Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding
You'll fly from Kathmandu to Lukla on a small twin-engine aircraft, taking in Himalayan views along the way. Once you land, meet your guide and porters, then start trekking down through Chheplung. The route takes you across a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and past Ghat monastery before climbing to Phakding for your first night in a teahouse. (350m/1,148ft - 2,610m/8,563ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
- Trek from Lukla to Phakding via Chheplung, Thado Khosi suspension bridge, and Ghat monastery
Landmarks/POIs Mt. Kusum Kanguru Dudh Koshi River Ghat Monastery - Day 2
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Trek from Phakding through the Dudh Koshi valley, crossing multiple river bridges and walking through blue pine and rhododendron forests. You'll reach Monjo where you'll check permits before entering Sagarnatha National Park. From there, make a steep climb toward Namche Bazaar, the main trading hub in the Khumbu region. Stay overnight in a teahouse. (2,610m/8,563ft - 3,440m/11,286ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Permit check at Sagarnatha National Park entrance
Landmarks/POIs Thamserku Khumbi La Sagarnatha National Park Namche Bazaar - Day 3
Namche Bazaar (Acclimatization Day)
This is your acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. You've got options here. Take an optional day trip to Thame village and Thame monastery if you're feeling up for 7-8 hours of trekking. Otherwise, go for a shorter hike to a viewpoint where you can see Everest and other peaks from a different angle. Either way, you're back in Namche for the night in a teahouse. (3,440m/11,286ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Day trip to Thame village and monastery (approximately 7-8 hours round trip)
- Hike to Namche viewpoint for Himalayan views
Landmarks/POIs Mt. Everest Lhotse Nuptse Ama Dablam Thamserku Thame Monastery - Day 4
Namche Bazaar to Dole
Trek through rhododendron forests with mountain views around you, passing through Kyangjuma, Sanasa, and Mongla Danda. You'll reach the junction where the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo valley treks split. Continue through dense forests and head toward Dole for the night. Stay in a teahouse. (3,440m/11,286ft - 4,030m/13,222ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole via Kyangjuma, Sanasa, and Mongla Danda
Landmarks/POIs Mt. Everest Ama Dablam Lhotse Nuptse Thamserku - Day 5
Dole to Machhermo
Walk gradually along the valley through summer yak pastures, passing Lhabarma and Luza. As you climb higher, the landscape changes from small bushes to scrub juniper. You'll get good views of Cho Oyu mountain and the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku behind you. Sleep in a teahouse. (4,030m/13,222ft - 4,385m/14,383ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Dole to Machhermo through summer settlements and pastures
Landmarks/POIs Cho Oyu Kantega Thamserku - Day 6
Machhermo to Gokyo
Trek over a ridge with views down the valley and up toward Cho Oyu, then climb the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Pass through Pangka and go past two lakes, Longponga and Taujung, where you might spot Brahmin ducks. Reach Gokyo Lake surrounded by glacier views. Teahouse overnight. (4,385m/14,383ft - 4,790m/15,715ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo via Ngozumpa Glacier moraine and alpine lakes
Landmarks/POIs Ngozumpa Glacier Gokyo Lake Cho Oyu - Day 7
Gokyo (Gokyo Ri hike)
Start early for a steep hike up Gokyo Ri summit. You'll get 360-degree views of the Khumbu range including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu, plus the massive Ngozumpa Glacier. Watch the sunrise and sunset from up there, then head back down to Gokyo for the night. Teahouse stay. (4,790m/15,715ft - 5,360m/17,585ft peak)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Gokyo Ri summit
Landmarks/POIs Gokyo Ri Mt. Everest Lhotse Nuptse Makalu Cho Oyu - Day 8
Gokyo to Thangana
Trek from Gokyo with a short ascent followed by gentle ups and downs across a glacier valley. You'll descend for about 45 minutes to reach Thangana, the base camp for Cho La Pass. Mountain and natural views accompany you the whole way. Stay in basic teahouse facilities. (4,790m/15,715ft - 4,680m/15,354ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Gokyo to Thangana
Landmarks/POIs Cho La Pass - Day 9
Thangana to Dzongla (via Cho La Pass)
This is one of the toughest days. Climb steeply through a narrow valley on rocky trails, watching for glacial ice that makes things slippery. Reach Cho La Pass decorated with prayer flags where you'll see Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, and Ama Dablam. Descend steeply through crevasses and pine forests to Dzongla with views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, and Lobuche. Teahouse overnight. (4,680m/15,354ft - 4,830m/15,843ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Thangana over Cho La Pass to Dzongla
Landmarks/POIs Cho La Pass Ama Dablam Cholatse Lobuche East - Day 10
Dzongla to Lobuche
A shorter, easier day after the pass crossing. The trail gently descends and ascends through level sections, showing off Ama Dablam, Nuptse-Lhotse, Everest, Pumori, and Lobuche peak. You'll reach Lobuche village by the stream and watch the sun set over Nuptse. Sleep in a teahouse. (4,830m/15,843ft - 4,930m/16,171ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche
Landmarks/POIs Ama Dablam Nuptse Lhotse Mt. Everest Pumori Lobuche Peak - Day 11
Lobuche to Gorak Shep & Everest Base Camp & back to Gorak Shep
Trek along the western side of Khumbu valley through meadows and rocky paths with views of Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and the Khumbu Glacier icefall. Drop your bag at Gorak Shep, then trek 4.5 hours to Everest Base Camp on glacier and snowcapped rocks. You'll pass frozen lakes and see the impressive Khumbu Icefall (Everest stays hidden from base camp). Return to Gorak Shep. (4,930m/16,171ft - 5,364m/17,595ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep
- Trek to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep
Landmarks/POIs Pumori Lingtren Khumbutse Nuptse Lobuche East Khumbu Glacier Everest Base Camp Khumbu Icefall Lhotse - Day 12
Gorak Shep to Kala Pathar to Pheriche
Early morning hike up Kala Pathar for unobstructed 360-degree views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other peaks. Return to your lodge for breakfast, then trek down through Lobuche and Thukla toward Pheriche. You're now descending and leaving the high mountains behind. Stay in a lodge. (5,364m/17,595ft - 4,371m/14,337ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Kala Pathar summit
- Trek from Kala Pathar to Pheriche via Lobuche and Thukla
Landmarks/POIs Kala Pathar Mt. Everest Nuptse Lhotse Khumbutse Pumori Lingtren Ama Dablam Thamserku Lobuche Peak - Day 13
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Trek downhill for about 8-9 hours back to Namche Bazaar. Descending allows you to cover ground faster than on the way up, and you'll move to lower altitudes as you leave the high mountains. Arrive in Namche and relax at the Namche Bakery or play pool at Cafe Danfe. Rest up for tomorrow's trek. (4,371m/14,337ft - 3,440m/11,286ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Optional Activities
- Visit Namche Bakery
- Play pool at Cafe Danfe
Landmarks/POIs Namche Bazaar - Day 14
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
After the trek, this is another long potentially tough day as your body's tired. Descend Namche Hill and trek the long stretch back to Lukla, passing through Phakding before the final uphill into Lukla. This covers about 21km/13 miles over 7-8 hours. Stay in a lodge. (3,440m/11,286ft - 2,610m/8,563ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla via Phakding
Landmarks/POIs Phakding - Day 15
Lukla to Kathmandu
After a hot breakfast in Lukla, fly back to Kathmandu around 8:30am on a 35-minute flight. Return to your hostel for a hot shower and laundry. Spend the afternoon relaxing at a cafe and doing some last-minute shopping for people back home. (2,610m/8,563ft - 1,350m/4,429ft)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Optional Activities
- Shopping in Kathmandu
