Day 01: Arrival: Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport; met by our representatives and transferred to the hotel.

Free for the rest of the day with a small brief in the evening about the trek.

Overnight: Hotel

 Day 02: A.M. Sightseeing; P.M. Trek Preparation

A.M.: In the morning, explore Kathmandu Valley. Visit the ancient Durbar Square and a peek into Nepal’s rich history and a visit to Boudha Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage.

 P.M.: The rest of the day is left free to pack and purchase any last minute essentials for the trek.

Overnight: Hotel

 Day 03: Flight: Lukla            Trek: Phakding (2652m)

Early morning flight to Lukla; steal glimpses of the Himalayas as the plane maneuvers through the valleys and hills making your way to Lukla – the gateway to the Everest Region.

Upon arrival, meet the porters. We follow the trail towards the north-east. We cross a suspension bridge to leave Lukla behind. Pass small picturesque villages of Chaunrikharka and Ghat ultimately descending to reach Phakding, by the raging Dudh Koshi River.

Overnight: Phakding                         

Trek Duration: 3 hours.                                           

Day 04: Namche Bazaar (3447m)

Pursue the trail with the raging Dudh Kosi on your right. Cross Dudh Kosi at Benkar and view glimpses of snow-capped peaks Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). Steep climb for 20 mins to reach Monjo – our lunch stop.

We enter Sagarmatha National Park after having our permits cleared. After crossing the river again, we hit a busy trail with small villages and pine forests. A Steady climb is accompanied by the first glimpses of the mighty three ahead – Everest (8848m), Mt. Nuptse (7879m), and Lhotse (8383m).

We reach Namche Bazaar – a bustling little prosperous town in the Khumbu region surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks.

Overnight: Namche                            

Trek Duration: 5 – 5 ½ hours.

Day 05: Khumjung (3780 m) via Everest View Hotel

We set out from Namche Bazar to reach a small pass – leading to a steep ascent. Reach Syangboche, it hosts an inoperative airport with a stone plowed runway. A pleasant hike continues through meadows and scattered coniferous forests with beautiful rhododendrons. Kongde Ri (6186m) is behind you.

We reach Everest View Hotel which features unspoiled views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse amongst other Himalayan peaks. Head towards Khumjung, the largest Sherpa village in Khumbu.

Overnight: Khumjung        

Trek Duration: 3 ½ – 4 ½ hours.

Day 06: Dole (4040m)

After two hours hike, we reach Mongdaraon on top of a ridge, beautiful views of Ama Dablam (6812m), Thamserku (6623m) and Kang Taiga. From here, a steady downhill walk through a pine and rhododendron forest brings us to Phortse Thenga. Be careful of Yak traffic and keep to the right to avoid being pushed off the hillside.

Lunch at Phortse Thenga.

After lunch, catch the main trail and head towards Gokyo Valley. A gentle climb as we catch our very first sight of Cho Oyu a.k.a. “The Turquoise Mountain”. Notice the change in vegetation as the landscape features more of alpine shrubs.

Overnight: Dole  

Trek Duration: 5 ½ – 6 hours.

Day 07: Machermo (4400m)

A steady climb before the trail contours to Luza, a small grazing spot with potato fields. We walk slowly to reduce the probability of altitude sickness as we are above 4,000 meters above sea level. Cho Oyu in the distance encourages our onward journey.

Reach Machermo for lunch.

After lunch, hike up the hill above the village and pay a visit to the IPPG (International Porters Progress Group) and receive tips upon the prevention and consequences of altitude sickness.

Note: The Porter Shelter was built by CAN (Community Action Nepal – Doug Scott’s Charity)

Again, a short day trek to allow acclimatization.

Overnight: Machermo                       

Trek Duration: 4 hours

Day 08: Gokyo (4795m) (Via the Turquoise Lakes)

We follow a broader trail as we pass through Lapharma – a small settlement with green pastures for Yaks and Dzopkios.. Towards the end of the valley, and after a short climb we arrive at the snout of the Ngozungpa Glacier, the glacial source of Dudh Koshi. We reach the first of the Gokyo Lakes. The trail becomes gentle as we walk along the moraines, we reach a second blue and pristine lake, and then the third along whose banks lies Gokyo, with the majestic Cho Oyu in the background.

After lunch, head towards the Ngozungpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas. (36kms) Suggested to carry headlamps and warm clothes due to the ice-cold winds.

Overnight: Gokyo                               

Trek Duration: 4 ½ -5 hours.

Day 09: Excursion to Gokyo Ri (5843m) and return

Today we conquer a peak in the Himalayas, Gokyo Ri, to watch unparalleled views of three of the world’s highest mountains, the world’s tallest, Everest, the elusive Makalu, and the pristine Cho Oyu. This point is often touted as one of the best mountain panoramas on earth.

We start early, and halfway through as we get our first glimpses of Everest as the sun begins to rise. Atop the Gokyo Ri, we are surrounded by the Himalayas. The turquoise lakes shimmer below us and words do not do justice to the view atop the Gokyo Ri.

After basking in the glory and taking in all of the views, we make our way back to Gokyo.

Overnight: Gokyo                               

Trek Duration: 4 – 4 ½ hours.

 Day 10: Thagnak (4750m)

Heading away from Gokyo village, we weave our way away from Thagnak. The trail meanders through a section of Nzogungpa Glacier. Magnificent views of the Cho Oyu and Cholatse en route as we make our way towards Cho La.

Overnight: Thagnak

Trek Duration: 3 – 3 ½ hours.

Day 11: Dzong La (4843m) via Cho La Pass (5420m)

One of the major highlights of the trek – we start early. Depending on the amount of snowfall, we steadily make our way to the Cho La Pass. Soak in the views atop the pass before heading down to Dzong La. Crossing the pass insinuates a huge sense of accomplishment in trekkers. Ama Dablam comes back into view as we reach Dzong La.

Overnight: Dzong La                          

Trek Duration: 7 – 9 hours.

Day 12: Lobuche (4931m)

Above the village of Chola, we traverse high on the flanks of Awi Peak. Past the Cholatse Lake, the Chola Glacier flows steeply from a saddle between the cliffs of Chola tse and Taweche. A stunning view of Nuptse towering above the Khumbu Glacier unfolds before us. Continuing our trail, we join the main route to EBC between Thyangboche and Lobuche.

Overnight: Lobuche                           

Trek Duration: 3 ½ hours. 

 Day 13: Gorakshep (5160m) – Everest Base Camp (5360m) – Gorakshep

Travel along the Khumbu Glacier through jumbled moraines and scattered rocks – on a clear day Everest can be seen looming behind Nuptse. Approach the ridge above Gorakshep and tread down to reach it.

Gorakshep was used as EBC during the 1950s expeditions and has several monuments dedicated to Everest Mountaineers who lost their lives during their attempts to scale Everest. After a short rest, we head up to the EBC – just below the infamous Khumbu Icefall.

Overnight: Gorakshep                       

Trek Duration: 7 ½ – 8 ½ hours.

Day 14: Kala Patthar (5545m) – back to Pheriche (4371m)

Early breakfast and an arduous trek uphill for about 2 hours, reach Kala Patthar to catch stunning, panoramic, awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas, Everest included. The trip to Kala Pathhar although difficult is rewarding. Catch sights of some of the tallest peaks of the world – Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7855m), Lhotse (8516m), Pumori (7145m), and more.

Take some time to fully soak in the spectacular view ahead of us before heading back down. From Gorakshep, we collect our belongings and head down the jumbled moraines to reach Lobuche. We cross through a Sherpa Memorial – a tribute to the lives of the brave souls lost during their Everest Expeditions.

Overnight: Pheriche                           

Trek Duration: 6 ½ – 7 ½ hours.

Day 15: Thyangboche (3867m)

After spending days above 4200 meters, most trekkers welcome the thought of returning to warmer climes, and the body yearns for softer climbs. The walk today is a delight.

We start our journey along the walled paths of Dingboche, a slight gradual ascent before we descend towards the gushing Dudh Koshi. Cross Pangboche, and walk to the meadows of Devouche – a lovely fir and rhododendron forest. A short climb during our last leg brings us to Thyangboche.

Overnight: Thyangboche                  

Trek Duration: 4 ½ – 5 hours.

Day 16: Namche Bazaar (3447m)

Retrace our steps through the forests of juniper, rhododendrons, and fir to PhunkTanga. Cross DudhKosi, ascend to Trashing. Stop for a short break and Shanasa – a small town where Tibetan traders have traditional artifacts and souvenirs for sale. Indulge yourself.  An easy walk brings us to Namche Bazaar.

Overnight: Namche                            

Trek Duration: 4 ½ – 5 hours.

Day 17: Lukla

We exit the Sagarmatha National Park at the same point we had entered a few days ago. Follow the same footsteps, take in the views of the mountains – our abode for the past few days and make way to Lukla – where we officially finish our trek.

In the evening, a farewell dinner, and may be followed by a few celebratory drinks and dance with our Sherpa companions.

Overnight: Lukla 

Trek Duration: 5 ½ – 6 ½ hours.

Day 18: Flight: Lukla to Kathmandu

A hearty breakfast – our last meal in the lap of the Himalayas. We take a short flight back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival, be met by a representative and transferred to the hotel.

The remainder of the day is free.

Overnight: Hotel, Kathmandu.

Day 19: Free day in Kathmandu

Take the day to explore Kathmandu – a city where the modern meets the traditional.

Note: If you wish to go sightseeing, please contact our representative for tour options.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 20: Departure

Last-minute shopping of souvenirs and transfer to TIA, Kathmandu for onward journey.

** End of Arrangements**

Note: Please bear in mind that all Trek and Drive duration are approximate times.