Everest Luxury Lodge Trek

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal! Fly to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu where a traditional welcome awaits you at the airport. You will be escorted to your hotel and receive a short tour briefing from your guide. Enjoy your first evening with a traditional Nepali welcome dinner.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then take a guided sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley, exploring some famous attractions of this vibrant city. Visit the famous Buddhist temple called Stupa Swayambunath, or the “Monkey Temple”. Thanks to its location high on a hill, from here you’ll see an incredible view of the mountains and the Kathmandu Valley surrounding you. Stupa Swayambunath is the oldest and most mysterious shrine in Kathmandu, attracting tourists and Buddhist visitors from all over the world with its white dome and sparkling gold spire.

Travel next to the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple on the Indian subcontinent, with a crematorium beside it. The last stop on your tour is Patan Durbar Square where you can see beautiful temples and palaces from centuries past, each an amazing example of traditional Nepalese architecture.

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,845 m/9,334’), viewing the incredible Himalayas from above. When you arrive, meet your trekking crew and take a short break for tea. Then your trek begins with a short and easy warm-up, but it may feel challenging since the elevation is much higher than Kathmandu. Begin your trek northward to the Dudh Koshi Valley and descend from the plateau into the forests of the valley. After a lunch break, continue north, crossing several streams, to reach Phakding (2,650 m/8,694’). Spend the night in the Phakding settlement, surrounded by inspirational views.

Today’s hike takes you through settlements and across farmland on your way to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft). The trail follows the Dudh Kosi River northward, beautiful magnolia, fir, and rhododendron forests. After crossing the Bhote Kosi, the western fork of the river, the trail climbs steeply up toward Namche Bazaar, the largest of the Sherpa villages. Often called the Gateway to Mount Everest, Namche Bazaar is prosperous thanks to its role as an important center for trade. A market bazaar is held here weekly, gathering sellers from many local villages to sell fresh food.

Today is a day for rest and acclimatization Namche Bazaar. This allows time for your body to adjust to the altitude. It is important that you are staying active even on this rest day, as this will be helpful as you continue your trek. Take a short hike to explore the nearby villages of Thamo or Synboche and prepare yourself both physically and mentally to continue your journey.

Today, after breakfast, you will have an early start. Leave Namche Bazaar and trek to the village of Thame (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). Thame is the largest village in this valley, and many famous Sherpa mountaineers and climbers were born here. Among them is Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who climbed Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953 and was the first Sherpa to reach the summit. Another famous Thame-born Sherpa was Appa Sherpa, who holds the record for climbing to the peak of Everest an impressive 21 times. Here in Thame, you will have the chance to learn more about Sherpa culture and traditions by interacting with the local people. You will also have the opportunity to explore both the village and the monastery while you’re here.

Explore Thame on this wonderful day that may turn out to be the highlight of your tour. Today’s amazing trek takes you to the Khumbu Valley to explore the rich valley and its monasteries. Hike to a small peak for lovely views. You will be delighted by the hospitality that the local Sherpa people will show you during your visit. They will gladly teach you more about their culture and traditions and share inspiring stories of mountaineering. You’ll also enjoy meeting local artists. Return to your hotel in Thame at the end of this fantastic day.

Return today to the village of Namche Bazaar, following the trail through forests of pine trees. Stopping for lunch along the way, you should get to Namche during the afternoon. The rest of your day is free for shopping or exploring as you wish.

Leave Namche today, and as you pass through Khumjung you will see one of the schools that Sir Edmund Hillary founded to benefit the Sherpa people. When you have climbed the hill, you can look back down over the Namche Bazaar village that you have just left. Notice that the landscape becomes increasingly green, with more varieties of trees and bushes growing as you descend. You’ll pass several lovely streams and beautiful waterfalls along the way. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Monjo (2,850 m/9,350’).

Your trek ends today with a steep hike down to the Dudh Kosi River, then a long but gentle walk to Lukla. There will be plenty of time in the afternoon to explore Lukla or to simply rest after your trek. Spend the night in Lukla (2,850 m/9,350’) and prepare to return to Kathmandu tomorrow.

Enjoy more incredible views on your return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. After landing, you will have several hours free for exploring the city, shopping, sightseeing, or simply finding a great cafe or roof-top restaurant. Reward yourself with some fun and rest to celebrate completing the trek.

Enjoy a leisurely, unscheduled day in Kathmandu. This extra day is included in your itinerary in case bad weather impacts your travel plans. If everything has gone according to plan, this day in Kathmandu is free to spend as you wish. Your guide can recommend points of interest or shopping areas that you haven’t seen yet, or you can choose to just rest and relax today before your journey home.

Sadly, your Everest Luxury Lodge tour has come to an end. Depending on your flight time, you may have additional time today to explore Kathmandu before leaving for the airport. An airport representative will escort you to the airport and help you as needed. Have a wonderful journey!