Trekking in the Everest Region

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met immediately off the plane and escorted through fast-track immigration, baggage, and customs formalities. In the arrivals hall, you’ll be introduced to your private guide and local driver and privately transferred to your central Kathmandu hotel. For most hotels, the transfer time is 30-45 minutes at most in typical traffic.

The rest of the day is free to settle in. With its ornate palaces, temples and squares, UNESCO sites, mini kingdoms, extraordinary architecture, and arts and crafts, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a fascinating place. Highlights include the courtyards and chambers of the Royal Palace, and Kathmandu Durbar Square with its highly-detailed wooden temples. In the outlying area around Kathmandu, further sights include Swayambhunath, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa, and Bhaktapur, an enchanting ancient city with winding alleyways and a stunning palatial complex brimming with architectural gems.

Today you’ll embark on a full-day tour of Kathmandu with your private guide and driver.

Begin with a visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple thanks to its resident troop of macaques, which from its lofty hilltop position offers panoramic views over Kathmandu Valley. Next, discover Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance, spin prayer wheels, and observe religious rituals performed by monks and locals.

Your guide will take you for lunch in a local restaurant and you will then head into the very center of Kathmandu to visit Durbar Square: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its ancient royal palace complex and intricately carved temples. You’ll also visit the Kumari Chowk, home of the living goddess Kumari.

Surrounding Durbar Square are numerous cafes housed within converted ancient buildings, so you can stop for further refreshment before heading to your final stop of the day at Pashupathinah. This sacred Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is set on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River – believed by Hindus to be one of the most auspicious cremation sites in the world. Please note that non-Hindus are not permitted within the very inner areas of the temple but you will be able to explore the outer complex and witness the comings and goings of droves of Hindu devotees practicing their traditions, and the preparations for ongoing cremation ceremonies.

Return to the hotel to spend the evening at leisure.

Early this morning you will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport for the short but dramatic flight up to the jaw-dropping Lukla Airstrip, which is your gateway to the Everest region.

On arrival there will be a short break while your guide and porter prepare the gear, and conduct a briefing on the next few days. You will then set off on the trail to Phakding, which will meander through pine forests, along the Dudh Koshi River, and through Sherpa villages. All of this is surrounded by different perspectives of the majestic snow-covered mountains.

At Chheplung village (2,660m), the peak of Mt. Khumbu-yul-Iha (5,761m) will come into view. This mountain is considered the dwelling place of the God of Khumbu and provides vital water to the villages of Khumjung and Khunde. Stop at Thado Koshi for lunch and from there just an hour further along is Ghat village, known for its Buddhist stone carvings known as the Mani Stone wall. Continue onto Phakding (2,610m), where you can unwind and relax after a fulfilling first day of trekking.`

Make sure to fuel up on breakfast this morning before you set off on the long, more challenging trek up to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). As you climb, you’ll pass through forests of fir trees and, if you’re trekking in spring, vibrant rhododendron blooms. Along the way, there are six suspension bridges to cross and several waterfalls to stop and view.

Around an hour up from Phakding you will be able to see the spectacular peak of Thamserku (6,608m) and then later enter the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park: a sprawling reserve spanning around 1200 square kilometers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

After 3 hours of walking, lunch will be taken at the base of Jorsalle, from where a climb of 600m awaits to reach Namche Bazaar. The first glimpse of Mt. Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7861m) and Lhotse (8414m) are generally seen upon reaching Toap Hill. From this point, Namche is 2 hours walk. Upon reaching Namche, trekkers can enjoy this vibrant village which features numerous restaurants, bakeries, shops and hotels.

Today’s trekking time will be approximately 6-7 hours.

Today is a shorter day of trekking, covering around 2 hours if heading straight up to Hotel Everest View (3,880m), or 3 hours if you choose to divert via the Sagarmatha National Park Museum. The museum is a worthwhile visit: offering insights into the Himalayas, Sherpa traditions, and the region’s flora and fauna. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture stunning photographs at the View Point near the Nepal Army camp, with the majestic snow-capped mountains forming a breathtaking backdrop.

As you continue on the trail you’ll pass by the picturesque hillsides with yaks grazing peacefully in the vicinity, keep an eye out for a glimpse of a Himalayan Tahr gracefully and seemingly miraculously perched on the cliffs. On arrival at Hotel Everest View, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing glass of hot lemon with honey which you can enjoy as you gaze over the entire Everest Mountain range. The remainder of the day is free to kick back and enjoy the views.

Today’s trekking time will be approximately 2-3 hours.

Today is left free to take a well-deserved break and unwind at Hotel Everest View. Alternatively, you might embark on a day trip to visit Khumjung Village, a charming Sherpa settlement, and visit the school here which was established by the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary. If you’re feeling energetic, you could also take on the challenging but rewarding day hike to Khunde Peak (4,200m). This exhilarating trek offers breathtaking panoramic views and a chance to experience the raw beauty of the Himalayas up close.

This morning it is time to start returning downhill, leaving the Everest View after breakfast on the return trek to Phakding. Trekking time will be approximately 5-6 hours, travelling at a considerably faster pace this time as you are descending most of the way.

During the peak spring and fall seasons, there is a helicopter shuttle service available from Hotel Everest View back to Lukla. This alternative allows you to bypass two days of trekking and offers a quicker and more convenient way to reach Lukla Airport.

Today you’ll complete your trek, continuing from Phakding back to Lukla, which will take approximately 3-4 hours. Arrive in Lukla early afternoon, after the morning flights to Kathmandu have departed, and spend the rest of the day relaxing in this small, charming mountain village.

After breakfast this morning you will walk back over to Lukla’s tiny airstrip and ake the scenic flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival back in the capital you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of your final day is at leisure to relax in a comfortable, international-class hotel (making a change from the last few days!) or head out for some final shopping or sightseeing.

Sadly, your Himalayan adventures have come to an end. At the appropriate time your driver will escort you back to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight.

Please speak to your consultant to arrange extensions to this tour or further transport arrangements to facilitate your journey home.