Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu.
You will be greeted at the airport by a representative from Outdoor Expeditions and transported to your hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparations.
Relax for the afternoon and enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu’s unique attractions. We’ll spend the day exploring several of the city’s most famous cultural landmarks like the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bhagamati, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest and most revered Buddhist stupa. In the evening we’ll meet with your trekking guide and team members for a trip briefing and preparations for the journey.
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. Trek to Phakding 2652m/8700ft: 3 – 4 hours walk
You’ll be picked up at your hotel after breakfast and transferred to Tribhuvan airport for an amazing flight to the Tenzing-Hillary airstrip at Lukla. Greeted by Kongde’s towering peak, we’ll begin our moderate ascent to Phakding where we spend our first night.
Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3440m/11280ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
Today’s climb takes us along a wonderfully scenic trail following the Dudh Koshi, with an outstanding view of Mt. Thamserku for much of the journey. We catch a peak of the distant Mt. Everest near Chautara. We’ll pass the checkpoint into the Sagarmatha National Park, and after crossing a high suspension bridge spanning the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers, we’ll make the final climb to Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Spend the day enjoying the sights around Namche Bazaar, the Khumbu region’s main commercial center. Several short climbs to spots of interest are available to help us acclimatize, including the Tourist Visitor Center and museum, or the Everest View Hotel, from where breathtaking views can be enjoyed.
Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole 4110m/13152ft: 4 – 5 hours walk
From the steep ascent out of Namche Bazaar, we cross over the Mong La perched atop Mt. Khumbila, with a grand view of Thamserku and Ama Dablam as our backdrop. We stop to rest near and ancient chorten and admire the views, then descend through a forest trail to Dole.
Day 7: Trek from Dole to Machhermo 4470m/14663ft: 4 -5 hours walk
We make a steep ascent through Labharma to Luza, traversing the steep sides of the Dudh Koshi valley to meet exceptional views of Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and Kantenga. Passing several settlements perched high above the river below, we reach Machhermo.
Day 8: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo 4800m/15744ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
A gradual ascent will see the valley widen, passing several chortens and Pangka village, we reach the terminal moraine of Ngozumba glacier. A steep ascent along the glacier will take us to the first mountain lake Longpongo. Shortly after we’ll reach the lakes Taboche Tsho and Gokyo Cho, on whose banks the village of Gokyo sits under the towering peak of Cho Oyu. Prepare yourself for scenery beyond your wildest imagination.
Day 9: Explore Gokyo Valley
Breathtaking scenery abounds today as we embark on any number of walks to explore Gokyo Valley. Gaze upon the amazingly azure Thonak Tsho and Ngozumba Tsho lakes, and ascend to Scoundrel’s viewpoint to admire the peaks of Cho-Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Gyachung Kang.
Day 10: Climb Gokyo Ri 5357m/17570ft and trek to Thaknak 4750m/15580m: 4 – 5 hours walk
Our highlight of our trip is the epic ascent to the top of Gokyo Ri today, from where what is said to be the best view in Khumbu region can be beheld. Amid a host of soaring peaks, gaze down on the beautifully azure Gokyo lakes and the immense Ngozumba glacier. We’ll descend for a short hike to our overnight spot at Thaknak near the Ngozumba glacier.
Day 11: Trek from Thaknak to Cho La pass 5367m/17604ft and Dzongla 4830m/15939ft: 7 – 8 hours walk
A challenging day awaits us as we ascend up steep and icy terrain to Cho La pass via Phedi. We’ll negotiate several crevasses and boulder strewn areas on our way to Dzongla, where the peaks of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and Lobuche await us.
Day 12: Trek from Dzongla to Gorak Shep 5170m/16961ft and Everest Base Camp 5364m/17594ft: 8 – 9 hours walk
Following a magnificent trail adjacent to the Khumbu Glacier’s lateral moraine, we head deeper into frozen terrain with the majestic peaks of Pumori, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Lhotse, and Nuptse before us. The grey rock outcropping of Kala Pattar makes an appearance as we crest a ridge and ascend into Gorak Shep. After a rest and a good lunch, we follow the boulder-strewn trail to Everest Base Camp at the base of the Khumbu icefall. After celebrating our accomplishment at this famous spot, we return to Gorak Shep as the sun sets over the rugged beauty of our surroundings.
Day 13: Climb to Kala Pattar 5545m/18192ft and trek to Pheriche 4280m/14070ft: 8 – 9 hours walk
The day begins with an early wake up and a most challenging ascent to the epic lookout point at Kala Pattar. A two hour up hill climb to the top of this rocky knoll will take your breath away – both from the physical exertion and the jaw-dropping view. An unforgettable panorama including the expansive Khumbu glacier and a vast number of peaks, including the mighty Mt. Everest, can be seen from this famous viewpoint. Descend back to Gorak Shep and climb the hill to the trail toward Pheriche.
Day 14: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar 3440m/11280ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
Descending through the Khumbu Khola valley, we’ll be light on our feet as we leave the altitude behind us. We’ll pass through the Sherpa villages of Orsho, and Shomare, surrounded by picturesque pastures of grazing mountain yak. The scenery changes as we descend through the forested hillsides to Phunki Tenga. Crossing the Dudh Koshi over a suspension bridge decorated with hundreds of prayer flags, we pass through pine forests on a winding trail until our steep descent into Namche Bazaar.
Day 15: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6 – 8 hours walk
A steep and rocky descent will test our stamina as we depart Namche Bazaar. Eventually the trail levels out after several river crossings and we arrive in the agriculture-rich Khumbu foothills. Passing a number of colorful Buddhist settlements we arrive at our final destination in Lukla.
Day 16: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
A morning flight will bring us back to Kathmandu. You’ll be escorted from Tribhuvan airport to your hotel. Enjoy the sights and sounds of bustling Thamel for the evening and reminisce upon an amazing journey.
Day 17: Depart Kathmandu
Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with Outdoor Expeditions. Farewell and Namaste.
