The Kalapathar Trek organized by Mountain Ram Adventures is an exhilarating journey which takes the trekkers through the heart of the Khumbu Region up to Kalapathar Viewpoint at an elevation of 5545 M, from where the unparalleled views of the Mount Everest and surrounding Peaks can be enjoyed. The journey begins from the bustling city of Kathmandu from where trekkers will be taking a scenic Mountain Flight to Lukla, regarded by many as the Gateway to the Everest Region. From Lukla trekkers will commence their journey to the Khumbu Region passing through beautiful Sherpa settlements including Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pheriche and the abundant Rhododendron forest of the lower Khumbu region.
The itinerary presented by the team includes acclimatization stops, which allows the trekkers to adjust with the High Himalayan Altitude while enjoying the serene landscapes and along the way. The trail of the Kalapathar Trek is well maintained and adventurous, perfect for all trekkers. The views from Kalapathar are simply mesmerizing and arguably offer the most serene and iconic views of Mount Everest. After a wonderful adventure the trek ends with the scenic Mountain flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla.
The Package offered by the team is a comprehensive package including experienced guides, porters, permits, and all the facilities required for the success of the trek. The Kalapathar is a spectacular blend of Culture and Nature perfect for beginners as well as seasonal trekkers and the team will be honoured to assist the travelers to accompany them for their journey to the Kalapathar.
The participants of the Kalapathar trek will be picked up from the Tribhuvan International Airport by the representatives of the Mountain Ram Adventures and will be transferred to their accommodation in the Thamel area. The participants will have free time after their arrival and can rest in their room for the day or head to explore the local market and purchase gear required for the trek from the vendors of the Thamel area. The gears are affordable and are of good quality.
The valley of Kathmandu has been serving as one of the major hubs for culture, religion and political events of the countries for centuries due to which the Kathmandu Valley is a haven for exploration and understanding the culture and way of living of the Nepalese community. On the second day of the Kalapathar Trek we will be traveling to four of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the valley accompanied by the Cultural Guide (English Speaking). The tour will begin shortly after we have our breakfast and end at around 5 PM. We will be traveling from the landmarks in a comfortable vehicle arranged by the Team. The sites require Entry Pass which are not included in the package and are paid by the travelers who will be assisted by the Cultural Guide.
Highlights of the Sightseeing Tour:
Pashupatinath Temple: The Temple of Pashupatinath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of Destruction, one of the trinity of supreme divinity in Hinduism (Trimurti) and is one of the most sacred sites for the entire Hindu community. The Temple stands beside the holy Bagmati River which serves as one of the biggest open cremation sites for the Hindu community as it is widely believed that devotees who are cremated in Pashupatinath can find their path to next life easily. The temple origin can be traced back to the 5 th century AD after which many construction and restoration projects have been carried out bringing the temple in its current form.
Swayambhunath Stupa: Swayambhunath Stupa also known as "the Monkey Temple" is located on top of the Gosringha Hill on the western part of the valley, providing beautiful views of the Kathmandu Valley. The Stupa can only be reached after climbing a flight of stairs. The Dome Shaped Stupa is surrounded by various shrines and Temples dating back centuries and significance for the Buddhist and Hindu Community. The name Swayambhunath translates to "Self Created" as according to the folklore the Stupa emerged from a Lotus flower during which the valley was an enormous lake.
Boudhanath Stupa: Boudhanath Stupa is constructed in the Ashokan Dome Style featuring the all seeing eyes of the Buddha facing the cardinal directions. The Boudhanath Stupa stands at around 36 M in height making it Nepal's biggest Stupa. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most revered sites for the followers of Buddhsim and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The Stupa provides a tranquil and serene environment even though located within one of the bustling parts of the capital.
Patan Durbar Square: Patan Durbar Square used to be the royal residence of the Malla Kings which ruled the valley from the 12th to mid 18th century. The Durbar Square is filled with intricate monuments including temples, Shrines, Palace, Hitis, Courtyard and others which showcases the beautiful architectural prowess of the ancient kingdom. Some of the recognisable landmarks within the Durbar Square are the Krishna Temple, Golden Temple, Bhimsen Temple.
On the third day of the journey we will be heading to Lukla via a scenic flight witnessing the glorious Himalayan Views. The flight from Kathmandu will take around 25 minutes taking us through the High Himalayan valleys. The pilot carefully maneuvers through the intimidating valleys landing at one of the shortest runway airports of the world, the Tenzing Hillary Airport which is considered to be one of the most dangerous airports in the world. After the thrilling flight to Lukla we will begin our trek towards Phakding which will take us around 4 hours through the maintained offbeat paths.
Note: During Peak season the flights to Lukla are operated from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu to maintain the air traffic in the capital. We will need to wake up extra early at around 2-3 AM and get on the vehicle to Ramechhap which will take around 5 hours (130 KM) towards the east from the capital. The flights to Lukla are usually conducted during the morning time as the weather conditions in Lukla are much stable at dawn.
The Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar is a beautiful journey which begins shortly after we have our breakfast in our accommodation. The journey is filled with the tranquil sound of the Dudh Koshi River blended with the rustling noise of the Rhododendron and Oak trees. We will be crossing the river multiple times via suspension bridge leading us to the village of Monjo (2835 M) which is the entry point of the Sagarmatha National Park and we will be required to present our necessary permits. After all the formalities we will make our way to Namche through a comfortable trail till we reach the Hillary Suspension Bridge which is covered in prayer flags. After crossing the suspension bridge the ascent to Namche Bazaar begins. The journey ontotal will take us around 5-6 hours during which we will be gaining around 830 M in elevation. Namche Bazaar is one of the biggest settlement of the Sherpa community in the Everest Region and also offers stunning views of the Khumbu Himalayan Peaks including Mount Everest (8848 M) alongside Lhotse(8516 M), Nuptse(7861 M), Ama Dablam(6812 M), Kusum Khangru(6367 M), Kongde Ri(6187 M). We will be checking into our accommodation where we will be staying for two nights.
The 5th day of our trip will be spent on Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. We will be exploring the settlement of Namche Bazaar which is one of the biggest settlements of the renowned Sherpa Clan. There are many pubs, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants where we can spend our day chilling. We will be heading towards the Everest Hotel which is on the upper section of the village to enjoy the glorious Sunrise/ Sunset views of the Khumbu peaks including the Mighty Everest.
Note: There are ATMs available in Namche Bazaar but it is not guaranteed that they will work, so travelers are requested to withdraw the amount for their personal expenses and emergency funds while in Kathmandu.
The Trek from Namche Bazaar is a slow gentle trek which begins shortly after having a hearty meal filling us up for our journey. The trek will take us around 5-6 hours during which we will be covering around 9.2 KM in total and gaining approximately around 425 M in altitude. The journey is simply spectacular as we will be enjoying the views of the beautiful Himalayan peaks if the weather conditions are favorable. We will be passing through beautiful scattered settlements of the Sherpa community including Sansa, Lawi Schyasa and Pungi Thenga at an elevation of 3250 M where we will be crossing the Dudh Koshi River via a suspension bridge after which the trail stretches straight towards Tengboche where we will be staying on our 6th day.
The Tengboche Village is famous for the Tengboche Monastery which is the biggest monastery of Nepal. We will be exploring the Monastery area and having our breakfast after which we will be making our way to Dingboche through the stunning trail which passes through the dense Rhododendron forest. The 11.45 KM journey begins with a downhill descent making our way to Deboche and Milingo village after which we will be crossing the Imja Khola through a suspension bridge. The trail is gentle and filled with beautiful views of the Himalayas including Thamserku(6608M), TabochePeak(6495M), Nupst(7861M), AmaDablam(6812M), Cholatse(6501M) and Mount Lhotse(8516M). After trekking for around 6-7 hours we will eventually reach Dingboche where we will be staying in a tea house resting for the night.
We will be participating on an Acclimatization Hike on our 8th day where we will be heading up to Nagarjuna Hill which will take us around 4-5 hours. The hike is challenging and many past trekkers have deemed it similar to the Kala Pathar Hike. We will be trekking slowly taking only bare essentials including water bottles, sunscreen, and protein bars as we will be returning back to Dingboche for the night. We will be able to enjoy the intimidating views of the surrounding peaks including Lhotse, Nupste, Lobuche, Kangtega, Ama Dablam, Cholatse and many more in a panoramic setting. We will be gaining around 690 M in elevation during the acclimatization hike preparing us for the upcoming KalaPathar Trek. We will be returning back to the village after the hike up and relaxing for the day and engaging with the locals and fellow trekkers.
The hike from Dingboche to Lobuche is a beautiful ascent as we gain around 530 M in elevation reaching 4940 M in elevation. We will be passing through the memorial site of Chukpi Lhara where there are small chortens and stacked rocks covered by prayer flags dedicated to the brave souls who lost their life while summiting Mount Everest. BabuChiri Sherpa, who has summited Everest 10 times along with famous American Mountaineer Scott Fischer are some of the individuals to whom the chorten are dedicated to. We will be trekking through the glacier moraine of the Khumbu Glacier enjoying the views of the Khumbutse(6639 M), Mount Lingtse(6749 M), Mount Pumori(7161 M) and many more. The trek in total will take us just around 6-7 Hours during which we will be gaining elevation of around 530 M and covering around 8.7 KM.
The Trek to Kalapathar at an elevation 5545 M is the highlight of our trek as we will be trekking extra early to witness the beautiful views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks. The views of Everest from Kala Patthar is arguably one of the best spots to enjoy the views especially during the Sunrise and Sunset. The trek to Kala Pathar from Lobuche is tough as the incline to the summit of Kala Pathar is quite demanding and the oxygen level is quite low there so we will be trekking slowly and if we face any problem we will be informing our team members about it who will assess the situation and help us to the best of their ability. After reaching the summit we will be enjoying the views of the Himalayas and will be returning back to Lobuche to spend our night at the tea house. We will only be taking basic essentials to Kala Pathar as we will be returning back to the same tea house for the night.
The trek from Lobuche to Tengboche is a long journey back through the familiar route which begins slowly after we have our breakfast in the Himalayas. We will be descending for the majority of the trek which will be comfortable and easy. We will be making sure to turn back and admire the Himalayan views as we trek forward. We will be passing through Pheriche where we will be having our lunch and resting for a bit and then make our way towards Tengboche. The trail is gentle but the final stretch to Tengboche after crossing the suspension bridge will be incline passing through the abundant forest of Rhododendron trees. After trekking for around 8-9 hours we will reach Tengboche where we will be spending our night.
The trek from Tengbocher to Monjo is a comfortable downhill ascent on the gentle trail of the Everest region. We will be descending towards the Imja Khola and crossing it at Pungi Thenga and passing through the settlement of Lawi Schyasa and Sansa and leading us all the way to Namche Bazaar where we will be having our lunch and resting for a bit. After lunch we will again make our way towards Monjo through the steep descent from Namche towards the Hilary Bridge. We make our way slowly reaching the suspension bridge after which the trail is flat reaching all the way to Monjo where we will be staying for the night.
The hike from Monjo to Lukla will be the final stretch of our Kalapathar trek which will begin shortly after we have our breakfast. The trail is gentle, passing through the mid-hills of the Khumbu Region. We make our way through the valley passing through scattered settlements including Phakding where we will be resting if necessary. We will reach Lukla after trekking for around 3-4 Hours while covering around 13 KM where we will be spending our final night in the Himalayas of the Kalapathar Trek
We will be heading back to the capital as the Kalapathar trek is completed successfully. The flights from/ to Lukla are conducted usually during the Morning time during which the weather conditions are favorable. After our scenic flight to Kathmandu we will be transferred to our hotel in Thamel area after which we will have free time and we can freshen up and explore the area on our own. During the evening time the Mountain Ram Adventures team will be hosting a farewell dinner during which the team will be providing the trekkers with certificates recognizing their accomplishment in the Himalayas and asking about the trip’s feedback. After the dinner we will be heading to our rooms and resting for the night or will be enjoying the night life of the Thamel area.
Note: The flights from Lukla to Kathmandu might not operate during the peak season and are diverted from Lukla to Ramechaap during which is around 130 KM or 5-6 hours of drive away from the capital. The team will be arranging the vehicle for the journey back to Kathmandu.
As the Kalapathar Trek is completed we will be transferred to the Tribhuvan International Airport by the representatives of the team who will be assisting us with the Hotel formalities and luggages. The team will be bidding us farewell at the airport and will be waiting for a call back to arrange our next adventure to the Himalayas.
An elevated point of 5416m. You will be mountain climbing in the main on well established trails. Come and join a Great adventure trip.
Kalapathar Trek is one of the most iconic treks of Nepal in the Everest region from where the trekkers are able to enjoy the magnificent views of Mount Everest along with the surrounding Khumbu Peaks. The views of Everest from Kala Patthar are simply unparalleled with any other views.
The transportation required for the trek wil be arranged by the Mountain Ram Adventures team and the team as mentioned in the trip cost include and exclude section. Any personal commute for the travelers can be requested by the travelers and the team will make the necessary arrangements but the travelers will be required to pay the charges themselves.
Yes, carrying additional funds for the trip is crucial as in the Himalayas the facilities are limited and for personal expenses such as snacks, hot shower, charging, hot water the tea house operators charge a certain fee which is not included in the package and the travelers will be required to pay for the service. In the Himalayas the conditions can change drastically within a few minutes during which the trip might need to be extended during which the travelers will need to cover for their own expenses for the additional days.
The best time to participate in the Kalapathar Trek is during the Spring Season which spans from March to May, during which the conditions are favorable as well as the popular trekking destinations are also not that crowded. The month of December is also good for trekking if you want to avoid crowds but however the weather can get extremely cold as the Winter season starts from the month of December in the Himalayas.
There is a possibility to encounter wildlife during the Kalapathar Trek as the route passes through the heart of the Sagarmatha National Park which is the natural habitat for a wide species of Himalayan region. The trekkers can spot various species of wild animals if lucky and if trekkers are interested in bird watching then they can carry a pair of binoculars for the journey as it can come in handy for the trek.
There are ATMs in Namche Bazaar but the trekkers are required to be prepared for the journey while they are still in Kathmandu as theATMs are limited in Namche and might not function which can be a huge problem. The travelers will be charged certain fees by the bank per transaction which can range anywhere from 3-8 % depending upon the bank.
The trekkers can get altitude sick during the Kalapathar Trek as the trekkers will be trekking to an elevation of 5455 M at which the oxygen level and atmospheric pressure is considerably lower so trekkers are suggested to trek according to their own pace and if they face any difficulties then they are highly recommended to inform their guides about it. The trekkers will be going on acclimatization hikes which will help them better adjust with the elevation.
Trekking solo is restricted in the protected areas and the solo trekkers must be accompanied by their Guides and Porters(if required). The travelers accompanied by their guides and porters will have a lot more enjoyable and comfortable trek. The travelers who are traveling during the off season: Winter and Summer season the weather conditions can get extreme and trekking without guides and porters is near to impossible during this season.
For the Kalapathar Trek trekkers will be required to obtain two permits which are the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Municipality Permit which can be obtained from the office of Department of immigration in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. The travelers can also apply through the official website of the department of Immigration.
The guides assigned by the team can communicate in proper English with the trekkers and will be sharing the necessary information about the routes, terrain, weather, culture and many more about the Himalayas to the trekkers. The guides will also ensure that the trekkers will have a safe and comfortable trek in the Himalayas.
Yes, the Kalapathar Trek is possible for trekkers who are trekking for the first time if they are accompanied by their guides and porters for the journey and have proper days for acclimatization in the Himalayas. The trails are well maintained but tough at times but the views of the High Himalayas pushes them to take a step further.
No, there is no age limit to participate in the Kalapathar trek but the trekkers participating need to be prepared to tackle the harsh conditions of the Himalayas. The trekkers are recommended to do a medical check up before traveling to Nepal for the Kalapathar trek.
Trekking during the season of Autumn and Spring is safer as the threat of Landslide and Avalanches are less to none, however if trekking during the season of Winter and Summer the risk is much higher as the weather conditions can be extreme. The travelers are therefore advised to manage their travel plan to either Autumn or Spring Season.
All the travel restrictions to travel within Nepal have been uplifted so travelers can freely travel from one to another destination without much hassle. However they are still recommended to carry necessary paperwork with them as the policies of the Airlines and Transit countries might not align with Nepal’s policy.
The team assigned by the Mountain Ram Adventures team are licensed and have received basic medical training due to which they will be able to assess and monitor the condition of the trekkers and provide necessary medicines or first aid treatment. If the situation worsens then they will contact the office requesting for emergency evacuation during which the travelers will be transported to a well equipped medical facility within Kathmandu.
Yes, the flights to Lukla are completely safe as the flights cooperate during the morning time as the weather conditions are much favorable during these times. The pilots are allowed to fly from/ to Lukla after undergoing a strict training process regulated by the CAAN( Civil Aviation Authority Nepal). The flights are also delayed or even canceled if the visibility is less than required so, the travelers need not to worry much about the safety and can just enjoy the beautiful Himalayan views for the entirety of the flight.
The trekkers will be staying for 2 days one in Namche Bazaar and another in Dingboche for acclimatization as per the itinerary presented by the team. The travelers will have acclimatization hikes during the rest days which will help them better adapt to the high Himalayan altitude. The travelers following the itinerary presented by the Mountain RamAdventureds won't face such difficulties however, if any such events arise they will be accompanied by their Guides and porters for the journey ensuring the safety of the trekkers.
The trail of Kalapathar trek consists of Western Style toilets up to Namche Bazaar and Squat Toilets after Namche Bazaar. However, some of the tea houses along the trail have Western Style toilets but will be limited.
During the Kalapathar Trek the trekkers will be trekking for around 11-13 KM per day for around 5-6 hours including all the acclimatization hikes. The trekkers are suggested to trek according to their own pace and listen to their body while trekking to avoid fatigue and enjoy the beautiful Himalayan scenery.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality permit.