Day 01 | International arrival in Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Trans Himalayan Tour will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We will have booked a 4 star/5 star accommodation for you, depending on your preference. We would also arrange for your visit to Trans Himalayan Tour office in Patan where we will brief you on the itinerary in person and introduce you to your trekking guide. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02 | Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Phakding: 35min flight, 3-4 hrs trek. Ending Elevation: 2610m

The flight into Lukla is spectacular and the airport is situated amongst the hills at an altitude of 2860m. The landing at Lukla airport is an exhilarating beginning to the trek, with the runway being 520m long and 30m wide, along with an incline of 12 degrees.

Once in Lukla, the entry point of the Khumbu valley, you will be meeting your team of guide(s) and porter(s). While you are having breakfast at a local lodge and preparing for the first day of trekking, they will be arranging the luggage to carry. Today you will head through pine and cedar woods in a dusty track studded with rocks along the Dudh Kosi river to Phakding. You pass locals going about their daily chores and you learn to go around Mani stones and cross the suspension bridges. It is interesting to note that geographically, the Solukhumbu district is divided into two regions, the area up to Lukla is known as Solu and the land above Lukla is known as the Khumbu region. You will also begin to gaze upon the trip’s first mountainous glory, such as the Kusum Kanguru (6367m). It is a gentle start to the Everest region trek and the night will be spent in a comfortable lodge in Phakding village.

Day 03 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3440m

The trek through the lower Khumbu valley is fairly well populated with not too extreme temperatures. The paths lead you through rhododendron and magnolia forests, and past several villages such as Chumoa and Monjo. You will also see the beautiful Dudh Koshi valley and the river streaming below. If you visit during spring season, you might be surprised to see some cherry blossom trees along the way, especially one brought from Japan and planted by a Japanese trekker named Mr. Osawa in Chumoa. Mr. Osawa is no longer with us but he trekked with Trans Himalayan Tour every year for 20 years to go to Gokyo and Gorakshep and take an ice bath in a small lake in Gorakshep.

You will be entering the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park from Monjo as you dwell deeper into the Khumbu region. It is a strenuous hike uphill from Jorsale to Namche Bazaar with no settlements in between. The first glimpse of Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m) and Nuptse (7861m) can be seen from Toap Hill which is a good place for a break. Go slowly while you ascend and notable mountains include the Kongde Ri (6187m), Kusum Kang (6367m) and Thamserku (6608m).

Day 04 | Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is regarded as the ‘capital’ of the Khumbu region and the gateway to the high Himalayan treks. The village has many colorful shops and lodges where it is possible to find almost anything required for trekking. An acclimatization day is scheduled to adjust your body to the change in altitude and help avoid symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in higher elevation. It is recommended to take hikes to nearby side trips such as to Hotel Everest View in Syangboche or the Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde. You will notice that there is a beautiful rocky mountain in the back of the two villages, this is known as Khumbila (or Khumbi Yula), the protector god of Khumbu. Climbing this scared mountain is prohibited and each year the Sherpas pray to Khumbila in June/July and perform an masked dance of Tibetan Buddhism origin.

Day 05 | Namche Bazaar to Tengboche/Debuche: 5hrs. Ending Elevation: 3860m

The view from the popular Tengboche Monastery is deemed to be absolutely amazing. The monastery is located within the Sagarmatha National Park and provides panoramic views of the highest mountains on earth with views of Ama Dablam (6856m), Kangtega (6685m), Everest (8848m), and Taboche (6542m) all appearing in close proximity. If you reach Tengboche village by 3pm, you may be able to observe the Buddhist chanting ceremony by resident monks at the monastery. As the lodges in Tengboche can be easily packed, you have the option of going further to Debuche, which lies 20 minutes ahead for your overnight stay.

Day 06 | Tengboche to Dingboche: 5-6 hrs. Ending Elevation: 4410m

The route to Dingboche would mostly be on level grounds. You move through the green and moss covered trees with glacial streams raging below. You would cross the Imja river on a steel bridge and the backdrop of Ama Dablam makes it a great Kodak moment. Pangboche would be the last forested area that you will see until your descend from Everest Base Camp. Today would be the day that you trek above the tree line and move into a completely different type of landscape all together, with plant life limited to small shrubs and grasses. The view of Lhotse, Nuptse, Island Peak, Peak 38, Tabuche, Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku comes fully in sight during the duration of the trek.

Day 07 | Acclimatization at Dingboche

For the rest day at Dingboche, you can choose to go to Mt. Makalu (8463m) viewpoint in the morning or take the day to visit Chhukung which is further away. The viewpoint will reward you with panoramic views of Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8516m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Thamserku (6608m) and Kantega (6782m) to name a few. Chhukung is a scenic village surrounded by mountains and this makes for a challenging but highly rewarding acclimatization hike. From here on, the winds cut through like ice so please make sure that you wear proper layers and have a strong windproof jacket and cover your ears.  

An interesting fact about Dingboche is that there are no residents here during the monsoon season after the plantation of crops. The lodges are not allowed to produce smoke in fear that it may disturb the crops and residents move out to higher or lower elevation for these months. It is a tradition that is carried on even today. If you were to do the EBC trek during monsoon, you would be staying at Pheriche instead of Dingboche.

Day 08 | Dingboche to Lobuche: 4-5 hrs. Ending Elevation: 4930m

With higher altitude the walking becomes increasingly strenuous so make sure to go slow while trekking from Dingboche to Lobuche. Also, why hurry as the glorious mountains seem closer and bigger in the surrounding desolate terrain. You may also be wondering why there are empty looking huts dotted on the trails. These are known as yak kharkas and it is where the yak herders stay during monsoon season. The trail passes through boulder-strewn slopes as we ascend Chupki Lhara which is a ridge that provides spectacular mountain views. The top of the ridge is filled with prayer flags and stones which are memorial shrines for climbers who lost their lives on Mt. Everest.  As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves facing several great peaks including Khumbutse (6636m), Lingtren (6714m) and most notably, Mt. Pumori (7161m). 

Day 09 | Lobuche to Gorakshep: 3 hrs hike. Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp (5364m) round trip: 4-5 hrs. Ending Elevation: 5160m

The trail begins from a narrow gap between the glacial moraine and the mountain and within a few hours you will arrive at the sandy, flat area on which the lodges in Gorakshep are situated. The lodges here are very basic and sleeping at over 5000m is seldom comfortable, however it is a convenient stop for trekkers wanting to get to EBC and Kala Pathar.

After dropping your duffel bag in the lodge room at Gorakshep and having lunch, you can prepare yourself to realize your dream of reaching Everest Base Camp. The round trip hike takes around 4-5 hours and it is a grueling walk involving going over glacial moraine and rocks with strong winds. Be sure to look out to the Khumbu Glacier and the Khumbu Icefall located on the slopes of the mighty Everest.  While at Base Camp, take a moment to soak in the experience of what you have accomplished. If you happen to be there around expedition season, you will see dozens of colorful tents filled with different nationalities, all eager to climb to the highest point on earth.

Day 10. Gorakshep to Kala Pathar (5545m) round trip 3-4 hrs. Trek from Gorakshep to Lobuche (2-3 hrs) Ending Elevation: 4940m

The hike to Kala Pathar involves an early morning rise and a determination to walk up a steep trail for one of the best views of Mt. Everest.  After a 200m ascent to the summit, enjoy the glorious views of the Himalayas and the mighty Everest up close. The steep hike to Kala Patthar starts early in the morning with headlights and at the top, the sun rises from behind Mt. Everest. The south face of Everest becomes clear as well as Pumori, Lobuche West, Nuptse, Lhotse and other magnificent peaks all around.

After all of the arduous trek in high altitude, you should feel very light on your feet as you go mostly downhill to Lobuche. Going to Kala Pathar is optional as you may want to head straight to Lobuche on a 2 hour downward hike.  


Day 11: Lobuche to Dzonglha: 2.5-3hrs. Ending Elevation 4830m

We climb up from Lobuche and walk through a grassy trail while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak on the right side. From this route both Pheriche and Dhugla are visible as well as other great mountain views. We follow the Lobuche Khola downstream curving through the wide river bed where, after a while, we take a trail to the right heading off towards Dzonglha. You can spend the afternoon taking a rest to help prepare for the next day’s long trek. 

Day 12: Dzonglha to Tagnak via Cho La Pass (5420m): 8-9hrs. Ending Elevation 4700m

Today is going to be one of the toughest days of the trip, starting from early morning. You will be rewarded with the dramatic landscape of walking nearby the snow covered peaks, Ama Dablam in the background and Cholatse soaring to the west. The Cho La Pass involves a steep, vertical ascent and the paths glazed by ice and loose stones may make the trail slippery. It is therefore better to start very early before the sun starts to melt the ice. It is recommended to take crampons (even simple portable ones) for better support. 

You will know when you have reached Cho La Pass with the sight of the customary prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The trail will then lead you through the side of a frozen lake, down towards a rocky trail along a ravine.

It is a long walk but you should start to feel more comfortable as you descend to Tagnak, knowing the hardest parts of the trek are now completed.


Day 13: Tagnak to Gokyo:  3-4hrs, Ending Elevation 4750m

Trekking down towards the Gokyo valley and crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier, today you will reach the beautiful village of Gokyo where you can sit back, relax and soak in the magical views of the turquoise blue lakes. The village stands by the third lake (Dudh Pokhari) and provides panoramic views of Taboche, Cholatse, Machhermo peak, Renjo La and Cho Oyu.

Day 14: Gokyo to Gokyo Ri: 4-5 hrs. Highest Elevation 5357m

The climb to Gokyo Ri can be quite challenging and the right approach is to ascend very slowly as any exertion can leave the climber breathless at such altitude. At the top of the peak you are provided with a front row seat to the Himalayan amphitheater with a 360 degree views of the mountains and the Ngozumpa Glacier. Your gaze will scroll through clockwise going from Cho Oyo, Nuptse, Everest, Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Cholatse, Tabuche, Kantega, Thamserku, Lobuche and countless other peaks with the turquoise lakes seated serenely below. Overnight in Gokyo

Day 15: Gokyo to Dole: 5-6 hrs. Ending Elevation: 4110m

It is a fairly easy trek from Gokyo to Dole, a path that is mostly going downhill. You will pass the first and second lake and may be able to spot some Eurasian shell ducks or the Tibetan snowcocks along the way. You will notice that the breathing becomes easier as you start to go down in altitude and enjoy the walk.

Day 16. Dole to Hotel Everest View (Syangboche): 4-5 hrs. Ending Elevation 3880m

After walking through a jungle of pine trees and rhododendron trees, it is a one hour uphill before you reach Mongla, a perfect lunch stop. It is a small but charming settlement of around 10 lodges with a great view of Mt. Tabuche (6542m). From Mongla to Hotel Everest View is around 1.5 to 2 hrs hike.  

Opened in 1971, Hotel Everest View has been listed on the Guinness Book of World Records (2004) as the Highest Placed Hotel in the world at 3,880m. Featured in numerous guide books and having received media coverage, the resort has become a destination in its own right. After a highly rewarding trek to EBC and Gokyo, you may want to simply relax in the comfort of hot showers, electric blankets and some delicious Japanese set menus.

Day 17 | HEV to Phakding: 5-6 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2610m

Trekking from HEV to Phakding, you will be going back the same path you trekked many days ago. This time it is mostly downhill so it may be hard on your weary knees. During the peak seasons in spring and autumn when the helicopter shuttle is available (usually March 15 – May 15 and Oct 1 – Dec 5), you can opt to take the heli from HEV directly to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu same day, which will save you 2 days of trekking.

Day 18 | Phakding to Lukla: 3-4 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2860m

It is a fairly relaxed trek today and you will be pushing through the final uphill back to Lukla. Enjoy the last day of trekking and celebrate the successful completion of your trek with your guides and porters!

Day 19 | Lukla to Kathmandu

After another short domestic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, we bring you back to the city that started your journey. The day can be arranged for some sight-seeing around the famous World Heritage sights in Kathmandu, highly recommended are Patan Dubar Square, Boudhanath stupa and Swayambhunath temple (monkey temple). Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 20 | International Departure

As this epic adventure wraps up, you may already be planning for your next trip to Nepal. A representative from Trans Himalayan Tour will escort you to the international airport in Kathmandu and we wish you a pleasant flight home. All the best until we meet again! 

Include:

 International & domestic airport pick up and drop off to and from a hotel in Kathmandu

 Overnights in Kathmandu on BB (bed & breakfast) basis in a 4/5 star category hotel

 Domestic flights and ground transportation

 Government licensed main trekking guide, assistant guide (for groups over 3 pax) and porters. One porter for      every two trekkers.

 Staff costs are included – wages, insurance, equipment, food & accommodation

 Trekking accommodation in tea houses with attached bathrooms where available

 3 meals a day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus tea/coffee breaks during the trek

 A 60 liter company duffel bag per person – for yours to keep

 Sleeping bags (good up to -20 degrees) and hot water bags for the duration of the trek

 First Aid kit – to be carried by the trekking guide

 Trekking permits and entrance fees

 Kathmandu valley sight-seeing tour with private vehicle and city guide as mentioned in itinerary

 All rates are inclusive of service charge and government tax

Exclude:

 International flight tickets

 Lunch & dinner outside of trekking (not included in Kathmandu/other cities)

 Nepal entry visa fee – visa is available upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu

 Medical insurance – please make sure you have travel insurance for Nepal

 Alcoholic beverages/soft drinks/bottled water

 Tips (tipping is expected)