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 distance in the 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 for us to enjoy a pleasant evening. 

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

An exciting morning awaits us as we rise early to catch 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 side of the aisle for uninterrupted views of the high Himalaya as we fly east. The spectacular flight is made even more memorable as the plane may negotiate over turbulences as it flies above low mountain passes, giving us close sights of the trees and trails over the Lamjura Pass 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. The descend to Dudh Koshi river gives us our first experience of the trail and lets us test our footings along the Himalayan pathways, warm up our muscles on the worn stone steps and our balances on many suspension-bridges along the way. The trail is gentle, offering us views of tiny settlements scattered across the valley, and is often crowded with everyone using the one trail for their commutes, 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 (hill) rising from across the valley floor. We pass through dotted settlements inviting us in for warm drinks and minutes of rests, elaborately painted mani stones and concrete mani walls, before arriving at the villages of Nachi Pang and Thado Koshigaun, where we can take in the view of the summit of Kususm Khangaru (6,367m/20,890ft) rising over us. 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 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 our first 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 and Lhotse 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 mountain looms in the east, the hugewalls of the 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 

A short climb to the village of Syangboche (3,841m/12,600 ft) and the Everest View Hotel, just above Namche, is a popular half-day excursion for acclimatization to the high altitudes. The small fascinating village of Syangboche lies at the lap of Khumbi Yul Lha and boasts an unpaved 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 Everest View Hotel little further up the village offer us an undulating view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam from the hotel terrace and, combined with a cup of tea, offers us time to reflect on the surrounding splendours.

If we wish to continue a little further up, a 30 minutes' walk either to the two villages of Khunde or Khumjung, are quaint communities to explore. Khumjung (3,790m/12,430ft) sits a little below and welcomes guests to its monastery where a purported "Yeti Scalp" is placed on exhibition. Kunde is the site of the Kunde Hospital, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1966. Both villages lie adjacent to each other in the valley at the foot of the sacred mountain Khumbi Yul Lha (5,761m/18,901ft), “God of Khumbu".

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 Himalaya. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Namche onwards, the walk finally feels like we are in the high mountains now. Walking alongside the Thamserkhu massif we pass through rhododendron forests and small villages. Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam stretches in front before us, willing us forward, as the trail slowly rises and then descend toward Imja Drengkha Khola (Imja River). Across the bridge and a check post for the Sagarmatha National Park later, we find our self immediately climbing at the base of Kangtega mountain (‘The Yak Saddle’ 6,782m/22,251ft). The path snakes around rhododendron and conifer forests and sees walkers from smiling monks, attentive trekkers, singing porters and uninterested herds of yak caravans sharing the trail. 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.

At the end of the excursive climb, a chorten or a stupa welcomes us to the village of Tengboche (3,867m/12,687ft). Sitting on a forested ridge of Kangtega, the village is famous for its big Buddhist monastery and the magnificent panoramic views of the Himalaya 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. Over the years, 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 forest to the tiny hamlet of Deboche and the historic Deboche nunnery. Passing through Sherpa houses and ‘mani’ walls, we cross the suspension bridge over a beautiful gorge, where a short climb is rewarded by an awe-inspiring view of Ama Dablam. Numerous chortens and mani walls decorate the trail, and soon we arrive at the stone-walled fields of Pangboche village. The Pangboche monastery, located on top of a small climb over the village, holds in exhibit a ‘Yeti’ scalp and claw, and their authentications must be left to the viewers themselves.

The trail leading from the clustered Pangboche soon appears rugged and sparsely vegetated, reflecting the higher elevation we now traverse. We now feel the effect of the altitude and as advised, taking the climb slowly with enough est helps. The villages of Somare and Orsho arrive relatively quickly with short ascents, but most of the afternoon trail remains gentle. Yak pastures and herders’ small cottages breast the pathway that runs concurrent with the Imja Drengkha Khola (Imja River), with Tabouche Peak rising to our left. We cross a wooden bridge and make our way up a final climb, before a long mani wall welcomes us to the village of Dingboche (4,410m/14,470ft).

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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. 

Interesting acclimatisation excursions can be made from the valley. Perhaps the most strenuous one is the hike to Nangkartshang Gompa (5,083m/16,676ft), but as the saying goes “the best view comes after the hardest climb" and the excursion does not fail to deliver. A breath-taking view of the Himalayan grandeur with a 360-degree view of endless mountains await those we make it to the gompa. Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Taboche Peak, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Pumori, Amphu Laptse and many more clamour the sky, while the Chukung valley corridor with tiny villages and farms extend below. For those who find the hike stressful can enjoy similar views from the yak pastures, below on the ridge. The excursion to Nangkartshang Gompa is quite exhausting and it is understandable for casual trekkers to turnback from a comfortable elevation – a job done; we’ve climbed high enough for a well-deserved rest back at the valley.

Likewise, a 5 hour round trip to the village of Chukung (4,730m/15,518ft), north-east of Dingboche, also offers an interesting alternative. This small lodge village was once a yak pasture, but now sees arrival of mountaineers and trekkers looking for ‘off the well-trodden EBC’ experience.

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 then take the quieter high trail above the Imja Drengkha river. The trail is off the well-trodden EBC path and offers plenty of mesmerising views of the undulating mountains, valleys and ridges not seen from the more popular trail. Kangtega mountain dominates the back drop with the village of Tengboche perched on its ridge, while the main EBC trail can be seen winding down to the river. We continue with switchbacks and zigzags, alternating between ascends and descends, through narrow paths and steep contours. Be sure to be aware of the surroundings while studying the awesome sceneries as the path does have drops on the side. The less trafficked route may allow us to quietly follow Himalayan Thars grazing peacefully or witness Golden Eagles sweeping above looking for hunts. 

Soon the isolated village of Phortse comes into view, which as legend says was the landing site of the flying Lama Sanghwa Dorje. The village is a less visited, thereafter less commercial, night stop making it an ideal place to wind down from the strenuous efforts of the past few days. 

(This part of the itinerary may change with regards to conditions and safety measures.)

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We start our day with a steep descend down to the Dudh Koshi river, passing through rhododendron and birch forests. Keep an eye for musk deers and Pheasants as they scavenge for food in the forest. Crossing the wooden bridge over the river we continue toward Phortse Tenga (3,680m/12,074ft) where the trail to Gokyo Lakes heads off into the trees to the right. The path here becomes steeper as we ascend an hour’s climb to Mong La (3,973m/13,035ft), a small pass that is said to be the birth place of the levitating Lama Sanghwa Dorje. 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 Kantega mountain. 

The path contours around hillside as we traverse from Mong La, descending down stone steps and mani walls to the hidden farm village of Tashinga (3,450m/11,319ft). From here we re-join the main trail to Everest base camp as it gently curves around the hillside above the Dudh Koshi river. 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 return 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 takes us to the small farming village of Gumela, on a hill right 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 Thamserku 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 deserves a celebratory beer.

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. 

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast 

After an amazing adventure in the Himalaya, we reserve today to unwind, rest and take leisurely activities among the colourful crowds of Kathmandu. There are shopping and souvenirs to hunt and complete our travel memorabilia, or a city tour and sightseeing programs at the many cultural heritage sites, or just simply relaxing with drinks in our hands. 

There are numerous heritage sites, all with short distances of each other, inside the Kathmandu valley. None more significant than the Hindu pilgrimage complex of the holy Pashupatinath Temple and the serene Buddhist stupas of Bodhanath and Swayambhunath. The ancient royal courtyards of the three Durbar (Palace) Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, offers fantastic insights into the golden age of Newa cultures and their rich architectures and craftsmanship. The programs in Kathmandu are not included in the cost nor part of our itinerary. They are optional activities you can participate on your arrival. 

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.