Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding
Catch an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which gives you incredible views of the Himalayas the whole way. Once you land, you'll start trekking right away with a short walk to Phakding. The route follows the Dudh Koshi River through nice green landscapes, and you'll reach your first night's accommodation by evening.
- Start point
- Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal (Anywhere within Kathmandu Valley)
- Accommodation
- Lodge
Included Activities
- Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
- Trek from Lukla to Phakding via Dudh Koshi River
Landmarks Dudh Koshi River Phakding - Day 2
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
After breakfast, head toward Namche Bazaar by walking along the Khumbu Khola river and crossing it several times. The trail climbs gradually through valley landscapes, and halfway through you'll hit Everest View Point where Mount Everest comes into sight for the first time. From there, continue to Namche Bazaar where you'll spend the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Lodge
Included Activities
- Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Visit to Everest View Point
Landmarks Khumbu Khola River Everest View Point Mount Everest Namche Bazaar - Day 3
Namche Bazaar
This is a rest day to let your body adjust to the altitude in Namche Bazaar. You can walk around the local markets, check out small shops and cafes, or visit the museums to learn about Sherpa culture and the history of Everest. It's a good chance to move around at a relaxed pace and get used to where you are.
- Accommodation
- Lodge
Included Activities
- Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Optional Activities
- Explore Namche Bazaar markets and shops
- Visit local museums to learn about Sherpa culture and Everest history
- Explore local cafes
Landmarks Namche Bazaar - Day 4
Namche Bazaar to Dole
Start heading toward Everest Base Camp but then branch off toward Gokyo Valley instead. The trek doesn't climb much today, so you can enjoy the views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse along the way. You'll pass through Mong village and end the day in Dole, which sits nicely in the valley.
- Accommodation
- Lodge
Included Activities
- Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole
Landmarks Lhotse Ama Dablam Nuptse Mong Dole 
- Day 5
Dole to Machhermo
Leave early and tackle a tougher climb toward Machhermo through forests with rhododendrons and frozen waterfalls. You'll pass through Dole again where you can rest or stay if you need to. If you're feeling good, keep going up toward Machhermo, where the valley views are great and locals tell stories about the Yeti.
- Accommodation
- Lodge
Included Activities
- Trek from Dole to Machhermo
Optional Activities
- Overnight stay in Dole for acclimatization (instead of continuing to Machhermo)
Landmarks Machhermo - Day 6
Machhermo to Gokyo
Head out toward Gokyo to see the turquoise lakes there. The route takes you toward Pangka first, then up a steep path alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier. You'll walk past the first and second lakes, cross over Cho La Glacier, and reach the third lake, called Dudh Pokhari, with views of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang before reaching Gokyo for the night.
- Accommodation
- Lodge
Included Activities
- Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo
- Visit to Gokyo Lakes (1st, 2nd, and 3rd lakes)
Landmarks Ngozumpa Glacier Gokyo Lakes Dudh Pokhari Cho La Glacier Cho Oyu Gyachung Kang - Day 7
Gokyo
After breakfast, hike up to Gokyo Ri, a steep peak right above the village. It's a hard climb but the top gives you panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. After taking time to rest and soak in the views, come back down to Gokyo. If the weather holds and you have energy left, you can check out the fourth and fifth lakes too.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Lodge
Included Activities
- Hike to Gokyo Ri summit
Optional Activities
- Visit fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes
Landmarks Gokyo Ri Mount Everest Lhotse Makalu - Day 8
Gokyo to Dole
After breakfast, start heading back toward Machhermo on the same trails. The scenery's just as good going back as it was coming out. You'll pass familiar spots and eventually reach Dole, the village from a few days ago, where you'll spend another night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Lodge
Included Activities
- Trek from Gokyo back toward Machhermo and then to Dole
Landmarks Dole - Day 9
Dole to Namche Bazaar
Today takes you back to Namche Bazaar by retracing your steps through icy waterfalls and green forests. The trail heads downward mostly, so take your time and look around at the scenery you saw on the way up. By evening you'll be back in the vibrant mountain town.
Included Activities
- Trek from Dole back to Namche Bazaar
Landmarks Namche Bazaar - Day 10
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Have breakfast then begin descending back to Phakding, following the Dudh Kosi River through green valleys and calm trails. The route has a mix of easy downhill sections and some gentle ups as you make your way back to Lukla. You'll spend your final mountain night there before heading home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Lodge
Included Activities
- Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phakding to Lukla
Landmarks Dudh Koshi River Lukla - Day 11
Lukla to Kathmandu
After a final breakfast in Lukla, board your return flight to Kathmandu. On the way back, you'll get one more look at the Himalayas from the air. Once you land in Kathmandu, you'll be taken to your hotel to rest and think back on the trek.
- End point
- Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal (Anywhere within Kathmandu Valley)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
- Airport transfer to hotel in Kathmandu
Landmarks Lukla Airport
