Arrive Kathmandu

On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be collected and transferred to the hotel (25 mins), which is perfectly placed in the heart of the city. You are then free to settle in and explore your vibrant surroundings. Our friendly staff will be on hand to provide any advice or assistance.

Free Day, Kathmandu

Meet your trekking guide for a briefing on final preparations and timings for tomorrow. B

Fly to Lukla, Trek to Monjo (2835m) & Namche Bazaar (3500m)

An early start for your domestic flight to Lukla. Enjoy a late breakfast in Lukla whilst watching the flights come and go from this unique mountain airstrip. The first day’s trek is to Monjo (2835m), generally following the river. The next day you trek through the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park before eventually climbing the first big hill up to Namche Bazaar. You will catch your first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance from a rest point (weather permitting). Namche Bazaar is by far the biggest village in the region with shops and even internet cafes. Expect to arrive at lunchtime – 4 hrs. BLD

Acclimatisation day Namche Bazaar (3500m)

Your Guide will take you out to a variety of places in the local region primarily to gain some additional altitude to assist your body in its acclimatisation process (trek high, sleep low) and to see more of the stunning surroundings, possibly to the village of Thame. BLD

Namche Bazaar – Tengbouche (3900m) – Dingbouche (4300m)

A beautiful day’s walk out of Namche, initially contouring for about 60 – 90 mins until you reach Kenjoma. Some groups stop here for coffee (you can see Tengbouche across the valley) or you can push on for another hour, steeply downhill and across the river to a favoured lunch stop at Phunki Tenga (3250m). The next 90 mins or so is steeply up until you majestically pop out in Tengbouche itself. Famed for its hilltop Monastery, this village has one of the best views of Everest. You may go on for another 20 mins or so to use alternative tea houses in Debouche.

The next day, it’s a steady trek across the girder bridge (45 mins) and then it is a long steady climb through Pangbouche, Shamare (4010m) before hitting Dingbouche a few hours later. 6 hrs. BLD

Dingbouche – Acclimatisation Day

An important stop for acclimatisation having crossed the 4000m barrier. Take the opportunity to go to the free presentation on altitude sickness. Your Guide will encourage you to take an acclimatisation walk, once again to gain some altitude to assist your body to acclimatise. BLD

Dingbouche – Chukkung (4900m)

Chukkung is less than 3 hrs from here; you can actually see the village up the valley. It is a very easy trek. Once again this step is used to acclimatise. In the afternoon, it is possible to climb up to the Chukung Ri (5550m); see how you are feeling. Alternatively, you could extend out to the Island Peak Base Camp; 3hrs out and 2 hrs back. Or, you can just rest. BLD

Chukkung – Rest Day

This is your final acclimatisation day, after which you should be well and truly ready to cross the first of the 5000m Everest High Passes. BLD

Chukkung – Lobouche (4900m) via the Kongma La Pass (5535m)

This is the first of the big Passes. Should you not feel up to it, then there is the lower alternative route via Dingbouche; the Guide will brief you fully on the alternatives when the time comes. Over the Pass. It takes about 4 hrs to reach this Pass, the highest on the trip. You will pass the Base Camp(s) of Pokalde, a 5800m peak just south of the Pass itself. On the descent, you will cross the glacier and into Lobouche. If you have time and feel up to it, a visit to the climber’s memorial ground is worth it. It is just south of Lobouche and a very moving place. Back via Dingbouche. In relative terms, a much easier route, contouring around the mountain that the Kongma sits on and goes through Dughla, a nice alpine-style lunch stop. From here, it is a short but stiff climb up what is the front end of the Khumbu glacier, through the Climber’s Memorial, and onto Lobouche. BLD

Lobouche – Gorak Shep (5100m)

Gorak Shep is just 3 hrs from Lobouche and is the highest tea house on this trip (5100m). An easy day compared to yesterday despite crossing an undulating moraine for an hour or so BUT you should take the opportunity late afternoon/early evening to climb up to one of the highest points on this trek – Kala Patthar (5500m).It’s a tough 90 min ascent but you will get an excellent view of the summit of Everest and the sun will be on it too. BLD

Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp (5300m) – Gorak Shep (5100m)

It is an early morning start for the 3 hr trek to Base Camp. The route is very undulating, initially to the side of the glacier, and then onto it for the final hour. The route varies from year to year as the glacier moves.The Base Camp itself is potentially enormous; it has to house some 250 – 300 people during the main climbing season. In recent years, the furthest that trekkers are allowed appears to be about 30 mins short of where the tents are. Despite this, there is an excellent close-up view of the Khumbu ice field. Climbers have to negotiate this dangerous section every time they go up for acclimatisation or to the summit. Savour the atmosphere and the location; the whole day is approx 6 – 7 hrs, BLD

Gorak Shep – Dzongla (4800m)

A delightful day back down the Khumbu valley, looking towards the views. After the recent ascents, it will feel like you’re flying down! You have tremendous views all the way down to Pferishe. You will pass the Cho La Lake, not seen by the classic EBC trekkers. This lodge is just a few hours away from the Cho La Pass. BLD

Dzongla – Tangnak (4700m) via the Cho La Pass (5310m)

An early start for what is a potentially difficult day. The route is difficult in places not assisted by the potential for high winds. The area around the Pass is glaciated so a pair of trekking poles is a good idea in this section. Fantastic views, well worth the day’s trek. BLD

Tangnak – Gokyo (4790m)

A great day. A fantastic trek across the Ngozumpa Glacier on a path that forever shifts from season to season. The lakes are in full view and it’s a mere hour to Gokyo once across the other side. The Gokyo valley has a different feel to it; far fewer people of course. It is easy to relax here. Whether it is today or tomorrow, an excursion up to the Gokyo Ri (5360m) is an absolute must. The views of the Himalayas, in general, are superb. If you have been to the top of Kala Patthar, then opt for a sunset view of Everest rather than sunrise. Much better. BLD

Gokyo – Rest day.

There are plenty of options for those who wish to enjoy the local scenery and don’t forget Gokyo Ri if you didn’t go yesterday. Otherwise, just relax in the sunrooms that just bake in the sun! BLD

Gokyo – Lunde (4300m) via Renjo La Pass (5340m)

It’s about 5 hrs or so today to climb up and over a pass that takes you out of the Gokyo Valley and down into the valley that hosts Thame. Take a good look at the Himalayas vista from the Pass as it will be the final spectacular view of the multiple 7000 and 8000m peaks you will get on this trek. Be warned that the descent is steeper than the ascent and trekking poles are an advantage in this section. Lungden will be your home for this evening. BLD

Lunde – Thame (3805m)

It is just a 3hrs trek to Thame but one that will take you back in time. You will be joined by the Tibetan traders bringing in their market produce and selling it either in Namche or on the trail itself. The buildings too will be different (very traditional) from what you have seen. BLD

Thame – Namche

Easy trek back to bustling Namche. There are lots to do en route today including a side trip to Lawudo Gompa. Lots of history here. BLD

Namche Bazaar – Lukla

The first few hours will be easy out of Namche back down the long hill to the high suspension bridge. The group will stop at some point prior to moving on to have lunch at Phadking. From here it is deceptive; primarily ascending until you get back to Lukla. This final section is approx 3 hrs and you will be elated to reach your final destination having completed one fantastic circumnavigation of the Khumbu region; well done. BLD

Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

An early start to have breakfast and be ready for your flight back down to Kathmandu. You should reach your hotel by midday; plenty of time to enjoy the facilities that Thamel has to offer. You can continue with any sightseeing, have a post-trek massage (very inexpensive in Nepal), shop ‘till you drop, or simply relax in one of the many cafes, restaurants, and bars soaking up the atmosphere. B

Kathmandu

A wonderful clear day to explore the city and enjoy some well-deserved downtime after your trek. It also acts as a contingency day in case of delays in flights from Lukla. B

Depart Kathmandu

Land Only package services end after breakfast however complimentary group airport transfers are provided. B