Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu
Pick-up at Tribhuvan International Airport, meeting with your guide and transfer to the hotel. First impressions of Kathmandu (1 350 m) – walk to medieval Kathmandu Durbar Square and explore the beautiful complex of palaces, temples, shrines and courtyards built by the ancient Nepali kings between the 12th and 18th century. We bring you to our office and Thamel – the vibrant tourist area with hotels, restaurants, bakeries and outdoor shops. We get to know each other over a welcome dinner, check formalities and equipment and discuss your itinerary.

Day 2 – Flight to Lukla & Trek Phakding
We drive to Tribhuvan Domestic Airport to connect our flight to Everest region. After breakfast in Lukla (2 850 m) we start trekking through beautiful settlements to join soon the main trail in Churi Kharka. We follow the east bank of the Dudh Koshi- the River of Milk- where you witness the typical Nepal terrace culture, slate roofed houses and views on Kusum Kangaru (5 579 m). We reach Phakding (2 640 m) after 3 – 4 h gentle walking.

Day 3 – Trek Namche Bazaar
Today we make a challenging hike to Namche Bazaar (3 440 m), situated at 6-7 hours walking from Phakding. We climb up along the west bank of the Dudh Kosi to the tiny village of Toktok. We get our first glimpse of Thamserku peak (6 608 m) and reach Benkar (2 710 m). The cliffs above the village are decorated with huge paintings of Buddhist deities. We cross the colorful suspension bridge and enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo (2 840 m). After Jorsale we follow the riverbank over gravel, climb through a pine forest and cross the Dudh Kosi by a big suspension bridge. Then we face a continuous zigzag ascent of 2 hours through dense pine forests. In the early evening we reach the vibrant center of Namche Bazar, on of the most attractive settlements of Solu-Khumbu district.

Day 4 – Rest day Namche Bazaar
Rest day in Namche. Optional walk to the Sherwi Khangba Sherpa Culture Museum or dayhike to Thame (3 800 m) or Thamo (3 440 m).

Day 5 – Trek Dhole
A short day to aid in acclimatization. Climb steeply out of the valley through a rhododendron forest. The route passes through several kharkas (high altitude summer yak grazing primitive settlements) as well several more substantial settlements until reaching a lodge the few houses of Dole (4 110 m). The views of Khumbila and Tawachee (both 6 000 m peaks) are tremendous throughout the day.

Day 6 – Trek Maccherma
From Dole the trail climbs along the side of the valley high above the river. The rhododendrons give way to scrub juniper. There are kharkas wherever there is a flat spot and hint of water. After crossing a sandy spur, our lodge is reached at the few houses of Maccherma (4 470 m).

Day 7 – Trek Gokyo
Beyond Maccherma the trail climbs a ridge for a great view of Cho Oyo. The valley widens as the trail descends to the Dudh Khosi river and climbs onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. After a steep switchbacked climb the first smally Gokyo Lake is reached. A second larger lake is past and the trail becomes almost level as the large third Gokyo Lake (4 750 m) is reached with its several houses and lodges. This will be our highest lodge in the Gokyo region.

Day 8 – Gokyo Rest day/ Climb to Gokyo Ri
Today you can make a spectacular 2 h long hike to Gokyo Ri, a 5 360 m high hill on the north side of the Dudh Pokhari. From the summit you have a 360 degree panaroma over Cho Oyo, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche and the Ngozumpa Glacier. Another option is an awesome hike up the Gokyo valley past two or three more glacial lakes towards Cho Oyu.

Day 9 – Trek Lungden village via Renjo La Pass

We start early heading for the upper trail west of Gokyo Lake towards Renjo La pass (5 415 m). After climbing a steep sandy ridge for about 1,5 hours we gain the top of the Renjo La where you have fabulous views on 7000 and 8000 m high peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Chalotse and Taboche. Continuing the pass the trail winds down a stone staircase and leads to the south bank of a small serene lake the Angladumba Tsho. After another 2 hours we reach Lungden (4 380 m), our campsite for the day.

Day 10 – Trek Thame village

After late breakfast we hike together with Tibetan yak caravan throwgh medeival villages and seasonal settlements to Thame, a traditional village with slat-roofed Sherpa houses. Only 3 hours we hike today.

Day 11 – Trek to Namche
We head back to the headquarters of Khumbu, the lively village Namche Bazar. We return via the village of Thamo, the hometown of many famous Sherpa climbers. On the way, after crossing the Dud Khosi River, you enjoy close magnificent views of Kongde (6 806 m), Tartikha (6 186 m), Nupla (5 885 m).

Day 12 – Trek to Lukla
We start our 6 hours trek with a streneous descent from Namche Bazar to the Dud Kosi (hard work for the knees), after the path climbs up to Monjo and then runs easily to Bankar, Phakding (lunch break!) and Lukla.

Day 13 – Fly to Kathmandu
Early flight to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy leisure and shopping time in the heart of Thamel.