Everest Region School Exploration and Gokyo Trek

Join the MSSE Program for an exciting new field course in Fall 2023! Both MSSE and Certificate students are welcome to apply.  If interested, you may earn up to 3 credits of MSSE 592: Independent Study: Nepal. For questions regarding how the course can fit into your program of study, contact MSSE's Academic Advisor, Holly Thompson at [email protected].

Focus: Nepali School Visitation & Science in the Himalayas

Length: 12 days in-country

Dates: October 1-12, 2023

Base Cost Without Tuition: $2,288

Trip Leader: Dr. John Graves

Trip Co-Leader: Holly Thompson

We will be trekking with Peak Promotion - a mountaineering agency based in Nepal.

How To Apply

You'll need to submit a Faculty Led (FACLED) Study Abroad Application with the Office of International Studies. You'll need to include an unofficial transcript, which you can download as a PDF from MyInfo's Student Records tab.

When you create your account, select "Science Education" as your Major I (Academic Focus), "Graduate" as your Academic Level, and College of Letters & Science as your Enrolled College & Department. These apply to both MSSE and Certificate students.

Additional Details

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

- Transfer to hotel; briefing and guide meeting in the evening.

Day 2: Fly from Kathandu to Lukla

(2886 m/9468’) and trek to Phakding, 3-4 hours.

- Visit local school. Evening discussion on Nepali education & schools.

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

(3440 m/11286’)’ 6-7 hours. 

- Evening lecture/discussion: Transportation in the region.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day

(3440 m/11286’)’ 6-7 hours. 

- Evening lecture/discussion: Transportation in the region.

Day 5: Trek from Namche to Dole

(4040 m/13554’), 6-7 hours.

- Evening lecture/discussion: Energy infrastructure of the region.

Day 6: Trek from Dole to Machhermo

(4150 m/1615’), 4-5 hours.

- Evening lecture/discussion: Culture and religion.

Day 7: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo

(4750 m/15583’), 4-5 hours.

- Evening lecture/discussion: Evening lecture/discussion: Geology of the region.

Day 8: Trek Gokyo Ridge

(5483 m/17988’) to Machhermo (4150 m/13615’), 6-7 hours.

- Evening lecture/discussion: Tourism of the region.

Day 9: Trek from Machhermo to Namche Bazaar

(3440 m/11286’), 5-6 hours.

- Evening lecture/discussion: Wildlife of the region.

Day 10: Trek from Namche to Lukla

(2886 m/9468’), 6-7 hours.

Day 11: Lukla to Kathmandu

- Final dinner

Day 12: Depart Kathmandu

What's Included:

  • Airport arrival/departure transportation
  • 2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu, on shared-room basis
  • Flight fare from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
  • Domestic airport departure taxes
  • Experience, English-speaking guide (licensed)
  • Porter serve
  • Accommodations and all meals during the trekking period
  • Guide & porter salary & insurance
  • Trekking permit/Sagarmatha National Park permit
  • Farewell dinner
  • Arrangement for emergency evacuation and coordination with client’s
    travel insurance company in case of emergency

 

What's not Included:

  • Airfare to/from Kathmandu
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tuition costs if taking MSSE 592*

*Tuition will vary depending on how many credits you register for.

You can refer to the MSSE 592: Nepal course syllabus. Be sure to note the differing course expectations depending on if you're registering for 1, 2 or 3 credits.

Students will be hiking an average of 5-7 hours at high altitudes every day. Peak Promotion designed their itineraries with altitude safety in mind. Trekkers are able to ascend at a sensible and safe rate and the effects of altitude are felt by gentle acclimatization allowing them to reach their high point without any problems. These acclimatization days are noted on the itinerary above. Check out our suggestions for conditioning to help prepare yourself.