Everest Adventure

Ready to experience the magic of the Himalaya? Our spectacular trek offers the best of both worlds: incredible views of Himalayan mountain giants by day, and the welcome of the spectacularly located new Luxury Lodges of the Khumbu by night. Our route brings us through traditional Sherpa villages nestled below the highest mountains on earth to exquisite Tengboche Monastery. From here Everest’s triangular diamond summit is unmistakable amid a cirque of breathtaking peaks, and in Pangboche, we enjoy tremendous views of Ama Dablam, one of the most revered mountains in the Khumbu. Fantastic Himalayan panoramas, warm encounters with the friendly Sherpa people, the comforts of the Luxury Lodges of the Khumbu—this is Himalayan trekking at its finest!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Kathmandu

We explore Kathmandu’s famed bazaars and visit golden temples where Buddhist and Hindu traditions thrive.

Days 3-7
Lukla / Namche Bazaar / Tengboche / Pangboche

After flying to Lukla (9,350'), we trek up to Namche Bazaar (11,270'), the famous Sherpa market town set in a dramatic U-shaped amphitheater. On an Exploration Day, we explore the classic twin villages of Khunde and Khumjung (12,400'), with a chance to visit the school and hospital built by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust. Trekking higher, we reach thriving Tengboche Monastery (12,650'), spiritual center of the Khumbu, whose setting is nothing less than magical. Climbing expeditions traditionally stop here to receive the blessing of Tengboche’s high lama, and it’s possible we may be able to enter the chanting hall for afternoon prayers. Hiking up to Pangboche (12,660'), site of the oldest monastery in the Khumbu, we enjoy incredible views in every direction, including the spire of Ama Dablam (22,494'), an icon of the Khumbu. Along the way, we enjoy comfortable lodge accommodations in this extraordinary realm. Called Luxury Lodges, they offer great comfort, but keep your expectations realistic—after all, you are among the highest mountains on earth! However, our lodges are a huge step up from teahouses and camping, and they offer incredible views and guest rooms with private facilities. (In the village of Deboche on Day 6, where there is no "luxury lodge," we stay in a welcoming Sherpa lodge.)

Days 8-11
Phortse / Syangboche / Monjo / Lukla

Circling back by a slightly different route, we explore Phortse, a traditionally agricultural village off the main trail to Everest, and Syangboche (12,600'), with its enchanting views of Everest and other towering peaks. While at Syangboche, we stay at the Hotel Everest View (12,730'), a legendary lodge in a stunning location right among the high mountains. Arriving back in Lukla, we bid farewell to our Sherpa crew and the high mountains. (In Phortse on Day 8, there is no luxury lodge so we stay in a Sherpa lodge.)

Days 12-14
Kathmandu

We fly to Kathmandu on Day 12 and have a day to explore this exotic city before departing on Day 14 (or join one of our post-trip extensions).

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What the Trip is Like

Trip Level

This trip is 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. 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). It is expected that each participant be in excellent health and physical condition.

Our lodge-based treks are led by an experienced English-speaking Sirdar (leader) who is ably assisted by a team of assistants and a trail crew.  He and his team have a deep connection with the Himalayas and are wonderful trailside companions, hiking with you throughout each day on the trail, providing good company, and making sure that you are comfortable and hiking at a pace that suits you.

Although you carry only a daypack on the hikes, there are steep ascents and descents, so for your own enjoyment, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises. You should wear sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots for maximum comfort on the trail.

A Typical Trekking Day

Hiking distances on trek are normally measured in hours, not miles, since maps aren’t really accurate enough to assess how far we walk up and down winding mountain trails. On a typical trek day, wake-up is around 7:00 am. After packing up our duffels and having breakfast, we set off on the trail. There is always a guide in the lead and a “sweeper” who trails behind the slowest hiker to ensure that no one is lost on the trail. We ask you not to hike ahead of the leader because trails are often not well-marked. We typically walk for three to four hours in the morning, then stop for a leisurely lunch of an hour or more. After lunch, we walk for another three hours or so until we reach our next night’s lodging, where we can enjoy a cup of tea and relax before dinner. All our meals are taken at the lodges. On our exploration days, we occasionally have more time in the morning or afternoon near the lodge to rest or for further individual exploration. Temperatures drop quickly as the sun falls behind the peaks, and it’s easy to get chilled after exerting yourself for several hours, so have an extra layer of clothing ready.

Explanation of Trip Levels