Guided sightseeing tour Kathmandu

• Swayambhunath Temple ~ UNESCO World Heritage site 

• Patan Durbar Square ~ UNESCO World Heritage site 

• Bouddhanath ~ UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the largest stupas in the world.

• Trek Briefing  

• Shop for any remainder trekking gear or things for the rest of the days | Guide will help take you to the trekking equipment store in Thamel.

Flight time: 35 to 40 minutes

Trek time: 3 to 4 hours

Trek Distance: 6.2 km/3.8 miles

Max Altitude: 2,800 m/9448 FT

Rise at 3AM to drive to Manthali Airport. (packed breakfast) 

It is an early morning start to fly into Lukla the gateway destination from where our trek begins , where we will meet the rest of the crew and is also one of the highest airports in the world.   Enjoy one of the most beautiful air routes in the world on a hillside surrounded by mountainous peaks.  The trail leads you across the Hillary Suspension Bridge and through several remote villages, before reaching Sagarmatha National Park. Once we obtain the necessary permits for the sanctuary, we ascend through the forest, where breathtaking views of Mt. Everest become readily visible, passing a monastery, and seeing perhaps your first mani (prayer) wall. 

Trek time: 6 hours

Trek Distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

Day hike up to 3,700 m (12,139 ft)

Namche Bazaar offers a wealth of activities, and you'll wake up to another stunning morning with breathtaking mountain views from your room. It's important to clarify a common misconception about the acclimatization day: it’s not a rest day but rather an opportunity for exploration. Despite the challenging ascent into Namche Bazaar, don’t expect a day of lounging or shopping in local stores. Instead, our team will guide you to experience the true essence of Namche Bazaar. After breakfast, we’ll embark on a gentle hike to the Everest View Hotel, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and more.   

Trek time: 5 to 6 hours

Trek Distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

Max Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,287 FT

Today is one of the highlights of the trek: the journey into Namche Bazaar. You’ll start by walking through a picturesque pine forest alongside the Dudh Koshi River, passing through Chumoa and Monjo, where you’ll reach the entrance to Everest National Park. After crossing a suspension bridge, the trail continues past Jorsale village and follows the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. This well-traveled path will bring you into contact with locals, fellow trekkers, and a steady stream of yaks and porters. Known for its challenging, consistent uphill sections, the route ultimately leads to the vibrant Sherpa heartland of Namche Bazaar. About an hour before reaching Namche, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

Trek time: 6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 3950 M/12,959 FT

We ascend steeply out of the valley, moving through vibrant rhododendron forests and gradually encountering junipers and large conifers as the elevation increases, with the landscape. . The trail leads us past yak pastures and Khumjung Hill, and includes a visit to Mohang, the birthplace of the reincarnated Lama from Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet, who is believed to have introduced Buddhism to the Khumbu region.  The trail diverges from the main Everest Base Camp route and winds through Mong La Pass after nearly two hours of trekking.   As you navigate these paths, you’ll have the opportunity to catch glimpses of the stunning Ama Dablam and Mt. Khumbila..  Reaching the village involves a downhill descent through rhododendron and pine forests. From there, the path continues to the riverside village of Phortse Thenga before ascending to Dole. The final stretch involves a steep uphill climb to the village.

Trek Time: 5 Hours

Maximum Altitude:  44700M/14,665FT

The trail ascends towards Machhermo, offering a ridge with stunning views both down the valley to Kengtega and up towards Cho Oyu. It then descends to a river before climbing steeply to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Along the way, you'll pass through a rhododendron forest and a waterfall before reaching Tongba Village. The expansive mountain valleys here will provide excellent inspiration for our photographer to demonstrate compositional techniques. We’ll spend the night in Machhermo.

Trek time: 5 hours

Maximum Altitude: 4750M/15,584FT

We embark on an exhilarating journey along a stunning trail to Pangka, where we then descend to the riverbank. From there, we tackle a steep ascent up the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier. As we climb a rugged, rocky incline beside the glacier, we encounter our first sacred lake and spot ancient lama footprints etched into the stone.

Continuing our adventure, we reach the second lake, crossing a path that leads over the glacier towards Cho La, our gateway to Lobuche and Everest. The mesmerizing Taboche Tsho greets us with its dazzling turquoise waters sparkling under the sun. We then arrive at Dudh Pokhari, with Gokyo perched on its eastern shore. As we stroll alongside this enchanting lake, we are captivated by the breathtaking reflections of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang in its emerald-green depths.

Trek Time: 3 Hours

Maximum Altitude: 5,400 M/17,717 FT

After a revitalizing morning yoga session and a hearty breakfast, we’ll embark on the climb to Gokyo Ri, renowned for its spectacular vistas.   Today, after acclimating to the high altitude at Gokyo and enjoying a revitalizing morning yoga session and hearty breakfast, we’ll set out on an exhilarating trek to Gokyo Ri.  Weather permitting, the climb will reward us with breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas and the tranquil Gokyo Lakes from this renowned vantage point.

From this vantage point, perched on the edge of the 5th lake, we'll be dazzled by the majestic peaks of Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. We’ll also have the chance to marvel at the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the world. This awe-inspiring setting will be the perfect backdrop for our photographer’s first full photoshoot, offering a unique opportunity to learn and observe photographic techniques as he captures the stunning scenery and our adventure. We’ll spend the night in the serene Gokyo Valley.

Trek Time: 6-7 Hours

Maximum Altitude:  4038 M/13,248 FT

We’ll embark on an exhilarating descent along the trail by the Dudh Koshi River, passing the stunning Gokyo Lakes while soaking in the dramatic views of Taboche and Cholatse peaks. After a challenging climb up a hill, we’ll gradually descend, continuing our journey past chortens. 

At the edge of these chortens (stupas), we'll be treated to captivating vistas of Cho Oyu, Kangtega, and Thaserku mountains.  Our trek will lead us through the charming villages of Machhermo, Lhafarma, and Luza before arriving at Dole, where we’ll spend the night.

• Trek Time: 6-7 Hours
• Maximum Altitude: 3440 M/11,286 FT

We’ll embark on an exhilarating descent down a steep path towards Phortse Thanga, navigating through vibrant rhododendron forests and past cascading waterfalls. Along the way, keep an eye out for Himalayan pheasants, musk deer, and mountain goats. 

As we continue towards Mong, the awe-inspiring sight of Mount Khumbila will greet us once again.  From Mong, we’ll trek towards Namche, where we’ll be treated to spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kantega, and Taboche peaks

Trek Time: 6-7 Hours

Maximum Altitude: 2860 M/9383 FT

Today, we'll retrace our steps from Phakding to Namche, navigating the rugged terrain that tested us on day 02. With our legs feeling the strain, we'll need to tread carefully across the rocky paths. However, once we cross the suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, the trail will smooth out, offering a welcome respite for our weary legs.

As we make our way back, we'll have a special opportunity to reflect on our journey and express our gratitude. Tonight is our final chance to thank, greet, and offer tips to the incredible crew who have supported us since Lukla.

Today, we bid a heartfelt farewell to the enchanting Khumbu region as we catch our flight back to Kathmandu. Once we check in at the hotel, you'll have some free time to dive into the vibrant streets of Thamel for shopping or exploration. In the evening, we'll come together for a special farewell dinner organized by the Rugged Trails Nepal team, celebrating the unforgettable memories we've made. Spend your last night in Kathmandu soaking in the city's energy and reflecting on our incredible journey.

On this departure day, you'll be transferred from the hotel to the airport, marking the poignant moment when you say goodbye to Nepal. For those with extra time to linger in this beautiful land, our trekking host will be available to help you make the most of your extended stay. It’s a bittersweet farewell, but we hope the memories of your journey will stay with you long after you’ve left.