Lobuche Peak Climbing

On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be received by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The day is at leisure, relaxing after the journey or exploring Nepal's capital city; the buzz of the upcoming trek starts here—whether it is relaxing or indulging in the lively atmosphere of Thamel's busy streets. This is an excellent opportunity to check your gears, meet your fellow trekkers, and probably indulge in some local cuisine. The next morning will start the adventure with a day of exploration in the surroundings of the Kathmandu Valley.

It is a day that brings you across the richness of the Kathmandu Valley and cultural history. You will be taken to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the mythical Swayambhunath Stupa—more popularly known as the Monkey Temple—and, of course, the giant Boudhanath Stupa.

Our journey also takes us to the Pashupatinath Temple, a big Hindu pilgrimage site. In the afternoon, you will discover old Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, where intricate architecture and ages-old traditions will greet your eyes. It's not only sightseeing day but also a way to set your mind in readiness for the trek ahead.

Fly to Lukla, the Everest region's gateway at an altitude of 2,860 meters or 9,383 feet. The view from the short flight itself across the Himalayas is an adventure. We meet our trekking crew upon landing and start our trek towards Phakding, slightly descending to 2,610 meters or 8,563 feet.

This is quite a nice part of the introduction to the trek, meandering through small villages and lush landscapes on the rising flank behind the Dudh Kosi River. Rest for the night in one of the many friendly tea houses along the way, where the feeling of adventure really gets a boost.

This is today's strenuous and invigorating trek to Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa town at 3,440 meters or 11,286 feet. The trail winds over through rhododendron and magnolia forests, crossing a number of suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, and affords the first glimpses of Everest.

We'll reach Namche after a steep ascent, where you can take up a well-deserved rest. Namche Bazaar is also crowded with shops, coffee shops, and markets. This is where the acclimatization really kicks in, and you will actually feel the thin mountain air.

Today, take some time to acclimatize yourself at 3,440 meters. Acclimatization is the key to trekking, and hence, today is sorted out in and around Namche Bazaar so as to let your body get used to the altitude of 3,440 meters. A little later, a short hike reaches as far as the Everest View Hotel at an altitude of 3,880 meters, where sights of panorama views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam open. We will see the cultural center and museum of the Sherpas and the Hillary School.

The rest of the day is free to either relax or perhaps take in some of this busy settlement's sights and sounds. Namche Bazaar is the main center in the Khumbu region and has a good selection of shops and cafes where you can interact with the locals.

After a good breakfast, we start our journey to reach Tengboche at an altitude of 3,860 meters and housing some of the most famous monasteries in this region. The views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam from today's trail are again wonderful. Gradual exhilaration to reach Tengboche treks along pine forests and rivers.

The final steep climb is rewarded with the view of Tengboche Monastery, set in front of towering Himalayan peaks. You get to participate in the evening prayer at the monastery, and this tranquil experience adds a very spiritual side to the trek.

The journey today is the furthest we will venture into the Khumbu region, as we trek from Tengboche off to Dingboche at 4,410 meters. At the back of the monastery, the trail drops down through a rhododendron forest and crosses the Imja Khola before ascending to the village of Pangboche.

We find the vegetation becoming thinner the higher in altitude we go, with more alpine type terrain and fewer trees. It's a beautiful village surrounded by fields, which get pinned down by stone walls to protect them from the wind. A view of magnificent vistas of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak can be seen from this village. Here we rest and acclimatize for higher altitude.

Day hike to Nagarstang Peak, about 5,100 meters (16,732 feet), for acclimatization. This hike will help your body make an altitude adjustment, and you will also get a view from the top of Makalu, Lhotse, and the entire Imja Valley. The climb is rigorous but worth the panoramic vistas from the top.

Next, take in the views one final time and drop down for the night into Dingboche. We have the remainder of the day off to relax, explore the village, or chat with other trekkers about the experiences thus far.

Today the climb gets closer to the Base Camp of Everest, reaching an altitude of 4,940 meters at Lobuche. The trail rises steadily, passing by the tiny village of Thukla, then steeply up to Thukla Pass, where memorials to climbers who lost their lives on Everest remind a stark picture of the power of the mountain.

It becomes wilder and more desolate as we come close to Lobuche, and a huge wall of peaks takes shape all around us. But Lobuche is a small settlement with meager facilities. However, spirits will keep high with the realization of what has been accomplished and how one is very near the Base Camp of Everest.

This is the day you've been waiting for—the trek to Everest Base Camp. First, we reach Gorakshep, a tiny settlement at 5,164 meters (16,942 ft) that exists beside a frozen lakebed. We rest awhile here before continuing on to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters (17,598 ft), along rocky trails and glacial moraine.

From base camp, you find yourself right at the foot of the world's highest mountain, which surrounding inspiring peaks—with, of course, the iconic Khumbu Icefall. After taking in these wonderful surroundings, we return to Gorakshep for the night, feeling quite fulfilled.

We get up early to start the hike to Kala Patthar, considered the most accessible viewpoint to watch the sunrise over Everest, standing at 5,545 meters (18,192 ft). As the very first rays of the sun begin illuminating the peaks, its whole range glows, which can be one of the most fantastic views in the Himalayas.

After some time at the top, we descend back down to Gorakshep for breakfast then retrace our steps down to Lobuche at 4,940 meters. This afternoon, we'll have a short training session on climbing techniques and measures of safety for the upcoming climb.

Today is one of the most challenging and the most exciting days of the entire journey. We will start climbing to the summit in the Lobuche Peak (6,119 meters or 20,075 ft) from early in the morning. This peak climb will need not just tremendous physical effort but a state of mind like meditation.

At the top, richly rewarding 360-degree panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse, along with the surrounding peaks, stretch out before your eyes. Lastly, take in the view and some photos; then we start our long drop down for some well-earned rest at Pheriche, at 4,250 meters, and some time to reflect on our great success in reaching a Himalayan summit.

The descent continues to Namche Bazaar. Although the trail looks back and retreats on the same route, it feels different as one reflects on the experiences and accomplishments of the past days. The trail offers a last chance to relish the beautiful mountain scenery and the colorful Sherpa culture, along with fellow trekkers.

The busy town of Namche almost feels like you are getting back to civilization, with a warm shower, comfortable bed, and probably a celebratory meal.

Our final day of trekking takes us from Namche Bazaar and eventually drops to Lukla. The trail descends steeply, crossing suspension bridges with the lush greenery that has become familiar, and passes through several other charming villages over the past weeks.

There's a mix of emotions as we make our way into Lukla: pride at having completed one of the world's best treks, a little sadness that it's over, and excitement to get home. In Lukla, we'll organize a farewell dinner with our trekking crew, recalling many stories and so many memories of what had been experienced during that journey.

Fly to Kathmandu early in the morning after viewing the Everest region. Again on this short flight, you have a last view of the Himalayas before reaching the bustling capital. Once in Kathmandu, the day is yours to relax, explore, or do some last minute souvenir shopping. You may want to visit these lively markets, indulge in a spa treatment or simply relax at your hotel.

This is your last day of unforgettable adventure in the Himalayas. You can spend your time according to your flight schedule: you are invited to have a last stroll around Kathmandu or revisit some of its favourite spots in the city.

Do some final souvenir shopping, explore local markets, or enjoy one more meal in this vibrant city; enjoy these remaining minutes. We will get you transferred to the airport 3 hours prior to your departure time, leaving ample time for check-in and reflection on the journey you have just completed.