Trip dates: September 30 - October 11, 2024
Cost: $2,350 if booked before September 1, 2023. Price will increase to $2,550 for bookings once the early-bird window closes.
10 Spots available for Military Veterans and First Responders
Click the picture above to join the waitlist!
This trek is specifically for Military Veterans and First Responders looking to go on the adventure of a lifetime while spending time working on your own recovery and resilience. During this trek, you will adventure through the Everest region and learn about the Sherpa lifestyle of the Khumbu village, see stunning views of the Lukla countryside and experience Nepali culture with amazing Himalayan views. Your adventure will be amongst a team of Military Veterans and First Responders where we will have a daily focus on yoga and mind-body practices that enable post-traumatic growth and healing. This trek is a perfect combination of adventure, healing and camaraderie that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Our trek is on the Everest Panorama trekking route, which is specially designed for high-altitude mountain adventurers. It's an impressive and exciting trek with the opportunity to view the world's highest peaks. The daily yoga and mind-body exercises performed amongst the mountains provides the perfect setting for reflection and healing. You won't want to take your eyes off the views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and many other beautiful snowy peaks. During the trek, we will stop at the ancient trade point of Namche Bazar. This trade center carries historical significance, as it was only the trade center in Nepal from Tibet. You can buy all the basic needs such as clothing, food, logistics and many more.
Your trek takes you along the Mt. Everest Base Camp Route until we reach Tengboche 3880m (12,729 ft) one of the most famous and picturesque monasteries amongst this area. This area will leave you feeling connected with nature, the culture of the Everest Region and our team.
The vital point of this trek is the healing power you'll feel by connecting with fellow Military Veterans and First Responders and going through this journey together. You'll leave with more knowledge on self-care, mental health, stress and resiliency skills tailored for your needs. We'll explore various healing techniques such as yoga and mobility practices, mindfulness, meditation and resources to continue your mind-body journey once your adventure in Nepal is complete.
Basic Health and Experience Requirements:
In comparison to high-altitude trekking, the Everest Panorama Trek is a relatively easy trek, which is suitable for anyone that can walk around 4-5 hours a day with a light daypack. Cardio exercise, such as jogging, is recommended prior to the trip. In addition to physical fitness, you need to be in excellent health to complete this trek. If you have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases please let us know before booking the trip. We are highly conscious of your health and safety and also recommend you to have a medical check-up with your doctor as well before joining this adventure.
Your Guides:
Advanced Adventures provides your trail Guide and Sherpa, and your Trek Leader is Sarah, the founder of Blue Side Yoga.
Detailed Itinerary & Blue Side Yoga (BSY) daily highlights:
Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1400m/4,600ft
Activities: Trek briefing and trek preparation, BSY: Group introductionsÂ
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Upon our arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, our airport representative greet you take you to our hotel. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant where we will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine with a brief cultural program. Overnight in Kathmandu.Â
Day 02
Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation
Altitude: 1400m/4,600ft
Activities: Kathmandu sightseeing, BSY: Intro to mindfulness and meditation
Meals: Breakfast
Today we attend our morning Yoga class and after breakfast, we start our guided tour to the historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and the Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. We will spend the afternoon on a drive to Ramechaap to prepare for our flight to Lukla. Overnight in Ramechaap.
Day 03
Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Altitude: Lukla- 2800m/9,200ft Phakding-2650/8,700ft
Activities: 35 mins flight to Luka and 3-3.5 hrs trek, BSY: Yoga, Group discussion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today early morning we enjoy the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating on a hillside surrounded by high mountainous peaks. Lukla, a gateway destination from where our trek begins, we meet our other crew members and begin packing and arranging with them. From Lukla, we start trekking. At one hour’s gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900 ft), a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we then gradually descend until we reach Phakding and spend the night.
Day 04
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3440m/11,286ft
Activities: 6-7 hrs trek, BSY: Morning Yoga, Afternoon light yoga/mobility, group discussion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast we start our day walking through a beautiful pine forest. We follow the trail north up the valley of Benkar and then cross Dudh Koshi River to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. Then after crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep ascent brings us to the prime heartland of Sherpa village – Namche Bazaar. At one hour’s distance to reaching Namche Bazaar, we can view our first sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 05
Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3440m/11,286
Activities: Rest and Acclimatize, BSY: Morning yoga, evening Yoga Nidra, group discussion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is our acclimatization day and there are plenty of things to do around Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the main center of the Khumbu region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. Our guides can take you to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar. Hiking to Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with a sunrise view and the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. In exploring Namche Bazar, we observe traditional Sherpa life and enjoy flora and fauna found at such a high altitude. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 06
Namche Bazaar to Thame
Altitude: 3820m/12,500'
Activities: 5-6 hrs trek, BSY: Morning Yoga, afternoon yoga/mobility, group discussion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today our Everest Panorama Trek begins with morning Yoga and the uphill climb to Syangboche. Just before arriving Syangboche we take a trail on the right and head towards Thame. Trekking through the villages like Phurte and Theso, where will take a breather to explore the local monasteries we will once again chase the trail beside Dudh Koshi River. Trekking for almost a couple of hours up and down the rolling lush hills beside the River, we cross the bridge beyond Samde to enter Thame. Thame is also a Sherpa Village of Khumbu. You can witness a fascinating and authentic Sherpa culture at Thame. The home to some of the world's most popular mountaineers and climbers, Thame has several landmarks to observe. Explore the monastery, a local hospital and a hydropower project in its close proximity at Thame. Overnight in Thame.
Day 07
Thame to Khumjung
Altitude: 3790m/12,400ft
Activities: 5-6 hrs trek, BSY: Morning yoga, afternoon yoga/mobility, group discussion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After morning Yoga courses at Thame we had breakfast and begin the Trek. We climb uphill for a while through the jungle of pine and rhododendron. Then going up and down several times through the jungle trail we emerge out at Mende 3736m. At Mende, we explore the local monastery and cross the river to begin the hike up to Kunde. The final push brings us to Khumjung. Khumjung is very interesting Sherpa hamlet of Khumbu, which is the home to avid Sherpa Mountaineers. The signs of the contribution made by Sir Edmund Hillary can be seen here in Khumjung and its surrounding areas. The valley is ringed by snowy peaks of Kondge and Thamserku and the sacred peak of Sherpas- Mt. Khumbila, it is also believed as a monastery places that houses a yeti scalp. In the afternoon, we will visit Hillary School, colorful Buddhist monasteries, walk along the stony trail to the long line of mani-walls (the longest one in Khumbu), flags and prayer wheels, visit Hillary Hospital in Kundel. Overnight in Khumjung.
Day 08
Khumjung to Tengboche
Altitude: 3867m/12,700
Activities: 3-4 hrs trek; BSY: BSY: Morning Yoga, afternoon yoga/mobility, group discussion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Morning Yoga and breakfast we descend to Dudhkoshi River and pass through beautiful villages on the way. We walk on a forest trail which will take us to a riverbed. Next, we ascend for around two more hours through pine and fir forests to reach a small village of Tengboche. The village is also home to the famous Tengboche Gumba and is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region of Nepal. We tour the Gumba and enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayas, including Tawache, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Everest. Overnight in Tengboche.
Day 09
Tengboche to Namche
Altitude: 3440m/11,286ft
Activities: 5-6 hrs trek, BSY: Morning Yoga, afternoon yoga/mobility, group discussion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After morning Yoga and breakgast at Tengboche, a steep descent of about 1500ft/500m will take you through rhododendron bushes and fir trees to the Dudh Koshi River. We continue on our trail and pass Tashinga and Sansa villages before reaching Kyangjuma. While here, we get to appreciate spectacular views of Ama-dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. We continue our trek to Namche bazeer. Overnight in Namche.
Day 10
Namche to Lukla
Altitude: 2800m/9,200ft
Activities: 6-7 hrs trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is our last day of trek so after morning activities, we hike down a trail steeply descends to the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then continue walking over several local villages and most of the walking is through Dudh Koshi River valley and surroundings. Upon reaching Lukla, freshen up at your hotel and relax. Evening, you could have a party with your trekking crew as it is your celebration of successful Everest Panorama Trek also the last night in the Everest Region. Overnight at Lukla.
Day 11
Return to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1400m/4,600ft
Activities: 35 mins flight to Kathmandu: BSY: Final adventure thoughts and farewells
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
We take an early morning flight to Ramechaap and drive to Kathmandu. Our trip leader will drop us off at our hotel and we have the rest of the day off. We can stroll around the streets in Thamel, a popular Tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. You may also visit popular tourist attractions nearby. Either way, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 12
Final departure
Altitude: 1400m/4,600ft
Activities: Leisure Day and Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Our journey comes to an end today. Yoga and breakfast at Kathmandu hotel, then you are free for shopping at the Kathmandu. When the time to depart back comes, we will transfer you to the airport. Have a safe flight and visit Nepal again.Â
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All ground transportation in Kathmandu by private vehicle (Including airport pick and drop)Â
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03 Nights twin sharing Deluxe accommodation in Kathmandu on BB plan
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Welcome dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurant- Traditional Dance & Music & Farewell Dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Kathmandu
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Half Day guided tour of Kathmandu Valley with fluent English speaking tour guide, all of his payment, cost of all sightseeing places entrance fees and monument fees
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Everest Trekking Permit (Officially Known as Sagarmatha National Park Permit), Khumbu Village Ruralcipality Permit & TIMs Card (From TAAN)
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Ramechaap- Lukla- Ramechaap flight, airport tax and transfer
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Everest Panorama Trek on full board of meals plan (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, tea or coffee, seasonal fruits)
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Trekking accommodation at comfortable & clean Mountain Lodges & Guest Houses (Nights staying in Phakding, Namche, Monjo & Lukla will be in attached bathroom) - Shared twin rooms
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One Advanced Adventures Trekking Leader (Experienced, Fluent English Speaking, Gov. Licensed, first aid and eco trained), required assistance Leader/s as per the group size, their entire expenses, equipment and insurance
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One trek sherpa porter for every two trekkers for carrying their trek luggages (2 Trekkers: 1 Porter), all the payment, trek equipment and insurance
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AA Trek Duffle Bag, Trekking Map, Adventure Certificate and Eco Friendly Yoga mat
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Option to borrow Down Jacket and Sleeping Bags while on trek (To be returned after trek use)- rated to -15 Degree Celsius
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Group medicine Kit Box (First Aid Medicine)
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All the Government and Local taxes as per applicable
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Final departure transfer from Kathmandu
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Nepal Visa Fee (US$- 30 for 15 days and US$- 50 for 30 days)
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International flight in/out NepalÂ
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Your meals at Kathmandu (Except provided welcome/Farewell dinner and breakfast)
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Cost of beverages (Such as mineral water, beer etc), Battery recharge, Phone Calls, WIFI etc. while on trek
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Travel Insurance (Must includes Medical expenses, Helicopter evacuation and Trip Cancellation)
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Personal nature expenses
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Tips to Guide, Assistance Guide/s and Sherpa Porters
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Any extending tripsÂ
The given cost are per person for the dates during the trek and exclude international flights and additional nights of lodging. If you want to arrive in Nepal before the trek start date, or depart after our final day, happy to help make lodging accommodations for you and add the cost to your final trek balance.Â