DAY 1

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel

It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu (1400m) on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling below is the beginning of a whole chain of memorable experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. You will be met at Tribhuvan International Airport by our waiting support team and escorted to your hotel where welcome drinks will be served. Spend the night at the hotel.

DAY 2

Sightseeing tour of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Patan

Kathmandu is the historic and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since the country first opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism, fused with Western influences. Today you will enjoy a guided tour, first to the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal, Boudhanath, and then to Pashupatinath, the most popular Hindu shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Afterwards, we drive to historic Patan, modern day Lalitpur. We stroll through Patan Durbar Square and take delight in the architectural wonders of the Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions in the square and there is so much to explore besides. We spend a second night in our Kathmandu hotel.

DAY 3

Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek from Lukla to Phakding

We take a short flight to Lukla (2850m), landing on the famous steep mountain runway at Tenzing-Hillary Airport. After meeting our guide and porters, we begin our trek by heading up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail as far as Phakding (2656m) where we spend the night. Overnight at a local lodge.

27 minutes’ flight & 4 to 5 hours walking.

DAY 4

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

From Phakding, we continue up valley, crossing and re-crossing the river via high suspension bridges. Once beyond Monjo, we reach the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set up in order to help protect the fragile Himalayan environment. From here, we take a steep hike to Namche Bazaar (3450m), gaining our first glimpse of Mt Everest, if the weather is clear. Namche, with its busy Saturday market, is the main trading village in the Khumbu Valley – a meeting place for Hindu traders from the lowlands and Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La to the north. We spend the night at Everest Inn Lodge.

5-6 hours walking, approximately.

DAY 5

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Khumjung

Ascending from Namche Bazaar, we pass the airstrip at Syangboche and the Japanese-built Everest View Hotel. From the hotel, there are magnificent views of the valley and Everest. We walk to the picturesque village of Khumjung (3786m) with many old traditional houses as well as a monastery at the top end of the village. At the nearby village of Khunde, there is a famous hospital built by Sir Edmund Hillary, an important health care centre in the region. We spend the night at Khumjung.

3 to 4 hours walking, approximately.

DAY 6

Trek from Khumjung to Tengboche

Heading east, we pass a large chorten and then descend to a bridge which takes us back across the Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga. On the far side, the trail ascends again through a forest of pine and rhododendron, before arriving at Tengboche Monastery. The monastery, Dawa Choling Gompa, the largest monastery in Khumbu, has been rebuilt since it was tragically destroyed in a fire in 1989. The views here are truly spectacular, ranging from the beautiful Ama Dablam around to Lhotse and Everest at the head of the valley. We spend the night at Tengboche (3860m).

6 to 7 hours walking, approximately.

DAY 7

Trek to Pangboche and Deboche

Today’s itinerary includes an excursion to Pangboche Monastery (3985m) and the nunnery at Deboche. The monastery at Pangboche, founded in 1667, is the oldest in the Khumbu region. The magnificent views of Ama Dablam are one of the highlights of today’s walk. We return to Tengboche where we spend a second night.

5 hours walking, approximately.

DAY 8

Trek from Tengboche to Chumoa

From Tengboche, we head back down through the forest to Phunki Tenga and its water-driven prayer wheels. With Everest and Lhotse now receding into the distance, we make our way first back down to Namche Bazaar and then descend further to Chumoa (2700m). We spend the night at Chumoa.

7 to 8 hours walking, approximately.

DAY 9

Trek from Chumoa to Lukla

Our final day’s trek follows the Dudh Kosi back down to Lukla (2850m). This last evening calls for a celebration. We have a party with our Sherpa guides and porters. We sample some Chang, try out some Sherpa dances, and end our memorable trip on a merry note. We spend the night at Everest Inn Lodge.

7 to 8 hours walking, approximately.

DAY 10

Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

We depart early for the airstrip to catch our morning flight back to Kathmandu.

On touchdown, the rest of the day is free for us to explore this wonderful city. You might choose to do some last-minute shopping, of course, or perhaps stroll through the city’s historic narrow lanes to enjoy the attractions of Thamel.

27 minutes flying time.

DAY 11

Transfer to the airport and depart from Kathmandu

Our Nepalese support team will greet you one last time and transfer with you to the airport in good time for your flight home.