Everest Panorama Trek for Military Veterans

This trek is specifically for Military Veterans looking to go on the adventure of a lifetime while spending time working on your own recovery and resilience. During this trek, you will adventure through the Everest region and learn about the Sherpa lifestyle of Khumbu village, see stunning views of the Lukla countryside and experience Nepali culture with amazing Himalayan views. Your adventure will be amongst Military Veterans where we will focus daily on yoga and mind-body practices that enable post-traumatic growth and healing. The Military Veterans Trek is a perfect combination of adventure, healing and camaraderie that will stay with you for a lifetime.

The Military Veteran's Trek uses the Everest Panorama trekking route, which is specially designed for high-altitude mountain adventurers. It provides an impressive and exciting trek with the opportunity to view the world's highest peaks. The daily yoga and mind-body exercises performed amongst the mountains provides the perfect setting for reflection and healing. You won't want to take your eyes off the views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and many other beautiful snowy peaks. During the trek, we will stop at the ancient trade point of Namche Bazar. This trade center carries historical significance, as it was only the trade center in Nepal through Tibet. Every Saturday they run an open market for the neighbors around this area. You can buy all the basic needs such as clothing, food, logistics and many more.

Your trek takes you along the Mt. Everest Base Camp Route until we reach Tengboche 3880m (12,729 ft) one of the most famous and picturesque monasteries amongst this area. This area will leave you feeling connected with nature, the culture of the Everest Region and your fellow Veterans.

The vital point of this trek is the healing power you'll feel by connecting with fellow Military Veterans and going through this journey together. You'll leave with more knowledge on self-care, mental health, stress and resiliency skills tailored for your needs. We'll explore various healing techniques such as yoga and mobility practices, mindfulness, meditation and resources to continue your mind-body journey once your adventure in Nepal is complete.

Basic Requirement of Health and Experiences:
In comparison to high-altitude trekking, the Everest Panorama Trek is an easy trek, which is suitable for anyone that can walk around 4-5 hours a day with a light daypack. Cardio exercise, such as jogging, is recommended prior to the trip. In addition to physical fitness, you need to be in excellent health to complete this trek. If you have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases please let us know before booking the trip. We are highly conscious of your health and safety and also recommend you to have a medical check-up with your doctor as well.

Your Guides:
Advanced Adventures provides your trail Guide and Sherpa, and your Military Veteran Leader is Sarah, the founder of Blue Side Yoga.

Trekking with Sarah:
After fighting her own war with combat stress and anxiety, Sarah has been on a mission to make sure others do not fight the same battles. She's a Combat Veteran and has served over 20 years in the US Army holding various positions as a Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot and worked through executive levels. She has spent the last ten years finding an easier way for Veterans, First Responders and Law Enforcement Officers to have a safe place to heal without judgement, fear or criticism. She is a certified yoga teacher, avid trekker and adventurer having completed the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek, the "W Trek" in Patagonia and numerous hikes in various countries such as Ireland, Oman, Canada and Iceland to name a few.

Here are some of her qualifications:
VETOGA Yoga Teacher, 200 Hour
Veterans Yoga Project - Teachers Alliance Member
Veterans Yoga Project - Mindful Resilience Teacher Training
Physical Fitness and Medical First Responder Teacher Training Certified
Critical Incident First Responder
Peer Support Specialist for Law Enforcement
Military Veteran Assistance Program Specialist
Experienced in suicide casualty assistance and casualty notification
Suicide Prevention Trained from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
Masters level work and education on mindfulness, resilience and decision making in stressful environments from Georgetown University.

Important Trip Notes & Activities:
Please acknowledge that you are joining us for an adventure in the remote Himalayan region, where weather conditions, health, and fitness of the member or unexpected natural disaster can compel us to change the itinerary. We will try our best to keep the suggested itinerary as per the original schedule.

Your safety and satisfaction of the trip is our top concern. We ensure you our best team, logistics and professional services to make sure you have the trip of a lifetime. Please keep in mind that our Advanced Adventures guide holds the final decision if the trip has to be amended, changed or cancelled due to extreme conditions for your safety. However, he will try his best to ensure that the trip runs as according to the stated plan - but be prepared for flexibility if necessary.

Responsible Travel
Advanced Adventures Nepal organizes treks that are socially and environmentally responsible and local community oriented. We care for our destination and the people of the region that we visit. Advanced Adventures always provides the opportunity for locals to work on all of our treks, and we make sure that our treks benefit locals, as we always employ locals of the same trek region.

We also carry out several social projects for the mountain people to support their lifestyle and provide resources for improved living conditions by bringing awareness of health and sanitation issues.

Currently, Advanced Adventures Nepal is supporting the local community with its social project in collaboration with Pioneer Foundation Nepal- which is the non-profit social organization working on several social issues in the Nepal Mountains areas. These projects include supporting rural community schools with building libraries, setting up computer classes, providing scholarships to disabled children and troubled children, and working in health camps on social awareness programs. Advanced Adventures is proud to fund its annual 5% profit to Pioneer Foundation Nepal to carry out its social projects. 

Additionally, through Blue Side Yoga a percentage of the Military Veterans Trek goes toward military non-profit organizations that help carry out their missions of providing yoga, meditation and healing Military, Veterans, their families and communities. Your trek truly embodies the social responsibilities that Advanced Adventures Nepal and Blue Side Yoga supports. 

Detailed Itinerary & Blue Side Yoga (BSY) daily highlights:
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1400m/4,600ft
Activities: Trek briefing and trek preparation, BSY: Group introductions  
Meals: Welcome Dinner

Upon our arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, our airport representative greet you take you to our hotel. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant where we will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine with a brief cultural program.  Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Day 02 Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation
Altitude: 1400m/4,600ft
Activities: Kathmandu sightseeing, BSY: Intro to mindfulness and meditation
Meals: Breakfast

Today we attend our morning Yoga class and after breakfast, we start our guided tour to the historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous Swayambhunath(Monkey Temple) and the Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03 Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Altitude: Lukla- 2800m/9,200ft Phakding-2650/8,700ft
Activities: 35 mins flight to Luka and 3-3.5 hrs trek, BSY: Afternoon Yoga, Group discussion 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today early morning we enjoy the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating on a hillside surrounded by high mountainous peaks. Lukla, a gateway destination from where our trek begins, we meet our other crew members and begin packing and arranging with them. From Lukla, we start trekking. At one hour’s gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900 ft), a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we then gradually descend until we reach Phakding and spend the night.

Day 04 Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3440m/11,286ft
Activities: 6-7 hrs trek, BSY: Morning Yoga, Afternoon light yoga/mobility, group discussion
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast we start our day walking through a beautiful pine forest. We follow the trail north up the valley of Benkar and then cross Dudh Koshi River to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. Then after crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep ascent brings us to the prime heartland of Sherpa village – Namche Bazaar. At one hour’s distance to reaching Namche Bazaar, we can view our first sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse.  Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 05 Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3440m/11,286
Activities: Rest and Acclimatize, BSY: Morning yoga, evening Yoga Nidra, group discussion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is our acclimatization day and there are plenty of things to do around Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Khumbu region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. Our guides can take you to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar. Hiking to Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with a sunrise view and the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. In exploring Namche Bazar, we observe traditional Sherpa life and enjoy flora and fauna found at such a high altitude. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 06 Namche Bazaar to Thame
Altitude: 3820m/12,500'
Activities: 5-6 hrs trek, BSY: Morning Yoga, afternoon yoga/mobility, group discussion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today our Everest Panorama Trek begins with morning Yoga and the uphill climb to Syangboche. Just before arriving Syangboche we take a trail on the right and head towards Thame. Trekking through the villages like Phurte and Theso, where will take a breather to explore the local monasteries we will once again chase the trail beside Dudh Koshi River. Trekking for almost a couple of hours up and down the rolling lush hills beside the River, we cross the bridge beyond Samde to enter Thame. Thame is also a Sherpa Village of Khumbu. You can witness a fascinating and authentic Sherpa culture at Thame. The home to some of the world's most popular mountaineers and climbers, Thame has several landmarks to observe. Explore the monastery, a local hospital and a hydropower project in its close proximity at Thame. Overnight in Thame.

Day 07 Thame to Khumjung
Altitude: 3790m/12,400ft
Activities: 5-6 hrs trek, BSY: Morning yoga, afternoon yoga/mobility, group discussion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After morning Yoga courses at Thame we had breahfast and begin the Trek. We climb uphill for a while through the jungle of pine and rhododendron. Then going up and down several times through the jungle trail we emerge out at Mende 3736m. At Mende, we explore the local monastery and cross the river to begin the hike up to Kunde. The final push brings us to Khumjung. Khumjung is very interesting Sherpa hamlet of Khumbu, which is the home to avid Sherpa Mountaineers. The signs of the contribution made by Sir Edmund Hillary can be seen here in Khumjung and its surrounding areas. The valley is  ringed by snowy peaks of Kondge and Thamserku and the sacred peak of Sherpas- Mt. Khumbila, it is also believed as a monastery places that houses a yeti scalp. In the afternoon, we will visit Hillary School, colorful Buddhist monasteries, walk along the stony trail to the long line of mani-walls (the longest one in Khumbu), flags and prayer wheels, visit Hillary Hospital in Kundel. Overnight in Khumjung.

Day 08 Khumjung to Tengboche
Altitude: 3867m/12,700
Activities: 3-4 hrs trek; BSY: BSY: Morning Yoga, afternoon yoga/mobility, group discussion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Morning Yoga and breakfast we descend to Dudhkoshi River and pass through beautiful villages on the way. We walk on a forest trail which will take us to a riverbed. Next, we ascend for around two more hours through pine and fir forests to reach a small village of Tengboche. The village is also home to the famous Tengboche Gumba and is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region of Nepal. We tour the Gumba and enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayas, including Tawache, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Everest. Overnight in Tengboche.

Day 09 Tengboche to Namche
Altitude: 3440m/11,286ft
Activities: 5-6 hrs trek, BSY: Morning Yoga, afternoon yoga/mobility, group discussion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After morning Yoga and breakgast at Tengboche, a steep descent of about 1500ft/500m will take you through rhododendron bushes and fir trees to the Dudh Koshi River. We continue on our trail and pass Tashinga and Sansa villages before reaching Kyangjuma. While here, we get to appreciate spectacular views of Ama-dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest.  We continue our trek to Namche bazeer. Overnight in Namche.

Day 10 Namche to Lukla
Altitude: 2800m/9,200ft
Activities: 6-7 hrs trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is our last day of trek so after morning activities, we hike down a trail steeply descends to the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then continue walking over several local villages and most of the walking is through Dudh Koshi River valley and surroundings. Upon reaching Lukla, freshen up at your hotel and relax. Evening, you could have a party with your trekking crew as it is your celebration of successful Everest Panorama Trek also the last night in the Everest Region. Overnight at Lukla.

Day 11 Fly to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1400m/4,600ft
Activities: 35 mins flight to Kathmandu: BSY: Final adventure thoughts and farewells
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

We take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Our trip leader will drop us off at our hotel and we have the rest of the day off. We can stroll around the streets in Thamel, a popular Tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. You may also visit popular tourist attractions nearby. Either way, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 12 Final departure
Altitude: 1400m/4,600ft
Activities: Leisure Day and Departure
Meals: Breakfast

Our journey comes to an end today. Yoga and breakfast at Kathmandu hotel, then you are free for shopping at the Kathmandu. When the time to depart back comes, we will transfer you to the airport. Have a safe flight and visit Nepal again. 

Cost Includes:

• All ground transportation in Kathmandu by private vehicle (Including airport pick and drop) 
• 03 Nights twin sharing Deluxe accommodation in Kathmandu on BB plan
• Welcome dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurant- Traditional Dance & Music & Farewell Dinner at one of the finest restaurant in main down town
• Half Day guided tour of Kathmandu Valley with fluent english speaking tour guide, all of his payment, cost of all sightseeing places entrance fees and monument fees
• Everest Trekking Permit (Officially Known as Sagarmatha National Park Permit), Khumbu Village Ruralcipality Permit & TIMs Card( From TAAN)
• Kathmandu- Lukla- Kathmandu flight, airport tax and transfer
• Everest Panorama Trek on full board of meals plan (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, tea or coffes in a cups only, seasonal fruits)
• Trekking accommodation at comfortable & clean Mt. Lodge & Guest Houses (Nights staying in Phakding, Namche, Monjo & Lukla will be in attahced bathroom)- Rooms on twin share
• One Advanced Adventures Trekking Leader (Experienced, Fluent English Speaking, Gov. Licensed, first aid and eco trained), required assistance Leader/s as per the group size, their entire expenses, equipment and insurance
• One trek sherpa porter for every two trekkers for carrying their trek luggages (2 Trekkers: 1 Porter), all the payment, trek equipment and insurance
• AA Trek Duffle Bag, Trekking Map, Adventure Certificate
• Down Jacket and Sleeping Bags while on trekking (To be returned after trek use)- rated to -15 Degree Celsius
• Group medicine Kit Box (First Aid Medicine)
• All the Gov. and Local taxes as per applicable
• Final departure tranfer from Kathmandu

Cost not Includes:

• Nepal Visa Fee( US$- 30 for 15 days and US$- 50 for 30 days)
• International flight in/out Nepal 
• Your meals at Kathmandu (Except provided welcome/Farewell dinner and breakfast)
• Cost of beverages (Such as mineral water, beer etc), Battery recharge, Phone Calls, WIFI etc. while on trek
• Travel Insurance (Must includes Medical expenses, Helicopter evacuation and Trip Cancellation)
• Personal nature expenses
• Tips to Guide, Assistance Guide/s and Sherpa Porters
• Any extending trips