Amphu Lapcha Pass Trek

Trip Overview

Amphu Lapcha Pass Trek is another difficult pass of Khumbu region. Amphu Lapcha Pass is not only the high Himalaya summit but also famous for historical sites i.e. monasteries and temples of an old, still unspoiled civilization which attracts the tourists of High Mountains. The trek starts in sub tropical and reaches heights of over 5000m above the sea level. This trek has the characteristic features of a classic expedition. On this tour we will also have a privileged view on Mount Everest, the highest mountain of the world, but our tour won't follow the well-known tracks. It will lead us through barren, uninhabited areas, over glaciers and snow-covered mountain-passes. During the trek, we may climb 2 impressive summits i.e. Mera Peak, 6461m and Island Peak 6189 m. Mera Peak (6,476m/21,247ft) & Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft) are two of the most popular trekking peaks in the Nepal Himalaya and this expedition combines attempts on both mountains with a trek through the remote Honku Valley and a crossing of the spectacular and difficult Amphu Lapcha Pass. The generous itinerary ensures proper acclimatization and we have plenty of days in the event of inclement weather. Being slightly to the south of the main range, Mera offers spectacular views from Kangchenjunga in the east to the Langtang region in the west. Island Peak is situated right in the heart of the Khumbu area and although it is dwarfed by the enormous Lhotse Face to the north, the views from the summit are truly exceptional.

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1300m).

At the airport; you will be meet by representative of our company and transferred to the Hotel, where you will meet us. A pre-trek briefing will be held at approx. 6:00pm to 7:00pm in the evening and is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner. Welcome dinner at the authentic and typical Nepalese cusine with culutural dance.

Day 02: Full day Guided Tour in Kathmandu Valley City Tour Guide

SWOYAMBHUNATH, also known as the monkey temple, is climbed by a long set of steps and has great views of Kathmandu.
BOUDHANATH STUPA has many traditional Gompas hung with strings of multi-coloured prayer flags; it attracts many Sherpas and Tibetans for the circumambulations of the stupa (koras).
PASHUPATINATH is a Hindu temple with burning Ghats on the banks of the Bagmati River.
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, which is one of the old capitals of the Kathmandu valley, has a blend of Hindu and Buddhist temples

Day 03: Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m)

We take an early morning flight to Lukla. During the flight, we can bask in the mesmerizing views of giant snow-capped mountain peaks.

Day 04: Lukla to Chutanga (3,450m)

We then head eastwards of Lukla. The trail criss crosses through pristine hamlets and thick forest along Kalo Himal Ridge. We must stay aligned with our specific route. Otherwise, we may deviate from the target destination. At the time of winter, snow makes us transverse steep terrain. But during favorable climatic condition, the trail is usually straightforward. After 3-4 hours of trekking, we enter Chutanga.

Day 05: Acclimatization Day

We spend two memorable nights at Chutanga. This gives us sufficient time for acclimatization prior to confronting Zatrwa-La. We can indulge in leisurely trek to a small 4,000m peak below the Zatrwa Teng Pass. Excellent views unveil as we glimpse over the valley of the Dudh Koshi and the picturesque trail zigzagging towards Zatrwa-La. After exploring, we descend back to our camp at Chutanga and succumb to complete relaxation.

Day 06: Chutanga to Thuli Kharka (4,310m)

The trail crosses the Kalo Himal Ridge which separates the Khumbu from the Hinku Valley. Further ahead, we transverse a comfortable path showcasing a cairned notch on the ridge with a collection of prayer flags at an elevation of 4,450m. En route we may encounter yak herders. The views across the Dudh Koshi towards Karyolung and the Lumding Himal are very impressive and so is the view across the rolling foothills east of the Hinku Valley. Half an hour below the pass is a huge boulder which marks our campsite, Thuli Kharka. 6 to 7 hours of trekking finally take us to Thuli Kharka.

Day 07: Thuli Kharka to Mosum Kharka (3,690m)

From our Thuli Kharka, we have a short trek on a downhill slope with a superb view of Peak 43 and Kusum Kanguru before coming to a fine vantage point of the Hinku valley, with a grand view of the South Face of Mera Peak. Entering the forest once again, the trail drops steeply into the Hinku valley. A pleasant walk leads through a forest full of tall Himalayan pine and Rhododendron. We make our camp on the clearing known as Mousum Kharka by the Hinku Drangka River.

Day 08: Mosum Kharka to Tangnag (4,365m)

From Mousum Kharka, our route follows the west bank of the Hinku Drangka northwards, eventually leaving the forest. The valley opens up and widens and we come to a pasture and small kharka (a barn and shelter) which is where shepherds graze their goats, sheep and yaks. We cross a small bridge to reach Gondishung (4,350m) a summer settlement of Tangnag with its huts and stone-walled enclosures. Gondishung itself has a fascinating 200-year-old gompa (monastery) beneath a great rock overhang. It is a small gompa with a Buddha and several Bodhisattvas, prayer flags and a number of crude mani walls. The trek continues for another hour, passing beyond Lungsamba as the valley narrows between the flanks of Kusum Kangguru (6,369m) to the west and the truncated far western peak of Mera (6,476m). We finish our walk here at Tangnag, a settlement made by yak herders. Now days there are several tea houses here to cater to the needs of the local staff and porters who accompany expeditions to Mera and beyond. We will camp three nights in these beautiful surroundings.

Day 09: Acclimatization day

Acclimatization day in Tangnang Today is our rest day. It is not recommend to stay idle although it is a rest day instead we have to stay active to be ready for next day's adventure. So after breakfast, we hike for about 3 hours up to Charpate Himal Glacier. Seen very close from the Thangnag, Charpate Himal is regarded holy by the Sherpa community and is worshiped by traditional Sherpas of the mountains. We will observe Mera North very close and outstanding from here. After an hour's pleasant hike downwards, we will be back at the camp at Thangnang.

Day 10: Tangnag to Khare (4,358m)

We follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka, which offers spectacular views of Charpate Himal. The trail climbs through moraines and to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers and then climbs more steeply to our camping spot at Khare. The camping experience at Khare is something that would cherish us throughout our life. It is pleasure to view beautiful North face of Mera Peak from our campsite at Khare. Overnight at Khare.

Day 11: Khare to Mera BC (5,300m)

Today after breakfast, we walk through boulder strewn course to reach Base Camp of Mera Peak. We have to march through steep route (about 260 meters) and it takes around 3-4 hours to reach Base Camp. Upon reaching there after a short rest accompanied with our lunch, we start ice climbing training with our climbing guide. Inexperienced climbers need to learn much more today. After about 2-3 hours training, we might choose to go to Mera La. However, as we will be taking the route to High Camp through Mera La the next day, we might opt to rest at our camp at Base camp today admiring the eye-catching views the area offers.

Day 12: Trek to Mera High Camp (5,780m)

We need to walk through rock-strewn area for about two hours to make our way to Mera High Camp. The trail can be hazardous if it has recently snowed as there are a number of crevasses here. We make our way to the top of the rock band, which is marked by a large cairn. We set up a high camp and from here the sunrise and sunset can be view along with the Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and south face of Lotshe, Nuptse, Chamlang and Baruntse are outstanding and seems like they are piercing the skyline. This evening we overnight in Mera High Camp

Day 13: Summit Mera Peak (6,476m). Back to Khare

This is really a big day. Wake up around 2.30 am and have very early breakfast and set up for special journey to the summit. If you are a well-acclimatized group, it takes around 4-6 hours to reach the summit of Mera central for. From the summit, can be seen the spectacular views of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Cho-Oyu (8,210m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Kangchenjunga (8,586m), Nuptse (7,855m), Chamlang (7,319m), Baruntse (7,129m) Ama Dablam (6,812m) Kangtega (6,779m) and many peaks over six thousanders too. After achieving the summit, we retrace our steps down to high camp. After having a rest accompanied by some hot soups/tea at the high camp, we will continue down to Khare for the night's rest. You will find this day really long but inspirational one in our life

Day 14: Khare to Kongma Dingma

Short walk and acclimatization day at Kongma Dingma

Day 15: Kongma Dingma to Seto Pokhari (5,035m)

We head up into the upper yak pastures of this incredible remote valley. All morning the great flanks of Chamlang dominate our left, and the spire of Baruntse comes into view beyond. The terrain is remarkably benign, especially considering we are actually heading directly into the very epicenter of the highest group of mountains in the world. The valley floor remains broad and straight, only gradually rising to the blind alley of peaks ahead. It is almost a shock to realize that the two majestic mountains we are heading straight towards are none other than Everest and Lhotse. Overnight in camp at Seto Pokhari.

Day 16: Seto Pokhari to Amphu Lapcha Base Camp (5,650m)

We trek through the high altitude route from Seto Pokhari to Amphu Lapcha Base Camp. This is one of the remotest parts of the Himalayas. We rarely meet any trekkers en route except if it is very high touristic season. We climb steadily up to and just beyond Seto Pokhari (White Lake), the first of a series of lakes that occupy the upper Honku Basin. Experience the wilderness of the Honku Valley. On the right is Chamlang (7,321m) with hanging glaciers on its South-West and North-West faces, the Honku Valley is true mountain wilderness.

Day 17: Cross Amphu Lapcha Pass (5,845m) Trek to Chukhung (4,750m)

We cross the Amphu Labcha La pass (5,845m) then walk across the Amphu Labcha Glacier. Lhotse Shar Glacier and Imja Glacier are nearby. Our trail also half circles the Imja Tsho lake before walking on the main Island Peak trail. Moving further ahead, we are also in the vicinity of the Ama Dablam Glacier before reaching Chhukung.

Day 18: Chukhung to Tengboche (3,867m)

The trek comes down from Chukhung following towards Panboche. After this, we take a same trail back which is used to trek up. The trail comes all the way down to river. We cross the river and take an hour walk up through the forest to reach Tengboche.

Day 19: Tengboche to Namche (3,440m)

From Tenboche, we make a steep descend and the trail leads us back along the Dudh Koshi River. We keep a lookout for wild life such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants while passing through the forest by the trail. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at of Namche Bazar; where we want to take a long last look back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche. The final steep climb traverses the hill side taking us to Namche Bazaar. We take a nice hot shower and have very relaxed sleep in our room in Namche Bazar

Day 20: Namche to Lukla

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. Upon arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smile on faces.

Day 21: Fly back to Kathmandu

Early morning flight back to Kathmandu. We can take a rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel.

Day 22: Free day in Kathmandu for self shopping and other activities

Day 23: Transfer to Kathmandu International airport for departure

Cost Include

Airport pick up and drop on private vehicle
Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu with English speaking Tour Guide
4 nights Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at twin sharing room on BB plan
Completely lodges and camping trekking which includes Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and room during the whole trekking periods.
Twin sharing tented accommodation and camping equipments and Kitchen equipments
Mattress, Toilet tent, shower, Dinning tent, dinning tables, chairs etc.
Sagarmatha and Makalu-Barun National Park and TIMS Card entrance fees
Climbing permit of Mera Peak
All the monuments and entrance fees in Kathmandu
Domestic airfare: Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu
English Speaking Trekking Guide, Assistant Guide and Porters)
First aid and medical kits
All government taxes and official charges.
Accidental and medical Insurance of Nepalese staffs

Cost Non-Includes

Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
Nepal visa fees
Rescue/ emergence and insurance cost
Garabage deposit of Mera Peak
Beverage and hard drinks and alcohol
Nepal entry visa fee and airport tax during the departure.
Personal equipments and personal expenses.
In case of natural calamities i.e. political unrest, cancellation of flight due to weather, landslides etc the extra charge should be born by themselves.

Amphu Lapcha Pass Trek

Trip Overview

Itinerary

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Trip Overview