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.

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 fully qualified ski instructor will lead the trips.

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.

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.
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.

Itinerary
Day 1:
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 2:
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 3
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 4-11:
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)

Day 12:
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 13
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 14:
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 15:
Lukla
From Namche Bazaar it is a surprising hard uphill climb to Lukla. It is a delightful ending to the trip as one enters into this busy village of Lukla.

Day 16:
Early morning, fly from Lukla to Kathmandu on a twin Otter. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the Hotel.

Price:
USD$1160 (16 days) excluding flights & equipment