Sherpa Village Namche Bazaar Trekking is starts from Lukla, the get way to Khumbu region by domestic flight. The trek follows the ethnic Sherpa villages like Namche, Khumjung, Thame and Phakding. Namche it self is a historic Sherpa village well known as the business center for Tibetan & Nepalese trade from last hundreds of year. After crossing altitude 3,500 m the alpine environment starts with the beautiful views of Khumbu Mountains. The trek will experience you culture, religion & typical settlement of ethnic highlanders with numerous flora & fauna of Sagarmatha National park. We arrange Sherpa Village Namche Bazaar Trekking in Everest region area.Sherpa Village Trekking offers excellent views of Mountain Everest 8,848m. and the main peaks of the Khumbu without going to extreme altitudes. This Sherpa Village cultural trail is the most popular trek in the world which follows the highly praised trekking route through the Dudh Koshi River to the Thame monastery. We start this trek from Lukla after 35-minute scenic mountain flight.The trail continues north up towards Dudh Kosi valley to Monjo, where the trail officially enters Sagarmatha or Everest National Park. We take a rest day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. There are a number of local excursions that we might enjoy. We can hike up above Namche to the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor’s Center and Museum, where there are terrific views of the Everest region and numerous educational displays on the culture, geography, geology, climatology, and wildlife within the park and the Khumbu. Tengboche is a popular place in Everest Region. In Tengboche there is a traditional Buddhist Monastery where lots of visitors come for traditional yoga and meditations. This is also the homeland of famous Sherpa
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Welcome to Sherpa Ascent International
SHERPA ASCENT INTERNATIONAL
is an adventure travel company that offers cultural tours, trekking,
mountain expeditions, river expeditions and mountain biking worldwide.
We are dedicated to seeking out the most spectacular destinations
and offering a wide range of adventure travel options.
Featured Expedition: Khumbu Trek, Island Peak Climb
Island
Peak expedition offers a unique chance for beginning mountaineers
to climb in a relatively lesser traveled region amidst the
mighty Himalayas. The summit of Island Peak stands adjacent
to one of the world's largest ice walls and offers stunning
views of Ama Dablam and the pyramid of Makalu. This trip walks us through the renowned Khumbu region. In the "land of the Sherpa" we partake in Nepalese and Tibetan cultures as they have existed for centuries. The Khumbu journey offers striking scenery as we venture through unspoiled terrain.
Date: September 27th-October 18th 2010
Pemba Sherpa, who grew up in the Khumbu in these Himalayan mountains as a child, and 12 CMC trip leader to Nepal, is returning to his homeland with a group of trekkers and climbers. He will lead the classic trek in the Everest region, including Chukkung ri, with an optional climb of Island Peak. In addition, all CMC trips spend a day visiting the village where Pemba grew up, and having dinner with Pemba's mother!
ITINERARY
Depart U.S. on Saturday, September 29, 2010. Return to U.S. On Friday, October 19, 2010.
Day 1: Depart for Kathmandu.
Day 2: En route to Kathmandu.
Day 3: Arrival in Kathmandu. We will be met at the airport by Pemba's Kathmandu staff, who will escort us to our hotel. The group is then free to explore Kathmandu or relax from the long trip.
Day 4: Kathmandu Sightseeing. We have arranged for a private sightseeing tour of the mystical city of Kathmandu that includes the Buddhist shrines of Swayambunath (the famed monkey temple) and Bodhnath, as well as the Hindu funeral pyres of Pashupatinath. The evening is free to finish final packing arrangements.
Day 5: Kathmandu to Lukla and Phakding (8,661ft.). We fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (9,350ft.), and land on the memorable Lukla airstrip. We are then met by our trekking crew, and begin our trek by following Dudh Kosi River and traditional Sherpa villages to Phakding.
Day 6: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (11,319ft.). We’ll continue to move up the Dudh Kosi valley, past a waterfall at Benkar (2700m) and on the Chomoa. Magnificent forests of firs, rhododendrons and manolias grace much of this part of the trail. We drop to the Dudh Kosi to cross it and climb again to Jorsale (2850m) where we will enter the Sagarmatha National Park. After lunch at Jorsale, it’s all uphill to Namche, but our first views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse make the climb worth it!
Day 7: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (11,319ft.). Acclimatization is critical before going higher, so you have the day to explore Namche Bazaar. Some members of the group may want to take a long acclimatization hike up to the monastery at Thame. We will also be here for the famous Saturday market, with many Tibetan, having crossed the Nangpa La, selling their wares.
Day 8: Namche Bazar to Khumjung (12200ft.). We’ll visit the market in morning and have a lunch in Namche Bazar after lunch we'll trek to famous Sherpa village Khumjung. We’ll camp near Hillary school.
Day 9: Khumjung to Tengboche (12,664ft.). It’s up to Punkitanga and then on to the famous monastery of Tengboche with its background of mountain peaks, including Ama Dablam and Everest. The original monastery burned down in 1988, but the new structure, built in 1990, is also striking. This still remains the largest and most active monastery in the Khumbu. We’ll camp near the monastery so you’ll have plenty of time to photograph and explore this beautiful site.
Day 10: Tengboche to Dingboche (14,271ft). We continue on the Dingboche, passing some small chhusas (yak herding stations) on the way. We'll visit the Himalayan Rescue Association post in Pheriche while acclimatizing.
Day 11: Dingboche to Chukung (15,507ft.). Today we have a beautiful walk to the village of Chukkung, with Lothse (and Chukkung ri) "leading the way".
Day 12: Chukung ri (18,283ft.). Return to Chukung (15,584ft.). Another day to trek higher and sleep lower. After breakfast we will climb Chukkung ri. This classic vantage point is superb for viewing Lhotse, Makalu, Island Peak and the high himal. We’ll return to Chukkung for a good night’s sleep.
Day 13: Chukung to Island Peak High Camp (18,200ft.). Those climbing Island Peak will head east to Island Peak base camp, and then continue up the endless switchbacks to high camp. Our tents will be firmly planted on a series of platforms, protected from the wind. The altitude will now be quite noticeable, so we will rest and drink plenty of fluids and preparation for the climb.
Day 14: Island Peak Climb (20,252ft.). Return to Chukung (15,584ft.). We begin with a predawn start, lighting our way by headlamp up the rocky trail. The trail is fun, at places requiring easy scrambling. We’ll enjoy a beautiful sunrise on the edge of the glacier as we don our crampons and climbing equipment and slowly climb up to the base of the headwall. From there, we will jumar up the steep, final pitch, and then cross the fantastic ridge to the summit (20,252ft.)!
Members of the group not climbing Island Peak today will travel to Lhotse glacier and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding himal.
Day 15: Chukung to Tengboche (12,664ft.). We'll retrace our steps back to Tengboche today.
Day 16: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (11,319ft.). We'll continue to retrace our steps back to Namche.
Day 17: Namche Bazar to Sewangma (8,900 ft.). Today we descend down to Phakding, then cross the Dudh Kosi river to Sewangma, Pemba's boyhood village. This is an "off-the-beaten path" excursion where we will see no other tourists and will be welcomed by Pemba's family
Day 18: Sewangma to Lukla (9,350ft.). We will complete the trek in the village of Lukla, bustling with tourists, porters, and guides..
Day 19: Lukla to Kathmandu. We’ll catch an early morning flight on the memorable Lukla airstrip and return to the luxuries (e.g., hot showers) of Kathmandu!
Day 20: Kathmandu. An open day in Kathmandu to visit more of the temples, shop, and relax.
Day 21-22: Return to U.S.
LAND COST
$2,310 ($2,490 for those climbing Island Peak)
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Initial deposit to hold space: $300
Balance due: Six weeks before departure
Make a check payble to Pemba Sherpa and mail it to Pemba Sherpa 455 S. 39th St. Boulder, CO. 80305
COST INCLUDE:
Land cost of trek and climb.
Round-trip flight, Kathmandu to Lukla
Guide, siddhar, porters, cook, and staff
Tent and foam sleeping pads
Climbing permit and trekking permit
Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee
Four nights lodging (double occupancy) in Kathmandu
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
One day sightseeing in Kathmandu
Airport transfer in Kathmandu
NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare
Bangkok lodging and Bangkok airport tax
Lodging in Kathmandu beyond four days.
Airport tax in Kathmandu
Nepali Visa
Immunizations
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
In addition to personal gear, you should bring a sleeping bag (rated 0 degrees or less), a daypack, and a large duffel bag with a double zipper that locks (for porters or yaks to carry with your personal gear). You will be provided with a two-person tent, full-length foam sleeping pad, all commissary gear, and eating/drinking utensils.
All personal gear, camp stools, folding tables, and dining tent are carried by porters and/or pack animals. Trekkers carry only a daypack with water bottles, camera, extra jacket, and items you may need during the course of the day. A full equipment list is provided after sign-up.
HEALTH
Immunizations will be necessary before leaving the United States. You and your doctor are responsible for determining what is necessary for you, although we will send a list of recommended vaccines. All cost for evacuation, hospitalization, and other medical expenses are the responsibility of the individual.
LEADERSHIP
Pemba Sherpa will organize and lead this trip. He grew up in the Khumbu in these Himalayan mountains as a child. He has been a guide throughout Nepal since 1986. He has lead over 20 trips to Nepal for the Colorado Mountain Club and the HEC, including Island Peak, Lobuche Peak, Chulu East, and Ama Dablam. He has lived in the Colorado since 1991, but spends four months a year guiding trips throughout the world.
QUALIFICATIONS
Participants should be strong, experienced hikers in good physical condition. Experience of ice and snow travel over glaciers is helpful, but not necessary. You must have the willingness to undergo the hardships of outdoor living and long days of strenuous hiking, often at high altitude, with a smile!
WHO
ARE WE? Our name , Sherpa means
"easterner" because we came from the Kham in eastern Tibet. One of the
first persons to come to Khumbu came by way of the Rolwaling valley and Tashi
Labrsa (pass). He opened this valley so other people could come to settle. Later
many families came from Tibet over the Nangpa La (pass).
This person came to Khumbu from
Kham-Salmo-Gang (east of Tibet). His clan was called Thimi. When he came to Tibet, the people asked where he came from- "the
cast part of Kham." That is how the name Sher-pa, meaning east-people, came
to be.
For 600 years, people have migrated
from Tibet to these mountain valleys in Nepal. There was a time of great unrest
in Tibet when many lamas, their families and followers left their homes looking
for new places to live. They settled in the mountain valleys of northern
Nepal. These places came to be called Yolmo (Helambu), Langtang, and Khumbu.
Now we live in the Solu-Khumbu
district, Sagarmatha zone of Nepal. We live in the highest places. In the Khumbu,
we number about 3,200, with another 30,000 Sherpas living in the Solu, Langtang,
Helmabu, and Rolwaling valleys.
The Sherpa language (a dialect of
Tibetan), literature, history, and philosophy came from old Tibetan religious
books.
Today approximately 30,000 Sherpas live in Nepal,
and around 3000 of them live in the Khumbu region on the south side of Everest.
Since the 1950s, tourism has become the dominant source of employment and income
in the area. Many Sherpas, as well as people from other ethnic groups, work as
part of the climbing and tourism industry.
While the Sherpa people retain their Buddhist religion and many of their traditional practices, this shift in the local economy and way of life has necessarily meant changes in the Sherpa culture. Among these, there has been a shift from regarding climbing the mountain as blasphemous, to regarding it as a source of economic opportunity and pride.
Sherpas hold many impressive Everest records, including most times summitted for men and women, quickest ascent, quickest descent, most time spent on top and youngest climber to reach the summit.
ABOUT
THE KHUMBU VALLEY; To tell a short story about the Khumbu: here is the
highest mountain in the world. They call it Jomolangma, because a goddess, one
of the five sisters of long life, resides there.
Guru Ringpoche, the found of Tibetan
Buddhism, hid the Khumbu and other Himalayan valley for future times when people
would need them as sanctuaries. He described Khumbu in religious books as a
valley surrounded by snow peaks. Following directions in these tests, some people
moved into there area of northern Nepal.
There are two main areas where the
Sherpas live. In the old times, they called the upper Khumbu valley, Khumbu-te,
and the lower Solu valley, Shorung. When they first came here, now covered the
Khumbu Valley and the glaciers here were much bigger. Hence, the first
settlements were down near Lukla. As the snow and ice gradually melted, people
moved up to Tashinga, and then eventually started villages at Khumjung and
Pangboche.
The main villages in Khumbu are
Khumjung, Kunde, Thamichhok, Namche, Pangboche, and Phortse. Most Sherpas have
home in one of these villages but often stay for the summer monsoon in huts at
the high pastures.
RELIGION AND CULTURE; In solu-Khumbu the most common sect of Tibetan
Buddhism is the Nyingmapa, the oldest tradition. Sherpa and Tibetan lamas taught
this religion to the people and organized the communities.
These sherpa and Tibetan ngagpa (lay
lamas) brought teaching from Tibet to Khumbu that were from Books hidden by the
founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Gura Rinpoche. Lamas called tertons are
incarnations of Guru Rinpoche who rediscovered these hidden teachings. Ter means
"spiritual treasure" in Tibetan. A lama named Rigdzin Godem found some
of these books, the Chang-ter, hidden in northern TIbet. The other lama, Nyatak-
Nyung, found the Lho-ter in southern Tibet. The terton, Terdak Lingpa found the
books and wrote the texts used in the Sherpa's pujahs,
religious rituals.
As more people came to Khumbu,
traditions started that helped to unite the villagers and to project the valley.
Daily life revolves around each villages gompa (temple). Closely tied to
Buddhist beliefs are their daily activates of farming, herding and trading.
Since the 1950's they have worked for tourists and earned fame on climbing
expeditions.
The Sherpa language originated from
the old Tibetan religious books. There are many different dialects used in
Tibet. As well, words from other languages such as Newar, Nepali, Tamang, and
English have gradually come into their speech. The Tibetan language from Lhasa
has also changed since that time.
Before 1959, most Sherpas farmed and
traded with Tibet. The business with Tibet was usually for salt and wool. Today,
most people work mountaineering, trekking, portering, or doing religious
services. The old people spend some of their time saying whatever prayers they
know, going around stone mani walls and village lha-khangs, and helping
with their families.
Potatoes, buckwheat, and barley are
traditionally the main foods in Khumbu. Except for items brought up by traders,
Sherpa food is limited to crops that can grow at the cold, high altitudes of the
Khumbu. Sherpas eat some Tibetan foods, such as tsampa (roasted barley flour),
and some Nepali food such as rice. Unique to the Sherpas are green vegetables
that are cooked then fermented to keep, and kyu, a sour or salty porridge
of many grains-corn, rice, millet.
The Sherpas grow potatoes,
buckwheat, barley turnips, and greens. Dairy products include butter, yogurt,
and cheese. They purchase rice, lentils, corn, millet and fresh meat from
down-valley traders at the market. Salt and dried sheep meat is obtained from
traders coming from Tibet.
A trek is walking at your own pace along well-established village trails, enjoying close contact with people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed for generations. Perhaps the most enjoyable parts of a trek are the clean mountain air and the magnificent views of the mighty Himalayan peaks. You will feel at peace with nature and with yourself.
Whichever trek you choose, it is essential to remember that a trek is not a climbing experience. Campsites are carefully selected to afford you a walk each day at your own pace and our staffs are always around to guide you. All camping equipment and foodstuffs are provided, and will be carried by porters who will also carry your duffel bags. All you need to carry is your daypack with camera equipment, water bottle and toilet kit. Should you find it difficult to even cope with this; our staffs will be more than happy to assist you.
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Everest Region
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Langtang Region
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Dhaulagiri Region
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Dolpo Region
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Mustang Region
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Manaslu Region
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Trekking & Expeditions
A trek is walking at your own pace along well-established village trails, enjoying close contact with people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed for generations. Perhaps the most enjoyable parts of a trek are the clean mountain air and the magnificent views of the mighty Himalayan peaks. You will feel at peace with nature and with yourself.
Whichever trek you choose, it is essential to remember that a trek is not a climbing experience. Campsites are carefully selected to afford you a walk each day at your own pace and our staffs are always around to guide you. All camping equipment and foodstuffs are provided, and will be carried by porters who will also carry your duffel bags. All you need to carry is your daypack with camera equipment, water bottle and toilet kit. Should you find it difficult to even cope with this; our staffs will be more than happy to assist you.
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Everest Region
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Langtang Region
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Dhaulagiri Region
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Dolpo Region
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Mustang Region
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Manaslu Region
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Sherpa - Religion and Expressive Culture
Religious Beliefs. The Tibetan form of Mahayana Buddhism, sometimes called Vajrayana, "The Thunderbolt Vehicle," is universally observed among the Sherpas. In past centuries, religion was organized on a village and clan level; since the turn of the present century, celibate monasticism, Imported from Tibet, has flourished in the Sherpa region. The Sherpa pantheon is vast, ranging from the great Buddhist divinities connected with the quest for enlightenment and salvation to local gods, spirits, and demons influencing health, luck, and day-to-day concerne. The former are the object of temple and monastic worship, the latter of exorcisms, commensal feasts, purification rites, and curing rites performed by married lamas and shamans.
Religious Practitioners . On the village level, married lamas who are also householders preside over community and life-cycle ceremonies. Monks and nuns take lifetime vows of celibacy and live in institutions isolated from daily life. Their interaction with the community is mainly limited to the reading of sacred texts at funerals and annual monastic rituals to which the public is invited. The monks' and nuns' pursuit of merit in turn brings merit to the entire Community. Sherpa monks and nuns are not supported by the state, as in Tibet, nor do they beg widely, as in Southeast Asian traditions, but rather support themselves from their own inheritance, through trade, or through donations by sponsors from wealthy households. Outstanding religious figures may be reincarnated, and the highest ecclesiastical offices at the Present time are held by reincarnations of earlier religious figures. In addition, shamans perform exorcisms and cures, though this is now less prevalent than previously.
Sherpa
The word Sherpa (pronounced Shar-pa) often conjures up images of assistants helping western climbers reach the top of Mount Everest. Though the word has developed into a position title for anyone hired to help with an mountaineering expedition, it comes from the name of the Sherpa people of Nepal.
The Sherpa migrated from eastern Tibet to Nepal hundreds of years ago. Prior to Western intrusion in the twentieth century, the Sherpa didn't climb mountains, they reverently passed by the high peaks of the Himalaya, believing them to be the homes of the gods. The Sherpa eked their livelihood from high-altitude farming, cattle raising, and wool spinning and weaving.
It wasn't until the 1920s that Sherpa became involved in climbing. The British, who controlled the Indian subcontinent at the time, planned mountain climbing expeditions and hired Sherpa as porters. From that point on, due to their willingness to work and ability to climb the world's tallest peaks, mountaineering became part of the Sherpa culture.
Though numerous expeditions made the attempt, it wasn't until 1953 that Edmund Hillary and a Sherpa named Tenzing Norgay managed to reach the 29,028 foot (8,848 meter) peak of Mount Everest. After 1953, countless teams of climbers invaded the Sherpa homeland, making western snacks more common than traditional Sherpa food. In 1976, the Sherpa homeland and Mount Everest became protected as part of Sagarmatha National Park. The park was created through the efforts not only of the government of Nepal, but also through the work of the Himalayan Trust, a foundation established by Hillary.
With the transformation of the Sherpa culture and way of life has also come increased income. Sherpa who work as guides, cooks, and base camp staff have an income far exceeding that of the average Nepalese. For the most part, Sherpa no longer serve as porters - they contract that job out to other ethnicities but retain positions such as head porter.
Through the Sherpa have experienced westernization, their income from climbers has helped them to preserve their society. They've managed to keep alive most of the important parts of their culture.
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