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

Bridge across the Dudh Kosi © Don Bethune

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

Namche bazaar © Don Bethune

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.

By mid afternoon we will leave The Everest View Hotel and hike back down to Namche for the night.

Walking time: Approx. 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Everest View Hotel view © Per Daugaard

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

Keep you balance © Steve Kolodinsky

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

Lukla Airport © Don Bethune