Arrive in Kathmandu 1400m/4594ft.

We shall be met by a Mission Nepal Holidays representative at Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), after which they will drive us to the hotel of our choice. After checking in, we might visit the Mission Nepal office or have a nap. In the evening, a welcome supper with traditional Nepalese cuisine and a brief cultural presentation will take place at a typical Nepalese restaurant.

Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour

We will embark on a guided tour of some of Kathmandu’s most well-known historical and spiritual sites this morning following breakfast, many of which are also UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the famous Swayambhunath “Monkey Temple,” the revered Hindu temple Pashupatinath, the ancient Durbar Square in Kathmandu, and the Buddhist shrine Bouddhanath, which is home to one of the biggest stupas in the world. At midday, after meeting the other participants and having our gear checked by our trekking guide, we discuss our trip plans at the Mission Nepal office.

Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding 2652m/8699ft.

You will take a plane to Lukla today, where your Everest adventure will begin. At the domestic airport, you will be dropped off in preparation for your early flight to Lukla. We have breathtaking views of the high peaks during the brief trip. You will go to Phakding, a charming settlement on the edge of the Dudh Koshi River Valley in Khumbu, from Lukla. You can get an amazing glimpse of the Kusum Kanguru Peak and other equally scary mountains while walking along this path.

Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3440m/11283ft.

After passing by a beautiful pine grove, we follow the trail north up the Benkar valley. Monjo, the entry point to Everest National Park, is the destination we get at after traversing the Dudh Koshi River and proceeding beyond Chumoa. Afterwards, we stroll beside the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers after crossing a suspension bridge and the village of Jorsale. Namche Bazaar, the main centre of the Sherpa culture, is reached after a difficult ascent. When we reach Namche Bazaar, if the weather permits, we can view both Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse.

Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

Today is the day to become acclimated. The hub of Khumbu’s commerce is Namche Bazaar. Fantastic views of Everest and a number of neighboring Himalayan peaks, including Thamserku, Kongdi RI, and Ama Dablam, are possible from Namche. Here are the Everest Photo Gallery and the Sherpa Culture Museum. You can also ascend to the top of the hamlet, which is the Syangboche Airstrip. From Syangboche, you may get great views of Namche below and, in the distance, the Himalayan hills around the town. Likewise, you can go to the Everest glimpse Hotel, where every window offers a glimpse of the peaks of Everest.

Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga 3680m/12074ft.

After climbing Khumjung hill, we descend the broad valley east of the hamlet and head north towards Dudh Koshi. Our guide decides which of the two trails is best for us to follow. There is a chorten that rises to 3973 meters on the ridge top and comes from Mt. Khumbila (5761 meters). We also travel to Mohang, the birthplace of the Lama from Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet who is said to have brought Buddhism to Nepal’s Khumbu region. The trail descends a sandy hillside over a series of sharp switchbacks to meet the Dudh Koshi river. We spend the night along the river at Phortse Tanga.

Phortse Thanga to Machhermo 4470m/14666ft.

From Phortse Thanga, the trip continues with an elevation to Machhermo. The path continues along a track that goes past a waterfall and alongside a forest of rhododendron before reaching Tongba Village. After then, the route climbs upward, passing through the communities of Dole, Labarma, and Luza before arriving at Machhermo. We will be able to see a Chhorten right in front of the Luza settlement as we proceed. We will be following the Dudh Koshi River for the duration of this trek.

Machhermo to Gokyo Lake 4800m/15749ft.

We start the day with a hike to a ridge that provides breathtaking views of the valley below, including Cho Oyu (8153 m) and Kangtaiga. We proceed through Phangkha, where a catastrophic avalanche in 1995 killed forty people, as the valley opens. After that, we head down to the riverside and then climb sharply up the Ngazumpa Glacier’s terminal moraine. The trail flattens and follows the valley beyond Longpongo, the first lake, which is 4690 meters above sea level, after traversing an iron bridge over a creek. Here, we get the chance to view the footprints that lamas have made on a stone. We are enthralled by the sight of the beautiful turquoise blue water reflecting the sun’s rays at the second lake, Taboche Tsho. The third lake is reached after passing the second lake, and it is connected to the latter by a rushing stream. Situated near the third lake, Gokyo town presents a breathtaking view with Cho-Oyu Mountain providing a stunning backdrop. We spend some time exploring the area around the third lake, Dudh Pokhari, after lunch.

Gokyo Lake: Acclimatization, optional hike to Gokyo RI 5357m/17576ft.

Hiking to Gokyo Ri, a small peak above Gokyo village, we will take in the amazing views of the whole Khumbu region first thing in the morning. We will be able to see four of Nepal’s seven highest peaks, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, as we ascend higher and the views get even more breathtaking. After arriving at the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho, we will have time to enjoy the serene beauty of the body of water before returning to the third. The fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho, gives a captivating perspective of the Ngozumba glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas. If time and our physical condition allow, we may also climb an extra distance to reach this lake.

Gokyo to Thagnak 4750m/15585ft.

We can climb Gokyo Ri today if we didn’t do so yesterday. Nevertheless, Gokyo Ri’s high terrain makes it difficult to reach the summit, which could take three to four hours. However, the view of Gokyo hamlet, which is encircled by Cholatse and the enormous Nogzumpa Glacier and sits on the brink of the third lake, is breathtaking. Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori are just a few of the majestic mountains that encircle us. Rising above all the other peaks in the vicinity, Everest is a magnificent sight to behold when the sun sets. After hiking to the opposite peak via the Ngazumpa Glacier, we will follow its perimeter and eventually descend into Thagnak. Our short hike today will help us get ready for the longer hiking days and more altitude gain that lie ahead. We will also have the afternoon to relax.

Thagnak to Cho La pass to Dzongla 5420m/17783ft.

It looks like this will be one of the hardest days of our journey. While the actual Cho La pass is not particularly challenging, it is steep and necessitates traversing a potentially dangerous glacier on its eastern side. We have to exercise caution because the terrain is steep, and there may be frozen or slippery pebbles. The trek starts in Phedi and climbs through rugged hills and a ravine. We hike along the ice lake’s edge until we reach the top of the pass, where prayer flags of all different colors fly. From here, we get breathtaking views of Cholatse towering to the west, Lobuche East and Baruntse rising sharply to our right, and the pyramid-shaped Ama Dablam ruling over a range of mountains to the south. Before we reach Dzongla Village, there are a few crevasses that we have to cross. The views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, the Lobuche mountains, and even Pheriche Village, which is visible far below, are stunning from the village.

Dzongla to Lobuche 4940m/16208ft.

Since today’s hike will be brief, we will have plenty of time to unwind and take in the breathtaking surroundings. After leaving Dzongla, we’ll head down a grassy trail that provides sweeping views of Lobuche Peak. After that, the track passes through a broad riverbed and arrives in Lobuche. We may relax and rejuvenate for the rest of the day, which will help us get ready for the strenuous hike tomorrow.

Lobuche to Gorak Shep , visit Everest Base Camp 5364m/17599ft.

As we proceed up the Khumbu Glacier’s lateral moraine, we get vistas of numerous summits, including Pumori, Everest, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, and Mahalangur. We reach Thangma Riju after a brief hike, where we are rewarded with breathtaking all-around vistas of the Himalayas. Next, we hike up a hard trail to the Changri Glacier’s summit. We arrive in Gorak Shep and find ourselves encircled by the Himalayas. After a short break, we travel to Everest Base Camp along rocky dunes, streams, and moraines. This is the base camp of Everest, the highest mountain in the world. After that, we hike back to Gorak Shep for the night, where we may see the majestic Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori mountains.

Alternatively, as many people think that Kala Patthar’s sunset vista is even more stunning than its sunrise perspective, we can decide to visit the site today rather than the next day.

Gorakshep to Kalapatthar to Pheriche 5545m/18193ft.

We get ready for an early morning departure in the freezing (-10 to -14 C) darkness. Moreover, chilly winds frequently occur. As Everest starts to reveal itself, well-known peaks like Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse can be seen to the east. But we won’t be able to get 360-degree up-close and stunning views of Mount Everest until we get to Kala Patthar. After taking photos and soaking in the gorgeous mountain view, we head back to Lobuche for a restful night. Spend the night in the Lobuche.

Since the trek to Everest Base Camp is lengthier than the trip to Kala Patthar, those who are visiting the camp today will eat an early breakfast in order to get going. Following their return to Gorak Shep, the two parties will eat lunch together before making their way to Pheriche in the afternoon for a restful night’s sleep.

Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

We stroll over the slope, encircled by juniper and rhododendron plants. Our trail drops sharply through pine woodlands after crossing the Dudh Koshi River bridge covered in prayer flags. We might come across gorgeous pheasants and mountain goats in the forest. Eventually, the trail leads to Sansa, where Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse mountains may come into sight. Before arriving at Namche Bazaar, we also travel through a forest and on meandering trails.

Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

Stung by juniper and rhododendron trees, we stroll down the mountain. Next, our road swiftly descends through pine forests, crossing the Dudh Koshi River over the bridge covered in prayer flags. Gorgeous pheasants and mountain goats could be seen in the woodland. Finally, the path leads to Sansa, from where we may have vistas of the Nuptse, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam mountains. Before arriving at Namche Bazaar, we follow winding trails and pass through a forest.

Namche Bazaar to Lukla 2800m/9184ft.

With juniper and rhododendron trees all around us, we descend the mountainside. Our route drops sharply through pine forests after we cross the Dudh Koshi River over the bridge covered in prayer flags. We may see mountain goats and beautiful pheasants in the forest. We may finally reach Sansa along the trail, where there are vistas of the Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse mountains. Before arriving at Namche Bazaar, we also travel along winding trails and through a forest.

Fly Back to Kathmandu

In or18der to guarantee safety, the flights from Lukla to Kathmandu are typically booked for early morning. We shall be on our own for the whole day once we arrive in the capital. Either we go shopping for trinkets to take home, or we just kick back in our hotel room. Following our successful summit of the mountain, we will celebrate with a goodbye supper in the evening.

Final Departure

Today marks the end of our amazing journey across the Everest region, which included climbing to Mt. Everest’s base camp and traversing high passes. Three hours prior to your scheduled flight, an agent from the company will come to your hotel and take you to the airport.