Note: This trek in the Khumbu region is categorized as strenuous grade; therefore, a certain level of physical fitness is required. Participants must prepare themselves well and should not consider joining these trips if fitness is not an integral part of their everyday routine. We recommend a preparation program of sports or aerobic activities (such as cycling, stair walking, or running) for a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks before departure.

DAY 01: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU, NEPAL           Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,600 ft.
If time permits:
Visit the Buddha Stupa (Boudhanath), A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Rooftop Sundowner

Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by one of our local representatives, who will assist you through immigration and visa formalities to begin your journey.

After collecting your baggage, follow the path outside the airport where our local guides will be waiting to receive you in the arrivals section.

Upon reaching your hotel for check-in, if time permits, you may wish to visit Boudhanath, one of the most imposing landmarks of Kathmandu, and a center of Tibetan Buddhism. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stupa is built on a massive three-level mandala and is one of the largest in the world. A popular tourist attraction, the area around the stupa is home to numerous shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and a variety of exclusive Tibetan specialties and delicacies.

After lighting butter lamps at Boudhanath, enjoy a sundowner at a rooftop restaurant, where you will be served refreshments, tea or coffee, and light snacks.
Dwarika’s Hotel (D)

DAY 02: KATHMANDU
Guided Tour to Old Kathmandu City
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites / Swayambhunath Stupa, and Pashupatinath

This morning, visit Old Kathmandu city. Like any big city, Kathmandu has experienced rapid expansion over the last decade. Still, despite the hustle and bustle typical of metropolitan cities, its people remain as refreshingly friendly as ever. Retaining its ancient traditions, Kathmandu is blessed by a Living Goddess. It is enriched by endless ceremonial processions and events that take to the streets from time to time, with throngs of devotees seeking blessings. These religious festivals are steeped in legend and are a spectacle, featuring chariot processions and masked dancers often possessed by the spirits of deities.

Take an exciting rickshaw (Tricycle) ride, honking your way through narrow alleys to the bustling bazaars of Ason. Sit back and relax as you navigate for a unique experience of exploring the city like a local.

Next, visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the “Monkey Temple” to foreigners due to the large number of monkeys in the vicinity, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It rests on a hillock 3 km west of Kathmandu and is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist shrines in Nepal. Legend has it that when Kathmandu Valley was a lake 2000 years ago, a single lotus flower grew at the center of the lake. When Saint Manjushree, the Bodhisatva, drained the lake with a single slash of his sword, the lotus settled on top of a hill and magically turned into a stupa. Thus, Swoyambhunath is also known as a Self-Created stupa.

Further visit Pashupatinath. The magnificent Pashupatinath Temple, with its astonishing architectural beauty, is situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. The temple, built in pagoda style, has gilded roofs and richly carved silver doors. Dedicated to the Hindu God of Destruction, Lord Shiva, this temple is regarded as the most sacred temple of all Lord Shiva temples. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple. Non-Hindu visitors are prohibited from entering the temple; however, they are permitted to view it from the eastern banks of the River Bagmati.
Dwarika’s Hotel (B, L ,D)

DAY 03: KATHMANDU / KIRTIPUR
Visit Kirtipur, an Ancient Nawari town
Explore the Patan Durbar Square, A UNESCO World Heritage Site

This morning, transfer to and visit Kirtipur, one of Nepal’s ancient cities. Located approximately 5 km southwest of Kathmandu city, Kirtipur is situated on a ridge with steep hillsides. Kirtipur translates to ‘city of glory‘; its name may have been derived from a queen named Kirti who ruled over this place.

Originally a Newari foundation, Kirtipur is a center of Newari culture, and its residents are renowned for being expert builders and weavers. The area features numerous churches, temples, and monasteries, and offers an excellent view of the surrounding valley. Due to the presence of Tribhuvan University, one of Nepal’s leading centers of higher education, Kirtipur is a popular destination for students and teachers.

Continuing to the artistic city of Patan, also known as Lalitpur, the city of artisans, a paradise of fine arts, and best known for its rich cultural heritage. It is home to the valley’s finest craftsmen, who have preserved ancient techniques such as the repoussé and lost-wax process, used to produce exquisite sculptures. The city retains much of its old charm, with narrow streets, brick houses, and a multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars), and monuments.

In the heart of Patan, amidst the Patan marketplace, lies the Patan Durbar Square, an area filled with ancient palaces, pagoda temples, stone baths, Hindu and Buddhist statues, engravings, and bronze carvings. The Palace of the Malla Kings is a highlight of Patan. Patan Durbar Square is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dwarika`s Hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 04: KATHMANDU / LUKLA / MONJO
Everest Base Camp Region Trek

Fly by chartered helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla, situated at an altitude of 9,370 ft (2,856 m).
From Lukla, embark on your trek to Monjo, often referred to as “The Steps to Heaven” at 9,300 ft (2,835 m).
Trekking time is approximately 5 to 6 hours.

The most famous high-altitude airstrip in the world, Lukla, was originally built by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust as an emergency evacuation runway for casualties brought to the Trust’s hospital at nearby Kunde. As you fly, watch as rugged foothills give way to the snowline and then to soaring peaks. Depending on the visibility, you might catch a glimpse of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu — the world’s third, fourth, and fifth-highest mountains.

Upon arrival in Lukla, meet our Sherpa crew and take your first steps along the trail that the Dalai Lama called “the steps to heaven.”  After about a five-hour trek, stop for the night in the quaintly picturesque valley of Monjo.

Today’s trek begins with a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Kosi and follows a path with continuous difficulties, as you cross streams, pass through a forest, and tiny villages until you reach your accommodation for the night at Everest Summit Lodge.
Everest Summit Lodge, Monjo (B, L, D)

DAY 05: MONJO / NAMCHE, KHUMBU
Trek to Namche
Altitude: Namche – 11,220 ft. / 3,420 m
Trek duration: Approx. 5 hours

Visit Sagarmatha National Park
Visit Namche Bazaar

Set off after breakfast, crossing over a wooden bridge to the right bank of the Dudh Kosi (Milk River) as it tumbles down, white with glacial suspension, from the high Gokyo Lakes. Leaving the villages of Chumao and Monjo behind, enter Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsale. Following a short walk along the riverbed of the V-shaped valley, the river forks – to the right is the Dudh Kosi and to the left is Bhote Kosi, which leads to the famous peak of Nampa. After a short distance along the Bhote Kosi, you begin a steep ascent to Namche. The trail zigzags and halfway into your trek to Namche Bazaar, a gap in the trees offers your first sight of Everest (29,027 ft. / 8,848 m). If the weather is clear, the top of the southwest face is visible behind the long Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge.

The climb eases, and the town appears ahead. Surrounded by an amphitheater of peaks — Thamserku (21,711 ft. / 6,618 m), Kwangde Ri (20,297 ft. / 6,187 m), and Khumbila (17,724 ft./ 5,402 m) — Namche is the largest and most prosperous town in the Khumbu region. The town is a central hub for the area, and its renowned bazaar, held every Saturday, sells everything from livestock and vegetables to traditional crafts such as hand-woven aprons and Tibetan boots.

Lastly, it is time to check in at the hotel.
Namche Hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 06: NAMCHE / TASHINGA
Trekking from Namche to Tashinga
Altitude: Tashinga – 11, 800 ft. / 3,598 m
Trek duration: approx. 3 hours

After a leisurely breakfast at Namche, continue the trek to Tashinga. Arrive at Everest Summit Lodge set amid pine forests overlooking the Dudh Koshi valley with breathtaking views of Ama Dablam (21,965 ft. / 6,695 m), Thamserku, the Taboche Peak, and Khumbila, said to be the spiritual abode of the patron demigod of the Khumbu region.
Everest Summit Lodge, Tashinga (B, L, D)

DAY 07: TASHINGA / PANGBOCHE
Guided Trek to from Tashinga to Pangboche
Altitude: Pangboche – 3985 m / 13075 ft
Trek duration: approx. 5-6 hours

Visit Tengboche Monastery

The trail from Tashinga descends steeply down to the Dudh Koshi River, where you cross a suspension bridge in the lee of a gigantic overhanging cliff (10,497 ft. / 3,200 m). Keep a lookout for the beautifully colored Danphe pheasant (Impeyan pheasant), the national bird of Nepal, the elusive musk deer, and even small herds of the Himalayan Thar (mountain goat). A little further is a small hamlet, Phunki Tanga. From here, a two-hour climb through pine forests, past mani stone walls, brings you to Tengboche Monastery.

The main monastery of the Khumbu area is situated in a clearing surrounded by dwarf firs and rhododendrons. While Namche can be deemed the Sherpa capital, Tengboche is the religious center of this region. The murmur of the monks chanting prayers, the blowing of conchs, the chance to sit with them for afternoon prayers amid the serene and amazing environment is a memorable experience.

After exploring the area and enjoying the impressive panoramic view of the Himalayan giants with Everest as the crowning glory, make a short descent to Debuche, a small settlement. Continue with your descent towards Imja Khola River and then climb up to the pleasant village of Pangboche which houses the oldest monastery in Khumbu. You are rewarded with spectacular vistas of the surrounding fields and of Ama Dablam, which stands majestically close.
Everest Summit Lodge, Pangboche (B, L ,D)

DAY 08: PANGBOCHE
Optional Guided Day Hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp
Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – 15,000 ft. / 4,575 m
Trek duration: approx. 6 hours

This morning, you have the option of taking an excursion to Ama Dablam base camp. For this walk you begin by crossing the Imja river on a suspension bridge, followed by a gradual ascent until Lhabarma, where you will find yourself standing right in front of the mountain ridge. From here, you have an incredible view of Ama Dablam (6856m), Kantega (6783m), Nuptse Ridge (7879m), Lobuche Peak (6090m), Pumori (7165m), Thamserku (6623m), Kangtega (6783m), Cholatse (6335m), Taboche Peak (6495m), Khumbi La (5765m), Kwangde Ri (6011m) and the beautiful Mimbo glacier.

Ama Dablam base camp is located at an altitude of 4,575m (approximately 15,000 ft) on an open yak pasture beneath the west face of the mountain. The climbing route, southwest ridge and the hanging glacier, the treasure box of Ama Dablam sits almost straight above.
Everest Summit Lodge, Pangboche (B,L,D)

DAY 09: PANGBOCHE / DINGBOCHE
Guided Trek to Dingboche, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks

Altitude: Dingboche – 4410 m/ 14,470 ft.
Trek duration: 3 – 4 hours approx.

The trail climbs slowly, winding above the Imjatse River, to the main Stupa. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as you enter the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse (25,790 ft.) and Lhotse (27,890 ft.) with views of the snow-capped eastern mountains including the Island Peak or Imjatse (20,305 ft.). Dingboche is a large and important town in the Chhukung Valley, set amid a beautiful patchwork of fields which are enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Your overnight lodgings are located in Dingboche.
Simple Local Lodge, Dingboche (B ,L ,D)

DAY 10:  DINGBOCHE
Acclimatization day (rest and adjustment to altitude)

The day is at leisure to help you acclimatize for your attempt to visit Kala Pathar and Everest Base Camp.
Simple Local Lodge, Dingboche (B,L,D)

DAY 11: DINGBOCHE / LOBUCHE
Guided High-Altitude Trek to Lobuche

Altitude: 4940 m/ 16207 ft.
Trek duration: 5 hours approx.

Today’s onward journey leads north, and the path heads up for about 40-50 minutes until you come to a mani-prayer stupa. The trail is gentle as you leave the grass-carpeted valley and slowly climb upwards. Today’s walk offers views of Mt. Tawache, Ama Dablam, and to the north, Pokalde, Kongma-tse, and the great wall of Nuptse. After a walk of almost two hours, the trail from Pheriche joins near Dugla right before a small wooden bridge over the river of the Khumbu Glacier. Stop at Dugla for lunch and afterward continue for an hour up a steep hill. At the top, take a short break to breathe in the panorama of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. From this point on, there is every possibility that you could feel the effects of high altitude. A two-hour trek brings you up to Lobuche, hidden and sheltered from the wind.
Himalayan Chain Resort, Lobuche (B ,L ,D)

DAY 12: LOBUCHE / EVEREST BASE CAMP / GORAKSHEP
Guided Trek to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep
Views of Khumbu Glacier

Altitude: 5160 m/ 16942 ft.
Trek duration: 7-8 hours approx.

Today marks the culmination of your journey, the day you reach Everest base camp. After an early breakfast, trek up the valley and follow a rocky moraine path with views of the icy-glacial pond and icebergs of the Khumbu Glacier below. After the last of the rocky moraine dunes, a short walk downhill brings you to Gorakshep on the flat field below Kala Pathar and Mt. Pumori. Gorakshep is the location of the original Everest Base Camp. The trek to Everest Base Camp from Gorakshep follows the Khumbu Glacier and is especially intriguing for its landscape of 50-foot-high seracs of ice, which are a peculiar feature of Himalayan Glaciers.

Everest Base Camp is not one specific site. Various expeditions have selected separate locations as their semi-permanent camp and final staging area for their assault on Everest. The trek to Everest Base Camp is not as remarkable as the ascent of Kala Pathar, it does not provide a view of Everest itself. However, these moments near the top of the Earth are not to be rushed. The feeling of accomplishment in visiting the base camp for the tallest mountain on earth is exhilarating. As the day slips along, retrace your steps down the glacial streams and return, tired but triumphant, to your lodge in Gorakshep for a well-earned rest.
Simple Local Lodge, Gorakshep (B ,L ,D)

DAY 13: GORAKSHEP / KALA PATTHAR / GORAKSHEP – FLIGHT TO DHULIKHEL
Guided Trek to Kala Patthar and back to Gorakshep

Trek duration: 3 hours approx.

Early this morning, walk to Kalapathar from Gorakshep, which involves about a 1.5 to 2-hour walk. The walk is gradual till you reach the rocky spot after an hour’s walk. From here, another uphill climb for ½ hour brings you to Kalapathar, 5,288m. From Kalapathar top, the views will be beyond your wildest imagination, with Everest seeming within a stone’s throw distance between the summit of Mt. Nuptse and Lho-La and Lhotse on the back. After a great moment, an hour descent takes you back to Gorakshep.

From Gorakshep, fly to Dhulikhel by Chartered Helicopter
Cultural Experience in Dhulikhel
Followed by remainder Day of Leisure

Dhulikhel has always been an important trade center, it is a place of exhilarating beauty and unparalleled serenity. Also popular for the remarkable view of the sunrise and sunset, Dhulikhel is famous for its vantage point in viewing the Himalayas. The old town of Dhulikhel is a close traditional Newari settlement with an assembly of fine old Newari houses with beautifully carved windows and doors. The core area of Dhulikhel has interesting narrow cobbled streets and lanes embedded with several Hindu Shrines and a few Buddhist Stupas.

Upon arrival, check in to the hotel, where the remaining day will be at leisure.

During your stay, you’ll enjoy a variety of wellness and creative experiences, including access to the Himalayan Salt Room, Chakra Sound Therapy Chamber, and the Meditation Maze. Take part in group sessions such as yoga and pottery, and visit the farm for a touch of nature. You’ll also have full use of the swimming pool, fitness center, and the tranquil Garden of Nine Planets. Creative expression is encouraged through art and painting sessions, and relaxation continues with visits to the Crystal House and a Cine Therapy session. To round out your experience, a 30-minute consultation with our Ayurvedic doctor is also included.
Dwarika`s Resort (B,L,D)

DAY 14: DHULIKHEL
Guided Half-Day Cultural and Spiritual Hike from Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha

Grade: Easy- uphill
Hike duration: approx. 3.5 hours

Located on a slightly elevated land, glistened with distant snowcapped mountains, adorned with fluttering prayer flags Namo Buddha is a sanctuary of peace and harmony.

For centuries, Namo Buddha has drawn pilgrims to the sacred spot where legend has it that the Great Being, an early incarnation of Lord Buddha, while on a walk through the dense forest, came across a starving tigress and her five cubs. The tigress was so weak that she was unable to feed herself or her cubs. The Great Being was tormented at the sight of a mother unable to feed her children. Hence, out of sheer generosity, the Great Being sacrificed his flesh to feed the starving tigress and her cubs.

The ancient stupa of Namo Buddha is where the remains are of the Great Being after his sacrifice are buried. Today, this site has become a special place to accumulate merit through activities of circumambulation and making offerings. People from all over the world visit the site to pay homage to the Great Bring and make traditional offerings of butter lamps. A carved stone slab depicts this Buddhist tale of selfless compassion and sacrifice.

After Great Being offered his body in generosity to the tigress, people found it difficult to travel through the region for fear of wild animals, so they developed the practice of reciting ‘Namo Buddha’ (I take refuge in the Buddha) to dispel their anxiety. This is how the area gets its name. As time passed, villages gradually appeared, and the area became more urban and less dangerous.

Transfer back to the hotel.

You can also indulge in activities offered by the resort for the in-house guests whilst their stay.
Dwarika`s Resort (B,L,D)

DAY 15: DHULIKHEL / BHAKTAPUR / DHULIKHEL
Cultural exploration of Bhaktapur’s historic and artistic legacy
Guided Visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Leisure and wellness time at the resort in Dhulikhel

Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, literally the ‘City of Devotees’ is a major tourist destination that takes visitors back in time. Bhaktapur lies 12 km east of the Kathmandu city on the Arniko Highway that leads to the Chinese border. Bhaktapur is still untouched by rapid urbanization and has managed to retain its brick-paved roads, charming red brick houses, and a way of life that goes back to medieval times. This ancient city is also famous for pottery and woodcarving, amply displayed on the squares and windows, respectively.

The extraordinary Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its monuments reflect the glory days of the Malla Dynasty when art and architecture thrived in the three cities of the valley.

In Bhaktapur Durbar Square, visit the Nyatapola Temple, the unique Temple that literally means ‘five storied’ and rises above the city’s landscape as a remarkable landmark; Bhairavnath Temple, dedicated to Bhairav, the God of Terror, is a three-storied temple noted for its artistic grandeur and stands adjacent to the famous five-storied Nyatapola Temple.

The Golden Gate is the entrance to the 15th-century Palace of 55 Carved Windows. The Golden Gate is a masterpiece in repousse art, which has added splendor to this palace square that consists of buildings dating from the 13th century to the 18th century.

Transfer back to the resort. The remaining day will be at leisure or indulge in activities offered by the resort.
Dwarika`s Resort (B,L,D)

DAY 16: DHULIKHEL / KATHMANDU DEPARTURE
Transfer to the International airport to board the outbound flight.

(B)

USD $ 900.00 Per Person / per day. Double Occupancy Land Only

Charter Cost not included
The cost for the charter helicopter or schedule flights to get from Kathmandu to the trekking start point and return to Kathmandu is separate and not included in this price.