Everest Scenic Trek
If you have ever wanted to experience Nepal but felt you never really had a lot of time to get on a trail and gain some altitude, well then this is the trip for you. Expedition Base has developed some Nepal trips of 10 days or less to give you a nice ‘taste’ of Nepal to take back home with you. On this trip, there is an optional add-on to take a scenic helicopter flight to see a bit more of Nepal that you would otherwise not see in the short amount of time that you have, and to get right up close views of Mt Everest.
It is also a trip that can have a lot of trekking or not so much - based on what you would like to see and do. The itinerary for this trek takes you through the beautiful and awe-inspiring regions of the popular Sagarmatha National Park, home to the world’s highest mountain, Mt Everest. This trail journeys into the heartland of the Sherpa people. Sherpas live in this lush low alpine landscape of ever changing vegetation and dry high altitude scrubland, alongside the highest mountains in the world.
This adventure will provide an insight into the rich Buddhist culture of the Sherpa people and their traditional way of life. Expect to see sights of Ama Dablam (6,856m), Mt Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m) and Nuptse, as you make your way along the trail. In the northern spring, the valley is awash with towering rhododendron trees of various colours and large white magnolia trees. The northern spring also brings mountaineers from around the world with their goal being to stand at the summit of Mt Everest.
Our route begins from the gateway airport village of Lukla at 2,840m. We will follow along beside the Dudh Khosi river on the valley floor, passing through farming villages of mixed Tamang, Rai and Sherpa communities. After Monjo, we then make a steep ascent over several hours up to Namche Bazaar, the main village of the Khumbu and the traditional trading centre of the Sherpas. On our way, however, we have a chance if weather permits to get our first view of Mt Everest, part way up to Namche. We have lots of time to see Namche, with the option of also walking to the villages of Khumjung, Khunde and Thame. Then, after a little bit more time in Namche, we descend back down the valley to Phakding for the night, before trekking a couple more hours to Lukla for our flight back to Kathmandu. Once here, you will have another full day to experience Kathmandu – we can arrange some sightseeing for you at some of Kathmandu’s 5 World Heritage sites, or the day is yours to explore as you wish.
Trip Facts
| Trip Highlights
Inclusions Trekking permit fees, 3 nights in Kathmandu hotel equivalent to Hotel Tibet or Radisson (Lazimpat or similar), experienced trekking guides, team transport in Nepal, internal fixed wing flights, teahouse accommodation on trek, extensive high altitude wilderness first aid kit, all meals outside Kathmandu plus breakfast in Kathmandu, porters to carry personal/group equipment on trek, plus receive complimentary trekking duffel. (All accommodation is on a twin share basis - single share can be arranged on request at an additional cost). Exclusions International flights to and from Kathmandu, optional add-on helicopter scenic flight, lunch and dinners in Kathmandu (allow USD $10-15 per meal), aerated and alcoholic beverages, personal items (e.g. phone calls, internet, laundry), tips, travel insurance (incl. early departure, evacuation / rescue) and personal trekking gear. |
Trip Map | Short Itinerary Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu Day 2: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m), trek to Monjo (2,840m) ~5-6 hrs Day 3: Trek Monjo (2,840m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) ~5 hrs Day 4: Rest day in Namche Day 5: Trek Namche (3,440m) to Thame (3,750m) ~ 6 hrs return Day 6: Namche Bazaar (3,740m) to Phakding (2,610m) ~ 3-4 hrs Day 7: Phakding to Lukla (2,840m) ~ 2-3 hrs Day 8: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu, stay in Kathmandu Day 9: In Kathmandu Day 10: Depart Kathmandu |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive KathmanduToday, you arrive in magical Kathmandu. An Expedition Base representative will collect you from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport. It’s then a free day to recover from your international flight. Later in the day, there will be a team briefing, gear check and welcome team dinner. For those with an early arrival, there is a good chance you will want to dip your toes into Kathmandu by a short walk to the main tourist area of vibrant Thamel. | |
Day 2 | Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m), trek to Monjo (2,840m) ~5-6 hrsOur day begins with an early morning 40 min or so flight to Lukla. Once in Lukla, we have a short break to organize porters and gear before starting our day’s walk in the crisp mountain air, descending and ascending to Monjo, our stop for the night. This region is Buddhist so remember to walk clockwise or to the left of mani walls (keeping them on your right) and prayer flag poles. | |
Day 3 | Trek Monjo (2,840m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) ~5 hrsBefore leaving Monjo, we’ll check into the Sagarmatha National Park Information Centre. On a clear day, you can catch your first view of Mt Everest from a lookout about mid-way up the hill to Namche. Once in Namche, you have the afternoon to rest, do last minute gear shopping or catch locals enjoying the Saturday market. There are lots of great cafes in which to relax and enjoy special treats. | |
Day 4 | Rest day in NamcheToday is a rest day in Namche, with optional excursions. In the morning, you can walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche to enjoy panoramic views and you can explore the villages of Khunde and/or Khumjung. Alternatively, you may want to take an optional helicopter ride up the valley to get views of Mt Everest, the Khumbu Icefall, and other Himalayan Giants. The afternoon is free for exploring Namche, or relaxing, as you wish. | |
Day 5 | Trek Namche (3,440m) to Thame (3,750m) ~ 6 hrs returnFor those who wish, you can take a walk today to the village of Thame, have lunch and then return by mid-afternoon to Namche. Thame was one of last year-round villages on the salt trading route that existed between Nepal, Tibet and India. It was also the childhood village of the famous Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who reached the summit of Mt Everest with (Sir) Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953. Thame is a small but endearing settlement and the trail is worth it for the views, and the villages you pass through make this a very enjoyable side trip. | |
Day 6 | Namche Bazaar (3,740m) to Phakding (2,610m) ~ 3-4 hrsThere is a good chance that you want to spend an hour or two in Namche Bazaar before you head off down the trail to Phakding, so we have a leisurely start to the day to allow you to do this. As we descend the big hill from Namche, there is one last chance to say goodbye to Mt Everest (for this trip, at least). | |
Day 7 | Phakding to Lukla (2,840m) ~ 2-3 hrsEnjoy the sights of the mani walls around Ghat and other villages, as we make our way back to Lukla. This is our last opportunity to take in the Buddhist culture that has prevailed throughout the trip before returning to the melting pot of cultures found in Kathmandu. | |
Day 8 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu, stay in KathmanduAn early morning flight out of Lukla back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy a rest, shower or a massage! You will be reflecting on what an awesome trip this has been. | |
Day 9 | In KathmanduYour last day to take in some sightseeing, shopping, or relax and prepare for departure. If you didn’t make it to Bhaktapur or the other durbar squares in Patan/Kathmandu, maybe add to your adventures for today. | |
Day 10 | Depart KathmanduGoodbye Kathmandu and Nepal... until next time. See you again soon! We will be sad to see you go. |
Expedition Base Pvt. Ltd.Bansbari-3, Kathmandu, Nepal, Tel: +977 01 4371291 www.expeditionbase.com |  |