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.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

After our first night of good sleep in the Himalayas we follow the Dudh Koshi river upstream, passing through conifer forests and small picturesque villages. The Thamserku Mountain (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 suspenseful subject to many photographs and GoPro videos. The bridge also marks the beginning of the steep climb to Namche. Midway up the climb offers a rest stop from where our first view of Mt. Everest and Lhotse can be seen. The gradient of the climb gently lessens as we 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. Thamserku mountain looms in the east, the huge walls 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 to mountaineering gears and equipment. A favourite night stop in the region, Namche Bazaar may appear to give an impression of a mini–United Nations’ 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 Himalayas. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner  

We climb above Namche Bazaar and follow the main trail to Everest base camp. The day, finally, feels like we have arrived in the high mountains as we contour the trail above the Dudh Koshi river. Walking alongside the Thamserkhu massif, we pass through rhododendron forests and small village of Khyangjuma, before branching off up the hill following up a sign post to Gokyo. 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. Up ahead a white stupa appears marking the end of the climb, giving us a much-needed target to follow.

Not long hereafter, we crest Mong La (3,973m/13,035ft), a small pass that is said to be the birth place of the flying 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 Kangtega mountain.

The trail sharply descends down a dusty rocky trail to the riverbed at Phortse Tenga (3,680m/12,074ft), where the cross roads for trail heading up to Gokyo and the trail that will rejoin the Everest base camp route, separates. We head northwest along the Dudh Koshi valley with mostly gradual climbs through the mossy rhododendron forest. 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. Shaded by Taboche Peak (6,495m/21,309ft) and the surrounding cliffs, the trail feels much colder, but pleasant, before the village of Dhole (4,200m/13,780ft) emerges above the tree line. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner  

Today we have a relatively easier day, with an intent to travel at a gradual pace, allowing our bodies to acclimatise to the higher elevations. Basically, a straightforward traverse with occasional deceptive climbs, this half a day’s walk finds us hiking above tree lines. The trail leads on to grasslands and open meadows, the scenery improving all the time. The neighbouring peaks of Taboche and Cholatse(6,440m/21,130ft) rises proudly on to our right, and in the distance Cho Oyu (8,188m/26,864ft), the sixth highest mountain in the world, looms ahead.

The trail continues to climb through Luza (4,400m/14,435ft), a small settlement with few lodging options, to Machhermo (4,470m/14,665ft). Essentially a summer farming and pasture village, Machhermo sits on a cove with open views of the surrounding mountains. If we can allow ourselves a 2-3 hours round trip, the views from the hill (around 4,900m/16,076ft) behind the village, are quite spectacular. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner  

Another half day trek, full of adventures, lead us to series of gorgeous lakes of Gokyo. Two days were split as to help us acclimatise with the elevation - but it does not get any easier as the trail climbs up the west side of the Ngozumba Glacier. 

A steady climb follows the trail to small settlements of Phangga (4,480m/14,698ft) and Nha, before the moraines and boulders of the Ngozumba Glacier flowing down from Cho Oyu and surrounding peaks, takes over. The terrain becomes more rocky and drier, the canyon gets narrower, as we ascent the steep climb. The trail levels off at the top of the rise, where we see the first of five Gokyo Lakes to the north and fine views of Taboche and Cholatse to the east.

The first lake, Langpungo Tsho, we approach is the smallest, followed by Taboche Tsho, the second lake. The lakes host golden Brahminy ducks and offer sights to behold of the broad valley towered by Cho Oyu, a massive glacier frozen above, and the village of Gokyo (4,790m/15,715ft) banking the third lake just ahead. The path gets spectacular and evermore scenic as we reach the large third lake, the Gokyo Tsho, and the lovely village of Gokyo. The third lake, also known by her Hindu name of Dudh Pokhari, is considered a sacred site by both Buddhists and Hindus.

The rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring the area, taking a walk to one of the other lakes – Thonak Tsho, or a well-deserved rest for the big day tomorrow.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Big morning, today, as we culminate our trek to its highest point at Gokyo Ri (5,360m/17,585ft). Taking advantage of the early morning weather, which normally stays clear and deteriorates toward the afternoon, we start out early. The base of Gokyo Ri lies just a short walk from the village across the lake's inlet creek. The summit is “only” 570 metres /1,900 feet from the lakeside village, and the average gradient of the climb is...well it’s the Himalayas... so naturally, its steep and rocky. A two to three hours of what sums up as ‘putting our lungs and hamstring to the test', the climb is simply a ‘get to the top’ effort. Never will there be a better day to follow on the occasional advice of ‘bistari, bistari’ meaning ‘slowly, slowly’ from our trek staff as we huff and puff our way to the summit.

Draped in prayer flags, the summit possesses a view unrivalled by any other locales in the Himalayas, or even in the world. Four of the six highest mountains dominate the skyline – Mt.Everest (highest at 8,848m/29,029ft), Lhotse (4th at 8,516m/27,940ft) and further up Makalu (5th at 8,481m/27,838ft) lies in the east, with Cho Oyu (6th at 8,188m/26,864ft) to the north. And there’s more with entire horizon visible with jagged snowy peaks; all around us ice, snow and glacial moraines; and extended down below are the three pristine Gokyo Lakes, the scenic lakeside village and the Ngozumba Glacier (the largest in Khumbu at 36km/22miles). It is unquestionable that many have found the view harder to express in words, a true nature’s experience well worth the strenuous efforts.

The descend takes us back to Ngozumba Glacier and Gokyo village, across the Gokyo valley and down into Dudh Koshi valley. The trail gets gentler as we arrive at Machhermo. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

We retrace our way back down the valley alongside fantastic views of small hamlets, and the dominating Cho Oyu, now behind us. Ahead as we descend down the Dudh Koshi river, the sacred mountain Khumbi Yul Lha (“God of Khumbu", 5,761m/18,901ft), Kangtega (“The Yak Saddle", 6,782m/22,251ft) and Thamserku (6,623m / 21,729ft) paints a dramatic landscape. We pass through Dole as the trail enters rhododendron and birch forest. Keep an eye for musk deers and Pheasants scavenging for food, and spectacular ice waterfalls along the shaded forest. The trail meets the river in Phortse Tenga (3,680m/12,074ft).

We climb back up to Mong La (3,973m/13,035ft) on the same dusty rocky path we were relieved to descend a few days ago. The hour-long climb is surprisingly hard, but it marks the end of our day in the scenic hilltop village.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

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's en6 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 take 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 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

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

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.