Everest Adventure

The legendary peak of Everest is epic in many ways, from its legacy as mountaineering’s ultimate prize to the spiritual esteem in which the Sherpa people hold it. This spectacular lodge-to-lodge trek takes us through a landscape of ancient villages nestled below the highest mountain in the world to thriving Tengboche Monastery, from where Everest’s triangular diamond summit is clearly identifiable amid a cirque of breathtaking peaks. The experience of this incredible Himalayan realm extends far beyond the peaks to our wonderful encounters with the Sherpa people, whose warm welcome and spirited nature are a match for their majestic mountains. For many, this is an unexpected—and highly cherished—aspect of the entire Himalayan trekking experience.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Kathmandu

We explore the labyrinth of the city’s famed bazaars and visit golden temples where Buddhist and Hindu iconography mix in intriguing ways.

Days 3-6
Lukla / Namche Bazaar / Khunde / Khumjung

After flying to Lukla (9,350'), we trek up to Namche Bazaar (11,270'), where we enjoy an exploration day for acclimatization hikes and to soak up the town’s friendly atmosphere. Hiking higher to the villages of Khunde and Khumjung (12,400'), we enjoy views of the sacred peak of Khumbila (18,800') and the stunning spire of Ama Dablam (22,494'), an icon of the Khumbu. Along the way, our selection of lodges, owned by local Sherpa families, offer the comfort of private rooms.

Days 7-9
Phortse / Pangboche / Tengboche

Passing a Buddhist stupa with fantastic views of the high peaks and steep valleys of the Khumbu, we continue through rhododendron forests to tranquil Phortse, at the mouth of the beautiful Gokyo Valley. Farther up is Pangboche (12,660'), where the oldest monastery in the Khumbu is located and where we may see Himalayan tahr (wild goats). On Day 9, we reach famous Tengboche Monastery (12,650'), spiritual center of the Khumbu, where the sight of Everest’s striking summit pyramid is unmistakable.

Days 10-14
Return Trek / Kathmandu

We hike back to Lukla, following a trail along the Dudh Kosi River and through lovely forests. On Day 12 we fly to Kathmandu and have an additional day to explore this exotic city before departing on Day 14 (or joining one of our post-trip extensions).

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

• Taj Mahal and Jaipur Extension (4 days)
• Tiger Tops: Royal Chitwan National Park Extension (3 days)
• Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge Extension (3 days)
• Scenic Everest Flight (1 days)
• Lhasa, Sacred City of Tibet Extension (5 days)

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 5+, strenuous. Most hiking is between 9,000 and 12,000 feet, and the maximum sleeping elevation reached is 12,660 feet (at Pangboche we will visit the monastery located at 13,000 feet and there is an opportunity to hike even higher). For the most part, you can hike at your own speed; the group will spread out along the trail during the day to cover a normal maximum of 8 to 10 miles per day (3-6 hours of hiking). Trip members carry only a daypack with camera, jacket, rain gear, water bottle, and other small necessities. Our crew of Sherpa guides and porters carries all the rest of the equipment; a cook prepares all meals. Trail conditions can be primitive, and there is a good bit of up-and-down (often 2,000- to 3,000-foot gain or loss in elevation per day). Everyone should be prepared for 10 days of hardy outdoor living. It is expected that each participant be in excellent health and physical condition. We recommend that each participant undertake a program of daily walking or regular hiking, jogging, and stair-climbing as preparatory exercises.

Explanation of Trip Levels