Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying a Himalayan Adventure Nepal signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Note: If you happen to arrive after 4 pm you would be briefed about the trip by our guide, this will be the pre-trip meeting for you, so please make sure that you ask all the questions. However, if you arrive earlier than 4 pm, your pre-trip meeting would be on that very day at our office. We will have introduction with your trek leader/guide. For the meeting, please make sure you bring the passport, three copies of passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. We expect that you will pay due balance during the meeting, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Overnight at a hotel. No meals included.
Day 2
Guided Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley
We will offer your adventurous breakfast at 8.30 am your sightseeing trip will start. For your support, we will give you private vehicle and a professional tour guide. The faces of the Kathmandu will be your highlighted place for today as you will visit some heritages listed below: Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Though you are not allowed to go inside the temple as it is strictly for Hindus only, you can clearly see the temple and the activities from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. It is a square two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth which is famous all over the world. Boudhanath Stupa: Boudhananath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. It was built in the 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Royal Residential Quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, famous five-storied temple of Nyatapola in Pagoda style Batsala temple, Bhairavnath temple, Duttatraya temple, Pujari Muth and Palace of 55 windows. The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last minute shopping in Thamel area for trekking essentials. Overnight at a hotel. Breakfast included.
Day 3
Fly to Lukla (2,804 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m) - 3 hours
An early morning start takes us to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for the 35-minute scenic flight to Tenzing and Hillary Airport at Lukla (2,804 m). On arrival at the airport, the guide will brief you and introduce our porters before we begin our trek towards Phakding (2,610 m). After landing, we have time to explore the village while our Sherpa crew sort and load our trekking equipment. Then we begin our trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka (2,713 m). The walking is easy. After passing through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m), it is a short walk to Phakding. Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 4
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280 ft): 11km, 5 - 6 hour
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, we follow the trail north up the valley of Benkar. We then cross Dudh Koshi River and go on passing Chumoa to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. Then after crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep ascent brings us to the prime heartland of Sherpa village - Namche Bazaar. At one hour’s distance to reaching Namche Bazaar, if the weather permits, we can view the sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day5
Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar: (3,440m/11,284ft)
There are plenty of things to do around Namche Bazaar, and we can spend a day here acclimatizing. Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Khumbu region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. Our guides can take us to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar. Hiking to Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with a sunrise view and the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. If we are interested in a day hike, we trek to Khumjung village (12401 ft)-a beautiful village with a Sherpa settlement. In exploring Namche Bazar, we observe traditional Sherpa life, Khumjung Hillary School, and enjoy flora and fauna found at such altitude. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.We will spend a day in Namche Bazaar in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning air. We will trek a short distance to a museum that is celebrated for its exhibits of the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We will also hike up the Syangboche Airport and the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest-placed hotels in the world. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas including Mt Everest. Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 6
Trek to Phorste Thanga (3,680 m) - 5 hours
We climb the Khumjung hill and descend to the east of the village down the broad valley leading to the Dudh Koshi from where the route turns north. There are two trails and our guide will choose the best option for us to follow. There is a chorten on the ridge top at 3973 m which descends from Mt. Khumbila (5761 m). We visit Mohang, the birthplace of the re-incarnated Lama of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet who is believed to have introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dush Koshi. We stay overnight in Phortse Tanga, near the river.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 7
Trek to Machherma (4,470 m) - 5 hours
From Phortse Thanga it is an uphill climb to Machhermo. We walk on a trail alongside a rhododendron forest and pass through a waterfall before reaching Tongba Village. We continue our uphill trek and pass through Dhole, Labarma and Luza villages before reaching Machhermo. There is a Chhorten right before the Luza village. Throughout today’s journey, we will be walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River. Overnight in Machhermo.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day8
Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m) - 5.5 hours
We begin today by climbing a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kangtaiga and also up towards Cho Oyu (8153 m). The valley now widens as the trail passes through Phangkha, where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We then descend to the riverbank before climbing onto the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier on a steep trail. Upon crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo, at 4690 m. At this juncture, we get a chance to observe lama footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we explore around the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in Gokyo.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 9
Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,483 m) and Back to Gokyo - 5 hours
We will hike to Gokyo Ri, a small peak above Gokyo village, in the morning and savor the fantastic views of the entire Khumbu region. As we ascend, the views become even more fantastic and we can see four of the seven highest peaks of Nepal, Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Reaching the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho we take pleasure in the lake’s serene beauty after which we trek back along the retracing trail to the third lake. We may take an additional hike up to the fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho if time permits and depending on our physical conditions. From here, the view of Ngozumba glacier, the longest glacier of the Himalayas, is so fascinating. Overnight in Gokyo.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10
Trek to Thangna (4,500 m) - 4 hours
If we did not climb the Gokyo Ri the previous day, we can do that today. Climbing to the top of Gokyo Ri is demanding as it is steep and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. But the scenery of Gokyo village, on the edge of third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier, is magnificent. We are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. The sight of sunrays kissing Everest which towers over all the surrounding peaks is astounding. We trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Next, traverse along the edge of that mountain and then meander into Thagnak. It will be a short hike today with an afternoon of rest which will prepare us for long hiking days and elevation gain to come.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 11
Cross Cho La pass (5,300 m) and Trek to Dzongla (4,710 m) - 7 hours
We start walking before sunrise at 4:00 or 5:00 am to reach the pass by 9:00 am – 10:00 am and dodge bad weather conditions of the noontime. We cross over at an altitude of 5,300 m where we could be exposed to strong winds if we crossing too late. We start to climb steeply the trail that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent views, then we descend to the Dzongla at noon. Accommodation in Dzongla will be very basic and in dormitory-style room because of its remoteness. Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 12
Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m ) - 4 hours
A rather easier and shorter trekking route will take us to Lobuche after 4 hours of trekking. Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 13
Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,365 m) and then Back to Gorak Shep (5,180 m) - 8 hours
This is a big and difficult day walk along the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp at 5,365 m, the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without mountaineering equipment. During spring, there will likely be expedition teams about to attempt the summit. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is spectacular. We return back to Gorak Shep for the night. Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 14
Hike Up to Kala Patthar (5,555 m) Early in the Morning and Trek Down to Pheriche (4,200 m) - 7 hours
We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). In addition, there is always the potential for chilly winds, which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. However, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360-degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return to Lobuche for a good night's rest.
Those participants who will visit Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start early, as Everest base camp hike takes longer than the hike at Kala Patthar. After returning to Gorak Shep, both the groups will have lunch together; the afternoon is taken to descend down to Pheriche for a good night's rest.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 15
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) - 7 hours
We trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the prayer-flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests. In the forest, we may come across colorful pheasants and mountain goats. The path eventually reaches Sansa from where we can enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse mountains. We also pass winding trails then through a forest before reaching Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 16
Trek to Lukla (2,804 m) - 6 hours
The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of days. Overnight in Lukla.
Day 17
Morning Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
To collect the lifetime adventurous please enjoying the last glimpse of the mountains, we have recently visited, the 35 minutes scenic flight takes us back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, we are met and transferred back to our starting hotel. If you are interested in extending the trip, there are many options such as Chitwan jungle safari, river rafting adventure, Kathmandu shopping tour, mountain biking and other activities. Overnight at a hotel. Breakfast included.
Day 18
Leisure Day and Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu
It’s also spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. Overnight at a hotel. Breakfast and farewell dinner included.
Day 19
Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Flight Departure
The adventurous trip conducted by HAN will conclude – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
