Arrival and Orientation

Meet and Greet at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the Woodapple Hotel and Spa. We spend time today exploring Thamel in Kathmandu with it’s vibrant restaurants and outdoor shops. We will have a trip briefing in the evening followed by a welcome dinner with cultural dance. Relax and enjoy with your hiking companions and tour leaders (Couch2Summit do the best socials!). Overnight stay at the Woodapple Hotel and Spa.

Firstly we drive to Tribhuvan Airport early morning for our flight to Lukla. Flight time is approximately 40 minutes from Kathmandu. After breakfast in Lukla (2,850 m), We then start trekking through beautiful settlements to join the main trail in Churi Kharka. After we follow the east bank of the Dudh Koshi or the River of Milk where you witness the typical Nepal terrace culture, slate roofed houses and views on Kusum Kangaru (5,579 m). Afterwards we then reach Phakding (2,640 m) after 3 – 4 hours of gentle walking. Overnight stay at lodge in Phakding.

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Today we hike to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) which is situated about 6 – 7 hours of walking from Phakding. Firstly we climb up along the west bank of the Dudh Kosi to the tiny village of Toktok. Next we get our first glimpse of Thamserku peak (6,608 m) and reach Benkar (2,710 m). Next the cliffs above the village are decorated with huge paintings of Buddhist deities. Afterwards we cross the colorful suspension bridge and enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo (2,840 m). After Jorsale we follow the riverbank over gravel, climb through a pine forest and cross the Dudh Kosi by a big suspension bridge. We then tackle a zigzag ascent of 2 hours through dense pine forests. In the early evening we reach the vibrant center of Namche Bazaar, one of the most attractive settlements of the Solu – Khumbu district. Overnight stay at lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Acclimatizing day at Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Rest day in Namche. Optional walk to the Sherwi Khangba, Sherpa Culture Museum or day hike to the Hotel Everest View in Khumjung village (3,700 m) and Khundi Hospital in Khundi Village, the first hospital built in the Khumbu Region by Sir Edmund Hillary and Himalayan Trust in 1966. Overnight stay at lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m)

Today we hike to Tengboche (3,860 m), a 5-6 hour long hike from Namche Bazaar. The first part of trail is a winding smooth path which offers fantastic views of Mount Everest (8,848 m), Thamserku (6,618 m) and Ama Dablam (6,814 m). The trail then goes down to the riverbank followed by a challenging 2 hour ascent to Tengboche. A beautiful walk through rhododendron forests where musk deer and Himalayan ‘tahr’ or mountain goat live. At the rest point, you can enjoy the views towards Kantega (6,783 m). Tengboche is famed for the Buddhist Tengboche Monastery (where you can attend the daily puja), Cafe Tengboche and the view point. Overnight stay at lodge in Tengboche.

Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m)

Firstly we descend through conifer and rhododendron forests to the beautiful settlement of Deboche where you have a close view at Ama Dablam (6,814 m). Next we cross the suspension bridge and look over the surging white waters of Imja river. Soon after, we see a snow white stupa gorgeously mirroring Ama Dablam, this is a marvelous place for a picture! The trail then ascends gently to the village of Pangboche (3,860 m) where we climb above the treeline. The trail then passes numerous farmer pastures with big yak populations before we reach Dingboche valley. 6 – 7 hours from Tengboche. Overnight stay at lodge in Dingboche.

Rest day in Dingboche (4,410 m)

Optional acclimatization trek (5 – 6 hours) to the remote village of Chhukung (4,730 m) and Chhukung Ri (top) located at 5,550 m. We have magnificent views of Island Peak (6,189 m), Amphulapche (5, 663 m), Baruntse Base Camp (5,400 m) and the white ice lake of Imja Tsho. Overnight stay at lodge in Dingboche.

Trek to Lobuche (4,930 m)

After ascending 150 m up to the main road, we reach a viewpoint where we have outstanding views of Tawachee (6,495 m) and Cholatse peak (6,440m). After our lunch camp in Dugla (4,620m), the trail goes directly up the moraine of the Khumbu glaciers for about one hour. The trail leads to a row of memorial monuments for lost climbers and sherpas. The trail then drops a little and follows the western side of the valley to Lobuche. After 4 – 5 hours of hiking we reach the small settlement of Lobuche which is situated at 4,930 m. Overnight stay at lodge in Lobuche.

Trek to Gorakshep (5,160 m) and visit Everest Base Camp (5,350 m)

The hardest part behind us, and we are on the home stretch today with a steep ascent to Gorakshep (5,160 m) over several moraines. We soon have views of Pumori (7,145m).  Also ahead of us we have our first views at Nuptse (7,864 m), Kala Pattar (5,545 m) and a closer view at Everest itself. On the right side, you look over the Khumbu Glacier, an enormous tongue of ice which marches down the slopes of Everest. We reach Gorakshep by lunchtime and trek to Base Camp in the afternoon. In total, we hike 6 – 7 hours today. Tonights resting place is in a lodge at Gorakshep, a semi-permanent village at the bottom of the Khumbu Icefall. We enjoy our wonderful location in the shadow of the highest mountain in the world! Overnight stay at lodge in Gorakshep.

Trek to Pheriche (4,240m)

We climb in the early morning to Kala Pattar or the Black Rock. Located at 5,545 m and marked by prayer flags. This viewpoint offers one of the most astonishing views on earth where you have a 360 degree panorama of the Himalayan giants from Pumori and Lobuche West to Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. Afterwards we return back to Gorakshep via the view points of the ice lakes of Pumori and Everest. After breakfast, we return in about 4 hours to Pheriche located at 4,240 m. Overnight stay at lodge in Pheriche.

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) via Tengboche

Today we descend the valley of the Imja Khola, trek through the village of Dingboche with its stone walled potato fields and is the highest year round settlement in the valley. The Pangboche Gompa (Monastery) is the oldest in the Khumbu Region. From there we have a gentle climb to the tiny village of Deboche past walls deep in a rhododendron forest and then along the trail, climb to Tengboche through a forest of birches, conifers and rhododendrons. The singular beauty of Ama Dablam, standing isolated from all other mountains is a sight to behold.

Trek to Lukla (2,600 m)

Back to Lukla which is approximately 6 hours of trekking. During trek with a strenuous descent from Namche Bazaar to the Dudh Kosi (those walking poles will come in handy for the knees!). The path then climbs up to Monjo and then runs easily to Benkar, Phakding and Lukla. Overnight stay at Lukla.

Fly to Kathmandu

After breakfast we fly in about 40 minutes from Lukla to Kathmandu. Arrive at Tribhuvan Airport and transfer to hotel. Free time in the afternoon to relax or do some shopping! Overnight stay at the Woodapple Hotel and Spa.

Day in Kathmandu

Once we have finished breakfast, we will visit the Bhakatapur Durbar square. Rest of the day to relax or more time shopping! Overnight stay at the Woodapple Hotel and Spa.

Depart for return journey

After breakfast, depart for return journey with some fabulous memories!