Classic Everest trek

We greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the centre of Kathmandu, where our Encounter Travel rep welcomes you, helps you settle in, and explains the agenda for the rest of your tour.

After breakfast you drive out of the Kathmandu Valley by private car/minibus with your guide and porter(s). The drive is on decent black-top roads, through Dhulikel where you can get excellent mountain views, and then descending to the Sun Kosi, one of Nepal's most famous white water rafting rivers. After a while you leave the valley and turn north for the final section through small villages, past terraced fields and beautiful scenery up to Salleri. The total drive today is around 8-9 hours, though you can take a short domestic flight to Phaplu airport, a short distance further up the road, if you'd like to get there more quickly. You spend the night in your first trekking lodge.

Starting in the bustling town of Salleri, todays trail winds through terraced fields and picturesque villages, offering glimpses into the daily lives of the local people. As you ascend, the scenery transforms into lush forests teeming with rhododendrons and other vibrant flora. The air grows crisper, and the views become increasingly breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks dominating the horizon. Along the way, you'll encounter charming tea houses where you can rest and refuel, enjoying warm hospitality and delicious local cuisine. The final stretch to Taksingdo reveals a hidden gem nestled amidst the mountains, a peaceful village where time seems to stand still.

Our route today takes us from Taksingdo to Kharikhola, a delightful journey that meanders through verdant forests, charming villages, and terraced fields, offering glimpses into the serene beauty of the Solukhumbu region. As you leave the tranquil village of Taksingdo behind, the trail descends gradually, revealing captivating vistas of the Dudh Koshi River valley. The air is filled with the sounds of nature - the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the gentle flow of the river. Along the way, you'll encounter friendly locals tending to their crops and livestock, offering warm smiles and greetings. The path is adorned with prayer flags fluttering in the wind, adding a touch of spirituality to the landscape. As you approach Kharikhola, the scenery opens up to reveal panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Numbur Himal. The trek culminates in the welcoming village of Kharikhola, where you can rest and savor the tranquility of the surroundings, preparing for the next leg of your Himalayan adventure.

The route today takes us from Kharikhola to Paiya via Kari. The route is a challenging yet rewarding adventure that takes you through diverse landscapes and offers stunning vistas of the Himalayan giants. The initial ascent from Kharikhola is steep, leading you through rhododendron forests and past cascading waterfalls. As you gain altitude, the air grows thinner and the scenery becomes more dramatic, with snow-capped peaks dominating the horizon. The trail then winds its way to the challenging Kari La pass, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. The descent from Kari La to Paiya is equally exhilarating, taking you through picturesque villages and terraced fields, offering glimpses into the local way of life. This trek is a true test of endurance and determination, but the breathtaking scenery and sense of accomplishment make it an unforgettable experience.

Descending from the scenic village of Paiya, the trail winds its way through lush forests, alongside the rushing Dudh Koshi River. The air is alive with the sounds of nature – the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the gurgling of the river. Along the way, you'll cross suspension bridges that sway gently with each step, offering thrilling glimpses of the turquoise waters below. As you progress, the landscape opens up to reveal breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Thamserku. The trail meanders through charming Sherpa villages, where you can experience the warm hospitality and rich culture of the local people. The final stretch to Phakding takes you through pine forests and alongside terraced fields, offering a sense of tranquility and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead on the Everest Base Camp trek. Upon arrival in Phakding, you'll meet your fellow tour participants who have flown in to Lukla on our shorter Everest Base Camp trek. Situated along the Dudh Kosi river valley, Phakding offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. The village is known for its traditional Sherpa culture, stone houses, and warm hospitality. Visitors can explore the local gompa (Buddhist monastery) or simply relax in one of the many tea houses, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery.

The day starts gently as we make our way along the river to the entrance of the Sagamartha National Park, where we will obtain our trekking permits and register with the park authorities. Soon the trail starts to rise for a long climb up to Namche Bazaar (3,446m), where we stop for the night. Namche Bazaar, often referred to as the "gateway to Everest," is a vibrant Sherpa town perched high in the Himalayas. Its amphitheater-like setting, surrounded by towering peaks, offers awe-inspiring vistas. This bustling trading hub is a melting pot of cultures, where trekkers and mountaineers from across the globe mingle with local Sherpa people. The narrow, stone-paved streets are lined with colorful prayer flags, tea houses, souvenir shops, and bakeries. Namche Bazaar is also home to the Sagarmatha National Park Museum, providing insights into the region's unique ecosystem and Sherpa culture. It's a place to acclimatize, soak in the mountain ambiance, and experience the warmth of Sherpa hospitality.

Today is a free day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatisation - one of the most important things to do on any Everest tour in Nepal. This colourful Sherpa town is a great place to spend time exploring. There are numerous shops and stalls selling everything from cut price trekking gear to Buddhist prayer flags. Its internet cafes, bakeries and cafes are also popular with the many visitors. Of course, if you're not too tired, there are plenty of interesting and scenic day walks you can do if wish. We overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Leaving Namche Bazaar behind our goal today is the village of Thengboche, which lies on top of the next ridge. This means we start the day with a long descent through Rhododendron forests down to the suspension bridge at Phunki Tenga (3,250m). Then we start the climb and it really is a strenuous climb, as now we have to fight against the altitude as well at the steepness of the trail. Eventually we crest the ridge and arrive at Thengboche (3,870m), from where, on a clear day, the views of Everest and Lhotse are magnificent. We overnight at a lodge in Thengboche. Thengboche itself is primarily known for its prominent monastery, which is a beacon of spirituality and serenity, set amidst the awe-inspiring mountain landscape. Its red-roofed buildings, adorned with colorful prayer flags, stand as a testament to the enduring faith of the Sherpa people. The monastery is home to a community of Buddhist monks who dedicate their lives to prayer and meditation, creating an atmosphere of peace and contemplation. Visitors are welcome to witness the monks' daily rituals, explore the monastery's intricate artwork and statues, and soak in the panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other majestic peaks. Thengboche Monastery is not just a religious site; it's a place of profound beauty and cultural significance, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

Today's trekking takes us through beautiful Rhododendron forests as we follow the river up the Imja valley towards Dingboche. Along this stretch of the trail there is a good possibility of spotting the elusive musk deer, an endangered species indigenous to the area. Leaving the forests behind, we end the day with a steep climb up to Dingboche (4,410m). We overnight at a lodge in Dingboche.

Surrounded by towering peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Island Peak, the village of Dingboche offers breathtaking scenery in every direction. Its sprawling fields, dotted with stone walls and grazing yaks, create a sense of tranquility and rural charm. Dingboche is also known for its network of hiking trails, leading to viewpoints like Nangkartshang Peak, offering even more spectacular vistas of the Himalayan giants. With its combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and opportunities for exploration, Dingboche is a highlight for many trekkers on their journey to Everest.

We spend the day in Dingboche acclimatising to the high altitude. This beautiful Sherpa village is a patchwork of small fields enclosed by stonewalls and offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. If you don't feel like resting you can head up the valley towards Chukung for even better views. We overnight at a lodge in Dingboche.

Climbing up from Dingboche we follow the valley high up on one side until we reach Dughla (4,620m) and the entrance to the Khumbu valley. Heading up the Khumbu valley, a steep climb takes us over the Thokla Pass (4,830m) then we follow the edge of the glacial moraine onto Lobuche (4,910m). We overnight at a lodge in Lobuche.

Lobuche is a stark yet captivating village in Nepal's Khumbu region, sits in the shadow of towering peaks, including the majestic Lobuche Peak itself. Its high altitude and rugged terrain create a sense of remoteness and adventure, making it a crucial stop for trekkers acclimatizing before their final push to Everest Base Camp. The village consists of a cluster of stone lodges and tea houses, offering basic comforts and warm hospitality amidst the harsh environment. Despite its starkness, Lobuche boasts incredible views of the surrounding mountains, including the Khumbu Glacier, and the night sky, unpolluted by city lights, is a breathtaking spectacle of stars.

Today we continue up the edge of the Khumbu glacier until we finally reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m). If you're lucky and the timing is right you may see expeditions preparing to climb Mount Everest. After spending some time to enjoy the surroundings and the completion of our goal, we make our way back down to Lobuche. We overnight at a lodge in Gorak Shep.

Starting from Gorak Shep, we ascend to Kalar Pattar, a vantage point renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan giants. This climb, though steep and demanding, is well worth the effort for the unforgettable vistas it offers. From Kalar Pattar, the trail descends gradually towards Dughla, passing through rocky terrain and offering glimpses of the Khumbu Glacier. This section of the trek, while less strenuous than the ascent, requires careful footing due to the uneven path. The journey from Gorak Shep to Dughla via Kala Patthar is a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas and the resilience of those who venture into its embrace.

During this part of our Everest tour in Nepal, we keep our itinerary for today and tomorrow flexible, depending on the weather and how people are handling the altitude.

Having acclimatised well to the altitude and gained some extra fitness on the way up, the trekking feels much easier now as you descend back down the trail towards Lukla. The next three days are flexible and we'll stop at lodges en-route based on how far we feel comfortable walking each day. You'll make regular stops to look back at the high peaks you've come so close to, and the views in front of you and up the side valleys also look and feel very different in this direction.

We continue our descent today, arriving back into Namche Bazaar with its welcome shops, hot water and services. You can even access the internet again here and send messages to update friends and family back home on your progress.

Our trek finishes today with the long walk back down from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. As a final treat, there's a steep climb up to Lukla to finish.

This morning we catch the flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, where we transfer you to your city centre hotel. The rest of the day is free. You can also arrange some tours with your local guide today if you've chosen to add extra nights in Kathmandu.

We've reached the end of our Everest tour in Nepal. Your last day in Kathmandu is free for you to catch up on some last minute souvenir shopping and exploring before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home. As delays and/or cancellations can occasionally occur on flights from Lukla, we strongly recommend adding at least 1 extra night post-tour in Kathmandu.