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

Meal: Breakfast 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

Meal: Breakfast 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 and 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 head toward Namche Gompa (monastery) and take the narrow trail to the helipad, before gradually climbing pass a field of mani rocks. The peak of Ama Dablam can be seen protruding out above the meadows in the east, and to the distant west, Thame and its monastery can be seen in contrast to the rugged Himalayan terrain. A pleasing trail lead us through sweet-smelling juniper and blue pine forest, curving along the hillside with easy ups and downs. With the massive ridge of Kongde Ri and the roar of Bhote Koshi river down the Nangpo Drangpo valley ever present to our left, we continue high above the river passing through remote farm houses and mani walls. The quite trail is a good opportunity to look out for Himalayan Gharel and colourful Impeyan Pheasant going about undisturbed along the forest.

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 Guru Rinpoche, Green Tara and Fat Buddha. 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 climbed Everest for a record 21 times.

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 around 35 monks in its 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 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 as meadows and rhododendron forest soon ends with the wide-open space of the village. A long mani wall and stupas welcome you to this picturesque. The Khumjung monastery is a must visit site as it houses a purported "Yeti Scalp" on exhibition. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast 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 around the hill. The steep climb pushes along narrow trail through medieval forests and towering rock face, ascending several stone staircases. The panoramic views from here are perfect excuses to rest awhile and catch our breath. 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 mountain.

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 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 a billboard to an unimaginable mountain adventures and expeditions. Kangtega mountain stretches across to our right and perched on its ridge is the village of Tengboche. 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 path does have drops on the side. 

Our trek today passes through prime Himalayan Tahr habitat. The low traffic route offers opportunities to 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 Ama Dablam base camp is around 6 km (5-6 hours) northeast of Pangboche, designating the village as the ideal night stop for mountaineers and trekkers to Ama Dablam. The Pangboche Gompa is believed to be the one of the oldest monasteries in the region and has some interesting relics and paintings, including the ‘said to be Yeti’ scalp and claw, but both were stolen some years ago.

Pangboche is the highest point of our trek at 3,985 metres / 13,074 feet and after a hearty lunch here, we head down to Tengboche. The stroll down contours high over the Imja Drengkha Khola (Imja River) and passes through 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 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 the next village at Kyangjuma, the route winds around endless corners, arriving at a commemorative memorial stupa and onto Namche. 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 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 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

Today we reserve ourselves a day of well-deserved leisure opportunities of some shopping and souvenir hunting, a city tour and sightseeing activities at the heritage sites, or just simply relaxing after the demanding trek. 

The Kathmandu valley locates heritage sites all within short distances of each other. The Hindu pilgrimage complex of the holy Pashupatinath Temple or the serene Buddhist stupas of Bodhanath and Swayambhunath are few of the religious sites that many would like to visit. 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. 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

Meal: 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.