Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla
(2886m.) and it takes about 30 minutes. Trek from Lukla to
Phakding (2640 m.) which takes approximately three hours.
You transfer to the domestic airport for your flight
to Lukla. Lukla is a small town with an airport. There
are few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores.
You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle
climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh
Koshi river. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance
on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge.
You descend a mountainside path that merges into your
route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right;
and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi
approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat
teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs
and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to
Phakding.
Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche
Bazaar (3440 m.) which takes about four and half hours. The
trail starts along a level path along the right bank. Thamserku
looms skyward on the opposite bank. You cross a stream and
climb the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route, to arrive
at Bengar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the
left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa.
You continue along a path with many ups and downs; cross
a stream, and pass by the tiny village of Monjo. Now
you descend the path of stone steps and return to the
right bank over a wooden bridge. After a short climb
you come to Jorsale’s
teahouse and hotel, also stop at the National Park Service
where a park entrance fee is collected. After your departure
from Jorsale, you enter a forested mountainside. You
follow a short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped
valley where the river forks - the right is the Dudh
Koshi and the left is the Bhote Koshi that leads to Nampa
La. After short distance along the Bhote Koshi, begin
the steep ascent to Namche Bazar. As the mountain path
zigzags uphill, you will emerge at a ridge top rest area
that offers excellent views of Everest (8848m) and Lhotse
(8516m.) The climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazar appears
ahead as you travel along the path surrounded by pines.
Pass the plateau where the Saturday bazaar is held and
enter the village. Namche Bazar (3440m) is surrounded
on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only
where it faces the Bhote Koshi. The village is a central
hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain
climbing equipment may be purchased here.
Day 03: Rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization and excursion
around the places. Namche is tucked away between two
ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has
an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as
well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place
to spend a rest day for acclimatization at the high altitude
before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization
you walk upto Khunde Hospital which was set-up by Sir
Edmund Hillary, or a one hour walk up to the Syangboche
(3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above
Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse,
Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are
also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum
just above the town.
Day 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar
to Thame (3800m) and it takes about four hours. From
Namche the route turns west and the trail is almost
level as you head up the Bhote Koshi Valley, once
a popular trading route into Tibet. Along the way
you pass many prayer flags, Mani walls and carved
stones, all indicative of the Tibetan Buddhist culture
of this area. After descending to the Bhote Koshi
the trail climbs steeply to Thame. From here, there
are good views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche and
Kwangde and to the north is the Nangpa La, the pass
leading to Tibet. Thame Gompa is situated above the
village overlooking the valley and is the site for
the spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival.
You can visit Khumbu Bijuli Power on the banks of
Bhote Koshi. The next place worth visiting is Khare
Monastery.
Day 05: Rest at Thame. In addition
to this, you can visit Thambuchet and Tashi Lapcha Base Camp
which divides Khumbu from Dolakha. You can also hike
to Samdur peak from where spectacular views of Mt. Everest
can be seen.
Day 06: Trek from Thame to Lungden
via Taranga which takes about five hours.
This day you walk around the villages. You can
enjoy the views of landscape, vegetation and mountains.
Day 07: Rest day at Lungden. You
can visit Nakpa Valley which falls on the old trade
route of Tibet. Another attraction is to hike to
Darkyachhulung peak. You can also visit Marlung
sacred site of Warfield. Yet another hike can be
done to Lake Cho Relmo.
Day 08: Trek from Lungden to Gokyo
via Renjola Pass and it takes about six hours. On the way
you can observe local activities like yak herding. The
views of mountain and chance to experience wildlife
add a fun to your trekking.
Day 09: Rest day at Gokyo and excursion in and around
Gokyo valley.
Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people
run lodges to provide the best services to the
trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa
glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. This day
you can make a side trip to Fifth Lake via Forth
Lake.
Or you can trek from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri. Gokyo Ri
looms above the village on the northern edge of
the lake and you leave camp just after first light,
following a steep path up the hillside. As you
climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu
slowly come into sight and the view from the summit
of Gokyo Ri itself, is one of the finest to be
had in the Everest region - some say it is even
better than that from Kala Patthar.
Day 10: Trek from Gokyo to Dole via
Machhermo and it takes about five hours.
It is a short walk to the village of Machermo following
Dudh Koshi stream. There are yak pastures and few
human settlements. From here you can have an excellent
view of Tawoche. While trekking from Machhermo
to Dole you can enjoy the views of mountains, landscapes
and river.
Day 11: Trek from Dole to Namche and
it takes about five hours. On the way you can view landscapes,
settlements and mountains. The local activities
like yak herding can be seen.
Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to
Lukla (2886 m.) and it takes about six hours. The last day
of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla.
The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill
climbs and then down to the Bhote- Koshi River
crossing it three times. The last uphill climb
of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your
overnight stay.
Day 13: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. You take an
early morning flight back to Kathmandu.
