Overview
Trek into the cloud-perched villages of the Sherpa realm below mighty Everest. Our beautifully designed journey is the ideal Himalayan experience, with superbly accomplished Trek Leaders who welcome you into the heart of Sherpa life. We’ll explore the lively town of Namche Bazaar, remote Phortse, well off the main trekking route, and venerated Tengboche Monastery (12,650'). We also visit Pangboche, with its yeti legends, and have an option to hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp. You’ve come for the mountains, but the Sherpa people will capture your heart. Our Sherpa-owned lodges provide a convivial place to stay.
This was an awesome trip. Even if you've seen pictures of the Everest mountain range, up close and personal, it's breathtaking!! Pictures can't do them justice—a land of giants. The itinerary is incredibly well thought through—WT has this down pat through years of tuning and feedback.
— David M., Atherton, CA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-5
Kathmandu / Mulkot / Lukla / Namche
From Kathmandu, we drive to Mulkot for overnight then fly from Manthali airport to Lukla (9,350')—the “airstrip in the air” at 9,350 feet and hike to our lodge, set in a tranquil spot along the Dudh Kosi River. We hike further the next day to Namche Bazaar, the charming Sherpa trading center, where we have two nights to acclimatize. Dramatically set in a tiered, horseshoe-shaped bowl, the town is the headquarters of Mt. Everest’s Sagarmatha National Park. Glorious mountain vistas surround us on our day hike up to the twin villages of Khunde (12,600') and Khumjung (12,400'). In Khumjung, we may visit the Hillary School and the village monastery—with its purported yeti scalp.
Days 6-7
Tengboche / Pangboche
Trails past mani (prayer) walls bring us to Tengboche Monastery, festooned with Tibetan prayer flags and always humming with activity. Tengboche is surrounded by dramatic mountains, including Kangtega and Thamserku. From Pangboche, site of the oldest monastery in the region, our optional day hike up to Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,400') gives us phenomenal panoramas of stunning Ama Dablam.
Days 8-14
Phortse / Namche / Lukla / Kathmandu
We traverse along the Imja Khola Valley, enjoying views of Tengboche and Ama Dablam as we make our way to tranquil Phortse, set off the main Everest route. After a last view of Everest’s distant summit, fly to Kathmandu on Day 11. Depart on Day 14, or extend for a spectacular Everest overflight, game viewing at Tharu Lodge near Chitwan National Park, or a stay at Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge for stunning Annapurna views.
Highlights
Highlights
Details
9-day trek on moderate to steep trails, 3-6 hours a day, altitudes between 9,000-13,035 feet (optional hike to 15,400 feet)
Recent Travel Blog Posts
Four Adventurous Hiking Trips in AsiaNepal: A Beacon of Exploration
Bird's Eye View
Alluring Ama Dablam