Scenic Everest Region Trek

Early this morning, around 5:15AM you will be met in Kathmandu at your hotel and transferred to the domestic airport for your short morning flight to Lukla, departing at 6:30AM, arriving at 7:05AM. This scenic flight takes only thirty-five minutes and, weather permitting, you will have superb views of the Himalaya region and scenic valleys below. The airstrip was built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the local Sherpas in the mid-1960s. Arrive into Lukla, have lunch and explore the village before starting your trek. Your trek today is an easy one and begins with a descent towards the Dudh Koshi River where you will join the main trail to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in a local lodge. (Total trekking time today is 2-3 hrs).

Overnight at a local lodge

Today's trek will be a little more strenuous than yesterday's as it will involve more walking, with a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. The track follows the Dudh Koshi for the first part of the morning, sometimes crossing from side to side, until you reach Monjo. From here, it is a short walk to the entrance of the National Park where your permits are checked before you descend quite steeply to Jorsale. The trek continues upstream on a flat terrain to the confluence of the Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers. After crossing a large suspension bridge high above the river, we climb steeply to the village of Namche Bazaar (about two hours). A slow and steady pace is recommended on this section of the climb and we are encouraged to make the most of the fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Taweche come into view. The effects of high altitude will slow down your pace a little, thus it is encouraged to advance slowly. Arrive into Namche and check-in at your lodge. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (Total trekking time today 6-7 hrs/Height reached 11,300 ft).

Overnight at Namche Bazaar

Today is spent at Namche Bazaar to acclimatization to the high altitude. The Namche Bazaar is a famous gateway for Everest expeditions and also the trading center for the Sherpa's of the region.. Explore the town and its surroundings. Namche is a prosperous village renowned for being an important trade route that linked Tibet and Nepal. Tibet's salt was traded with grains from the lowlands of Nepal. Here you can witness the spectacular sunrise and sunset views from the National Park Headquarters above the village offer superb views of the Khumbu peaks, including great sightings of Everest. For the more energetic enjoy a walk towards Thami, up the beautiful and generally flat Bhote Khola river valley. You can also opt to see the Sir Edmund Hilary school or the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. Another excursion is the steep climb out of the village bowl to the flatter areas around and above Shyangboche where beautiful views are displayed - however path is likely to be taken tomorrow. You'll also find some cyber cafes, souvenir and rental shops that line the streets of Namche. Overnight at your lodge.

From Namche will walk up towards the park headquarters and then climb steeply above the main trail towards the small airstrip at Shyangboche. From here, you can get a glimpse on the roofs of Namche way below, and to the huge mountains across the valley. Your path then heads onto a flatter terrain to the Everest View Hotel, well known for its viewpoint, and if weather favors us we can view an excellent panorama of the towering Himalayan snow peaks. These include beautiful Ama Dablam, and mighty Everest prominently standing above all others at the head of the Dudh Koshi valley. On a small ridge seen far below the summit of Everest we can spot the monastery at Thyangboche, a small speck against the gigantic mountain. (Total trekking time today is 4-5 hrs /Height reached 12715 ft).

Overnight at a local lodge.

Descend sharply to the Dudh Koshi River and then ascend to Mong danda. Follow the slopes of Khumbila, the sacred Mountain of the Sherpas, towards the hidden valley of Khumjung. At Khumjung, visit the Khunde Hospital and then the Khumjung School - both projects of the Himalayan Foundation. (Total trekking time today is 4-5 hrs /Height reached 12431 ft).

Overnight at a local lodge.

This morning take a different route back to the Shyangboche airstrip on the way to Namche. Today is a relatively easy day and you have time to stroll along, at a leisurely pace and absorb the magnificent surrounding scenery. Enjoy lunch at Namche Bazaar and there will be plenty of time to explore the bazaar and shops before you descend back to the Dudh Koshi River Valley and to the village of Jorsale. Continue to the village of Monjo where you will spend the night. (Total trekking time today is 4-5 hrs /Height reached 9235 ft).

Overnight in Monjo

Today retrace your steps along the Dudh Koshi, crossing to the western bank at Benkar. It is a beautiful and easy walk through blue pine and rhododendron forests, with views of Kusum Kangaru in the backdrop. Enjoy an early lunch at Phakding. This afternoon ascend out of the river valley back to the airstrip and to your lodge accommodation in Lukla. (Total trekking time today 5-6 hrs/Height reached 9348 ft)

Overnight in Lukla

Early this morning proceed to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival into Kathmandu you will be transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at your leisure.