Day 02: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,446m) – 6 – 7 hours

Today we walk through dense pine forest along the Dudh Koshi River, cross tributaries, to get to the Sherpa village of Benkar (2,710m), Chumoa 92,820m), Monjo (2,840m) and Jorsale (2,830m0. It is the gateway and permit checkpoint to the Sagarmatha National park. Thamserku (6,618m) soars east of the village. We then follow the river to its juncture with Bhote Kosh- - the major river fed from glacier and peaks above. We rise steadily and cross the high Tenzing – Hillary Bridge to catch first glimpse of Everest and the Nuptse – Lhotse ridge. A further 3 hours climb through dense forest takes us to administrative center at Namche Bazaar.

Overnight in Namche Bazaar

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03: Rest day in Namche Bazaar

Today is scheduled as acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) suggests at least of 24 hour rest period. Stay active: walk high and sleep low for proper acclimatization.

Surprisingly, Namche Offers ATMs, cyber cafes, restaurants and bakeries along with an enchanting market every Friday and Saturday. We can walk to Sagarmatha National Park Visitor’s Center offers informative display on Sherpa culture and local flora and fauna.

The village of Khumjung (3,780m) offers traditional glimpse of Sherpa life; more vividly than Namche. We spend our morning walking up to the village and making a circular trek; exploring the Everest view hotel (3,880m).

For more adventure, we can walk for five hours to the village of Thame (3,820), a picturesque village nestled against the backdrop of impressive Kongde Ri Ridge (6,187m).

Overnight in Namche Bazaar

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04: Trek to Machhermo (4,400m/14,440ft) – 7 – 8 hours

From the top edge of Namche, we walk around the hillside to Sanasa (3,600m); where the trail splits: NW goes to Gokyo and NE to Everest. On the way, look for exotic wildlife: Himalayan Tahrs, shy spotted deer, and birds including Danphe, (Pheasant), the national bird of Nepal. We then veer northwest and walk along the Khumbila slope and descend to Phortse Thenga (3,680m) via Mong La (3,975m).

From Dole, we encounter dwarf vegetation which confirms the altitude. So we walk at a gradual pace and climb a scenic ridge that commands a stunning view of Cho Oyu Himal. A short walk leads us to Macchermo which lies in a broad valley below the moraine.

Overnight in Machhermo

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05: Trek to Gokyo (4,750m/15,580ft) – 3 - 4 hours

First, we climb gently up to the ridge; from where we can witness the south face of incredible Cho Oyu and Ghyanchung Kang Glacier. We then descend down to the river and walk on a trail that leads to Pangka (4,390m).

There are six collections of small lakes on the western side of the moraine. We cross a bridge to the edge: the first Longponga Tsho (4,690m). A final 30 min taxing hike takes Dudh Pokhari and at the edge of Dudh Pokhari is Gokyo Village.

Overnight in Gokyo Village

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06: Exploration day at Gokyo

Today we have two exploration options. A lower 3km walk north of the village lets you explore the remaining lakes. We can climb on Scoundrel’s viewpoint (5,000m) to enjoy gigantic views of Cho Oyu, the ice wall of Ghyachung Kang plus Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. We take 2 hours walk to return back to Gokyo.

Next option is a climb to Gokyo Ri viewpoint (5,360m/17,590ft). The trial begins early in the morning to avoid the mid-morning cloud. After two hours of a steep climb, we reach the summit which commands superb views of the board, rubble covered Ngozumpa glacier (Nepal’s largest glacier) and mighty Himalayan peaks – Cho Oyu (8,201m), Everest (8,848m), Makalu (8,463m), Cholatse, Taboche, Thamserku, Kangtega, Kusum Kangaru, and numerous 6,300m+ peaks.

After some moments, we trek back to Gokyo village and explore the surrounding landscapes.

Overnight in Gokyo

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07: Trek to Dole (4,200m/6 hours)

Today we climb downhill along the Dudh Koshi River and pass the first Gokyo Lakes. On the way, we can admire the stunning views of the Cholatse and Taboche peaks. Then we climb down and then rise again with the incredible views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega mountains. We walk across Machhermo, Luza, and Lhafarma village before getting into the Dole.

Overnight in Dole

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 08: Trek to Namche Bazaar via Khumjng (3,780m) – 5 hours

Today we climb down via steep trail to Phortse Thanga enjoying the beautiful rhododendron, wildflowers, and waterfalls. We also walk with the view of mountain goats, musk deer, and pheasant to Mong. From Mong, we walk towards Namche enjoying the Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega mountains.

Overnight in Namche Bazaar

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 09: Trek to Lukla (2,840m) – 6 hours

The Namche to Lukla trail drops steeply downward so we need to be cautious of scattered rocks on a trail. As we cross the suspension bridge over the torrent Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries, the trail becomes level and natural. Once we arrive at Lukla, we stretch those tired legs and celebrate with our porter as they will not be joining us back to Kathmandu.

Overnight in Lukla

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Fly back to Kathmandu

Today we catch an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Our representative will transfer us back to the hotel where we take a well-deserved rest. After lunch, we can do some souvenir shopping or explore the revered landmarks of Kathmandu city.

In the evening, attend a farewell dinner in a cultural Nepali restaurant to celebrate the successful completion of the trip.

Overnight in Kathmandu

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11: Free day at Kathmandu or fly back to home

Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu; visiting the sights and sounds of the city or fly back to your home country.