Day
1
Arrival in KathmanduUpon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative meets you outside the arrivals terminal and transfers you to your 5-star hotel. Today is designated for resting after your international flight. In the evening, gather for a welcoming group dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine and an introductory briefing with your lead trekking guide.
Dedicated to preparation and logistics. Your guide reviews gear requirements, issues group equipment, and conducts a final briefing regarding trail expectations and health protocols. You have free time to purchase or rental gear in Thamel if necessary. All official permits (Sagarmatha National Park entry and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permits) are finalized today.
Transfer early to the airport for a short mountain flight to Lukla (2,860 m). (Note: During peak seasons, flights may operate via Ramechhap/Manthali Airport due to air traffic control, requiring a highway drive from Kathmandu). After meeting your porter team at Lukla, start the trek along the Dudh Koshi River valley. The trail descends past Phakding before continuing along undulating forest paths to Monjo, the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park. Elevation gain for the day is approximately +1,435 m across varied climbs and descents.
Standard
B - L - D
3,443 m
5-6 km/ 3-4 hrsComplete park registration details at the Monjo checkpoint before crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. The path then ascends steadily through pine and fir forests up the steep Namche hill. This challenging climb gains over 600 m of vertical elevation. Mid-way up, weather permitting, catch your first view of Mount Everest. Arrive in Namche Bazaar, the primary trading hub of the Khumbu region, by early afternoon.
Essential rest day to adapt to altitude above 3,000 m. Active acclimatisation is encouraged: take a short morning hike to the Sherpa Culture Museum or up to the Syangboche airstrip to help your body adapt ("climb high, sleep low"). Monitor your body for early symptoms of altitude adaptation. The afternoon is free to explore Namche’s bakeries, shops, and internet cafes.
Ascend out of the Namche bowl on a scenic trail toward the Everest View Hotel at 3,880 m. Gained elevation (+440 m) allows for further physiological adaptation while offering unobstructed vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Enjoy tea or lunch on the terrace before descending back to your lodge or exploring the nearby traditional villages of Khumjung and Khunde.
Standard B - L - D 3,820 m 10 km/ 6 hrs Follow a winding contour trail high above the Imja Khola River with views of Ama Dablam ahead. The trail descends to the river crossing at Phunki Tenga (3,250 m) before initiating a sustained 2-hour uphill climb through rhododendron forests to Tengboche Monastery. Take time to visit the complex, the spiritual center of Khumbu Sherpas. From Tengboche, a short 20-minute descent leads down through birch woods to the quiet village of Diboche for the night.
Standard B - L - D 4,410 m 11 km/ 6 hrs The path crosses the Imja Khola via a steel suspension bridge and climbs past ancient mani walls to Upper Pangboche. Notice the transition in vegetation as tree lines recede into alpine scrub and grasslands. Trek through Somare and enter the wide Imja Valley, dominated by views of Island Peak and the dramatic south face of Lhotse. Arrive in Dingboche by mid-afternoon after gaining 590 m of elevation.
A dedicated acclimatisation day before moving above 4,500 m. Guides lead an acclimatisation hike up Nagarjun Hill (Nangkartshang Peak) or toward Chhukung Valley, gaining up to 670 m of elevation. The vantage point provides panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Kantega. Descend back to Dingboche for lunch, hydration, and rest.
Standard B - L - D 4,910 m 8 km/ 6 hrs Walk along the high alpine valley past Pheriche toward Thokla. Stop for rest before tackling the steep climb up Thokla Pass (4,830 m). At the crest of the pass, pass the stone memorials dedicated to climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives on Everest. The trail then levels out alongside the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, leading to the high-altitude settlement of Lobuche.
Depart early, walking along the rocky lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep, a original base camp location. Check into the basic teahouse, rest briefly, and continue across glacial debris to Everest Base Camp. Stand near the Khumbu Icefall and celebrate your goal before retracing your steps back to Gorak Shep for the night. Accommodation at this altitude is basic due to remote environmental conditions.
Day
12
Heli FLight to Lukla & Kathmandu Day
12
Heli FLight to Lukla & KathmanduBoard a helicopter at Gorak Shep for a scenic return flight to Lukla and onwards to Kathmandu. Aerial routes provide final views over the Everest massif, Khumbu Glacier, and lower alpine valleys. Upon landing in Kathmandu, transfer back to your 5-star hotel. Spend the rest of the day showering, relaxing, and resting after high-altitude conditions.
Day
13
Rest & Free Day in Kathmandu Day
13
Rest & Free Day in KathmanduFull buffer day in Kathmandu to account for any potential high-mountain weather delays during the trek. Optional sight-seeing can be arranged to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, or Swayambhunath, or enjoy rest and souvenir shopping in Thamel. A farewell dinner is hosted by Trekking Mate in the evening.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. At the appointed time (typically 3 hours prior to scheduled international departure), our vehicle transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home.
