This trek is very similar to the Everest Base Camp trek, but without going to Base Camp. The climax of this trek, hiking up Kala Pattar is also the highlight as it offers spectacular views of Mount Everest. This picturesque trek incorporates stunning views of the surrounding mountains, historic gompas, beautiful forests and a real insight into local Sherpa village life.
Asian Trekking is a Nepali expedition operating company established 41 years ago. According to Paragraph 26 of the Tourism Act (2035), no foreign expedition teams or companies are allowed to provide expedition services in Nepal directly and any foreign company must work through a Nepali company licensed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal. As such, Nepali companies are the ones that provide all the legal, administrative, logistical, guiding and support services in Nepal, while also being legally responsible for the safe and responsible conduct of the expeditions. Booking through foreign expedition companies naturally makes the cost to the customer higher due to the extra layer of administration and profit margins, without necessarily adding any extra value.
Day 1 - Schedule flight to Lukla
Schedule flight to Lukla (2840m). Trek to Phakding (2610m). Enjoy a scenic flight with stunning views as you fly alongside the Himalayas from Kathmandu to Lukla. Upon arrival in Lukla, it is a half day’s trek along the Dudh Kosi Valley to Phakding where you will rest for the night.
Day 2 - Namche Bazar
Namche Bazar (3440m). Continuing along the Dudh Kosi (river), you will enter Sagarmatha National Park (showing or buying your entrance ticket and registering your TIMS card). After continuing along the river, you will start to ascend towards Namche Bazar. This is the first altitude jump so it is important to take it easy on the way up.
Day 3 - Khumjung
Khumjung (3780m) for acclimatization. It is a short journey to Khumjung (about 2 hours) and the rest of the day is set aside for acclimatization. After a steep climb up steps to the Syangboche airstrip. The route continues upwards before a short, steep descent to Khumjung where you can relax or visit the monastery for the remains of the day.
Day 4 - Tengboche
Tengboche (3860m). Another relatively short day from Khumjung to Tengboche. The route hikes down, crossing the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi before climbing up a rocky trail. Finally ascending through the forest where you might see any number of birds and animals including musk deer and goat antelope. Tengboche is home to the most important monastery for the Sherpa people. You can go inside the monastery, meet the monks and enjoy panoramic views of the region including Everest and Khumjung village.
Dingboche (4410m). This is an absolutely perfect day’s trek. Passing through Sherpa villages Shomare and Pheriche, you will see yak pastures, chortens, monasteries and stunning mountain views all along the way. The day ends in Dingboche where you can enjoy nice viewpoints and the valley below of mountain desert.
Day 6 - Dingboche - Visit Chhukung
Dingboche - Visit Chhukung (4730m) - Acclimatization day. On this acclimatization day, walk up to Chhukung village and viewpoint. Return to Dingboche to spend the night.
Day 7 - Lobuche
Lobuche (4910m). A full day walking ascending through the Khumbu valley with mountains on both sides. Passing a glacier lake the trail descends until you cross a stream and then back upwards until you reach Dugla where you will have lunch. From Dugla, the trail climbs steeply to the Khumbu glacier. Once at the top of the ridge, you will be rewarded for your hard work with spectacular views of the mountains. Descending back down to the Khumbu glacier moraine you will enjoy more mountain views before ending your day’s walk in the village of Lobuche.
Day 8 - Lobuche - visit Kala Pattar
Lobuche - visit Kala Pattar (5555m). It’s an early morning start heading up to Gorekshep past glaciers and your firet glimpse of Kala Pattar. From Gorekshep you will enjoy stunning views of Everest and the surrounding mountains before continuing up to Kala Pattar. Return to Gorekshep for lunch and then back down to spend the night in Lobuche.
Day 9 - Pangboche
Pangboche (3930m). A long day descending back down to finally rest in Pangboche. You can visit the monastery, which is the oldest in the region.
Day 10 - Namche Bazar
Namche Bazar. A more leisurely day, passing through Tengboche where you can visit the monastery there before continuing on to Namche Bazar where you can rest for the night and check your email! Namche Bazar
Day 11 - Lukla
Lukla. Another long day descending back down to Lukla following the Dudh Kosi river through the valley. The route goes down and up finishing at the end with a climb through the forest, past villages and finally reaching Lukla, where you can put your feet up!
Day 12 -Return to Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu. Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
