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 fantastic ways.
Days 3-6
Lukla / Namche Bazaar / Khunde / Khumjung
After flying to the “airstrip in the sky” at Lukla (9,350'), we trek up to Namche Bazaar (11,270'), a famous Sherpa market town set in a dramatic U-shaped amphitheater. We enjoy an exploration day here for acclimatization hikes and to soak up the atmosphere of this friendly Sherpa town. Hiking higher to the classic twin 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. Many of our Sherpa friends live in these villages, and we may have a chance to visit their homes as well as the school built by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust. Along the way, our selection of lodges, owned by local Sherpa families, offer you 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 view of Everest’s striking summit pyramid is unmistakable. Climbing expeditions traditionally stop here to receive the blessing of Tengboche’s high lama.
Days 10-14
Return Trek / Kathmandu
Bidding farewell to our Sherpa friends, we hike back to Lukla through lovely forests where we might catch sight of Nepal’s national bird, the danphe, a brightly colored pheasant. 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).
This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description,
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Optional Extensions
If you would like to extend your adventure, we offer the following options: