Your Himalayan journey begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in
Kathmandu. Upon landing, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to
your hotel in the lively tourist district of Thamel. After checking in and taking a short rest, you
will meet your trekking guide for a detailed briefing on the trek. In the evening, enjoy a
traditional Nepali welcome dinner and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this vibrant city
before your adventure begins.
After an early breakfast, you will embark on a long and scenic drive from Kathmandu to
Thamdanda. The journey takes around 8 to 9 hours depending on road conditions, passing
through lush hills, river valleys, and terraced farmlands. Along the way, you will travel via
Salleri and Phaplu, two bustling Sherpa towns that serve as gateways to the Khumbu region.
The drive offers ever-changing landscapes, from lowland greenery to alpine vistas, giving you
your first glimpse of the Himalayan environment. Upon reaching Thamdanda, the last
motorable point before the trekking route, you will settle into a teahouse for the night.
The trekking adventure officially begins today. Leaving Thamdanda, the trail meanders
through traditional farming villages and forests filled with oak, pine, and rhododendron. You
will cross suspension bridges over glacial rivers and interact with local villagers who still live in
close connection with the land. The day is moderate, with both ascents and descents, and
ends in Paiya, a small settlement where trekkers are greeted with Sherpa hospitality.
The trail from Paiya descends towards Surke, a quiet village tucked away below Lukla. From
there, it climbs gradually through Chaurikharka before joining the main Everest trail that
trekkers usually take after flying into Lukla. You will pass through forests, small villages, and
prayer walls decorated with Buddhist inscriptions. The route follows the Dudh Koshi River
upstream and eventually brings you to Phakding, a lively village with plenty of teahouses. This
is where you officially merge with the classic Everest Base Camp route.
Today’s trek is one of the most exciting as you gradually make your way deeper into the
Khumbu region. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges,
including the famous Hillary Bridge. You will pass through Monjo and Jorsalle, which mark the
entry point into Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, the
trail climbs steeply uphill for a couple of hours until you reach Namche Bazaar, the bustling
heart of Sherpa culture and the main trading hub of the Khumbu Valley.
Namche is an ideal place to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes. In the morning,
you can take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel for a breathtaking panorama of Everest,
Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Another worthwhile excursion is to Khumjung village,
home to the Hillary School and the Khumjung Monastery, which houses the legendary Yeti
scalp. During the day, you may also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and wander through
Namche’s lively market filled with cafes, shops, and bakeries. Spending this day here allows
your body to adapt to the altitude while giving you an enriching cultural experience.
Leaving Namche, the trail contours along the valley before descending to Phunki Tenga,
where you cross a suspension bridge. From here, the path climbs steadily through forests of
rhododendron and fir until you reach Tengboche. This village is famous for the Tengboche
Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. If your timing is right, you may attend the
evening prayers, an enchanting experience with chanting monks against a backdrop of Ama
Dablam and Everest.
The trail descends through forests to Debuche, crosses the Imja Khola River, and gradually
climbs towards Pangboche. You will notice the air getting thinner as you approach the high-
altitude settlement of Dingboche. This picturesque valley, known as the “summer valley,” is
dotted with stone-walled fields that protect crops from the harsh Himalayan winds. The views
of Ama Dablam and Island Peak dominate the horizon, making this one of the most scenic
days of the trek.
Another important acclimatization stop, Dingboche offers excellent side hikes to help your
body adapt to the altitude. The most popular option is a hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083
m), from where you can enjoy sweeping views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak.
Alternatively, you may explore Chhukung Valley, which offers closer perspectives of Lhotse
and the Imja Glacier. After a few hours of hiking, you return to Dingboche to relax and prepare
for the higher elevations ahead.
From Dingboche, the trail ascends gently to Dughla, where you will stop for a short break.
From here, a steep climb brings you to the Thukla Pass, where a series of stone memorials
pay tribute to climbers who lost their lives on Everest. This solemn spot offers a moment of
reflection amid the harsh beauty of the mountains. The trail then continues along the Khumbu
Glacier before reaching Lobuche, a small settlement with stunning views of Nuptse, Pumori,
and Lingtren.
Today is the day you reach Everest Base Camp. The trek to Gorak Shep takes about three
hours along rocky moraine and glacial paths. After lunch at Gorak Shep, you continue your
hike to Everest Base Camp, passing over uneven terrain and ice formations. Standing at the
foot of the world’s highest mountain is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with close-up views of
the Khumbu Icefall. After taking in the atmosphere, you return to Gorak Shep for the night.
An early morning hike takes you to Kala Patthar, the most famous viewpoint for Everest. From
here, the sunrise paints the Himalayan giants in golden hues, offering unforgettable views of
Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. After this highlight, you descend back to Gorak
Shep for breakfast before retracing your steps down the valley. The day ends in Pheriche, a
lower-altitude village that offers more oxygen and easier breathing.
The trail continues downhill through Pangboche and Tengboche before descending further
into lush forests. By the time you arrive back in Namche Bazaar, the thicker air and lively
atmosphere will feel refreshing. You can celebrate your successful journey with warm meals
and perhaps a slice of cake at a local bakery.
Leaving Namche, you retrace your steps through Phakding and Surke before arriving at
Thamdanda. From here, a short jeep ride brings you closer to Salleri. It is your final trekking
day, offering time to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past two weeks.
In the morning, you board a jeep for the long drive back to Kathmandu. The road retraces the
route via Salleri and Okhaldhunga, before joining the BP Highway and descending into the
Kathmandu Valley. By evening, you will be back in the capital city, where a farewell dinner
awaits to celebrate the completion of your Everest Base Camp trek by road.