Hi Gregor,
I have been to the Tibetan Everest Base Camp, which is a 'drive-up',
although a difficult, many day rough road, for days. Most days, there
is little in the way of views, interesting landscape, or wildlife. Just
miles of toilet paper - all pink 15 years ago. When you travel half a
day through sand & gravel ruts, you might spot a tree ahead. It will be
an 'oasis', with water enough for a few people & tree/s. There may be
one building, which may sell gas, 'food', souvenirs or possibly
overnight lodging, or a few buildings. 4 or 5 hours later, you might
see the next 'village'.
I have also been to Nepal 7 times, & plan to return. More on that
later.
I didn't go to Rongphku, but to Rongbuk Monastery, which is also a 2
hour hike to the Tibetan Base camp. You can also drive most of the 2
miles- or all, if the washed-out bridge has been rebuilt. You can see
nice views of Everest at & near BC. On a little flattened mound, you
will see crude tomb-stones, etched with the names of deceased climbers
over many years.
The Nepal Everest Base Camp is on the other side of the mountain. A
long drive around the base of the mountain/s brings you to the Nepal
border crossing of Kodari, across the Freedom Bridge. As you approach
Nepal, you will immediately see the stark difference in terrain - lush
green trees, grass, terraced hillsides with everything growing. A long
day bus ride from Kodari, down the fantastic Kathmandu [KTM] Valley -
which seems to go forever - you eventually reach the city of KTM.
Quoted message said:From KTM, you can travel a few hours, via taxi, van, or bus, to
Chitwan Park, where you can go on a jungle safari, & ride an elephant
as you observe rare one-horned rhinos, only a few hunjdred feet above
sea level. Overnight in a rustic lodge [facilities, power, screens],
then take a dugout float trip Then hike through neat forest trails,
seeing more crocs, many rare & other birds.
It seems strange to see coconuts, bananas, monkeys, - - - as you go
through different areas near KTM - especially in contrast with barren
Tibet.
If you want to go to Everest Base Camp in Nepal [or nearby Kalar
Pataar, where you have much better views], you have choices:
[1] Nepal Organized Trek: For an organized trek to Nepal Base Camp,
you can hire a company who arranges for porters & cooks, who carry
food, fuel, pots & pans, tents, etc. They carry your bags, set up
tents, under the direction of a guide. They often camp near trailside
lodges, for access to water & other facilities. Expensive.
[2] Nepal Tea-house Treks to Kala Patar or Gorak Shep, with excellent
of Everest, Ama Dablam, Island Peaks, etc. [not to B C, as no
facilities] can be done several ways:
[A] You can go on your own, stopping for lunch at trailside villages,
and dinner, lodging & breakfast at another -usually larger- village.
[B] You can hire a Sherpa porter, who will carry a large bag for you &
a friend for $5-6/day - total. Usually 1 porter for each couple.
[C] You can fly one or both ways KTM - Lukla. If flying one way, it is
best to trek up, then fly back, in order to acclimatize as you slowly
increase altitude. The drawback is the possibility of flight delays on
the return flight, which can cause problems if time in Nepal is limited
after the trek. A one way flight can save 4 or 5 days, if no flight
delays.
If you fly in, allow an extra day to adjust to altitude. You can
arrange for a Lukla porter locally, if available, or from KTM -
slightly more expensive,.but may help keep on schedule.
To start the 23 day trek, you start from KTM, via an all day bus ride,
which takes you up the KTM Valley along the China Road, within 90 km
of Kodari [Tibetan border], before turning east to Jiri. After
overnight in a Jiri hotel, you trek through lush forested hills, beside
terraced fields, and tiny villages, stopping for lunch at one of the
lodges in a small trailside village to Bhandar. Overnight at one of the
lodges [recommend Ang Dawa Lodge, run by Sherpa friends of mine], next
to two round, white Buddhist Stupas -small temples. You can make
arrangements with Kaputi Sherpa or one of her daughters to visit the
Stupa.]
The nest day you trek to Sete. A couple of days later you reach Lukla
[& see Hillary's first air strip], or bypass it, going through 2
smaller villages,continuing on to Namche Bazaar. A rest day in Namche
allows a side trip to Khumjung, site of Hillary's first school, & Mt.
Everest Hotel - possibly still closed, but the highest [elevation, if
not rates] in the world],
This is getting too long, but if you want more info, I will to glad to
send it direct.The Nepal treks bring you much closer to the feel of the
mountain, their people, & their customs. The teahouse treks let you
live in their houses - 'lodges' - along the way.
Regards,
Jack
