In the shadow of the world’s highest mountain we follow part of the classic route to Everest Base Camp. We trek through the heart of Sherpa homelands following the Dudh Kosi River to the cultural centre of Namche Bazaar and beyond to the hill-top monastery at Thyangboche (3876m). We also roam the narrow streets of Kathmandu and explore its ancient temples.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Kathmandu
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Swimming available
Day 2:
AM walking tour of Old Kathmandu. PM free to explore
This morning we have a full briefing on the trekking days ahead, plus a chance to visit a local hire shop should any last minute equipment still be needed. We then take a tour of the bazaars and temples of old Kathmandu in the company of a local Nepali guide. Our sightseeing takes in Durbar Square, with its collection of ornate palaces, courtyards and temples, as well as the Asan Bazaar and the Kumari Ghar, home to the Kumari Devi, a living goddess worshipped by both followers of the Hindu and Buddhist faiths.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
Day 3:
Fly to Lukla; trek to Phakding 2610m
Driving to Kathmandu’s domestic airport this morning we take a short flight to Lukla (2,840m), where we meet up with our Sherpa guides. The first part of our journey then takes us down to the village of Chhoplung and along the eastern bank of the Dudh Kosi to Ghat (2,545m). From here we cross the river and head for our first overnight camp at Phakding (2,610m). Please be aware that adverse weather and other local factors can cause delays and even cancellations to this flight and it may be necessary to adjust the itinerary accordingly. Total walking time: around three hours.
Overnight Teahouse (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4:
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
After breakfast we depart Phakding and continue along the western bank of the river, following a fairly level trail that leads into the Sagarmatha National Park at Monzo. The journey takes us through a landscape of pine and rhododendron forest, crossing the Dudh Kosi and ascending to the village of Chomoa. After lunch we then begin the long ascent up to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar, a fairly strenuous climb that should offer us our first views of Mount Everest and Lhotse. Total walking time: around 11 kilometres/ seven hours.
Overnight Teahouse (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
Namche Bazaar
Situated high above the Bhote Kosi Gorge, Namche is the centre of Sherpa life in the Upper Khumbu and its bustling market and steep, narrow streets provide plenty of colour and interest. We have an extra day here to help acclimatize to the altitude, which offers a chance to visit the national park headquarters, as well as the nearby Sherpa Museum. An optional morning hike up to the Everest Viewpoint also presents us with a chance to take in the panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Nupse, Lhotse and the Bhote Kosi Valley.
Overnight Teahouse (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
Trek from Namche to Thame (3,800m)
Leaving Namche this morning we head west, travelling along the Nangro Valley towards Thame, birthplace of Tenzing Norgey, the Sherpa guide who accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary to the summit of Everest in 1953. To the north of the town lies Nangpa La, the traditional route into neighbouring Tibet. You will have a chance to explore the town today, taking in one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the area and enjoying some great views of the peaks of Thamserku, Kongde and Tashi Laptsa. Total walking time: around nine kilometres/five hours.
Overnight Teahouse (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7:
Trek from Thame to Khumjung (3,780m)
Retracing our steps along the Nangro Valley this morning, we then join the trail that continues on to Khumjung, the largest village in the Khumbu region. Nestling below the sacred face of Khumbi-La, Khumjung is a traditional Sherpa village that is home to not only the world’s highest bakery, but also a monastery reputed to hold the scalp of one of the regions legendary yetis. En route to the village we can visit the Hillary Hospital at Khunde, as well as the famous school established by Sir Edmund in the 1960s. Total walking time: around 12 kilometres/six hours.
Overnight Teahouse (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8:
Trek from Khumjung to Thyanboche (3,876m)
A morning’s descent from Khumjung takes us back down to the Dudh Kosi River. As we pass through the forests there is a chance that we may spot Himalayan thar today (a type of goat /antelope). Taking lunch at Phunki Tenga, we then begin to climb again this afternoon, heading up to the monastery at Thyangboche. The cultural and religious heart of the Khumbu, the monastery presents us with some impressive views of Everest to the north and the peaks of Thamserku and Kwangde to the south. We visit the monastery this afternoon before continuing to our overnight accommodation. Total walking time: around 5 kilometres/four hours.
Overnight Teahouse (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9:
Trek from Thyanboche to Monzo (2,840m)
Following the trail back down to Sanasa this morning we then return to Namche via a slightly different path from our journey up. Following the valley contours high above the river, we travel via Kyanjuma, arriving back in the Sherpa capital in time for lunch. This afternoon we then continue down to Jorsale and the park exit, before continuing along the valley to the small settlement of Monzo, where we spend the night. Total walking time: around 11.5 kilometres/seven hours.
Overnight Teahouse (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10:
Trek from Monzo to Lukla (2,840m)
Retracing our steps along the east bank of the Dudh Kosi we make our final ascent back down to Lukla today, passing through Phakding and crossing the river one last time. Trekking through a landscape of rhododendron forests, traditional Sherpa villages and Buddhist gompas, we arrive back in Lukla later this afternoon. A thriving mix of Sherpas, yaks and trekkers, Lukla makes for a fascinating place to end our trek and there will be time this afternoon to time to relax and bask in the glory of a job well done. Total walking time: around 12 kilometres/six hours.
Overnight Teahouse (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11:
Fly to Kathmandu
Walking the short distance to the airport this morning we catch the early flight back to Kathmandu (weather permitting). On arrival back in the city the rest of the day has been left free for us to relax and enjoy more of Nepal’s lively capital. If the return flight is delayed due to adverse conditions we will be put up in local lodges until the next available flight.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
Day 12:
In Kathmandu
A free day in Kathmandu offers a chance to enjoy some optional excursions around the city. The temple of Pashupatinath is the oldest and holiest Hindu shrine in Nepal, whilst the towering sight of Bodnath presents you with one of the largest stupas on the planet. This afternoon you could take a trip out to the old medieval town of Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is filled with a beautifully preserved collection of temples, palaces and monasteries that date back to a time when the city lay along the prosperous trade routes between Tibet, China and India.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
Day 13:
Tour ends Kathmandu
Tour ends after breakfast.
Included meals: Breakfast
