Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal’s historic capital set in a picturesque valley between the Himalayan Mountains. Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), where you’ll meet your driver and be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure, before meeting in the lobby for a welcome orientation meeting. This evening, feel free to explore Kathmandu’s ancient temples, pagodas and shrines, or simply rest ahead of your once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Arrival & Transfers:
Please book your flights to arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) by 10am. Airport transfers are included on the first day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel. Check-in on Day 1 is at 12pm.
This morning, a transfer will take you to the airport for a scenic helicopter flight to Lukla (LUA), the gateway to the Khumbu region. Meet with your trekking team and gear up before commencing the first leg of your journey. Start uphill, following the glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi River through verdant pine forests and small Sherpa villages for three to four hours before stopping at Phakding for your overnight stay.
Travel time: Helicopter – approx. 45 minutes / Trekking – approx. 3–4 hours (6.2km)
Early morning after breakfast, your journey will take you through another verdant pine forest. Walk for approximately five to six hours alongside the Dudh Kosi river, passing villages and crossing several suspension bridges before a steep ascent to reach Namche Bazaar, considered to be one of the biggest towns in the Everest region. Here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the imposing mountain’s snow-capped peak. This evening, settle in to your lodge for a well-earned rest.
Travel time: Trekking – approx. 5–6 hours (7.4km)
To avoid altitude sickness, the day will be spent acclimatising in Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the most beautiful and the primary town of the Everest region, occupied by a colourful market with ATMs, a government office, shops and restaurants. For panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and other peaks in the region, trek approximately three to four hours to the Everest View Hotel, sitting at 3,880m above sea level. Upon your return to Namche Bazaar, take the time to recuperate this afternoon, readying for another day of trekking.
Travel time: Trekking – approx. 2–3 hours (3.2km)
The trek today takes you towards Tengboche village, with approximately five to six hours of walking time. As you make your way up another 400m above sea level, pass through gorgeous forests of rhododendrons, a hearty shrub suited to cold climates with glossy green leaves and blooms of pink known as the national flower of Nepal. Catch unparalleled views of Everest, Nuptse and Ama Dablam before arriving in Tengboche, which houses the very famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Everest region. Pay a visit to the Tibetan Buddhist monastery and take in the beautiful tableau of Ama Dablam standing proudly behind it.
Travel time: Trekking – approx. 5–6 hours (5.9km)
Following breakfast at your lodge, continue on your trek, the trail descending and passing through lush forests of birch, conifer and rhododendron trees. While trekking, admire views of Island Peak, Lhotse and Ama Dablam as you follow the trail to the Imja Khola Valley and Lobuche (Lobujya) River. Finally, ascend to Dingboche, the last Sherpa village on the way to Base Camp with only a small population of Sherpas who work there.
Travel time: Trekking – approx. 5–6 hours (9.1km)
Ascend to the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. As the trail drops to the rugged and barren stretch of the moraine, you will be met with the sight of several great peaks including Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. Along the six to seven-hour trek, pass by the solemn Everest Memorial site at Thukla Pass, a poignant reminder of the risks involved with conquering the highest peak on Earth. Arrive in Lobuche this evening, a small settlement where you’ll find respite at a cosy lodge.
Travel time: Trekking – approx. 6–7 hours (6.6km)
Depart Lobuche to begin today’s six to eight-hour trek to Gorakshep, a frozen lakebed enveloped in sand. Stop for a brief rest, before ascending and descending mostly on a glacier path to reach Everest Base Camp, 5,364m above sea level. Take a moment to appreciate your grand accomplishment and marvel at the amazing views of the Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori mountains from base camp. After soaking in the beauty, your walk continues back towards Gorakshep, where you’ll spend the night resting after a big day.
Travel time: Trekking – approx. 6–8 hours (10.6km)
Early this morning, hike two to three hours to the highest elevation point of your journey at Kala Patthar, sitting at 5,545 metres above sea level. The day’s first light will illuminate your spectacular view of Cholatse and Lhotse. This may be, of the whole journey, your most opportune moment to snap amazing pictures of Mount Everest and its neighbouring peaks. Upon returning to Gorakshep, embark on an exciting helicopter ride to Kathmandu with a stop in Lukla, bypassing the trek back and soaking up majestic views from a new perspective. This evening, enjoy a special Nepalese farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant, accompanied by a cultural dance performance.
Travel time: Trekking – approx. 2–3 hours (2.4km) / Helicopter – approx. 1.5 hours
Bid farewell to Nepal this morning as you’re transferred to the airport (KTM) after breakfast for your journey home.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 11am. Please book your flights to depart from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) at any time. Airport transfers are included on the last day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.