The first thing that comes to mind when one hears about Nepal is the Himalayas and Everest. The locals call Everest "Chomolungma", which means "Goddess Mother of the Earth". For ordinary mortals, conquering the peaks may seem like an unattainable dream due to the high altitude and the danger of such an adventure. However, there are many who want to "touch" some of the magic of the mountain, wandering along its paths. After all, Everest National Park has some of the most famous trekking routes in the world, quite accessible to everyone, without involving the danger of climbing the peaks.
Ancient civilizations, wild landscapes, different habits, linguistic idioms and customs, compose an exotic puzzle for every traveler. The Travel See Feel in collaboration with Royal Nepal Adventure have prepared a complete 15-day program that includes a tour of the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, and trekking to Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364 m. To follow this program, no special physical abilities are needed beyond being able to walk an average of 5 to 7 hours a day. So start walking!
When to go?
The best times to visit are from February 15 to May 31 (spring) and from September 15 to November 31 (autumn). June, July and August are the monsoon season and the heavy rains do not help hiking.
How to get there
You will arrive at Kathmandu airport with Emirates via Dubai or Qatar Airways via Doha. For the flight, expect to pay around 600 to 800 euros, depending on the season.
Travel program
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and preparation for the trip (altitude 1,300m)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Royal Nepal Adventure will pick us up from the airport and take us to the hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu: Sights and preparation for hiking
Today after breakfast we will embark on a guided tour of many of Kathmandu's most historical and spiritual attractions which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will visit the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas (a type of temple) in the world. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Flight to Lukla, trekking to Phakding (altitude 2,651 m): 8 km, 3-4 hours hiking.
During the 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, we will enjoy one of the most beautiful air routes in the world, ending on a slope surrounded by high mountain peaks. In Lukla, we will meet the rest of our expedition members and arrange the final details. From Lukla, the trek begins. Through a gradual descent of one hour, we will find ourselves in the village of Cheplung from where we will get a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900ft), a sacred mountain that has never been climbed by anyone. From Cheplung, we will gradually descend until we reach Phakding and spend the night.
Day 4: From Phakding to Namche Bazaar (altitude 3,438 m): 11 km, 5 – 6 hours hiking.
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, we will follow the trail north to the Benkar Valley. Then, we will cross the Dudh Koshi River and continue from Chumoa to Monjo, which is the entrance to the Everest National Park. Then crossing a suspension bridge we will pass through the village of Jorsale and continue our journey alongside the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep climb will bring us to the capital and heart of the Sherpa village – Namche Bazaar. At a distance of one hour from Namche Bazaar, weather permitting, we can see Everest and Lhotse. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar: (altitude 3,440m)
There are many things to do around Namche Bazaar and we will spend a day here to acclimatize. Namche Bazaar is the main center of the Khumbu region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants and a colorful market. Guides can take us to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar. Trekking in Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with sunrise views and views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde. If we are interested in a day trip, we will proceed to Khumjung village (12401ft) – a beautiful village with a Sherpa settlement. On exploring Namche Bazaar we will observe the traditional life of the Sherpa, the Khumjung Hillary School and explore the flora and fauna that exists at this altitude. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
Day 6: From Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (altitude 3,870 m): 10 km, 5 – 6 hours hiking.
This part of the journey includes the famous descent on the Dudh-Koshi River and the equally famous ascent along the rhododendrons to Tengboche. As we descend on the Dudh Kish River, we will enjoy the view of the peaks Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde. Once we reach Tengboche, we will visit the Tengboche Monastery, which is the largest monastery in the region and enjoy the sides of Everest, Ama Dablam and other peaks. Overnight in Tengboche.
Day 7: From Tengboche to Dingboche (altitude 4,360 m): 9 km, 5 – 6 hours hiking
We descend and pass through forests filled with a variety of lush trees – birch, conifers and rhododendrons. This route again rewards us with the unparalleled views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam peaks. The scenic trail dips into Devuche, crosses the Imja River and leads to Pangboche. The upper trails of Pangboche reward the rider with a more pristine view of the Himalayas and the Pangboche Monastery. The trek proceeds towards the Imja Valley, the Lobuche River and finally begins to climb to Dingboche. At Dingboche we see a beautiful row of crops enclosed by stone walls to protect the barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and allow free grazing. Overnight in Dingboche.
Day 8: Acclimatization day in Dingboche:
Dingboche is a popular stopover for trekkers and climbers heading to Everest, Ama Dablam or Imja Tse. We will stay one day in Dingboche for acclimatization. Here we will do day hikes either to Nagarjun Hill or Chukkhung Valley for magnificent views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache and Ama Dablam.
Day 9: From Dingboche to Lobuche (altitude 4940 m): 7km, 5-6 hours hiking
We will start the day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we will climb a steep trail to Chupki Lhara, where we will find a row of stones with prayer flags in memory of Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and Sherpa Babu Chiri (Nepalese mountain guide), who climbed Everest 10 times. We will then see several major peaks (Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal). The route becomes easier as we follow the trail through the valley that will lead us to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
Day 10: From Lobuche to Gorak Shep (altitude 5,170 m), visit to Everest Base Camp (altitude 5,364 m): 13 km, 6-7 hours hiking
We take the trail to Everest Base Camp via the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight, we come across the Indian Army Memorials. The trail from here can be misleading. Therefore, it is important to follow the Sherpa leader closely. The trek is strenuous due to the thin air at high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, rivers and streams before reaching Everest Base Camp. Once there, we are greeted by the colorful tents of climbers that stand out in the monotony of the gray landscape (especially in spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains that can be seen from the base camp. We return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Day 11: From Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (elevation 5,545 m) and Pherice (elevation 4,288 m): 16 kilometers, 7-8 hours hiking
We prepare for an early morning departure, before dawn and with low temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Well-known peaks such as: Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse to the east, and even Everest begin to be revealed. Upon arrival at Kala Patthar we see the best view of Everest so far. We take photos, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama and then return to Pheriche for a restful night.
Day 12: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (altitude 3,440 m): 20km, 6 – 7 hours hiking
We descend the hillside covered in rhododendrons and conifers. After crossing the prayer flag bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the descent into the Dudh Koshi Gorge through pine forests. In the forest, we may encounter colorful pheasants and wild goats. The trail eventually reaches Sansa from where we can enjoy the view of the Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse mountains. Through winding paths in the forest we reach Namche Bazaar for an overnight stay.
Day 13: From Namche Bazaar to Lukla (altitude 2,860 m): 19 km, 6 – 7 hours hiking
The trail descends steeply, so we have to walk carefully, as our feet constantly struggle with the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries, the trail becomes flatter. After arriving in Lukla, we will rest and remember the experiences of the last two weeks. Overnight in Lukla.
Day 14: Flight to Kathmandu
After our long trek in the mountains we will take the morning flight to Kathmandu. There, we can rest, explore other areas of Kathmandu and stock up on souvenirs. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our journey.
Day 15: Departure
Your adventure in Nepal ends today! All that’s left is to exchange photos and emails with your travel companions. A Royal Nepal Adventure representative will pick you up at the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. During your return trip you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
– The cost of the trip is 1550 euros per person.
Included in the cost
– Airport pickup by private vehicle
– 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
– Kathmandu city tour by private vehicle
– Accommodation in mountain guesthouses (Teahouse) during the trip
– All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trip
– Farewell dinners
– All transportation in a comfortable private vehicle according to the itinerary
– Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu)
– Experienced, English-speaking hiking guide
– Porter service (2 hikers: 1 porter)
– All expenses of escort personnel
– All necessary paperwork and hiking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
– All public and local taxes
Not included in the cost
– International flights
– Visa for Nepal
– Oversized luggage
– Additional overnight stay in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, early return from the mountain (for any reason) from the planned itinerary
– Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
– Travel insurance
– Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharging, extra porters, water, mountain showers, etc.)
– Tip for drivers and porters.
