Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival
Upon our arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a Himalayan Guides representative will warmly welcome us and escort us to our hotel. We’ll check in and rest for the night in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu Exploration and Trek Preparation
After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of Kathmandu’s historical and spiritual landmarks, all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Our tour includes visits to Durbar Square, the sacred Pashupatinath Hindu temple, the iconic ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath), and the impressive Bouddhanath Buddhist stupa. In the afternoon, we’ll have our trekking equipment checked by our climbing leader, meet our fellow adventurers, and have a trip briefing at Himalayan Guides’ office. Another overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
We embark on a breathtaking 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (9,186ft). Lukla serves as the starting point for our trek, and upon arrival, we’ll meet our crew and organize our gear. Our trek begins with a gentle descent to Cheplung village, offering views of the sacred Mt. Khumbila (18,900ft), never before climbed. We continue our descent until we reach Phakding, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Today’s trek takes us through a lush pine forest as we follow the trail north along the Benkar valley. We’ll cross the Dudh Koshi River and pass through Monjo, the gateway to Everest National Park. After crossing a suspension bridge, we’ll trek alongside the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep climb will lead us to the heart of Sherpa culture, Namche Bazaar, where we may catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse if the weather permits. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar offers plenty of attractions to explore, including government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a vibrant market. Our guides will help us discover the charm of Namche Bazaar, and for those interested, there’s an option to hike to Sagarmatha National Park for sunrise views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and more. Alternatively, we can take a day hike to Khumjung village to experience traditional Sherpa life and visit the Khumjung Hillary School. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga
We ascend Khumjung hill and then descend toward the Dudh Koshi valley. Our guide will choose the best trail as we head north, passing by a chorten on the ridge top and the birthplace of a revered Lama from Tibet. After a series of steep switchbacks, we reach the Dush Koshi River and stay overnight in Phortse Thanga, near the river.
Day 7: Phortse Thanga to Machhermo
Today’s trek begins with an uphill climb through a rhododendron forest, passing a waterfall on our way to Tongba Village. We continue through Dole, Labarma, and Luza villages, all the while walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River. We eventually reach Machhermo, with its stunning surroundings and views. Overnight in Machhermo.
Day 8: Machhermo to Gokyo
Our day starts with a climb to a ridge offering excellent views of Kangtaiga and Cho Oyu. The valley widens as we trek through Phangkha, then continue past the first lake, Longpongo, to reach the second lake, Taboche Tsho. Gokyo village stands by the third lake, Dudh Pokhari, with Cho-Oyu Mountain in the backdrop. We’ll explore around Dudh Pokhari after lunch. Overnight in Gokyo.
Day 9: Gokyo Valley Acclimatization - Optional Hike to Gokyo Ri
Today, we have the option to hike to Gokyo Ri in the morning, providing fantastic views of the Khumbu region, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. We’ll also visit the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho, and, if time and energy permit, the fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho, for stunning views of the Ngozumba glacier. Overnight in Gokyo.
Day 10: Gokyo to Thagnak
For those who didn’t climb Gokyo Ri earlier, we have an opportunity today. The trail to the top of Gokyo Ri offers breathtaking panoramas of surrounding peaks. We then trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier and reach Thagnak, a short hike preparing us for upcoming challenges. Overnight in Thagnak.
Day 11: Thagnak to Cho La Pass to Dzongla
Today, we face one of the toughest segments of our trek, the Cho La pass. While not extremely difficult, it involves steep terrain and a glacier crossing on the eastern side, so caution is essential. The trail climbs through a ravine and rocky terrain, and after passing through crevasses, we reach Dzongla Village, offering great views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. Overnight in Dzongla.
Day 12: Dzongla to Lobuche
A short trek allows us to relax and savor the breathtaking surroundings. We descend from Dzongla, enjoying views of Lobuche Peak, and continue through a grassy trail. The trail follows a wide river bed before reaching Lobuche, where we’ll rest and prepare for the next day’s long trek. Overnight in Lobuche.
Day 13: Lobuche to Gorak Shep, Visit Everest Base Camp
We head toward Everest Base Camp via Gorak Shep Lake. Along the way, we’ll pass the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials and navigate through rocky terrain, moraines, and streams. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, we’ll see colorful mountaineers’ tents set against the backdrop of Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori. Afterward, we return to Gorak Shep for a night’s rest. Consider visiting Kala Patthar for a stunning sunset view today, coordinated with your guide.
Day 14: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar to Pheriche
We prepare for an early morning ascent to Kala Patthar to witness a breathtaking 360-degree view of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks. We’ll capture the spectacular scenery and then return to Lobuche for the night. Those visiting Everest Base Camp today will have an early start and reunite with the Kala Patthar group for lunch in Gorak Shep. Later, we descend to Pheriche for the night.
Day 15: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Our trek takes us downhill through rhododendron and juniper forests, crossing a bridge adorned with prayer flags over the Dudh Koshi River. We’ll encounter colorful pheasants and mountain goats as we descend through winding trails to Sansa. From here, enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse mountains before reaching Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
The trail descends steeply, so we’ll navigate carefully over rocky terrain and cross suspension bridges over the rushing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries. As we reach Lukla, we’ll reflect on our trekking experiences. Overnight in Lukla.
Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu
We catch an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu, we have the option to rest or explore the city for souvenirs or sightseeing. Our guides can assist with shopping or additional sightseeing. In the evening, we’ll have a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu
It’s time to bid farewell to Nepal as we prepare for our departure.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/FITNESS
The technical difficulty of this climb is not high, but it is physically demanding with long days and sections with a lot of exposure. The trip is ideally suited to strong, experienced climbers who want to climb the peak in its own right, or to use the trip to gain experience for higher peaks in the future. To move efficiently and enjoyably we recommend you have experience of Alpine PD+/AD routes and /or an ability to climb Scottish grade 1/ll winter routes and previous experience of altitude of at least 4800m before.
A TYPICAL TREKKING DAY
Starts around seven am (not a problem as it’s usual to go to bed early!) with you packing your overnight gear into a kit bag before enjoying a hearty breakfast ready to leave camp whilst it’s still fairly cool. The pace on the trek will be leisurely with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, chat to the locals and keep hydrated. Lunch is usually in a fine spot by the side of the trail and, most days, you will be arriving at our overnight camp mid afternoon ready for a well earned cup of tea. This leaves an hour or so to rest or explore before a three course evening meal. It is quite remarkable what the locals can produce in these remote circumstances.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The Post and Pre monsoon conditions experienced from October into mid-December. April-May are usually very fair, dry and stable. Daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm in the valleys (20-30C) whilst cool to very cold (especially with wind chill) high on Baruntse. Night time temperatures are cold to very cold (possibly as low as minus 30C) and you should make sure you have a very warm sleeping bag (-30c), an expedition weight down jacket and good quality down mitts.
CATERING ARRANGEMENTS
Food on the trek and at Base Camp is excellent and designed to stimulate your appetite despite frequent altitude induced loss of appetite. Breakfast includes porridge and cereal followed by eggs (fried, boiled poached or omelettes) and either bread or chapattis with jam, honey, peanut butter etc. Lunch starts with juice and may include chips, rice, lentils, vegetables, salad, sandwiches, beans, tinned fish and tinned meat. Dessert is usually fresh/tinned fruit and tea. The evening meal always starts with soup (often with a healthy dose of garlic to aid acclimatisation) accompanied by poppadums, popcorn or prawn crackers. The main meal varies from local style – Dal Bhat (rice and lentils with an onion and vegetable sauce), Yak stew, momos etc. to western style – yak burgers, chips, pasta, even pizza! Desserts are equally appealing and include apple pie, cake, custard etc. You will not be hungry! Once on the mountain we use dehydrated meals supplemented by chocolate, muesli bars, cheese, nuts, salami, etc.
IMPORTANT – The small print
Please note, flights to and from Lukla can be delayed due to the weather. Please be patient and bring a good book to read. If the flight is delayed overnight accommodation is included on a B&B basis. In cases of longer delays, optional helicopter flights are sometimes offered at an extra cost.
MISSED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
We allow one extra day in the itinerary for bad weather. If you are delayed longer (unusual) we can re-book your International flight but additional costs may/will be incurred. Tickets can be changed according to availability and the class of ticket, you may need to upgrade and be flexible on your return date. All additional payment would need to paid for in Kathmandu (card payments accepted).
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
We employ local staff to work alongside our own group leader giving employment beyond farming. We ask that you restrict showers to those lodges that have electricity or solar power, thus reducing deforestation. Be prepared to wash using bowls of warm water or ‘wet ones’. We recommend you dispose of burnable rubbish at the lodges but take other items such as bottles and batteries back to Kathmandu. Avoid plastic bottles of water by bringing iodine tablets and a refillable bottle to drink local pumped water. Soft drinks should be purchased in glass bottles that can be recycled.
ALTITUDE
Our itineraries generally allow sufficient time for your body to acclimatise. The best way to avoid any problems is to do everything slowly, walk at a gentle steady pace and drink plenty of fluid. Our leader will give an appropriate briefing on arrival.
USEFUL TIPS
Just in case your main luggage goes missing en route, it is a good idea to wear your boots on the plane. Most other things can be replaced but comfortable, well worn-in boots are more difficult to replace easily.
EQUIPMENT
A detailed equipment list is provided on booking. Specialist items such as sleeping bags and down jackets can be hired or purchased.
BAGGAGE
For your own comfort travel light. Normally airlines restrict baggage to 20kg and the Lukla flight 15kg, but you will be wearing boots and one set of trekking clothes. Some items can be left at the hotel for your return.
VISAS AND PERMITS
US/UK citizens and most EU nationals can purchase Visas on arrival. All other countries should check with their local embassy. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the end date of the trip.
LOCAL COSTS
Most meals are inclusive, please see the key above. Individuals are responsible for drinks throughout and hotel meals which gives the flexibility to choose where you eat.
CURRENCY
Nepalese Rupee. UK Sterling, Euros and US Dollars can easily be changed in Kathmandu. ATM (cash machines) are available in Kathmandu.
TIPPING
Tipping is generally expected and part of everyday life. We generally tip our own local staff as a whole. It is also usual to put approximately 1000 rupees into the pot for the Puja or mountain blessing – a very important part of Himalayan climbing.
EXTENSIONS
Everest Flight
An early morning spectacular flight over Everest.
Chitwan Wildlife Safari (plus 4 days)
You can round off your trek with a three day wildlife safari. This includes a jeep safari, jungle walk, river canoe trip and elephant ride combined with a cultural program in search of rhino and the famous Bengal tiger.
