PRICE
$5,195
Includes Helicopter Flights to and from Lukla
SCHEDULE
DETAILS
14 days in Nepal
Activity Levels: Moderate Hiking
$5,195
Includes Helicopter Flights to and from Lukla
DETAILS
14 days in Nepal
Activity Levels: Moderate Hiking
Nepal is a country known for its friendly faces, amazing Himalayan landscapes and fascinating cultural discoveries. Our Khumbu luxury lodge trek is a magical journey that will lead you into the very heart of the Everest Region. This adventure allows you to experience some the most fascinating places within the Khumbu Valley. Gaze at the remarkable Nuptse wall with Mount Everest towering high above, explore Sherpa farming villages steeped in traditional Buddhist culture, visit the famous Tengboche Monastery and walk in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers such as Sir Edmond Hillary. This trek makes a great first Himalayan experience for new or experienced trekkers and is sure to excite the adventurer within you.
During the trek you’ll stay among the finest lodges within the Everest region of Nepal. These lodges offer a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere when compared with many of the over-crowded and noisy tea houses often associated with trekking in the Khumbu.
Our Lodge-to-Lodge trek begins in the historic city of Kathmandu, known for its fascinating Nepalese culture and ancient temples. We tour some of the cities famous world heritage sites including Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and the always favorite Swayambhunath “the Monkey Temple“. We overnight at the historic Hotel Yak and Yeti located near Thamel where you’ll have a chance to shop and explore Kathmandu’s famous tourist district.
The flight to Lukla provides amazing views of the terraced Nepalese landscape and Himalayan giants including the crown jewel Mount Everest. Once in Lukla we’re welcomed with a cup of tea and meet our gracious Sherpa staff. The trek takes us along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River passing small Sherpa villages laden with prayer flags and Mani stones. We carry light packs as porters carry all our heavy trekking gear. The Beyul Hermitage and Farm affords a charming atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the main Everest trail. The seasonal local organic food comes from the farm and local community gardens surrounding Chhuserma.
Today we walk the old forested trail to Everest and visit the Thaktul Monastery, recently rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake. Before entering Sagamartha National Park we settle into Monjo for the evening. You soon arrive in legendary Namche Bazaar the main trading center of the Sherpa people and gateway to the Khumbu Valley. As we walk the stone paved streets browsing the local souvenir shops one can’t resist stopping by the local bakery for coffee and slice of pie. The Panorama Lodge offers a delightful experience with its relaxing dining room and remarkable view of Namche, along with its gracious proprietor which makes the stay one to remember.
The next day gives way to amazing Himalayan views of Mount Everest as we begin the long traversing descent to the Imja River. We arrive in the small village of Tashinga away from the throngs of trekkers pushing on towards Tengboche.
The next morning, we trek up the now peaceful trail to Tengboche. The impressive Tengboche monastery was first built in 1916 by Lama Gulu and subsequently rebuilt a few times due earthquake and fire, with luck we meet the famous Rimpoche. We continue trekking to the village of Pangboche, traditionally known as the last year-round Sherpa settlement and visit the oldest monastery in the Everest region. Ama Dablam meaning “mother’s charm box“ offers nothing less than spectacular views along the way. The next morning some in the group may choose to venture to Ama Dablam Base Camp at 15,000 feet before descending back to Tashinga.
We begin our slow descent to Monjo retracing our path to Lukla. After saying farewell to our Sherpa staff, we return to Kathmandu where you’ll have a chance to relax, shop and further discover Nepal’s ancient city. Then depart for flights home or continue with a safari to Chitwan national park and Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge.
Related treks: Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Enjoy two nights at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge and Tent Camp situated deep in the heart of the Chitwan National Park. Explore the jungles of Nepal’s Terai on elephant back and try your luck at spotting a rare tiger or rhinoceros.
Day 1 • Arrive Kathmandu • Hotel Yak & Yeti
Day 2 • Kathmandu Tour
Day 3 • Flight to Lukla • Beyul Farm & Hermitage
Day 4 • Monjo • Everest Summit Lodge
Day 5 • Namche Bazaar • Panorama Lodge • 11,300 ft
Day 6 • Tashinga • Everest Summit Lodge
Day 7 • Pangboche • Everest Summit Lodge
Day 8 • Pangboche • Ama Dablam Base Camp • 15,000 ft
Day 9 • Tashinga • Everest Summit Lodge
Day 10 • Monjo • Everest Summit Lodge
Day 11 • Lukla • Everest Summit Lodge
Day 12 • Flight to Kathmandu • Hotel Yak & Yeti
Day 13 • Kathmandu
Day 14 • Depart Home
Transfer airport to hotel. Our trek begins in the historic city of Kathmandu, known for its fascinating Nepalese culture and ancient temples. The Hotel Yak and Yeti is located near the popular Thamel district jammed with restaurants and shops selling Nepali handicrafts. (B)
After breakfast we begin our tour of Kathmandu’s world heritage sites. Among them we visit Durbar Square a complex of palaces, courtyards, Hindu temples and home of the Living Goddess, Kumari Ghar. Next, we visit the always favorite Monkey Temple known as Swayambhunath, situated on a small hill which offers panoramic views of the city and very curious monkeys. As time allows we’ll visit the temples of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. In the late afternoon we will have a trek orientation. (B)
We transfer to Kathmandu’s domestic airport for our morning flight to Lukla. The views from the twin-engine Otter are nothing less than remarkable, providing amazing scenes of the terraced Nepalese hillside and Himalayan giants including the crown jewel Mount Everest towering in the distance. Once in Lukla we are welcomed with a cup of tea (or cup of coffee) and meet our Sherpa staff. Our trek into the Khumbu region begins with a few hours walk, passing small farming villages, giant rhododendrons and Buddhist shrines until we reach a suspension bridge crossing the Dudh Koshi river which leads us to The Beyul Hermitage + Farm in Chhuserma. In the afternoon we can explore the old hermitage. (B, L, D)
We depart Chhuserma, saying good bye to our friends at the Beyul. For the next hour we hike the old forested trail to Everest, walked by early mountaineers such as Sir Edmund Hillary. We’ll visit the Thaktul Monastery. The trail soon merges with the main Everest trail and continues along the banks of the Dudh Koshi crossing the “Milky River“ many times as we pass small Sherpa farming villages laden with prayer flags and carved prayer stones known as “Mani Stones“. We carry light packs as porters carry all our heavy expedition gear. Before entering Sagarmatha National Park, we settle into Monjo at the Everest Summit Lodge. (B, L, D)
Departing Monjo before the hordes of trekkers arrive from Phakding, we register with the national park and cross another long suspension bridge to Jorsalle. The trail follows the river and climbs steeply through the forest giving us a chance of seeing our first glimpse of Everest before arriving in Namche Bazaar the main trading center of the Sherpa people and gateway to the Khumbu Valley. Many trekkers consider the climb to Namche the hardest day of the trek. Leaving from Monjo affords us the advantage of a much shorter trekking day. Overnight at the Panorama Lodge. (B, L, D)
As we leave Namche Bazaar our trekking route follows the steep hillside high above the Imja Khola. We take photos at a memorial commemorating Sir Hillary’s ascent of Mount Everest. Magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku increase with every step. Before descending to the river, we arrive at the Everest Summit Lodge in Tashinga. The lodge is situated in a nearly uninhabited village, amongst pine forest, from where you can gaze endlessly at the panoramic views. You will not find any lodge nearby that delivers such brilliant service and hospitality. (B, L, D)
We descend to the river and cross another long suspension bridge at Phungi Thenga. Then begin a steep climb to Tengboche, regarded by many as the second hardest day of the approach trek. The late morning is spent touring the historic monastery considered the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region and residence of the famous Rinpoche revered by Buddhist’s. The route drops to Deboche a quite village situated among conifer and rhododendron forest.
Our trek continues through rhododendron forest until crossing another suspension bridge high above the Imja Khola. The route climbs the sheer valley to the village of Pangboche traditionally known as the last year-round settlement in the Khumbu region. (B, L, D)
Ama Dablam meaning “mother’s charm box“ offers nothing less than spectacular views. After breakfast some in the group may want to venture to Ama Dablam Base Camp at 15,000 feet. We descend to the river, cross a small bridge and then follow the route as it climbs up to base camp. As we trek the Southwest Ridge of Ama Dablam comes into view. Another option is too visit the upper Pangboche monastery where Lama Geshe offers a blessing of safety and success to mountaineers attempting to summit Mount Everest or trek up the main route to Everest Base Camp towards Pheriche as a day hike. Overnight at the Everest Summit Lodge in Pangboche. (B, L, D)
Over the next three days we descend to Lukla. (B, L, D)
After saying farewell to our Sherpa staff we depart to Kathmandu on an early morning flight. We spend the afternoon resting and exploring the Thamel District. (B)
Transport to Tribhuvan International Airport for flights home. (B)
Itinerary Notes
Mountain Gurus makes every effort to uphold the scheduled itinerary, although our guides are given discretion to adapt the itinerary for reasons beyond our control or due to the needs of the group. Meal schedule: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
We transfer to Kathmandu’s domestic airport for our morning flight to Bharatpur Airport. We check into our comfortable jungle lodge, shower and relax before our first elephant foray into the jungle.
Enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing via elephant back, dugout canoe and nature walks with the park’s naturalists. This area is famous for its wildlife (it is elusive!) but a large part of the enjoyment here is being on an elephant and lumbering through the jungle. Keep your eyes open for the one-horned rhino, wild boar, langur monkeys and, of course, the very elusive Bengal tiger.
We are up early for a final outing into the jungle before flying back to Kathmandu. The late afternoon and evening are free to explore on your own in Kathmandu.
Transport to Tribhuvan International Airport for flights home.
Itinerary Notes
Mountain Gurus makes every effort to uphold the scheduled itinerary, although our guides are given discretion to adapt the itinerary for reasons beyond our control or due to the needs of the group. Meal schedule: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
$5,195
Rates are quoted based on double sharing standard hotel accommodations while in Kathmandu and double sharing porterage and accommodations at lodges during the trek. Single room fees apply
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in the PreClimb information upon reservation.
Program Location:
Begins and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal
Visa/Entry Information:
Passport must have six months or more validity remaining at the time of entry. American citizens may obtain a visa prior to travel or upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. 30 day multiple-entry visa ($40), or 90 day multiple-entry visa ($100)
Health & Immunizations:
Immunizations are not required for entry into Nepal
Flight Travel Information:
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, Nepal
International Departures:
Itineraries reflect the date and time you will need to arrive in country for a program. Mountain Gurus programs begin and end in the countries destination city. When booking your flight, you will need to account for travel time and crossing the international dateline if needed. It is easiest to give your booking agent the day and time you will need to arrive.
Meals and Food:
All meals are provided as per meal schedule. See itinerary.
Gear:
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your program will be sent to you in the pre-departure packet upon reservation. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.
Activity Levels: Moderate Hiking
The approach trek requires 5-7 hours hiking per day carrying a 20 lbs. pack, utilizing porter support for personal gear. We will spend each evening in local tea houses to rest and recharge. Good physical conditioning and experience at altitude are ideal to make this trek a pleasant experience.
Prior to the expedition we recommend running, hiking local peaks, backpacking and trekking to gain strength and stamina for the climb.
Here’s a suggested progression of treks before trekking in the Khumbu region of Nepal
This trek requires 6-8 hours of hiking per day with a small day pack. Elevation gains of 2000-3000 feet per day. Strong hiking skills and excellent physical conditioning are required.
Our Sherpa treks are led by a Nepalese (Sherpa) guide with extensive experience leading our trekking teams. They will be accompanied by assistant Sherpa guides and porters. Many of these guides are native to the Khumbu (Everest) region of Nepal.
The best time to trek is in the pre-monsoon Spring season, March-April-May and the post-monsoon Fall season, October-November. Nepal experiences the monsoon (heavy rains and snow) from June to September. Winter is very cold in the high mountains (December-February).
During the trek you will only carry the gear you’ll use for each day. Porters will carry all your extra clothing items and overnight gear. At no point will you carry camping gear or equipment for overnight. Daypacks should not weigh more than 15-20 lbs. for your comfort.