First Women Journalists Everest Expedition – 2018 in rigorous training

KATHMANDU, The First Women Journalists Everest Expedition-2018 (FWJEE18) is currently in Dolakha in connection with an intensive training in preparation for their Everest expedition in coming spring season.

Everest Range

The team, comprising five young women journalists involved in different facets of journalisms in the country, are going to climb the highest mountain in the world- Mt Everest (locally known as Sagarmatha) with the slogan ‘Unified Voice for Equity’ in May, 2018.

According to Rosha Basnet of Rastriya Samachar Samiti, a member of the FWJEE18, they have climbed two mountains in Dolakha as part of their training. The two peaks they have climbed are Mt Ramdung (5925 metres high) and Mt Yalung-Ri (5630 metres high), both situated in Rolwaling valley in Dolakha. The expedition members climbed these mountains on November 26 and November 28 respectively.

FWJEE 18 is climbing the world’s tallest peak under the banner of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ).

The other members of the expedition include Priya Laxmi Karki of News 24, Kalpana Maharjan of Mega Television, Rojita Buddhacharya of Nepal Television and BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium Observatory and Science Museum Development Committee and Deuralee Chamling, a freelancer.

The team is preparing to return to Kathmandu in a few days after completing an intensive training involving rock climbing, ice-slamming and high altitude training among others in the Rolwaling area of Dolakha.

Dreamers’ Destination Treks and Expeditions is going to facilitate the team for their expedition.(RSS)

Yak Cheese and Transportation in Himalaya

Yak is four footed domestic animal, lives in mountain. Yaks are using for multi purpose; transportation, milk, meat, cloth, plough the field, fertilizing the land etc. There are different terms for these animals like Jopkyo, Yak and Nak.  Yak is male, Nak is female and Jopkyo is crosed animal between Cow and Yak. Another difference; Jopkyo lives above 1800 meters and can go Everest base camp or mountain pasture land. But pure Yak or Nak hardly lives below 2800 meters because they have long hair on the body so they feel very hot.  If you trek in Everest Region, you can see Yak in Namche Bazaar or above Namche. Yak cheese is popular in Nepal but actually that is made from Nak because Yak can not produce milk. In general, we say Yak that might be Yak, Nak or Jopkyo. Nak and Jopkyo have identity crisis because of male hegemony, Yak. 

Yaks are the means of Transportation.

 Photos

Jopkyo (Zopkyo)

Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trekking

Day 1:  Kathmandu - Lukla to Phakding (approximately 3 hours) – We fly 35 min. from Kathmandu to Lukla. We prepare for trek in Lukla (2800m.) From Lukla the trail descends gently to the Chheplung. That is Sherpa village, down is flowing Dudh Koshi (meaning:Milky River). We find the lots of lodges on the way. There is health post and apple project in Chheplung. Again trail descends to the suspension bridge. We cross another river, named Thado Koshi, and trail accents. We cross the Ghat village, many Buddhist Chorten, Mani, flags, Monastery, Buddhist script printed on the stone, etc. In Phakding (2650m.) There are many lodges and tea shops, shops. Today we have to walk 3 hours from Lukla to Phakding.

Day 2:  Phakding to Namche (approximately 6 hours) –Today is a little difficult day from Phakding to Namche (3440m.). We have to climb 800 meters. First half way we have to fallow the Dudh Koshi River. We have to cross 5 times suspension bridge over the Dodhkoshi River. We can see Thamserku peak from Monjo. At the end of Monjo, there is Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate. You must register there, get a ticket. We walk further little down. We get last village (Jorsalle) to Namche Bazaar, so we take lunch there. From Jorsalle, we have to walk an hour for last bridge and starts tough trail through the forest. If the weather is clear to north side we can see Mt. Everest and Lhotse-Sar from Top Danda (below Namche). Namche Bazaar is the biggest village of this region. There are many big lodges and hotels, bakery cafe, book shop, trekking shop, souvenir shop, internet, communication, post office, laundry service, massage center, airline sales agent, pony and yak service etc. There is Monastery, Museum, National Park Headquarter, Police office, Army post, Commercial Bank, Helipad.  

Day 3: Namche (acclimatization day) –  Acclimatization is important before proceeding higher. So almost all trekkers make extra day in Namche. You may not feel boring, rather we enjoy there are many places to go like Thame, Khunde, Syangboche, Khumjung. Khumjung is nice village. Syangboche is popular for Mountain View, there is 4 star hotel. We can walk somewhere 3-4 hours and return back to Namche. It is assumed that go high and sleep in down for acclimatization. 

Everest Base camp Trekking

Everest base camp trek is so popular because of the highest mountain Everest. Kalapathar is the best view point. The trek takes 13 days and reaches a maximum height of 5545m. at Kalapathar. The attractions include spectacular scenery and the outgoing Sherpa people of the Solu Khumbu, the region where Mt. Everest (8848m.) and its attendant lesser peaks are located. We can see Kusum Kangaru (6367m.), Kongde (6186m.), Thamserku (6608m.), kangtega (6685m.) Taboche (6367m.), Cholatse (6335m.), Amadablam (6856m.), Island Peak (6189m.), Lhotse (8414m.) Lobuche ( 6119m.), Nupse (7861m.), Pumo Ri (7165m.) and other many mountains and small peaks.

The Everest trek starts from Phakding (2840m.) and passes through Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is beautiful Sherpa village but now it looks like an alpine resort than a Sherpa village, because trekkers are increasing. Tengboche is popular place because of big monastery and view point.

We find many types of trees and wild life in this region. We can see Chir pine, Blue pine, Junipar, different types of rhododendron and many kinds of herbs and flowers. Probably we can see that birds are Impheyan Pheasant (national bird of Nepal), Crimson-horned Pheasant, Snow pigeon, Golden Eagle, Snow Cocks etc. and animals are Musk Deer (rare animal in the world) and Himalayan Thar etc. It is believed that Yeti lives in this region. We find lot of Yak and Jopkyo (crossed cow and yak) on the way. Yak and jopkyo are means of transportation for this region.

Everest Base Camp

Short overview

Day 1 - Fly to Lukla (2804 meters) trek to Phakding (2610 m.) 3 hours.

Day 2 - Trek to Namche Bazaar (3441m.) 6 hours.

Day 3 - Acclimatization day, Trek to Syangboche, Khumjung (3900m.) 4 hours

Day 4 - Trek to Tengboche (3860m.) 6 hours.

Day 5 - Trek to Dingboche (4350m.). 5 hours.

Day 6 - Acclimatization day, Trek to Island Peak Base camp (5100m.) 6 hours.

Day 7 - Trek to Lobuche (4910m.). 5 hours.

Day 8 - Trek to Everest Base Camp (5365m.) then trek back to Gorak Shep (5180m.). 7 hours.

Day 9 - Trek to Kalapattar (5555 meters) then trek down to Pheriche (4200m.) 6 hours.

Day 10 - Trek to Tengboche (3860m.) 3 hours.

Day 11 - Trek to Namche Bazaar (3441 meters) 3 hours.

Day 12 - Trek to Lukla (3404 meters) 6 hours.

Day 13 - Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu .

Click Here for Detail itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trekking 

Gokyo-Chola Pass-Everest Base Camp Trekking

Gokyo-Chola Pass-Everest Base Camp Trekking is popular for panoramic Mountain View including Mt. Everest (8848m.) and Mt. Makalu (8463m.). This trekking covers the all Everest region. The Trek takes 16 days including acclimatization day. Gokyo-Ri and kalapathar are the best view point of this trekking at the height of 5350m and 5545m respectively. We can see Mt. Everest (8848m.), Mt. Makalu (8463m.), Choyu (8200m.) Kangtega (6685m.) Taboche (6367m.), Cholatse (6335m.), Amadablam (6856m.), Lhotse (8414m.) Lobuche (6119m.), Nupse (7861m.), Pumo- Ri and other many mountains and small peaks.

The Everest trek starts from Phakding (2840m.) and passes through Namche Bazaar. Normally trekkers use to go only Gokyo trekking or Everst Base Camp trekking but some adventureous people want to go Chola pass trekking. Chola pass trekking covers the both Gokyo trekking and Everst base Camp trekking including one pass. It takes 15 to 17 days to compleate this trekking. We can use clock wise route (first Gokyo and then Everest Base Camp) or anti-clock wise route (first go to Everest Base Camp and then Gokyo). But the clock wise route is recommended for the trekkers.

Itinerary in Details 

Day 01- Fly to Lukla (2804 meters) trek to Phakding (2610 meters) 3 hours. An early morning start takes us to Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu for the 35 minute scenic flight to Lukla at 2804meters. On arrival at the airport guide will brief you and introduce our porters before we begin our trek towards Phakding at 2610meters. 

Day 02- Trek to Namche Bazaar (3441 meters) 5.30 hours. We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar known as the Gateway to Everest which is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, Money exchange, internet cafe and a bakery. Namche is one of the biggest villages along the whole Everest trail. 

Day 03-Namche Bazaar Acclimatization day. We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air. As well as a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people to visit. Today we hike up the Syangboche Airport, and around Everest View Hotel. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise or sunset over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks. 

Day 04- Trek to Phorste Thanga (3680meters) 5 hours. Today, the trail climbs steeply out of valley through rhododendron forest, juniper and large conifers start to appear as the elevation increases making the trekking beautiful in spring. The trail passes through Yak Kharkas and summer settlements. The views of Khumbi La and Tawache are magnificent throughout the day. 

Day 05-Trek to Machherma (4470 meters). 5 hours. The trail climbs a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kengtega and up towards Cho Oyu and descend to a river and again climbs steep to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpz glacier. We will reach at Machherma by early noon. 

Day 06-Trek to Gokyo (4790 meters) 5.30 hours. Today the trek takes us at one of our final destination, Gokyo (4790m). We will make this camp our base for 2 nights as we will have a day of sightseeing and hiking trip around Gokyo. 

Day 07-Trek Gokyo Ri (5483 meters) and then Back to Gokyo. 5 hours. Today, early in the morning we have steep climb up to the top of Gokyo Ri at elevation of 5483 meters, ample rewards to one attempts this trip. There are stunning views of the supper Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas, such as giants as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang can be seen. Those who explore the glacier and Gokyo peak are rewarded. This day we have for acclimatization and after noon back to the camp. 

Day 08-Trek to Thangna (4500 meters) 4 hours. Trekking to the foot of Cho La pass. 

Day09- Cross Cho La pass (5300 meters) then trek to Dzongla (4710 meters) 7 hours. Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at 4/5 am to reach the pass by 9-10 am otherwise weather conditions will greatly affect our journey. We cross over at an altitude of 5300 meters we could be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. We start to climb steeply that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent views, then we descend to the Dzongla at noon. 

Day 10-Trek to Lobuche (4910 meters). 4 hours. Today, we will take easy and short trekking route as we had big and hard trekking day yesterday. 

Day 11- Trek to Everest Base Camp (5365 meters) then trek back to Gorak Shep (5180 meters). 7 hours. After an early morning start leaving Loubuche, we head up to Everest Base camp (5365meters) you will have unobstructed views of many mountain giants like Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse and Lhotse looming directly ahead and on all sides. Then we make our return to Ghorakshep at elevation of 5180 meters at noon for our overnight stay. 

Day 12- Trek to Kalapattar (5555 meters) then trek down to Pheriche (4200 meters) 6 hours. After reaching Base camp of Everest our aim today is to trek Kalapattar (5555meters). We start early to reach the viewpoint that offers some of the best views of Mount Everest as well as other panoramas of the surrounding mountains. We then descend to Pheriche at elevation of 4200 meters. 

Day 13- Trek to Namche Bazaar (3441 meters) 5.30 hours. Leaving the mountains behind us our descent takes us through Tengboche Monastery at elevation of 3860 meters before continuing back to the town of Namche Bazaar at 3441meters. We arrive back into Namche Bazaar in the afternoon. 

Day 14- Trek to Lukla (3404 meters) 6 hours. 

Finally we return to Lukla where the trek began, which seems a lifetime ago. Enjoying time to reflect on the trek as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part. 

Day 15-Morning flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. 

Enjoying your last glimpse of the mountains you have recently visited for one last time on the 35 minute Scenic flight back to Kathmandu.

  

Tengboche Trekking

Tengboche Trekking is the very pleasurable alpine trekking. It takes 6 daysat a maximum height of 3860m. The highlights of this trekking are Sherpa village, Monastery, Mountain View and eco hiking. 

The Tengboche trek starts from Phakding (2840m.) and passes through Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is beautiful Sherpa village but now it looks like an alpine resort than a Sherpa village, because trekkers are increasing. Tengboche is popular place because of big monastery and view point. We find lot of Yak and Jopkyo (crossed cow and yak) on the way. Yak and Jopkyo are means of transportation for this region. 

We find many types of trees and wild life in this region. We can see Chir pine, Blue pine, Junipar, different types of rhododendron and many kinds of herbs and flowers. Probably we can see that birds are Impheyan Pheasant (national bird of Nepal), Crimson-horned Pheasant, Golden Eagle etc. and animals are musk Deer (rare animal in the world) and Himalayan Thar etc.

Itinerary of Tengboche Trekking

Day 1 - Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and start trek to Phakding.

From Kathmandu (Domestic Airport) you will fly to Lukla which takes around 45 min. The plane passes over the fertile middle hills, with their scattered villages and terraced fields, with an amazing panorama of the high Himalaya as a backdrop. After reaching Lukla, stop to have tea or coffee and start the trek to Phakding, a place 3 hours from Lukla. This place would be your first night stop.

Day 2 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar

From Phakding we trek to Namche Bazaar, which was once a small village but since grown in size to accommodate the influx of trekkers, and now is the unofficial capital of the Sherpas. It was once an important trading centre on the route from Tibet to Nepal but has now been largely given over to catering for the needs of trekkers. For acclimatization, we suggest you to spend 2 nights in or around Namche.

Day 3 - Namche toTengboche

Moving on from Namche Bazaar the trail follows the valley of the Imja Khola with some spectacular views of the mountains including Thamserku, Kangtega and Amadablam and dominating the skyline ahead, Everest and Lhotse. The most common night stop after Namche is at the top of a steep climb from the Imja Khola, at Tengboche. This is the site of one of the most significant Buddhist Monastery in Solukhumbu Region and a visit is well recommended.

 Day 4 - Tengboche to Khumjung to Namche

On this day we trek from Tengboche to Khumjung "the sister city" of Kunde.

Day 5 - Namche to Lukla

we trek back to Lukla, situated high above the river on shelf, Lukla is another classic paradox in determining altitude because the runway is on a slope and there is a difference of almost 60 meters between the lower and upper ends of the runway. 

Day 6 - Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

Gokyo Trekking

Gokyo trekking is popular for panoramic Mountain View including Mt. Everest (8848m.) and Mt. Makalu (8463m.). Gokyo is located nearby big Ngozumba Glacier and big Lake at height of 4800m. There are many small to big Lakes in Gokyo Trekking. Gokyo Trek takes 10 days including acclimatization day. Gokyo-Ri is the best view point of this trekking at the height of 5350m. We can see Mt. Everest (8848m.), Mt. Makalu (8463m.), Choyu (8188m.) Kangtega (6685m.) Taboche (6367m.), Cholatse (6335m.), Amadablam (6856m.), Lhotse (8414m.) Lobuche (6119m.), Nupse (7861m.), and other many mountains and small peaks.

The Everest trek starts from Phakding (2840m.) and passes through Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is beautiful Sherpa village but now it looks like an alpine resort than a Sherpa village, because trekkers are increasing. Tengboche is popular place because of big monastery and view point.

We find many types of trees and wild life in this region. We can see Chir pine, Blue pine, Junipar, different types of rhododendron and many kinds of herbs and flowers. Probably we can see that birds are Impheyan Pheasant (national bird of Nepal), Crimson-horned Pheasant, Snow pigeon, Golden Eagle, Snow Cocks etc. and animals are musk Deer (rare animal in the world) and Himalayan Thar etc. It is believed that Yeti lives in this region. We find lot of Yak and Jopkyo (crossed cow and yak) on the way. Yak and jopkyo are means of transportation for this region.

Itinerary in Details 

Day 01- Fly to Lukla (2804 meters) trek to Phakding (2610 meters) 3 hours. 
An early morning start takes us to Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu for the 35 minute scenic flight to Lukla at 2804meters. On arrival at the airport guide will brief you and introduce our porters before we begin our trek towards Phakding at 2610meters. 

Day 02- Trek to Namche Bazaar (3441 meters) 5.30 hours. 
We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar known as the Gateway to Everest which is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, Money exchange, internet cafe and a bakery. Namche is one of the biggest villages along the whole Everest trail. 

Day 03-Namche Bazaar Acclimatization day. 
We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air. As well as a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people to visit. Today we hike up the Syangboche Airport, and around Everest View Hotel. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise or sunset over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks. 

Day 04- Trek to Phorste Thanga (3680meters) 5 hours. 
Today, the trail climbs steeply out of valley through rhododendron forest, juniper and large conifers start to appear as the elevation increases making the trekking beautiful in spring. The trail passes through Yak Kharkas and summer settlements. The views of Khumbi La and Tawache are magnificent throughout the day. 

Day 05-Trek to Machherma (4470 meters). 5 hours. 
The trail climbs a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kengtega and up towards Cho Oyu and descend to a river and again climbs steep to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpz glacier. We will reach at Machherma by early noon. 

Day 06-Trek to Gokyo (4790 meters) 5.30 hours.
Today the trek takes us at one of our final destination, Gokyo (4790m). We will make this camp our base for 2 nights as we will have a day of sightseeing and hiking trip around Gokyo. 

Day 07-Trek Gokyo Ri (5483 meters) and then Back to Dole. 7 hours. 
Today, early in the morning we have steep climb up to the top of Gokyo Ri at elevation of 5483 meters, ample rewards to one attempts this trip. There are stunning views of the supper Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas, such as giants as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang can be seen. Those who explore the glacier and Gokyo peak are rewarded. And return back to gokyo, hafter having brekfast move down to Dole 
Day 08-Dole to Namche (3400 meters) 4 hours. 

Day09- namche to Lukla(2700 meters) 

Day 10-Morning flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. 

Enjoying your last glimpse of the mountains you have recently visited for one last time on the 35 minute Scenic flight back to Kathmandu.

Everest Trekking

Everest trekking is so popular because of the highest mountain Everest. Kalapathar (5550m) and Gokyo-Ri (5300m)  are the best view point for Everest.  The attractions of the Everest region include spectacular scenery and the outgoing Sherpa people of the Solu Khumbu,mountains, glaciers, lakes etc. We find many types of trees and wild life in this region. We can see Chir pine, Blue pine, Junipar, different types of rhododendron and many kinds of herbs and flowers. Probably we can see that birds are Impheyan Pheasant (national bird of Nepal), Crimson-horned Pheasant, Snow pigeon, Golden Eagle, Snow Cocks etc. and animals are Musk Deer (rare animal in the world) and Himalayan Thar etc. It is believed that Yeti lives in this region. The Everest trekking starts from Phakding (2840m.) and passes through Namche Bazaar.The popular trekking routs are Everest Base Camp Trekking, Gokyo Trekking, Gokyo-Cholapass-Everest Base Camp Trekking, Tengboche Trekking, Three (Renjo-la, Cho-la and Khongma-la ) pass (including Everest base camp) Trekking in the Everest Region.