Day 1 - Kathmandu: Arrival Day
Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft
Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital and cultural hub of Nepal! We’ll be waiting with a warm greeting and easy transfer to your hotel. Plan on an evening briefing on last-minute specifics about your trek and an early lights-out: you have a big day ahead.
Day 2 - Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and Phakding
Altitude: 2,800m/9184ft (Lukla) & 2,652m/8,698ft (Phakding)
Walking Distance: 8km (3-4 hours)
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Flight time: 15 min from Ramecchap
Drive time: 4 hours & 30mins (Kathmandu to Ramecchap)
After a short morning flight to Lukla, you'll be introduced to your guide and porter. Kick off your trek with an easy walk through Chaurikharka village and descent towards Dudhkoshi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the bank of the Dudhkoshi River until Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), where we will be staying for the night to acclimatize. Enjoy your free time in Phakding, a popular stopping point.
Please Read: Lukla Flights are departing and returning to Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing upgrades at Kathmandu Airport. Its about a 4 hour drive to Ramechhap from Kathmandu so we will get started for the airport around 2 am. The return drive at the end of the trek is between 4 and 6 hours depending on traffic.
Day 3 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft
Walking Distance: 10-12km (5-6 hours)
We'll have breakfast in Phakding before gearing up for the trek to Namche Bazaar, the biggest sherpa village in Nepal. Our trail takes us first over the Dudhkoshi River via a long suspension bridge, and then through a beautiful pine forest to Monjo, about two hours away. Soon thereafter, we will approach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park for a brief permit check and then descend to Dudh Kosi River (spotting Mani stones along the way!) en route to Jorsale. Lunch will be served here, and then it's uphill to Namche. Our path along the riverbank is flanked by two crossings, one of which is the Hillary Suspension Bridge. It’s a tough climb up the hill to our resting place, but you'll be rewarded in Namche Bazaar with your first glimpse of Everest in its majesty.
Day 4 - Namche Bazaar: Rest and Acclimatization Day
Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft
At this point, we take a well-deserved break! Today will be spent resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the lofty altitude. There's an optional 2 hour hike to Everest View Point, an uphill walk that will help speed acclimatization. Otherwise, spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar. Check out the Sherpa museum for an overview of the Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering. On Saturdays, the Hatt Bazaar is open for trading and an intimate look at the locals' marketplace. It is part of the larger Namche Bazaar, a shopping hub filled with all manner of trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment.
Day 5 - Namche Bazaar to EBC (Heli Tour)
Your adventure reaches its peak as you board a helicopter for a spectacular aerial tour of the world?s highest mountains. You will experience a breathtaking flyover of Everest Base Camp and the massive Khumbu Icefall, witnessing the scale of the Himalayas from a rare perspective. A highlight of the journey is a landing at Kala Patthar, where you will stand at approximately 5,545 meters to witness the absolute best "front-face" view of the Mt. Everest summit. After soaking in these 360-degree panoramas, you'll enjoy a seamless aerial transfer back to Lukla, skipping days of downhill trekking. This morning in the sky provides a lifetime of memories, combining the thrill of high-altitude flight with the most iconic views on earth.
Day 6 - Lukla to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Flight time: 35 min
In the morning, you'll hop a brief flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (See Note), where your journey both began and ends. You'll transfer to your hotel upon landing for some much-needed solo rest and reflection after your trek conquering the Himalayas. We'll reunite in the evening for a farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurants in town, where we'll be eager to hear your feedback on the trip.
Please Read: Lukla Flights are departing and returning to Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing upgrades at Kathmandu Airport. Its about a 4 to 6 hour drive from Ramechhap back to Kathmandu depending on traffic.
Day 7 - Kathmandu: Departure Day
Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft
It's your last day in Nepal! Grab some breakfast, and then take in some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu. We'll make sure you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport with plenty time before your flight home. At this time, we'll say our goodbyes and bid you farewell, armed with warm memories and gorgeous photos to show your loved ones.
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* All distances and time estimates are approximate.
