Everest - Chomolungma

Prepare well for this extraordinary experience. 

In preparation for the trip you set the stage, clarify your intentions, prepare your knowledge, pack your bags, and open up to the experience ahead of you.

In a 1:1 preparatory meeting with Monika, we look into the following questions:

• What is your intention for this journey? What is the deeper reason you are signing up?
• What is it you wish to gain or bring home with you from this sanctuary?
• Consider both your external journey to Nepal and Everest, as well as your internal journey on the way to connect closely with your self.

We will also discuss in detail your (un-)packing list: What to take and what to leave back home.

You will receive information of your destination - important things for you to know, to be able to arrive well and move with ease in this country, knowing how and what to do/not to do - along with a list of recommended reading.

Kathmandu  | 1300 m asl

This is arrival day

Take your time to absorb the impact. To open your senses in wonder. To give your body and soul the time it needs to arrive.

You will check-in to your guesthouse in the buddhist neigborhood of Bouddha, a place of relative calm in the midst of hustling Kathmandu. Enjoy your very first taste of mountain spirit magic in this important global center of Himalayan Buddhist culture. 

Wander out for a moment on your own, to invigorate your body after the long flight, to take in a first glimpse, taste and scent of this land, its people, its atmosphere. 

Before we meet as a group for the first time. We will share a cup of tea or coffee on one of the terraces overlooking the Great Stupa, taking time to introduce ourselves, check-in and get to know each other. 

The early evening will surprise you with a very special ritual, followed by a fine Nepali dinner in a local setting.

Overnight: Boutique Guesthouse at Bouddha | 1300 m asl. (t.b. decided)

Kathmandu Valley  |  1300 m asl

Accustomize, explore, wonder

This is exploration of Kathmandu in its myriad aspects, its energies, its colors, scents and sounds. We will visit sacred Hindhu and Buddhist places of power, taste the flavours of Nepali food, hear the rhythms of Nepali music, marvel at the sheer diversity of life forms in this valley, and gradually accustom our body system to this land. There will be ample time for you to arrive, give yourself rest, space, time, whatever it is you need in order to be well.

In early evening, we will share a delicious dinner at Bouddha and rest early, to be ready for tomorrow's early morning flight to Lukla.

Overnight: Boutique guesthouse at Bouddha (t.b. decided)

Flight to Lukla, hike to Monjo  |  2800 m asl  |  5-6 hours

First taste of high mountain air

We will take an early morning flight on one of the small aircrafts flying in to Lukla, the infamous airstrip at the foot of Everest. It is an adrenaline-filled ride, a pure experience of flying, as the mountain range passes by the propeller on our windows to the left, and the never-ending hills of rural Nepal pass by below us.

Lukla village is at 2700 m asl. As you exit the aircraft, feel the cool, transparent air of high altitudes stream into your lungs and invigorate your body. 
We will have a hearty breakfast before heading off up the valley for an introductory hike of 5-6 hours.
Our legs may still be a bit stiff, but the colors, scents and sights and the wonderfully clear mountain air will energize our body.

Overnight at Monjo Guesthouse, a comfortable, welcoming place with good homegrown food and delicious carrot juice. 

Trek to Namche  |  3440 m asl  | 4 - 5 hours

This day is about testing your stamina - a first exploration of your physical comfort zone.

We will hike up the famous Namche hill, a steep hike we share with porters carrying 100kg loads, mules, chauri (half yak half cow), all carrying up supplies for the trekkers, mountaineers and inhabitants of the higher villages. 

Namche is the centerpoint and main market of the region. Here you will still get anything you may need or wish for, and meet anyone you may think of. 

Overnight: We will check in to my good friends' "Nirvana Home" - a welcoming guesthouse perched above the main bazaar, overlooking the valley and its guardian peak. 

Namche - Khumjung  |  3790 m asl  |  2-3 hours

Today we take time to rest, acclimatize to the height and explore the surroundings of Namche.

In the fresh morning hours, we go on a 2-hour easy climb to the village of Khumjung, a few hundred meters above Namche. Here, the view opens up to the magnificent higher valley of Khumbu, giving you a first glimpse of Everest and the impressive Lhotse Wall. We will spend easy time on this lush high plateau, enjoying the sights and views, On our way down we visit the art gallery of Sagarmatha Next, an innovative gallery-cum-visitor center discussing the challenges of waste generated in these high altitudes, and showcasing how this waste can be turned into creative pieces of art.

Its an informative opportunity to reflect on our impact as visitors in these fragile high-mountain spaces.

In the afternoon, take time on your own to rest and find a good way to integrate your experience of the first few days of your journey. This can be in writing, drawing, painting, singing, dancing, resting in your room or taking a coffee on the rooftop of the famous German Bakery. 

Overnight: Nirvana Home

Namche - Thamo  |  3500 m asl  |  3 hours

Today, we head up the wild and mystic Thame valley

Still acclimatising, we will take a short morning hike up the Thame Valley to the welcoming village of Thamo. Thame Valley is the more remote and pristine branch of Khumbu area. In the Tibetan Buddhist belief, it is considered to be a “hidden valley” or be-yul, one of those mystic valleys blessed by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), intended to keep ancient mysteries hidden safely - until the time has come to reveal them to the human race.

Arriving for lunch, we enjoy the delicious homegrown food at Maya's guesthouse. From there, take an optional afternoon tour up the slope to Lawudo Gompa, perched high on the valley flanks. This quiet, laid back nunnery is also a retreat place in the tradition of the Mahayana Buddhist school of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

And it is worth the climb, as we ascend higher and higher into the quiet air, to arrive in a mystical place where the winds communicate with mountain spirits and the gnarled trees covered in green moss speak of magical worlds and ancient times. 

Overnight: Maya's guest house

Thamo - Thame  |  3800 m asl  | 4 hours

A taste of Khumbu culture

Today we hike further up the Thame valley to the fertile village of Thame. Again it is an enjoyable trek, leading us on a gradual ascent along the rushing waters of Dudh Kosi tributary.

After a hearty lunch, the afternoon is free for you to rest and explore. If you are lucky, you will be able to witness a ceremony in Thame Monastery. For sure, the short hike up the hillside is worth its effort to visit this old and significant monastery. For many locals it holds more importance than the internationally famous Tengboche Monastery in the other valley branch. You can take time by yourself to sit in its courtyard or main hall, to feel and immerse yourself in the calm, meditative energy of buddhist monasteries. You can also stroll through the village to observe local farming life, or continue up the river where a mighty moraine wall hides the higher valley leading to the Tashi Laptsa Pass towards Rolwaling Valley in the west.

Overnight: Thame View Lodge

Thame - Lumde   |  4380 m asl  |  5-6 hours

Look inward, become quiet, empty your inner vessel to be ready to connect more deeply and purely

Today we head further up valley, gaining height as civilisation gradually recedes behind us and the landscape opens up to a remote and seemingly barren vastness. It is a day dedicated to inward looking, becoming quiet, listening to what your inside voices wish to tell you. Empty yourself, so you are ready to receive more fully the experience ahead. If you feel physically challenged because of the increasing altitude, take this as an invitation to let go of your energy-consuming thoughts and focus instead on your breath, the feel of your footsteps on the ground, the sense of the wind, the sun, the impact of the breathtaking (literally) scenery unfolding as we go.

We take a packed-lunch so we are ready for an extensive walk through uncivilised landscape. Perhaps you take a dip into the glacial waters to refresh your body and mind. Or you feel the need to rest on one of the great rocks brought down by the glaciers millions of centuries before. The final ascent takes us to the tiny yak herders' settlement of Lumde.

Take the rest of the afternoon to spend on your own. Stroll around the setllement watching the Yak graze, reflect, draw, paint, write, or simply rest against one of the giant boulders or snuggled up in your sleeping bag. Reflect on your initial questions and intentions for this trip. Where have you come to? How do you feel? Are you ready to embrace and take in what the landscape, nature and its elements mirror to you? Or are you struggling to cope with challenges beyond your comprehension?

If needed, ask me for a 1:1 session to support you in sorting out your thoughts, challenges and perceptions.

Overnight: Lumde

Day-excursion up valley towards Nangpa-La Pass  |  6 hours

Today is dedicated to the experience of awe, humility, connecting to the infinite sense of the universe.

We leave our Lumde basecamp with a day pack and lunch, to move further up this remote valley. This was the ancient trade route to Tibet - and also one of the important escape routes from Tibet into Nepal during the cultural revolution. 

As we move along the great morraines left back by the receding mighty glaciers, space looses its dimensions in this barren landscape of rock, sand, water and ice. And yet - if you look closely (deeply), there are beautiful colors, flowers nestled in the rock. Take care and attention to focus on the details. Go deeper. If mind thinks: I’ve seen this all, I know this all, don't give in. The mind is easily bored if it receives no information. Instead, shift your attention to your senses: Feel, rather than think. Try moving your observational channel to your heart zone. Do you feel a warm sense in heart? Or are you still thinking hard - with this dense sense of intensity in your forehead?

We reach our final vantage point at the crossing of the two mighty glacial streams - one flowing down from the Nangpa-La pass bordering Tibet, the other flowing down from 8201 m high Cho Oyu. As you stand as a tiny particle in the midst of this awe-inspiring landscape, observe what and how you feel. Here we will take time to mediate. focusing on our senses and feelings, taking in the immensity of the universe, with the tiny flowers specking the barren landscape - tiny particles themselves.

Lumde - Renjo-La  |  5360 m asl - Gokyo  |  4790 m asl  |  8-10 hours

This is the Day of the Pass - your first peak experience.

Today we will climb a beautiful track, passing high-altitude yak pastures, reaching golden meadows on heights, the path winding around lakes, and finally coming to a steep final climb to the pass - opening up to a breath-taking panorama view - if the weather allows. Far down we already see our destination, Gokyo village, nestled at the shores of the largest of Gokyo Valley's six lakes.

We will start early on this day, taking packed lunch, because the climb is long, with many invitations to pause and rest.

We will take time to sit in QUIET at the lakes - to listen deeply - is there an inspiration? A message to receive? For those courageous enough, take a swim in the cool water to cleanse and purify yourself, as a support to letting go what you no longer need, and to invigorate your body-mind-spirit, before the final climb to the pass.

We enjoy lunch and a generous rest taking in the view - if we are lucky - of the great range of mountains - from Kanchenjunga in the east to Makalu, Baruntse, Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and at our feet, the beautiful turquoise lake of Gokyo. 

On a gradual, highly enjoyable downhill through spectacular landscape always facing the magnificent mountain panorama ahead, we reach Gokyo, the Tanka Inn. Owned by creative Pasang and his family, this is the highest Tangka Gallery in the world, a place of generous and warm hospitality so welcome after the long and strenuous day. Here we "come home" to rest, enjoy delicious food, perhaps the treat of a warm shower, and a cosy bed overlooking the lake. This is our highest overnight, and it will be our basecamp for the next 2-3 days.

Overnight: Gokyo Tanka Inn

Gokyo valley rest day  |  4790 m asl

This is a day of rest, taking a breath, looking within

This is your day to go deep, listen well what it is you need. Take the opportunity of this day and allow yourself to do, experience, enjoy what it is your system desires. Is it a solitary hike up the valley along the series of glacial lakes to reach Cho Oyu basecamp? A short climb up the moraine side to look into the vast, awe-inspiring glacier? Or the enjoyment of a good cup of coffee and a sweet cake, along with your journal to look backwards to where you came from, and forward to where you will go from here? Meet and share with fellow travellers to mirror your own experiences? Visit the world's highest Tangka Gallery? A 1:1 session with Monika to help put your experiences into perspective? A luxury day of clothes-washing, sun-bathing at the lake, enjoying the quiet calm of this to-be mountain resort?

Overnight: Gokyo Tangka Inn

Gokyo Ri sunrise  |  5360 m asl  |  2-3 hours

Experience the magic moment when the sun rises behind Everest

We get up at 3:30 AM, pack tea and breakfast, put on our headlights and very slowly head up the famous Gokyo Ri hill opposite the lake. Moving slowly, quietly, accompanied by the glittering light of the stars above, the fading moon and our headlights, we witness the magic of a high altitude mountain day dawning. First silhouettes of the mountains become visible, as we climb higher we recognise their many shapes, as they appear one by one. Experiencing physical challenge in a pristine natural environment awakening to a new day - there is hardly a more powerful instrument of awakening. 

We climb higher as the first pastel colors paint the sky in unbelievable beauty. Quietly, we climb step by step, breathing in deeply the thin air, taking our time to reach our destination. Where we will dress warmly, take a first cup of warm tea, and then sit silently witnessing the beauty of the high Himalaya sunrise...until the magic moment when the first glint of sun touches the massive rock face of Everest. 

The first rays of sun pierce the sky, bringing immediate warmth, light, clarity and joy. Enlightening our beings.

This is the starting point of your new phase in life.

Take this extraordinary moment to listen to your inner voices, and to indeed listen well to what you hear. Breathing calmly as you wait to see what emerges from within.

We take as much time as is needed to listen, feel, absorb, and enjoy. Gradually warming up as we enjoy our breakfast, taking in the magnificent panorama of majestic peaks all lined up in their unique characteristics.

Then we head down individually to meet later in the Tangka Inn. This afternoon will be dedicated to anchoring. Anchoring the experiences and insights in a best way possible to bring them back into your everyday life back home. 

Overnight: Gokyo Tankga Inn

Gokyo - Machhermo  |  4470 m asl  |  3-4 hours

Starting your journey back to your everyday life.

This is an easy, highly enjoyable walk heading gradually down valley towards the village of Machermo. I invite you to take it slowly, to dwell with your experiences, your inner senses, your insights. Take the time and opportunity of your clear state of mind to further refine and test the anchors you have set yourself yesterday for your integration. If needed, take a break to speak messages to yourself on your phone or write your thoughts and realisations into your journal. We have ample time for this day's route - and a comfortable guesthouse in relative luxury awaits us in Machermo.

Overnight: Machhermo Guest House

Machhermo - Namche  | 3340 m asl  |  6 hours

We close the circle, re-enter civilisation - and celebrate!

Today we close the circle, arriving back in Namche from the other valley-side. Take it slowly, take time to gradually accustom. While looking forward. Enjoy the gradual increase of green, lush colors, adapt gradually to the first vibrations of civilisation. The sounds, scents, vibrancy of Namche. Allow yourself a few more hours of detox, wait until you are truly ready to open your phone - perhaps you even want to wait until you reach Lukla?

Celebration is key to joyful life. Look back onto these 10 days and single out your successes, your insights, your revelations, your special moments. Remember the unique moments on this journey that touched you, inspired you, brought insight, vision and perhaps even an inner break-through? Find your own way to appreciate, cherish, imprint them in your system, and then carefully start the transition into your new everyday life.

We will enjoy a delicious dinner with music and dance, to mark the closure of our pilgrimage, and to set ourselves up to re-enter our daily world with renewed energy, focus and inspiration.

Overnight: Nirvana Home

Return to Lukla  |  2840 m asl  |  7 hours

The journey back to civilisation takes its course

As you head down Namche hill, on the track of your second trek's day, reflect, look back and honour the immensity of your experience. The shift from then to now. What has changed? How do you feel? Who have you become?

Take your time, hike back slowly. And appreciate consciously the increase of possibility, that comes with increase of complexity.

Overnight: Lukla guesthouse t.b.defined

Lukla - Kathmandu  |  1300 m asl

Return

We get up early, take a few last breaths of clear mountain air, and wait for our turn of the lofty propeller-ride carrying us out of the narrow valley down to civilisation. Catch another impressive glimpse of the high mountains, as we fly along the Rolwaling Himal, over the vast never-ending hills, fields and forests of rural Nepal back to Kathmandu.

Arrival in hustling Kathmandu, and transfer to Patan/Lalitpur in the South of Kathmandu Valley. Here we will enjoy the two last nights of our stay in a beautifully restored heritage hotel in the old city of the ancient kingdom of Patan. It is time to enjoy the simple luxuries of civilisation. 

Take an afternoon to explore the nearby surroundings, the temples, courtyards and alleys, the mélange of ancient and modern culture, the cafés, the restaurants, local and international. For dinner its' your choice. 

Overnight: Swotha, Patan

Patan, Kathmandu Valley  |  1300 m asl

Closure, materialising, packing for home

We start the day with a hearty breakfast at Swotha Cafe, taking the time for a round of check-in, retrospection & feedback. Before you head off for your individual day of closure, exploration, perhaps shopping - whatever the way you desire to experience your final day of travel.

Take your free time to experience this culture and its' authentic way of life. If wished, we can arrange you a guide. 

And we join again all together with a luxurious traditional dinner at Kathmandu's most traditional and famous boutique hotel.

Farewell dinner at Dwarikas

Overnight: Swotha, Patan

Flight back to your home

Departure day

Program depending on the time of your flight.

After you get back to your everyday life back home

Follow-through to harvest and anchor this extraordinary experience into your new life

1:1 conversation and guidance with Monika - in an interval of your choice: 2 weeks - 1 month - 3 months after return. 
The objective is to reflect, process, create new ways of being and doing, derived from your experience. Always with the intention to continue to grow in your life. 

• What do you bring home?
• What shifted, changed within you?
• How can you integrate the anchors you set on the mountain in to your daily life?
• What is needed for your next steps to take the direction you have envisaged during the trek, and in perhaps on that sunrise morning on Gokyo Ri?