Itinerary
- Day 1
Domestic Airport to Lukla to Phakding
After breakfast you'll fly to Lukla with Himalayan views surrounding you the whole way. Once you land, the trek begins right away. The route takes you down through Cheplung village where Mt. Khumbila rises sacred and prominent, then through woodland terrain to reach Phakding by day's end.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Mt. Khumbila Cheplung - Day 2
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Today involves trekking through the Khumbu wilderness with suspension bridges crossing the Dudh Koshi River. You'll pass small hamlets like Zamphute and Tok Tok while Mt. Thamserku comes into view. Moving through Sagarmatha National Park, the trek concludes at Namche Bazaar where Everest and other major peaks become visible above the settlement.
Landmarks Mt. Thamserku Dudh Koshi River Sagarmatha National Park Mount Everest Lhotse Namche Bazaar - Day 3
Acclimatization Day
This day focuses on altitude acclimatization around Namche Bazaar. Head to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic mountain views, then check out the ancient Khumjung Monastery which holds a believed Yeti scalp. The Tourist Visitor Center rounds out your day with information about Everest's history and Sherpa culture.
Included Activities
- Hike to Everest View Hotel
- Visit Khumjung Monastery
- Visit Tourist Visitor Center at Sagarmatha National Park headquarters
Landmarks Everest View Hotel Khumjung Monastery Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center - Day 4
Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thenga
Trek 5.7 kilometers through rhododendron and juniper forests. You'll cross through Yak Kharka alpine pastureland where Ama Dablam dominates the skyline, reach the village of Mong with its distinctive white Gompa, then descend to Phortse Thenga by the riverside.
Landmarks Ama Dablam Yak Kharka Mong Phortse Thenga - Day 5
Phortse Thenga to Machhermo
This is a demanding day at higher altitude where the air feels thin, so take your time. Starting from Phortse Thenga, ascend with views of Kangtega and Cho Oyu ahead. You'll traverse high alpine grounds where trees thin out, cross a river, then climb steeply over the Ngozumpa glacier's terminal moraine to reach Machhermo.
Landmarks Kangtega Cho Oyu Ngozumpa Glacier Machhermo - Day 6
Machhermo to Gokyo
Trek 6.8 kilometers gaining 320 meters of elevation. Following glacier-fed rivers through high alpine grounds with brown and grey landscapes, you'll see the Ngozumpa glacier and Khumjung and Khunde peaks. Cross glacial streams then ascend steeply to arrive at Gokyo settlement.
Landmarks Ngozumpa Glacier Khumjung Peak Khunde Peak Gokyo - Day 7
Lakes Exploration
Wake for the sunrise, have breakfast, then explore the highest freshwater lake system in the world. Start with the three Gokyo Lakes near the tea house, trek 3 kilometers north to the fourth lake, continue to the fifth, and finish at Scoundrel's Viewpoint for panoramic views including Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and the Ngozumba Glacier.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Himalayan sunrise viewing
- Exploration of Gokyo Lakes
Landmarks Gokyo Lakes Scoundrel's Viewpoint Cho-Oyu Gyachung Kang Lhotse Nuptse Makalu Ngozumba Glacier - Day 8
Gokyo Ri Summit
Trek to Gokyo Ri, an important vantage point for mountain views. The ascent takes a couple of hours, crossing streams at the village's northern end to reach the prayer flag marked summit. It's non-technical but altitude can be challenging for some. From the top you'll see Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, and emerald lakes below.
Included Activities
- Trek to Gokyo Ri summit
Landmarks Gokyo Ri Cho Oyu Cholatse Taboche Ngozumpa Glacier - Day 9
Gokyo to Dole
Trek down through alpine territory with significant landscape views. You'll cross streams and tracks of the Ngozumba glacier, see Cholatse and Cho Oyu peaks, then retrace your steps back to Dole settlement.
Landmarks Cholatse Cho Oyu Dole - Day 10
Dole to Namche Bazaar
Mostly downhill trek covering approximately 11.5 kilometers. Start early to manage the distance, descending from high alpine grounds into lush woodlands. Grand mountain and landscape views accompany you as you pass through Khumjung. Once back at Namche Bazaar, rest briefly then spend the evening exploring local pubs and restaurants.
Optional Activities
- Visit pubs and restaurants in Namche Bazaar
Landmarks Khumjung Namche Bazaar - Day 11
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
The trek concludes with an entirely downhill day. Cross several bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi River and tributaries while walking through open plains and rhododendron and pine forests. Distant snow-covered peaks remain visible as you pass villages and eventually reach Lukla. Rest here, then celebrate your trek success with your team for the final night in the mountains.
Optional Activities
- Celebration dinner on last night in the mountains
Landmarks Dudh Koshi River Lukla - Day 12
Lukla to Kathmandu
Early morning flight back to Kathmandu, typically scheduled for safety. After landing, head to your accommodation and rest for a bit. Option to take a guided city tour or explore on your own during the afternoon. In the evening, attend a farewell dinner celebrating the successful trek completion.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell dinner to celebrate successful completion of trek)
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Kathmandu
- Self-guided exploration of Kathmandu
Landmarks Kathmandu
