Pre-expedition experience:

This trek is suitable for fit walkers, without previous trekking or mountaineering experience. The itinerary is designed to provide gradual acclimatisation. You will reach altitudes of up to 5,357m. As such, a degree of physical toughness and stamina is required.

Leadership:

An RJ7 accredited Expedition Leader will accompany you for the duration of the trip. Our leaders have been chosen not only on the merits of their technical ability or qualifications, but also on their leadership skills and temperament. We will provide a leader who will make the trek both successful and enjoyable throughout. Their primary objectives will be to maximise every participant’s chances of completing the trek, and to manage a team of individuals with a broad spectrum of experience and expectations. Our leaders hold current mountain first aid certificates and have experience of dealing with altitude related illness. They are well versed with wilderness medicine and emergency care.

Itinerary:

Day 1:
UK to Kathmandu

Flight from UK to Kathmandu. Transfer and check into your hotel, located in the heart of Kathmandu where you are met by an amazing blend of cultures, religion and people. In the evening there will be a full tour briefing to prepare for the trek.

Day 2:
Kathmandu

A chance to enjoy your new surroundings before the trek begins. Today is a great opportunity for sightseeing and exploring the beautiful city of Kathmandu. We will visit popular destinations such as the most famous Shiva temple in Asia, and Pashupatinath temple, which is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Nepal. We can also take the time to see Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, due to the resident monkeys that guard it. Swayambhunath is a Buddhist temple and is situated on a small hill that offers panoramic views of the city. An early night is recommended as we begin our trek tomorrow.

Day 3:
Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding (2,635m)

After breakfast we take an internal flight to Lukla, from where we begin our trek into the Khumbu region. The views from the plane are amazing, providing dramaticscenery of terraced hills as well as the mountains, including Gauri Shankar, Melungtse and Numbur. After landing we meet our crew and head northwards on a 3-4 hour trek to Phakding where we will be spending the night.

Day 4:
Phakding to Namche (3,450m)

We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, passing a checkpoint before crossing this roaring river on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply, offering us our first breath-taking views on foot of Everest and Lhotse as we reach Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu region.

Day 5:
Namche

Today is our first acclimatisation day, as we remain in Namche for the day and spend another night here. Namche is the Sherpa capital, a bustling village crammed with markets and traditional Sherpa houses. The small town is also famous for it’s outstanding scenery and as a junction for trekkers as the majority of Sherpa and mountaineers pass this way on route to Mount Everest. We will take an early morning hike to the Sherpa museum from where we can see views of Everest, Lhotse and one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, Ama Dablam. The Sherpa museum houses an exhibit on traditional Sherpa lifestyles and a fantastic photography display. Alternatively we may visit the Thamo Nunnery or Khumbi Yul Lha, a sacred black rocky mountain. The rest of the day is for private exploration of Namche while our bodies adapt to the altitude.

Day 6:
Namche to Phortse (3,810m)

From Namche Bazaar, we trek along the contour of the hills across a series of ascents and descents, with amazing views both into the deep and lush valleys below and of the towering mountains in the distance. We follow a quieter route here than many other trekkers, through forest areas where it is possible to encounter musk deer and colourful peacocks. We reach Phortse, a small village on the edge of the Khumbu Valley where we can see Cho Oyo, Taboche, Cholatse and Ama Dablam.

Day 7:
Phortse to Dingboche (4,410m)

The trek continues ascending further as we trek through meadows and pine forests. We cross another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and pass through Pangboche, the home of a beautiful ancient monastery. From Pangboche, the route winds high above the valley floor, passing through various Sherpa settlements and also the Gompa, which houses the famous Yeti scalp. We will spend tonight and tomorrow in Dingboche.

Day 8:
Dingboche

Today will be a valuable day to acclimatise and allow our bodies to adjust to the extreme change in atmosphere now that we have ascended above 4,000m. There is the option to spend the day relaxing or to explore the area. There is the opportunity of a light hike into the Imja Khola Valley where you can see some fantastic views, from the mountainous scenery of Makalu, Borangche, Ama Dabam and Island Peak, to the Khumbu Valley stretching out below us.

Day 9:
Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m)

From Dingboche we head towards the Khumbu Glacier. The trail leads us through farmlands and meadows. We will stop in Dzugla (4570m) for lunch before continuing along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Today we pass by the stone memorials to climbers who have died on the mountains around us. Many trekkers appreciate stopping here to pay their respects, to read the moving tributes and find memorials to famous mountaineers. We follow the trail to Lobuche, admiring the views of Nuptse, Kala Patthar and Pomo Ri.