Our adventure begins after arriving at Luka’s Tenzing Hillary Airport from where we follow the trail to Phakding. The trail takes us through Chaurikharka Village before climbing up to Dudh Koshi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft) and then to Phakding. At Phakding we will visit the Buddhist Rimishung Monastery. 

Today we follow the trail through the valley next to the Dudh Kosi River. Several times we cross the Dudh Kosi River on suspension bridges before climbing higher before arriving at the small village of Jorsale in the Khumbu region – just to the south of Namche Bazaar. After a two hour trek we come to Namche Bazaar. On the trail we have some amazing views of Mt. Everest (Sagamartha in Nepali). We officially enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsale where authorities will check your trekking permit.

Today we follow the trail to Tengboche along a zigzag trail through several valleys before arriving at Kenjoma. Along the way we pass many Mani stones on the trail (stones inscribed with sacred Buddhist prayers). The views of Everest and Mt. Ama Dablam are awesome along this section of the trail. We then come to the small village of Sanasa from where the trail descends to Phunki Thanga (3250m). We then have a steep climb up through pine forests before arriving at Tengboche (3870m). Tengboche is well-known for its magnificent views of many of the world’s tallest peaks, such as Kwangde (6187m), Tawachee (6542m), Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse (8501m), Amadablam, Kantega and Thamserku. 

Today the trail is mostly downhill for 3 to 4 hours and pass through forests before crossing the Imja Khola (river) and then passing through the village of Pangboche, well known for its cultivated fields encompassed by rock walls. Dingboche is also where yaks are grazed during summer months.

Today we pass many Chortens (Tibetan shrines & tombs) before arriving at the village of Thugla (4600m) where we will stop for a lunch break at its tea house. After lunch we head in the direction of some high peaks, such as Mt Pumori (7161m) and Mt. Nuptse (7861m) before coming to Lobuche Village (4940m). We then trek through an open valley before arriving at Thukla after first passing the first aid post at Pheriche (4371m). The post is only manned during the peak trekking seasons. We then head down to the yak pastures of the small settlement of Lobuche. 

The early morning pre-dawn trek to Kala Patthar (5550m) from Gorakshep will take around two hours. After a short climb to Kalapathar you will have panoramic views of Everest and other tall snow covered peaks. The wonderful photos of Everest seen on the internet are taken from here. We then head down to Gorakshep, a fairly easy downhill trek. At Gorakshep we will stop for tea and a snack before continuing on to Pheriche where we will stay the night.

This morning we head back to Namche Bazaar following the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way we will stop for a tea break and later for lunch. We then have to cross the suspension bridge and pass through rhododendron and pine forests. The trail passes Mani stones, Chorten, and Stupas before arriving at Namche Bazaar.

We have a long day on the trail with a 7 hour trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, which is nearly all downhill with some sections of flat ground. We exit the Sagarmatha National Park and then continue on to Lukla where we stay overnight.

Our early morning flight will have us arrive at Kathmandu in about 30 minutes. During the flight, you will have a birds-eye view of the world’s towering peaks in the Himalayan Mountains. Your guide will take you from the airport to your hotel in Thamel where you can do some last-minute shopping or wander around the narrow winding streets.