Women's Hiking and Yoga in Nepal: Everest Base Camp Trek

The ultimate Himalayan odyssey with Lotus Expeditions and Balanced Rock Foundation - Trek to the foot of Mount Everest at 17,575 feet, called Sagarmatha by Nepalis and Chomolungma or "Mother Goddess of the Snows" by Tibetans. Our all-women expedition to Everest Basecamp is a challenging high altitude hike and spiritual and cultural journey with plentiful opportunities to practice yoga in a serene and magical setting beneath the Himalaya.

Trek through traditional Sherpa villages, barter with nomadic traders, and visit ancient monasteries where Tibetan Buddhism is still practiced. Along the way, you will have an opportunity to ascend Kala Pattar (18,450 feet) to gain incredible views of Himalayan giants such as Lhotse, Nuptse, and Everest.

Our journey begins and ends in the lush lowlands of the Kathmandu Valley. As we prepare for our trek, we will visit the Pashupatinath Temple, where devout Hindus bring their dead for cremation on the banks of the Bagmati River - a tributary of the holy Ganges River - and witness Buddhist pilgrims as they circumambulate the Bhoudinath Stupa.

From the lowlands, we travel by small aircraft to Lukla (9,350 feet) in the foothills of the Himalaya. Our trek begins here. Glacier-fed rivers and waterfalls, deep valleys, Sherpa villages, mystic monasteries, colorful prayer flags, and stunning peaks dominate the landscape for the next two weeks.

In addition to its extraordinary beauty, the friendliness of its people distinguishes Nepal from other destinations. More than 30 unique ethnic groups and languages coexist here, but Sherpas are the dominant population group in the Khumbu region. Sherpa ancestors, immigrants from eastern Tibet, made their own trek across the Himalaya more than 500 years ago to settle in this rugged environment.

As you take in the tremendous vistas along the trail, you will be further elevated by the sound of laughter and song from the Sherpas and porters who accompany you on this magnificent journey.

Trip Summary

• Four nights hotel, twelve nights camping, two nights lodges
• 12 Days of challenging hiking at high altitude
• Daily classes including educational topics, yoga, meditation, writing and reflection
• Visit important Hindu temples and Buddhist stupa
• View several of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Ama Dablam
• Visit the Tengboche Monastery en route to Everest Base Camp
• Ascend Kala Pattar (18,450 feet/5,623 meters) for incredible views and photo opportunities
• Reach Everest Base Camp, following in the footsteps of early explorers

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart Home
Day 2 - En route
Day 3 - Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 4 - Sightseeing Around the Kathmandu Valley
Day 5 - Fly to Lukla, Begin Trek to Phakding
Day 6 - Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 7 - Rest Day in Namche Bazaar, View Mt. Everest
Day 8 - Trek toTengboche Monastery
Day 9 - Trek to Dingboche
Day 10 - Rest Day in Dingboche
Day 11 - High Traverse to Dughla
Day 12 - Trek to Lobuje
Day 13 - Trek to Gorak Shep, Climb Kala Pattar
Day 14 - Trek to Everest Base Camp
Day 15 - Return Trek to Pheriche
Day 16 - High Traverse to Phortse
Day 17 - Return Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 18 - Return Trek to Lukla
Day 19 - Flight to Kathmandu
Day 20 - Kathmandu
Day 21 - Depart Kathmandu
Day 22 - Arrive Home

Details

Who: Open to all women ages 18-65+.

Where: Nepal

When: November 01-22, 2008.

Instruction: Heather Sullivan, Founder of Balanced Rock and Raleigh Coburn, Director of Lotus Expeditions