This morning we continue up the trail and from the neighboring village of Monjo we are inside the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment of the Everest region. We cross the river on a suspension bridge and then ascend quite steeply to Namche. Along the way, if the weather is clear, catch our 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.

Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Yeti Mountain Homes
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Namche bazaar © Don Bethune

Today you have a few options for a short day’s trekking. The day’s destination is Tashinga and your group can either take the direct (and more gentle) route, contouring around from Namche, or you can make the climb up to Kumjung for a range of options. If going to Kumjung, you may visit the controversial Everest View Hotel (lots of good stories behind that!) on the way. Situated above the village of Khumjung in a spectacular position this huge development, although out of keeping with its surroundings, 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 to 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. On your way back through Namche on your way down you may like to get involved with the Carry Me Back initiative, a crowdsourced waste removal system.

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.

From Khumjung the trail descends with chortens forming a dramatic frame to the superb view of Ama Dablam (6,696m), and Kantega (6,779m), flanked by the towering heights of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. You descend from the village, first through walled fields and then through rhododendron and blue pine forest to the village of Tashinga.

Walking time: Approx. 3 hours

Accommodation: Everest Summit Lodge Tashinga
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Everest and Lhotse View © Clare Mathiasen

This morning, looking across the valley, we will be able to see the path sloping diagonally up towards the famous monastery of Tengboche (3860m), but first we have to descend to the Imja Khola (river) before a final climb to reach Tengboche located on a ridge below the impressive north ridge of Kang Taiga. After visiting this famous monastery, we will continue our trek towards Pangboche the highest of the original permanent habitations in the valley via Deboche.

Walking time: Approx. 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Everest Summit Lodge Pangboche
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

View from Tengboche © Per Daugaard

We enroute our way back to Namche. We continue to follow the river and, after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forest to Tengboche and its famous monastery. There are magnificent views from here and Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants which can be seen. From Tengboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi at Phunki Tenga, where there are water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Namche.

Walking time: Approx. 6 hours

Accommodation: Yeti Mountain Homes
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Classic view of Namche © Luke Everson

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: Everest Summit Lodge Lukla
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bridge across the Dudh Kosi © Don Bethune

Flights out of Lukla are usually in the morning and we should arrive in Kathmandu with plenty of time for further sightseeing or shopping. After checking in to our hotel in Kathmandu the rest of the day is free to relax or explore.

Accommodation: None
Meals included: Breakfast

Down the sloping runway © Anuj Adhikary