of Sturdy Hiking Boots
1 Pair of Sturdy Sneakers
A Thermarest
A day pack
A light rain shell
A Large durable duffle bag with locking zippers
Personal gear, water bottles, Camera, etc.

A detailed gear list, waiver and an additional information packet will be provided upon initial deposit.

LAND COST: $ 2900

DATES: October 15th to November 6th

Payment Schedule:
Initial deposit : $ 1000 Due by August 1st to hold spot.
Balance due: September 1st.

Good Deals:

If an Ama Dablam Expedition family member or friend would like to join our Basecamp Trek or Island Peak Expedition, we will credit the Ama climber $200.
An optional extension to stay at Ama Dablam Basecamp during our climb is availible for an additional $200. This will make our date to Kathmandu no later than the 31st day (Nov. 2nd), but possibly earlier.
For both the Basecamp Trek and Expedition Members THE ASCENDING PATH offers the capability to send 2 emails a week to friends and family (via Iridium satellite phone and laptop). Cost for email packages starts at $200, $300 including digital photos. (Connection not guaranteed)

AIR ARRANGEMENTS - Travel arrangements for these trips can be made through Govind Shahi at Himalayan Treasures & Travel. Govind is a Nepali who for many years has handled trips to Nepal, Bhutan, India, Pakistan and Tibet. Before coming to the USA, he was in charge of the Swiss Air office in Kathmandu for 8 years. He can offer you an airfare well below the published fare. The address is:

Himalayan Treasure & Travel
3596 Ponderosa Trail
Pinole, CA. 94564

For more information, contact Govind Shahi by phone (1-800-223-1813 or 1-510-222-5307). You may also e-mail Govind at govindsh@himtrek.com . If you want one or more printed detailed trip descriptions, please include your postal mailing address in your e-mail.