Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)

Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley

Fly to Lukla (2804m) trek to Phakding (2610m) 3-4 hours

We have an early start with a short flight to STOL airstrip at Lukla. The Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla was established by Sir Edmund Hillary to help access the Everest region and the Sherpa people. It is a picturesque flight with marvelous views of the Eastern Himalaya. Once at Lukla we are immediately presented with views of huge peaks surrounding the village, offering a glimpse of what is to come. Our crew assembles and we head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks. We cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named "Dudh Kosi" (milk river) because of its color. Sections of today's walk are through pine forest and cleared areas to reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. We pass small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading goods and trek-gear along the trail. Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree-line as they rise above the deep river valley. Shortly after leaving camp we cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary stream to the Dudh Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kanguru (6369 m) can be seen to the East, at the head of the valley. Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-West, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde Ri (6093 m) rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises majestically, seemingly from the river floor Today's walk is not a long one, and you will be eager to press on. Slow down, and enjoy the journey.

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), 5-6 hrs

This morning we pass through the gates of the Sagamartha National Park. The establishment of this national park is a significant attempt to stem the use of fire-wood in the area and the few local people who have a permit to cut wood must gain approval from the authorities on the basis of it being primarily for their personal use. We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa 'capital' of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes through the forest of pine to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche, and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch, you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader's stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain.

Acclimatization and rest day at Namche Bazaar.

Our trek will start with an incline to Syangboche airstrip and along the ridgeline towards Everest View Hotel. This pleasant walk has magnificent views of the surrounding mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtega, Ama Dablam and many more. After enjoying a quick tea and coffee break to the views, we will continue towards Khumjung village to visit Sir Edmond Hillary's famous "Schoolhouse in the clouds." This is the first school in the Khumbu region, built-in 1961 with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary and The Himalayan Trust. The school originally opened with only two classrooms but has since expanded to cater for over 350 students of different ages. After visiting, we descend to Namche Bazaar.

Trek to Tengboche (3,870m), 5 - 6 hours

Our trek will start with an easy and flat trek to kyanjuma for about 2 hours. After tea break, another segment of the trek includes the famous descent to the Dudh-Koshi River and the equally famous ascent along with the rhododendron forests to Tengboche. While descending to Dudh Koshi River, you enjoy the views of mountain tops like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and many more. After your arrival at Tengboche, you will visit Tengboche monastery-the largest and the oldest monastery in the Everest region.

Trek to Dingboche (4,360 m), 5 - 6 hours

You descent and trek through forests filled with a variety of lush trees – birch, conifers and rhododendrons. This journey again rewards you with tremendous views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The picturesque trail dips down to Devuche, crosses the Imja River and takes you to Pangboche. The upper Pangboche trails reward you with a more pristine view of the Himalayas and the Pangboche Monastery. The trek moves ahead towards the Imja Valley, Lobuche River and ultimately begins climbing up to Dingboche. At Dingboche, you see a beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.

Acclimatization and rest day at Dingboche

Dingboche is a popular stop for trekkers and climbers headed to Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam or Imja Tse. The village is beautiful with an array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold wind and grazing animals. You spend a day at Dingboche for acclimatization. You take day hikes to either Nagarjun Hill or Chukkhung Valley for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache and Ama Dablam.

Dingboche to Lobuche (4940 m), 5-6 hours

You start the day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, you climb up a steep trail to Chupki Lhara, where you find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest.  Next, you continue to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and find yourself facing several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. The trail then eases off as you follow the valley to Lobuche.

Trek to Everest Base Camp (5365m) then trek back to Gorakshep (5180m), 7 - 8 hours

You take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, you come across the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence, it is important that you follow your lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. You pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, you see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains you can view from the base camp. You get back to Gorak Shep for a good night's rest.

Trek / Climb to Kalapattar (5545m) then trek down to Pheriche (4240 m), 6 - 7 hours

You prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that you get to see360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. You take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Pheriche for a good night's rest. Those participants who will visit Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start early as Everest base camp hike takes longer than the hike at Kala Patthar. After returning to Gorak Shep, both the groups will have lunch together; afternoon time is taken to descend down to Pheriche for a good night's rest. 

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3442m), 6 -7 hours

You trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the prayer-flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, your trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests. In the forest, you may come across colorful pheasants and mountain goats. The path eventually reaches Sansa from where you can enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse mountains. You also pass winding trails then through a forest before reaching Namche Bazaar.

Trek to Lukla (2804m) 4 - 5 hours

You snap a mixture of open plains and pine forests and in the distance snow-covered peaks. You walk through the Sherpa villages’ noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while you walk through the villages. The trail descends steeply downward so you need to walk cautiously as your shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After your arrival in Lukla, your stretches those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. 

Fly to Kathmandu

On your last morning in the mountains, you'll wake up early to catch a morning flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is at your disposal. If you didn't get a chance to see the city's main sights, you'll have a chance to see them now. You also might want to unwind with a massage or spa treatment in Thamel. Otherwise, you have the entire capital at your fingertips for sightseeing before you depart tomorrow.

Depart Kathmandu

Your adventure to Nepal comes to the end today! It’s time to say goodbye to Nepal until the Next Time! Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu, a city stroll, and-or souvenir shopping. NNTR representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home. On the way to your home, you have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful land of the mystic Himalayas.