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Follow the path of myths to the foot of the sky.
The trail itself is a lesson in patience. For over a week, you wind through hidden valleys and traditional villages near the Tibetan border, the chaos of the world left far behind. Each day, the prayer flags and the warm smiles of the Phu villagers remind you why you came. Then the real work begins. The mountain is a perfect instructor—steep snow slopes and a spectacular summit pyramid that demand respect but don’t deny passage. This is your training ground.
Then, the horizon opens. At 7,126 meters on the summit of Himlung Himal, the reward is a silent, sprawling vista of the Annapurnas, Manaslu, and the Ganesh Himal. In that moment, looking at the 8,000-meter peaks beyond, you understand. The climb wasn’t just about this summit. It was about proving you belong in their company. The descent returns you to the simple pleasures of a tent and a hot drink, carrying the quiet confidence of a mountaineer ready for the next great challenge.
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) & Transfer to Hotel
Final Gear Check, Permit Preparation and Expedition Briefing
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (800m)
Drive from Besisahar to Koto (2,600m)
Trek from Koto to Dharapani (1,860m)
Trek from Dharapani to Kaga (2,540m)
Trek from Kaga to Tilche (3,100m)
Trek from Tilche to Phu Gaon (4,080m)
Acclimatization Day: Explore Phu Gaon & Ancient Monastery
Trek from Phu Gaon to Himlung Base Camp (4,900m)
Acclimatization & Training at Base Camp (Icefall Practice)
Establish Camp 1 (5,400m)
Rotation: Climb to Camp 1 and return to Base Camp
Rest Day at Base Camp
Move to Camp 1
Establish Camp 2 (5,900m) and return to Camp 1
Return to Base Camp for Rest
Rest and Final Preparation for Summit Push at Base Camp
Move to Camp 1
Move to Camp 2
Move to Camp 3 (6,300m)
Summit Himlung Himal (7,126m) and Descend to Camp 2
Continue Descent to Base Camp
Contingency Day (Weather / Reserve)
Trek from Base Camp to Koto
Drive from Koto to Besisahar
Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu & Farewell Dinner
Leisure Day in Kathmandu for Rest & Shopping
Final Departure: Transfer to International Airport
Arrival in Kathmandu & Transfer to the Hotel
(Overnight altitude: 2,610m) We kick off the day with a flight to the world-famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,860m), surrounded by incredible Himalayan views. Once we land, the trek begins! It’s an easy 3-4 hour hike downhill to the village of Phakding (2,610m). Walking through lush landscapes and charming Sherpa villages, we settle into a cozy teahouse by the Dudh Koshi River. Adventure is just getting started!
(Overnight altitude: 3,440m)
Today, we trek to the bustling hub of Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the heart of the Everest region. The 6-7 hour journey takes us through dense pine forests, suspension bridges draped with prayer flags, and small villages alive with Sherpa culture. As we climb higher, the first glimpses of Everest and Ama Dablam might greet us along the way. Once in Namche, we settle into this vibrant town full of cozy cafes, shops, and mountain vibes!
(Overnight altitude: 3,440)
Today is an acclimatization day to allow our bodies to adjust to the high altitude. But that doesn’t mean we do anything! The best way to acclimatise is to be active. There is an opportunity to spend a few hours hiking around the area or visit the school set by Sir Edmund Hillary in the Khumjung village as a thank you for all the assistance the Sherpa people gave him in his successful ascent of Mt Everest. Some of the mountains on view today are Kwangde (6,011m), Thamserku (6,623m), Kangtega (6,782m), Nuptse (7,861m), Lhotse (8,516m), Ama Dablam (6,812m) and, of course, Mount Everest (8,848m).
(Overnight altitude: 3,860m)
There are not many steep ascents and descents today, giving plenty of time to concentrate on photography! Stupas (Buddhist shrines), prayer flags, mani walls (walls with Buddhist prayers carved into them), and mountains, such as Ama Dablam, and Tengboche Monastery, are all worth photographing. The trail up to Tengboche is a dusty switchback route, but the panoramic views from the monastery make it all worthwhile. If you are lucky, you can attend a service, for which a small donation would be appreciated. You can light some ghee lamps.
(Overnight altitude: 4,410m)
The trail is, of course, very scenic but also quite challenging today. We follow the Imja Khola before climbing up to Dingboche’s windswept fields (mainly potato). This is the highest Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu Region. Ama Dablam’s views from here are spectacular and dramatic as we will arrive at Dingboche in time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax with a book or gaze at the surrounding mountains.
With the ever-rising altitude, it is important to take another day to acclimatize. There are several options available for short hikes today. Such as visiting the base of Nangkar Tshang Peak, with its sacred sites and views of Mt Makalu. This trip is a 3.5 to 5 hours round trip, and the ascending altitude on this hike will help our bodies prepare for the high altitudes ahead.
(Overnight altitude: 4,910m)
Today the trek begins with a gentle climb toward the Pheriche Valley. Trekking above the valley floor, we pass through alpine scrub and yak pastures. On display are Tawoch and Cholotse, with Ama Dablam behind us. From here, it appears Ama Dablam is rising directly from the valley floor. The trail continues on to Thokla Pass, where the ascent is challenging. Again a photographer’s paradise as there are panoramic views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, and a few other 7,000-plus meter peaks! After crossing the pass, we reach Lobuche. Not a very attractive settlement in itself, but the scenery surrounding it is beautiful and dramatic.
(Overnight altitude: 5,140m)
This is an exciting day! Today we ascent to the viewpoint for Everest. First, the trail takes us for about 3 hours over boulders and rough terrain to the small settlement of Gorakshep. After lunch, it starts out for Kalapatthar, from where the views of Everest are simply the best views you can possibly get. At 5,545m, this is the highest altitude we can trek in Nepal without requiring climbing permits. Its name means black rock, which is more of a ridge than a mountain.
(Overnight altitude: 4,371m)
If we didn’t make it to Kalapatthar yesterday, we would do it this morning, returning to Gorakshep for breakfast. Similarly, if we did not visit Everest Base Camp on day 9, we will do that this morning. Each trip takes 3 – 4 hours to return from Gorakshep. After breakfast, we head to Pheriche, which takes approximately 4 hours. This little settlement houses the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic.
(Overnight altitude: 3,440m)
The trail descends quite considerably today, but some uphills must be tackled! As we approach Namche, the forests and greenery return. This is a long day of walking, made harder by the hard hiking the day before. But push on because a good dinner and a hot shower await! And now is the opportunity to celebrate your successful trek to Everest Base Camp with a beer! And with wifi available, now is also time to get in touch with loved ones at home and perhaps upload a few pictures of your trip.
(Overnight altitude: 2,860m)
In the earlier part of the day, take a good final look at the magnificent Himalayan mountains, and say goodbye to the Khumbu Valley and Mount Everest. Then put your head down as we make a final long ascent into Lukla.
( Overnight altitude: 1,338m)
This morning says goodbye to Mt Everest and the Khumbu Region as we board our flight back to either Kathmandu or Manthali Airport. Depending on which airport is open at that time and, of course, weather conditions, either we will be back in Kathmandu for brunch or in the early afternoon. Then there is time to do some shopping before our farewell dinner in the evening.
As our Everest Base Camp trek concludes, it’s time to say goodbye. We look forward to many more adventures together in the future. Until next time.
