Namche Trek
This short trek into the Everest region is an opportunity to experience the magnificence of the incredible Himalayas and take in the views of the white-capped beauties. Experience Namche bazaar and learn about the Sherpa Culture
- Starts In: Kathmandu
- Ends In: Kathmandu
- Duration: 6 Days
- Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Highlights
- Trek the classic Lukla to Namche route
- Enjoy breakfast above Namche with views of Mt Everest
- Land at Tenzing-Hillary Lukla Airport or upgrade to charter helicopter transfers
- Ask about upgrading from tea houses to luxury mountain lodges
Itinerary
Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, Trek to Phakding [2656m]
Your guide will meet you early in the morning and escort you to the domestic airport for your spectacular flight an exciting landing on the steep mountain runway. This brings you to the start of your trek at the village of Lukla [2800m]. After your guide organises the trekking crew, you head up the Dudh Kosi Valley on a well-marked trail to your first night near the river at Phakding.
Time permitting, we explore the two traditional villages of Sano Gumela and Thulo Gumela. We can also have a special visit to the little monastery which is home to 12-15 monks of the Gelugpa sect and is a center of high Buddhist learning.
Walking time: Approx. 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Lunch, Dinner
Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar [3450m]
From Phakding, we cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment.
You then ascend steeply to Namche on steps, which will be the first big climb of the trek. Just take it easy and enjoy the views along the way as there is plenty of time to get to our destination. Along the way, if the weather is clear, you can catch your first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance.
Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market — a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. On any day of the week, this is a big, bustling trading town, packed with locals and trekkers alike!
Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Rest/Explore Namche and Surrounds
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day, acclimatizing to the new altitude and to maximize your acclimatization, we recommend you take a day hike out of town and into the surrounding hills. You can head out on the trail towards Thame and either go all the way to Thame and visit the monastery or stop along the way at one of the tea houses for lunch and head back to Namche.
Walking time: Approx. 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Trek to Everest view hotel [3880m] and Back to Namche
Today you have a few options for a short day’s trekking. The day’s destination is The Everest View Hotel and your group can either take the direct (and hard route) route, straight up from Namche, or you can make the gentler climb up via Khunde and Khumjung for a range of options. If going to Khumjung, it might also be possible to visit the clinic in Khunde and the Khumjung school – both projects are supported by the well regarded Himalayan Trust and, if organized well in advance to prevent any disruption to the medical services or the kids’ school day, it is possible to visit and learn about health and education in the mountains.
The picturesque little Gompa (monastery) in Khumjung, set in a grove of trees above the houses of the village, is also well worth a visit. On payment of a small donation to the caretaker you may be allowed to see the so-called head of a yeti which is kept there. We have Lunch in Khumjung before continuing on.
From Khumjung we do the final climb to the Everest View Hotel. Situated above the village of Khumjung in a spectacular position this huge development, although out of keeping with its surroundings, it has really superb views from its terrace. You can enjoy a cup of tea or a hot lemon while looking out at Everest and other Himalayan giants.
On your way back from the Everest View, do make sure to stop in at Sagarmatha Next. The mountain gallery and community movement promotes a deeper understanding of the Khumbu region and its people to inspire a positive impact. You may like to get involved with the Carry Me Back initiative, a crowdsourced waste removal system.
By mid afternoon we will hike back down to Namche for the night.
Walking time: Approx. 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Trek from Namche to Lukla [2800m]
Mostly downhill today following the fall of the Dudh Kosi River, but there’s a sting in the tail as we make the final short climb to our lodge accommodation in Lukla.
Walking time: Approx. 8 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
After an early breakfast, you head to the airstrip with your guide for the return flight to Kathmandu. Flights out of Lukla usually depart early in the morning so you should arrive in Kathmandu with plenty of time for further sightseeing, shopping, getting a massage, or taking in the life of town from a street side cafe.
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu to check in and then the rest of the day is free.
Accommodation: None
Meals included:
Breakfast
Gallery
Included In Price
- All meals on the trek with filtered drinking water
- Tea house accommodation while on trek
- Transportation as per the detailed itinerary (includes the return flights to and from Kathmandu for you and your guide, including transfers and airport taxes)
- Your trekking guide, with all their transport, equipment, insurance and including their meals and accommodation
- A first aid kit with basic supplies appropriate for the group size and trek route – if you require specific medications it is critical that you discuss this with us prior to your trip departure
- Trekking permits and registration fees
Note: The local tea houses are basic but clean and they do not often have attached bathrooms or hot showers. The price is based on twin share and does not include any extra charge that lodge owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms or hot showers (if these facilities are available) or for battery charging. We can’t know in advance what they may charge for such things in the different lodges along the way, so we prefer to leave this cost out, rather than pass along an estimated charge to you.
The meal inclusions on the trek are breakfast (one set breakfast and tea or coffee), lunch (one main meal and tea or coffee) and dinner (soup, main and dessert with tea or coffee)
Not Included In Price
- Services and activities not mentioned in the detailed itinerary
- Any gear or equipment that you may need to rent/buy – please ask us if you would like any advice about gear to bring/buy/rent
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes
- Any excess baggage charges
- Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and rescue evacuation should this be required for any reason (we require this as the minimum insurance cover)
- Additional nights, optional trips, and sightseeing tours outside the detailed itineraries above
- Single supplement
- Personal expenses (eg mineral water/soft drinks/bar bills, entrance/photography fees at monasteries, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra snacks, etc)
- Any extra charge that tea house owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) and charging of batteries
- Tips for your trekking crew, city guide, drivers, hotels, restaurants, etc (please ask if you would like guidance about appropriate tips)
- Costs incurred due to unforeseen events (eg caused by natural disasters, adverse road conditions/flight delays, labor strikes, fuel shortages, extreme exchange rate changes, etc)
