If you are short on time, this relatively easy trek is a perfect way to enjoy some of the most impressive panoramic views of Everest and the Himalayas. Starting with the exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, your route passes to what used to be very important trade centres at Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. Namche Bazaar is still one of the important transit points in Khumbu region where you have sensational views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam.
This is an ideal introduction to trekking in the Himalayas and perfect for anyone who has not got the time to go as far as Everest Base Camp.
Feeling inspired? Here are some more treks Royal Mountain Travel can offer in the Everest region:
High Road to Everest Base Camp Trek
Have a look at Inside Himalayas for more ideas on how to visit Everest: Tips For Tackling The Everest Base Camp Trek; 20 Photos Of The Everest Region We Can’t Stop Looking At
Days | Activity |
---|---|
Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu |
Day 2 | Kathmandu sightseeing: Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan |
Day 3 | Fly to Lukla (2860m), trek to Phakding (2650m, 3-4 hrs) |
Day 4 | Namche Bazaar (3440m, 7 hrs) |
Day 5 | Acclimatization day |
Day 6 | Trek to Tengboche (3860m, 4 hrs) |
Day 7 | Trek to Namche Bazaar (3450m, 5 hrs) |
Day 8 | Trek to Phakding (2600m, 3-4 hrs) |
Day 9 | Trek to Lukla (2800m, 4 hrs) |
Day 10 | Fly to Kathmandu (1300m, 30 minutes) |
Day 11 | Departure |
Trekking: Additional information
Please note that the published itinerary can only be a statement of intent and should be used as a guide only. Each day may vary due to the walking times of the group, camping and trail cond
Read More...Royal Mountain Travel is a Nepal-based sustainable tourism operator. We specialize in curating once-in-a-lifetime experiences to showcase indigenous and community based tourism projects. We work with travel agents and tourism companies to help plan travel experiences that highlight authentic, local lifestyles throughout some of the most unique landscapes on earth.
Arrival in Kathmandu
Your first impression of arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport is an experience in itself. But don’t be worried by the apparent confusion as your airport representative will be waiting to welcome you with your name written on a placard. Depending on traffic, you will be at your hotel within 20 minutes or so.
Kathmandu sightseeing: Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan
The day is spent visiting some of the major World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu. More…
You will have plenty of time in the afternoon to prepare for your trek and check that you have everything you need. You might want to visit Thamel, the tourist hub of Nepal where you can easily find all you need for trekking. Or if you just want to relax, there are many cafes and bakeries serving excellent local tea and coffee. It is best to avoid the street food, however, unless you have a very strong stomach. It is recommended that you have an early night as you will have an early start in the morning.
Fly to Lukla (2860m), trek to Phakding (2650m, 3-4 hrs)
After an early morning wakeup call, you should dress to be ready for trekking. The domestic terminal of the airport is only 10-15 minutes’ drive from the hotel and you will have plenty of time to eat your packed breakfast before boarding the plane. Flying to Lukla on the small Dornier/Twin Otter plane, the flight takes about half an hour. It is a once in a lifetime flight during which, weather permitting, there are many opportunities to see the mighty Himalayas before landing in one of the most exciting airports of the world, Lukla airport, also known as Tenzing Hillary Airport.
At the airport, you are met by our team of sherpas who welcome us. You take a short break while the porters sort out your baggage that they will be carrying on the trek. To ensure that no one is overloaded, we do not allow any of our sherpas to carry more than 15kg. While on the trail, you will see many porters carrying three or four times this, sometimes even more.
To break you in gently, the first day of the trek involves just three to four hours walking, mostly downhill first to Thado Koshi (about 2 hours), before gently climbing again to Phakding where we stop for lunch and have the afternoon free. If you want to explore further, you can visit Rimijung Monastery that is about an hour up the hillside from Phakding village.
Namche Bazaar (3440m, 7 hrs)
Today is more challenging as most of the day is uphill. With several opportunities to cross high suspension bridges across the rivers, you pass village settlements and at Benkar, you are welcomed by a view of the gigantic Mt. Thamserku dominating the horizon. You pass mani walls and Buddhist shrines along the way to the Sagarmatha National Park entry gate. The national park was established in 1976 and listed as a World Heritage Site in 1979. Here your permits are checked before you continue your way up to Namche Bazaar, the Gateway to Everest Base Camp and ‘capital’ of the famous Sherpas.
Namche Bazaar was originally a trading post but is now a tourist hub where expeditions to the Everest area start. As the first point on the Khumbu trek that is above altitude sickness threshold, this is a good place to spend some time to acclimatize.
Acclimatization day
An acclimatization day allows for you to relax, or you might like to hike to Thame where you see intricately carved mani stones along the path to this village with its picturesque gompa on the hillside overlooking the valley.
Trek to Tengboche (3860m, 4 hrs)
Leaving Namche the route is unbelievably beautiful. The Dudh Kosi river is far below and Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest rise up in front of you. The view from Tengboche is justifiably considered one of the most magnificent in the world. Tengboche Gompa, the cultural and religious centre of Khumbu. Founded in 1912, it has been destroyed and rebuilt twice as the result of earthquake and fire.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3450m, 5 hrs)
You retrace your steps trekking through the rhododendron forests, passing mani walls, chortens and suspension bridges.
Trek to Phakding (2600m, 3-4 hrs)
Descending the steep trail from Namche, the trail gets easier as you get closer to Phakding where you break the journey to Lukla.
Trek to Lukla (2800m, 4 hrs)
This is your last day of trekking and it is uphill much of the way to Lukla. Here you might want to do some souvenir shopping, relax and celebrate!
Fly to Kathmandu (1300m, 30 minutes)
An early start, you flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Flights all leave in the morning as by the afternoon the wind gets up and planes do not fly from here. You have the rest of the day free to spend how you like in Kathmandu. In the afternoon you might like to try out one of the many cooking classes or workshops on offer, go for some more sightseeing or do some last minute shopping. Ask your guide for suggestions.
Departure
You transfer to Tribhuvan Airport to connect with your onward flight. Please note that you should check in three hours prior to your flight time.