Flying in or out of Kathmandu valley is an amazing experience, very much so, on a clear day. As the plane approaches from the southern west vector, the Himalaya can be seen on the far distant north. The approach beautifully navigates between low mountains, passing over picturesque views of small villages, terrace fields and lush forests, before the urban city and its intrigued network of roads and buildings is sprawled below us.

As you make your way through the formalities of the immigration and custom procedures, our Office Representative will be awaiting at the airport and assists during our hotel check in. Hopefully the long flight has not been too exhausting to enjoy a pleasant evening. 

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast 

Enjoy a day embarking on a sightseeing program to many heritage sites hidden within the complex city, or just simply relax, visit a spa, wander around the neighbouring streets and temples, or take in any last-minute shopping for the mountains ahead.  

The Kathmandu valley locates cultural landmark sites all within short distances of each other. We recommend the Hindu pilgrimage complex of the holy Pashupatinath Temple and the serene Buddhist stupas of Bodhanath and Swayambhunath, are prominent religious sites that are not to be missed. The museums and ancient royal courtyards at the three Durbar (Palace) Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, richly transport us to the golden age of Newa cultures and their intricate architectures and workmanship, are some of Asia’s finest. 

“Having completed our preparations, we might cease from viewing temples carved by man to go in search of those natural temples of rock and ice." - H.W. Tilman.

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast 

Our exciting day begins with a 30-40 minutes flight to a small hilly village of Lukla. On boarding the tiny plane, make sure to take the seats on the left of the aisle for they offer uninterrupted views of the high Himalaya as we fly east. The spectacular flight is made even more memorable as the plane negotiates over turbulences and fly above low mountain passes, giving us close sights of the trees and trails over the Lamjura Pass and Lumding Danda (hill) below. The approach to the Tenzing-Hillary airport may have you scanning the surroundings and nervously ask, “where’s the airport?” It arrives with a short sloping runway on a 11.7% gradient that rises to around 60 metres from one end of the runway to the other. At an elevation of about 2,845m / 9,334 ft, Lukla sees multiple air traffic of passengers and cargo flights, daily, as road accessibility is not yet available. 

We enjoy a cup of tea and breath in our first Himalayan air – fresh, crisp and cool, as our trekking team helps to collect and prepare our luggage. Leaving the bustling village of Lukla and its colourful cobbled streets, the descend to Dudh Koshi river lets us test our footings along the Himalayan pathway and fluttering suspension bridges (fluttering? - you’ll know when you see one). The trail is gentle over rhododendron forests, with views of tiny settlements scattered across the valley, and is often busy with commuters of every walk using the single trail, including yaks and mules. The views of the mountains are quite here though, with the spear-headed Nupla Peak (5,885m/19,308ft) dominating the staggering walls of Lumding Danda rising across the valley floor. However, there are picturesque fields of barley, spinach and potatoes, colourful gompas (monastery), mani rocks, prayer wheels and dotted settlements that invite us in for warm drinks and minutes of rests, to interest us throughout the day. On arrival at the villages of Nachi Pang and Thado Koshigaun, we can take in the views of the three peaks of Kusum Khangaru (6,367m/20,890ft) rising over us. Continuing on, a small climb and a gentle contour later, we arrive at the village of Ghat with her small private chapel of the Rinpoche (honourable monk) of Phakding Monastery. An elegant mani stone hill, magical and maze-like, marks a pass from where the trail descends down to Phakding (2,610m/8,569ft) for our first night in the Himalaya.

For those with enough tanks left in their legs after the first day hike, can take a short 40-50 minutes climb to the Gumela Monastery above the village for an evening of exploration. However, many prefers to visit the monastery on their return leg to Lukla and our itinerary, too, is designed as such.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

After a night of good sleep in the mountains we follow the Dudh Koshi river upstream, passing through conifer forests and small picturesque villages. Apart from the steep climb to Namche Bazaar, the trail stays gentle throughout the day. Having said that, it is the sudden rise in altitude that may play critical role in the afternoon. So, let’s take it is easy, drink plenty of fluids, and of course, the mountain scenery gets better as the day progresses. We cross the Dudh Koshi several times and pass tiny settlements with delightful names such as Zamfute, Toktok, Bengkar, Chhamuwa and Monjo. Thamserku Peak (6,623m / 21,729ft) stands proudly on our right as we reach the village of Jorsalle and the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. Shortly, hereafter, we arrive at the confluence of two rivers, Imja Drangka flowing from the east and Nango Drangpo flowing from the west, that forms the Dudh Koshi river. Just ahead the high hanging Hillary bridge has been a fascinating subject to many photographers and video bloggers. The bridge also marks the beginning of the steep climb to Namche. It is advised to take the climb slowly with plenty of rest stops, though one may not feel necessary to do so. Many hikers see the climb as their first worthy challenge in the Himalaya and rushes uphill in good shape, only to find themselves suffering from the onset of acclimatisation issues in the coming days. Midway up the climb, a rest stop offers a promise of our first view of Mt. Everest (8,849m/29,029ft) and Lhotse (8,516m/27,940) to our north, if not shrouded underneath the afternoon clouds. The gradient of the climb gently lessens as we arrive at a check post and enter Namche Bazaar, 3,440 m/11,290 ft, the trade centre of Khumbu region. 

Namche is the largest village and the epicentre of trading activities in the region. Thamserkhu Peak in the east, the huge walls of Kongde Ri ridge to the west, and the sacred mountain Khumbi Yul Lha (5,761m/18,901ft) in the north dominates the Namche skyline. Traditional and contemporary Sherpa homes line up in the narrow streets alongside businesses that houses everything from cafes to handicrafts stores, to locally grown vegetables from nearby farms to Tibetan wears from across the border, to renowned brands of mountaineering gears and outdoor equipment. A favourite night-stop in the region, Namche Bazaar may appear to give an impression of an international convention with travellers from all around the globe congregating and sharing their experiences. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

The short climb to the Everest View Hotel sitting right above Namche Bazaar, is probably the most popular day hike and not without reason. The 440m/1,440ft climb starts behind Namche and stretches along the long ridge to the north. The two earlier days of our trek were along the shaded Dudh Koshi river corridor, whereas today feels like we have arrived at the mountains. The views continue to improve the higher we climb and reveal more mountains, distant villages and hamlets. It should take us about a little earlier than two hours of slow-paced climbing to reach the Everest View Hotel, a Guinness Book recognised highest located hotel.

Opened in 1971, the simple hotel was designed by a Japanese entrepreneur and an architect. An undulating 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains that includes Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), Ama Dablam (‘Mother's Necklace', 6,812m/22,349ft) and Khumbi Yul Lha (‘God of Khumbu', 5,761m/18,901ft), can be enjoyed from the hotel terrace. Combining the stupendous surrounding with a cup of tea or coffee makes for a one memorable hike in Namche.

Acclimatisation and regular hydration play vital roles in ensuring our body stay healthy in the high altitudes, and helps to avoid our holiday from being marred by discomforts and uneasiness. “Climb high, sleep low", “Take it slow" and “Drink plenty of fluids" are the secret mantras many have successfully adopted in the Himalayas. 

Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

The ancient Sherpa village of Thame lies north-west of Namche, off the well-trodden EBC trail to the north-east. Used mostly by Tibetan traders, the trail often sees travellers and trekkers wanting to explore Thame Valley and the Three Pass route. We climb out of Namche, toward the Namche Gompa and head west to the helicopter landing pad. The peak of Ama Dablam (6,812m/22.349ft) can be seen protruding out above the meadows in the east as we climb through a field of mani rocks. The path surprisingly levels off to a gentle gradient with easy ups and downs through sweet-smelling juniper and blue pine forest. The delightful walk is quiet and away from the busy Everest Base Camp route. Keep a look out for Blood Pheasants, Himalayan Monals, blue sheep and Himalayan Tahr foraging around the forest without much human intrusions to disturb them around. The snow-capped ridges of Kongde Ri accompanies the high trail over the roars of the Nangpo Drangpo river, all the way to the village of Teshyo. 

From the small settlement of Teshyo, a path climbs along the steep ridge to Mende and Lawudo Monastery Retreat (3,600m/11,811ft). It is almost a two hour climb from Teshyo to the monastery and can be visited if we might wish to choose. Continuing along the main trail we reach the next settlements of Thamo and Samde before descending down to the bridge over Bhote Khosi river. Here the river squeezes through a narrow defile and is decorated by rock paintings of Buddhist figures of Fat Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and Green Tara. The final climb ascends along a small stream and stone-walled fields before arriving at the village of Thame. The spread-out settlement was not only, once a home to Tenzing Norgay the first Sherpa to climb Mt. Everest alongside Sir. Edmund Hillary, but is also the birthplace of the legendary mountaineer Apa Sherpa who has climbed Everest for record times and still counting.

An hour’s climb along the ridge above the village takes us to Thame Monastery perched at the side of a cliff. Every year in May, the monastery and its, around 35 monks in residence celebrate the big festival of Mani Rimdu. As we trek along the ridge, the corridor to Nangpa La, a pass to Tibet, extends into the distance to the north. The pass had been a primary trade route between Nepal and Tibet for hundreds of years. Reaching the monastery, the terrace has a fabulous view of Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, and mountains beyond Namche to the east. A Game of Thronesque like majestic wall of Kongde Ri range and the notorious crossing to Rolwaling lies to the south-west.

Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We can visit the Thame Gompa in the morning, if we did not have time yesterday, and descend back down the valley. The path to Khumjung trails off to the left from the main route after passing through Teshyo and a big stupa. The high scenic trail climbs steadily before arriving at the end of an unpaved airstrip of Syangboche. 

The small fascinating village of Syangboche lies at the lap of Khumbi Yul Lha and boasts an airstrip that counts as one of the highest elevated airports in the world. Though not extensively used for its concern for reasonable acclimatisation elevation, the airstrip does welcome occasional helicopters and tiny Pilatus Porter planes carrying tourists not travelling above Namche Bazaar.

The path divides shortly, with the left fork heading toward Kunde (3,840m/12,598ft), a quaint village that locates the famous Kunde Hospital built by Sir Edmund Hillary. The right fork heads toward a stupa that delivers a stunning panoramic view of Khumbi Yul Lha, Taboche Peak (6,495m/21,309ft), Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), Ama Dablam, Kangtega (6,782m/22,251ft), Thamserku and the twin villages of Kunde and Khumjung down in the valley. Here, we can almost hear ourselves murmur the ‘Theme to Jurassic Park’, the classic John Williams compositions, for the Jurassic giants that stand above have us in awe.  

The descent down to Khumjung is easy through meadows and rhododendron forest that abruptly opens to a wide-open valley. A long mani wall and stupas welcome you to this hidden village marketed as the “Green Valley” for its colourful roof tops. The Khumjung monastery is a must visit, as it houses a purported "Yeti Scalp" on exhibition. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner  

Not far off down from Khumjung, the trail divides. The straight path goes to Sanasa and joins the main EBC route between Namche and Tengboche. We branch off to the left trail that climbs up and rounds a hill. The steep climb pushes along narrow trail through medieval forests and towering rock face, ascending over several stone staircases. Taking excuses of the panoramic views, we take consistent breaks and rest stops as the gradual climb continues for about an hour. Up ahead a white stupa appears marking the end of the climb, giving us a much-needed target to aim.

Not long hereafter, we crest Mong La (3,973m/13,035ft), a small pass that is said to be the birth place of Lama Sanghwa Dorje, the patron saint of Khumbu. A large chorten and prayer flags honour the birthplace at the pass which towers over the confluence of the Dudh Koshi river flowing down from the Gokyo valley, and the Imja Drengkha river streaming from Everest. The view from the stupa is breath-taking, particularly of the majestic Ama Dablam, and the Hunku valley peaks hidden behind the ridges of Kangtega Peak.

The trail sharply descends down a dusty rocky trail to the riverbed at Phortse Tenga (3,680m/12,074ft), where the trail for Gokyo Lakes heads off to the left into the trees. We will cross the Dudh Koshi river over a wooden bridge from where it gets surprisingly steep. Soon the isolated village of Phortse comes into view, which as legend says was the landing site of Lama Sanghwa Dorje after he flew across the sky. The village is a less visited, thereafter less commercial, night stop, making it an ideal place to wind down away from the crowded base camp trail.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

The day should be quite demanding and adventurous as the high trail rollercoasters with steep ups and downs, and few sections of narrow path alongside ledges. The views, however, are mesmerising from this airy trail with Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam ever-standing before us like advertisement boards to a utopian mountain adventure. Kangtega Peak stretches across to our right and perched on its ridge is the village of Tengboche over the deep river gorge of Imja Drengkha Khola. The main EBC trail can be seen winding up through the forest and disappear into the lap of the mountain. Be sure to be aware of the surroundings while studying the awesome sceneries as the trail lies at the edge of the ridge unprotected. Our trek passes through prime Himalayan Tahr habitat and with the low traffic on the route, we can quietly spy on the wild mountain goats peacefully grazing on the hillside, or Golden Eagles sweeping above circling for hunts. 

The trail gently descends as we arrive at the pleasant village of Pangboche. Numerous stupas or chortens, and mani walls decorate the trail as we enter between stone-walled fields and Sherpa houses. The idyllic village has an ancient history that dates back to Lama Sanghwa Dorje, the patron saint of Khumbu, and was the highest permanently inhabited settlement in the region before demands for tourism and lodges higher up the valley was placed.

The day ends early for us today. We can take the afternoon to visit the Pangboche Gompa, believed to be the one of the oldest monasteries in the region and has some interesting relics and paintings, including a purported “Yeti’ scalp and claw”.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner  

The excursion to Ama Dablam Base Camp is a good acclimatisation side trip that is often overlooked. Our trail departs right at the end of cluster of lodges and drops to the bridge over Imja Khola, before tackling an eroded and loose trail that climbs to the yak meadows of Cholungche. Few doksas (summer herder’s cottages) line up the plateau as we snake up to the prayer flags on the ridge head and continue toward the chorten col. The view here is sublime with Tabouche Peak and the triangular summit of Pumo Ri (‘The Mountain Daughter’, 7,161m/23,494ft) towering to the north, Nuptse-Lhotse wall up ahead and the dominating Ama Dablam to the east. We continue heading north-east, gaining elevations over small climbs before the flats of Ama Dablam base camp (4,576m/15,013ft) catches us by surprise.

Ama Dablam (The Mother’s Necklace 6,812m/22,349ft), is perhaps one of the most distinct peaks of Khumbu with her extending ridgeline that appears to cuddle a child. The experience of standing at the foot of the staggering peak with her sky-reaching summit is surreal, one worth the side trip taken. The base camp once facilitated the now-disused Mingbo Airstrip, where dare-devil pilots brought precious commodities and equipment for the expedition teams. Must have been a hair-raising experience with an approach that stares directly at the walls of Ama Dablam. 

The descent back down to our lodge is quicker and in time for a relaxing shower, before catching the warm hues of the sunset fade across the Himalaya. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

To help us better acclimatize to the rapidly increasing high altitude, we have designed a relatively short day, but it does not get any easier. The unrelenting Himalayan trail continues on an uphill course, leaving the clustered Pangboche village on a trail that is soon rugged, sparsely vegetated and rocky. We are now above the treelines, and on grasslands and shrubs. It is advised to take the short walk with relative ease and not rush to Dingboche, even though that the trail is gentle and pleasant. The tiny village of Somare arrives relatively quickly with short ascents, followed by wide yak paths, and the single lodge of Orsho. We arrive quickly at an intersection that heads north toward Pheriche and continue straight on to a drop at a wooden bridge, before climbing to a small hill that hides the view of Dingboche. The Imja Drengkha Khola runs concurrent with our trail as we pass Yak pastures and herders’ small cottages that keep the livestock away from the precious barley fields, before a long mani wall welcomes us to the village of Dingboche (4,410m/14,470ft).

The remote village of Dingboche lies on the stunning Chukung Valley surrounded by majestical Himalayan giants. The summer farm village is, undoubtedly, one of the highest elevated places where agriculture can be found with barley fields sprawled along the Imja Khola.

In the afternoon we can enjoy a short hike to the three white-washed chortens with Buddha’s eyes up the ridge that leads to the hills of Dolmo Ri. Topped with prayer flags, the vantage point offers 360-degree views over the valley and the Himalaya. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner  

The Chhukung valley is another lovely place that is often visited. Primarily used as night stop by experienced adventurers on their way to Imja Tse (Island Peak) or over to the high crossing of Kongma La, the secluded Chhukung sits at the edge of Khumbu. We leave Dingboche, heading northeast below the steep mountain ridge to the left. The trail leads up to grasslands and boulder-strewn left bank of Imja Drengka Khola and soon arrives at the sight of Bibre straddling the slopes to our north. Pressing on, the views get better with every step over the boulder field. The village of Chukung (4,730m/15,518ft) was once just a yak pasture, but now sees arrival of mountaineers and trekkers looking for the ‘off the well-trodden EBC’ experience. The remote village is surrounded by spectacular peaks of Tabouche, Nuptse-Lhotse wall and Ama Dablam. To our east the formidable fluted cirque of Amphu Laptsa (5,845m/19,176ft) and Imja Tse (6,189m/20,305ft) could have only been sculpted by divine hands. The short walk to Chhukung does allow us to explore the area around the valley and soak in the great views. You may have enough on you to hike up to Chhukung Ri (5,550m/18,208ft) behind the village or wander up the glacial moraines of Lhotse Glacier.  Do take it easy though, as we will be gaining sustainable altitudes. 

We will return back to Dingboche for the restful night and on to the high-altitude trail of Everest Base Camp.

For the above acclimatisation walks, it is fair practice to gain a comfortable altitude and return back to Dingboche for an evening of rest. The primary objective of the day is to aid in acclimatisation, rest and prepare for the final days to Everest Base Camp.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

This morning we head up north, slowly ascending the ridge toward the tiny hamlet of Dughla (4,620m/15,160ft). The path climbs rather steeply, laden with boulders and rocks from the moraine that marks the end of the Khumbu glacier. Tabouche and Cholatse Peaks towers over the trail to our left, and beyond them is the corridor to Gokyo Valley, area we will soon be trekking on during our return. We continue on the stiff path, wild and rugged, as it crests over a rise with series of chortens before arriving at Tokla Pass (4,830m/15,846ft) where many memorial cairns tributed to the fallen mountaineers in the Khumbu region are seen. Soon the valley opens up with Pumori Peak (7,161m/23,494ft) appearing in the distance ahead.

We follow the, often frozen, stream running at the side of the moraine and keep to the trail at the foot of the low hills. Soon clusters of lodges in this once a yak grazing summer homes marks the end of our day’s journey at Lobuche (4,940m/16,210ft). Though a bleak place, sunset view over Nuptse is quite spectacular from here. An early bed and plenty of rest should rejuvenate us for the push to Everest Base Camp in the morning.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Big day today, as we finally head to Everest Base Camp. An early morning start is best advice and make sure to have breakfast, fill up your water bottles and carry some snacks. The high altitude has a silent way of draining our energies and hitting us just as surprisingly.

We continue north east with our trail leadings through jumbled rocks and moraine area, staying aware of our footings as we negotiate between large boulders and irregular stones that are often covered with hidden icicles. The surrounding sees almost no vegetation and lifeless except for small conveys of Tibetan Snow Cock and Red-billed Chough.  About two and a half hour later, we arrive at the sparsely populated Gorakshep, where a small break of tea and snack offers a much-needed reprise. 

The trail continues to battle with the now-accustomed rocky moraine of the Khumbu glacier and the icy cold winds from the mountains. During climbing seasons, the trail will be relatively busy and lively with climbers and yaks carrying supplies line up the route. About two hours later we arrive at the base camp site which appears not to be a defined spot but rather a spread-out area where climbers can setup their expedition base. Although the view of the summit of Mt. Everest is obstructed by her triangular west shoulder from the base camp, we can observe the terrifying ice spires and cathedrals of the infamous Khumbu Icefall closely. 

“The view was dominated by the Khumbu Icefall, a vast, chaotic mass of ice, 2000 ft high and roughly half a mile long. Formed by the movement of the Khumbu Glacier over steep rock, it was a surreal sight: a twisted giant’s carpet, riven by huge crevasses and covered in apartment-sized blocks and vast tottering towers of snow and ice.” - Mick Conefrey, Everest 1953.  

The high altitude can make the return leg back to Gorakshep feel a long way.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

“Catching Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks before the clouds set in” is an incentive well enough to start early before dawn. Kala Patthar, the closest viewpoint to Mt. Everest, sees visitors energetically take the short climb, all to witness an awe-inspiring sight of the first morning lights hit world’s highest summit and the neighbouring peaks. 

The 2-3 hours climb alternates from gradual to steep gradients the higher we go. The tough excursion soon gets a needed boost as the summit of Mt. Everest slowly appears. And before long the rocky summit of Kala Patthar, the highest point of our trek, is reached. 

The stupendous 360-degree view from Kala Patthar feels like a deserving reward for all the hard works done in the past few days. In the east, Mt. Everest, Nuptse and the Tibetan peak Changtse (7,543m/24,747ft) hogs all of our attentions. The northern view is dominated by the beautiful Pumori (‘Mountain Daughter' at 7,161m/23,494ft), whose southern ridge locates Kala Patthar. The west sees beautiful rises of spires, peaks and snow-covered ridges. Looking south we see the familiar mountains of Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserkhu, gently reminding us of the many villages and people we came across on our traverse. Down below, as we extend our gaze, the rugged site of Everest base camp and the frozen Khumbu glacier streams down the foothills. 

The descend down to Gorakshep feels a lot celebratory, a feat no-less to be proud of. We take the trail back down all the way to Lobuche and Dughla, where instead of following the route to Dingboche we descend down to the valley on the other side of the ridge. A short distance on the flat brings us to Pheriche, our stop for the night.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

The day should be quite easy as we descend back to Pangboche and contours high over the Imja Drengkha Khola (Imja River), pass the iconic stupa that has been the subject of many classic photographs. The aged stupa with the ever-watchful Buddha eyes and the majestic Ama Dablam in the backdrop has graced many galleries and travel books. A quick descent to the suspension bridge precedes a short gradual climb to Debouche and onto the open space of Tengboche. Sitting on a forested ridge of Kangtega, the village is famous for the big Buddhist monastery and the magnificent panoramic views of the Himalayas that include Tabuche Peak (6,495m/21,309ft), Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), Nuptse (7,861m/25,791ft) and Ama Dablam (6,812m/22,349ft). The stunning panorama has been photographed and captivatingly captured for various publications and media. 

The Dawa Choling Gompa, known popularly as the Tengboche Monastery, is the oldest and the holiest pilgrimage site in the region. Built in 1916, the monastery has seen many renovation projects and has survived earthquakes and fire. The Rinpoche (honourable special monk) of the monastery blesses the general public at the end of the auspicious festival of Mani Rimdu, held during the tenth lunar month of the Tibetan Calendar. In the afternoon, the monastery allows visitors who can receive special blessings from the residing monks.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

We may be awoken by the sounds of prayers, horns and cymbals from the monastery very early in the morning. The trail from Tengboche descends through rhododendron and conifer forests to the tiny hamlet of Phunke Tenga (3,250m/10,662ft). Keep a look out for Blood Pheasants and Himalayan Monals scratching the ground underneath for food or for Red-Headed Bullfinch calling out atop a branch. Reaching the base at Phunke Tenga, we cross the check post for the Sagarmatha National Park, seven water driven prayer wheels and a bridge, before we find our self immediately climbing the small hill to Sanasa. Pass few vendors selling colourful Tibetan souvenirs and items at Sanasa and onto the next village of Kyangjuma, the route winds around endless corners, before arriving at a commemorative memorial stupa. The colourful and busy cobbled streets of Namche Bazaar is just around the few corners. A quick stop at the Sagarmatha National Park Museum just above Namche Bazaar, offers an interesting history and cultural insight into the region, if we did not have the time to visit on our way up.

The gradient gradually gets steep on the descend down from Namche to the Hillary bridge and should take us a little more than an hour to reach the riverbed. We trek alongside the river through Dudh Koshi valley and to the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint in Jorsalle. Just past the checkpoint, we arrive at Monjo, a quiet village where the climate gets warmer.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

We are on the main trail and retrace our steps back to Lukla. A little detour to Gumela Monastery takes us across the Dudh Koshi river and off the crowded trail. A little less than a 30-minute climb brings us to the small farming village of Gumela, on a hill above Phakding. The Pema Chholing Gompa or the Gumela Monastery has around 20 monks and nuns in residence, and houses the learning centre for all Sherpa culture, languages and religion to the region. Do not be surprised when little children, on their studies at the monastery, are eager to guide you around the Gompa. There are views of Thamserkhu and Kusum Kanguru (6,367m/20,899ft) on the rises directly before the hill of the monastery. 

We re-join the main trail at Phakding and head toward Ghat (2,530m/8,350ft) for our lunch. The climb leading to Lukla is deceptively long as we pass collections of houses and mani stones through scrub forests. One final climb later, the houses and hotels of Lukla slowly approaches and rapidly gets crowded and noisy as we near the airstrip. Our final night in Khumbu ends in a celebratory mood.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

An early morning breakfast provides us with ample time to make our way to the airport. The airport, in itself, is small and can get crowded with passengers just as quickly.

Lukla is notorious for its unpredictable weather which may cause flight delays or even cancellations. We shall do the utmost to ensure best services are available. The extra day in Kathmandu should offer a cushion should our Lukla flight be cancelled overnight.

And of course, before we leave the Himalayan mountains behind, we are offered one last enthralling experience as the tiny plane gathers speed while awaiting stationary at the top of the short runway before launching a sudden acceleration to catch enough lift for an amazing take off. A quick climb over the Lamjura pass and then the plane descends slowly toward Kathmandu valley. 

Our evening is shared with a one last hurrah. A celebratory farewell dinner in honor of you and the many more adventures to come.  

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Here we bid our farewell and wish you a nice flight back home. Our office representative will pick you up at the hotel for your transport to the international airport.