We are looking for 10 fit, healthy optometrists with an adventurous spirit to embark on a journey to the Langtang Valley. of a lifetime, while raising funds for provision of eye care. This trip will be organised by E4E Co-Founder Carina Trinh.

Register for October 30 to November 15,  2017

Day 1

PRE-TREK: Meet & Greet in Kathmandu (1330m)
 

Welcome to Nepal! Eyes4Everest will meet you at our preferred accommodation – Hotel Family Home in Thamel, Kathmandu.  Today is about meeting and getting to know everyone, checking your gear and preparing you for the journey ahead.  We will have lunch then take you shopping in Thamel for any last minute needs i.e. exchange cash/purchase SIM cards/gear/snacks/toilet paper. The streets are packed with an array of trekking gear where you can choose from Nepalese beanies, trekking sticks, and clothing to your heart’s content. You will witness the street life of the locals, experiencing the vibrancy, friendly nature, and diligence of the Kathmandu people. We then enjoy dinner together under the stars embellished by whimsical fairy lights. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any last minute questions you may have and a chance get to know your trekking buddies before heading into the Himalayas.

Day 2

Fly to Lukla (2800m) then trek to Phakding (2610m) then continue to Monjo (2850m) (6hours)

You will be collected early in the morning before dawn in an attempt to avoid flight delays subject to weather conditions. Imagine yourself gliding through the Himalayan peaks via a small aircraft, and weather permitting, getting a taste of Everest as your eyes feast on the wondrous views. Breakfast will be served in a Lukla teahouse where a meet and greet with our personal Sherpa guides and porters will take place. The trek begins. The first leg will be a relatively easy trek along the raging Dudh (milk) Kosi River that flows from Mt Everest, named after its milky appearance. We venture from Lukla to Phakding to Monjo. Here we will set up the clinic at the local primary school and take the rest of the day to rest. Listen to the melodic sound of yaks and donkeys as their bells chime and the flowing rivers from the glaciers.

Day 3-4

Monjo to Namche (3454m)

We begin the slow and challenging trek towards Namche Bazarr. The journey takes you through a towering suspension bridge and pine forests. If the weather is good, you will get your first glimpse of Mt Everest!  We will check into our tea lodges and take it easy for the rest of the afternoon to acclimatise. Your guide can take you to the National Park Visitor Centre, the Sherpa Museum or Sonam Photography to buy and post some beautiful postcards to family and friends. We spend the fourth day acclimatising.

Day 5

Namche to Khumjung (3790m)

It is a short steep walk to main Sherpa settlement of Khumjung. We will pass the airfield, admire the Mountain Alps in the open and visit the Everest view Hotel. After reaching our accommodation on the hills of Khumjung where a hearty lunch awaits, we will visit the Hillary Secondary School and Khunde Hillary Hospital.

Day 6

Khumjung to Dhole (4,100m) 

We make our way downhill to Phortse Thanga, a nice change from the continous climbing but slowly up again until we arrive at Dhole. Lunch will be harder to finish because of the altitude so take the day easy. Your guide may take you to a slightly higher peak in the afternoon to help the acclimatisation process. After dinner and playing cards, we can go outside to marvel at the incredible sky full of stars

Day 7-8

Dhole to Macchermo (4340m)

We make the slow steady trek up and down the slope towards Macchermo. Along the way are great views of Cho Oyu at 8200m. Once there we will have a chance to attend an informal presentation put up by UK doctors at the medical center about avoiding altitude sickness. We will take on a nearby ridge which offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountain and the path for tomorrow. We spend day 8 acclimatising. 

Day 9

Macchermo to Gokyo (4770m)

Today is a strenuous, but rewarding, day of trekking. We retrace our steps to the ridge, which levels until we reach Nilibuk. From here there’s a narrow staircase trail to a small bridge that takes you to the first of the five lakes at Gokyo. The trail is now flat but the 4700m altitude slows you down. You’ll pass the second lake and eventually the much larger third lake, which is where Gokyo village is located. The Renjo Pass and Gokyo Ri is clearly visible. A 10-minute climb east brings you to a ridge that overlooks the Ngozumpa Glacier – the largest glacier in the world.

Day 10

Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5340m) to Gokyo

Today we wriggle out of bed at 4am for a summit attempt of Gokyo Ri, a small mountain with fantastic panoramic view of four of the world’s 8000m peaks including Mt Everest.  It’s a slow painful process but the view and the sunrise makes it all worth it. We then head back to our lodge in Gokyo for brunch or lunch. Depending on the energy and health of our trekkers, we may attempt the Renjo La Pass the next day to reach the village of Thame or may our way back to Khumjung

Day 11

Gokyo to Renjo La Pass to Lungden

If all goes well, we begin this big day early in the morning. There’ll be opportunities to take a breather and take photographs of the Everest range. Once we find the old trade route to Tibet, give yourself a pat. It’s all downhill from here until we reach the village of Lungden, which only has one lodge.

Day 12

Lungden to Thame

It’s a 3 hour walk to Thame – the gateway to Tibet and visit the home of Hilary hospital director Kamitemba Sherpa.

Day 13

Thame to Monjo

Today is our final day in the mountains. Wave goodbye to Everest one last time and continue down the valley. After reaching the river bank, we walk across ‘Nepalese flat’ until we reach Monjo. Take some time to relax in the village. 

Day 14

Monjo to Lukla

It is an easy flat walk to Lukla up until the last few kilometres where we have to walk up. Our accommodation is conveniently located next to the airport. That’s it – the trekking is over, you can truly relax. Have a shower, explore the village and visit the Swiss Hospital located close by.  Tonight we have a dinner celebration with our Sherpa friends and reflect back on all our achievements, the good and bad memories. 

Day 15

Fly out of Lukla to Kathmandu

We wake up at 5am and assemble all our packed bags at the lobby then we wait in the dining room with coffee or tea and toast waiting for our flight. It is a quick dash to the airport when our Sherpa guides give us the all clear – it is often chaotic inside the airport but our Sherpa friends make it easy. 

We touch down in Kathmandu and return back to our Kathmandu accommodation. If we arrive in the morning, there’ll be a chance to have roof top breakfast and soak in civilisation again.  After lunch, enjoy a well deserved Ayurvedic massage and Facial followed by a Cultural Dinner Program (beverages are not included).

Day 16

Explore Kathmandu - Cooking Class & Bhuckapur Tour

This is normally a buffer day in case we get delayed by bad weather in Lukla.  After our rooftop breakfast, we visit a local family run restaurant and learn to make either 'Dhal Bhat' or Momo. This is followed by lunch and a guided tour of the ancient medieval city of Bhucktapur about 8km away from kathmandu, where you will sample local treats like honey yoghurt. The evening is free for you to do some more shopping!

Day 17

Last day in Kathmandu

There maybe time to visit the Boudhanath Stupa – a Mecca for Tibetan Buddhist Monks. Walk with them around the Giant Stupa and thank God you made it.  Light a candle for those who passed away in the earthquake. What a way to finish our adventure.