Overview
Magnificent Mount Everest is known in Tibetan as Chomolungma, Mother Goddess of the Snows. On this Private Journey, set out with your Sherpa guide for a 9-day trek, hiking each day among the most amazing mountains on earth, exploring fascinating Sherpa villages, and sleeping at night in spectacularly located lodges. The trek brings you to Tengboche, a thriving Tibetan Buddhist monastery and spiritual heart of the Khumbu region, from which Everest’s triangular diamond summit is unmistakable amid a cirque of breathtaking peaks. The joys of this mountain adventure include getting to know the Sherpa people, visiting Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and lively tea houses, and learning how Buddhism influences every aspect of Sherpa life.
Our Nepal adventure was magical! The trip and itinerary were perfect. The Sherpa people were marvelous and the festival at Tengboche was special. Even now, as I look through the photos, I am still smiling. Looking forward to many more trips through Wilderness Travel.
— Jeff P., Paradise Valley, AZ
Days 1-2
Fabled Kathmandu
On a privately guided tour, explore the fascinating medieval palaces, pagoda-temples, and labyrinthine bazaars of Kathmandu.
Fabled Kathmandu - Days 1-2
Gokarna Forest Resort
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights),Days 12 to 13 (2 nights), Kathmandu, Nepal
Perched on a hillside about four miles outside of Kathmandu, this resort is a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with manicured gardens and a surrounding forest reserve. Guest rooms are spacious, the hospitality is excellent, and there are two restaurants to choose from. Spa treatments are available, and you can enjoy a nature walk in the forest, a dip in the well-maintained swimming pool, or a game of golf on the greens.
Days 3-6
The Highest Mountains on Earth / Tengboche Monastery
From Lukla, gateway to the Khumbu region below Everest, head out on an unforgettable 9-day trek with your Sherpa guide, a member of the clan of celebrated mountain guides of the Himalaya. Carry only a daypack and hike at your own pace as you enjoy a personal introduction to this rarified world. Hike up to lively Namche Bazaar, the heart of Sherpa culture, to acclimatize and visit neighboring villages, then trek to mystical Tengboche Monastery (12,650’), the spiritual center of the Everest region. Ama Dablam, one of the most spectacular peaks in the whole Himalaya, looms above this treasured monastery, and Everest’s famous pyramid summit is unmistakable amid the cirque of breathtaking giants. In this high Himalayan world, the Tibetan Buddhist presence is evident in intricately carved mani (prayer) stones decorating the trails and brightly colored prayer flags fluttering atop every mountain pass. Accommodations are in comfortable and well-located Sherpa-owned lodges with private rooms.
The Highest Mountains on Earth / Tengboche Monastery - Days 3-6
Yeti Mountain Home Phakding
Day 3 (1 night), Phakding, NepalWith its organic gardens and peaceful riverside location, YMH Phakding (8,563') is a welcoming place. It is a half-day hike from Lukla, set on the banks of the Dudh Kosi River across from pine-forested cliffs. The lodge has 18 guest rooms with en suite bathrooms and hot and cold running water. The comfortable dining room and bar are a good spot to relax with a hot drink.
Yeti Mountain Home Namche
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights),Day 9 (1 night), Namche Bazaar, Nepal
This 20-room lodge is perched at 11,155 feet on the upper slopes of the bustling Sherpa capital, Namche Bazaar. A 20-minute hike up behind the lodge brings panoramic vistas including Everest and the beautiful Ama Dablam. The lodge offers Wi-Fi, a bar, and a dining room.
Sherpa Lodges, Deboche and Phortse
Day 6 (1 night),Day 8 (1 night), Deboche and Phortse, Nepal
In the villages of Phortse and Deboche, we stay in rustic but comfortable local lodges. These lodges are operated by Sherpa families and are a wonderful way to experience local hospitality while interacting with the Nepalese people and gaining an insight into their lives. You’ll have a private room, although there may be shared bathrooms with basic toilet and wash facilities. To date, the lodge at Phortse has only squat-style toilets and the showers are in a separate building. Hot water may or may not be available at either lodge.
Days 7-11
Pangboche / Lukla
From Pangboche (12,660'), site of the oldest monastery of the Khumbu, we circle back by a slightly different route. We explore Phortse, a traditional agricultural village off the main trail to Everest, and Syangboche (12,600'), where we stay at the Everest View Hotel, a legendary lodge in a stunning location right among the high mountains. Our trek ends in Lukla.
Pangboche / Lukla - Days 7-11
Everest Summit Lodge
Day 7 (1 night), Pangboche, NepalAt 13,070 feet, the well-located Everest Summit Lodge in Pangboche offers a comfortable welcome, with 10 guest rooms with attached bathroom and shower. There is a dining area and a sunny viewing terrace with panoramas of Ama Dablam and Everest.
Highland Sherpa Resort
Day 7 (1 night), Pangboche, NepalThe family-owned Highland Sherpa Resort is centrally located in Pangboche, with simple yet comfortable rooms and private bathrooms. The dining room has great views of Ama Dablam and overlooks the Dudh Kosi Valley.
Sherpa Lodges, Deboche and Phortse
Day 8 (1 night), Deboche and Phortse, NepalIn the villages of Phortse and Deboche, we stay in rustic but comfortable local lodges. These lodges are operated by Sherpa families and are a wonderful way to experience local hospitality while interacting with the Nepalese people and gaining an insight into their lives. You’ll have a private room, although there may be shared bathrooms with basic toilet and wash facilities. To date, the lodge at Phortse has only squat-style toilets and the showers are in a separate building. Hot water may or may not be available at either lodge.
Yeti Mountain Home Namche
Day 9 (1 night), Namche Bazaar, NepalThis 20-room lodge is perched at 11,155 feet on the upper slopes of the bustling Sherpa capital, Namche Bazaar. A 20-minute hike up behind the lodge brings panoramic vistas including Everest and the beautiful Ama Dablam. The lodge offers Wi-Fi, a bar, and a dining room.
Yeti Mountain Home Monjo
Day 10 (1 night), Monjo, NepalAt 9,348 feet, YMH Monjo is on the edge of Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, just a short day from Namche Bazaar. The lodge has 12 comfortable rooms with en suite bathrooms with showers. There is a dining room and bar, and you can sit in the garden area and watch the local people working on projects in their farm fields and the trekkers heading up the trail. Time permitting, you may be able to enjoy a visit to Monjo’s small Buddhist gompa and primary school.
Yeti Mountain Home Lukla
Day 11 (1 night), Lukla, NepalLocated in Lukla, gateway to the Khumbu, YMH Lukla (9,383') offers 20 guest rooms, all with en suite bathrooms. The lodge has Wi-Fi, a bar, and a dining room. There is a pleasant outdoor area where you can relax and read. This lodge is a great place to unwind after a trek and it’s only steps away from your flight back to Kathmandu.
Days 12-14
Temples, Palaces, Bustling Bazaars
Return to Kathmandu to explore the lively markets or join a privately guided visit to the serene hilltop shrine of Swayambu (at an additional cost). Depart on Day 14.
Temples, Palaces, Bustling Bazaars - Days 12-14
Gokarna Forest Resort
Days 12 to 13 (2 nights), Kathmandu, NepalPerched on a hillside about four miles outside of Kathmandu, this resort is a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with manicured gardens and a surrounding forest reserve. Guest rooms are spacious, the hospitality is excellent, and there are two restaurants to choose from. Spa treatments are available, and you can enjoy a nature walk in the forest, a dip in the well-maintained swimming pool, or a game of golf on the greens.
Everest Private Journey
Highlights
Highlights
Details
9-day trek on moderate to steep trails, 3-6 hours a day, altitudes between 9,000-13,035 feet
