This is most probably the only trail that every trekker wishes to do once in his or her lifetime. This is a strenuous trek and you should be well-prepared and properly acclimatized to complete it. You will see Mount Everest and three other peaks from the highest in the world - Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. The experience of being so close to such awesome mountains sparkling with purity and spirituality is something you will never forget. You will venture into the less travelled valleys lying below Everest, including the remote Gokyo Valley with its festival of beautiful turquoise lakes and moonscape glaciers.
Highlights:
♦ Amazing views towards Mt. Everest and other imposing peaks
♦ Kathmandu - “The City of Temples”
♦ The friendly Sherpa people with their unique religion and culture
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu
After clearing immigration and customs, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu at a standard hotel.
Day 2. Kathmandu (1310 m) - Lukla (2827 m) - Phakding (2652 m)
Early morning transfer to the airport for flight to Lukla. The flight to Lukla is a lifetime experience itself. The airfield is on a slope and the distance between the two ends of the runway is about 60 meters. Arrive in Lukla and start your first day trek. It is an easy walk through several villages to Phakding, where you will stay overnight at a teahouse.
Duration of trek: 5 hours
Day 3. Phakding - Namche Bazar (3440 m)
We follow the Dudha Koshi river for about 2 hours and then climb slowly up a steep trail to Namche. As we climb, we enjoy our first views of Everest (8848 m), Nuptse (7879 m) and Lhotse (8516 m) - the big three. Overnight at a teahouse.
Duration of trek: 6 hours
Day 4. Namche - acclimatization (3440 m)
Acclimatization day at Namche Bazar. We enjoy a day at leisure here to allow for maximum acclimatization on our way to Everest Base Camp. A pleasant day can be spent exploring the village or Shyanboche airtrip, talking to the Sherpas or simply enjoying and marveling at the incredible scenery. Overnight at a teahouse.
Day 5. Namche Bazaar - Phortse Thanga (3500 m)
In the beginning of the day the trail climbs to the right from Namche, crossing a ridge and winding up a mountain flank on the right. Then the trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down sandy slope to the Dudha Koshi river. Phortse Thanga is an isolated village of about 60 households and it is on the riverbank of Dudha Koshi. Overnight at a teahouse.
Duration of trek: 5 hours
Day 6. Phortse Thanga - Dole (4200 m)
This is another short day for acclimatization. Climb a steep forested incline; the climb eases and the forest ends and a gentle mountainside ascent begins. Then the route passes through the settlement Tongba (3950 m) and Gyele (3960 m). The views of Khumbila and Tawachee are tremendous throughout the day. Dole (4200 m) is a grassy valley. Overnight at a simple teahouse.
Duration of trek: 3.5 hours
Day 7. Dole - Machherma (4410 m)
Today we have short walks again. In the beginning the trail ascends and reaches a nice valley with big streams. Then continues to the nice village of Luza (4360 m) and after that the trail continually climbs and descends to the valley of Machhermo (4410 m). Overnight at a teahouse.
Duration of trek: 3.5 hours
Day 8. Machherma - Gokyo (4750 m)
In the beginning of the day, we enjoy the excellent views of Cho Oyu (8201 m) and the mountains surrounding Ngozumba Glacier. Several lakes and the junction with the path that crosses Chola Pass are the other attractions of the day. Overnight at a teahouse.
Duration of trek: 4 hours
Day 9. Gokyo - Gokyo Ri (5360 m) & Trek to Thangna (4700 m)
Today early in the morning we have a steep climb up to the top of Gokyo RI (5357 m). There are stunning views of the Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu mountains range. Some of the giant peaks are Mt Cho Oyu (8201 m), Mt Everest (8848 m), Mt Lhotse (8516 m), Mt Nuptse (7879 m), Mt Makalu (8481 m), Mt Cholaste (6335 m), Tabuche peak (6495 m) and Gychung Kang (7922 m). Having enjoyed the beautiful views at Gokyo Ri, we return to Gokyo (4750 m) and trek down along the valley to reach Thangana (4700 m) known as the base camp of Cho La Pass. Overnight at a teahouse.
Duration of trek: 6 hours
Day 10. Thangna - Chola pass - Dzongla (4843 m)
Today is one of the most demanding days. The pass itself is not difficult but it's steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks are glazed by ice making the trail slippery. From Phedi, we climb continuously up through a narrow valley and then on a rocky trail. As we gain height, the views get increasingly captivating. We trek through the side of a frozen lake while we come to the top of the Cho La pass (5368 m) decorated with prayer flags. During the trail we admire the majesty of the ridges Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, Numbur and Kangchung. After Cho La pass, the trail descends steeply towards Dzongla (4830 m). Overnight at a teahouse.
Duration of trek: 7-8 hours
Day 11. Dzongla - Gorakhshep (5150 m)
The trail descends and ascends gently until we finally reach Lobuche (4910 m). This trip is providing excellent views of the peaks Ama Dablam, Nuptse-Lhotse, Everest, Pumori and Lobuche. After finishing several bands, we descend to Gorakh Shep (5140 m). Overnight at a teahouse.
Duration of trek: 6-7 hours
Day 12. Gorakhshep - Everest Base Camp - Gorakhshep
Today we start our journey to Everest base camp (5364 m). The trail is on glacier and snow-capped rocks. You can also see many small frozen lakes around the Everest Base Camp. There are views of several peaks on the way including Pumori (7165 m), Lingtren (6713 m), Khumbutse (6 639 m), Nuptse (7879 m) and Lhotse (8516 m) but you can’t see mount Everest (8848 m) from Everest base camp although you see it along the trail. The most impressive view from Everest base camp is to Khumbu icefall. After enjoying the beautiful scenery at Everest base camp, return to Gorak Shep. Overnight at a teahouse.
Duration of trek: 6-7 hours
Day 13. Gorakhshep Kalapathar View & Trek to Dingboche (4413 m)
Today early in the morning we hike from Gorak shep up to Kalapathar for magnificent view of the numerous Himalaya as well as breathtaking views of the sunrise. The trail from Gorak sheep to Kalapathar at the beginning climbs up approximately half an hour before reaching the flat land. Afterwards, the trail is steep and climbs with lots of bends to Kalapathar (5545 m). Today we see the excellent views of sunrise on the Mt. Everest (8848 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Nuptse (7879 m), Ama Dablam (6856 m), Thamserku (6623 m), Kangtega (6783 m), Kusum kangaru (6367 m), Cholaste (6335 m), Tabuche peak (6495 m), Lobuche peak (6090 m), Lingtren (6713 m), Khumbutse (6639 m) as well as Khumbu Icefall and a few lakes. Once at the Kalapathar, we may feel we are touching Mt. Pumori. Trek back to Gorakshep and continue trek to Dingboche. Overnight at a teahouse.
Duration of trek: 6 hours
Day 14. Dingboche - Tengboche (3870 m)
Dingboche is located at the entrance of Chukhung Valley. One can enjoy the views of Chukhung Valley and also of Ama Dablam in and off through the clouds. On the way we will be able to see the Lhotse - Nuptse Wall with Everest dominating from behind. Stop for a break to appreciate this surreal view. Eventually we reach Tengboche where we will stay for the night. Overnight at a tea house.
Duration of trek: 6 hours
Day 15. Tyangboche - Namche Bazaar (3446 m)
Trek to Namache Bazaar. The trail follows down to Dudha Koshi river where a series of water-driven prayer wheels can be seen. The trek continues back from the Sagarmatha National Park through paths lined with Pine and Cedar forests. Overnight at a tea house.
Duration of trek: 6 hours
Day 16. Namche Bazaar - Lukla (2800 m)
The trail follows down and crosses Dudha Koshi river, then we continue along the river side until Phakding. We trek to Lukla, the disappearing sight of the snowy peaks in the distance acts as an indicator that the most difficult part has passed. This is the start of the end of this exciting and magnificent adventure. After a few hours, we reach Lukla where we can relax and immerse ourselves in the local culture. Overnight at a teahouse.
Duration of trek: 7-8 hours
Day 17. Lukla - Kathmandu
In the morning, we take a 30-minute flight to Kathmandu and upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel. Free time to explore Kathmandu, “The City of Temples”. Overnight at a budget hotel.
Day 18. Kathmandu
Reserve day in Kathmandu. Free time. Overnight at a budget hotel.
Day 19. Depart Kathmandu.
Transfer to the airport for departure.
Visa: You can apply for Nepali visa on arrival. Visa fee is $50 for 30 days.
Price Includes: Accommodation in twin rooms at budget hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included
accommodation at basic guesthouses during the trek with full board
English speaking guide
porters (1 porter for 2 people)
trekking permits
flight tickets Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
transport according to the program
airport transfers
Not Included: Flight tickets
visa cost
lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
personal expenses
tips for guide and drivers
travel insurance
extra costs incurred by flight cancellation,natural calamities,weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances
Extra Services: Please contact us for a price for groups of:
2-3 people
4-6 people
7-9 people
10-12 people
