Everest Trek

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to our hotel. Largely isolated from Western culture until the 1950s, Kathmandu is a fascinating mix of Buddhist and Hindu influences. Take an optional walk to Durbar Square to admire the temple of Kumari Chowk and its beautiful three-story courtyard embellished with beautifully carved wooden balconies and window frames; it’s the centerpiece of the residence of Kathmandu’s prepubescent, divine living goddess, or Royal Kumari. Enjoy a welcome reception, folk dance performance, and dinner this evening with fellow travelers.

Today visit Swayambhu Mahachaitya, also known as the Monkey Temple, a remarkable stupa (dome-shaped shrine) encircled by dozens of smaller stupas, temples, and fluttering prayer flags. Afterward, visit a traditional Thangka painting school and meet with students there.

Head to the Kathmandu helipad early this morning to board helicopters bound for Phakding, where we meet our porters and Sherpa guides, then begin our trek. Travel along the Dudh Kosi valley to Monjo, the official entrance of Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Make our way up the formidable Namche hill, our first real taste of the “hills” in the Himalayas. If the weather is clear, we’ll get our first glimpse of Everest on the way up to Namche Bazaar, the gateway village to the Himalayas. Observe a dynamic mix of Tibetan traders, tourists from around the world, expedition climbers, experienced Sherpas, monks, Nepalese civil servants, colorfully garbed villagers, and yaks in this vibrant Himalayan town.

Today is an acclimatization day. Tour the Namche Monastery, then delve into the culture and history of the Sherpa people at the Sherpa Culture Museum. Also admire the statue of Tenzing Norgay, one of the first known individuals to reach Everest’s summit, along with Sir Edmund Hillary.

Leaving Namche Bazaar traverse the steep valley above the Dudh Kosi river. Each step provides magnificent vistas of the valley as we ascend more than 1,500 feet to the Tengboche Monastery, which has been at the heart of Sherpa culture since 1916. Attend the afternoon call to prayer before hiking on to Deboche, where we stay overnight.

As we continue our trek upward from the Khumbu Valley, the surrounding vegetation grows sparse. The land becomes more barren as we gain altitude. Our destination today is Pheriche, which is home to the Himalayan Rescue Association, a medical clinic that helps trekkers and locals alike.

Today is another acclimatization and recovery day. Spend today adjusting to the high altitude of Pheriche. Take a short hike this morning to see spectacular views of the highest peaks in the Himalayas. Later visit the Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal to learn about high-altitude acclimatization.

Today we ascend to the Khumbu Glacier. As we leave Pheriche, the lateral moraine of this famous glacier becomes visible. Distances are short now, and our steps become more measured and deliberate as we move higher. In the early afternoon, climb past the chortens (monuments) that have been constructed in memory of Sherpas and climbers lost in expeditions over the years.

The trail today meanders through the ice and rubble of the massive Khumbu Glacier on the path to Gorak Shep. Historically a seasonal yak-grazing area, today Gorak Shep is the last outpost before Everest Base Camp. Take in stunning views of Mount Everest, Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall. Travelers interested in an additional challenge have the option to climb to the summit of Kala Patthar (18,519').

This morning, we trek onto the Khumbu glacier and the site of Everest Base Camp, where climbing expeditions pause to prepare for their summit attempts. Sip tea and revel in the beauty of Mount Everest before returning to Gorak Shep for lunch. Continue down the valley to Lobuche, where we spend the night.

Set out from Lobuche this morning, heading back through the Khumbu Valley. Pay attention to the fleeting views of Mount Everest before settling in at Pheriche for the night.

This morning, bid farewell to our local Sherpas and load into helicopters for a scenic mountain flight through the Himalayas and the Khumbu Valley to Lukla. After a brief stop at the Lukla airport to refuel, we continue our journey to Kathmandu. Get some much-deserved rest and relaxation at our hotel before gathering this evening to toast our journey at a festive farewell reception and dinner.

We have time to explore Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this morning before transfer to the Kathmandu airport for flights home.