Tour Overview
Welcome to Nepal! Shrouded in clouds and steeped in tales of tragedy and triumph, Mt. Everest is a more than a mountain; it is the stuff of legends. On this trek through the foothills of Everest, you have the opportunity to experience the majesty of this massive peak without risking life and limb to climb it! Start in Kathmandu, where you can explore the temples and monuments that make it such a sacred city. From there, fly to the charming town of Lukla and start your trek. The stunning views of Everest, Lhotse and other peaks are well worth the demanding uphill climbs for the next few days. Besides the scenery, highlights of the trek include a visit to the Thyanboche monastery, one of the Khumbu region’s most important cultural centers and a day in Namche, a thriving town clinging to the hillside. Your descent is just as enjoyable and the warmer climate allows you to shed those sweaters.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu, NepalOn arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. This afternoon, enjoy an early afternoon exploratory walk in the old part of Kathmandu; wander past the vegetable and spice markets, beautifully carved old houses, stupas and temples, cows pestering the vegetable vendors and more. The Shangri-la Hotel is a luxury 4* hotel located in the quiet diplomatic enclave, just 7 kilometers from the airport and 2 kilometers from the heart of the city. The rooms are furnished in contemporary elegance, fully air-conditioned and heated with individually controlled thermostats, complimented by an excellent variety of dining, sports and recreational facilities, Shangri-La is the perfect blend of international standards and grateful tradition. The Hyatt Regency resort hotel is situated about 10km from the city center on the road to the Boudhanath Stupa- the most holy of Tibetan Buddhist shrines outside Tibet. The hotel is only 4km from the airport and very close to shopping areas. The Boudhanath Stupa is within 10 minutes walking distance from the hotel. The hotel is also host to the Club Oasis Spa, a sanctuary of calm in Kathmandu.
Hotel Shangri-La Kathmandu or Hyatt Regency Day 2: Kathmandu
Today you have a full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu, followed by a briefing and last minute shopping for your Everest Base Camp trek. The Kathmandu Valley is the historical center of Nepal and each of its three cities, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhakatapur, has a strong artistic and architectural tradition. Today’s sightseeing tour of Kathmandu will include the following: The Temple of the Living Goddess - The Kumari Devi: Chosen at the age of four or five, the Kumari Devi is the most important of the several living goddesses in Nepal. Selected using very strict criteria, she moves into the temple with her family, leaving only to attain a few festivals each year Durbar Square: ‘Durbar’ means ‘palace’ and takes its name from the old Royal Palace, who no longer inhabited by the King. The center of the old city, there are number of other interesting temples including Kasthamandap, (house of wood) which give the Kathmandu city its name. Swayambhunath: Perched on a hill, this is one of the most popular symbols of Nepal. Its great stairway leads up to the temple complex dominated by the soaring central stupa, with the all seeing eyes of Buddha gazing out over the valley in each direction from the four sides of a block on top of the spire. Believed to be over 2,000 years old, Swayambhunath was an important Buddhist center by the 13th century.
Breakfast
Hotel Shangri-La Kathmandu or Hyatt Regency Day 3: Kathmandu- Lukla- Trek to Monjo
This morning you will be privately transfer to the domestic airport for your 40-minute flight to Lukla. During the flight, look out and enjoy views of the Langtang and Jugal ranges that surround the Kathmandu Basin. Fly over Rowling Himal where Gaurisankar and Menlungtse are particularly striking. Upon entering the Khumbu Region, the nose of the plane dips down for a thrilling, but safe, landing at Lukla. Begin today’s 3-4 hour trek in Lukla. As you pass through Lukla, with its hotels, teahouses and general stores, you begin a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left back of the Dudh Kosi. Nupla (17,665 feet), which can be seen in distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. Descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views of the valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (19,101 feet). The Dudh Kosi approaches; pass a Mani wall and arrive at the Ghat Teahouse. Continue along a small path with many climbs and descents, following the left bank of the Dudh Kosi to Phakdingma. Start along a level path along the right bank of the river as Thamsserku (19,869 feet) looms skyward on the opposite bank. Cross a stream and climb the terraced hill to arrive at Bengar. Climb from the riverbed on the left back onto a mountain and through a forest to Chumoa. Continue along a path with many ups and downs and pass by the tiny village of Monjo.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at the Everest Summit Lodge in Monjo. Day 4: Trek Monjo- Namche Bazaar
Descend a path of stone steps and return to the right bank over a wooden bridge. After a short climb you come to Josare’s teahouse and hotel, and also stop at the National Park Service, where a park entrance fee is collected. Depart Josare and enter a forested mountainside. Following a short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped valley where the river forks- the right is the Dudh Kosi and the left is the Bhote Kosi, which leads to Nampa La. After a short distance along the Bhote Kosi, we begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. As the mountain path zigzags uphill, you will emerge at a ridge top rest area that offers excellent views of Everest and Lhoste. The climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazaar appears ahead as you travel along the path surrounded by pines. Pass the plateau where the Saturday Bazaar is held and enter the village. Namche Bazaar (10,320 feet) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Bhote Kosi. The village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Zhamling Guest House – Namche Bazaar Day 5: Namche Bazaar- Tashinga
Leave Namche Bazaar, a short climb towards the National Park Headquarters and then a pleasant walk with switchbacks. Spectacular views of Thamserku, Amadablam, Lhoste, Nuptse and Everest are seen from the trail. A short descent takes you to the village of Sanasa, filled with teahouses and souvenir shops. Then, the trail makes a short descent to Tashinga.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Everest Summit Lodge – Tashinga Day 6: Trek Tashinga- Pangboche
Today’s trek is approximately six miles and will take around five hours. The trail leads along a winding path with great views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and a close-up view of Tharmserkhu. You will come to a busy place called Shanasa, where you have a high chance of seeing the beautifully colored Danphe Pheasant (Impeyan Pheasant), which is the national bird of Nepal, the elusive musk deer and even a herd of Himalayan Thar (mountain goat). From Shanasa, the trail descends to the Imjatse River at Phungitenga (3250m), a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small Royal Nepalese Army barracks in the midst of the alpine woods of mostly silver fir blue pines, rhododendron and some magnolia and birch trees. At Phungitenga there is an interesting prayer wheel propelled by water, from the nearby streams.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Everest Summit Lodge- Pangboche Day 7: Pangboche- Dingboche
Pass through the village and cross a stream to a path skirting a rocky area to the terraced hills along the riverbank. The trails climb slowly, winding above the Imjaste River to a big main Stupa. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imjaste Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. From Deboche, pass the long prayer Mani wall, to a small bridge over the narrow gorge of the Imjatse River. Continue up to the upper Pangboche village, where the old monastery is located. After passing the monastery there is a gradual walk downhill that brings you back to the main trail, where you will continue with a short climb to Shomare, a small settlement with a fantastic close-up view of Ama-Dablam-for lunch. After a pleasant break, your journey continues eastwards. After an hour walk, before a small wooden bridge the road splits two ways again; the north going to Pheriche and the second leading east beneath the towering north face of Ama Dablam. The trails climb slowly, winding above the Imjatse River until you come to a big Mani Stupa. Onwards from here the walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse with views of the eastern snow capped mountains including the Island Peak or Imjatse (6,189m), which is a popular trekking peak in Nepal. Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stonewalls protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Local Lodge – Dingboche Day 8: Dingboche
Today is a very important acclimatization day. The day is spent visiting the monastery in Dingboche, famous for its Yeti scalp and hand and then exploring the Imja Khola. There are some breathtaking views of the north face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as you explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak. Today’s walk is short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon and either do some laundry, photography, reading, writing, etc. or just laze in the sun.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Local Lodge – Dingboche Day 9: Dingboche- Loboche
Today’s trek is approximately five miles and will take around five hours. Today’s journey leads north and the path heads up for about 50 minutes until you come to a main prayer stupa. The trail is gentle looking down to Pheriche village below. Today's walk offers views of the Mt. Tawache, Ama Dablam and to the north of Pokalde (5,741m), Kongma-tse (5,820m) and the great wall of Nuptse. After a walk of one and a half to two hours the trail from Pheriche joins near Dugla (4595m) before a small wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier. Stop at Dugla for lunch before continuing for an hour up a steep hill to the top, where there are views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. This is a good spot for a short break. There is another one and half to two hours of trekking up to Loboche, hidden and sheltered from the wind.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Himalayan Chain Resort Day 10: Loboche- Everest Base Camp- Gorakshep
The trek to EBC (Everest Base Camp – 5360m/17,585ft) from Loboche to Gorakshep follows the Khumbu glacier, sometimes on the moraine and sometimes on the glacier itself. The walk is especially intriguing for the views it has of the 15-meter high seracs of ice, a feature peculiar to Himalayan glaciers. EBC is not actually a specific site. Various expeditions have selected different locations as their semi-permanent camp during their assault on Everest. In fact the base camp is a small-tented city by itself especially during the spring climbing season, which is from April to May. From here the walk is gradual till you reach the rocky spot after an hour walk. The views will be beyond your wildest imagination with Everest seeming within a stones throw distance between the summit of Mt. Nuptse and Lho-La and Lhotse on the back. The panoramic view from this spot is something to cherish and you feel it is worth the hard climb up to here and to feel at the top of the world. With all the higher snow capped giants that dominate all around, it is truly a magnificent spot to be at on a clear, sunny day. After a great moment, an hour and half descent takes you back to Gorakshep, the location of the original Everest Base Camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Local Lodge – Gorakshep Day 11: Gorakshep- Kalapathar- Pheriche
Cross over the sandy basin of Gorakshep before the steep ascent to Kalapathar (5545/18,192ft). Kalapathar is a small, rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Pumori. A slow, steady pace is once again the best attack. Avoid rushing. Stop and turn around; the scenery is fantastic! It is a hard climb, but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. Huge creaking glaciers surround you. The mountains of Khumbu are laid out in front of you with an incredible panorama comprising of Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Kangtega and Everest (Sagarmatha), which is the highest mountain in the world. Hard work, yes, but the rewards are fantastic! After spending some time at the top, an hour decent take you back to Goraskhshep and then to Pheriche. The descent to Pheriche is long because of the many uphill climbs from Gorakshep, but it is fairly easy. Pheriche has become famous for its high altitude research center run by Himalayan Rescue Association. The center attracts world-renowned physicians who acquire data to analyze the effects of high altitude on human physiology. You will have time to visit the research center during the stay here and chat with the staff.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Local Lodge – Pheriche Day 12: Pheriche- Tashinga
Descend downhill through the forest, cross the Imja Khola and then steadily climb to the village of Pangoboche. This village is directly opposite of Ama Dabiam (6,856m) and has exceptional views of the mountain. This trek is one of the more physically difficult so you will experience a slower pace and enjoy the interesting sights along the way. From the lodge it is 15 minutes to Everest National Park border where you will see bare vertical rock faces, pine forests and wispy waterfalls. Upon completion of border paperwork, you will follow the bank of the river for another 15 minutes to where the trail begins to climb towards the Hillary Bridge. This impressive suspension bridge spans a deep chasm. The path then zigzags up to the Dudh Kosi River. After an hour you will reach the first solitary teahouse aptly named “Good View Lodge”. Continue on to Tahsinga for overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Everest Summit Lodge- Tashinga Day 13: Tashinga- Monjo
Today’s trek is from Tashinga to Monjo.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Everest Summit Lodge- Monjo Day 14: Monjo- Lukla
Today trek back to Lukla Pass through the village of Phakding and view the monastery at Gumila. Monks from the Gelukpa Sect reside within this monastery and it is also a Buddhist teaching monastery. The trek to the monastery is 30-45 minutes from the main trekking route. Continue on to Lukla for overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Everest Summit Lodge – Lukla Day 15: Lukla- Kathmandu
Transfer to Lukla airport for return flight to Kathmandu. On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and overnight. This evening, enjoy a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Shangri-La Kathmandu or Hyatt Regency Day 16: Kathmandu
Today you have a full day tour including stops at Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Patan and the City of Art. Pashupatinath: The temple of Shiva with a two-tiered golden roof situated on the banks of sacred Bagmati. This is the most important Hindu temple in Nepal and is also a cremation site for Hindus. Boudhanath: The largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world, Boudhanath is the religious center for Nepal’s Tibetan community and is in one of the few places in the would where Tibetan culture is unrestricted and accessible to outsiders. One of the major trade routes from Lhasa came through here. Boudhanath lies at the Tibetan Traders entry to Kathmandu, where traveler’s still pray for a safe journey across the Himalayas or give thanks for a safe return. Patan: Also known as Lalitpur, it is the second major city of the Kathmandu valley. This medieval city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, Guardian deities and wonderful carving. It is also known as the city of arts. The major attractions of Patan are Durbar Square, Krishna Mandir and Kumbheshwor.
Breakfast
Hotel Shangri-La Kathmandu or Hyatt Regency Day 17: Depaty Kathmandu
Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your departure flight.
Breakfast
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