Arrival in Kathmandu1400m/4594ft.

We shall be met by a Mission Nepal 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 Sightseeing

We start a guided tour of some of Kathmandu’s most respected historical and spiritual landmarks—many of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites—after breakfast today. We visit the famous “Monkey Temple,” Swayambhunath, the Hindu temple dedicated to Pashupatinath, the Buddhist shrine Bouddhanath, which is also one of the largest stupas in the world, and the ancient Durbar Square in Kathmandu. At midday, we meet up with the other participants and discuss our trip plans at the Mission Nepal office after our hiking guide inspects our equipment.

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

You’re going to fly to Lukla today, at the beginning of your Everest adventure. In order to catch an early flight to Lukla, you will be dropped off at the domestic airport. The short flight gives us breathtaking views of the tall peaks. You will fly from Lukla to Phakding, which is a quaint town on the edge of the Dudh Koshi River Valley in Khumbu. You’ll be able to get amazing photos of Kusum Kanguru Peak and other equally scary mountains along the way.

Trek 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. With good weather, we can see both Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse on our way to Namche Bazaar.

Acclimatization at the Namche Bazaar

We have scheduled this day for acclimatization. The commercial hub of Khumbu is Namche Bazaar. Namche offers great views of Ama Dablam, Kongdi RI, Thamserku, and several other nearby Himalayan peaks, including Everest. This is where the Everest Photo Gallery and the Sherpa Culture Museum are located. Moreover, the Syangboche Airstrip, which is situated above the hamlet, is reachable by hiking. Syangboche enjoys good views of the Himalayan peaks that encircle the town in the distance, as well as Namche below. In a same vein, you can go to the Everest View Hotel, which features views of the Everest peaks via every window.

Namche to Tengboche 3860m/12660ft.

This section of the walk will take us down to the famed Dudh-Koshi River, and from there, we’ll climb up through stunning rhododendron woods to Tengboche. Some of the most well-known mountain peaks in the world, such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and many more, will be breathtakingly visible to us along the route. We will see the biggest monastery in the area when we get to Tengboche and enjoy the breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and other peaks. Tengboche is where we’ll be staying the night.

Mani Rimdu Festival Celebration at Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche Monastery will allow us to observe the celebration of the Mani Rimdu Festival. There are numerous stages and traditions associated with this holy celebration. On the full moon day of the tenth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar, the Wong is performed to commemorate the beginning of the public ritual. All attendees get sacred gifts for a long life, Tshereel, and sanctified sacred gifts, Mani Rimdu, throughout the event. Monks, accompanied by the sound of cymbals and drums, execute dances that symbolize the victory of good over evil. They also recite prayers, which creates a vibrant environment with vibrant robes, mesmerizing chants, and a demonstration of incredible cultural diversity. Both tourists and native Sherpas turn out for the celebration. We’ll see the Mani Rimdu Festival festivities and then head back to the guesthouse.

Tengboche to Dingboche 4410m/14464ft.

We will hike through stunning woodlands that are home to a variety of trees, including rhododendron, conifers, and birches. We will be able to take in breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Mount Everest along the route. We will traverse the Imja River and go via Devuche on our way down to Pangboche. From here, we will travel on toward the Lobuche River and the Imja Valley before ascending to Dingboche. Gorgeous fields encircled by stone walls shield crops like potatoes, barley, and buckwheat from the chilly winds and local wildlife in Dingboche. Along with the Pangboche Monastery, the upper Pangboche trails provide a stunning perspective of the Himalayas.

Acclimatization at Dingboche

We set aside today to acclimate. You’ll be hiking up Nagarjun Hill, which is close to Dingboche, today. Even though the trek uphill is rather taxing, the breathtaking views of the Imja valley from the summit make the journey worthwhile. Along with many other Himalayan peaks, you may take in breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Everest. You will hike back down after taking some time to enjoy the vantage point.

Dingboche to Lobuche 4910m/16105ft.

In order to prevent altitude sickness, it’s crucial to go slowly and steadily up the steep and difficult ascent from Duglha to Chupki Lhara. Reminiscent of the dangers and sacrifices necessary to reach the top of the world’s tallest mountain, the tributes honoring Scott Fischer and Babu Chiri Sherpa are moving. Follow the Khumbu Glacier moraine for more amazing views of the surrounding peaks, including Pumori, sometimes called “Everest’s daughter” because of its proximity to the tallest mountain in the world. Our destination will finally be Lobuche, a tiny community that is well-known as a base camp for climbers going to Everest and other neighboring peaks. Lobuche has a variety of facilities for hikers despite its isolated location, such as restaurants, guesthouses, and stores offering hiking equipment and trinkets.

Lobuche to Gorakshep, visit Everest Base Camp 5364m/17594ft.

We will hike across the once-large Gorak Shep Lake to reach Everest Base Camp. We shall pass monuments honoring the mountaineers of the Indian army along the route. It is imperative that we follow our lead Sherpa because the path can be difficult to navigate. The walk will be difficult due to the high altitude; before arriving at Everest Base Camp, we will cross streams, moraines, and rocky dunes.

From there, the vibrant tents of the mountaineers will stand out against the drab surroundings. Beautiful vistas of Pumori, Khumbuste, and Nuptse will be visible to us. We’ll spend the night back in Gorak Shep after that.

While it’s best to visit Kala Patthar at sunset, when the sun is setting and the snow-capped mountains are at their most stunning, those who choose to visit Kala Patthar that day should let their guide know and they will make the required preparations.

Gorakshep to Kalapathar 5545m/18188ft. to Pheriche 4210m/13812ft.

Even in the dark and with temperatures between -10 and -14 degrees Celsius, we prepare to leave early in the morning. There can be cold winds as well. Leading peaks like Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse are visible to the east as we start our hike, and Mt. Everest gradually comes into sight as we go on. We are rewarded with an amazing close-up 360-degree vista of Mount Everest as we arrive at Kala Patthar. Before spending the night in Pheriche, we snap photos and savor the scenery.

We start the journey early, thus breakfast is served early for those who intend to visit Everest Base Camp. We will return to Gorak Shep for lunch with both groups because this hike takes longer than the Kala Patthar hike, and then we will descend to Pheriche for the night.

Pheriche to Namche 3440m/11283ft.

After leaving Pheriche, we make our way across hills dotted with juniper and rhododendron plants. We follow the river through dense pine forests, crossing the Dudh Koshi River on a bridge decorated with prayer flags. We might come across colorful pheasants and mountain goats in this woodland. The path brings us to Sansa, where the Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse mountains are visible in all directions. In addition, we travel a meandering trail through the jungle until we reach Namche Bazaar, our overnight destination.

Namche to Lukla 2800m/9184ft.

Because of the trail’s steep descent and the uneven surface, which can be taxing on our weary legs, we must exercise caution. Before the trail gets more level and walkable, we cross suspension bridges across the swiftly flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries. After arriving in Lukla, we may unwind and consider the events of the last few weeks. We stay in Lukla for the night.

Fly back to Kathmandu

We stroll over the slope, encircled by juniper and rhododendron plants. Our road descends swiftly 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. After a while, the path leads to Sansa, from where we can see the Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse mountains. Before arriving at Namche Bazaar, we also walk through a forest and on meandering trails.

Final Departure

This is the last day of your journey across Nepal! You can use your time to go through your images and exchange email information with other travelers. A Kantipur Holidays representative will accompany you to the airport around three hours before to your scheduled departure. You’ll have plenty of time on your hands when you get home to organize your next thrilling vacation to Nepal.