Day 01: Fly to Lukla (2,827m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m, 3-4 hours)
Transfer to Kathmandu’s domestic terminal for a 30-minute scenic flight to Lukla, with Himalayan views. Begin trekking, descending to the Dudh Koshi River and following an easy trail through Ghat village (2,550m) to Phakding, a charming village with about 30 houses. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Scenic flight, start of Khumbu trek.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m, 5-6 hours)
Trek from Phakding to Monjo, entering Sagarmatha National Park and presenting permits. Ascend steeply (590m) to Namche Bazaar, catching first glimpses of Everest and Lhotse halfway. Enjoy views of Thamserku (6,648m), Kwangde (6,224m), and Khumbila (5,707m). Explore Namche’s bakeries, markets, and cybercafes. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Everest views, Sherpa capital.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 03: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Rest in Namche for acclimatization, hiking to Khumjung (school and hospital visit), Thame (home to Tenzing Norgay), or Syangboche (3,720m) for Everest views from the Everest View Hotel. Explore Namche’s vibrant markets and scenic mountain bowl. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Cultural hikes, Everest vistas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 04: Trek to Tengboche (3,887m, 5-6 hours)
Climb briefly from Namche, descend to the Dudh Koshi (3,550m), and ascend to Tengboche (3,887m). Marvel at views of Everest, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam. Visit Tengboche’s Tibetan monastery, listening to monks chanting. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Monastery visit, Himalayan views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 05: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m, 5-6 hours)
Trek through wooded forests, crossing the Imja Khola valley to Pangboche, home to the region’s oldest monastery. Climb to Dingboche (4,410m), with spectacular views of Ama Dablam and Island Peak. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Pangboche gompa, high-altitude scenery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 06: Trek to Chhukung (4,730m, 2-3 hours)
Enjoy a short 2-3 hour trek to Chhukung, a beautiful Khumbu village with magnificent views of Makalu, Island Peak, and Peak 38. Rest and prepare for the challenging pass ahead. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Short trek, stunning peaks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 07: Trek to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass (5,535m, 7-8 hours)
Cross the first high pass, Kongma La (5,535m), hiking above Pheriche and Dingboche near Pokalde Peak’s ridge. This long, tiring day rewards with breathtaking Khumbu Valley views. Descend to Lobuche. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Kongma La Pass, valley vistas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 08: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,360m) and Back to Gorak Shep (5,140m, 7-8 hours)
Trek along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep for lunch. Continue to Everest Base Camp (5,360m), enjoying views of Khumbutse, Pumori, Changtse, and the Khumbu Icefall (Everest is hidden). Return to Gorak Shep. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Everest Base Camp, glacier views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 09: Climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) and Trek to Dzongla (4,830m, 6-7 hours)
Ascend Kala Patthar (5,545m) for a 360-degree panorama of Everest (8,848m), Pumori (7,169m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), and more. Descend to Lobuche and trek to Dzongla, en route to Gokyo Valley. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Kala Patthar sunrise, high peaks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 10: Trek to Gokyo Lake via Cho La Pass (5,380m, 7-8 hours)
Climb gently toward Cho La Pass (5,380m), crossing a glacier marked by cairns. Descend to Thangnak and continue to Gokyo, passing the three Gokyo Lakes, including Dudh Pokhari. Enjoy views of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang from Gokyo village. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Cho La Pass, Gokyo Lakes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 11: Climb Gokyo Ri (5,420m) and Rest in Gokyo (4,750m, 3-4 hours)
Trek 3 hours to Gokyo Ri (5,420m) for a stunning sunrise over Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, surpassing Kala Patthar’s views. Return to Gokyo for rest. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Gokyo Ri views, lake serenity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 12: Trek to Lungden via Renjo La Pass (5,388m, 6-7 hours)
Depart Gokyo, crossing Renjo La Pass (5,388m) via Dudh Pokhari after a 3-hour climb. Enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, and Taboche. Descend carefully past snowy patches and Relama Tsho to Lungden (4,350m). Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Renjo La Pass, Himalayan panorama.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 13: Trek to Thame (3,800m, 5-6 hours)
Follow the historic Tibetan trade route, descending past Bhote Koshi and Tarunga to the Langmuche Khola valley. Pass Samde’s scenic landscapes and descend abruptly to Thame village, known for its Sherpa heritage. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Tibetan trade route, Sherpa culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 14: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m, 4-5 hours)
Trek beside a river, crossing a bridge and ascending through birch and rhododendron forests to Namche Bazaar. Enjoy the vibrant natural environment and Namche’s bustling markets. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Scenic forests, Namche return.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 15: Trek to Lukla (2,827m, 6-7 hours)
Descend to Thado Koshi, crossing a suspension bridge, and pass Sherpa villages en route to Lukla. After 45 minutes from the final stretch, arrive in Lukla and reconfirm flight reservations. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Highlights: Trek completion, Sherpa villages.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Board a 30-minute morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, weather permitting, with aerial Himalayan views. Transfer to a Thamel hotel and spend the day relaxing or exploring. Reflect on your epic journey. Overnight at a hotel.
Highlights: Scenic flight, trek reflection.
Meals: Breakfast.