This classic walk through the Sherpa homeland of Solu-Khumbu is a moderately-strenuous high altitude trek with a clear-cut goal- 'To see Everest'. Much to their surprise, many people find the snout-like Everest out-ranked by peaks like Ama Dablam and the Lhotse wall. Khumbu is the best region in Nepal for close-up mountain views. This trip features 3 nights in Kathmandu and a 11-day lodge trek to the base of Everest. Gorak Shep is our highest camp from where we hike to Mount Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Pattar, the Black Rock (5 550 m) where we admire the huge South Col of Everest, the tongue of the Khumbu glacier and more than 15 spectacular Himalaya peaks. This is without doubt one of the best mountain viewpoints of the world!
- Trek to the foot of the world's highest mountain, Everest.
- Set out on challenging hikes to Kala Pattar, Nangkartshang Peak.
- Explore Sherpa villages and the ancient Thami and Tengboche monasteries.
- Visit a school established by Sir Edmund Hillary in the mountain village of Khumjung.
Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu
Pick-up at Tribhuvan International Airport, meeting with your guide and transfer to the hotel. First impressions of Kathmandu (1350 m) walk to medieval Kathmandu Durbar Square and explore the beautiful complex of palaces, temples, shrines and courtyards built by the ancient Nepali kings between the 12th and 18th century. We bring you to our office and Thamel - the vibrant tourist area with hotels, restaurants, bakeries and outdoor shops. We get to know each other over a welcome dinner, check formalities, equipment and discuss your itinerary.
Day 2 - Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Today we discover the highlights of Katmandu and the valley. We adapt the programm to your interests and desires and what you have seen before. Usually, we go to Pasupatinath on the bank of the Bagmati River, where the most important Hindu temples and burning ghats of Nepal are situated. In Bouddhanath we circumambulate together with Tibetan and Nepali Buddhist pilgrims the whitewashed stupa. Our sightseeing usually ends in Patan, the city of Beauty, an astonishing center of fine art and Buddhist and Hindu culture.
Day 3 - Flight to Lukla & Trek Phakding
We drive to Tribhuvan Domestic Airport to connect our fly to take our flight to Everest region. After breakfast in Lukla (2850 m) we start trekking through beautiful settlements to join soon the main trail in Churi Kharka. We follow the east bank of the Dudh Koshi- the River of Milk- where you witness the typical Nepal terrace culture, slate roofed houses and views on Kusum Kangaru (5579 m). We reach Phakding (2640 m) after 3 - 4 hr gentle walking.
Day 4 - Trek Namche Bazaar
Today we make a challenging hike to Namche Bazaar (3440 m), situated at 6-7 hours walking from Phakding. We climb up along the west bank of the Dudh Kosi to the tiny village of Toktok. We get our first glimpse of Thamserku peak (6608 m) and reach Benkar (2710 m). The cliffs above the village are decorated with huge paintings of Buddhist deities. We cross the colorful suspension bridge and enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo (2840 m). After Jorsale we follow the riverbank over gravel, climb through a pine forest and cross the Dudh Kosi by a big suspension bridge. Then we face a continuous zigzag ascent of 2 hours through dense pine forests. In the early evening we reach the vibrant center of Namche Bazar, on of the most attractive settlements of Solu-Khumbu district.
Day 5 - Rest day Namche Bazaar
Rest day in Namche. Optional walk to the Sherwi Khangba Sherpa Culture Museum or dayhike to the Hotel Everest View in Khumjung village (3700 m) and Khundi Hospital in Khundi Village, the first hospital build in Khumbu Region by Sir Edmund Hillary and Himalayan Trust in 1966.
Day 6 - Trek to Tengboche
Trek to Tengboche (3860 m), 5-6 hour long hike from Namche Bazaar. The first part of trail is a winding smooth path which offers fantastic views on Mount Everest (8848 m), Thamserku (6618 m), Ama Dablam (6814 m). After the trail goes down to the riverbank and then we make a strenuous 2 hour ascend to Tengboche. We walk through rhododendron forests where musk deer and Himalayan Tahr or mountain goat live. At the rest place you can enjoy the views towards Kantega mountain (6783 m). Tengboche, is famed for the Buddhist Tengboche Monastery (where you can attend the daily puja), Cafe Tengboche and the view point.
Day 7 - Trek Dingboche
Trek to Dingboche (4410 m), 6-7 hours walking from Tengboche. We descend through conifer and rhododendron forest to thebeautiful settlement Deboche where you have a close view at Ama Dablam. We cross the suspension bridge and look over the surging white waters of Imja River. Soon after a snow white stupa with gorgeous all seeing eyes is mirroring the Ama Dablam, this is a marvelous place for a picture! Then the trail ascents gently to the village of Pangboche (3860 m), where we climb above the treeline. After, the trail passes numerous farmer pastures with big yak populations before we reach Dingboche valley.
Day 9 - Trek Lobuche
After ascending 150 m up to the main road, we reach a viewpoint where we have outstanding sights at Tawachee (6495 m) and Cholatse peak (6440m). After our lunch camp in Dugla (4620m) the trail goes directly up the gravely terminal moraine of the Khumbu glaciers for about one hour. The trail leads to a row of memorial monuments of lost climbers and sherpas. The trail then drops a little and follows the western side of the valley to Lobuche. After four to five hours hiking we reach the small settlement of Lobuche which is situated at 4930 m. We sleep in a lodge at Gorakskhep, a semi-permanent village at the bottom of the Khumbu Icefall.
Day 10 - Trek Gorak Shep
The ascent to Gorak Shep (5160 m) becomes steeper and rougher as we cross several moraines. Soon we see the peak of Pumori (7145m). We also have our first views at Nuptse (7864 m), Kala Patthar (5545 m) and Mount Everest. At the right side you look over the Khumbu Glacier, an enormous tongue of ice which marches down the slopes of Everest. We reach Gorak Shep by lunchtime and trek to Everest High Base Camp in the afternoon. In total we hike six-seven hours today.
Day 11 - Trek Pheriche
Today we return in 4 hours back to Pheriche located at 4215 m. We will enjoy all the surrounding mountains views.
Day 12 - Trek Namche Bazaar
Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m). We descend approximately 5 hours.
Day 13 - Trek Lukla
We start this 6 hours during trek with a streneous descent from Namche Bazaar to the Dud Kosi (hard work for the knees), after the path climbs up to Monjo and then runs easily to Benkar, Phakding and Lukla.
Day 14 - Flight to Kathmandu
After breakfast we fly in about 40 minutes from Lukla to Kathmandu. Arrive at Tribhuvan Airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 15 - Fly out Kathmandu
Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. We hope you enjoyed your stay!
