Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Namaste & welcome to the beautiful land of Nepal Himalayas. After you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport or bus station a Himalayan Planet Adventures representative will welcome you by name and assist you in transferring to your hotel in Kathmandu.  After time to get refreshed, we will bring you to our head office for a briefing about your upcoming adventure and in the evening we’ll pick up you for a special Welcome Dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with a cultural program in the heart of Kathmandu.
(Welcome dinner & deluxe hotel accommodation included)

Day 02: A Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
After your breakfast we will head out for our guided day trip to World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and surrounding areas. We will take you to visit pilgrimage sites including the Hindu temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrines of Shiva temples on the subcontinent and a place of great importance to thousands of devotees. We will see Saddhus (holy men/Baba) and often the cremating of bodies along the holy riverbank of Bagmati. Hundreds of monkeys giggle with you as you take time exploring the surrounding area.  We will also visit the Bouddhanath stupa, another popular and important Buddhist pilgrimage centre. You can explore and experience the sights and sounds of rounding prayer wheels, fluttering colorful flags, and melodious chanting.
After visiting the Bouddhanath stupa we’ll drive to the City of Devotees (Bhaktapur). This traditional and traffic free town is the third biggest town in the Valley. We’ll explore the medieval-like squares, courtyards and temples of this vibrant town. After a stop for lunch at a restaurant in Bhaktapur it’s time to drive back to Kathmandu and meet up with your travel consultant and fellow trekkers to prepare for the next day.  Alternatively, the same group can choose to see 3 other places of interest inside the Kathmandu valley.  Tonight you will finish packing for the trek and try to sleep as your excitement builds.
(Breakfast & deluxe hotel accommodation included).

Day 03: Fly to Lukla & trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft)
In the early morning you’ll be transferred to the domestic airport to fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft).  The flight to Lukla is 35 minutes of amazing mountain scenery.  After landing we will take a tea break while the guide sorts out and divides the baggage load to be carried by our porters. The guide will arrange the best place for lunch depending upon our time of arrival in Lukla. The trek starts with the most scenic views of Numbur Himal & Phari.  You will lose yourself in the beauty that surrounds you, and will continue to surround you every day of your journey; steep green mountains with snowy peaks, raging clear “milky” rivers cascading over stones with beautiful patterns, prayer wheels, stuppas, mani stones, clear blue skies, old trees, and a warming sun.   
We will trek on to Phakding, passing Sherpa farm villages along the way. Our path follows the trail to the Dudh-Koshi River with a few uphill climbs from Thado Kosh.  After crossing another suspension bridge, we can stop for lunch and enjoy superb views of Kusum-Kangaru (6,369m/20,890ft).  From here, a short climb brings us to the Ghat village.  Another 1 ½ hours of gradual walking brings us to the Phakding village for our overnight stop at the lodge.  Total walking time today is 3-4 hrs which may leave you with time to stroll around the village for local knowledge.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft)
We start out in the morning and after crossing a suspension bridge over the Dudh-Kosi River we enjoy a few short uphills and downhills, recrossing the same river with magnificent views of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the Benkar village and spectacular waterfalls.  We continue crossing bridges and reach Monjo and the entrance gate to the Sagarmatha National Park where our trekking permits will be checked and a record kept of all trekkers entering and leaving, including the local trekking staff. 

After we enter the National Park boundary we descend with a gradual walk and cross a suspension bridge over the Bhote-Koshi River, after which the Jorsalle village is reached, the last village before Namche Bazaar.  The walk is pleasant along the river bed until the last stunning suspension bridge over the Imjatse River.  Then we hike along a winding uphill path all the way to Namche Bazaar, with magnificent views along the way of Kwangde’s peak and its sister peaks towards the east, with Kusum-Kangaru on the back as we climb higher, a view of Mt. Everest and Lhotse, and a closer view of Tawache peak. Finally we reach a cluster of colorful houses in the village called Namche Bazzar, the main gateway of Khumbu region.  After our 5-6 hour walk and we overnight at a local lodge.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar.
You may have a full day of leisure today for acclimatization or stroll around the market.  If it’s Saturday many people from the surrounding villages will come to the market, shopping for their daily needs since Namche is the only shopping center in the area.   You can also visit the Sherpa museum and learn about the Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering.  You can then hike up to the luxury Everest View Hotel past the Syangboche airstrip and return back to the hotel for your overnight. The trek is a wonderful way to see more spectacular sights, including Namche from above, and acclimatize your body for your journey’s upcoming ascents. 
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 06: Trek to Thame village (3,800 m/12,464ft)
Today, we’ll head toward the western part of Khumbu to a place called Thame village.  It is only slightly higher in elevation as Namche so this gives us another day for acclimatization and some wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and Himalayan wildlife. The trail is often shared with yak caravans as they head into and out of Namche Bazaar.  The Thame valley is popular with mountain climbers and for the local monastery. After check in at our lodge we can make the 45 minute climb to the 400 year old monastery or visit the surrounding valley and enjoy our overnight at the teahouse. It takes 4-5 hrs to reach the Thame valley.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 07: Trek to Khumjung village (3,790m/12,431ft) via Khunde
After strolling around Thame we trek back to the Syangboche airstrip, where you may see yak grazing on the runway.  We pass through the Thamo village with superb scenery of the beautiful mountains and through some mountain forests.  We then climb down a few hundred meters to the Khunde Hospital run by the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation of Canada, which is the biggest hospital in the surrounding area.  We then descend to Khumjung village for the overnight at our lodge.  After our 4-5 hour walk you’ll have time to explore the surrounding area and visit the Hillary School and Monastery with Yeti scalps; enjoy the Sherpa people and share your feelings with locals and fellow trekkers and then head back to bed at the lodge for the overnight.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 08: Trek to Tyangboche (3,867m/12684ft)
After walking around the Khumjung area, today we have a refreshing and fairly easy walk further on. Our walk follows a gradual downhill to Sanasa with magnificent views of the great giant snow peaks of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kwangde. We descend to the Imjatse River at Phungithanga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses. The trail then leads uphill through the forested path of silver fir, blue pines, rhododendron and some magnolia and birch trees.  We reach Tyangboche after a total 4-5 hours of walking. This is one of the most beautiful places in the Himalayas.  The first thing that comes to your eye is the big Monastery or Gumba, then the large field with campsites, teahouses, and lodges beneath the towering majestic and beautiful peaks of Ama Dablam, Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Lhotse Shar towards northeast and more peaks all around you.  Yak, horses, trekkers, monks; all share the wide open grassy center of the little village cradled in the arms of the amazing mountains.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 09: Tyangboche to Dingboche (4,358m/14,295 ft)
Today our trek begins with pleasant walk and descends through a forest of birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron, coming to a lovely spot at Deboche (3,650 m) with magnificent views of the towering mountains. At times you feel as if you are in the middle of a beautiful painting. Past the long prayer mani wall, the path is a gradual “up” to the Pangboche village.  From here onwards the lush vegetation and tree lines vanish.  We enter the Imjatse valley and reach Dingboche after 4-5 hours walk. We have great views of the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse with views of the eastern snow capped mountains including Island Peak or Imjatse (6,189m), which is a very popular climbing peak in Nepal.  Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls, protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Dingboche has more than ten teahouses and is the gateway to Chukung and beyond with challenging traverses towards the Makalu area and Hinko Valley via Sherpani col (6,100m) and Amphu Laptsa pass (5,780m).
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 10: Acclimatization day at Dingboche
Today we continue to acclimatize in the Dingboche valley.  You may have a full day of rest or there are some great places where we can go for a day hike like a trek to Chhukung (4,730m).  It is a worthwhile and relatively easy walk which takes approx. 3 - 4 hours round trip from Dingboche, towards the east within the Imjatse Valley.  Although the trek is a gradual incline along a mostly dirt path surrounded by low vegetation and local rivers and creeks, you may feel the thin air as the altitude gains slowly.  At Chhukung, there are few teahouses with superb views of the snow capped peaks and the glaciers of Lhotse, Ama-Dablam, and Imja.  Chhukung Valley is the last settlement in the eastern Khumbu region. After lunch, we enjoy a pleasant walk back to Dingboche for our overnight.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 11: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,928m/16164 ft)
Today the trail diverts towards the north.  The path is a gradual “up” for about an hour as you come to a mani-prayer Stupa.  From here it is a gentle trail on a hard meadow looking down below Pheriche village and offering beautiful views of the scenic mountains.  At times, the snowy mountain tops seem to peak out above the puffy white clouds as if floating in air.  After a pleasant walk along the ridge we reach Thukla and stop for lunch before beginning our steep hour “up” which brings us to the top, where you can view Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest.  This is a good place to break for a few minutes after the strenuous climb and walk among the many memorials built here in honor of the unfortunate climbers who have died in expeditions on the mountains of this region.  The names on the stones are familiar and foreign, famous and not, but looking at each of them reminds you of how amazing this land is and what a unique journey you are on.  Our trek continues to Lobuche for overnight stop.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 12: Trek to Gorakshep (5,160m/16,929ft) & hike to Kalapatthar (5,550m/18,204ft)
Today, we’ll walk in the morning towards Gorakshep. After 2 hours walking on a windy and rocky path will arrive at Gorekshep for our overnight. This trail offers wonderful views of Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse, other peaks, Everest Base Camp, Kalapathar and below the Gorekshep valley including the top of the world. After lodge check-in our journey continues with a steep, two hour climb to the top of Kalapatthar.  You will beam with excitement and satisfaction as you reach the top of the mountain and achieve the moment you been dreaming about since the beginning of the journey. The top of Kalapatthar is a small rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Mt. Pumori and the view from here is beyond imagination.  Everest looks amazing.  The panoramic view from this spot is something to cherish, and you will feel it has been well worth the hard climb to experience the top of the world.  You can see the Khumbu glacier and Everest Base Camp sweeping below you.  Descend back to Gorekshep for our overnight.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 13: Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,316m/17,437ft)
After breakfast our adventure continues towards Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall.  The path from Gorekshep can be misleading so follow the lead Sherpa since every year the trail changes due to the movements of the glacier.  The walk can be quite strenuous due to the high altitude and thin air but the terrain is beyond description.  The walk passes over rocky dunes, moraines, and streams, until you reach the base camp.  Everest Base Camp is lively with commotion during the high expedition season with tents and climbers everywhere. It takes 2-3 hrs to get to base camp and after exploring and taking time for some memorable photographs, it is time to retrace your steps and journey back to Gorekshep for the overnight at the lodge.  Your sense of accomplishment will stay with you for a long time to come. 
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 14: Trek back to Pheriche (4,200m/13,776ft)
This morning after breakfast we walk fairly easily down to Pheriche for the overnight.  It takes 4-5 hrs and since it may get windy over the open land it is often best to start early. Pheriche is home to the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic that you can visit after 3 pm. We overnight at lodge at Pheriche.  Again, the views all around you of pastureland, valley streams and rivers, and snow capped peaks are something to behold.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 15: Trek to Phortse village (3,840m/12,595ft)
The walk today will be relatively easy heading downhill to a lower elevation and the quiet village of Pangboche.  From here the path splits to Phortse village, a pleasant walk with some short, challenging stretches. After 2 hours we reach the beautiful village of Phortse which is beyond the area most trekkers ever visit, but it has some excellent lodges beneath the towering majestic peaks of Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, and Lhotse Shar towards northeast and more peaks all around you. Helicopters can sometimes be seen flying below you through the valleys as you walk along trails few other trekkers ever experience.  Machharmo & Kyajo Ri peaks can be seen beautifully from this village and Himalayan wildlife like pheasant, Musk deer and Thar can often be seen from your hotel windows. We overnight at a teahouse. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 16: Trek to Namche (3,440m/11,283ft)
Today we trek down to Phortsethanga a small settlement with a couple of teahouses. The trail leads downhill through a forested path of silver fir, blue pines, rhododendron, and some magnolia and birch trees creating more great memories for us.  After crossing the local wooden bridge over the Dudh Koshi River we trek onwards to a steep climb to Mongla Hill, with beautiful views of Everest and the Himalayan range.  We descend to Sanasa and then back to Namche Bazaar for our overnight stay after 5-6 hours of walking.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 17: Trek to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft)
Today we’ll have a long last day trek back to Lukla. First we descend a long way before crossing a bridge and walking on to Monju and Phakding for lunch. We trek back down to Lukla while enjoying the lush green scenery, incredible mountain views and waterfalls, and a local Sherpa village. We often share the trail and bridges with porters carrying unbelievable loads, yaks, donkeys, horses, and goats, all part of the local landscape. After a long 7-8 hour walk we arrival in Lukla and you may have time to stroll around.  The guide will re-confirm your flight ticket.  You will then enjoy a final celebratory dinner with your crew and overnight at the lodge.   
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included).

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu
The flights to Kathmandu are normally scheduled for the morning because of the wind in the afternoon.  Sometimes the flight can be delayed due to bad weather and other reasons beyond our control so we try to arrange early flights to allow for possible delays.  We enjoy our last amazing views of the mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and villages as we fly back to Kathmandu where a Himalayan Planet representative or your guide will transfer you to your hotel. Once back you can take time to relax after your long journey, catch your breath and rest at your hotel, ending the Himalayan trekking portion of your journey with us.
(Breakfast & deluxe hotel accommodation included).

Day 19: Leisure at Kathmandu
Today can be a full day of leisure or you can explore the Thamel area on your own for a last day of shopping.  This evening we will meet you for the final farewell dinner where you will have one last opportunity to share a meal and conversation with your new friends and tell us all about your adventures.  We will then transfer you back to your hotel for your last night in Nepal.  Or you can extend your trip with us at additional cost, seeing more of Nepal or the many other destinations we can arrange. 
(Breakfast, farewell dinner & deluxe hotel accommodation included).

Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu
Today is free and you can do last minute shopping for souvenirs or gifts for your family or friends until it is time for your departure or to begin any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us.  If departing, you’ll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.  You may be leaving Nepal, but what you have experienced here will be a part of you for all time to come. 
(Breakfast included).

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