Trekking on Mount Everest

Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins in Kathmandu - the vibrant capital where finely carved balconies blend with beautiful shrines and temples. Today at 2:00 PM you will have a welcome meeting, but if you arrive early, you might visit the historic stupas and pagodas of Swayambhunath (also known as the Monkey Temple) or take a stroll around the local Durbar Square. If you wish, you could also embark on an immersive urban adventure like the Nepal Spiritual Experience - learning about Buddhism at Boudhanath, meeting the holy Hindu sadhus at Pashupatinath, and more (just go to www.urbanadventures.com). After the meeting, perhaps go out with your group to one of the city's fantastic bars and toast to the start of an epic adventure. Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly, causing flight delays or cancellations within Nepal, especially between Kathmandu/Ramechhap and Lukla, affecting the tour itinerary. Here are the contingency plans in case of bad weather:

Day 2: Attempt to take the scheduled flight. If canceled, return to the hotel in Kathmandu/Ramechhap for an additional night.

Day 3: New attempt to catch the scheduled flight. If canceled, efforts will be made to rent a helicopter, weather and availability permitting. Travelers will need to cover the cost of the helicopter (up to 500 USD per person) using their emergency fund. Prices may vary among passengers. If Lukla is reached on day 3, the planned itinerary for the Everest Base Camp will be followed, shortening the return by one day to catch the flight from Lukla on day 14.

Day 4: If neither airplanes nor helicopters can fly, we will return to Kathmandu by private vehicle. In this case, an alternative route for the Langtang - Gosainkunda Trek will be followed, offering magnificent mountain views and the sacred Gosainkunda lake.

It is advisable to plan a few extra days in Kathmandu at the end of the trip in case of possible delays of the return flight from Lukla.

Early this morning, you will board a plane from Kathmandu to Lukla. You will fly parallel to the giants of the Himalayas, so if you can, get a seat on the left side and press your face against the window to admire some spectacular views of the mountains bordering Nepal and China. When you arrive, meet your porters and explore the village of Lukla. After a safety briefing, get equipped and start your trek towards Phakding: you will descend towards the milky white waters of the Dudh Kosi river, where you will join the main trail to Namche Bazaar. The walk is easy and after crossing the small village of Ghat, it's just a short walk to Phakding. Enjoy some time to relax this evening and perhaps try some traditional dal bhat (rice or lentil stew) or momos (dumplings) to refuel before tomorrow's trek.

Today, we embark on a picturesque journey towards Namche Bazaar, where we will spend a couple of days acclimatizing to the altitude. From Phakding, we cross the river and head towards the valley, following in the footsteps of the porters. The trail, flanked by a forest of blue pines, follows the river valley and is particularly spectacular in spring when the rhododendron flowers are in bloom. We cross the Dudh Kosi river and look up to see the snow-capped peaks of Kusum Kanguru and Thamserku. We continue towards Monjo and take a break for lunch. From here, the walk starts to get a bit tough, with a steep climb as we enter the national park, cross the river again and then continue upstream. Get your camera ready as you will catch your first glimpse of the Everest peaks (nothing much), Lhotse, Nuptse, and Taweche. We arrive at Namche and perhaps head straight to the Namche Bakery, where you'll find the best sweets on the mountain (maybe stock up for the trek and watch the people with a coffee). Tonight, you will stay in the oldest tea house run by a family from the region. Take the opportunity to have your last hot shower before your Everest adventure, enjoy the nightlife or grab a hot drink and listen to the story of the tea house from your hosts.

One of the best methods to acclimatize today is to climb up to a high-altitude point and then descend to sleep. Remember, no matter how fit you are, anyone can be affected by altitude! Perhaps you could take an optional hike, visiting Sagarmatha Next along the way, which supports local communities in creating and implementing a sustainable waste management system in the region. The national park headquarters is also worth a visit, with exhibits on Sherpa lifestyle and culture, as well as local flora and fauna. Carpets, clothing, salt, and dried meat are all in high demand in the village center, so perhaps you could bargain for any extra supplies you might need (dried goat meat, anyone?) and spend a peaceful night in your tea house.

Today will be a short day of trekking, heading towards Khumjung - the largest village in the region. Take a break at the National Park Museum and follow the trail marked by well-laid stone steps up to the Everest View Hotel (once said to be the highest hotel in the world). Visit a hospital built by Sir Edmund Hillary, then continue the climb along views of the imposing snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Through a maze of narrow alleys, you will reach the oldest monastery in the Everest region. For a small donation, the resident monk will proudly show a Yeti skull that is well-preserved inside the monastery. Tonight, you will stay in a lodge in Khumjung and dream of snow monsters.

Today, we're back on the Everest trail, keeping our eyes peeled for the Danphe pheasant and the Himalayan tahr. We continue towards the ultra-soothing Thyangboche: when it comes to monasteries, this one tops the list! Experience a sense of enveloping calm as you find yourself at 3860 m (12,664 ft) in the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, gazing at Mount Everest. This is the perfect spot for meditation, should you feel the urge. Perhaps you might stop for a well-deserved coffee and sweet treat from the Khumjung bakery, then resume the Everest trail, taking in the views of Kantega and Ama Dablam along the way.

Today, Everest will seem so close that you could almost touch it. During your morning trek, you will ascend above the treeline and gradually climb up to the village of Pangboche, treating yourself to a lunch where the summit of Ama Dablam dominates the skyline. Follow the trail, passing through the tea houses of Orsho, before crossing the Imja Khola and the old glacial moraines to a lodge in Dingboche. Here, you'll find a mosaic of small fields enclosed by stone walls. These walls protect the barley and potato crops from the cold winds. If the weather is right, there will be an insane and wonderful sunset that will light up the peaks: Ama Dablam, the south face of Lhotse to the north, and Island Peak in the center of the valley.

Today is another day of acclimatization. There are a couple of different trails you can take today: the Nagarjun hill and Chukkhung (this walk might be short, but it's the views of the surrounding peaks and snowy terrain that will take your breath away). Tonight, you will stay again in Dingboche. If you're looking for a cozy cafe to retreat to, look no further than Cafe 4410 - they also screen daily documentaries about the Sherpas.

This morning, you will climb the small ridge above the Pheriche valley. From the stupa at the top, Taweche and Cholatse create a rather impressive scene: they seem to lean forward from the other side of the valley to the west. To the north, the Lobuje peak and the snowfields of Cho La are the kings of the skyline. The walk will now be fairly flat across open fields, but take your time and make sure you are well hydrated. Later, you will cross the Khumbu Khola and have a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier. There will be a steep climb on a rocky path to the top of the moraines. On the ridge of the ridge, you will pass a row of commemorative cairns (piles of stones) built in memory of the Sherpas and climbers who have died on various Everest expeditions over the last fifty years. From here, the view is once again spectacular: Pumori at 7145 m, Lingtren at 6697 m, and Khumbutse at 6623 m high. Look over the border into Tibet, then follow the valley stream to the lodge at Lobuche, where you will rest and recharge for the big day tomorrow.

Wake up to the excitement and buzz of Everest: today is the day! First, you'll trek to Gorak Shep (where you'll start your round trip to the base camp). Follow the wide valley running parallel to the Khumbu Glacier, with a gradual climb to build the slow and steady pace required when walking at high altitudes. When you reach the moraines of the Changri Nup Glacier, you'll make your way up a rocky path flanked by stone cairns leading to the glacial sands of Gorak Shep. Now it's time to grab a quick bite, gear up appropriately, and head towards Everest Base Camp. If the season is right, you'll almost certainly encounter yaks and porters supplying food and equipment to expeditions here. Arrive at Everest Base Camp: you've made it! Check it off your bucket list. From here, you cannot see Mount Everest, but you can behold magnificent glaciers, lakes, caves, and the infamous Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm (technically considered the toughest and most dangerous section of the mountain). Once you've had your fill of epic views (and snapped one or five pictures), you'll return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Woke up very early this morning for the trek to Kala Patthar, where you can enjoy sensational sunrise views from a once-in-a-lifetime vantage point. Don't be surprised if you shed a tear as you take in the view of Everest. Embrace the emotion and spend all the time you want here to savor the moment. It's a bit of a tough walk due to the altitude, but the view from the top will surpass your wildest imagination. Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega, and Everest: they are all here. About 3 km away and roughly 200 m lower, the Everest Base Camp area can be seen nestled at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. From here it's all downhill: the descent to Gorak Shep is easy and then you'll cross the Khumbu Khola and descend into the valley to Pheriche, where you'll spend the night.

This morning, you will cross the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola river, where there will be magnificent views of the Imja valley, Ama Dablam, and Kantega. Retrace your steps back to Thyangboche, then descend steeply through a beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron, and fir. Cross the Dudh Kosi river and climb up to Trashinga. From there, the trail winds high above the valley to Namche Bazaar, where you will return for the night.

You've made it! Today is your last day of trekking and first you will descend steeply to the great suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi river. Then you will follow the trail back towards Monjo. Walk through the forest of blue pines and rhododendrons, admiring the splendid view of the Kusum Kangaru, passing through Phakding, then it will be just a short walk in the valley before making the final climb to the airstrip at Lukla. Here you will say goodbye to your Sherpa team. Reunite with the rest of your group and put together the tips, if you haven't already done so. Celebrate with a much-needed and well-deserved hot shower, a good long rest, or a few drinks with your group. You've earned it – you've conquered Everest!

Take the short flight from Lukla to Kathmandu this morning. When you arrive, return to your accommodation and then enjoy some free time in the afternoon for more sightseeing or shopping. Before dinner, your leader will take you on a walking tour to the colorful Asan bazaar. Then, it's time to celebrate with a tongba (warm millet beer) and a plate of ziva (cheese-stuffed pasta fingers) as you relax your tired (but incredibly toned) legs. You don't need to load up on carbs anymore, but surely another plate of dal bhat wouldn't hurt?

Without any further planned activities, your journey concludes this morning. There's still plenty to see in Kathmandu for those who wish to stay, just contact us. If you decide to do so, you might consider taking a tour with Urban Adventures, such as the Rickshaw Night.