Trip Overview:

Starting at Lukla in the high Khumbu, your iconic Everest journey takes you first to Phakding, Monjo, then to Namche, the town at the end of the world. Next day, you will head to northwest towards Thame, the picturesque village with a magnificent 16th-century Nyingmapa gompa. Ascend to Deboche with an excursion to the untouched village of Phortse. A short helicopter ride gets you to the most scenic place on earth - Kalapatthar. You then heli back to Lukla, returning to Kathmandu the next day.

Itinerary:

• Day 1 Trek: Lukla (2,860 M) - Phakding (2,610 M)

  Upon arrival at the Lukla Airport, our representative will receive you and escort you to our lodge in Lukla. Here, you will have breakfast and meet your trekking crew who will help you gear up before setting off through the winding village to start the trek pro perly at the Khumbu ‘Gateway’. Descend on stone trails through rhododendron forests, farms, and charming hamlets to the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. The undulating trail offers glimpses of snow-capped peaks. Enjoy rest stops at small shops to soak in the scene, catch your breath, and get a cup of local tea, coffee, or draft beer. Passing the majestic mani stone at Thado Koshi and we continue to Phakding Lodge for a late lunch. Afterward, you can enjoy free time at the riverside lodge or opt for a short trip to a higher village and a delightful tiny gompa perched on the valley side. In the evening, we gather for drinks by the fire, followed by a delightful meal at our newly built restaurant overlooking the Dudh Koshi River.

  
  Trek: 3 Hrs | Accommodation: MLN Phakding | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 2 Trek: Phakding (2,610 M) - Monjo (2,835 M)

  After breakfast at the lodge, you follow the left bank of Dudh Koshi River, with Thamserku in view. After crossing a stream and climbing the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route,
  you arrive in a village called Benker. Walking along a path with many ups and downs, crossing a stream you enter Monjo – a small village, with few tourist lodges and thus perfect for
  relaxing and contemplation. Upon entering the lodge’s gate, a beautiful long, stone-paved walkway leads you through the garden and up to a warm and welcoming lobby where your
  trek ends.

  
  Trek: 4 Hrs | Accommodation: MLN Monjo | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 3 Trek: Monjo (2,835 M) - Namche (3,440 M)

  After a soothing walk with descending stone steps from Monjo, you will cross a suspension bridge, and reach Jorshale. This is the entrance to the National Park where you have to wait while your guide pays the entrance fees. Following the river, you’ll pass rocky areas, and cross another suspension bridge. At the river fork, the right stream is Dudh Koshi, while the left is Bhote Koshi leading to NangpaLa. Crossing another suspension bridge, we walk alongside Bhote Koshi and ascend to Tup Dhara for the first view of Mount Everest. From here you ascend gradually up to Namche Bazaar and check into the MLN* Namche. You can take the time to unwind for the rest of the day or explore the Sherpa capital. In Namche, you can explore the charm of Namche Bazaar and the stunning 80-year-old monastery adorned with exquisite Thanka paintings of Tibetan deities while enjoying a delightful evening of bar hopping. You are most welcome to burn a butter lamp for your loved ones.

  Trek: 5 Hrs | Accommodation: MLN Namche | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 4 Trek: Namche (3,440 M) - Thame (3,800 M)

  After a light refreshment, you will head to the Sagarmatha Viewpoint where you can witness the magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Monjo, and Phakding. You will have breakfast at Namche Lodge and trek northwest towards Thame instead of the northeast trail towards Everest which the vast majority of tourists and trekkers take. When headed to Thame, the
  trail feels distinctly less crowded, with very little tourist traffic but ample opportunities to see the slow mountain life in small villages.
  The village is picturesque and has a magnificent 16th-century Nyingmapa gompa (monastery) built by Lama Rolwa Dorje. Here, you will reach for a late lunch followed by options to chill at the lodge with breathtaking views of Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru or hike to the
  nearby monasteries.

  Hike to viewpoint: 25 Mins | Trek: 4-5 Hrs | Accommodation: MLN Thame Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 5 Thame excursion

  A steady pace is required for the steep trail up to Thame Monastery. Most people agree that viewing the interior of the traditionally decorated gompa is well worth the effort of the
  climb. After spending some time here, there is the option to extend your acclimatization walk up to the shoulder of Sumdur Peak Ridge, at 4,830 M, not a true peak, but an amazing
  view over the valley and the serrated ridges of the Kongde range.

  
  Trek: 4-5 Hrs | Accommodation: MLN Thame | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 6 Trek: Thame (3,800 M) – Namche (3,440 M

  A steady pace is required for the steep trail up to Thame Monastery. Most people agree that viewing the interior of the traditionally decorated gompa is well worth the effort of the
  climb. After spending some time here, there is the option to extend your acclimatization walk up to the shoulder of Sumdur Peak Ridge, at 4,830 M, not a true peak, but an amazing
  view over the valley and the serrated ridges of the Kongde range.

  Trek: 5 Hrs | Hike to Sagarmatha Next: 45 Mins Accommodation: MLN Namche | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 7 Namche Excursion

  While staying in Namche, don’t miss the opportunity to hike up to Sagarmatha Next which will take approx. 1 hour. After having an early morning breakfast, we will head
  towards Sagarmatha Next, located in Syangboche near Namche Bazaar. It showcases the transformation of mountain waste into stunning art and design products. It aims to
  change perceptions about waste and support local stakeholders by providing innovative and sustainable solutions for solid waste management. After spending some time here, if you’re eager to explore, consider a gentle 2-hour hike up to gorgeous Khumjung village, the home of the Sir Edmund Hillary School (3,750 M) that was built in 1961. As you enter through its modest doorway, constructed by Sir Ed himself, you’ll see old artifacts, photos, and films that tell the story before this simple building sparked a wave of change in Solukhumbu as the area’s first school. Descend from there to Namche, where you’ll have a delightful lunch at the local lodge. Afterward, you will continue your journey to our lodge along with breathtaking panoramic vistas.

  
  Trek: 5 Hrs | Accommodation: MLN Namche | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 8 Trek: Namche (3,440 M) - Deboche (3,820 M)

  You’re on the road to Everest. The trail is lined by large chortens, prayer walls and painted rock faces; and you may see small herds of tahr, brown mountain goats. Follow the path around the ridge, descend into the valley and then head back up through the rhododendron forest toward Deboche village where the weather is slightly warmer and less windy than Tengboche – the perfect place to acclimatize. You are starting to get quite high now as there’s a fair bit of height gain from Namche to  Deboche, so count on a slower pace. Don’t take things too fast–just enjoy the views! You will reach our newly-built Deboche lodge for late lunch which will be your base for the next two nights.

  
  Trek: 6 Hrs | Accommodation: MLN Deboche | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 9 Acclimatization in Deboche (3,820 M)

  During the acclimatization day in Deboche, we’ll hike uphill for 3-4 hours to a stunning viewpoint, passing through rhododendron forests and prayer flags. Once we reach the
  viewpoint, we will indulge in a delightful light picnic, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic vistas. Afterward, we will continue our journey to the iconic Tengboche monastery,
  immersing ourselves in the spiritual atmosphere followed by a satisfying late lunch at the lodge.

  
  Hike to viewpoint: 3-4 Hrs Accommodation: MLN Deboche | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 10 Heli: Deboche (3,820 M) – EBC (5,364 M) – Lukla (2,860 M)

  After breakfast in Deboche, you’ll embark on a thrilling helicopter ride. Following this, you have two options to consider. The first option is to fly over Kalapatthar, capturing stunning aerial views, and then continue your flight to Lukla. Alternatively, you can choose to touch down on Kalapatthar, allowing you to step foot on this iconic viewpoint and capture
  incredible photographs of the surrounding area. Finally, you will fly to Lukla, concluding this unforgettable journey.

  
  Heli: 40 mins | Accommodation: MLN Lukla | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 11 Fly to Kathmandu (1,400 M)

  Bid farewell to the Himalayas on the short but spectacular flight back to Kathmandu. In clear weather, this can be one of the highlights of your tour, offering amazing views of the
  surrounding mountains.

  
  Flight: 25 mins