To the foot of Chomolungma
Everest “Chomolungma” in Sherpa and Tibetan, meaning “Mother Goddess of the World,” is the dream of daring climbers and trekkers alike. This moderate-to-challenging trek is the most popular in Nepal, offering a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Everest Base Camp and up Kalapathar for unbeatable views of the mountain itself. A good level of fitness is essential, since the walking is strenuous at times and the altitude is real, but the scenery here is arguably the finest in the country.
From Lukla, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi valley up to Namche Bazaar, passing beneath snow peaks and through friendly Sherpa villages. Chomolungma (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,511 m), Nuptse (7,879 m), Makalu (8,481 m), Ama Dablam (6,856 m), and Thamserku and Cholatse stand watch over the entire route.
Itinerary
Itinerary at glance
Welcome to Nepal. Transfer to hotel.
Morning visit to the Monkey Temple, then a 3 hr drive to Manthali for the night — Lukla flights operate from here in busier seasons.
Early flight to Lukla, then a 5 hr hike down the Dudh Koshi valley to Phakding or Monjo.
3–4 hrs. Enter Sagarmatha National Park and follow the Dudh Koshi River up to the Khumbu's bustling trading hub.
Rest day in Namche. A ridge walk rewards you with sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam; explore the market in the afternoon.
5 hrs. Lunch at Mongla, then descend to the Dudh Koshi and climb to the quiet village of Phortse home to musk deer.
3 hrs. A high contouring trail above the Imja Khola with magnificent views of Chomolungma and Ama Dablam.
5–6 hrs. Visit Tengboche monastery, cross the Imja Khola, and pass Somare before reaching Dingboche.
A ridge walk above Dingboche delivers spectacular views — Ama Dablam, Lobuche East, Makalu and more.
6 hrs. Onto the terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier, passing memorials to climbers lost on Everest.
8 hrs. Cross the Changri Nup Glacier via Gorakshep, then walk the Khumbu Glacier to Base Camp beneath the Khumbu Icefall.
5–6 hrs. The trek's true high point a 360° panorama of Everest's southwest face, Lhotse, Pumori, and Tibet before descending.
6–7 hrs. An easier day, settling at Tengboche to visit its famous monastery, built in 1916.
5 hrs, retracing the trail back down the valley.
A gentler descent day along the Dudh Koshi.
Final trekking day, back to the gateway of the Khumbu.
Scenic return flight to the capital.
Free day for rest, shopping or sightseeing.
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
What's included
- All hotels in Kathmandu are twin-sharing, bed & breakfast basis.
- All airport transfers and domestic flights
- All meals and lodging on the trek
- Guides, porters/pack animals, and permits/park fees
- Porters' insurance
- One O₂ expedition cylinder for the worst-case scenario
- A group medical kit.
NOT INCLUDED
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Tips for the support crew
- Personal expenditure: laundry, drinks, phone calls, pay for showers along the way
- Visas or international departure taxes
- Travel insurance & emergency evacuation costs (mandatory).
