Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by a Mission Nepal representative. After a smooth airport reception, you’ll be transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Once you’ve checked in, you can either relax and recover from your flight or visit the Mission Nepal office for a detailed trek briefing and equipment check. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, featuring authentic Nepalese cuisine and a cultural dance performance — a perfect introduction to Nepal’s warm hospitality and rich heritage.

After breakfast, we begin a guided cultural tour of Kathmandu Valley, exploring some of the city’s most revered historical and spiritual landmarks — many of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Our day starts with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa, famously known as the Monkey Temple, offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. We then explore the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most important Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, followed by a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist stupas in the world. The tour concludes at Kathmandu Durbar Square, an ancient royal courtyard showcasing exquisite temples and traditional Newar architecture.

By midday, we return to the Mission Nepal office to meet our trekking team and fellow participants. Our experienced guide will provide a detailed briefing about the trek, check our equipment, and ensure everyone is fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Today marks the beginning of your Everest Base Camp adventure. Early in the morning, you’ll be transferred to Kathmandu’s domestic airport to board a scenic flight to Lukla, one of the most thrilling air routes in the world. As the plane soars above the Himalayan ranges, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of towering peaks, deep valleys, and terraced hillsides.

Upon landing at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, we’ll meet our local Sherpa crew and begin the first leg of our trek. The trail gently descends through pine forests and small Sherpa villages, offering your first taste of the Khumbu region’s charm.

After a few hours of leisurely trekking along the Dudh Koshi River, we reach the picturesque village of Phakding (2,610m). Nestled on the riverbank, Phakding provides a serene setting surrounded by lush greenery and views of Kusum Kanguru Peak and other majestic mountains — a perfect introduction to the Himalayan landscape.

Overnight stay at a teahouse in Phakding.

After breakfast, we continue our journey along the scenic trail that winds through a beautiful pine forest and follows the Dudh Koshi River northward into the Benkar Valley. Passing through charming villages such as Benkar and Chumoa, we enjoy the serene sounds of flowing rivers and chirping birds as we ascend gradually.

Soon, we arrive at Monjo (2,835m) — the official entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After completing our park entry formalities, we descend briefly and cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, walking past the village of Jorsale, the last settlement before Namche.

From here, the trail climbs steeply through forests and across high bridges where the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers meet. This challenging ascent rewards us with our first glimpse of the majestic Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse, weather permitting.

Finally, we arrive at Namche Bazaar (3,440m) — the bustling heart of the Sherpa community and the commercial hub of the Khumbu region. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, Namche is filled with vibrant shops, bakeries, and traditional lodges, offering a perfect blend of culture and comfort in the Himalayas.

Overnight stay at a teahouse in Namche Bazaar.

Today is reserved for acclimatization, an essential part of your Everest Base Camp adventure. Namche Bazaar, often called the Gateway to Everest, is the main commercial and cultural hub of the Khumbu region. This vibrant mountain town offers a perfect place to relax, explore, and adapt to the higher altitude before continuing your ascent.

After breakfast, we take a short acclimatization hike to higher elevations around Namche. From various viewpoints, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde Ri, and other Himalayan giants that surround the valley.

We visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery, where you can learn about the Sherpa people’s history, mountaineering heritage, and spiritual traditions. For even better views, we hike up to the Syangboche Airstrip and the famous Everest View Hotel (3,880m) — known for its breathtaking panoramas, where Mount Everest can be seen from every window on a clear day.

After the excursion, we return to Namche Bazaar for lunch and spend the rest of the day exploring local cafés, bakeries, and shops. This acclimatization day helps your body adjust to the thin mountain air and prepares you for the higher elevations ahead.

Overnight stay at a teahouse in Namche Bazaar.

After breakfast, we set off from Namche Bazaar, descending gently along the mountainside with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kongde Ri — some of the most iconic peaks in the Khumbu region. The trail gradually winds down to the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges adorned with colorful prayer flags.

From here, a steady uphill climb through fragrant pine and rhododendron forests leads us toward Tengboche, one of the most picturesque villages in the Everest region. As we ascend, the air becomes cooler and clearer, and the scenery more dramatic, offering countless opportunities for breathtaking photographs of the Himalayan landscape.

Upon reaching Tengboche (3,870m), we are greeted by the majestic sight of the Tengboche Monastery (Dawa Choling Gompa) — the largest and most important monastery in the Everest region. This sacred site is surrounded by a stunning backdrop of Ama Dablam, with Mount Everest and other towering peaks visible in the distance.

Tengboche is also the spiritual heart of the Mani Rimdu Festival, which celebrates the triumph of Buddhism over negative forces through vibrant dances, rituals, and blessings performed by the monks. In the evening, you can stroll around the monastery grounds and soak in the serene atmosphere of this Himalayan sanctuary.

Overnight stay at a teahouse in Tengboche.

Today, we experience one of the most sacred and colorful festivals of the Khumbu region — the Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery. This centuries-old celebration, rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions, symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the triumph of compassion and wisdom.

The festival begins on the full moon day of the tenth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar with the ceremonial Wong, marking the start of the public rituals. Throughout the three-day festival, attendees receive blessings, sacred gifts (Tshereel), and Mani Rimdu offerings for health, longevity, and prosperity.

Monks, dressed in vibrant robes, perform masked dances accompanied by cymbals, drums, and chants, creating an atmosphere alive with spiritual energy, devotion, and cultural richness. Prayers and ritual performances fill the monastery courtyard, showcasing the deep cultural heritage of the Sherpa people. Both locals and tourists gather to witness the spectacular rituals, making it a truly communal and mesmerizing event.

After an unforgettable day immersed in this spiritual celebration, we return to our teahouse in Tengboche for the night, reflecting on the magic and devotion of the festival.

After breakfast, we leave Tengboche, trekking through stunning Himalayan woodlands filled with rhododendrons, conifers, and birch trees. Along the trail, breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Mount Everest accompany us, providing endless photo opportunities.

The path descends briefly toward the Imja River, passing through the charming village of Devuche before reaching Pangboche, home to the historic Pangboche Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu region. From Pangboche, the trail follows the Lobuche River and winds through the scenic Imja Valley as we make our way to Dingboche (4,410m).

Dingboche is a picturesque village surrounded by stone-walled fields protecting crops such as potatoes, barley, and buckwheat from cold winds and local wildlife. The upper trails around Pangboche and Dingboche provide spectacular Himalayan vistas, offering panoramic views of towering peaks and the dramatic Khumbu landscape.

Overnight stay at a teahouse in Dingboche.

Today is reserved for acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitude before continuing toward Everest Base Camp. After breakfast, we embark on a short but rewarding hike up Nagarjun Hill, located just above Dingboche.

Although the ascent is moderately challenging, the panoramic views from the summit make it truly worthwhile. From this vantage point, you can admire the Imja Valley stretching below and take in majestic peaks such as Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Mount Everest, offering some of the most spectacular scenery in the Khumbu region.

After spending time at the summit to soak in the breathtaking vistas and capture photographs, we descend back to Dingboche for rest. This acclimatization hike helps prepare your body for higher elevations while giving you an unforgettable Himalayan experience.

Overnight stay at a teahouse in Dingboche.

Today’s trek takes us on a steep and challenging ascent from Duglha to Chupki Lhara, where a slow and steady pace is essential to prevent altitude sickness and ensure safe acclimatization. Along the way, we pass memorials honoring legendary climbers such as Scott Fischer and Babu Chiri Sherpa, poignant reminders of the courage, sacrifice, and determination required to summit the world’s tallest peaks.

The trail follows the Khumbu Glacier moraine, offering spectacular views of surrounding mountains, including Pumori, often referred to as “Everest’s Daughter” due to its close proximity to Mount Everest. The rugged landscape, dotted with glacial rocks and prayer flags, provides a striking prelude to the higher elevations ahead.

Our destination is Lobuche (4,940m), a small settlement that serves as a base camp for climbers heading to Everest and neighboring peaks. Despite its remote location, Lobuche offers essential facilities for trekkers, including teahouses, restaurants, and small shops selling hiking equipment and souvenirs, making it a comfortable and strategic stop before the final push toward Everest Base Camp.

Overnight stay at a teahouse in Lobuche.

Today, we embark on the highlight of our journey: reaching the legendary Everest Base Camp (EBC). Our trek begins with a hike across the former Gorak Shep Lake bed, navigating streams, moraines, and rocky terrain. The path can be challenging at this high altitude, so it is essential to follow your lead Sherpa closely for safety and guidance. Along the way, we pass monuments honoring Indian Army mountaineers, paying tribute to the brave souls who have ventured into the high Himalayas.

As we approach EBC, the colorful tents of mountaineers stand out against the stark, glacial landscape, creating a striking contrast. From this vantage point, we are surrounded by some of the region’s most iconic peaks, including Pumori, Khumbutse, and Nuptse, offering breathtaking photo opportunities. After soaking in the atmosphere and capturing the moment, we return to Gorak Shep (5,164m) for the night at a local teahouse.

For those interested, a visit to Kala Patthar (5,545m) at sunset is optional. From here, the sunlight illuminates the snow-capped peaks, casting a golden glow over Everest and the surrounding mountains. Trekkers wishing to ascend Kala Patthar should inform their guide so that the necessary preparations can be made.

Overnight stay at a teahouse in Gorak Shep.

Today begins before dawn, in temperatures ranging from -10°C to -14°C, with the possibility of chilly mountain winds. After an early breakfast, we set out to climb Kala Patthar, one of the best vantage points to witness Mount Everest up close.

As we ascend, stunning peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse appear to the east, gradually giving way to the awe-inspiring sight of Everest. Upon reaching Kala Patthar, trekkers are rewarded with an unforgettable 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Himalayan giants — including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. This is the perfect opportunity for photography and reflection at one of the most iconic viewpoints in the world.

After enjoying the summit, we descend back to Gorak Shep for lunch, where both groups (Kala Patthar hikers and others) regroup. From Gorak Shep, we continue descending to Pheriche (4,371m), passing through rugged landscapes, moraines, and glacial valleys. The night is spent in a teahouse in Pheriche, providing rest and warmth after a long but exhilarating day.

After leaving Pheriche, we descend through hills adorned with juniper and rhododendron trees, following the trail along the Dudh Koshi River. The path winds through dense pine forests, crossing suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags, creating a quintessential Himalayan trekking experience. Along the way, we may spot colorful pheasants, Himalayan tahr, and other wildlife, adding a touch of adventure to the scenic journey.

The trail continues to the village of Sansa, where panoramic views of towering peaks like Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse stretch in every direction. From Sansa, the path meanders through lush forests and serene landscapes, gradually descending toward Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the vibrant Sherpa hub of the Khumbu region. Here, we spend the night at a teahouse in Namche Bazaar, enjoying the lively town atmosphere and the comfort of a well-earned rest.

Today we begin the descent from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, a journey that requires careful attention due to the steep and uneven trails, which can be challenging for tired legs after the high-altitude trek. Along the way, we cross suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries, providing both excitement and stunning views of the surrounding valleys.

As the trail gradually levels out, the path becomes more manageable, allowing us to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past weeks — from the vibrant Mani Rimdu Festival to the awe-inspiring vistas of Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching Lukla (2,840m), we enjoy a well-deserved rest and spend the night at a comfortable teahouse, preparing for the return flight to Kathmandu the following day.

After departing Pheriche, we trek along slopes adorned with juniper and rhododendron trees, descending gradually through dense pine forests. Along the way, we cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, decorated with colorful prayer flags, adding to the spiritual charm of the trail. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot vibrant pheasants and Himalayan mountain goats in the surrounding forest.

Continuing along the trail, we reach the village of Sansa, where panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse dominate the skyline. From Sansa, the path winds through meandering forest trails, gradually leading us back to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). This lively Sherpa town serves as a perfect overnight stop, offering teahouses and a chance to relax after a rewarding day of trekking.

Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey across Nepal. Before your departure, take some time to reminisce over your photos, share memories, and exchange contact information with fellow trekkers you’ve met along the way.

A Kantipur Holidays representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) approximately three hours prior to your scheduled flight, ensuring a smooth and stress-free departure. As you board your flight home, you’ll carry with you memories of the Mani Rimdu Festival, Everest Base Camp, and the majestic Himalayas — and plenty of inspiration to plan your next thrilling adventure in Nepal.