Skiing & Snowboarding in the Everest Region, Nepal
| country: | Nepal |
| location: | Everest region |
| trip type: | Very challenging trekking holidays |
| departures: | This trip can be arranged to depart any time in January |
| price: | From US $2369 (22 days) inc domestic flights only, as per itinerary. Inc meals, accommodation, ski instructor, guide, porters, transport, permit, & 1 day sightseeing of Kathmandu valley. Excludes equipment. Min group size of 6 |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Nepal has no skiing resorts and hence any skiing or snowboarding in Nepal has to be backcountry and exploratory. The snowline in popular routes is far too high to allow for long periods required to develop a good ski industry. Also the remoteness of the locations means difficulty in transportation. But these conditions are best suited for those who are beyond just holiday skiers and love the excitement and thrill that backcountry skiing and snowboarding offers.
Also this trip allows you to ski at the top of the world, higher than any ski slopes in most of the ski destinations. This trip combines the best of backcountry snow in peak winter when the snowline is lower and also includes a visit to the legendary Everest Base Camp, arguable the most renown trek in Nepal and probably the whole world.
The trips will be led by Alex Stickelberger, a fully qualified ski instructor and former member of the Austrian National Ski Team and assisted by Gyalzen Sherpa, who has been skiing in France and is from Namche Bazaar, the most popular destination in the route.
As all ski locations are over 4000+m, safety will be of prime concern and all precautions will be taken to avoid altitude sickness through appropriate acclimatization at lower altitudes.
The route lies in the highest wildlife reserve in the world, the Sagarmatha National Park. It covers an area of 1,148 sq. km. of Himalayan ecological zone. The park altitudes range from 2,845m at Monju to the top of the world, UNESCO listed the park as a World Heritage Site in 1979 for its unique natural, cultural and landscape characteristics.
A trek in this region takes one to the foothills of the mightiest of the mountains in the world. Enroute, one traverses through rhododendron and pine forests, rivers, Sherpa villages and Buddhist Monasteries from temperate to snow line regions. The Himalayas are best seen on this trek as one traces the main route through the Khumbu region from the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. Trekkers get a close view of the world's greatest mountains, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Tawache and others.
The most famous among the Himalayan people are the Sherpas, who inhabit the Everest Region. Because of their impeccable mountaineering skills, they are an indispensable part of mountain expeditions as leaders, guides and porters. As an individual or in groups, they have set records of many 'firsts' in the mountaineering world. Due to their close affinity to Tibet, in trade, tradition and tongue, the Tibetan influence in their living style is quite distinct. The Sherpa people follow the Nying-mapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The famous Tyangboche and other monasteries are the common gathering place to celebrate religious festivals such as Dumje and Mani Rimdu.
Interesting extensions to a trip to this region can be cultural walks in the Kathmandu Valley, a two day rafting trip on the Bhote Kosi, or a three day Chitwan Wildlife Reserve Rhino safari.
A tentative itinerary is presented. If the skiing is good and good locations are discovered, the schedule is flexible and can be extended for longer periods or modified. Extensions will cost USD 25 a day.
Also this trip allows you to ski at the top of the world, higher than any ski slopes in most of the ski destinations. This trip combines the best of backcountry snow in peak winter when the snowline is lower and also includes a visit to the legendary Everest Base Camp, arguable the most renown trek in Nepal and probably the whole world.
The trips will be led by Alex Stickelberger, a fully qualified ski instructor and former member of the Austrian National Ski Team and assisted by Gyalzen Sherpa, who has been skiing in France and is from Namche Bazaar, the most popular destination in the route.
As all ski locations are over 4000+m, safety will be of prime concern and all precautions will be taken to avoid altitude sickness through appropriate acclimatization at lower altitudes.
The route lies in the highest wildlife reserve in the world, the Sagarmatha National Park. It covers an area of 1,148 sq. km. of Himalayan ecological zone. The park altitudes range from 2,845m at Monju to the top of the world, UNESCO listed the park as a World Heritage Site in 1979 for its unique natural, cultural and landscape characteristics.
A trek in this region takes one to the foothills of the mightiest of the mountains in the world. Enroute, one traverses through rhododendron and pine forests, rivers, Sherpa villages and Buddhist Monasteries from temperate to snow line regions. The Himalayas are best seen on this trek as one traces the main route through the Khumbu region from the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. Trekkers get a close view of the world's greatest mountains, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Tawache and others.
The most famous among the Himalayan people are the Sherpas, who inhabit the Everest Region. Because of their impeccable mountaineering skills, they are an indispensable part of mountain expeditions as leaders, guides and porters. As an individual or in groups, they have set records of many 'firsts' in the mountaineering world. Due to their close affinity to Tibet, in trade, tradition and tongue, the Tibetan influence in their living style is quite distinct. The Sherpa people follow the Nying-mapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The famous Tyangboche and other monasteries are the common gathering place to celebrate religious festivals such as Dumje and Mani Rimdu.
Interesting extensions to a trip to this region can be cultural walks in the Kathmandu Valley, a two day rafting trip on the Bhote Kosi, or a three day Chitwan Wildlife Reserve Rhino safari.
A tentative itinerary is presented. If the skiing is good and good locations are discovered, the schedule is flexible and can be extended for longer periods or modified. Extensions will cost USD 25 a day.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrival Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel. Evening: Briefing of the trip. Overnight at Hotel. |
| Day 2: | After breakfast drive to heritage sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley. Lunch on the tour. Overnight at Hotel. |
| Day 3: | Day for shopping and rest and make preparation for the trip Overnight at Hotel. |
| Day 4: | Kathmandu / Lukla / Phakding (2652m)Early morning transfer to the airport to fly to Lukla which highlights the snowline of the Himalayan Range in the north and the rugged landing at the Lukla airport which is said to be one of the most spectacular flights in the world. After lunch, the trek is a very easy one and ultimately descends to the river at Phakding (2652m). |
| Day 5: | Namche Bazaar (3447 m). It is a pleasant walk for the first half of the day as one passes through agricultural countryside, small wayside villages and a monastery. After lunch, trek up to the checkpost and enter into the Sagarmatha National Park. Near half waypoint, we enjoy our first views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8383m) - the big three. |
| Day 6: | Acclimatization Day in Namche. As per the study on high altitude sickness, it has been found that most of the people suffer or show signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) from the altitude of 14,000 ft. Thus it is highly recommended to have a rest day to acclimatize at this altitude before starting an ascent. |
| Day 7-14: | Backcountry Ski Days. We crisscross the standard trail and take divesions visiting the best spots for skiing and snowboarding at Dole (3940m), Macherma (4410m), Fanga (4440 m) and Dingboche (4350m). We also visit locations like Gokyo Ri. Finally arrive at Lobuche (4931m)it |
| Day 15: | Gorakshep. On a clear day Mt. Everest can be seen looming behind Nuptse. Arrive at the ridge above Gorakshep and then descend to Gorakshep. Day trip to Everest Base Camp. The trip to base camp, while fascinating, is not spectacular as the ascent of Kala Pattar because there is no view of Everest itself from the base camp. Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Nuptse, which loom over the Base Camp, shades the view of Everest. |
| Day 16: | Day trip to Kalapatthar and Skiing back. Early in the morning, take the left-hand side trail and head straight up the hill to KalaPattar (5545m) for views of Mt. Everest. The giants of the earth are all around Pumori (7145m), Everest (8848m), China's peak Changtse (7553m), Nuptse (7855m), Lhotse(8516m), Ama Dablam and many others. Ski or snowboard back to Gorakshep and walk to Periche. |
| Day 17: | Thyangboche (3867m). Having been consistently at high altitude above 4200m most trekkers welcome the thought of returning to warmer, softer climbs and the days walk to Thyangboche is a delightful way of doing so. |
| Day 18: | Namche Bazaar. The decent to the Imja Khola and the small village of Phunki (3250m) with its water powered Prayer Wheels takes about one and half hour. After lunch start the trek towards Namche by following the path round the eastern flanks of the hills. At the rear is the beautiful west face of the Thamserku (6608m) and Kang Taiga (6685m) |
| Day 19: | Phakding. A very long days walk can also be made to Lukla but it is recommended to take an extra day to get there. |
| Day 20: | Lukla. From Phakding, it is a surprising hard uphill climb to Lukla, which should take about 3 hours. It is a delightful ending to the trip as one enters into this busy village of Lukla. |
| Day 21: | Early morning, fly from Lukla to Kathmandu on a twin Otter. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the Hotel. Evening: Farewell dinner. Overnight at Hotel |
| Day 22: | Free till departure to airport |
travelling with a local operator
This holiday is operated by a company based in the holiday destination and they will be able to provide expert local knowledge. They will be able to tailor make your holiday to suit your requirements not only concerning the dates of travel but also typically the standard of accommodation, and thus price. It is rare for local operators to be able to help with the booking of your flights.how this holiday makes a difference
 We are a Nepali company and travel through this company makes a direct impact in the economy of Nepal. We also try to maximise its contribution to the local economy by hiring local guides and porters for these trips and staying in smaller lodges to spread the income.The company does not vertically integrate and sub-contracts all support activites like transportation, lodging etc. so that the money gets spread in the economy. It conserves on paper minimising paperwork in the office and by giving out electronic brochures. When required, brochures are printed on both sides of the paper and are in a folder format so that only relevant inserts need be given. We also have put in place a development support system whereby 10% of its profits go to charities like the Joy Foundation Nepal who conduct free cataract eye camps in rural areas of Nepal and Antardristi Nepal, which is developing a fund to start a incest and rape care centre for minors. 10% of the company's profits also goes directly into employee benefits. In the field, guides, porters and clients are all oriented in responsible travel. A zero litter policy is in place so that it minimises wastage in the region. socialtours.com also only takes out very small groups with a maximum of twelve participants per group. All trips also focus on culture. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |