Embark on an extraordinary adventure through the breathtaking Khumbu Valley, home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring peaks, including eight towering above 8,000 meters! Your journey begins with a flight into Lukla’s renowned airstrip at 2,840 meters (9,500 feet). From Lukla to Everest Base Camp, traverse dramatic river gorges on high suspension bridges, pass through resilient Sherpa villages nestled around ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and encounter Yaks, mules, and horses transporting goods.
This trek is labeled as strenuous by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition, requiring trekkers to be in good physical shape. The path winds through high-altitude terrains, river valleys, pine forests, and grasslands, crossing mountain passes along the way. The spectacular vistas, the rich Tibetan culture of the Sherpa people, and the diverse Sagarmatha Park ecosystem offer a reward that far outweighs the effort.
Guided by highly experienced professionals from Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition, your safety and enjoyment are their top priorities. Each evening, you’ll relax in the warmth of a Sherpa guest house, while your days will be spent immersed in the stunning high mountain landscape and pristine air. This trek promises to be the adventure of a lifetime.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 02: Kathmandu-Lukla (flight) 2840m -by flight 35 minutes Phakding (2610m) 2-3 hours
Day 03: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3440 m) 5-6 hours
Day 04: Namche Bazaar Rest/ Acclimatization
Day 05: Namche – Tengboche (3860 m) 5 hours
Day 06: Tengboche – Dingboche (4410 m) 5-6 hours
Day 07: Dingboche – Chukung (4730 m)-Dingboche hiking /or resting day
Day 08: Dingboche – Lobuche (4910 m) 4-5 hours
Day 09: Lobuche – viewpoint Kala Pattar Gorakshep (5140m) 3-4 hours
Day 10: Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp (5,364m) – Gorak Shep-Pheriche 7-8 hours
Day 11: Pheriche to Sanasa (3,600m)6-7 hours
Day 12: Sanasa- Namche Bazar – Lukla (2880 m) 6-7 hours
Day 13: Lukla – Kathmandu (1337 m) Flight minutes
Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu(1337m)
Important Information:
Our Guest’s security is of dominant concern to Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. Please understand that the HV Treks trekking leader has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is found prudent. Unfavorable circumstances may occur during the trek. Dangerous weather conditions, the condition of a group member, natural events such as landslides can force changes in the itinerary. All efforts will be made to keep to the planned itinerary. The HV Treks leader will try his/her best to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and according to plan, but please be ready to be flexible if necessary.
Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is capable, experienced, and prepared to give a 24-hour emergency response to an accident or condition that requires attention or evacuation.
Also Important: on Domestic Flight (Kathmandu – Lukla)
The Government of Nepal has announced an issue for the flight operation to Lukla. Due to heavy traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport, most of the flights from and to Lukla are managed from Ramechhap airport which is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 3-4 hours drive). However, direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is available in off-seasons.
Alternatively, helicopter arrangements can be made on 4 people sharing basis with the addition of USD $ 550 for one-way flight per person to change your airplane flights to the helicopter. We will try to coordinate and form groups at the airport for this arrangement, but we cannot guarantee it. The jeep drive to Ramechhap and flight to Lukla is almost always guaranteed unless the flight is canceled due to bad weather conditions.
Travelers are suggested to advise us on the preferred alternatives for the flights to/from Lukla affected due to possible delays or disruptions.
Important Also:
Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition requires that trekking and expedition guests have Insurance Policies. A Travel Insurance Policy should cover the cost of emergencies (including altitude sickness), injuries, and evacuations. Please, it is essential to bring your Travel Insurance Policy or copies of your pertinent existing insurance coverage with you to Nepal. HV Treks will require a copy for our office records. We, as well, advise you to inform your existing insurance agent/company of your itinerary, including trekking, climbing, and hiking, and ensure your current policy provides sufficient coverage.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)
You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guests are taken for a short sightseeing tour. In the evening, guests are invited to a Welcome Dinner at a Nepali restaurant.
Day 02: Kathmandu-Lukla (flight) 2840m -by flight 35 minutes Phakding (2610m) 2-3 hours
We are going to have an exciting and adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla today. We can compare this flight with the Moutain Flight. The flight is supposed to be exciting due to the climatic conditions; especially visibility and wind that affect our flight most may cause to delay. In a little turboprop with the capacity of about 14 passengers, we fly in the altitude up to 3500 meters to Lukla. If the day is clear we are lucky to view in the north the ranges of snow peaks of the huge mountains bordering with Tibet. And to the south, we can view the beautiful small villages and terraces of the fertile lands. After landing in Lukla, we walk downhill up to Chheplung then we walk uphill along the Dudhkoshi River to Phakding. Wooden and suspension bridges in the several points welcome us to cross the river. We rest in Phakding this day. From today onwards, after the dinner or before we go to bed, the Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition trekking guide will take a report and give a briefing in every evening about the trek that we are going to make next day.
Day 03: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3440 m) 5-6 hours
The path goes uphill and downhill to Namche Bazar. We reach Monjo, a village which is the entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park too. This point is a very popular place so the trekkers don’t miss the chance to take some pictures over here. This is the point where our permit and TIMS cards are checked. Then we walk downhill to Dudh Khosi. We walk along the Dudh Koshi crossing wooden and suspension bridges in several points. After we cross Larja Bridge over Dudh Koshi River, we can view the panoramic glance of Mt. Everest in about one and half an hour’s walk. We head to Namche Bazar, the very famous village in the Everest Region. We can hire horse if wish/needs at this point. We have a camp here. Especially the Friday and Saturday markets are very famous here. People from far and near come to make their business. Various things (local and imported) are displayed for sale. Especially people from Khumbu area (upper Namche Bazaar) come for shopping here on those market
Days.04: Namche Bazaar Rest/ Acclimatization
day Hiking Everest view hotel or Khumjung village
Since we are in the Everest Region Trek, we can view the Mt Everest almost from everywhere. We rest in Namche Bazaar today, especially for the acclimatization. The tribes living in Namche Bazaar are the Sherpas in a majority. We can experience somehow the lifestyle of Sherpas who has a closed culture with the Tibetan. We can visit the museum about the Himalayan people. This is the place with army camp, health post, school, police check post, bakeries, internet cafes, discos, bars, snooker, pool, foreign money exchanger etc. We can have a taste of local wine, alcohol, food etc. Number of shops and lodges welcome the tourists over here. Many trekkers stay here at least one or for several days for acclimatization. Especially the Friday and Saturday markets are very famous here. People from far and near come to make their business. Various things (local and imported) are displayed for sale. Especially people from Khumbu area (upper Namche Bazzar) come for shopping here on those market days. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition guide will arrange for our visit to the various places today.
Day 05: Namche – Tengboche (3860 m) 4- 5 hours
The path goes slowly uphill in the beginning. We walk through almost barren lands; just a few small bushes in some places. We can have a view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Kangtaiga and Thamsherku on the way. Then we walk downhill to the Phungi Thanga Khola. We cross the suspension bridge and walk uphill to Tangboche. We can visit to Monastery in Tangboche which is the biggest monastery of Khumbu region. A big water driven prayer wheel (Maane) is the matter of attraction in Tengboche. An army barrack is also set up here. Internet service is available in this campsite. We can use a telephone, mobile overhere.
Day 06: Tengboche – Dingboche (4410 m) 5-6 hours
We walk downhill in the beginning until we Deboche. Then the path goes flat along the Imja Khola, a stream originated from a glacier. We have to cross the same stream in several places through the wooden and suspension bridges. We see some jungles too in some places on the way. In Pangboche we visit a monastery where the skull and bones of a hand of a yeti had been kept previously, this is what Lamas in the monastery and people in the village talk. But these have been already stolen by the smugglers so they are unfortunately no longer visible. The peaks of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse, Nuptse, Lobuche Peak, Pumori and many other peaks give us the feeling that we are walking in the area among the highest peaks of the world. We may see blue sheep also in this part of our trek. Dingboche which is the highest permanently inhabited place in the world is located at the altitude of 4400 meters. Feriche lies just opposite to Dingboche just 50 minutes walk from Dingboche. We can go to Feriche if any health problems occur while walking.
Day 07: Dingboche – Chukung (4730 m)-Dingboche hiking /or resting day
It’s a rest day today specially for acclimatization. So we can stay in one place and look around or we can visit to Chuking and come back. This day we find out about the dangers of altitude sickness by the doctor of the Himalayan Rescue Association team from Pheriche. In Chukung which is the last village in this valley, we can have lunch. From here we have
Day 08: Dingboche – Lobuche (4910 m) 4-5 hours
The path goes slightly uphill. We walk slowly since we are walking in the high altitude. The view is spectacular from all the parts of this trek. We view the famous Khumbu glacier. We have to cross the glacier along the path through the wooden bridge. After Dhukla the route goes straight uphill for about an hour. Then we walk through the moraines of the Khumbu glacier. In Lobuche, there are some lodges where we spend the night. Telephone service is available here.
Day 09: Lobuche – viewpoint Kala Pattar Gorak Shep (5140m) 3-4 hours
Today we begin our trek from the route that goes to Everest Base Camp. The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world – Mt. Everest. Gorakh Shep is the highest campsite of this trek. So we trek slowly. Very big rocks are seen on the path since we are in the lap of Himalaya. Gorak shep has internet and telephone facilities. This is the last site with the hotel facilities. There are only 3 hotels for the trekkers to spend the night in Gorak Shep.
Day 10: Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp (5,364m) – Gorak Shep-Pheriche 7-8 hours
After breakfast we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp we really appreciate the Everest climbers who braved the perilous route through the Khumbu icefall. We can view Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori mountains from the base camp. Everest actually is not visible from here. By now we have met the ultimate objective of our trip.
Today is the day we walk to the highest point of our trip. We begin early in the morning to catch the spectacular views from Kala Patthar and witness the first light of day touch the peaks of the highest mountains, particularly, Mt. Everest. However, we need to be prepared for an early morning departure is spite of severe cold weather. Further, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. While climbing to Kala Patthar, we can have a break to catch breath at several outstanding view points from where we can snap great pictures. After several hours of ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. From kala Patthar, we rush up to the top of a rocky outcrop marked by cairns and prayer flags. Mind-blowing Himalayan panorama unfolds before our eyes as they wander from one mighty massif to another. On being back to Gorak Shep, we have breakfast and trek to Pheriche. In the beginning we walk the same path back upto Thukla that we walked previously. Then from Thukla we go downhill to Pheriche crossing Phulaji Kala. At Pheriche there is a clinic run by Tokyo Medical University. Telephone and internet service is available.
Day 11: Pheriche to Sanasa (3,600m)6-7 hours
Just after start of our trek we walk through the path in a big plain area. We cross a stream that emerges from the Chola Glacier and Khumba Glacier and named as Khumbu Khola (stream). Following the main Everest trail down the beautifully scenic valley, we pass through the villages of Orsho, Somare and reach Pangboche. We cross the bridge over Imja Khola and walk down to Deboche village and climb for an hour to Tengboche . We spend a short time at Tengboche monastery; observe its many prayer wheels. From Tengboche, a steep down to the first bridge over Dudh Koshi on our return trip at PhurkeTenga. Further, we pass the village of Tashinga and reach Sanasa. We spend the night at Sanasa.
Day 12: Sanasa- Namche Bazar – Lukla (2880 m) 6-7 hours
A short trekking day. In a few hours we walk to Lukla where we spend our final night of the trek. The village is not huge but there is a lot of activity on the airfield from where we fly back to Kathmandu tomorrow. Every Thursday the local people around Lukla gather here for weekly fair for their marketing/business and get together.
Day 13: Lukla – Kathmandu (1337 m) Flight minutes
Today we wait for the plane to fly Kathmandu. Who knows? We will come back to this region again or not in our life. So we may have look around for the last view of the Everest region. The flight depends on the weather condition. Flight delay or cancellation is common phenomenon in this region. So, we may have to pay extra charge US $ 250-350 for the plane charter so that we will not miss our flight to our home country from Kathmandu.
Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu(1337m)
Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. HV trek’ staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye. It will be not only goodbye, but also the welcome for next visit to Nepal.
Minimum number of participants: 2
Maximum number of participants: 12
Max Altitude: 5550 meters
Best Season: March-November
Difficulty Level: Hard
December ,January and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in Himalayas. Though it gets colder in night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively less trekkers on the trail.Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikings and cultural tour.It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour for this places. Chitawan National park Bardiya National Park are also the places to have live experience of culture and rituals.
March , April and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze is felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of cloud can be seen in the sky during this season.So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal .So many tourist from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalyan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period.Peak climbing period can be enlength upto June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programmes during this period.This period offer plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.Except rhododendrons , many kind of natural flora and fauna makes Nepal very beautiful during this season
June ,July and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slight difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang , Upper Dolpa , Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September , October and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our trek. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes.This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is the popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain , Tihar and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for civil workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favourable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal.Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period.So many tourist come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m are the best destination for climbing in this season.Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of nature of Nepal in this season.
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to insure you have all necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Sleeping
Rucksack and Travel Bags
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Practical Items