There are only several countries whose landscapes and mountain ranges are rich in diversity, such as those found in Nepal. Mount Everest (8848m), the highest peak in the world, is known to the locals as Sagarmatha (Mother Earth Goddess). It is an unusual and enjoyable experience to meet the wonderful people living in this area, proudly calling themselves the Sherpa people. More than 470 years ago, they came from green pastures in eastern Tibet to these mountainous regions, but they never severed ties with their homeland. Walking along the glacial rivers, through the green valleys and forests of the blossoming Rhododendron, you will be surrounded by the highest peaks in the world, and it will become crystal clear why the local population believes that the Gods live up there. The faces of smiling Sherpas will be an everyday occurrence on this journey, and you will retell their hospitality for months after returning home.
It is impossible to get to know a city of millions like Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, in a few days of staying in it. Still, it’s possible to open the doors of a wonderfully intimate, lively, and despite poverty, unusually vibrant city. On this trip through the Khumbu region, you will see several peaks over 8000m: Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and of course, the highest of them all – Mt. Everest. The climb to Gokyo peak (5483m) will give you a chance to see Mt. Everest in all its glory, from its base camp to its very top. This trek requires good physical condition, but the pleasure you will experience on the Khumbu Glacier is invaluable.
Itinerary
MEETING IN KATHMANDU
Meeting point in Kathmandu airport, the capital of Nepal. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay.
KATHMANDU
We are rising for breakfast. Today, we’ll take a tour of the Thamel tourist district, mostly to buy some pieces of missing trekking equipment but also to get to know the ins and outs of Nepalese culture. Packing equipment for the next day, and obtaining the necessary permits. Overnight stay.
KATHMANDU - PHAGDING
Breakfast. Transfer to Kathmandu airport. Air transport from Kathmandu to Lukla (2804m), the place where our adventure begins. From here, we’ll hike to the village of Phagding (2600m), where we’ll rest for the night. Upon arrival, we’ll have lunch and the rest of the afternoon free. The village is located on the river Dudh Koshi, on which a mini power plant has been built that supplies the town with electricity. The silhouette of a Buddhist monastery beautifies the horizon above the village. Dinner. Overnight stay.
PHAGDING – NAMCHE BAZAR
After breakfast, we continue on our trekking journey from Phagding (2600m) to Namche Bazaar (3440m). Here, we’ll enter the Sagarmatha National Park. The locals, out of great respect, called this area the Mother Goddess Earth. Accommodation in a hotel. Lunch. Guided village tour. Dinner. Overnight stay.
NAMCHE BAZAR
Today, we’ll have an acclimatization day in Namche Bazar – a village located in the heart of the Kumbu region, at an altitude of 3446m. In the center of the unusual village are numerous handicraft shops that sell figures and jewelry made of silver, items made of semi-precious stones. For anyone in love of unique trinkets, this is the perfect place to get them after we’ll take an acclimatization trip to the “Everest view” hotel (4000m). From there, a stunning view of the highest peaks in the world will appear. Return to Namche Bazar. Lunch. In the afternoon, rest. Dinner. Overnight stay.
NAMCHE BAZAR - DOLE
Today, we set off for the village of Dole (4110m), which is a 6-hour walk at a comfortable pace. During the trek, we’ll have several breaks to drink tea and observe one of the most beautiful mountains in the Himalayas – Ama Dablam. Slow and steady is the name of the game. We are enjoying nature in every step.
DOLE - MACHERMO
Breakfast. Today, we move on to Machermo (4470m), a 4 to 5-hour hike. From there, we approach the famous Gokyo Lakes. To our right are the peaks of Tangboche and Cholatse, and right in front of us rises in the distance the southern rock of Cho Oyu (8201m).
MACHERMO - GOKYO
Breakfast. We reach Gokyo (4750m) in no more than 3 hours of walking. After the accommodation in the lodge by the lake we go for a short walk, enjoying the serene sight. Dinner and overnight stay.
GOKYO – GOKYO 5th LAKE
Today, after breakfast, we set off on a trek to Gokyo 5th lake (5150m) from which we’ll have the best view of Mt. Everest (8848m) in all its glory. Return to Gokyo, for an overnight stay at the lodge. Instead of this trek, if we are well acclimatized, we can take an optional climb to the top of Gokyo peak (5483m).
GOKYO – DOLE
We descend and return to the village of Dole. After 3h we arrive at the lodge. Today, we’ll have a well-deserved afternoon rest after a few days of constant ascent. Dinner. Overnight stay.
DOLE – PANGBOCHE
Breakfast. We continue our descent across the river Dud Koshi. The road leads us to the village of Portse (3800m), where we’ll take a tea break and enjoy the view. We continue to the village of Pangboche (4000m), where we’ll visit the famous 380-year-old Panngboche Buddhist goku. Accommodation in a lodge. Dinner. Overnight stay.
PANGBOCHE – NAMCHE
We descend to the “Valley of Rhododendrons” to reach the largest Buddhist monastery in Nepal – Tyangboche. We’ll take a tour of the monastery, where the monks will tell us the story of its origin and its history. We continue our way to Namche Bazaar. Arrival in Namche Bazar and accommodation in a lodge. Lunch. In the evening, spend time in the cafe restaurants of Namche Bazaar (billiard tournament, good music, and a chance to meet like-minded people from all over the world). Dinner. Overnight stay.
NAMCHE BAZAR - LUKLA
Today, we’ll finish our trek with a hike from Namche Bazar (3440m) to Lukla (2804m). There, we’ll settle in the hostel for lunch. The village of Lukla is considered to be the most developed village in the region, due to the existence of an airport, which is not common in these parts. In addition to the traditional souvenir shopping, in the evening, an unusual outing to a real disco club from the ‘80s. Dinner. Overnight stay in the hostel.
LUKLA – KATHMANDU
After breakfast, we pack our bags and depart from our hostel. We go straight to the airport (100m) to catch our flight to Kathmandu. After landing, we’ll transfer to our hotel for the night. Lunch. Free afternoon for individual activities and last-minute gift shopping. Dinner. Overnight stay.
LEAVING KATHMANDU
Rising early for breakfast. Today we say our goodbyes, as we transfer to Kathmandu airport, depending on the time of your flight.
