Day 01
Depart UK

Day 02
Arrive Kathmandu
Meet our representative at the airport and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free.

Day 03 – B
Kathmandu
Today you will explore the old city of Kathmandu with a guided walking tour to Durbar Square via the tourist centre Thamel. Durbar Square is listed as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. It is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets dating back to the 12th and 18th centuries.

You will visit the Temple of the Living Goddess, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residential quarter and the Mahadeva and Parvati Temples.

Later you will drive to Swayambhunath, situated on the top of a hill west of Kathmandu. The temple is colloquially known as the ‘monkey temple’ because of the large tribe of roving monkeys who guard it.

In the afternoon receive a trek briefing and time to prepare.

Day 04 – B L D
Kathmandu [1300m] | Lukla [2800m] | Phakding [2656m]
In the early morning start for your flight to Lukla (45 minutes). You start your trek: setting off for a gentle walk to Phakding, a further 3 hours to the north. The trail leads through Lukla, past hotels, shops and airline offices to the edge of the Lukla plateau where the trail drops to meet the intersection of the Jiri trail at Chablung. From here the trail follows the Dudh Kosi north through the village of Ghat and then finally to Phakding.

Day 05 – B L D
Phakding | Namche [3450m]
From Phakding the trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley, staying 100m above the river on its west bank. The trail leads to Jorsale (2810m) where you enter the Sagarmatha National Park, and submit your trekking permits for checking. The trail then continues on an ever-steepening trail to Namche Bazaar. En route you cross the spectacular suspension bridge high above the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and the Dudh Kosi, and shortly after glimpse your first view of Everest, way off to the north-east. The trail to Namche is steep and long, but eventually you reach the remarkable Sherpa capital perched high on the hillside and dominated to the east by the immense bulk of Kwangde (6187m).

Day 06 – B L D
Namche [3450m]
Acclimatization is important before trekking higher to avoid altitude sickness. This is the first of two scheduled stops that we recommend as this allows you to gradually become used to the effects of altitude – the lower pressure and the thinner air. You can spend the day by taking side trips to Thami or Khumjung, or by simply strolling around and taking it easy.

Day 07 – B L D
Namche | Thyangboche [3867m]
From Namche the trail heads northeast on a direct line to Everest, starting up the hill and continuing on a reasonably flat easy trail high above the Dudh Kosi. You pass through the settlement of Sanasa before making your descent to the Dudh Kosi and the village of Phunki Thanga. From here, it is a steep long climb up the side of the hill to the saddle on which Thyangboche monastery. The long climb seems well worth it upon reaching Tengboche as it offers a panorama of Himalayan giants, including Everest as it peeks above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge.

Day 08 – B L D
Thyangboche | Dingboche [4410m]
The trail initially descends through beautiful rhododendron forests and reaches a bridge across the Imja river, after which it is a short walk to the settlement of Pangboche (3860m). After this point the trail is relatively easy, with a gentle climb towards Dingboche.

Day 09 – B L D
Dingboche [4410m]
This is the second of our recommended acclimatization. Whilst by no means compulsory, a recommended aid to acclimatization is a side trip to Chhukung at 4730m. This is a short hike eastwards up the Imja Khola valley and is rewarded with fantastic views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Island Peak.

Day 10 – B L D
Dingboche | Lobuche [4930m]
The trail today ascends to the ridge above Dingboche and continues northwards on a gentle sloping trail to the settlement of Duglha. You trek into the Khumbu valley and as you turn to the northeast you will be greeted by the incredible sight that is the head of the Khumbu valley. The trail follows the western side of the valley and eventually reaches the bleak settlement of Lobuche.

Day 11 – B L D
Lobuche | Gorak Shep [5184m] | Kala Pattar [5545m] | Gorak Shep
The trek starts out early this morning and will prove to be physically demanding. The trail heads on over rough ground to reach Gorak Shep. A walk for a further hour and a half reaches Kala Pattar, a small, rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Pumori. Avoid rushing and do not strain yourself. It is a hard climb, but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. The views from the summit of Kala Pattar are truly outstanding. The surroundings have an awe-inspiring and unnatural brilliance with Mt Everest rising above them all.

Day 12 – B L D
Gorak Shep | Everest Base Camp [5357m] | Gorak Shep
Leaving Gorak Shep you head out through a boulder-strewn area. Some of the rocks have inscriptions for the many climbers and Sherpas who have died in pursuit of the summit. The trial then crosses the moraine wall and descends to the Khumbu Glaciers, which you cross. Cairns mark the route, which changes the path frequently, so great care is required. The round trip from Gorak Shep-EBC-Gorak Shep takes around 6 hours.

Day 13    – B L D
Gorak Shep | Pangboche [3985m]
The trek decends down to Pheriche, where you will have lunch. Finally the walk ends at Pangboche, which is at the bank of Imja Khola.

Day 14 – B L D
Pangboche | Namche [3450m]
Today, the trail descends down and stops at Thyangboche. In this village you can witness the colourful festival called Mani Rimdu with singing and dancing during the full moon day in November or December.

Day 15 – B L D
Namche | Lukla [2800m]
Today is the final day of your trek and you will retrace your steps along the trail above Dudh Kosi. You start by descending steeply from Namche. Shortly before you cross the suspension bridge below Namche you get a last chance to see Everest before it is out of sight. Then continue down the trail and arrive at Lukla by mid-afternoon.

Day 16 – B
Lukla | Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu. The day is free for optional sightseeing and activities.

Day 17 – B D
Kathmandu
Today is free for leisure activities. Enjoy a traditional farewell dinner with cultural programme in the evening.

Day 18 – B
Depart Kathmandu
Drive to the airport, your guide will help you and bid you farewell.