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 Phorse Village 3810m/12496ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
Ascend from Namche Bazaar along an incredibly scenic trail with Mt. Thamserku towering above the valley to our right. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam stand proud on the horizon as our trail winds down to the Dhud Koshi. Crossing a suspension bridge, we ascend through lush forests to Phorse, under the peaks of Tawoche and Cholatse.
Day 7: Trek from Phorse Village to Machhermo 4470m/14663ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
Re-crossing the suspension bridge across the Dhud Koshi, we pass several waterfalls and climb to a ridge above Dole. Passing several remote villages along a gradual ascent accompanied by the majestic peaks of Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and Kantega, we ascend the Dudh Koshi valley to Machhermo, the last major settlement before Gokyo.
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 and climb Gokyo Ri 5357m/17570ft
Breathtaking scenery abounds today as we embark on any number of walks to explore Gokyo Valley. Climb to Gokyo Ri to enjoy what is consider the Khumbu region’s best viewpoint. 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: Trek from Gokyo to Dole
Descending from the Ngozumba glacier past the first and second Gokyo lakes, we walk back to Machhermo. The easy walk to Dole is brimming with stunning mountain views, and the easy descent is a blessing after our hard days of climbing.
Day 11: Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar
The hills become lush with plant life as we continue our descent. Passing several waterfalls and the charming lookout at Mong La, we meander our way to a welcome bit of luxury at Namche Bazaar.
Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
The final descent to Lukla is steep and rocky, but the oxygen-rich air will bring great comfort. Descending into the lush jungles against the roar of the Dudh Koshi below, we’ll leave the Himalayan giants behind us and stop for our final rest in Lukla.
Day 13: 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 14: 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.
