Everest Base Camp Trek

Today depart Australia (or New Zealand) for Kathmandu!

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport (1345m above sea level), where you'll be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling some flights may depart on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive around 6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: In-Flight

Following breakfast this morning, you will set out for a sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley (entrance fees not included- payable to guide – Approx- US $25.00), which takes in Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath (also known as the ‘monkey temple’) in the morning, followed by sightseeing in Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in the afternoon.
 
Kathmandu is home to a wonderful mix of the ancient and the new and includes Western influences that make visiting the capital an interesting experience. Some of the sites you visit are declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and you will truly enjoy visiting these ancient monuments and learning about their fascinating history.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: Breakfast

After an early breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu, transfer to Kathmandu Airport (or Manthali Airport) for an early morning scenic flight (approx. 35 minutes) to the small mountain airport of Lukla.

After arriving in Lukla (2886m), your trekking guide will introduce you to the porters who will assist with carrying your luggage throughout the trek. Afterwards, the trekking will begin, following the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi river. Today’s trekking is easy and takes about 3-4 hours to reach Phakding (2610m) where you will spend the night.

Please note: Due to dramatic increases in traffic congestion at TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu) and the increasing number of Lukla flights from TIA, an arrangement has been made to operate most Lukla flights from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap instead of TIA during the 2023 peak hiking season. This is an ongoing agreement between the Civil Aviation Association of Nepal (CAAN) and the airlines operating flights to Lukla.

If your flight is affected, you will be required to rise early this morning (approx. 2-3am) to travel to Manthali Airport to catch an early morning flight to Lukla in time to start the trek. Breakfast will still be provided along the trip. The travel time to Manthali Airport from Kathmandu is about 4-5 hours depending on traffic, this is why an early start is required.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After having breakfast at the lodge, start trekking toward Namche Bazaar. The trek follows the Dudh Koshi River which you will cross a few times before stopping in Jorsale for lunch.

After lunch, continue through the pines for a few hours before the spectacular views of Namche Bazaar appear ahead. Namche Bazaar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Dudh Koshi.

The village is a central hub of the area. Food, drinks and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.

The approx. hiking time today is 6 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The Namche Bazaar (3440m) is tucked away between two ridges, amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops - not to mention a magnificent outlook.

It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimating to the high altitude before heading towards Everest Base Camp. Today to assist in the acclimatization, you will walk up to Khumjung Village through Everest View Hotel in Syangboche to see a stunning view of the Himalayas including Mount Everest.

The Khumjung is densely populated by the Sherpa community and there is an old monastery, which you will visit before returning to the lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

This morning’s trekking offers excellent panoramic views of Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kangrib.

After walking a few hours along relatively flat zigzagging paths, we descend to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga. Afterwards, climb through Rhododendron Forest to the Tengboche Monastery. Situated at 3,867m, the monastery is the largest gompa in the Khumbu region of Nepal.

Check into the lodge and spend the afternoon looking around the Monastery and surrounding area at leisure.

The approx hiking time today is 5 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Begin today’s trekking by descending through Rhododendron Forest to the Imja Khola River where you will cross an exciting suspension bridge. Pass by a long Mani stone wall to enter the village of Pangboche before continuing through summer pastures to Dingboche village (4260m).

Check into the lodge and enjoy your evening at leisure.

The approx. hiking time today is 5 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

An important acclimatisation/rest day today with a casual walk where you will witness the breathtaking views of the North face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as you explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak.

The walk is short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

From Dingboche, ascend the small ridge above the Pheriche valley. From the stupa at the top, Taweche and Cholatse (6440m) make for a pretty striking scene; they seem to lean forwards from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuje Peak (6119m) and the snowfields of the Cho La are the kings of the skyline. The walking will now be fairly flat on wide-open fields. Late in the morning you will cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla and take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off Everest.

In the afternoon, there will be a solid and quite steep climb on a rocky trail to the top of the moraines. On the crest of the ridge, you’ll pass a line of memorial cairns (stacks of stones), built in memory of the Sherpas and climbers who have died on various Everest expeditions over the last fifty or so years.

From here the view is downright spectacular once again, with Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), and across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550m) surrounding you. Then follow the valley stream to the lodge at Lobuche (4930m), arriving early afternoon.

The approx. hiking time today is 5 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The day you’ve been waiting for – the legendary Everest Base Camp.

From Lobuche, follow the broad valley that runs parallel to Khumbu Glacier. When you reach the moraines of Changri Nup Glacier, you will make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns that eventually leads to the surprising glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5160m) – reached after about three hours of walking. Here you have lunch and leave all your belongings at the lodge where you’ll stay tonight.

Now’s the time to head to Everest Base Camp! The trek to base camp takes around three hours. From base camp you won’t get views of Mount Everest, however, you will be able to see glaciers, caves, lakes and what’s regarded as technically the most dangerous and hardest section to climb Everest, the Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm.

Trek back to the lodge in Gorak Shep for an early night - tomorrow morning is one to remember.

The approx hiking time today is 6-7 hours

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Rise early this morning to avoid the morning clouds as we climb to Kala Patthar peak (5545m.) to witness the best views of Everest. These panoramic views of Mount Everest at sunrise are truly incredible. You will also be able to see a number of iconic Himalayan mountain peaks like Mount Pumori, Mount Lingtren, Mount Khumbetse, Mount Nuptse, Mount Lhotse, Mount Ama Dablam, Mount Thamserku and many more.

The ascent is quite steep, so start very slowly and try to ascend at a steady rhythmic pace. Kala Patar is the rocky hilltop below Pumori. It’s a tough walk because of the altitude, but the view from the top will surpass your wildest imagination.

Hike back around one hour to Gorak Shep to enjoy breakfast, pack your bags and set off to Lobuche and Thugla, where you will stop for lunch.

Then you’ll cross the Khumbu Khola and head down the valley below Cholatse to Pheriche (4243m), where you will stop for the night. Today is a tough walking day however it’s all downhill from here.

The approx. hiking time today is 7 hours

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After having breakfast at the lodge, start trekking back towards Namche Bazaar (3441m).

Today’s trekking is at an easier descent passing through Rhododendron Forest before reaching Tengboche for lunch.

Tengboche is a small village with a famous monastery offering you the splendid view of Ama Dablam, green hills and river views.

After lunch trek back to Namche to spend the night at the lodge.

The approx hiking time today is 7 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Leaving Namche, descend through the forest towards the Dudh Kosi for our last day of the trek, and continue the return journey re-crossing the river a number of times.

Retracing your steps along the valley, pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle 45-minute climb to Lukla (2886m). Savour the final mountain sunset of the trek as you complete this exhilarating journey of the highest mountain range in the world.

Tonight is a great chance to enjoy a few celebratory drinks with the rest of the crew before flying back to Kathmandu in the morning.

The approx. hiking time today is 6 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Have an early breakfast before walking to Lukla Airport to board the flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Please note: If your flight on Day 3 was from Manthali Airport, your return flight will be to the same destination. Upon arrival, you will be transferred back to Kathmandu by bus.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is yours to spend at leisure in the beautiful city of Kathmandu.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: Breakfast

Today transfer to the airport for your flight back to Australia (or New Zealand) after ticking off a truly spectacular bucket-list experience.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some flights may arrive back in Australia (or New Zealand) + 1 days.

Today depart Australia (or New Zealand) for Kathmandu!

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport (1345m above sea level), where you'll be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling some flights may depart on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive around 6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: In-Flight

Following breakfast this morning, you will set out for a sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley (entrance fees not included- payable to guide – Approx- US $25.00), which takes in Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath (also known as the ‘monkey temple’) in the morning, followed by sightseeing in Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in the afternoon.

Kathmandu is home to a wonderful mix of the ancient and the new and includes Western influences that make visiting the capital an interesting experience. Some of the sites you visit are declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and you will truly enjoy visiting these ancient monuments and learning about their fascinating history.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: Breakfast

After an early breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu, transfer to Kathmandu Airport (or Manthali Airport) for an early morning scenic flight (approx. 35 minutes) to the small mountain airport of Lukla.

After arriving in Lukla (2886m), your trekking guide will introduce you to the porters who will assist with carrying your luggage throughout the trek. Afterwards, the trekking will begin, following the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi river. Today’s trekking is easy and takes about 3-4 hours to reach Phakding (2610m) where you will spend the night.

Please note: Due to dramatic increases in traffic congestion at TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu) and the increasing number of Lukla flights from TIA, an arrangement has been made to operate most Lukla flights from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap instead of TIA during the 2023 peak hiking season. This is an ongoing agreement between the Civil Aviation Association of Nepal (CAAN) and the airlines operating flights to Lukla.

If your flight is affected, you will be required to rise early this morning (approx. 2-3am) to travel to Manthali Airport to catch an early morning flight to Lukla in time to start the trek. Breakfast will still be provided along the trip. The travel time to Manthali Airport from Kathmandu is about 4-5 hours depending on traffic, this is why an early start is required.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After having breakfast at the lodge, start trekking toward Namche Bazaar. The trek follows the Dudh Koshi River which you will cross a few times before stopping in Jorsale for lunch.

After lunch, continue through the pines for a few hours before the spectacular views of Namche Bazaar appear ahead. Namche Bazaar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Dudh Koshi.

The village is a central hub of the area. Food, drinks and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.

The approx. hiking time today is 6 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The Namche Bazaar (3440m) is tucked away between two ridges, amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops - not to mention a magnificent outlook.

It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimating to the high altitude before heading towards Everest Base Camp. Today to assist in the acclimatization, you will walk up to Khumjung Village through Everest View Hotel in Syangboche to see a stunning view of the Himalayas including Mount Everest.

The Khumjung is densely populated by the Sherpa community and there is an old monastery, which you will visit before returning to the lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

This morning’s trekking offers excellent panoramic views of Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kangrib.

After walking a few hours along relatively flat zigzagging paths, we descend to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga. Afterwards, climb through Rhododendron Forest to the Tengboche Monastery. Situated at 3,867m, the monastery is the largest gompa in the Khumbu region of Nepal.

Check into the lodge and spend the afternoon looking around the Monastery and surrounding area at leisure.

The approx hiking time today is 5 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Begin today’s trekking by descending through Rhododendron Forest to the Imja Khola River where you will cross an exciting suspension bridge. Pass by a long Mani stone wall to enter the village of Pangboche before continuing through summer pastures to Dingboche village (4260m).

Check into the lodge and enjoy your evening at leisure.

The approx. hiking time today is 5 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

An important acclimatisation/rest day today with a casual walk where you will witness the breathtaking views of the North face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as you explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak.

The walk is short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

From Dingboche, ascend the small ridge above the Pheriche valley. From the stupa at the top, Taweche and Cholatse (6440m) make for a pretty striking scene; they seem to lean forwards from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuje Peak (6119m) and the snowfields of the Cho La are the kings of the skyline. The walking will now be fairly flat on wide-open fields. Late in the morning you will cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla and take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off Everest.

In the afternoon, there will be a solid and quite steep climb on a rocky trail to the top of the moraines. On the crest of the ridge, you’ll pass a line of memorial cairns (stacks of stones), built in memory of the Sherpas and climbers who have died on various Everest expeditions over the last fifty or so years.

From here the view is downright spectacular once again, with Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), and across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550m) surrounding you. Then follow the valley stream to the lodge at Lobuche (4930m), arriving early afternoon.

The approx. hiking time today is 5 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The day you’ve been waiting for – the legendary Everest Base Camp.

From Lobuche, follow the broad valley that runs parallel to Khumbu Glacier. When you reach the moraines of Changri Nup Glacier, you will make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns that eventually leads to the surprising glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5160m) – reached after about three hours of walking. Here you have lunch and leave all your belongings at the lodge where you’ll stay tonight.

Now’s the time to head to Everest Base Camp! The trek to base camp takes around three hours. From base camp you won’t get views of Mount Everest, however, you will be able to see glaciers, caves, lakes and what’s regarded as technically the most dangerous and hardest section to climb Everest, the Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm. Trek back to the lodge in Gorak Shep for an early night - tomorrow morning is one to remember.

The approx hiking time today is 6-7 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Rise early this morning to avoid the morning clouds as we climb to Kala Patthar peak (5545m.) to witness the best views of Everest. These panoramic views of Mount Everest at sunrise are truly incredible. You will also be able to see a number of iconic Himalayan mountain peaks like Mount Pumori, Mount Lingtren, Mount Khumbetse, Mount Nuptse, Mount Lhotse, Mount Ama Dablam, Mount Thamserku and many more.

The ascent is quite steep, so start very slowly and try to ascend at a steady rhythmic pace. Kala Patar is the rocky hilltop below Pumori. It’s a tough walk because of the altitude, but the view from the top will surpass your wildest imagination. Hike back around one hour to Gorak Shep to enjoy breakfast, pack your bags and set off to Lobuche and Thugla, where you will stop for lunch.

Then you’ll cross the Khumbu Khola and head down the valley below Cholatse to Pheriche (4243m), where you will stop for the night. Today is a tough walking day however it’s all downhill from here.

The approx. hiking time today is 7 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After having breakfast at the lodge, start trekking back towards Namche Bazaar (3441m).

Today’s trekking is at an easier descent passing through Rhododendron Forest before reaching Tengboche for lunch. Tengboche is a small village with a famous monastery offering you the splendid view of Ama Dablam, green hills and river views.

After lunch trek back to Namche to spend the night at the lodge.

The approx hiking time today is 7 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Leaving Namche, descend through the forest towards the Dudh Kosi for our last day of the trek, and continue the return journey re-crossing the river a number of times.

Retracing your steps along the valley, pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle 45-minute climb to Lukla (2886m). Savour the final mountain sunset of the trek as you complete this exhilarating journey of the highest mountain range in the world.

Tonight is a great chance to enjoy a few celebratory drinks with the rest of the crew before flying back to Kathmandu in the morning.

The approx. hiking time today is 6 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Have an early breakfast before walking to Lukla Airport to board the flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Please note: If your flight on Day 3 was from Manthali Airport, your return flight will be to the same destination. Upon arrival, you will be transferred back to Kathmandu by bus.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is yours to spend at leisure in the beautiful city of Kathmandu.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: Breakfast

After an early morning breakfast, you will drive to Chitwan via the public tourist bus (approx. 180 kms). Check-in to your jungle lodge and embark on wildlife Tharu village tour. The tour gives you the opportunity for a close and personal observation of the Tharu culture. Witness the daily lifestyle and activities of the Tharu community. The Tharu are indigenous to Chitwan and popular for their traditional culture.

Overnight: Rhino Land jungle lodge or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast set out for a full day of jungle activities. You will also enjoy an opportunity to watch elephants bathing and visit an elephant breeding centre. At dinner this evening enjoy a brilliant Tharu cultural stick dance.

Overnight: Rhino Land jungle lodge or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy an interesting bird watching tour in the morning, and then return to Kathmandu by tourist bus (approx. 180 kms) where you will check into your hotel and enjoy a final night at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).

Meals included: Breakfast

Please note: Some flights may arrive back in Australia (or New Zealand) + 1 days.

Today depart Australia (or New Zealand) for Kathmandu!

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport (1345m above sea level), where you'll be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling some flights may depart on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive around 6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: In-Flight

Following breakfast this morning, you will set out for a sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley (entrance fees not included- payable to guide – Approx- US $25.00), which takes in Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath (also known as the ‘monkey temple’) in the morning, followed by sightseeing in Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in the afternoon.

Kathmandu is home to a wonderful mix of the ancient and the new and includes Western influences that make visiting the capital an interesting experience. Some of the sites you visit are declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and you will truly enjoy visiting these ancient monuments and learning about their fascinating history.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: Breakfast

After an early breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu, transfer to Kathmandu Airport (or Manthali Airport) for an early morning scenic flight (approx. 35 minutes) to the small mountain airport of Lukla. After arriving in Lukla (2886m), your trekking guide will introduce you to the porters who will assist with carrying your luggage throughout the trek.

Afterwards, the trekking will begin, following the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi river. Today’s trekking is easy and takes about 3-4 hours to reach Phakding (2610m) where you will spend the night.

Please note: Due to dramatic increases in traffic congestion at TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu) and the increasing number of Lukla flights from TIA, an arrangement has been made to operate most Lukla flights from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap instead of TIA during the 2023 peak hiking season. This is an ongoing agreement between the Civil Aviation Association of Nepal (CAAN) and the airlines operating flights to Lukla.

If your flight is affected, you will be required to rise early this morning (approx. 2-3am) to travel to Manthali Airport to catch an early morning flight to Lukla in time to start the trek. Breakfast will still be provided along the trip. The travel time to Manthali Airport from Kathmandu is about 4-5 hours depending on traffic, this is why an early start is required.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After having breakfast at the lodge, start trekking toward Namche Bazaar. The trek follows the Dudh Koshi River which you will cross a few times before stopping in Jorsale for lunch.

After lunch, continue through the pines for a few hours before the spectacular views of Namche Bazaar appear ahead. Namche Bazaar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Dudh Koshi. The village is a central hub of the area. Food, drinks and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.

The approx. hiking time today is 6 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The Namche Bazaar (3440m) is tucked away between two ridges, amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops - not to mention a magnificent outlook.

It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimating to the high altitude before heading towards Everest Base Camp. Today to assist in the acclimatization, you will walk up to Khumjung Village through Everest View Hotel in Syangboche to see a stunning view of the Himalayas including Mount Everest.

The Khumjung is densely populated by the Sherpa community and there is an old monastery, which you will visit before returning to the lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

This morning’s trekking offers excellent panoramic views of Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kangrib. After walking a few hours along relatively flat zigzagging paths, we descend to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga.

Afterwards, climb through Rhododendron Forest to the Tengboche Monastery. Situated at 3,867m, the monastery is the largest gompa in the Khumbu region of Nepal.

Check into the lodge and spend the afternoon looking around the Monastery and surrounding area at leisure.

The approx hiking time today is 5 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Begin today’s trekking by descending through Rhododendron Forest to the Imja Khola River where you will cross an exciting suspension bridge. Pass by a long Mani stone wall to enter the village of Pangboche before continuing through summer pastures to Dingboche village (4260m).

Check into the lodge and enjoy your evening at leisure.

The approx. hiking time today is 5 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

An important acclimatisation/rest day today with a casual walk where you will witness the breathtaking views of the North face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as you explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak.

The walk is short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

From Dingboche, ascend the small ridge above the Pheriche valley. From the stupa at the top, Taweche and Cholatse (6440m) make for a pretty striking scene; they seem to lean forwards from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuje Peak (6119m) and the snowfields of the Cho La are the kings of the skyline.

The walking will now be fairly flat on wide-open fields. Late in the morning you will cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla and take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off Everest.

In the afternoon, there will be a solid and quite steep climb on a rocky trail to the top of the moraines. On the crest of the ridge, you’ll pass a line of memorial cairns (stacks of stones), built in memory of the Sherpas and climbers who have died on various Everest expeditions over the last fifty or so years.

From here the view is downright spectacular once again, with Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), and across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550m) surrounding you. Then follow the valley stream to the lodge at Lobuche (4930m), arriving early afternoon.

The approx. hiking time today is 5 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The day you’ve been waiting for – the legendary Everest Base Camp.

From Lobuche, follow the broad valley that runs parallel to Khumbu Glacier. When you reach the moraines of Changri Nup Glacier, you will make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns that eventually leads to the surprising glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5160m) – reached after about three hours of walking. Here you have lunch and leave all your belongings at the lodge where you’ll stay tonight.

Now’s the time to head to Everest Base Camp! The trek to base camp takes around three hours. From base camp you won’t get views of Mount Everest, however, you will be able to see glaciers, caves, lakes and what’s regarded as technically the most dangerous and hardest section to climb Everest, the Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm.

Trek back to the lodge in Gorak Shep for an early night - tomorrow morning is one to remember.

The approx hiking time today is 6-7 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Rise early this morning to avoid the morning clouds as we climb to Kala Patthar peak (5545m.) to witness the best views of Everest. These panoramic views of Mount Everest at sunrise are truly incredible. You will also be able to see a number of iconic Himalayan mountain peaks like Mount Pumori, Mount Lingtren, Mount Khumbetse, Mount Nuptse, Mount Lhotse, Mount Ama Dablam, Mount Thamserku and many more.

The ascent is quite steep, so start very slowly and try to ascend at a steady rhythmic pace. Kala Patar is the rocky hilltop below Pumori. It’s a tough walk because of the altitude, but the view from the top will surpass your wildest imagination.

Hike back around one hour to Gorak Shep to enjoy breakfast, pack your bags and set off to Lobuche and Thugla, where you will stop for lunch.

Then you’ll cross the Khumbu Khola and head down the valley below Cholatse to Pheriche (4243m), where you will stop for the night. Today is a tough walking day however it’s all downhill from here.

The approx. hiking time today is 7 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After having breakfast at the lodge, start trekking back towards Namche Bazaar (3441m).

Today’s trekking is at an easier descent passing through Rhododendron Forest before reaching Tengboche for lunch.

Tengboche is a small village with a famous monastery offering you the splendid view of Ama Dablam, green hills and river views.

After lunch trek back to Namche to spend the night at the lodge.

The approx hiking time today is 7 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Leaving Namche, descend through the forest towards the Dudh Kosi for our last day of the trek, and continue the return journey re-crossing the river a number of times.

Retracing your steps along the valley, pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle 45-minute climb to Lukla (2886m). Savour the final mountain sunset of the trek as you complete this exhilarating journey of the highest mountain range in the world.

Tonight is a great chance to enjoy a few celebratory drinks with the rest of the crew before flying back to Kathmandu in the morning.

The approx. hiking time today is 6 hours.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Have an early breakfast before walking to Lukla Airport to board the flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Please note: If your flight on Day 3 was from Manthali Airport, your return flight will be to the same destination. Upon arrival, you will be transferred back to Kathmandu by bus.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is yours to spend at leisure in the beautiful city of Kathmandu.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Kathmandu for Pokhara (approx. 210 km). The drive along the Trisuli and Marsyangdi Rivers is incredibly scenic as the road winds out of Kathmandu Valley. Look out for the Ganesh Himal and Manaslu peaks. After around six hours you will arrive in Pokhara, on the foreshore of beautiful Lake Phewa. Both a bustling regional hub and a tourist paradise, Pokhara has Buddhist and Hindu cultural heritage sites, lakes, caves and temples, all overlooked by the immense Annapurna Range. After check-in, enjoy the evening at leisure.

For those who would prefer to skip the drive, an optional flight to Pokhara (approx. 30 mins) can be booked through the tour operator on tour (not included).

Overnight: Hotel Splendid or similar, Pokhara

Meals included: Breakfast

It’s an early morning start today, with a drive to Sarangkot (approx. 11km) - a beautiful hill famous for its sunrise over the Himalayas. Enjoy stunning views of Annapurna, Fishtail and many other peaks as the sun starts to shine on the day (weather permitting). Have breakfast at the hotel in Sarangkot before walking to Naudada. The hike takes about three hours on a level path, revealing stunning views of both the Annapurna Ranges above and Lake Phewa and Pokhara below. Later, be driven from Naudada back to Pokhara, with free time to explore the town on your own in the evening.

For those who do not wish to participate in the walk, there will be the option to stay with the vehicle.

Overnight: Hotel Splendid or similar, Pokhara

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara, experience a boat ride across Phewa Lake. Next, enjoy a hike (approx. one hour and 30 minutes and it's quite steep so you should have a good level of fitness) to the World Peace Stupa, where you can experience fantastic views of the Lake, Himalayas and Pokhara valley. Afterwards, enjoy a walk down to Davis Falls and Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave. Finally, be driven back to Pokhara. The afternoon is free to relax or wander the lakeside streets and markets.

For those who do not wish to walk, there will be the option to stay with the vehicle, though the lake crossing by boat will not be available.

Overnight: Hotel Splendid or similar, Pokhara

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning enjoy an early breakfast and drive to Kathmandu. The drive will be a fantastic experience passing through many satellite towns, rural settlements, gushing rivers & green rural landscapes. The drive takes around 6 hours. Upon arrival check into your hotel and enjoy a final night at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Moon Light or similar, Kathmandu

Meals included: Breakfast

Today transfer to the airport for your flight back to Australia (or New Zealand) after ticking off a truly spectacular bucket-list experience.

Meals included: Breakfast

Please note: Some flights may arrive back in Australia (or New Zealand)+ 1 days.