Why This Trip?
Altitude-First Itinerary Design: Extra acclimatisation where it matters most—Namche and Dingboche—reducing risk while maximising performance above 5,000 m.
Kala Patar at Its Best:Timed for optimal light and conditions—the finest viewpoint of Everest, Nuptse and the Khumbu Icefall.
Expert Mountain Leadership: Experienced high-altitude guides and professional porter teams—not volume-driven logistics.
Thoughtful Daily Distances: Deliberately broken up traditionally long days at extreme altitude (Lobuche → Gorak Shep → EBC), improving safety and enjoyment.
Beyond the Main Trail: Alternative routing via Phortse and Mon La offers quieter trails and deeper immersion into Sherpa mountain life.
- Touch down at Tribhuvan International Airport, where your private transfer will smoothly carry you into the lively heart of Kathmandu
- Settle in with a briefing on the adventure ahead, before spending the evening dining at your leisure among Kathmandu’s atmospheric cafés and restaurants
Please note: Due to air traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority may occasionally reroute all flights to the Everest region during peak trekking seasons (April–May and October–December) to an alternative airstrip in Ramechhap, which is approximately a five-hour drive from Kathmandu.
If this occurs, we will add one extra day to the itinerary. Day 2 will be scheduled for the drive to Ramechhap, with an overnight stay at a simple local hotel near the airport, followed by the flight to Lukla the next morning.
Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House OR Choice of Accommodation
Included Meals: None
- Transfer to the airport for a thrilling mountain flight to Lukla, landing on one of the world’s most dramatic airstrips
- Meet your expert porter team, who’ll support you throughout the trek ahead
- Set off on a gentle introduction to the trail, descending through forested paths into the river valley below walk to the village of Phakding (2,610 m)
Total walking time today is approximately 3 to 5 hours. The walking distance is around 10 km, with an approximate 650m descent and 390m ascent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Phakding
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Follow the trail beside the rushing river, weaving through fragrant pine forests towards the small settlement of Jorsale
- Cross the river via suspension and plank bridges, with your first distant glimpse of Everest’s summit likely appearing above the Nuptse ridge after around two hours on the trail
- Take on a rewarding 2–3 hour climb as the Everest Base Camp route winds steadily uphill to the vibrant Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar
Total walking time today is approximately 5 to 6 hours. The walking distance is around 10 km, with 1150 m of ascent and 400 m of descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Namche Bazaar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Spend the day acclimatising at 3,440 m, giving your body time to adjust while keeping activity light and unhurried
- Explore the lively streets of Namche Bazaar, home to colourful souvenir shops, cosy cafés, welcoming bars and a much-loved German bakery
- Opt for an acclimatisation walk to the Museum of Sherpa Culture, gaining insight into local history and mountain life
- Enjoy outstanding Himalayan panoramas from a nearby Everest viewpoint, with unforgettable views of Everest and the striking peak of Ama Dablam
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Namche Bazaar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- A steep climb out of Namche greets you with spectacular views of the main valley with Everest sitting behind the Nuptse Ridge
- Contouring the hillside with a couple of shorter but steep climbs to arrive in Imja Khola
- Cross the river via a bridge, a steady climb up the ridge and you reach the village of Thyangboche (3,860m)
- Renowned for its great views (of Ama Dablam in particular) and the monastery here, seek a blessing for the challenges that lie ahead
Total walking time is approximately 6 to 7 hours. The walking distance is 11km with around 870m of ascent and 420m of descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Thyangboche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Gradually ascent and make your way ultimately to Dingboche (4,410m)
- Pass Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the region
- At 4,410m tonight, another acclimatisation day is necessary tomorrow
Total walking time is approximately 6 hours. The walking distance is 11.5km with around 870m of ascent and 415m of descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Dingboche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
It’s good practise to aim to go a little higher and then to come back down again as it gives the body the best chance to acclimatise. An acclimatisation day isn’t necessarily a rest day as such.
- Hike up into the Imja Valley towards Chukung where you’re greeted with expansive glacier and peak views
- Return to Dingboche for the night
The walking distance is 10.5km with around 440m of ascent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Dingboche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Today is a short but demanding ascent because of the higher altitude
- Pass by the memorials built for fallen Sherpas and climbers before arriving in Lobuche (4,940m)
Total walking time is approximately 5 to 6 hours. The walking distance is 8.5km with around 650m of ascent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lobuche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lobuche is traditionally where trekkers begin the long walk to Base Camp, but this makes for a very demanding day. We prefer to break the journey into stages, particularly given the high altitude, which can make even gentle walks feel far more strenuous than they would at lower elevations.
- Hike up to Gorak Shep (5140m)
- Lodges will be increasingly more basic
- Rest and prepare for EBC
Total walking time is approximately 3 to 4 hours. The walking distance is 5.5km with around 300m of ascent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Gorak Shep
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Trek from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp and back, despite the short distance, the walk will be challenging due to extreme altitude
- Spend time exploring Everest Base Camp, soaking up the unique atmosphere and sense of achievement
- Take in striking views of the Khumbu Icefall and Everest’s west shoulder
Total walking time is approximately 6 hours. The walking distance is 7km with around 200m of ascent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Gorak Shep
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Rise early for the ascent of Kala Patar (5,500 m), which we believe to be the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the trek, the best viewpoint of Sagarmatha (Everest)
- Returning to Gorak Shep, walk back down to Lobuche and then onto Pheriche (4,270m)
Total walking time is approximately 7 to 8 hours. The walking distance is 16km with around 500m of ascent and 1400m descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Pheriche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Descend back down to Phortse
Total walking time is approximately 6 to 7 hours. The walking distance is 14km with around 450m of ascent and 1300m descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Phortse
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Descend to the Dudh Khosi before tackling another a zig-zag climb up to Mon La
- With a slight deviation from the main trail, follow an easier contouring trail along the hillside, then descend back down to Namche Bazaar
- Continue on familiar ground, descending further to Monjo
Total walking time today is approximately 6 to 7 hours. The walking distance is around 14km with 650m of ascent and 1,350m of descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Monjo
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Follow the valley trail past Phakding before beginning the steady climb back up to Lukla
Total walking time today is approximately 5 hours. The walking distance is around 13.5 km with 670m of ascent and 580m of descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lukla
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Take an adrenaline-filled flight from Lukla, soaring out of the Himalayas and back to Kathmandu
- On arrival, enjoy a private transfer from the airport to the KGH Hotel
We recommend allowing extra contingency time for potential flight delays or unforeseen changes, which can occasionally occur on this route or during the trek
Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu OR Hotel of Choice
Included Meals: Breakfast
- A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight (approx. 3hrs before departure)
Included Meals: Breakfast
This itinerary is fully customisable, allowing flexibility for acclimatisation, weather, overland travel delays and personal pacing.
