On arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will complete all necessary immigration formalities followed by baggage collection from the designated area in the airport. As you exit, one of the representatives from AID JOURNEYS, with a placard, will officially welcome you and escort you to your pre-assigned hotel. At the hotel, you may stretch out your legs and relax for few hours from the possible jet lag that you might have experienced after a long flight. Those who are anxious and want to hit the streets right away, may stroll around Thamel and do a bit of shopping or hire gears and equipment for the upcoming trip. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After a good night’s rest, you will be woken up with a morning call, if you desire, followed by a warm bed tea. Once you finish your breakfast, there will be a guided tour to some of the most historical and spiritual landmarks of the city, all of them being recognized as UNESCO world heritage sites. You will visit the most revered and holy Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath, the prominent monkey temple, Swayambhunath, one of the largest stupas in the world - a Buddhist shrine at Bouddhanath, and the captivating Basantapur Durbar Square. In the late afternoon, you will visit our office site to make necessary preparations, get your equipment checked, and meet your trip leader, crew members, and other fellow accomplices. You will have a brief discussion about the forthcoming trip and return to your hotel room. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport from where you will get onboard to one of the most exciting flights of your lifetime. The scenic, yet a scintillating 40-minute flight will soar high amongst the most beautiful air routes with stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. Terminating on a hillside surrounded by magnificent mountain peaks, you will land at the Tenzing-Hillary airport in Lukla, from where your trek truly begins. You meet up with the remaining members who are a part of this adventure, pack and arrange your requirements and start trekking through the stone paved and gradually descending trails until you reach a quaint settlement of Cheplung village. It is here that you get the first glimpse of a sanctified mountain peak that has never been scaled, Mt. Khumbila. Descending gradually in the route accompanied continuously by lush forest and stunning landscape, you will in due course of time reach Phakding surpassing many prayer walls. Overnight in Phakding.
You begin the day by following the route through pine forests till you arrive at Benkar valley. Crossing and re-crossing several suspension bridges including the famous Hillary suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, you will keep moving ahead passing the villages of Chumoa and Monjo, which is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. Rewarded with glistening glimpses of Mt.Thamserku and Nuptse, you will again cross another suspension bridge passing by Jorsale village, walking near the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep ascent from here brings you to Namche Bazaar, a real paradise for mountaineers, the gateway to the Everest region of Khumbu, and the prime heartland of Sherpa village. Views of Mt. Everest and Lhotse may be visible if the weather consents. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Today is your acclimatization day, and it is highly recommended to stay active even during the rest day. Walking, climbing and hiking throughout the day and sleeping low is the best way to get properly acclimatized. Hiking up to Sagarmatha National Park for a beautiful sunrise view with tantalizing views of the Himalayan giants such as Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Thamserku, Kongde, Lhotse, and so on is a good bet. You have options to hike up to Khumjung, Thame or Khunde villages or explore Namche Bazaar itself. Being the principal center of the Khumbu area, Namche is adorned with various government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, a bakery, shops, restaurants and a colorful market. On the other hand, you can observe the traditional Sherpa life, visit the Khumjung Hillary School or merely enjoy flora and fauna at such a high altitude. You may also visit the mountaineering museum and spend some quality time interacting with the fun-loving Sherpas. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
You begin with a stiff climb from Namche Bazaar after a relaxed breakfast up to Khumjung hill before the trail levels out to a flat surface. Descending to the east towards the Dudh Koshi and following the flat path for about an hour, you will reach Sanasa. At this junction your guide will suggest your correct way as there are three different trails; straight track towards Tengboche left track towards Khumjung, and right upwards towards Mong La and Gokyo. Taking the route leading to Mong La, it is a steep climb for half an hour before the path levels out somewhat. We reach a chorten on the ridge top draped with prayer flags at 3973m, from where the views of Mt. Khumbila and Taboche are magnificent. Traversing for some time across yak pastures and gradually descending through rhododendron, juniper, and vast conifer forests, you will again arrive at the Dudh Koshi. Crossing the river and passing a water-powered grain mill, you will reach the Imja Khola where Phortse Tenga is located. Overnight in Phortse Tenga.
The trek to Machhermo is mostly an uphill climb, and throughout the hike, you will be walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River. Beginning with a steep climb beside a rhododendron forest for about 45 minutes, you will pass through Tongba village, where you will catch a glimpse of the valleys on all sides. Trekking down from here to Dole village, it is possible to have your lunch with a short break. Hike back up to the ridge and pass through Lhabarma village that has some excellent camping spots. You will pass by a chorten right ahead of the Luza village before eventually reaching Machhermo, which has a fantastic setting with superb mountain and valley views. Overnight in Machhermo.
This trekking day begins with a steep ascent to the ridge above Machhermo that rewards you with excellent views back towards Kantega and forward towards Cho Oyu. After the initial steep section, the trail becomes more gradual, and the valley now widens as the trail passes through Pangkha with excellent views of Cholatse, the path continuing till Nilibuk. You will now approach the Ngozumba Glacier trekking onto the terminal moraine on a steep trail. Crossing the iron bridge over a stream, finally, you reach the first of the glacial lakes in Gokyo, known as Longpongo. The footprints of a Tibetan monk can be observed here. The trail now becomes flat as you proceed towards the second lake, but the high altitude slows down your pace. You will be spellbound at the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, with its shimmering turquoise water sparkling in the sun. Further ahead, the third lake, Dudh Pokhari awaits your arrival wherein stands the Gokyo village with Cho Oyu as a backdrop setting a glorious spectacle here. It is recommended to walk around the village and the third lake after lunch to enjoy the fantastic views when the sun sets. Overnight in Gokyo.
Since this day is set aside for acclimatization purpose, you will embark on a hike to Gokyo Ri, which is a small peak above the village. From this peak, the far-fetched views of the entire Khumbu region can be savored. The views become more tantalizing while panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu look mind-blowing from here. After reaching the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho, you will retrace back to the third lake, or may continue up to the fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho if you think it is worth to walk a while. The view of Ngozumba Glacier, the most extended glacier of the Himalayas, from this point is captivating. At this point, you will be surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Taboche, Makalu, Changtse, Nuptse, Kantega, Cholatse, Everest, Pumori, and Lhotse. Overnight in Gokyo.
After another acclimatization day in the Gokyo valley, you will weave your way on a trail meandering through a section of the Ngozumba Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Cairns mark the route across the glacier. It is a short and an exciting hike today. Traversing along the edge of the mountain on the other side, you will climb off the glacier and approach a small dwelling Thagnak. The whole afternoon is utilized to rest to prepare for the upcoming elevations and long hiking days. Overnight in Thagnak.
Starting early in the morning and avoid the adverse weather conditions of the noontime, the trail from Phedi rises through a narrow valley and a rocky path. Depending on the snow conditions, it will take around 5 hours to reach the saddle of the Cho La Pass from Thagnak. Today is undoubtedly going to be one of the harshest days of the trip owing to the steep glacial walk on the eastern side. The high altitude and the snow often cause terrible problems to cross the pass. Therefore you should be very careful while traversing the vertical trail where the rocks are glazed by the ice making the trail slippery. The path through the side of a frozen lake will lead to the top of the pass that is adorned with fluttering prayer flags, and you will have ample time to soak in the experience of magnificent views. You will now descend into the valley and the camp on the other side, passing through some crevasses and arrive at the Dzongla village. Words seem to lack on achieving the feat of crossing the pass and describing its beauty. The village provides excellent views of Ama Dablam, Lobuche, and Cholatse mountains all day long. Overnight in Dzongla.
Today’s trek is a very short walk traversing high on the flanks of Awi Peak above the village of Chola across the Cholatse Lake. Descending from Dzongla village, you walk through a grassy trail and make a short ascend that rewards you with fantastic views of Lobuche and the stunning form of Nuptse rising above the Khumbu Glacier. Continuing the path that flattens out and follows the valley on the west side of the Khumbu Glacier, you will arrive to connect the busy trail that leads from Tengboche to Lobuche. This busy path where the volume of people and yaks may come as quite a shock curves through the wide river bed and leads to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
Today’s walk requires extra attention as AMS may start taking effects on some people due to the thin air in the high altitude. However, today is the big day all have been eagerly waiting for. Beginning the walk by following the wind-blown rocky path along the barren Khumbu moraine, you arrive at the last village of Gorak Shep. From here, continuing straight ahead crossing the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials, the trail passes through rocky dunes, moraine, and streams and brings you to your ultimate destination, the Everest Base Camp, on the Khumbu Glacier. The view of the dreaded Khumbu Icefall, the most dangerous section of an Everest ascent, from the base camp is spectacular. We get glimpses of Nuptse, Khumbutse, and Pumori from the base camp. You will return to Gorak Shep after spending some quality time at the base camp. Overnight in Gorak Shep.
Making a very early morning departure at pre-dawn and cold temperature offers the most beautiful sunrise views of the Himalayan chain from Kala Patthar. The chain includes Everest, Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse, Lhotse, and Nuptse with Cho Oyu in the west and Ama Dablam to the south. The ascent during that hour of the day is demanding, but you will experience one of the best moments of your lifetime. 360 degree up-close and tantalizing views of Everest can be observed from Kala Patthar. After taking plenty of pictures and enjoying the enchanting mountain views, you will make a quick descent to Gorak Shep. You will have your breakfast and then pave your way to Pheriche village. Overnight in Pheriche.
Despite the long walking hours today, the trail is easy and downhill in most parts. Descending through the hills covered by rhododendron and juniper trees, you will cross the Dudh Koshi River on a suspension bridge adorned with prayer flags. The downhill trails lead you to Deboche, ascends through another rhododendron forest to Tengboche. A long descent from here leads back to Phunki Tenga before the climb to Sanasa from where views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse peaks are spectacular. Passing through winding trails through a forest and the walk along the broader path to Namche is considerably more relaxed. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Today is your final trekking day, where most of the trail is flat though you will encounter some descends and brief ascends as well with Kwangde peak visible in the backdrop. Passing Phakding and Cheplung villages, the trail begins with a steep descent until it cuts up to the airstrip in Chauri Kharka. These Sherpa villages on the trail display faith in Buddhism and cultural practices associated with it as the prayer flags flutter in the wind. Crossing the Dudh Koshi three times through suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags, and crossing Thado Koshi, you will make a final ascent of around 45 minutes from Cheplung to reach Lukla. The last evening in the mountains is a perfect opportunity to spend few moments with your crew members and celebrate your accomplishment because the porters who accompanied you on the trek will stay behind at Lukla. Overnight in Lukla.
From Lukla, you will board an early morning flight to Kathmandu. On your flight back, you will be hit by nostalgia due to the glimpses of the stunning snow-clad mountains and the memories of your recently concluded trip in the Himalayan suburbs. On arrival at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel where you may take a rest, or wander around Thamel for souvenir shopping to carry back home. If you feel energetic enough after the tiring trip, then you may explore around popular tourist attractions nearby. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today is the day your holidays in Nepal has come to an end, and you will be flying back home with ample memories of the experiences you’ve had in the Himalayas. A representative from AID JOURNEYS will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport well ahead of your scheduled flight for your onward journey. With plenty of time onboard, you may plan your next trip in the Himalayan realms of Nepal. For those willing to stay back and extend your holidays, AID JOURNEYS will be glad to plan your trip according to your craving.
