Nepal’s capital city serves as the departure point for treks into the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Annapurna, and as a result is a major travel and tourism hub. Besides its proximity to these world-class hiking trails, the city also features many charms of its own, including an exquisite setting amidst snow-covered mountain peaks, friendly locals, several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a series of ornate stone temples dating back hundreds of years. Don’t miss a visit to the sacred Boudhanath Stupa, the ancient tree-swathed site of Swayambhunath, or Kathmandu Durbar Square with its 12th-century temples.
Fly into Kathmandu, where you will be met your Travel Counsellors Representative who will assist you and taken to your hotel of stay.
Day 2: Kathmandu
Full day tour of Kathmandu covering Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and Patan.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the important historic and tourist destinations in Nepal. This massive complex is home to palaces, temples and courtyards. The original center of Kathmandu is often named as Basantapur, Hanuman Dhoka or Durbar Square all denoting the same location. Kathmandu Durbar square has various historical royal and governmental institutions mixed with temples of different styles and ages. It may seem a little bit crowded with lots of buildings and temples built around on a very small area. This important historical attraction has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main attraction of Durbar Square is Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex. The striking palace was named in honor of the monkey god, Hanuman, and a statue of the unusual deity stands at the main entranceway. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels and houses the King Tribhuwan Memorial museum and the Mahendra Museum.
Swayambhunath meaning “Self-Created One”. The Tibetan name for Swayambhunath means ‘Sublime Trees’. It was built over 2,500 years ago. It is also known as monkey temple as there are holy monkeys living in part of the temple. An excellent view of Kathmandu valley can be observed from this UNESCO World heritage cultural site. This Buddhist Stupa holds a special position both among the Buddhists
Patan
Also known as Lalitpur, the city of artisans, and home to the valley’s finest craftsmen who have preserved such ancient techniques as the repousse and lost wax process used to produce exquisite sculptures. The city retains much of the old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and monuments. As in Kathmandu, Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed here for ages, influencing each other, and the religious harmony is exemplary. Patan Durbar square is one of the seven monument zones that makes Kathmandu valley UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 3: Fly Kathmandu – Lukla (2,642m) and trek to Phakding (2,562m) 3-4 hrs
After breakfast, transfer to the Domestic Airport for the Trans Himalayan flight and dramatic landing on the hillside at Lukla: gateway to the Khumbu/Everest region. Meet your local porters and walk downhill to the Sherpa settlement of Cheplung. The trail then follows the side of the DudhKoshi Valley before ascending to Ghat (2,530m/8,350ft). Another gentle hour leads up to Phakding.
Note: Flight to and from Lukla may ply from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu airport in case of any upgradation work at Kathmandu Airport. Ramechhapairport is about 4 hour’s drive from Kathmandu.So if the flight doesn’t take off from Kathmandu we will have to drive to Ramechhap very early in the morning and take the flight to Lukla from Ramechapp airport. We will have to start for the airport around 2 am. The return drive at the end of the trek is between 4 and 6 hours depending on traffic.
Day 4: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440m, 10km, 5-6 hrs)
The trail meanders through pine forest, along the DudhKoshi River, crossing suspension bridges via the Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo and Jorsale: entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park and permit checkpoint; with tranquil views of glistening Thamserku (6,618m/21,714m). The trail continues along the riverbed to the confluence of the Bhote and DudhKoshi Rivers. It then climbs steadily, crossing the high Tenzing- Hilary suspension bridge: with inspiring glimpses of Everest and the Nuptse – Lhotse ridge. A final three hour ascent through pine forest leads to the prosperous trading and administrative town of Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Acclimatization and exploration day
This is a scheduled acclimatization day on the trek. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and health experts recommend a stop for at least one extra night. Be active and roam rather than laze around: climb high and sleep low is the acclimatization advice. Take an entertaining side trip to the large traditional Sherpa village of Khumjung (3,780m/12,402ft): with fine views of Thamserku, Kangtega, AmaDablam and Everest – in a sea of lesser peaks. Return to Namche Bazaar for the night.
Day 6: Namche Bazaar – Tengboche (3,870m, 8km, 5-6 hrs)
The trail climbs up from the town and then contours around the hillside, offering great views including Everest and Khumjung. Look out for spotted deer, Himalayan tahrs and birds – including the colorful (male) Danphe pheasant (Nepal’s national bird). The trail rises to Sanasa where the routes to Gokyo and Everest BC fork. The trail to the right then descends to cross the DudhKoshi (past water driven prayer wheels) on a suspension bridge near PhunkiThenga (3,250m/10,663ft), the lowest point north of Namche Bazaar. It then enters the ImjaKhola Valley and rises steeply, through dwarf conifers and rhododendron forest, for a two hour pull, to the hilltop village of Tengboche. Their famous Gompais set against the backdrop of AmaDablam, Nuptse, Everest, Kangtega and other peaks. At full moon in October/November they hold the colourful Mani Rimdu festival which includes masked dancing and Tibetan Opera in the monastery courtyard. Visit the monastery during the afternoon.
Day 7: Tengboche – Dingboche (4,360 m, 10km, 5-6 hrs)
Today’s trail descends to Debuche: a scattered stone village with a nunnery, chortens and long mani wall. Cross the suspension bridge over the ImjaKhola and gradually ascend to Pangboche with views of towering AmaDablam (6,856m/22,495ft perhaps the most beautiful mountain in the Everest region). The trail then follows the river fairly closely as it gradually rises to its confluence with the LobucheKhola and continues up to Dingboche: the last year-round Sherpa settlement in the region. Different views of AmaDablam rise above the terraced fields of barley, buckwheat and potatoes. The fields are walled to protect crops from icy winds and animals during the short growing season.
Day 8: Acclimatization day in Dingboche
This is another scheduled rest day on the trek and will assist your fitness and oxygen intake at the higher altitudes to follow. An enjoyable 3-4 hrs side walk, 400m climb to NangkartshangGompa, on the ridge north of Dingboche village can be the best choice. This vintage point offers Mt. Makalu (8,463m) fifth highest Mountain in the world to the east and awesome view of Mt. AmaDablam and valley floor. If you have more energy, continue to Nagarjune Hill summit (5090m) for additional adventure and thrill. Return from the rarefied air to Dingboche for the night.
Day 9: Dingboche – Lobuche (4,940m, 7km, 4-5 hrs)
The trail climbs to a ridge providing towering views of Taboche Peak and Cholatse and continues through Yak pastures before crossing a wooden bridge over a roaring stream to Duglha (4,620m/15,158ft). The trail then ascends steeply for an hour, up the gravely terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. On the summit is a large group of stone-pile memorials to lost Sherpas and climbers. It also affords great border-views including Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Pumori. Everest is hidden behind the towering wall of Nuptse and Lhotse. Follow the valley upstream for about an hour to Lobuche.
Day 10: Lobuche – Gorakshep (5,160 m) – Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) GorakShep (15km, 7-8 hrs)
A long rewarding day, follow the windblown and rocky path along the barren moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to the last village at GorakShep. After an early lunch, set out on the feint trail to the world’s highest Base Camp, on the Khumbu Glacier: opposite the dreaded icefall – the most dangerous section of an Everest ascent. Trek back to GorakShep for the night at Lodge.
Day 11: GorakShep – Kala Patthar (5,545m) – Pheriche (4,280m, 15km, 7-8 hrs)
A very early morning climb of 2-3 hours up Kala Patthar, behind the village, offers a sunrise awakening of the Himalayan chain. Drop back to Gorakshep for breakfast, and then retrace your steps down to Lobuche. Return to the snout of the Khumbu glacier, dropping down the moraine and continuing on to the village of Pheriche for a lower and warmer night.
Day 12: Pheriche – Namche Bazaar (3,44m, 15km, 6-7 hrs)
Today’s trail gradually descends to Deboche before a mild rise through rhododendron forest to the hilltop village of Tengboche which has an important monastery and great views in all directions. A long descent, leads to PhunkiThenga (3,250m/10,663 ft) on the ImjaKhola: the trek’s lowest point north of Lukla. The path then climbs to Sanasa (where the trail forked to Gokyo) beyond which it broadens for the pleasant contour walk back to Namche Bazaar.
Day 13: Namche Bazaar – Lukla (2,642m, 18km, 6-7 hrs)
From Namche, the trail descends to more comfortable altitudes, passing through the friendly farming villages of Jorsale (where we exit the National Park), Monjo, Phakding, then crosses the suspension bridge at ThadoKoshi before rising to Ghat and Cheplung. Round off the adventure with the final 700m, 35min ascent to Lukla: and say goodbye to your porters.
Day 14: Lukla – Kathmandu (1,300m, 35 min flight)
After an early breakfast, take the return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 15: Depart Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel. Later transfer the guests to the airport to connect their departure flight.
