Trekking in the Khumbu, Everest region, Nepal

Views are spectacular in all directions in the Khumbu, center of Sherpa culture below Mount Everest. We trek beautiful trails through rhododendron forests to Tengboche Monastery and enjoy the hospitality of the Sherpa people.

Photo by Brian McGilloway

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Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $3295   see pricing
Length: 14 days
Arrive: Kathmandu, Nepal
Depart: Kathmandu, Nepal
Lodging: 4 nights first-class hotels, 9 nights trekkers’ lodges describe
Meals: All meals included except 3 lunches and 2 dinners
Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: 9-day trek on moderate to steep trails, 3-6 hours a day, altitudes between 9,000-12,660 feet
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Highlights

  • Enjoy a spectacular trek among majestic giants of the Himalaya
  • Stay in comfortable trekkers’ lodges—no camping!
  • Visit Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, experience Sherpa culture


This was an outstanding experience. The cultural experience was beyond that of any trip I've taken.Glenn K.—Enid OK

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

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

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

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:

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

 

Departures & Leaders

Oct 17-30, 2010  James Fuss
Nov 1-14, 2010
Nov 16-29, 2010  Leila Thompson
Mar 22-Apr 4, 2011
Oct 9-22, 2011
Oct 17-30, 2011
Nov 4-17, 2011

Tour Costs

Prices are for 2011
$3295 (11-15 members)
$3695 (6-10 members)
Single supplement: $470
Internal airfare: $295 (subject to change)

Extension Costs
Taj Mahal and Jaipur Extension
   from: $1925
Tiger Tops: Royal Chitwan National Park Extension
   from: $775
Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge Extension
   from: TBA
Scenic Everest Flight
   from: $235
Lhasa, Sacred City of Tibet Extension
   from: $1020

more on pricing

Tour Cost Includes:

  • expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and Sherpa guides
  • staff, cooks and porters on trek
  • accommodations in Sherpa-owned lodges on trek and first class hotel in Kathmandu
  • welcome and farewell dinners and meals as indicated in the Full Trip Brochure
  • sleeping bag, sleeping sheet, and pillowcase (if necessary)
  • trekking permits and National Park fees
  • airport transfers for passengers on group flights
  • sightseeing as noted

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, internal flights, airport departure taxes, additional costs over and above the cost of the scheduled Twin Otter Lukla/Kathmandu flight if alternative transportation (such as a chartered helicopter) is necessitated by flight delays, hotels en route to or from Kathmandu, transfers for independent arrival or departure, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff (tipping the trek crew and Trip Leader is customary but entirely at your discretion), additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20% of tour cost
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of tour cost
45 days or less: 100% of tour cost

Shangri-La Hotel

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights),
Days 12 to 13 (2 nights), Kathmandu, Nepal

Set within a beautiful garden, this well-regarded hotel is renowned for its friendly staff and for having two of the better restaurants in town. ...
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Everest Trekkers' Lodges

Days 3 to 11 (9 nights), Khumbu Region, Nepal

These rustic but comfortable and cozy trekkers' lodges are owned by the local Sherpa families of the Khumbu, and are a wonderful way to experience ...
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Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Our Trip Leaders

Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).

James Fuss

Departure Dates: October 17-30, 2010

James Fuss is a trekking guide, photographer, bicyclist, and chef extraordinaire. Born and bred in South Australia, James acquired his wanderlust early while exploring Australia extensively on camping trips with his parents. His love of the cooking arts began early, as well, and after embarking on ...
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Leila Thompson

Departure Dates: November 16-29, 2010

Leila Thompson has made the mountains her focus since she was 18, when she moved to Yosemite to climb, hike, and learn to guide backcountry adventures. Later in Oregon, she added the crafts of backcountry skiing and whitewater guiding to her skills. She began exclusively leading trips for us in ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips

Client Comments

This was an outstanding experience. The cultural experience was beyond that of any trip I've taken. Glenn K., Enid OK We had an absolute ball. Nepal is a beautiful country with wonderful people. The memories we took home will be cherished for a long time to come. Matthew F., Fort Worth, TX
Could not have been better—itinerary, staff, organization, food, everything was perfect. WT did a fantastic job. Ivy S., Brooklyn, NY The trip was awesome. Amazing scenery and the cultural experience was great. Ken G., Orlando, FL Perfection! Charlene R., Scottsdale, AZX