Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu to Phakding
You'll fly into Lukla at 2800m where the mountain views hit you right away. From there, it's a 3-hour trek down to Phakding at 2610m. Along the way you'll pass Tibetan prayer walls and monasteries, which gives you a real sense of the region. Once you settle in at Phakding, you'll start getting your body used to the altitude.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Tea or lunch trek on the way to Phakding), Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
- Trek to Phakding (3 hours, 9km)
Landmarks Lukla Airport Phakding - Day 2
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
This is a longer day on the trail, about 5 to 6 hours covering 14km. You'll cross several suspension bridges and gradually climb uphill as you enter Sagarmatha National Park. The real challenge comes with Namche Hill, a steep push before you reach Namche Bazaar at 3340m. You'll stay here for 2 nights, so after you arrive, there's time to settle in and rest.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hot breakfast), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar via Toktok, Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsalle (14km, 5-6 hours)
- Cross suspension bridges
- Enter Sagarmatha National Park
Landmarks Sagarmatha National Park Namche Bazaar - Day 3
Namche Bazaar (Acclimatization Day)
Today's your acclimatization day, which means lighter activity. You can hike to Everest View Hotel to see the panoramic mountain views, or walk through the twin Sherpa villages Khumjung and Khunde. There's also the Sherpa museum if you want to learn more about the local culture, and Namche Bazaar itself has shops and restaurants worth checking out if you prefer staying closer to your lodge.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Everest View Hotel for panoramic mountain views
- Visit Khumjung and Khunde Sherpa villages
- Visit Sherpa Museum (optional hike)
Optional Activities
- Shopping at boutiques and souvenir shops
- Dining at restaurants and bars
- Internet access at cyber cafes
- Browse groceries and local markets
Landmarks Everest View Hotel Khumjung Khunde Sherpa Museum - Day 4
Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Another 5 to 6 hour trek today, covering 12km to Tengboche at 3870m. The trail ascends gradually and you'll cross a suspension bridge at Phungitenga where you'll see prayer wheels. Lunch happens at Phungi Thangna before you tackle the long hill climb. When you arrive around 4pm, you'll visit the active Buddhist monastery, which is quite something to see at that hour.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Phungi Thangna), Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to Tengboche (12km, 5-6 hours)
- Cross suspension bridge at Phungitenga
- Visit active Buddhist Monastery
- Visit Sacred Land Exhibition Center
Landmarks Kyanjuma Phungitenga Suspension Bridge Tengboche Monastery Sacred Land Exhibition Center - Day 5
Tengboche to Dingboche
You've got 5 hours of trekking ahead to reach Dingboche at 4410m. The forest changes as you climb through rhododendron, birch, and blue pine. There's a suspension bridge crossing near Pangboche village, then you'll climb gently through pastures and stop for lunch at Somare. The views of Amadablam, Island Peak, and other high peaks from here are excellent.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Somare), Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to Dingboche (approximately 5 hours)
- Cross suspension bridge near Pangboche village
- Hike through isolated pastures and fields
Landmarks Pangboche Village Dingboche Amadablam Island Peak - Day 6
Dingboche (Acclimatization Day)
You'll spend another acclimatization day in Dingboche. There's an acclimatization hike that goes up to 4900m, gaining about 500m over roughly 3 hours. You'll rest for 30 to 45 minutes at the high point before heading back for lunch and taking it easy in the afternoon. If you want something more challenging, there's an optional hike to Nangkar Tshang where you can see Mount Makalu.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Acclimatization hike to 4900m (approximately 3 hours, 3km, 500m ascent and descent)
Optional Activities
- Hike to Nangkar Tshang (5616m) - physically demanding option for better Mount Makalu and surrounding peaks views
Landmarks Nangkar Tshang Mount Makalu - Day 7
Dingboche to Lobuche
This trek covers 5 to 6 hours over 12km of grassy moraine terrain. You'll walk past ridge memorials for fallen mountaineers, which serves as a solemn reminder of the mountains' difficulty. Along the way you see peaks like Pumori, Nuptse, and Amadablam. The final push is steep as you climb to Lobuche at 4910m.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to Lobuche (12km, 5-6 hours)
- Pass cairn memorials with prayer flags honoring fallen mountaineers
- Climb ridge with views of Pumori, Nuptse, Lobuche, Cholatse, Tawache, and Amadablam
Landmarks Thukla Lobuche Pumori Nuptse - Day 8
Lobuche to Gorak Shep / Everest Base Camp
You'll trek 2 to 3 hours to Gorak Shep at 5160m, passing through Changri Glacier. This is genuinely challenging for most people. After lunch, you have options: either hike to Everest Base Camp, or climb Kala Patthar at 5545m for sunset views of Everest itself. Saving base camp for the next day lets you see both from different angles.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hot breakfast), Lunch (Lunch at Gorak Shep), Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to Gorak Shep via Khumbu Glacier and Changri Glacier (approximately 2.5 hours, 10km)
- Hike to Everest Base Camp from Gorak Shep
Optional Activities
- Hike Kala Patthar (5545m) instead for sunset views of Everest - can be done next day instead
Landmarks Changri Glacier Gorak Shep Everest Base Camp Kala Patthar - Day 9
Kala Patthar to Pheriche
Early morning brings an ascent to Kala Patthar at 5550m, taking about 2 hours with a 400m climb. The 360-degree views of Everest and surrounding peaks from here are worth the early start. After breakfast, you'll trek 5 to 6 hours back down to Pheriche via Lobuche and Thukla. The descent is gentle, so you'll move faster than on the way up.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Kala Patthar (5550m) - 400m ascent, approximately 2 hours, for 360-degree views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks
- Trek to Pheriche via Lobuche and Thukla (5-6 hours)
Landmarks Kala Patthar Mount Everest Lhotse Khumbutse Pumori Lingtren Amadablam Thamserku Pheriche - Day 10
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
You're heading back down to Namche Bazaar today, a long downhill trek of 6 to 7 hours covering 22km. Descending to lower altitudes means you can travel faster than you did climbing. Once you arrive at Namche, grab something at Namche Bakery or relax at Cafe Danfe. Tomorrow you'll head back to Lukla, so tonight's your last evening here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Pheriche back to Namche Bazaar (22km, 6-7 hours downhill)
Optional Activities
- Visit Namche Bakery
- Play pool at Cafe Danfe
- Relax at Namche Bazaar restaurants and shops
Landmarks Namche Bazaar Namche Bakery Cafe Danfe - Day 11
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
This is your longest trekking day, 7 to 8 hours covering 21km. You'll descend Namche Hill and make your way back through Phakding before the final uphill stretch into Lukla at 2800m. It's a full day of walking, but you'll have one more night in Lukla to rest before flying out tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Namche Bazaar back to Lukla (21km, 7-8 hours)
Landmarks Phakding Lukla - Day 12
Lukla to Kathmandu
You'll have a hot breakfast and head to the airport around 8:30am for the 35-minute flight back to Kathmandu. Once you land, you can shower and do laundry. There's time to visit local cafes for food you've been craving and pick up any last-minute souvenirs before you head home.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hot breakfast at Lukla)
Included Activities
- Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Optional Activities
- Last hour shopping for souvenirs
Landmarks Lukla Airport
