Day 1
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport we meet & greet and transfer you to your chosen hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for you to settle into your hotel and relax, or start exploring the local area.
Day 2
After a morning pre-tour briefing we head out into Kathmandu for a tour of the city. We visit Dubar Square, with its numerous temples and the old royal palace, we take a walk up to the top of Swayambunath Stupa for a great view over the city, and of course there is plenty of time to enjoy the numerous shops and stalls along the way. The evening is free for you to try out one of the many local restaurants.
Day 3
Today we catch the short early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800m) and start trekking to Phakding (2,652m). Descending out of Lukla the trail gently winds its way along the river and serves as an easy introduction to the harder days ahead. We overnight at Phakding at one of the many comfortable trekking lodges.
Day 4
The day starts gently as we make our way along the river to the entrance of the Sagamartha National Park, where we will obtain our trekking permits and register with the park authorities. Soon the trail starts to rise for a long climb up to Namche Bazaar (3,446m), where we stop for the night.
Day 5
Today is a free day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatisation. This colourful Sherpa town is a great place to spend time exploring. There are numerous shops and stalls selling everything form cut price trekking gear to Buddhist prayer flags. Its internet cafes, bakeries and cafes are also popular with the many visitors. Of course, if you’re not too tired, there are plenty of interesting and scenic day walks you can do if wish. We overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.
Day 6
Leaving Namche Bazaar behind we climb over a ridge to Khumjung, a picturesque Sherpa village nestling in the next valley. On top of the ridge it is possible to get our first glimpse of Mount Everest, weather permitting. We overnight at a lodge in Khumjung.
Day 7
Our goal today is the village of Thengboche, which lies on top of the next ridge. This means we start the day with a long descent through Rhododendron forests down to the suspension bridge at Phunki Tenga (3,250m). Then we start the climb and it really is a strenuous climb, as now we have to fight against the altitude as well at the steepness of the trail. Eventually we crest the ridge and arrive at Thengboche (3,870m), from where, on a clear day, the views of Everest and Lhotse are magnificent. Thengboche is also the site of a large Buddhist monastery, which is certainly worth a visit. We overnight at a lodge in Thengboche.
Day 8
Today’s trekking takes us through beautiful Rhododendron forests as we follow the river up the Imja valley towards Dingboche. Along this stretch of the trail there is a good possibility of spotting the elusive musk deer, an endangered species indigenous to the area. Leaving the forests behind, we end the day with a steep climb up to Dingboche (4,410m). We overnight at a lodge in Dinggboche.
Day 9
We spend the day in Dingboche acclimatising to the high altitude. This beautiful Sherpa village is a patchwork of small fields enclosed by stonewalls and offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. If you don’t feel like resting you can head up the valley towards Chukung for even better views. We overnight at a lodge in Dingboche.
Day 10
Climbing up from Dingboche we follow the valley high up on one side until we reach Dughla (4,620m) and the entrance to the Khumbu valley. Heading up the Khumbu valley, a steep climb takes us over the Thokla Pass (4,830m) then we follow the edge of the glacial moraine onto Lobuche (4,910m). We overnight at a lodge in Lobuche.
Day 11
As we continue along the Khumbu valley the unfolding mountain panoramas are quite simply breathtaking. Reaching the Lobuche Pass (5,110m) we continue onto Gorak Shep (5,140m), where we take a welcome break from the altitude before making our short but steep ascent of Kalar Pattar (5,550m). This view point is the perfect place to take in the full majesty of the surrounding mountains. We overnight at a lodge in Gorak Shep.
Day 12
Today we continue up the edge of the Khumbu glacier until we finally reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m). If you’re lucky and the timing is right you may see expeditions preparing to climb Mount Everest. After spending some time to enjoy the surroundings and the completion of our goal, we make our way back down to Lobuche. We overnight at a lodge in Lobuche.
Day 13 - 15
From Lobuche we head back down the trail via Namche Bazaar to Lukla. Having acclimatised well to the altitude the trekking becomes much easier as we make our way back down to Lukla, and there is plenty of time to take in the beauty of our surroundings. We overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar and Lukla.
Day 16
This morning we catch the flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, where we transfer to our hotel’ and the rest of the day is free to relax and recover from the hard days trekking. The evening is free for us to treat ourselves to a post trekking feast at one of Kathmandu’s restaurants.
Day 17
Today is a free day in Kathmandu for you to enjoy at your leisure. You can relax and take it easy or do some more sightseeing, the choice is yours. Options include white water rafting or a guided tour to Patan & Bhaktapur.
Day 18
Your last day is free for you to catch up on some last minute souvenir shopping before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
