We will pick you up at Tribhuvan International airport and transfer you to our hotel in Thamel (tourist section of Kathmandu). Enjoy some down time to rest, have showers and eat. Our group will join together for dinner, team introductions, and a fun orientation meeting. Drink copious amounts of water in route, as flying and traveling will certainly dehydrate you. Self-care begins immediately.

We will tour some of the most beautiful and sacred sites of Kathmandu including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath (Cremation Ganga Temple), and Boudhanath Stupa (world's largest Buddhist stupa). 

We will finalize our preparations and enjoy the fun, friendly vibes of Kathmandu before driving 3.5 hours to Manthali. We will spend the night in Manthali and catch an early morning flight to the world-famous Lukla airport, where our high-altitude trek begins.

Trekking Distance: 3.9 miles (6.28 km)

Elevation Gain: -750 feet (-230 m)

Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours

Landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport is not something you sleep through. This short runway is perched on the side of a mountain. We will be immersed in the Sherpa and Tamong cultures of the Khumbu Valley and meet our porters for the expedition. This begins our journey to Everest Base Camp as we walk slowly to the village of Phakding. Today’s walk is mostly downhill and the route follows a nicely worn footpath through Sherpa countryside. It is the long-established 'highway' used every day by locals. There's no road connecting the various villages of the Sherpas. Expect to share the path with tourists and Sherpas alike, as well as yaks, horses and mules. Upon arrival in Phakding, we will check into our tea house and have down time to take in the area before being served our nutritious Nepali dinner. 

Trekking Distance: 4.9 miles (7.5 km)

Elevation Gain: 2,727 feet (830 m)

Trekking Duration: 6-8 hours

We embark on a journey to the Sherpa capital, the famous Namche Bazaar! We cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges as we enter a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sagarmatha National Park, established to protect and preserve this unique mountain environment. Today's trek ends in a steep climb up to Namche Bazaar. If the weather is clear, we will have our first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu Valley and has a traditional busy market. Hindu traders from the lowlands would meet Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. Upon arrival, we will check into our rooms, change clothes and have some free time for exploration or rest.

Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the magnificent peaks of the Khumbu and has much to offer curious trekkers. In the morning we choose to either visit the Khunde hospital, which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take a walk up to the ridge above Namche for the amazing view of the mountains Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest from the 'Hotel Everest'. The afternoon is free for you to explore! With an abundance of guest houses, tea shops, and souvenir shops, we recommend drinking Chia (tea) and hanging out around the fire with the locals. There are also supply shops and a few ATMs to stock up on snacks and other items; however, supplies are limited and ATMs occasionally do not work. Plan to bring enough rupees with you. 

Trekking Distance: 7.7 miles (11 km)

Elevation Gain: 2,493 feet (760 m)

Trekking Duration: 2-3 hours

Leaving behind Namche Bazaar feels like the moment that you leave civilization behind and enter the high Himalayan forest environment. We continue walking slowly up the peaceful Gokyo Valley which is a local villagers' traffic route for moving supplies with yaks and dzos. Local childern greet us with waves as we pass through a couple small villages. Stunning views of Mt Taboche, Ama Dablam, and Mt. Khumbila open as we climb up and over Mong La pass before descending into Dole where we will rest for the night. 

Trekking Distance: 3.7 miles (6 km)

Elevation Gain: 1,256 feet (383 m)

Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours

We depart on "Nepali flat" terrain (lots of ups and downs) as the way becomes continuous ascent uphill and over yak pastures. Alongside there are several religious shrines and prayer flags, which look spectacular on the high mountain ridge-lines. Today we reach the magical 4000 metre elevation mark so pace yourself and drink plenty of water - this is the day where most people really begin to feel the altitude! 

Trekking Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 km)

Elevation Gain: 1,542 feet (470 m)

Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours

Gokyo sits in the shadow of Cho Oyu (26,739 ft/8150 m), the world's sixth-highest mountain. It also sits on the shore of one of the Gokyo Lakes, the world's highest freshwater lake system. The lakes are considered sacred and are regularly visited by Buddhists and Hindus.

Trekking Distance: 2.8 miles (4.4 km)

Elevation Gain: -105 feet (-32 m)

Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours

Directly next to the village is Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas at 22 miles (36 km). Today, we cross this glacier, traveling over the broken pathways of ice and glacial moraine. The option early morning Gokyo Ri peak climb is no joke. Over the course of a mile, you will gain nearly 1,870 feet (570 m) of elevation. Most people take 3 hours to slowly climb enjoying the views in all directions. From the summit of Gokyo Ri you will have the most spectacular view, including the worlds most famous peaks, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Makalu among plenty of others.

Trekking Distance: 5.8 miles (9.4 km)

Elevation Gain: 366 feet (112 m)

Trekking Duration: 8+ hours

Don't let the elevation change from our starting point to finish fool you. The day up and over the Cho La Pass is exciting and challenging. We are talking about a 8+ hour day that includes over 720m of elevation gain. Cho La Pass is one of the most iconic places to trek while visiting the Himalayas Sagarmatha National Park. You get more stunning views and trek on a glacier during a portion of the trail. You will zig-zag through the flat smooth glacial ice as you descend Cho La Pass. Although it is a tough day, the surrounding landscape is just a beautifully surreal sight to take in!

Trekking Distance: 6.6 miles (10.7 km)

Elevation Gain: 1,096 feet (334 m)

Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours

The trek to Gorek Shep can sometimes be rigorous, as the path can be covered in snow. Once we arrive in Gorak Shep, we will check into our rooms and have lunch. If weather and energy levels permit, some may choose to go for the summit of Kala Patthar. The highest peak of the expedition. Gorak Shep is the highest village that we will sleep in.

Trekking Distance:  2.2 miles (3.5 km)

Elevation Gain:  735 feet (224 m)

Trekking Duration: 5 hours round trip

Early morning, we will begin walking slowly to Everest Base Camp. At base camp, we will celebrate with treats and tears of joy! We will have incredible views of the highest mountains in the world and the famous Khumbu Icefall.

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Contingency day in case the weather did not permit flying out of Gorek Shep yesterday. Provided the weather was good to fly yesterday, today the day is free for visiting Durbar Square, temple hopping, and shopping in Kathmandu. We will join together for a well-earned celebration dinner! Cheers!

Depart Kathmandu to return home or wherever your next adventure takes you. We will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before departure.